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Singer Roy Kim is transitioning from an audition program winner to a judge, ready to offer warm mentorship to aspiring contestants.

On the morning of September 30, a press conference for the SBS audition program "The Ballad of Us 2" was held at the SBS headquarters in Mok-dong, Yangcheon-gu, Seoul. Director Ahn Jeong-hyun and the panel of "Top 100 Ears" representatives—Jung Jae-hyung, Cha Tae-hyun, Park Kyung-lim, Moon Geun-young, Joo Woo-jae, Roy Kim, and Jung Seung-hwan—attended the event.

Roy Kim, who made a sensational debut after winning Mnet's "Superstar K 4" in 2012, will take a seat on an audition judging panel for the very first time through "The Ballad of Us 2."

"I was in the exact same position 14 years ago," Roy Kim shared. "I had received several offers to serve as an audition judge over the years, but I couldn't find the courage because I felt I still had my own hands full." Explaining why he decided to join this time, he said, "However, 'The Ballad of Us 2' isn't about picking fully polished singers. I decided to participate because I felt I could guide and give courage to these young contestants as they pursue their dreams and grow."

Roy Kim also expressed deep affection for the participants, remarking, "When I was that age, I don't think I could have performed nearly as well on stage. Seeing how rapidly the contestants improve gave me hope that the ballad genre will continue to thrive through them."

Meanwhile, SBS's "The Ballad of Us 2" is an audition show that spotlights 40 years of ballad history from 1985 to 2025, delivering high-caliber performances by contestants with an average age of 17.9. The show is scheduled to premiere on Monday, October 5 at 10 p.m.

[Photo = Reporter Baek Seung-chul]

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)

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Allegations of review bombing surrounding the film "The Assassin(s)," which has been embroiled in controversy over historical distortion, have turned out to be true. On September 29, the portal site Naver announced measures regarding the "handling of duplicate counts for movie reviews and recommendation metrics" via an official notice.

Naver stated, "Recently, an issue occurred where certain audience reviews were registered multiple times, and sympathy and unsympathy counts were tabulated redundantly. Immediately upon identifying the issue, we implemented emergency measures, and we have now corrected the system so that this no longer occurs."

The platform added, "Duplicate reviews registered for the affected films will be deleted, and redundant sympathy and unsympathy figures will be excluded to reflect normal tallies," adding, "We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused while using the service. We will exercise greater caution to ensure that the same issue does not happen again."

Previously on Naver, more than 50,000 one-star ratings were posted targeting "The Assassin(s)" in just a few days. The top-ranked comment garnered over 1.37 million sympathy votes, raising suspicions of automated macro manipulation.

Following the film's premiere, the backlash has also escalated into attacks against the cast. On September 30, an online user posted across social media and online communities listing actor Yoo Hai-jin's filmography, claiming that he frequently appeared in works dealing with North Korean themes, anti-Japanese sentiments, and criticism of military regimes. People Power Party lawmaker Joo Jin-woo personally left a comment on the post describing him as having "the look of a North Korean." Furthermore, some commenters exerted pressure on the actors' advertising sponsors, with users sharing that they filed complaints regarding Yoo Hai-jin's participation in the film to a food company where he serves as a commercial model.

Released on September 23, "The Assassin(s)" portrays a story investigating the suspicions and forces behind the August 15, 1974 assassination attempt on the First Lady, drawing criticism for allegedly distorting historical facts. As of September 29, the film has recorded an accumulated audience of approximately 1.7 million moviegoers. 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)

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On SBS' soccer variety show "Kick a Goal", the nerve-wracking final evaluation match of Kkumteulconda to reclaim the name "FC Anaconda" will be revealed.

Airing on Wednesday, September 30 at 9:00 PM, "Kick a Goal" will capture the scene of the second evaluation match for Kkumteulconda, who previously proved their potential with a 1-0 victory in their first evaluation match against FC Chukppuri.

Despite their victory in the first match, coach Lee Young-pyo personally requested a second evaluation match—subject to comprehensive evaluation by Committee Chair Ha Seok-ju and the coaching staff—stating, "I am not confident that we can compete on equal terms with other teams in the regular league." Depending on the outcome of this match, Kkumteulconda's final entry into the regular league and the restoration of their team name as "FC Anaconda" will be decided.

In particular, this second evaluation match follows official regulations allowing only seven players on the roster. Faced with a cold survival battle in which three of the ten teammates who sweated together for 100 days must be eliminated, coach Lee Young-pyo reportedly fell into deep deliberation. When the final seven-member roster was announced, the scene turned into a sea of tears among the players, including "tears goddess" Bae Hye-ji.

The opponent awaiting the hard-assembled, elite Kkumteulconda is FC Gucheok Jangsin, boasting overwhelming physical strength led by Heo Kyung-hee, nicknamed "Heoland." Although they finished in last place in the 2nd G-League, attention is focused on whether Kkumteulconda can secure their ticket back to the regular league against Gucheok Jangsin, a traditional powerhouse in "Kick a Goal".

Kkumteulconda's fateful second evaluation match, which will determine the destiny of "FC Anaconda," will be broadcast on "Kick a Goal" on Wednesday, September 30 at 9:00 PM. The broadcast schedule on this day may be subject to change due to the coverage of the 2026 Nagoya Asian Games. 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)

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Actor Moon Geun-young shared her feelings on joining her first regular variety program since her marriage, as well as the words of encouragement she received from her husband, Jeong Pyeong.

