South Korean influencer Maryam Duriankimchi has released her debut single, Hidayah, and she did it while still getting to grips with the Malay language.
After more than six years in Malaysia, Maryam—whose real name is Maryam You Narae—admits the language hasn’t come easily. But instead of waiting until she felt fluent, she went ahead and recorded the song anyway. The result is a track that took six months to complete, largely because she was determined to get every word right.
She practised constantly at home, using Malay in daily conversations to improve, and repeating lines until they sounded natural. It became a family effort too, with her daughter even memorising the song during the process. For Maryam, it wasn’t about speed; it was about getting it right.
Hidayah is more than just a first release. It’s tied closely to her experience as a convert to Islam, and the idea of guidance runs through it. She sees that guidance as something people need continuously, especially during difficult or uncertain moments. That’s the message she wants listeners to take away—something steady to hold on to when things feel overwhelming.
Off the mic, her personal journey has had an impact at home. Her mother embraced Islam late last year after noticing changes in Maryam’s life. There was no direct persuasion—just observation. Seeing her daughter become calmer and more grounded led her to explore things in her own time.
According to Maryam, the biggest change she’s seen in her mother isn’t routine, but mindset. She describes her as more positive now, more appreciative, and better able to find joy in everyday moments.
