TWS is making waves in Korea and Japan and is now catching the attention of the US, raising excitement about their potential to become a global sensation.

From July 26 to 28, TWS (Shin Yoo, Do Hoon, Young Jae, Han Jin, Ji Hoon, and Kyung Min) will attend KCON LA 2024 in Los Angeles, marking their first interaction with American fans. This year's KCON LA 2024 will be broadcast live across the US on the CW Network, a first for a K-pop festival on American TV. TWS is set to make a big impact on the global stage through this event.

TWS's American debut performance will be on July 27 at KCON LA 2024’s 'M Countdown' at the Crypto.com Arena, where they'll cover BTS’s Jungkook's solo track '3D.' On July 28, they'll perform at the KCON Stage at the LA Convention Center and Gilbert Linde Plaza, and also join a Meet & Greet with fans.

Their agency, Pledis Entertainment, reports that TWS has received many offers from top American broadcasters and festivals. Their busy schedule hints at even more exciting activities ahead.

Following KCON LA 2024, TWS will perform on 'iHeartRadio LIVE with TWS' on July 30. This show has featured global stars like BTS’s Jungkook, making it a big opportunity for TWS as they enter the US music scene. They’ll discuss their mini-album 'SUMMER BEAT!' with host JoJo Wright and perform hits like 'First Meeting Doesn't Go as Planned' and 'If I’m S, You Be My N.' The show will be available on iHeartRadio and social media, with the full version airing on Meta Horizon, Oculus, and Meta Quest TV starting October 28.

Additionally, TWS will perform on the 'GRAMMY Museum's Global Spin Live series' at the Los Angeles Grammy Museum on August 1. The performance will be on the Ray Charles Terrace rooftop instead of the usual Clive Davis Theater. Tickets sold out quickly, reflecting TWS's strong local popularity.

TWS has proven themselves as rising stars both in Korea and internationally with their mini-album 'SUMMER BEAT!' The album topped the Hanteo and Oricon charts and reached 'half-million-seller' status, surpassing 1 million cumulative album sales within six months of debut. The title track 'If I’m S, You Be My N' won three awards on music shows (SBS MTV 'The Show,' MBC M 'Show! Champion,' KBS 2TV 'Music Bank').

International media and critics are also noticing TWS. 'If I’m S, You Be My N' was featured in FOX 13 Seattle’s 'Summer Soundtrack: 10 Must-Listen New K-Pop Songs,' and their debut song 'First Meeting Doesn't Go as Planned' was included in Billboard’s 'The 20 Best K-Pop Songs of 2024 (So Far): Critic’s Picks.'

The lasting success of 'First Meeting Doesn't Go as Planned' has driven TWS’s rapid growth. The song has stayed at the top of major domestic charts for over five months and has been a fixture on YouTube Music’s 'Weekly Popular Songs' for 25 weeks. It is the longest-running popular song on the chart this year.

TWS also topped the Circle Chart’s 2024 mid-year review in both digital and streaming categories. As they expand their global influence, TWS’s upcoming US activities are generating even more excitement.

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]