Dara, former member of 2NE1, recently joined Kim Jae Joong's YouTube talk show 'Jaefriends' to discuss how things used to be between SM and YG artists.

Kim Jae Joong started by explaining their connection: "We met through a movie, but YG and SM artists didn't interact much. It was a bit awkward when we crossed paths."

Dara chimed in, saying, "We couldn't really call each other friends. When we saw each other, we weren't sure if we should say hello."

Kim Jae Joong pointed out, "There was a kind of territorial rivalry between YG and SM. We were like, 'We're YG,' and 'We're SM!' There are some interesting stories from those times that we can't share on YouTube."

Dara added, "I'm close to many SM artists now, but back then, we couldn't get too close. We were always competing for the top spot. Girls' Generation was often our rival."

They also revealed some envy for each other's entertainment agencies. Kim Jae Joong said, "We admired YG's approach to music. We wanted to do music like YG did."

On the other hand, Dara shared, "We were envious of SM too. I was friends with Super Junior's Donghae, and he'd say, 'We have too many comebacks.' We'd reply, 'We wish we had that many comebacks.' Our agencies operated differently."

Dara also talked about the pressure they felt when compared to SM artists. She explained, "We won many awards at the time, but we couldn't even shed tears. People scolded us, saying, 'Why don't you cry like those SM artists?' We'd cry after leaving the stage."

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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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