Kep1er is making waves in the global music scene! The girl group entered the Billboard 200 chart for the first time with their 6th mini-album TIPI-TAP, securing the 147th spot and proving their growing influence in the U.S. market.

This achievement marks Kep1er’s most notable milestone yet, highlighting their steady rise on the global stage. It's even more meaningful as this is their first release as a restructured seven-member group, signaling a fresh start and a bright new chapter for the team. Landing on the Billboard 200 is a huge accomplishment, showing the group's strong international appeal and popularity.

Not only did Kep1er break into the Billboard 200, but they also soared on several other charts this week. They jumped from No. 35 to No. 7 on the Top Album Sales chart and climbed from No. 28 to No. 7 on the Top Current Album Sales chart. On the Heatseekers Albums chart, which highlights rising artists, they shot up from No. 21 to an impressive No. 2. Similarly, they moved from No. 14 to No. 2 on the Emerging Artists chart, and their position on the World Albums chart rose from No. 11 to No. 4, showcasing their popularity across various regions.

Kep1er’s growth was also evident in Luminate data. On the Top New Artist Albums chart, they climbed to the top spot, rising from No. 2 the previous week. They also showed strength in the digital space, moving up from No. 11 to No. 3 on the Internet Albums chart.

Their latest album is resonating not only through physical sales but also through strong streaming and individual track performances. On the Top Albums w/TEA chart, which combines album sales, track sales, and streaming data, Kep1er landed at No. 7, proving the balanced popularity of both their album and its songs.

This week’s Billboard performance reflects Kep1er’s growing global fandom and solid musical competitiveness. With major jumps across multiple charts, they are proving their potential for long-term success. Fans everywhere are eager to see what’s next for Kep1er as they continue to shine on the international stage!

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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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