Director Lee Jae Kyu, who directed "All of Us Are Dead", talked about the popularity of "Squid Game".

Director Lee Jae Kyu cautiously said in an interview with Netflix's original "All of Us Are Dead" (written by Chun Sung Il, directed by Lee Jae Kyu) on the morning of February 7th, "It is also true that the invitation of "Squid Game" is burdensome".

Director Lee Jae Kyu continued, "When 'Squid Game' was first released in September, didn't an explosive response occur after hearing worldwide favorable reviews?", adding, "At that time, I was very surprised and happy", he said.

Director Lee Jae Kyu said, "I was close to director Hwang Dong Hyuk, so I thought about texting him", adding, "As a friend, I texted him, 'My work is going out next year, but I'm dying of pressure because of the Squid Game', and he replied, 'What's the pressure, I just left the door slightly open. Don't feel pressured and just do it'".

He continued, "Rather, he told me an anecdote saying, 'Thank me', and said, 'Nevertheless, it is true that it is a burden. It is more burdensome to be compared with the Squid Game, an insurmountable four-dimensional wall. However, it seems true that many people around the world have become interested in Korean content through "Squid Game". Since the window is slightly opened, good Korean works must be delivered continuously through the open door. I think, in that sense, I hope your work will succeed the Squid Game'".

Unlike Director Lee Jae Kyu's exaggeration, "All of Us Are Dead" has topped the world at the same time as it was released and has maintained its top position for nine consecutive days already. It is 323 points ahead of "Black Desire", which is ranked second in terms of Flix Patrol.

Regarding this popularity, director Lee Jae Kyu said, "It's amazing that so many people talk positively and have fun. When I heard that I was the world's No. 1 player, two years passed by like a flash. I never expected this to happen. I was expecting that they would feel the emotions and stories contained in the work, but I didn't expect the work to go this well".

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]