ATEEZ continues to prove their global popularity!

Their latest Japanese single album, Birthday, which dropped on October 2, is dominating music charts worldwide. The album features six tracks, including the title track “Birthday,” “Royal,” “Forevermore,” and instrumental versions of each.

According to Japan’s Oricon, Birthday ranked second on the “Daily Single Ranking” for three days in a row (October 2–4) and placed third on the “Weekly Single Ranking” as of October 9. Billboard Japan also reported that the album hit fourth place on the “Hot 100” chart and third on the “Top Single Sales” chart, proving ATEEZ's strong presence in the Japanese music market.

Before the album’s release, ATEEZ already scored a win with their pre-released track “Royal,” topping Oricon's “Weekly Digital Single Ranking” and landing at 11th on the Worldwide iTunes Album Chart on October 2. They even claimed the top spot on iTunes “Top Album” charts in several countries like Greece, Kazakhstan, Luxembourg, and Thailand.

As ATEEZ continues to receive love from fans worldwide, they have an exciting schedule ahead. They’ll headline the Grand Mint Festival 2024 on November 3, and members Hongjoong and Jongho will appear on KBS2’s The Singer I Am on November 2. In November, ATEEZ will also join the Korea Grand Music Awards (KGMA) before kicking off their 2025 World Tour, Towards the Light: Will to Power, starting in Europe in January.

With their growing popularity, ATEEZ shows no signs of slowing down!

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]