On the morning of September 30, the press conference for the SBS audition program "The Ballad of Us 2" took place at the SBS headquarters in Mok-dong, Yangcheon-gu, Seoul. Producing director Ahn Jung-hyun attended the event alongside the "Top 100 Ears Delegation" members Jung Jae-hyung, Cha Tae-hyun, Park Kyung-rim, Moon Geun-young, Joo Woo-jae, Roy Kim, and Jung Seung-hwan.

Moon Geun-young, who recently made headlines with the surprise announcement of her marriage to fellow actor Jeong Pyeong, who is seven years her senior, opened up about the public reaction that day. "We simply held a quiet ceremony, but so many people congratulated and cheered for us that it made me realize, 'I am truly loved so much. I am someone who feels like a precious presence to many people.' I was deeply grateful and thought that I must live an even better life," she shared.

Marking "The Ballad of Us 2" as her first regular appearance on a variety show in seven years, Moon Geun-young explained how she decided to come on board. "I enjoyed Season 1 so much. I often caught myself thinking, 'I want to sit over there and listen, too,' and when the offer arrived at just the right time, I said 'I'll do it' without a moment of hesitation," she recalled.

Addressing her husband's reaction, she added, "Rather than any grand words of encouragement, he simply told me, 'Listen well and just do what you always do.'"

"The Ballad of Us 2" marks the second season of "The Ballad of Us," a show that swept South Korea with a ballad craze. Celebrating a 40-year legacy of ballads spanning from 1985 to 2025, contestants with an average age of 17.9 years will reinterpret their personal lifetime ballads through their own distinct sensibilities.

"The Ballad of Us 2" is set to premiere on Monday, October 5 at 10:00 PM.

[Photo=Reporter Baek Seung-cheol] 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)

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BTS leader RM, renowned for his deep love of art, is unveiling his personal collection to the public for the first time at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA), an exhibition he personally conceived and co-curated.

Ahead of the exhibition's official opening on October 3 (local time), RM shared his thoughts as a co-curator during a media preview held at SFMOMA. "It's been a while since I gave a speech, so I revised my draft more than ten times, but it only seemed to complicate my thoughts," he admitted candidly, before opening up about his honest philosophy and perspective on art.

RM, who has been collecting artwork for about eight years, smiled as he recalled, "I first received the proposal from SFMOMA two years ago while serving in the military. Before opening my own dream space someday, I thought it would be a great experience to borrow a venue of this scale and prestige to try something new. But I never imagined it would lead to writing and rewriting artwork labels hundreds of times."

RM also opened up about his emotional connection to art, remarking, "Working between Korea and the United States, even at this very moment, I often feel as if I am drifting somewhere. It's not a pleasant feeling, but whenever that happens, I've leaned heavily on art. Art and music use different languages and mediums, but they are ultimately the same in that they both strive to say something."

He also reflected on his complex feelings regarding collecting. "Ever since I was young, I wondered whether I really needed to carry around so many unnecessary things, and whether I might have just ended up becoming a boring snob with a lot of money," RM confessed with his signature honesty. He added, "Still, I decided to unveil my collection with the hope that others would be able to see it, too."

Among the pieces featured in the exhibition, approximately 140 come from RM's personal collection. SFMOMA introduced the showcase as one of the most comprehensive presentations of modern and contemporary Korean art ever held in the United States.

Describing himself as an "outsider in the art world" who has never formally studied art history nor worked as a professional creator, RM concluded, "As a young person from Korea, I collected these pieces hoping to bring a newer, younger, and perhaps better perspective and sensibility, and that passion ultimately led to this exhibition. This is my self-introduction, and I hope people can get to know me a little better and enjoy the pleasure of visiting an art exhibition."

The special exhibition co-organized by RM and SFMOMA, titled "RM x SFMOMA: Between You and Me," runs from October 3 (local time) through February 7, 2027. About 180 works carefully selected by RM and SFMOMA will be brought together in one place. The showcase features pieces by master artists representing modern and contemporary Korean art—such as Yun Hyong-keun, Park Rae-hyun, Chang Ucchin, Kwon Ok-yeon, Kim Yun-shin, and Do Sang-bong—alongside works from SFMOMA's collection by Kim Whanki, Nam Jun Paik, Mark Rothko, Agnes Martin, Henri Matisse, and Georgia O'Keeffe. Visitors can also explore the rich trajectory of Korean art spanning from the 6th century to the present through ceramics, calligraphy, paintings, and sculptures.

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)

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(From left) Joo Woo-jae, Jung Jae-hyung, Park Kyung-lim, Cha Tae-hyun, Moon Geun-young, Jung Seung-hwan, and Roy Kim pose for photos at the press conference for the new SBS audition variety show "The Ballad of Us 2," held on the morning of September 30 at SBS in Mok-dong, Yangcheon-gu, Seoul.

※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.

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Actor Cha Tae-hyun poses for photos at the press conference for SBS's new audition variety show "The Ballad of Us 2," held on the morning of September 30 at the SBS building in Mok-dong, Yangcheon-gu, Seoul.

※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.

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Model Joo Woo-jae strikes a pose during the photo call at the press conference for SBS's new audition variety show "The Ballad of Us 2," held on the morning of September 30 at SBS in Mok-dong, Yangcheon-gu, Seoul.

※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.

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Singer Roy Kim strikes a pose during the press conference for SBS's new audition variety show "The Ballad of Us 2," held on the morning of September 30 at the SBS headquarters in Mok-dong, Yangcheon-gu, Seoul.

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Broadcaster Park Kyung-lim poses for photos at the press conference for SBS's new audition variety show "The Ballad of Us 2," held on the morning of September 30 at the SBS headquarters in Mok-dong, Yangcheon-gu, Seoul.

