YG Entertainment's fresh-faced girl group, 'BabyMonster', has finally made their grand debut as a full seven-member squad with the addition of Ahyeon.

On April 1st, in the YG Entertainment headquarters located in Mapo-gu, Seoul, Ahyeon shared her journey during an interview celebrating the release of their debut mini album 'BabyMonster (BABYMONS7ER)'.

She confessed, "It was quite a mental challenge. I put all my energy into getting better, kept up with my workouts at home, and made sure to eat properly."

Ahyeon expressed, "I was eager to get back on my feet quickly and rejoin the group. I never had second thoughts about coming back." She added, "During my time off, the support and encouragement from the members and fans were invaluable. I'm now fully recovered and thrilled to be able to stand before everyone again."

BabyMonster, initially a six-member group without Ahyeon, dropped their first track 'Batter Up' last November.

They continued to roll out music as a six-piece until 'Stuck In The Middle' in February this year. Both songs have been revamped to feature all seven members in this album.

Asa chimed in, "The six-member version somehow felt incomplete. With Ahyeon joining us, it feels like we're finally whole." She added, "We really hope the fans enjoy the seven-member version."

BabyMonster marks YG's first girl group launch in seven years since Blackpink. It's also a comeback project for the overall producer, Yang Hyun Suk. The group is made up of seven members, Ruka, Pharita, Asa, Ahyeon, Rami, Rora, and Chiquita, who were chosen through their own survival program.

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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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