aespa’s Winter made her first pitch debut.

On July 25, a baseball game between the Doosan Bears and the Kiwoom Heroes took place at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul. Winter from aespa was there to throw the ceremonial first pitch.

The game’s announcer said, "A goddess has arrived at Jamsil. The crowd is buzzing because she’s here," and Winter got a huge cheer when her name appeared on the scoreboard.

Wearing a Doosan Bears uniform, Winter mentioned, "I learned how to pitch from Kim Taek Yeon and Lee Byung Hun. I’ll do my best. Go Doosan Bears!" She threw a solid pitch.

Winter had shown her support for the Doosan Bears before, and many fans were excited about her first pitch. The Doosan Bears even ran a 'Winter First Pitch Campaign' during aespa’s concert at Jamsil Indoor Gymnasium last month.

The team’s mascot, Cheol-ung, also made dance videos to aespa’s hits 'Supernova' and 'Armageddon,' which Winter thanked by asking fans, "It’s the first day of the first pitch campaign. Should I start practicing now?"

Winter was thrilled to be on the mound and said, "I’m really happy to pitch at Jamsil Baseball Stadium as a big Doosan Bears fan." She also cheered for the Bears from the stands.

Earlier in June, aespa’s Karina threw the first pitch at a game in Busan, which also drew a lot of attention. The excitement for aespa members’ first pitches shows just how popular they are.

aespa will continue their '2024 aespa LIVE TOUR - SYNK: PARALLEL LINE -' in Osaka on July 27-28 and Fukuoka on July 30-31.

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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!

Source: [1]