※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.

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Singer Jung Seung-hwan attends and poses during the photo call at the press conference for SBS's new audition variety show "The Ballad of Us 2," held on the morning of September 30 at SBS in Mok-dong, Yangcheon-gu, Seoul.

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Actor Moon Geun-young poses for photos while attending the press conference for the new SBS audition variety show "The Ballad of Us 2," held on the morning of September 30 at SBS in Mok-dong, Yangcheon-gu, Seoul.

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Former sports announcer Jung Yoo-sung surprised fans by simultaneously announcing her marriage to professional baseball player Seo Jin-yong, a pitcher for the SSG Landers, and the birth of their baby daughter.

On September 29, Jung personally shared the news of their marriage and childbirth through her personal social media, writing, "I have started a family with someone I have been quietly dating."

Jung expressed, "He is someone who has always brought steady comfort to my daily life through various changes. Spending time with him is more comfortable and joyful than with anyone else, and he is always a dependable person. I am so happy that I can now call him my husband and the father of our child."

She added, "Gratefully, a baby came to us first, so we are planning our wedding ceremony for the winter of next year. Please give us your warm support as the three of us build our future together with Yoo-joo."

The photos shared alongside the message captured attention, featuring affectionate couple shots with Seo Jin-yong, their marriage registration certificate, and their newborn daughter Yoo-joo. As their romantic relationship had never been made public before, the sudden announcement of both marriage and childbirth drew widespread surprise.

Born in 1999, Jung Yoo-sung graduated from Ewha Womans University with a degree in English Language and Literature and won the second runner-up title ("Mi") at the 66th Miss Korea Global pageant in 2022. She later made her name known to baseball fans as an announcer for MBC Sports Plus.

Born in 1992, Seo Jin-yong is a right-handed pitcher for the SSG Landers. In the 2023 season, he recorded 42 saves, finishing at the top of the KBO League save rankings and establishing himself as a vital bullpen arm for the team.

[Photo = Jung Yoo-sung's Instagram] 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)

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Announcer couple Bae Sung-jae (48) and Kim Da-young (34) are set to become parents after a year and a half of marriage.

According to broadcast industry insiders on September 30, Kim Da-young is currently pregnant and is expecting to give birth at the end of this year. Overcoming a 14-year age gap, the pair tied the knot in May of last year with an intimate family ceremony without a separate public wedding after two years of dating, and are now welcoming their first child one year and six months into their marriage.

Earlier, pregnancy rumors surfaced among fans when recent everyday photos shared by Kim Da-young on her personal social media captured her wearing loose-fitting outfits along with a noticeable baby bump. Just as fans had speculated, the couple is reportedly focusing on preparing to welcome their baby at the end of the year.

As senior and junior SBS announcers, Bae Sung-jae and Kim Da-young worked at the network during different periods, but connected through the variety show "Kick a Goal" and blossomed into a romantic couple.

Meanwhile, Bae Sung-jae, who declared his freelance status in 2021, is currently working as SBS's main caster for the "2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games." Kim Da-young, who previously anchored weekday sports news on "SBS 8 News," left the network in April of last year. The couple previously appeared together on SBS's "You're my destiny" to share glimpses of their newlywed life. 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)

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The artistic world of BTS's RM is set to unfold at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA).

The special exhibition "RM x SFMOMA: Between You and Me," presented jointly by RM and SFMOMA, will run from October 3 (local time) through February 7, 2027. It marks the first time RM's personal collection is being showcased in a museum setting.

Through his agency, BigHit Music, RM shared, "This is the first time I am sharing my collection under my own name. I believe few things reflect a person as candidly as a collection built over a long period of time. In that sense, I think this exhibition will serve as quite a long self-introduction." He continued, "My collection features many works by modern and contemporary Korean artists. Some names may still be unfamiliar outside Korea, but I have collected them with the hope of adding a better perspective and appreciation, and that journey has led to this exhibition."

RM participated directly in the overall planning and curation of the exhibition. Alongside SFMOMA co-curators América Castillo and Kim Hyoeun, he selected the artworks and conceptualized the presentation. To help visitors experience the pieces more intimately, he also personally wrote the exhibition texts and artwork descriptions in both Korean and English. Bilingual audio guides recorded in his own voice will be provided, and RM even curated the background music played throughout the galleries.

This exhibition marks SFMOMA's first-ever collaboration with a K-pop artist since its founding. The museum initiated the project after noting RM's distinct aesthetic taste and enduring passion for contemporary art. Christopher Bedford, Director of SFMOMA, explained, "This exhibition closely aligns with SFMOMA's mission to expand the global dialogue surrounding art. It creates a space for new voices within the museum while inviting visitors who have been introduced to contemporary and Korean art through RM."

About 180 carefully selected artworks curated by RM and SFMOMA will come together in one place. Masterpieces by leading figures of Korean modern and contemporary art—such as Yun Hyong-keun, Park Rae-hyun, Chang Ucchin, Kwon Ok-yeon, Kim Yun-shin, and To Sang-bong—will be showcased alongside works from SFMOMA's collection by artists including Kim Whanki, Nam Jun Paik, Mark Rothko, Agnes Martin, Henri Matisse, and Georgia O'Keeffe. Through ceramics, calligraphy, paintings, and sculptures, visitors will also be able to trace the trajectory of Korean art spanning from the sixth century to the present day.

Among these, approximately 140 works come from RM's personal collection, with most of them making their public debut in the United States. By juxtaposing works from different eras and cultures, the exhibition illuminates how varied perspectives have explored universal themes such as nature, memory, and human existence. SFMOMA introduced the showcase as one of the most comprehensive presentations of Korean modern and contemporary art ever held in the U.S.

