• Kim Junsu Dishes on TVXQ Debut Days: "We Were SM's Last Hope", Here's why

    Kim Junsu, the powerhouse vocalist and former TVXQ member, took a nostalgic trip down memory lane as he spilled some major tea about his debut days with the legendary group.

    In a recent episode of '2nd Generation Idol Summit' on the YouTube channel 'Jibdaesung,' Kim Junsu joined the conversation as a special guest, engaging in some candid talks with Daesung.

    Opening up about his whirlwind journey to stardom, Kim Junsu revealed a jaw-dropping anecdote from his trainee days, saying, "I remember being summoned back from a school trip to Jeju Island because investors were visiting SM. I didn't realize it then, but looking back, I see it was a pivotal moment."

    He added, "It was my first school trip, and I had just touched down when I got the call to rush back to Seoul. Needless to say, my friends were green with envy."

    Daesung chimed in with his own experience, sharing, "I never had the luxury of choice. It was always G-Dragon and Taeyang taking the spotlight as YG's future."

    Reflecting on his commitment to SM, Kim Junsu revealed, "Even if I had other offers, I wouldn't have left. I was all in. I even sang H.O.T. or Shinhwa songs at auditions."

    Recalling his audition days, he humorously reminisced, "My voice was so high-pitched back then; some mistook it for a girl's!"

    Addressing the formation of TVXQ, Kim Junsu revealed, "We weren't just the best; we were SM's last hope. Failure wasn't an option."

    He continued, "Originally slated to debut with Eunhyuk and Sungmin, fate had other plans. TVXQ took the spotlight."

    Describing the chaotic debut process, he added, "It was a whirlwind. We went from being soloists to a group in a heartbeat. The name TVXQ wasn't even our first choice!"

    Years after leaving SM, Kim Junsu reflected on his journey, saying, "Appearing on EBS's 'Space Sympathy' was a turning point. It wasn't a typical idol gig, and I'm forever grateful for the opportunity."

    Despite facing setbacks, he remained resolute, saying, "I questioned myself, but giving up wasn't an option. I wanted to see how far I could go."

    Kim Junsu's journey from trainee to superstar is a testament to perseverance and passion.

    Source: (1)

  • Lee Kyung Gyu secretly helped Hong Jin Kyung debut on TV and she didn’t even know for years

    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]