Actors Kang Dong Won and Yoo Teo have been invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), the group that runs the Oscars. If they accept, they can vote as official members.

On the 25th (local time), AMPAS shared a list of 487 new members invited this year. Among them are Kang Dong Won, known for movies like "Broker" and "Peninsula," and Yoo Teo from "Past Lives," which was nominated for Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay at last year’s Oscars. Music director Cho Young-wuk from "Decision to Leave" was also invited.

Greta Lee, another lead in "Past Lives," was invited to join the actors' category. Korean-American director Celine Song, who directed "Past Lives," was invited to both the directors and screenwriters categories.

Korean film industry professionals have been joining the Academy since 2015. It started with actors like Song Kang-ho and Choi Min-sik, and directors Bong Joon-ho and Im Kwon-taek. Other notable members include Park Chan-wook, Lee Chang-dong, Hong Sang-soo, Im Soon-rye, and actors like Lee Byung-hun, Bae Doona, Ha Jung-woo, Kim Min-hee, and Jo Jin-woong. In 2020, when "Parasite" won four Oscars, Choi Woo-shik, Jang Hye-jin, Jo Yeo-jeong, Lee Jung-eun, and Park So-dam were all invited at the same time.

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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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