Lee Seung Gi has claimed the top spot in the 'K-Best Singer' poll on UPICK, a global fandom platform, held from the 10th to the 27th.

The poll aimed to spotlight leading solo artists across genres like ballad, trot, and rap, showcasing their popularity and talent to fans worldwide, and promoting Korean culture globally.

This inaugural edition of 'K-Best Singer' saw Lee Seung Gi clinch the top position for the first time.

His fanbase, Airens, expressed their happiness, stating, "We're proud to promote our singer on a global stage," and vowed, "We'll keep Lee Seung Gi at the top in future votes."

In recognition of his achievement, Lee Seung Gi will feature in a prominent advertisement on a New York Times Square billboard.

Fans will decide the final design through voting, reflecting their affection and support for Lee Seung Gi. Details regarding the airing date will be announced on UPICK's official social media channels soon.

Meanwhile, UPICK has been selected as the official voting app for the '2024 K-World Dream Awards'. Voting for the popularity award will begin in early July, accompanied by ticket events for fans leading up to the awards ceremony on August 22 at Seoul Jamsil Indoor Gymnasium.

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]