Cover Nayeon for Bonia’s fall-winter 2024 campaign (Photo: Bonia)

We spoke to beloved K-pop star Nayeon of Twice during her recent trip to Kuala Lumpur for Bonia’s 50th anniversary celebration

This year, Singapore-founded, Malaysia-based luxury brand Bonia reached a significant milestone in its legacy, marking five decades of timeless elegance, meticulous craftsmanship, and an unwavering commitment to quality. In celebration of the momentous occasion, the brand hosted a pop-up at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, inviting guests to immerse themselves in Bonia’s illustrious history and its vision for the future under the theme, The Bonia 50-Year Voyage: Celebrating Our Journey with You.

Taking centre stage at the event was none other than Twice’s Nayeon herself, joining the celebration as Bonia’s global ambassador. Her star power added an extra layer of excitement to the affair as fans and attendees alike eagerly anticipated for her arrival, filling up every corner of the venue with palpable energy.

Read more: Interview: Kim Se-Jeong on her first appearance as Longchamp’s brand ambassador at The Exchange TRX

Ahead of the event, we had the pleasure of sitting down with the K-pop darling for an exclusive Q&A session.

Tatler Asia
Above Nayeon with Datin Sri Linda Chen, chief creative and marketing officer of Bonia and Braun Büffel

What is your favourite bag from Bonia?

I especially like the new collection of bags, but I would say that my two favourite picks are the Soleil shoulder bag and the Nicola small cross body bag.

What are some of your bag essentials?

It changes depending on my schedule, but items that I would definitely always carry is an eye drop, my purse, some kind of lip product, an allergy medication, some snacks, and a camera.

Can you describe Bonia’s 50th anniversary collection in three words?

Fashionable, sophisticated, and versatile whilst being sustainable.

Tatler Asia
Above Nayeon greeting fans at the Bonia 50th anniversary pop-up

We know that you’re really busy being an idol. How do you maintain that work-life balance?

I try to rest in many different ways and make sure that I’m fully rested and recharged. There are days when I truly rest, so I’ll just lie all day. But some other days, I’ll work out or get a massage to really relax myself.

If you weren’t an idol, what would you be?

So, I never actually dreamt about becoming an idol until I considered it and went for an audition. Before that, I liked to write, so I would probably be a writer.

See also: From stage to runway: K-pop idols-turned high-fashion models

Tatler Asia
Above In conjunction with the momentous occasion, we also celebrated the star’s birthday

Lots of Malaysians are huge fans of Korean food. Are there any lesser-known snacks or dishes that you would recommend?

I personally really like yakgwa, it’s a traditional Korean candy. Gamja-tang is one of my favourites as well, so I would recommend everyone to try those out.

Don’t miss: Guilty pleasures: Foods loved by your favourite Korean celebrities

Are there any new projects or plans that you’ve been working on recently?

I can’t go into details, but I’ve been working on a lot of things. The only thing I can disclose a little is the fan meeting I’m preparing for at the moment. It’ll be held in Korea, so I hope you guys can come.

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Images: Bonia

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Phyll Wu
Style Writer, Tatler Malaysia, Tatler Malaysia
Tatler Asia

About

Phyll Wu is the Style Writer of Tatler Malaysia. Based in Kuala Lumpur, she's an avid fashion geek who loves all things beauty, pop-culture, and film.