• KISS OF LIFE Takes Home 'Global Hot Trend' Award at 2024 THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS

    Rookie girl group KISS OF LIFE (Julie, Natty, Belle, and Hanul) has made a big splash by winning the 'Global Hot Trend' award at the 2024 THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS (TMA). The awards show was held at the Kyocera Dome Osaka in Japan on September 8th.

    KISS OF LIFE was thrilled to receive the award, showing their appreciation on stage. They said, "We want to thank everyone at our agency who has supported us and the hair and makeup staff who made us look beautiful."

    Leader Julie gave a special shoutout to their fans, “We’re especially grateful to our fans, KISSY, who helped us win this award.” The group also built excitement for their upcoming performance by teasing a preview of what's to come.

    The 'Global Hot Trend' award honors artists who are setting trends in the global music scene. Winners are chosen based on music performance, album sales, and a thorough judging process, with evaluations covering from September 24 of the previous year to August 31 of this year.

    Since their debut with 'Shhh' in July last year, KISS OF LIFE has quickly gained fame with hits like 'Bad News,' 'Midas Touch,' and 'Sticky.' They were even named 'Monster Rookie' within a year. Their digital single 'Sticky' helped them secure their first music show win on 'The Show' on July 9. This month, they ranked third in brand reputation among rookie idol groups.

    Looking ahead, KISS OF LIFE is set for a quick comeback in October and will kick off their first world tour on September 26th in Seoul. Their tour will cover around 20 cities, including Minneapolis, Chicago, Toronto, Montreal, Boston, Silver Spring, New York, Atlanta, Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Phoenix, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Anaheim, San Francisco, Seattle, and Vancouver.

    The 2024 THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS, a major K-POP event enjoyed by both artists and fans, took place on September 8 at the Kyocera Dome Osaka, with performances from top artists and groups.

    Source: [1]

  • Lee Kyung Gyu secretly helped Hong Jin Kyung debut on TV and she didn’t even know for years

    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]