• Rumors of BLACKPINK Jennie's departure from YG Entertainment gain traction, Rosé's future hangs in the balance

    Speculations have arisen from China and Malaysia suggesting that BLACKPINK's Jennie might leave YG Entertainment, while Rosé is expected to continue with the company.

    These rumors gained traction when a prominent account on the Chinese social media platform Weibo shared the news that Jennie might not renew her contract with YG Entertainment.

    The fate of the other members' contracts is said to be addressed after BLACKPINK's ongoing world tour concludes. This rumor quickly became a hot topic in China, garnering nearly 2 million posts and over 140 million views on Weibo.

    In addition to the Jennie rumors, a Malaysian media outlet claimed that Rosé would be the only BLACKPINK member to renew her contract with YG. The article mentioned that Jisoo is unlikely to renew and is currently searching for a new management company, while Lisa is still in negotiations with YG.

    Although international fans are buzzing with these rumors, South Korean media outlets have not provided any official information regarding the renewal of BLACKPINK's contracts with YG Entertainment. Furthermore, despite the rumors spreading rapidly, YG and the Korean media have not issued any responses.

    However, on July 8th, Insight, a South Korean news site, reiterated that BLACKPINK's contracts will expire in August and shared analyses from various experts.

    Nonghyup Investment & Securities stated that there is no need for a negative reaction regarding contract renewal and emphasized that the process is expected to proceed smoothly.

    They urged fans to dispel excessive concerns. In February, another securities company, Hana, also provided analysis suggesting that if BLACKPINK's contract renewal is successful, it could positively impact the stock price.

    As of now, South Korean media has not provided any definitive information regarding whether the BLACKPINK members will renew their contracts with YG Entertainment.

    Source[1]

  • Lee Kyung Gyu secretly helped Hong Jin Kyung debut on TV and she didn’t even know for years

    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]