BabyMonster is making waves on the global music scene, marking their second consecutive week on the U.S. Billboard charts, signaling a bright future for their ongoing popularity.

According to the latest Billboard charts released on November 19 (local time), BabyMonster’s title track "DRIP" from their first full album ranked 21st on the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart and 38th on the Billboard Global 200. After securing their highest-ever rankings of 16th and 30th last week, the group has now successfully charted for two weeks in a row.

The group is also achieving impressive results across other platforms. "DRIP" has maintained a strong position on Spotify's Global Daily chart for 16 consecutive days and has climbed up to 17th on Melon’s HOT100 in South Korea, along with rising rankings on other major domestic music platforms. Their music video is also about to hit 100 million views on YouTube.

BabyMonster's growing popularity is largely attributed to their powerful live performances, which have earned them recognition across music shows, variety programs, radio, and YouTube. Their upcoming activities, including the follow-up song "Love In My Heart" and their first-ever world tour, are expected to keep their global momentum going.

Starting next year, BabyMonster will kick off their debut world tour, "2025 BABYMONSTER 1st WORLD TOUR 'HELLO MONSTERS.'" The tour will begin in Seoul at the KSPO DOME on January 25 and 26, often referred to as the "holy land" of K-pop. From there, they will move on to New Jersey in February and Los Angeles in March, marking the next big step in their global expansion.

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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!

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