Park Jin-young says BEAST's Gi-kwang was too good to be JYP singer

Park Jin-young on variety program "Win Win" [KBS]

Park Jin-young, famed producer and founder of top Korean agency JYP Entertainment (JYPE), has said he failed BEAST member Gi-kwang from his agency because the young idol star was aware of how good his own dancing and singing skills were even when he was a trainee under him.

Park made the remark on a pre-recorded session of KBS' variety program "Win Win" which went on air on Tuesday while explaining why he was unable to make a singer out of Gi-kwang who is now one of the most popular members of hit idol group BEAST.

"Gi-kwang's dance and singing abilities are phenomenal and he himself was aware of that," Park said, drawing laughter from the hosts of "Win Win" including Gi-kwang. "One has to think that they lack in those skills in order to become the best but he was just too good."

Park made his debut in 1994 with his first studio album "Blue City" and has since released six more full-length records and mini-album "Sad Freedom" (2009).

He established his own record label JYPE in 1997 where he discovered and trained many new talents, most notably Asian superstar Rain. He was also the creative mastermind behind some of the most successful K-pop groups such as G.O.D., 2PM, 2AM and the Wonder Girls.

He will join the artists of JYPE for JYP Nation's joint concert titled "TEAMPLAY" on Christmas Eve followed soon after by his solo concert "Park Jin-young Bad Party - The Dancer."

Reporter : Cho Bum-ja anju1015@
Editor : Lucia Hong luciahong@