Jihyo of TWICE finally made her long-awaited solo launch on August 18 with the release of her solo EP ZONE.

To celebrate her solo debut, the talented TWICE leader went on Lee Mujin Service with soloist Lee Mujin and talked about her 18 years in the entertainment business.

In 2005, Jihyo of TWICE became a trainee at JYP Entertainment. Jihyo was only eight years old at the time, and she spent the rest of her childhood studying for her debut, which happened with TWICE's The Story Begins ten years later, in 2015.

Jihyo told Vulture magazine in an interview that after ten years of being a trainee and dreaming of her launch, she felt lost when it finally happened because she had reached her first goal.

"To be honest, when I was a trainee, all I wanted to do was make my appearance and become a singer. And after I reached that first goal, I remember feeling a little lost. I didn't know what to be excited about."— TWICE's Jihyo

She told Lee Mujin that she also "suffered a lot" after her launch because of other things. Pop songs by TWICE are known for being happy and upbeat.

Jihyo said that when the group was training, they mostly sang pop songs, but she liked other types better.

She said that because of this, she was "scolded a lot" and "many people" told her she "couldn't sing well."

Jihyo thought that her voice as a hero and the voice of the artist she wanted to be "collided a lot," which made her wonder, "What [was] right?" a long time ago.

Jihyo's solo EP gave her the freedom to sing in any way she wanted, and four of ZONE's songs were written with her.

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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!

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