BTS's V shone with global popularity by winning two awards at a Brazilian awards ceremony.

The SEC Awards, organized by Brazil's media outlet SEC (Series Em Cena), which covers TV, film, and entertainment, announced the winners of about 40 categories on June 28 (KST). The winners were selected through internet voting from April 26 to June 10 of this year.

V won in the 'Asian Artist of the Year' category and also received the 'International Album of the Year' award for his first solo album 'Layover,' released before his military enlistment.

In Brazil, V is regarded as a global pop icon. Renan Peixoto, a renowned Brazilian journalist, stated, "V is an icon of Eastern culture who has proposed a new direction, beyond the standard that handsome men should be macho-style Westerners."

Peixoto also highlighted V's talent as a composer, saying, "V will be remembered as a Paul McCartney of The Beatles who can create beautiful melodies in an instant. He will be the main character in a bigger story, not just a member of a group."

V's first solo album 'Layover' and its tracks have been praised for showcasing his unique artistic world and making bold attempts that differ from current music trends. The album was selected as one of the best albums and best songs of 2023 by several prestigious international music magazines.

'Layover' was listed in Time Out, a famous British magazine, as one of the '30 Best Albums of 2023.' It also ranked second on Billboard's '25 Best K-pop Albums of 2023.' Additionally, 'Rainy Days,' a track from 'Layover,' was ranked 58th on Rolling Stone's '100 Best Songs of 2023,' the highest-ranking K-pop solo song.

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]