ITZY has wrapped up their second world tour with a bang.

On August 10, ITZY held their final concert of the 'ITZY 2ND WORLD TOUR (BORN TO BE)' at Hong Kong’s AsiaWorld-Arena.

This marked their first solo show in Hong Kong since their first world tour, '(CHECKMATE)' in March 2023. The concert sold out quickly after tickets went on sale.

Before the big night, ITZY held a press conference on August 9 to talk about their tour and their excitement for the Hong Kong show.

They also shared messages with their fans, MIDZY, in the local language. To celebrate their visit, Windsor House, a major shopping mall, displayed ITZY photos on large screens, and fans filled the mall with cheers and excitement.

The concert was an electrifying finale. ITZY opened the show with a high-energy performance of "BORN TO BE," and kept the energy up with songs like "RACER," "Mr. Vampire," "SWIPE," "Psychic Lover," and "Kill Shot."

They also performed fan favorites like "WANNABE," "LOCO," "Not Shy," "CAKE," and "SNEAKERS," all live with a band. The audience sang along and cheered for every song, making it a truly interactive experience.

The solo stages from the members were a highlight. Chaeryeong gave a dreamy performance of "Mine (Chaeryeong)" with a mirror, Ryujin rocked out during "Run Away (Ryujin)" in a leather jacket, Yuna shined with "Yet, but (Yuna)," and Yeji delivered a powerful "Crown On My Head (Yeji)." Fans loved each solo performance, and the members surprised everyone with an encore.

Throughout the concert, ITZY kept their energy high during the 25-song setlist, connecting with fans and engaging them throughout.

They even added a special touch by dancing to "Call My Name!" by local group COLLAR during a segment called "WHAT MIDZY WANT."

As the tour ended, the members shared their gratitude. Yuna said, "I felt like the happiest person thanks to MIDZY, who sang along and cheered for us. I’ll cherish these memories forever." Chaeryeong added, "MIDZY pushes us to give our best. I won’t forget the emotions and gratitude from this tour. Thank you for always being with us."

Ryujin expressed her heartfelt thanks, saying, "Thank you for making an ordinary 20-year-old like me feel special. I promise to come back even better." Yeji reflected, "The tour seemed like it would take forever, but now it’s over. I felt all the love from MIDZY, which made me give my best on stage. I’ll treasure every moment."

Fans celebrated by preparing a video message and filling the arena with blue banners that read, "WE TRUST ONE ANOTHER, Thank you for coming to us." ITZY responded with heartfelt thanks in the local language.

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]