Aespa, a "metaverse girl group", has completed their first Coachella performance.

Aespa garnered attention from global music lovers on April 23 with an epic performance as part of 88 Rising's "Head In The Clouds Forever" set at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in California.

The opening song of Aespa's show was the b-side single "aenergy" from their debut mini-album "Savage", which was followed by all of Aespa's notable title tracks, including "Black Mamba", "Next Level" and "Savage".

Aespa also delivered a performance of the English version of the unreleased track "Life's Too Short", which was expressly produced for Coachella.

This is not only Aespa's first live stage at America's largest music festival, but it is also the group's first time performing in front of such a large audience in the cries and screams of audiences since its late 2020 debut.

Aespa drew explosive reactions from locals throughout their performance, and sky banners produced by fans to demonstrate support for Aespa members can also be seen at the Coachella venue, demonstrating the group's popularity.

Aespa previously had back-to-back success with the release of three straight singles, beginning with their debut single "Black Mamba" and progressing to "Next Level" and "Savage".

Aespa's first mini album, "Savage", opened at No.20 on the Billboard 200, the best placing ever for a K-pop female group's first album.

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]