Photo Credit = BigHit Music (HYBE)

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)

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Group aespa member WINTER was diagnosed with shingles during the group's U.S. tour, leading to her absence from the scheduled Dallas concert.

Agency SM Entertainment announced through an official notice on September 29, "WINTER experienced poor condition before the recent Miami concert (held on September 26), but took the stage with a determination to perform alongside the members. However, her condition did not sufficiently improve afterward, and following the Miami concert, she visited a hospital for a thorough examination, where she was diagnosed with shingles."

According to the agency, even after the diagnosis, WINTER showed a strong willingness to participate in the scheduled performance as much as possible, doing her best to recover right up until the show. However, they stated, "Following the medical staff's recommendation that the artist's health and sufficient recovery are the top priority, after careful discussions between the agency and the artist, it was unavoidably decided that she will sit out the Dallas concert on September 29 and take a rest."

According to the agency, even after the diagnosis, WINTER showed a strong willingness to participate in the scheduled performance as much as possible, doing her best to recover right up until the show. However, they stated, "Following the medical staff's recommendation that the artist's health and sufficient recovery are the top priority, after careful discussions between the agency and the artist, it was unavoidably decided that she will sit out this Dallas concert and take a rest."

Accordingly, the main concert and the fan-meeting-style "Hi-Bye" and "Send-Off" events scheduled for 8:00 p.m. local time on September 29 at the American Airlines Center in Texas proceeded with the three members KARINA, GISELLE, and NINGINING. The agency added, "As WINTER was also looking forward to meeting the audience in Dallas, she is deeply saddened that she cannot join this concert. We sincerely apologize to the fans for delivering this sudden news."

Meanwhile, the news of WINTER's absence came immediately after SM Entertainment announced strong legal action against malicious posts directed at WINTER, heightening fans' concerns.

SM Entertainment stated through an official notice on the same day, "We strictly warn that we will take strong legal action against the continuous spread of malicious posts targeting our agency artist aespa's WINTER," revealing that posts involving false information, defamation, insults, and sexual harassment have persisted across X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, and online communities.

Regarding this, fans are expressing concern that the continuous spread of malicious posts surrounding WINTER since dating rumors with JUNGKOOK surfaced last year may have taken a mental and physical toll on her.

Photo=Reporter Baek Seung-chul

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)

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Rapper Verbal Jint is releasing his new single "SUPERDRY (feat. Luci Gang)," a collaboration with rising rapper Luci Gang, today (September 29).

The single serves as a pre-release track for "10 Years of Misinterpretation II" (literal translation), the sequel to his widely loved studio album "10 Years of Misinterpretation I," which produced major hits like "Good Morning," "You Deserve Better," and "Perfect Day." Verbal Jint has spent 14 years preparing this album, and through "SUPERDRY," he offers listeners a preview of the new record's musical direction ahead of the full rollout.

"SUPERDRY" is a witty take on the inner thoughts of an emotionally depleted character who finds no joy in anything—from social outings and anniversaries to special events and routine text messages.

Luci Gang joins the track as a featured artist, teaming up seamlessly with Verbal Jint. After making a name for herself on "Show Me the Money 12," Luci Gang has built her own unique musical world and released her third studio album earlier this year. Tracks from the project went viral across Asia, earning her significant attention in the global hip-hop scene.

Combining Verbal Jint's grounded, witty songwriting with Luci Gang's distinctive delivery, "SUPERDRY" playfully unpacks the theme of "dryness." As the song signals the beginning of "10 Years of Misinterpretation II," expectations are running high for what the forthcoming album will bring.

Verbal Jint's new single "SUPERDRY (feat. Luci Gang)" will be released on various online streaming platforms today (September 29) at 6 p.m.

Photo = Brand New Music

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)

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SBS's audition project "The Ballad of Us 2" has proven its explosive buzz even before its official broadcast, signaling yet another ballad syndrome.

Set to premiere on Monday, October 5 at 10 p.m., SBS's "The Ballad of Us 2" unveiled an official preview teaser for its first episode, capturing the refined artistry of contestants with an average age of 17.9.

"The Ballad of Us 2" is the second season of "The Ballad of Us," which previously swept South Korea in a ballad fever. This season as well, teasers and pre-released clips easily surpassed 10 million cumulative views ahead of the official broadcast, kicking off amid overwhelming attention.

The released preview featured the brightly lit studio set once again alongside the 150 members of the "Top 100 Ears" panel. In particular, it stirred viewers' emotions by presenting a generation-spanning history of ballads, from Won Mi-kyung's 1990 song "Farewell Journey" to Car, the garden's 2021 track "My Whole World".

Above all, the young contestants' polished performances drew tears and admiration from the "Top 100 Ears" panel. Judge Jung Jae-hyung, in particular, gave a standing ovation and lavish praise to a contestant who performed Maya's "Shout Myself," remarking, "I wondered, 'Could there be anyone left with a fresh perspective?' But after listening to the song, I thought, 'This was the person; this is who we have been searching for.'"

Spotlighting 40 years of ballad history spanning from 1985 to 2025, the blockbuster audition show "The Ballad of Us 2"—where contestants with an average age of 17.9 will interpret their life-defining songs through their own musical colors—will premiere on Monday, October 5 at 10 p.m. 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)

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Actors Byun Yohan and Roh Jae-won brought their fierce competitive spirit to promote their new film.

On the September 29 broadcast of SBS's "Whenever Possible," actors Byun Yohan and Roh Jae-won appeared as the week's "Gap Friends."

