FTIsland's Lee Hong-gi appointed as new host for Mnet's music program

FTIsland's Lee Hong-gi poses for an individual profile picture for his group's 4th mini-album "GROWN-UP," which was released on January 31, 2012. [FNC Entertainment]

Korean idol Lee Hong-gi of rock band FTIsland has been appointed as the new host for Mnet's weekly music program, replacing former emcee Tony An.

On Monday, Mnet announced in a press release that Lee will act as the new emcee to Mnet's "M! CountDown" starting with his first live episode on August 30.

"We decided that Lee should be the new host for 'M! CountDown' since his overall image fits well with the revamp of the show," producer Jung Yu-jin of the program was quoted as saying.

Jung added, "Lee has led an active singing career and he has what it takes to be an emcee with his skills of speaking well and wit. Also, he is widely known overseas and we feel that he will bring something extra to the show."

Lee is the lead singer of FTIsland composed of other members Song Seung-hyun, Choi Min-hwan, Lee Jea-jin and Choi Jong-hoon. The group is currently preparing for their concert "TAKE FTISLAND" set to take place in Seoul's Olympic Hall on September 1 and 2.

Outside of his group activities, Hong-gi has appeared in the SBS hit series "He's Beautiful" (2009) alongside actor Jang Keun-suk, Japanese drama "Hard to Say I Love You" with Jaejoong from boy band JYJ and Japan's TBS' "Muscle girl!"

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