Actress Ha Ji Won recently opened up about her journey to establish her own entertainment agency.

In an episode titled 'Ha Ji Won EP.27 Ji Won brought reinforcements' on the YouTube channel 'Sweet Brother Shin Dong Yeop', aired on February 12th, Ha Ji Won shared her thoughts and goals when she decided to start her own company.

"After my contract with my previous company ended, I was flooded with offers from other companies," she revealed.

"But what I really craved was freedom. That's why I took on 'Empress Ki' as my first independent project. And that's how it all began."

As she continued her journey, more actors started to join her company. "I don't give myself any special treatment. But as I continued, I started to question, 'Why am I an actor and what is my purpose in life?'" she confessed.

"Sure, I want to be a top star and earn a lot of money, but when I face any troubles or temptations, I tell myself, 'That's nothing. Look beyond and think about the bigger picture.' That's why I want to help each and every person. They're precious. That's why I created an agency," she added.

Responding to her, Shin Dong Yeop said, "I respect you as my younger sibling, but in reality, running a business isn't easy with just that mindset. There are people, an office, labor costs, and fixed costs incurred every month. It's not a walk in the park."

Ha Ji Won acknowledged this, saying, "I do go out a lot," but emphasized, "My number one hope is that these people I'm with grow up to be great individuals." She then added, with a laugh, “But yes, making money is also important.”

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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!

Source: [1]