ATEEZ's leader Hongjoong is causing a stir with his latest release, and it might just be aimed at Bang Si Hyuk and HYBE!

On January 15th, Hongjoong dropped his new digital single SMB featuring rapper Odetari, but the lyrics quickly raised eyebrows. Fans and netizens are speculating that the song takes shots at Bang Si Hyuk, the chairman of HYBE, and the company itself.

In the rap, Hongjoong spits lines like, "Not fun at all," "Act your age, scoundrel," and "Think you've made it? hitman." The words “hitman” and “bang” particularly caught attention, as “hitman” is a nickname closely associated with Bang Si Hyuk, and “bang” could be seen as a subtle nod to his name.

The lyrics don’t stop there, with Hongjoong also rapping, “If you have time to watch others, be careful of your own back,” “Jealousy blinds your life”, and “The way you're cursing with a real name mentioned”.

These bold lines have many questioning if they were aimed at someone in particular, with many linking the words to recent issues surrounding HYBE.

Last year, HYBE was in the spotlight after leaked internal documents made crude comments about K-pop idols' appearances during a National Assembly audit.

The revelation caused public outrage, and HYBE CEO Lee Jae Sang later apologized, taking full responsibility for the incident and pledging to prevent similar issues in the future.

Despite the buzz surrounding the lyrics, KQ Entertainment, Hongjoong’s agency, has remained silent. They told HeraldPOP, “We have no official stance on this matter”, leaving fans and critics to interpret the lyrics on their own.

While the controversy swirls, ATEEZ is gearing up for the grand finale of their 2025 world tour ‘TOWARDS THE LIGHT : WILL TO POWER’ in Seoul at the KSPO Dome in March 2025, so all eyes will be on the group as the drama unfolds.

Fans are definitely divided on whether Hongjoong’s lyrics were a direct dig at HYBE or just artistic expression. What do you think? Let us know in the comments!

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]