SEVENTEEN's Seungkwan recently shared heartfelt memories of the late ASTRO's Moonbin and expressed his gratitude to Park Bo Gum.

On May 3rd, Seungkwan posted on social media, "During our early debut days, Moonbin came up to us with a big smile and said he liked our song 'When I Grow Up.' It was a proud moment for us because he was the only senior who praised a song that wasn't our title track." Seungkwan also thanked Park Bo Gum for inviting him to the 'Wonderland' premiere.

Seungkwan continued, "Moonbin always greeted us with a smile. At the MAMA Awards, we won a big prize, and he came up to us again and said, 'Congratulations! Let’s take a picture together!' Even after nearly 10 years, his sincere smile never changed."

Talking about the premiere, Seungkwan said, "The theater was full of people there for Park Bo Gum. I was just happy to be invited and planned to watch quietly, but the movie moved me deeply," he shared.

While watching 'Wonderland,' Seungkwan remembered Moonbin. "I wondered if a world like 'Wonderland' could ever come true and felt a sense of hope."

Reflecting on his memories, Seungkwan said, "Instead of missing Moonbin alone, I wish we could ask each other how we're doing, if we've eaten, and just think of him as we go through our days. Even if it’s artificial intelligence, if we can feel it in any form, wouldn’t it help us break down a little less?"

Seungkwan concluded, "Lately, I feel the warmth and importance of people. I can’t be a good person to everyone, but I want to be good to those who have supported me. Watching Park Bo Gum made me think of this again."

Here’s Seungkwan's full message:

"In our early debut days, Moonbin came up to us with a big smile and said he liked our song 'When I Grow Up.' It was a proud moment for us because he was the only senior who praised a song that wasn't our title track. He always greeted us with a smile.

At the MAMA Awards, we won a big prize, and he came up to us again and said, 'Congratulations! Let’s take a picture together!' Even after nearly 10 years, his sincere smile never changed.

At the premiere, the theater was full of people there for Park Bo Gum. I was just happy to be invited and planned to watch quietly, but the movie moved me deeply.

I usually watch superhero movies and enjoy them, knowing they’re not real. But watching 'Wonderland,' for the first time, I hoped for a world like 'Wonderland' to come true and felt a sense of hope.

What if there was a way to lessen the sadness while keeping the preciousness intact? Memories fade, so instead of missing Moonbin alone, I wish we could ask each other how we are, if we've eaten, and think of him as we go through our days. Even if it’s artificial intelligence, if we can feel it in any form, wouldn’t it help us break down a little less? Coming back to reality after daydreaming like this, I feel a flood of regrets.

Lately, I feel more warmth and the importance of people. I can’t be a good person to everyone, but I want to be good to those who have supported me. Watching Park Bo Gum made me think of this again.

It might seem excessive to say so much about a movie I watched with a senior I’m not close to, but it left a deep impression on me. I watched a warm and good movie with a warm and good senior. Thank you, hyung!"

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]