Kim Chae Won and Miyawaki Sakura from the group IZ*ONE are speeding up preparations for their debut.

The agency Source Music told Sports Trends on the 21st, "The first girl group under HYBE, which includes Kim Chae Won and Miyawaki Sakura, is preparing to debut in May", adding, "We will disclose the debut schedule as soon as it is confirmed".

The team to which the two belong is the first girl group planned by HYBE, drawing more expectations. Expectations are high on what concept HYBE, which announced the birth of a global boy group earlier, will introduce.

On March 14th, Kim Chae Won and Miyawaki Sakura announced the signing of an exclusive contract with Source Music, a label under HYBE.

On March 15th, Chairman Bang Si Hyuk posted a photo taken with Kim Chae Won and Miyawaki Sakura along with the phrase "Welcome" on his social media.

The two also expressed their feelings about their debut through their social network service. Kim Chae Won said, "We've worked hard to show you our improvement as much as you've waited, so please look forward to it a lot and we'll show you a lot of good things in the future, so please show us a lot of interest and love".

Sakura also said, "I'm preparing hard every day in a very good environment by meeting warm employees who help me next to me", adding, "I hope to meet you soon and I'm working hard to show you a better performance".

Attention is focusing on which teams Kim Chae Won and Miyawaki Sakura will return, who showed growth narratives while working as a group IZ*ONE.

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]