In this episode, Byun Yohan and Roh Jae-won, the stars of the movie "Tazza 4," visited gaps of spare time across Incheon.

Byun Yohan, who returned from his honeymoon just one day prior to filming, stirred envy by sharing, "I went to warm Hawaii. My wife's hometown is San Francisco, so we stopped by there as well."

Expressing how wonderful his honeymoon was, Byun Yohan grabbed attention by declaring, "If it wasn't for 'Whenever Possible,' I wouldn't have come." However, contrary to his high expectations, he struggled to make a mark during the first Gap Mission, which ultimately ended in failure, leaving everyone disappointed.

At this, the Yu-Yoo Brothers and the Gap Friends bowed their heads in embarrassment toward the "Gap Master." Even amid the awkwardness, they sparked laughter by asking the Gap Master, who was a taxi driver, to recommend a great local restaurant for lunch.

In particular, Yu Jae-seok drew playful scolding from the younger members when he shamelessly asked, "By any chance, if you're in the middle of driving your taxi right now..." However, the Gap Master warmed hearts by willingly offering to take them to their destination, saying, "Should I drive you there? You're going to pay the taxi fare anyway."

After finishing their meal at a home-style Korean restaurant recommended by the Gap Master, the four faced the inevitable bet to see who would pay the bill. Yoo Yeonseok ended up drawing the short straw. The other three promptly bowed in gratitude to Yoo Yeonseok, drawing big laughs.

Following lunch, the four moved to a convenience mart to pick out desserts. While the younger members quickly selected their drinks, Yu Jae-seok was left pondering his choice alone. Byun Yohan then caught everyone's eye by picking up a beverage that Yu Jae-seok models for and handing it to him, remarking, "Look, Jae-seok hyung is right here."

On their way to meet the second Gap Master, the Yu-Yoo Brothers complained about the heat. At the same time, they worried about Byun Yohan, who was dressed in a leather jacket completely ill-suited for the warm weather.

Dripping with sweat, Byun Yohan insisted, "It's fine. You really don't need to worry about me. I'm not taking this off until filming is over. I'm keeping this on all the way to the end." Watching him, Yu Jae-seok laughed and asked, "Are you sweating like that because of the jacket? Or are you feeling sick? Aren't you going to collapse at this rate?"

Byun Yohan brought laughs as he responded, "Even if I collapse, please don't pay any mind to me," before admitting, "It really is hot, though." He continued, "The reason I dressed like this is that the 'Tazza' poster is red. I can never take this off. I will push through with pure mental strength," showing his relentless dedication to movie promotion even at his own expense.

While riding a bus to their next destination, the four listened intently to a radio story that suddenly aired. A fan of Yu Jae-seok had sent in a message after spotting him filming aboard the bus.

Looking at a stunned Yu Jae-seok, Byun Yohan brought laughter by looking on the bright side, saying, "Incheon is filled with so much warmth."

Later that day, the four achieved a dramatic success on their ninth attempt in Round 2 of the second Gap Mission. Seeing this, Yu Jae-seok drew laughs by advising, "All right, now you should just call a stop."

After a brief moment of hesitation, the Gap Master called a stop, successfully securing both the Tier 1 and Tier 2 gifts to wrap up on a heartwarming note.

Meanwhile, at the end of the episode, a teaser previewed the upcoming guest appearance of Lee Sun-bin, "the daughter of Chungcheong," and actor Yoo Jae-myung, who is one year younger than Yu Jae-seok, heightening anticipation for the next broadcast.

※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.

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Byun Yohan revealed his wedding ring.

On the September 29 broadcast of SBS's "Whenever Possible," actors Byun Yohan and Roh Jae-won appeared as "Gap Friends."

On this day's episode, Byun Yohan and Roh Jae-won, the stars of the film "Tazza 4," visited a gap in Incheon. While waiting for their lunch to be served, Yoo Yeonseok noticed a sparkling ring on Byun Yohan's finger.

When asked if it was his wedding ring, Byun Yohan confirmed it was, prompting Yu Jae-seok to exclaim, "Oh~!" Byun Yohan then joked, "Well, I am a married man."

Yoo Yeonseok then asked, "Is the ring brand Tiffany?" When Byun Yohan answered yes, the "Yu Brothers" asked, "Is it really from Tiffany? Tiffany because of Tiffany?"

To this, Byun Yohan drew attention by shyly replying, "Yes, that's right. Really. Tiffany." Furthermore, when asked how married life has been, he sparked envy by mentioning his wife Tiffany Young, sharing, "I love it. I feel like she's a better person than I am, so I think I'm changing a lot."

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Yu Jae-seok expressed his playful disappointment toward Byun Yohan.

On the September 29 broadcast of SBS's "Whenever Possible," actors Byun Yohan and Roh Jae-won appeared as the day's special guests.

During the episode, Byun Yohan and Roh Jae-won, the leading actors of the movie "Tazza 4," visited a gap in Incheon. Yu Jae-seok warmly greeted Byun Yohan, remarking on how long it had been since they last saw each other.

He then expressed his disappointment, asking, "Why didn't you invite me to your wedding?" Yoo Yeonseok chimed in, saying, "That's right. Why didn't you invite me either?"

Byun Yohan replied, "We kept it quiet. It was just a quiet gathering with our families," revealing that he had held an intimate, small wedding with Tiffany Young.

He then shared the reason he was unable to invite Yu Jae-seok, explaining, "Actually, you sent me a text saying, 'Congratulations on getting married, and make sure to invite me if you have a wedding,' but we held a quiet ceremony with only our families."

