Actor Ji Chang Wook opened up about his challenging college days and his struggles with academics during the December 12th episode of SBS’s Tteummannamyeon.

On the show, Yoo Jae Suk asked Ji Chang Wook about his use of secondhand transaction apps, to which Ji Chang Wook shared an interesting story. He explained, "I play a mobile game, and there’s a special coupon that can only be bought at pop-up stores. I met the seller in person and bought it for 120,000 KRW. It’s very special." He added that sometimes sellers recognize him, and they often ask, "Why are you buying this?"

Ji Chang Wook then looked back at his university years. He revealed, "When I first entered university, I couldn’t adjust. I had been focused on studying throughout middle and high school, and I ended up studying theater and film by accident. I just got dragged around by the seniors, drinking, and hanging out with my classmates."

He confessed, "I received an academic warning my entire first year. I failed every class except one. In the second semester, I realized my grades were horrible and thought, 'I can’t continue like this.' So, I took a leave of absence and started looking for acting auditions. I went to many auditions but got rejected a lot."

When Yoo Yeon Seok asked Ji Chang Wook for advice on overcoming nervousness before auditions or performances, Ji Chang Wook shared, "I’ve tried various methods, but the most effective one is simply getting used to it."

Yoo Jae Suk agreed, adding, "You need to keep exposing yourself to the situation you fear and experience it repeatedly. That’s how you overcome fear and nervousness."

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]