ATEEZ is turning up the excitement with the reveal of the jacket image for their upcoming Japanese single, set to be the 4th in their series.

On August 16, ATEEZ shared the stylish jacket image for their new single "Birthday" on their official SNS.

The photos show the group looking cool in casual outfits inside a red car, with the eight members striking various poses.

They also rocked a dandy suit look against a red background covered in confetti, showcasing their charisma.

This new Japanese single, their first in seven months, includes six tracks: the title song "Birthday," two new songs for their Japanese fans, and instrumental versions of each track. Fans are eagerly awaiting this release, given ATEEZ’s strong reputation for high-quality music in their Japanese albums.

ATEEZ's 10th mini-album, Golden Hour: Part.1, released in Korea, has already surpassed 100,000 shipments as of July and earned a gold certification from the Japan Record Association (RIAJ).

This marks their third RIAJ certification this year, following gold for their 2nd full album The World Episode Final: Will and platinum for their 3rd Japanese single Not Okay.

ATEEZ’s popularity in Japan is undeniable, with all tickets for their first fan meeting, "ATINY'S VOYAGE: FROM A TO Z," selling out quickly.

They will be meeting fans at Tokyo Garden Theater on August 21-22 and Grand Cube Osaka on August 27-28.

Adding to the excitement, ATEEZ will perform at Japan’s biggest music festival, "2024 Summer Sonic," on August 17-18, showcasing their top performer status on the main stages in Osaka and Tokyo.

ATEEZ’s 4th Japanese single, "Birthday," will drop on October 2.

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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!

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