Hearing this, Yu Jae-seok asked, "Did you really only invite family members?" Byun Yohan humorously defended himself, asking, "Yes, do you think they were fake family?" drawing laughter from everyone.

※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.

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Roh Jae-won revealed an unusual past connection with Yu Jae-seok.

On the September 29 broadcast of SBS' "Whenever Possible," actors Byun Yohan and Roh Jae-won appeared as the show's "gap friends."

On this episode, Byun Yohan and Roh Jae-won, the stars of the movie "Tazza 4," visited the gaps of Incheon. Yoo Yeonseok warmly welcomed them, remarking that the two guests he had been eagerly anticipating since the previous broadcast had finally arrived.

After exchanging greetings with Byun Yohan, Yu Jae-seok asked Roh Jae-won if the two of them had ever crossed paths before. Roh Jae-won replied that they had met once, prompting Yu Jae-seok to search his memory, asking, "Did we see each other at an awards ceremony?"

Roh Jae-won then surprised Yu Jae-seok by revealing, "We unexpectedly ran into each other at a COVID-19 testing site in the past. I was a college student back then." At this, Byun Yohan drew laughs by gesturing as if swabbing his nose and asking, "Did you two do this together?"

Roh Jae-won continued to draw attention with the rare encounter, explaining, "Back then, I was a college student, and because I knew you so well, I thought it would be strange not to say hello, so I greeted you. But when you looked at me, your reaction was basically, 'Wait, is that someone I know?'"

※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.

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Influencer NEEDMORECASH has halted his activities after his former partner came forward with allegations of dating violence—including verbal abuse, physical assault, gaslighting, and property destruction—stating that he "mostly admits" to the claims.

On September 29, an official from NEEDMORECASH's agency, NOB Entertainment, told Sports Seoul, "He admitted that it is true," adding, "After verifying the facts, we confirmed that most of the other party's claims are true." The agency explained that it is currently preparing an official statement on the matter.

Earlier, online user "A," who stated she had broken up with NEEDMORECASH, took to her social media around 11:00 PM on September 28 to disclose what she claimed to have endured during their relationship.

Stating that "his real self felt completely different from the public image he portrays," A also uploaded audio recordings said to have captured the situations. She wrote, "I intend to disclose what I personally experienced along with supporting materials based on facts," adding, "There is absolutely no exaggeration or falsehood in what I am sharing."

The released audio contains the voice of a man hurling profanities and verbal abuse at A. Sounds that appear to be someone violently striking nearby objects were also captured. A claimed that this recording documented an incident that took place on May 29.

In her post, A claimed, "After a drinking session, he hurled verbal abuse for nearly three hours and subjected me to verbal and physical violence, throwing objects and shoving my shoulders and forehead." She continued, "While intoxicated, he cursed profusely at a taxi driver old enough to be his father, and unable to contain his rage, smashed his own phone by throwing it onto the street and threw punches at home appliances and walls."

Allegations were also raised that he made derogatory remarks about fellow creators and regular office workers. A wrote that he had frequently made "disparaging remarks about office workers and people earning a normal living." Additional claims alleged that he regularly used derogatory terms regarding specific regions and online communities in everyday conversation, as well as remarks indicating that he was "tired" of his fans.

Explaining why she decided to come forward belatedly, A said, "Our relationship ended on bad terms, and I wanted a sincere apology, but I never received one." She wrote, "I truly hoped to hear a sincere apology from him until the very end, and with just that, I was willing to forget everything and move on. I feel I gave him many chances, but I do not believe I received a genuine apology." A added, "There is still much more to share. I will return with an additional post."

Following the post, NEEDMORECASH's Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok accounts were deleted, and all videos on his CHZZK channel were set to private.

NEEDMORECASH is an influencer active on YouTube and Instagram who gained widespread recognition for the track "Good Night Ojosama," performed alongside Tanaka (Kim Kyung-wook).

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)

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Actor JEONG YEIN, a member of the group LOVELYZ, is joining Season 2 of the Netflix series "The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call."

On September 29, Netflix officially confirmed, "It is true that JEONG YEIN will appear in Season 2 of 'The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call.'"

JEONG YEIN will play the role of Cheon Jang-mi, a nurse on the severe trauma team. Cheon Jang-mi was originally portrayed by actor Hayoung in Season 1. Hayoung was initially slated to continue her role in Seasons 2 and 3, but she ultimately stepped down from the series after a recent controversy surfaced regarding her great-grandfather's pro-Japanese actions. Regarding her departure, Netflix previously stated, "We respect the actor's position."

To fill the vacancy for Cheon Jang-mi, the production team held auditions, and JEONG YEIN was selected for the role. Anticipation is building to see how JEONG YEIN will bring her own interpretation to the character of Cheon Jang-mi as she joins Season 2 of "The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call."

Meanwhile, JEONG YEIN debuted in 2014 as a member of LOVELYZ and earned immense love from fans with songs like "Ah-Choo" and "Destiny." After transitioning into acting, she has steadily built her filmography across various projects, including the dramas "Criminal Minds," "The Blue Sea," "Na Ra the Socialite Wannabe," "My Friend's Graduation Ceremony," "The Mysterious Chaebol Daughter," and "Codename: Wicked Stepmother." 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)

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The members of group Fin. K.L have captured widespread attention by sharing an update featuring all four members reunited.

On September 29, Lee Jin posted a photo on her social media account alongside heart emojis representing each member's signature color. The picture shows Lee Jin, LEE HYORI, Ock Joo-hyun, and Sung Yu-ri gathered at the office of Gemstone E&M, the agency overseeing the overall planning of the group's full-scale activities.

