“Did they schedule ILLIT’s appearance to coincide with NewJeans’ comeback date? That’s a claim only someone unfamiliar with the broadcasting process would make.”

Min Cheol Gi, the CP of JTBC’s ‘Knowing Bros,’ has responded to the controversy that erupted on May 17 over ILLIT’s scheduled appearance on the show, which coincides with NewJeans’ comeback date, dismissing the allegations as baseless.

The controversy was sparked when ADOR’s CEO, Min Hee Jin, filed an injunction against HYBE to prevent the exercise of voting rights. The hearing, held that morning by the 50th Civil Division of the Seoul Central District Court (Chief Judge Kim Sang-hoon), saw ADOR arguing that “ILLIT’s album activities have ended, but they are appearing on an entertainment program coinciding with NewJeans’ comeback date,” suggesting that ILLIT’s activities were interfering with NewJeans’ comeback.

However, JTBC has refuted this claim, stating that it doesn’t make sense. Typically, casting and scheduling for entertainment programs are arranged at least two months in advance. According to CP Min, discussions about ILLIT’s appearance on ‘Knowing Bros’ took place before their debut, but due to scheduling issues on the show’s end, the episode was set to air on May 25. At that time, the conflict between CEO Min and HYBE had not yet become public.

CP Min explained, “For ‘Knowing Bros,’ we usually invite guests when there is outdoor filming. Recently, for a shoot at a camping site in Pocheon, Gyeonggi Province, YG Entertainment’s rookie group BABYMONSTER appeared. Generally, top stars’ appearances are scheduled to align with their promotional activities, but since ILLIT is a rookie group, the production team couldn’t adjust to their activity period. We asked for ILLIT’s understanding and conducted the outdoor filming on the 16th at Jebudo, Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province.”

The broadcast date was determined by the local government. Typically, for outdoor shoots, the broadcast date aligns with the date requested by the cooperating local government, and Hwaseong City wanted the broadcast to air on May 25.

CP Min emphasized, “The production team did not know NewJeans’ comeback date. The timing is coincidental due to the conflict between the two parties, but ‘Knowing Bros’ should not be dragged into this issue.”

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]