Yerin, a former girl group member of GFRIEND, is joining the global fandom platform 'UNIVERSE'.

On August 24, UNIVERSE announced, "Yerin, a former girl group member of 'GFriend', will join UNIVERSE and will open Planet (space for each artist in Universe) on Monday, August 30." In addition, various exclusive contents will be sequentially introduced through 'Planet'.

Yerin will communicate with fans around the world in real time through Universe FNS (Fan Network Service) and private messages, and will provide new pleasure through 'Planet'. They will also participate in fan events and meet global fans.

Yerin debuted with the girl group 'GFRIEND' in 2015, and left a number of hit songs including 'Glass Bead', 'Rough', 'Me Gustas Tu' and 'Navillera', attracting fans around the world and is receiving a lot of love. With her strong vocal and dance skills, as well as her lively personality and witty talk, she has been active in various entertainment programs, and recently she is continuing her steps as a versatile entertainer by announcing her first acting challenge after her debut with news of a drama casting.

Currently, 'UNIVERSE' includes Daniel Kang (in alphabetical order), Eunbi Kwon, THE BOYZ, DRIPPIN, MONSTA X, Jihoon Park, Brave Girls, CIX, ASTRO, IZ*ONE, (G)I-DLE, AB6IX, ATEEZ, GOT7 Youngjae, OH MY GIRL, WJSN, Wonho, While WEi, Weki Meki, EPEX, CRAVITY, and Ha Seong-woon are participating, Yerin joins a total of 23 K-pop artists. In the future, the number of artists will continue to increase.

Meanwhile, detailed information about 'UNIVERSE' can be found on the official website and SNS.

Lee Kyung Gyu's star-making influence goes beyond Kang Ho Dong, as Hong Jin Kyung shares how he helped her kickstart her career.

On the April 24 episode of KBS 2TV’s Problem Child in House, legendary comedian Lee Kyung Gyu appeared as a guest—and a touching story from the past was revealed.

Hong Jin Kyung surprised everyone when she said, “He’s the teacher for all of us. Personally, he’s the one who helped me debut.” She even pinned a carnation flower on his chest to show her gratitude.

Lee Kyung Gyu smiled and said, “I still remember when Hong Jin Kyung walked up the stairs onto the stage for the first time.”

Hong Jin Kyung then shared her journey to becoming a star. “I joined a supermodel contest, but only the top 3 winners were noticed in broadcasting. I got a special prize, so I had no chance to be on TV."

She continued, "At first, I was just a backup for a show. But somehow, I became a regular the next week. I never knew why."

She added, "I thought the PD gave me a shot. But then one day, I randomly met Kyung Gyu sunbae, and he told me it was actually him who recommended me.”

Kim Sook asked with a smile, “So Kyung Gyu sunbae said nice things about you to the PD?”

Lee Kyung Gyu playfully replied, “Don’t say it in such a childish way,” making everyone laugh.

He then explained more seriously, “The show was Scoop TV Entertainment, and I was pretty much the main MC. When Jin Kyung showed up, I saw her determination and passion."

He added, "While others didn’t seem serious, she really stood out. I told the PD, ‘She seems unique. Why not keep her on the show?’”

Kim Jong Kook chimed in, “So if the main MC said that, doesn’t that mean you basically got her in?”

That made Lee Kyung Gyu happy. He grinned and replied, “Exactly! You speak well. Be like him!”

He added, “After that, Jin Kyung’s career took off. She started doing shows with Lee Young Ja and just kept going.”

Fans are now calling Lee Kyung Gyu not only a top MC, but also a quiet star-maker behind the scenes!

Source: [1]