Earlier, Gemstone E&M officially announced that it was preparing for Fin. K.L's full-group comeback alongside the four members—LEE HYORI, Ock Joo-hyun, Lee Jin, and Sung Yu-ri—marking their first full activities in approximately 21 years.

This marks the first time Fin. K.L is embarking on official group activities in about 21 years since their 2005 digital single "Forever Fin. K.L." The agency officially announced that over the next two years, it plans to progressively showcase documentaries, variety shows, exhibitions, official merchandise, brand collaborations, commercials, and fan projects centered around new music and concerts, meeting fans leading up to their 30th debut anniversary.

CEO Jason Lee, head of group management at Gemstone E&M, stated, "'FIN.K.L RE:BLOOM' goes beyond commemorating Fin. K.L's past; it is a journey where the four members and fans create the next chapter together." He added, "Through activities centered on new music and performances that will continue through their 30th anniversary, you can look forward to witnessing the creation of a legendary K-pop brand." He continued, "We want to create a special moment for fans who have waited for Fin. K.L for a long time, and provide an opportunity for new generations to meet the group for the very first time."

Photo = Gemstone E&M

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)

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Actor Son Ye-jin, who returned to the screen in "The Scandal", shared her candid thoughts on the varied audience reactions and portraying the deeply complex character Lady Cho.

During a roundtable interview for the Netflix original series "The Scandal" held at a cafe in Jongno-gu, Seoul on September 29, Son Ye-jin met with reporters, offering sincere and thoughtful answers throughout. In particular, when asked about the mixed reactions among viewers following the show's release, she shared a calm and honest perspective.

"From the beginning, even though it was a provocative storyline across eight episodes, I didn't think the characters would be universally relatable to the general public," Son Ye-jin explained. "When playing Lady Cho, I didn't see her as a character people could fully empathize with, nor were any of the characters one-dimensional. Because it explores the intricate complexities of human nature, I anticipated that opinions would be divided."

She continued, "In an era where people are accustomed to fast-paced, stimulating content with rapid editing, our series has a slower tempo and features elements like pansori, which might feel unfamiliar. I decided to participate because I believed that distinct quality offered fresh intrigue. Having worked in this industry for decades, finding a project that receives universal acclaim requires every single piece to fall into place, which is never easy. Naturally, I respect each person's opinion. I hope people enjoy the series from their own perspectives, and I humbly accept whatever conversations follow."

"The Scandal" depicts the audacious and dangerous wager of love between Lady Cho (played by Son Ye-jin)—a woman far too exceptionally talented to remain confined by the societal expectations placed on women in the Joseon Dynasty—and Joseon's greatest seducer, Cho-won (played by Ji Changwook), alongside Hee-yeon (played by Nana), a woman entangled in their bet. Based on French author Pierre Choderlos de Laclos's classic novel "Dangerous Liaisons", the story is a masterpiece that has been adapted multiple times, including films such as "Valmont", "Cruel Intentions", and the 2003 film "Untold Scandal" starring Bae Yong-joon, Jeon Do-yeon, and Lee Mi-sook. Returning to historical drama after 24 years, Son Ye-jin took on the role of Lady Cho, who defies Confucian taboos of the Joseon era to propose a wager of seduction, delivering a daring transformation.

Son Ye-jin also opened up about her deep contemplation regarding the ending and her character, Lady Cho. Reflecting on the finale where she is left all alone, Son Ye-jin recalled, "For someone who always maintained a neat facade and cared so much about appearances before others, it felt as though the true Lady Cho was finally revealed. A character who never spoke the truth finally seemed to express what was real through her letter."

Even so, she openly admitted aspects of Lady Cho that were difficult to fully grasp. "The pattern where, after reuniting with Cho-won after a long time, she conceals her feelings, pretends everything is fine while talking about other things, and then suddenly proposes a bet was not entirely easy to understand," Son Ye-jin said. "However, in life, isn't there sometimes a moment when something slips out unintentionally because of what the other person says? I think that misstep is where Lady Cho and Cho-won diverged. If they had been honest with each other, they would have had a different conversation, but the subtle variations that arose from hiding their true feelings are where this story begins."

She added, "Given the many restrictions placed on women during the Joseon Dynasty, I think she suppressed her desires when an exceptional individual couldn't realize her potential. Rather than being honest, she appears full of ulterior motives. Because she is such a layered character, I constantly found myself wondering what kind of emptiness drove her to make such choices, asking myself with every script release, 'What is she feeling that leads her to act like this?'"

All eight episodes of the Netflix series "The Scandal" were released on September 18.

[Photo=Netflix]

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)

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SOYEON of the group i-dle has once again achieved a Perfect All-Kill (PAK) across major music streaming charts.

As of September 28, "I'm gonna TOESA (Narr. Kian84)", the title track of SOYEON's first full-length album, swept the top spots on major domestic charts. After claiming No. 1 on the real-time and daily charts of Melon, Genie, and Bugs, the song also climbed to the top of YouTube Music's weekly top songs chart, FLO's 24-hour top songs chart, VIBE's Today TOP 100 chart, and iChart's real-time and weekly charts, cementing an official Perfect All-Kill. SOYEON shared that even after wrapping up official television promotions, the track has maintained its reign atop the charts, continuing its hot streak.

Following i-dle's "TOMBOY", "Nxde", "Queencard", and "Fate" — all of which she participated in writing and composing — SOYEON has now notched her fifth career Perfect All-Kill with "I'm gonna TOESA (Narr. Kian84)". This marks her very first time hitting the milestone with a self-produced solo track rather than a release by the full group.

