• "I considered retiring then" — AKMU's Suhyun opens up about overcoming slump: new beginnings with brother's support

    In a recent press conference at YG Entertainment on August 21, celebrating AKMU's fourth single, "Love Lee," Lee Suhyun reflected on her journey since her confession two years ago.

    Back in 2021, on the JTBC show "Long Live Independence," Suhyun revealed feeling stuck and considering retirement due to a creative slump.

    During the interview, Lee Suhyun talked about that challenging time, saying, "I'm still in the process of overcoming it. I’m still making an effort."

    She thanked her brother and fellow AKMU member, Lee Chanhyuk, for his support during this period, mentioning that he encouraged her to find joy in the album promotion process.

    Lee Suhyun on Long Live Independence in 2021

    Lee Chanhyuk also spoke about his role in Suhyun's slump, admitting, "I might have pushed her too hard to melt into the music."

    He expressed a renewed focus on AKMU's musical direction, aiming to create music that resonates with the public.

    He said, "AKMU will move forward by researching and producing music that the public likes… I want to be able to say from now on, ‘In the future, AKMU will definitely make music that people like.'"

    AKMU's latest single, "Love Lee," was released on August 21, marking a fresh start for the duo as they embrace new musical aspirations.

    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]