Girl group IVE member Jang Wonyoung will spend another year-end with KBS. This time she will serve as MC of "Music Bank in Japan" alongside actor Lee Junyoung, who is considered a rising star.
On the 23rd, OSEN exclusively reported the news of Jang Wonyoung and Lee Junyoung appearing on KBS 2TV's "Music Bank Global Festival IN JAPAN" (abbreviated as "Music Bank in Japan"). Jang Wonyoung and Lee Junyoung will serve as MCs of "Music Bank in Japan," to be held on Dec. 13 and 14 at the Tokyo National Stadium, jointly taking the hosting microphones.
"Music Bank in Japan" is a mega production KBS has presented during the year-end awards season since 2023. Going beyond presenting the existing "Gayo Daejookje" only in Korea, it expands KBS 2TV music show "Music Bank" into a global festival by staging it in large venues in Japan, which was the single largest market for K-pop. As such, under names like "Music Bank Global Festival" and "Music Bank in Japan," it has billed itself as a festival for K-pop fans worldwide and has decorated KBS's year-end season.
Jang Wonyoung served as the 37th Music Bank host in 2021. She has also served as an MC for the "Gayo Daejookje" each year since that same year, hosting year-end shows on KBS. Now she will take on hosting duties once more for "Music Bank in Japan."
Also joining Jang Wonyoung at the MC desk this year is actor Lee Junyoung. Lee Junyoung debuted as a member of the boy group U-KISS but transitioned to acting after concluding group activities.
He showed a strong presence in Netflix series such as "D.P.," "When Life Gives You Tangerines," and "Weak Hero Class 2." In addition, Lee Junyoung appeared as the male lead in the KBS 2TV drama "24-Hour Health Club," establishing ties with KBS.
Recently, Lee Junyoung has also been drawing attention for his singing ability reminiscent of his U-KISS days. He showcased his vocal skills by participating in MBC variety show "Hangout with Yoo" project's "80s Seoul Music Festival."
He will also co-host the "2025 MBC College Song Festival," returning after 13 years, alongside comedian a person surnamed Jang and former IZ*ONE member and actress Kim Minju. This has raised expectations that he will show even more improved hosting skills at "Music Bank in Japan."
The "Music Bank in Japan," where Jang Wonyoung and Lee Junyoung meet, will be staged at the Tokyo National Stadium — a venue even Japanese singers regard as a dream stage — on Dec. 13 and 14. Their two-shot is drawing even more anticipation.
[Photo] OSEN DB.
[OSEN]