Kep1er fans have some exciting news—Shaoting is officially rejoining the group for full team activities after her contract with her Chinese agency expired!

Shaoting, who had been balancing her activities in China, is now set to rejoin Kep1er after her exclusive contract with her agency recently ended. She has been in talks with Kep1er’s agency, Wake One and Klep Entertainment, to plan her next steps, and with strong support from the agency, she is ready to return to full group activities right away.

Wake One and Klep Entertainment have worked hard to ensure that Shaoting can manage both her individual activities in China and her work with Kep1er, showing the group's commitment to balancing all her responsibilities.

Shaoting has always expressed her love for Kep1er, and fans will be happy to see her back. She shared every moment of the group’s journey and is excited to perform alongside them again.

Her first big performance with the full group will be at the 2024 Super Sound Festival - Macau on January 18 at The Venetian Arena. Shaoting is also looking forward to meeting her Chinese fans more often while continuing her activities with Kep1er.

Kep1er has been on fire lately, with their music and style getting a major upgrade in 2023. Their sixth mini-album TIPI-TAP was a huge success, topping real-time music charts, dominating domestic music shows, and even entering the U.S. Billboard 200 at No. 147, proving they’re a rising powerhouse in the K-pop world.

The group has been busy with events like the 2024 KBS Gayo Daechukje Global Festival and the 2025 Superstar Hongbaek Entertainment Awards. Fans can also look forward to their first global fan concert tour, 2025 Kep1er FAN CON TOUR BEYOND THE STAR in SEOUL, on February 15 and 16 in Seoul. It’s clear that Kep1er is ready to take over the world with Shaoting back on board.

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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]