Former BIGBANG member T.O.P. has revealed his stance regarding the cancellation of the DearMoon Project.

The DearMoon Project announced through its official account on June 1st, "Unfortunately, the first private lunar orbit project, DearMoon, has been canceled. We thank everyone who has supported us so far."

T.O.P., who participated as a crew member in the project, also stated on his personal account, "You may have heard, but unfortunately, the DearMoon Project has been canceled," and "However, I deeply appreciate Yusaku Maezawa, who conceptualized the DearMoon Project."

He continued, "It was the greatest and most beautiful art project for the advancement of humanity that no one in the world could have imagined. The courage to attempt this mission was truly an extraordinary witness," emphasizing, "My dream never ends."

He said, "Being selected as a crew member was one of the greatest honors of my life. I am filled with gratitude for the experiences and friendships I gained through this process. Joining the DearMoon Project for a few years, I felt a deep and direct connection between my body and soul with the moon. "

He added, "My body and soul, connected to the moon and space, have already inspired many new pieces of music. The moon will nourish my soul and fill it with meaning and inspiration forever."

Finally, T.O.P. stated, "My dream of traveling to the moon is not over. It has become the ultimate and greatest goal, the official challenge, and the core mission of my life," adding, "Through this process, I feel a deep sense of responsibility to all those who have supported and endorsed me."

Earlier, T.O.P. had announced his participation in the DearMoon project, a lunar tourism project conducted by SpaceX, a US space exploration company founded by Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, in 2022.

The project aimed to involve a crew of eight, including T.O.P., in the first civilian lunar flight, which was scheduled to orbit the moon for about a week aboard a spacecraft developed by SpaceX.

However, in November of last year, the DearMoon project announced, "Although originally aimed for launch by the end of 2023, due to ongoing spacecraft development, the launch will not take place this year," and then, about six months later, announced the cancellation of the project.

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]