The child actress who played Jinju in Reply 1988 has shocked everyone with her brains!

Not only did she complete a gifted education program, but her older brother is also a math genius. On top of that, she’s gaining huge popularity in Türkiye, almost at IU’s level!

A post titled "Reply 1988’s Jinju: Life After Completing a Gifted Program" recently went viral on an online community.

The post shared an update on actress Kim Seol, who played the lovable daughter of Kim Sun Young and the younger sister of Go Kyung Pyo’s character in the hit 2015 drama Reply 1988.

Now 14 years old, Kim Seol successfully completed an educational invention gifted program in 2021, proving she’s not just talented in acting but also incredibly smart!

Her older brother also made headlines when he appeared on SBS’s Finding Genius as a math prodigy, making netizens even more impressed with their family's intelligence.

Reply 1988 remains one of the most legendary dramas in K-drama history, portraying the heartwarming lives of five families in a Ssangmun-dong neighborhood in 1988.

It became a cultural phenomenon, breaking records for the highest viewership ratings on Korean cable TV and making a lasting impact with its iconic OST.

The drama even introduced viral slang terms like "Eonamryu" (Eojjeoda Namja Pyeoneun Ryu Jun Yeol – "The Husband is Ryu Jun Yeol Anyway") and "Eonamtaek" (Eojjeoda Namja Pyeoneun Taek-i – "The Husband is Taek Anyway").

Kim Seol first made her debut in the film Ode to My Father but truly won hearts with her role as Jinju in Reply 1988.

She later starred in the Turkish film Ayla, where her adorable charm captivated audiences, making her a beloved star in Türkiye. Some fans even say her popularity there is on the level of IU!

From a scene-stealing child actress to a certified genius, Kim Seol’s journey continues to amaze fans. What’s next for this rising star?

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]