NCT's Yuta has just completed his solo debut showcase tour in Japan, and it was a huge success! The tour started with two performances in Fukuoka on October 5-6 and continued with shows in Hyogo, Aichi, Tokyo, and Osaka, totaling nine performances across five cities.

His showcase tour, named "YUTA Solo Debut Showcase Tour~HOPE~," sold out all shows as soon as tickets went on sale, proving his popularity in Japan.

The grand finale of the tour took place in Osaka on October 26-27 at the Kadoma Citizen Cultural Hall Lumiere Hall. Here, Yuta introduced all seven tracks from his upcoming Japanese solo album, including the title track "Off The Mask," "Save You," "LAST SONG," "PRISONER," "Goodbye," "Butterfly (Depth Ver.)," and "BAD EUPHORIA." His performances delivered an amazing rock vibe that thrilled the audience.

Yuta also performed a total of 13 rock songs during the tour, featuring unreleased tracks like "Two Of Us" and "New World." He covered popular songs like Mika Nakashima's "GLAMOROUS SKY" and L'Arc-en-Ciel's "浸食 -Lose Control-."

In a special talk segment, he shared stories about his first solo album "Depth" and answered fans' questions, making the experience even more memorable.

After wrapping up the showcase tour, Yuta thanked his fans, saying, "Thanks to all of you, I was able to successfully release my Japanese solo album and complete the showcase tour. This tour is my first step, so please continue to watch my growth. I will show you good sides of myself in various areas, including music and acting."

Yuta's Japanese solo debut album "Depth" is set to be released on November 13 and will feature seven rock tracks, including the title track "Off The Mask."

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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!

Source: [1]