Her explosive popularity has extended to university festivals as well. SOYEON took the stage at Chosun University on September 16 and Induk University on September 23, and is set to perform at Jeonju University's festival on September 30.

SOYEON's first full-length album "What a Wonderful Life" spans a wide variety of genres, including rock, hyperpop, and disco. Across eight tracks, including the title song "I'm gonna TOESA (Narr. Kian84)", she captures an array of emotions ranging from love and heartbreak to anxiety and liberation.

Photo = CUBE Entertainment

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)

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SM Entertainment has warned of strong legal action in response to malicious posts targeting aespa member WINTER.

In an official statement, SM Entertainment declared, "We issue a stern warning that we will take strong legal action against the continuous circulation of malicious posts targeting our agency artist aespa's WINTER."

The agency stated, "Currently, unlawful posts and content—including the spread of false rumors, defamation, insults, malicious slander, personal attacks, and sexual harassment against the artist—continue to be posted across various platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, theqoo, Instiz, DC Inside, Women's Generation, and Nate Pann." The agency added, "Following a thorough review by a legal firm, we plan to proceed step-by-step with legal action, including filing criminal complaints."

The agency further emphasized, "We will also respond without exception to illegal acts committed on anonymous message boards and social media beyond the aforementioned platforms. Regardless of whether it occurs domestically or internationally, we will secure materials necessary to track the creation and distribution paths of the posts and identify the authors, and subsequently request an investigation from the competent investigative agencies." The agency added, "We will hold perpetrators firmly accountable to the fullest extent of the law under a zero-tolerance policy, without any leniency or settlement. We urge everyone to take special care not to participate in criminal acts."

Malicious posts surrounding WINTER have continued since dating rumors with BTS member JUNG KOOK surfaced late last year. In December last year, speculation of matching couple tattoos spread across online communities based on claims that the two had inked similar designs. While neither side confirmed nor denied the dating rumors, aggressive posts directed at WINTER appear to have escalated since then.

Photo = Reporter Baek Seung-cheol

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)

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Actor Son Ye-jin, who has returned with "The Scandal," opened up candidly about life as a mother and the weight she feels as an actor.

During a round-table interview for the Netflix original series "The Scandal" held at a cafe in Jongno-gu, Seoul on September 29, Son Ye-jin welcomed reporters with honest and witty answers throughout.

When asked about a past appearance on the variety show "Chef & My Fridge," where she playfully bragged that her son had looks that made it "hard not to become a celebrity," Son Ye-jin burst into shy laughter. "Seeing what I said on a variety show in print felt completely different. Watching someone say it on video versus seeing it written down as 'It's hard for my son not to become a celebrity' are two very different things," she explained. "I realized words in print can be intimidating. I even regretted saying it because I worried I might come across as obnoxious."

When asked whether her perspective as an actor or her attitude toward life had shifted since becoming a mother, Son Ye-jin first expressed deep admiration for those balancing work and family. "I truly respect everyone who balances parenting and a career," she said.

"As a mother, even outside of active parenting hours, your brain has to run at full capacity thinking about your child. From small things like side dishes to preschool supplies, diaper counts, and what the next step is, there are simply so many details to manage," she shared. "When working, it's hard enough to go all-in on work alone, but you also have to keep using the rest of your mental energy to care for your child, which can feel overwhelming. I think that's why moms have it so tough," she added, praising the dedication of all working mothers.

She continued, "Fortunately, now that he is four years old, we can communicate, and he understands when he is being scolded. I'm thankful that he doesn't throw big tantrums. Even though parenting is hard, the happiness a child brings is incomparable, so I live with immense gratitude just to be able to spend time with my precious family."

With second-generation actors drawing attention in the industry lately, she was also asked how she would react if her son wanted to pursue acting in the future.

"I would be all for it," Son Ye-jin said. "In fact, children of actors often develop an interest or curiosity about this work before debuting. Because it's what their parents do, they see that world from a broader perspective and get curious about it." She added, "If he has talent, I think I would encourage him. If I don't see the talent in him but he still insists on trying, I would let him try first and help him pivot if it turns out not to be his path." She then joked, "From what I've seen so far, he is quite expressive. But during things like a Christmas concert, he freezes up completely on his own. It seems he has terrible stage fright."

As part of a celebrity couple, she also shared the challenges of dealing with privacy exposure during family trips. "When we go on family vacations, many people take photos, and I often approach them politely to ask if they could delete them," Son Ye-jin revealed. "For us, it can't be helped, but our child should still be able to move around comfortably without restrictions. When it comes to exposing our child's face, I inevitably become sensitive."

Meanwhile, "The Scandal," starring Son Ye-jin, tells the story of Lady Jo (played by Son Ye-jin), a woman whose extraordinary talents are stifled by the societal constraints placed on women in the Joseon era, and Jo Won (played by Ji Changwook), Joseon's greatest seducer, as they engage in a daring, dangerous love bet involving another woman named Hee-yeon (played by Nana). Based on French author Pierre Choderlos de Laclos's classic novel "Dangerous Liaisons," the work is a masterpiece that has been reinterpreted multiple times, including films such as "Valmont," "Cruel Intentions," and the 2003 movie "Untold Scandal" starring Bae Yong-joon, Jeon Do-yeon, and Lee Mi-sook.

Returning to historical dramas after 24 years, Son Ye-jin delivered an unconventional transformation as Lady Jo, who challenges Confucian Joseon taboos by proposing a bet of seduction. All eight episodes of the Netflix series "The Scandal" were released on September 18.

[Photo = Netflix]

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)

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