Buzz is building around actress Kim Ji Won as she's been chosen as the fresh face for the popular soju brand 'Chum Churum,' taking the baton from Han So Hee.

A media source spilled the beans on March 26th, revealing that Kim Ji Won is on deck to be the new ambassador for Lotte Chilsung Beverage's soju product 'Chum Churum.' If Kim Ji Won steps into this role, it'll be a month since Han So Hee, who was the face of this product for a year, wrapped up her contract in early March.

Han So Hee had stepped into the shoes of BLACKPINK's Jennie last March and served as the model for a year. The company had chosen her for her active engagement with fans on social media.

However, compared to previous models like Lee Hyo Ri and Suzy, Han So Hee's contract was notably short. This sparked speculation that her relationship with actor Ryu Jun Yeol might have influenced the contract renewal.

In response, a representative from Lotte Chilsung Beverage clarified that the contract had ended before the dating rumors surfaced. They added that with rapidly changing trends, models also prefer short-term contracts.

Previously, Han So Hee confirmed her relationship with actor Ryu Jun Yeol a day after the dating rumors surfaced. This led to rumors of 'transit dating' involving Hyeri, Ryu Jun Yeol's ex-girlfriend, but both parties denied it.

Han So Hee took to her blog to request not to use the term 'transit,' stating that she got close to Ryu Jun Yeol after he broke up with Hyeri earlier this year.

However, as the controversy continued, Han So Hee deleted all her blog posts and announced through her agency on March 18th that she would take strong action against those posting malicious comments online. This incident has put Han So Hee under the spotlight and has significantly impacted her image.

Meanwhile, Kim Ji Won is currently stealing the show as 'Hong Hae In,' the third-generation heir of the Queens Group conglomerate, in the tvN drama 'Queen of Tears.'

'Queen of Tears' is making waves, recording an average national household rating of 14.1% according to Nielsen Korea on March 24th.

Source[1]

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]