Jang Nara and Nam Ji Hyun's drama "Good Partner" is causing a buzz across Asia!

According to Viu, Asia's leading OTT platform, "Good Partner" soared to #1 in Indonesia and Hong Kong, #2 in Malaysia and Singapore, #5 in Thailand, and #8 in the Philippines for the week of August 19 to August 25. This was the week when episodes 8 and 9 were released.

Even with a three-week break due to the 2024 Paris Olympics, "Good Partner" saw its ratings in Korea jump to around 17%. The drama’s popularity in Indonesia and Hong Kong has also been soaring, landing at the top of the Viu Weekly Chart there.

International media like Hong Kong's Korean Star Daily and Singapore's AsiaOne have featured major interviews with Jang Nara and Nam Ji Hyun, drawing even more attention to the hit series.

Viu, which is based in Hong Kong and offers popular Korean dramas like "Reborn Rich" and "Taxi Driver 2," is making waves across Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. It’s ranked #2 among Southeast Asia OTT platforms based on user engagement and subscribers.

Recently, Viu also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Korean Creative Content Agency at the International Broadcasting & Video Market (BCWW) in Korea, aiming to boost the global reach and distribution of Korean content.

Along with "Good Partner," Viu is showcasing other Korean dramas like "Cinderella at 2 AM," "Perfect Family," and "DNA Lover."

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]