The viewership rating of 'Knowing Bros', featuring YouTuber Free Zia, dropped slightly.

According to Nielsen Korea, an audience rating research company on January 23rd, JTBC's 'Knowing Bros', which aired the previous day, recorded a nationwide viewership rating of 3.1%. This is a decrease of 0.8%p compared to the last broadcast in which group 2AM appeared.

This record is also the lowest among the episodes aired in January of this year.

On this day's broadcast, Free Zia, actress Kang Ye Won, who is known as the co-representative of his agency Hyowon CNC, and rapper Lee Young Ji appeared.

Free Zia, who received the attention of fans around the world with Netflix's 'Single's Inferno', has been a hot topic since the moment she was cast in 'Knowing Bros'.

However, recently, suspicions arose that Free Zia wore fake luxury brands on various broadcasts and on her YouTube channel. In the end, Free Zia and her agency acknowledged some of the fakes and received more criticism.

Among them, the production team of MBC's 'Omniscient Interfering View', where Free Zia was decided to appear, decided not to release her recordings. However, the production team of 'Knowing Bros' revealed that they plan to air it with some edits.

Was it difficult to capture the fans' hearts that had already turned? 'Knowing Bros', which released Free Zia unedited, swallowed the disappointment of recording the lowest ratings during this month's broadcast.

Moreover, after the broadcast, there was a lot of Free Zia, which caused a bigger controversy. Regarding this, 'Knowing Bros' side said, "We edited it in consideration of the cast and conversation flow," regarding the appearance of Free Zia without editing.

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]