Maryam Releases ‘Hidayah’ Despite Language Challenges

By Atira Khalisha Nor Adnan

KUALA LUMPUR, May 2 (Bernama) — Despite having lived in Malaysia for more than six years, South Korean social media influencer Maryam Duriankimchi admits that mastering the Malay language remains a challenge.

However, that limitation has not held her back. Maryam, whose real name is Maryam You Narae, 34, has proven her determination by releasing her debut single titled Hidayah, launched at the end of March.

The song was composed by Zuhaidi Aziz, who is also a member of the nasyid group Saujana.

She said completing the song was far from easy, taking about six months to ensure that every word was pronounced accurately without any noticeable accent.

The mother of two, Rina and Rian, shared that she did not mind the lengthy process, as the song holds deep personal meaning for her as a convert to Islam and reflects her spiritual journey.

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“Although it was difficult, I never once thought of giving up. I kept practising over and over again at home, even Rina memorised the song. Alhamdulillah, I finally managed to pronounce everything correctly without sounding awkward.

“Usually, I use Malay in my daily conversations. From there, I improve my pronunciation and learn new words. I just keep practising, that’s my only way,” she said when met after Bernama Radio’s  Show Buzz programme  here.

Beyond the technical challenges, Maryam explained that Hidayah carries a deeper meaning, as she hopes its message will provide emotional strength to listeners, especially those facing life’s pressures.

“I decided to sing this song because the lyrics truly reflect who I am. As a convert, of course I have received guidance (hidayah). But guidance is not just when we convert, we need it throughout our lives.

“In our hearts, when we feel distant from Allah, we need guidance. When we face difficulties, we also need guidance. So for me, this song is not just for myself, but for everyone seeking strength,” she said.

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At the same time, Maryam shared a deeply personal moment ; her mother embraced Islam around November last year after witnessing the positive changes in her daughter.

According to her, she never forced or directly persuaded her mother, but instead demonstrated through her lifestyle and the happiness she experienced after embracing Islam.

“I simply showed how my life changed, how I became calmer and more grateful. From there, my mother began learning on her own, slowly, until she eventually decided to embrace Islam,” she said.

Even more touching, Maryam noted that the most significant change in her mother has been emotional, becoming more positive and appreciative of life’s small moments.

“In the past, my mother was quite negative and even experienced depression. But now, I see her as calmer, more grateful… she can find joy even in the smallest things,” she added.

— BERNAMA