Actor Kim Joo-ryeong and Heo Seong-tae, who are gaining global popularity with Netflix's 'Squid Game', will reunite at the '2021 Asia Artist Awards'.

Joo-ryeong Kim and Seong-tae Huh participated in the '2021 Asia Artist Awards' (2021 Asia Artist Awards, hereinafter '2021 AAA') to be held on December 2, and built a stronger and more colorful award ceremony actor lineup. Kim Joo-ryeong, who has reached her 21st year of debut this year, has appealed to her presence with extraordinary character digestion. In addition to 'SKY Castle' and 'Wind, Cloud and Rain', she made the public immersed in the work with her lively acting through movies 'The Crucible', 'Suspect X', and 'The Snobs'. In particular, Joo-ryeong Kim played the role of a 'beautiful woman' who does not hesitate to do anything for survival in 'Squid Game', which was released on September 17, and gained explosive attention by forming a unity with a character like a strong and stubborn person. People's praise and support are continuing for her passionate performance, which raised the level of immersion in the play by giving a reversal at an unexpected moment.

Heo Seong-tae, who made his debut through SBS 'Miracle Audition', which aired in 2011, has appeared in movies such as 'Mischief', 'Namhansanseong', 'Crime City', 'Malmoy', 'Black Money', and dramas 'Dear Judge', ' Monsters', etc., and showed a fierce and sharp charisma, attracting attention. Here, the weighty appearance and the human beauty that gives a strange friendliness breathes a different vitality into the play, earning him the title of 'a professional villain actor in Korea'. Heo Seong-tae played the role of 'Deok-soo' who squandered the organization's money and participated in the game in 'Squid Game'. He gained 17kg for the character, and he has established himself as a popular actor by realistically expressing the world of weak and strong food, giving viewers a proper eye, and earning the nickname 'World Wide Villain'.

According to 'Flix Patrol', a global OTT content ranking site, 'Squid Game' maintains the top spot in the 'Netflix World Top 10 TV Programs' category (as of October 25, 2021). 'Squid Game', which has been taking the top spot for the 33rd day from the 23rd of last month, is one step closer to the world's number one record for the longest time in Netflix history, boasting unquenchable popularity.

Previously, actors Lee Jung-jae, Lee Seung-gi, Yoo Ah-in, Han So-hee, Moon Ga-young, Na In-woo, Cha Eun-woo, Hwang Min-hyun, singers Espa, The Boyz, Stray Kids, Lim Young-woong, and Seventeen confirmed to attend '2021 AAA', and Kim Joo-ryeong and Heo Seong-tae scramble for the awards ceremony.

The news is expected to be a good gift for viewers and fans of 'Squid Game'.

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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]