In the end, Song Ji Ah, a cast member of Netflix's "Single's Inferno", was caught up in the controversy over wearing fake luxury goods, and her appearance in 'At War' was canceled.

On the 20th, MBC's "Omniscient Interfering View" made an official statement, saying, "We have decided not to broadcast the filming of Song Ji Ah after mutual consultation with the cast." They added, "The broadcast on January 29th will proceed normally with other performers."

Song Ji Ah is a topical figure who appeared in the Korean entertainment show "Single's Inferno", which climbed to the TOP 10 in the global ranking of Netflix. After appearing in "Single's Inferno", her popularity has expanded as she has surpassed 1.88 million YouTube subscribers and 3.3 million Instagram followers, mass-producing global fans.

As a result, Kang Ye Won, who was with Song Ji Ah's agency, was scheduled to appear in "Omniscient Interfering View" as a manager, but it was edited out due to this controversy.

On the other hand, on January 16th, on the YouTube channel 'Taldeok Prison Camp', a video titled 'Free Zia, I want to launch a brand, but I want to use luxury goods' was posted. In the video, the necklace and clothing that Free Zia was wearing were analyzed in detail and claimed that it was not genuine. In particular, they emphasized that Free Zia is a businessman who wants to launch her own brand, and pointed out the lack of a concept of brand intellectual value.

On January 17th, Free Zia admitted the suspicion of fake products and apologized through her Instagram. "There is a controversy about some of the clothes I wore on SNS and in "Single's Inferno". The controversy about fake products you pointed out is partly true. I'm really sorry. As a person with a dream of launching a brand, I will seriously recognize and reflect on the controversial points.”

The agency also apologized on January 19th, saying, "It is the company's responsibility to check the styling of the creator's broadcast appearance, but I didn't check it properly because I thought respecting Jia's own styling would be more intimately communicating with the subscribers."

Source[1]

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]