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The identity of the true strangers in the slums has been revealed.

On the broadcast of SBS "Tails of Tales" on the 9th, the program tracked the tragic deaths of US military comfort women.

In 1992, a woman was brutally murdered in a slum in Dongducheon, Gyeonggi-do. The woman, who was found naked with her face crushed, died from blood loss due to a laceration on her forehead.

Several foreign objects were inserted into the victim's body, and the state of the corpse, which was too horrific to even describe, shocked viewers.

The name of the woman who died at a scene of such devastating insult, where human dignity was shattered, was Yun Geum-i. Through the investigation, the culprit was identified as Kenneth Markle, a 19-year-old private in the US 2nd Infantry Division.

However, the police did not even investigate or detain Markle after catching him. This was due to the clauses of the Korea-US SOFA agreement. The agreement, created on July 12, 1950, when the nation's safety was shaken by the outbreak of the Korean War, could not be considered fair.

Although a Korean in her 20s was brutally killed in Korea, the Korean side could not even detain the US military criminal. The investigation was conducted only during limited hours and in the presence of US officials, and the initiative for the initial investigation was held by the US side.

As a result, it was impossible for a proper investigation to take place. Eventually, public anger reached its peak, and the citizens of Dongducheon even gave up their livelihoods to hold a "US military rejection movement," demanding the punishment of Markle.

At the time, Korean society showed a lukewarm response to crimes committed by US soldiers, especially murder. From 1967 to 1987, there were 39,452 confirmed crimes committed by US soldiers, and only 234 of them went to trial in Korea.

On October 27, 1992, Markle, who visited a club in front of the base, encountered Yun Geum-i while returning in a drunken state and claimed that he had kindly walked her home. He then made a one-sided claim that Yun Geum-i attacked him there, and he committed violence in self-defense.

He also claimed that he was not involved in her death and that a US soldier named Lambert, who was usually close to Yun Geum-i, was the real culprit, having killed her out of jealousy after seeing them together. However, during the investigation, Lambert's alibi was confirmed, and Markle continued to repeat lies.

Furthermore, he sparked outrage with his outrageous remark about Yun Geum-i, saying, "She didn't do anything to deserve death, but she did do something to deserve a beating." Markle did not apologize to Yun Geum-i even in his final statement. Consequently, the court sentenced Markle to life imprisonment.

Markle, who did not accept the verdict, appealed, and in the appellate trial, he was sentenced to 15 years in prison, which was finalized by the Supreme Court.

Markle was 19 years old at the time of the crime. An expert analyzed his crime, noting, "It is displaced aggression. Expressing his own anger is prioritized over the goal of killing this person. Because Lambert is a difficult target to project his violence onto, he is insulting and instrumentalizing the victim. It is speculated that he mutilated the victim's body while she was still alive to demonstrate his own anger and omnipotence." There was even an analysis that Markle appeared to have an antisocial personality disorder.

Then why did Yun Geum-i become the protagonist of such a horrific incident? Around the same time, another murder occurred in Dongducheon. It was the death of a woman who lived in the same neighborhood and did the same work as Yun Geum-i. In fact, they were "camp town women" or US military comfort women, often called "Yang-gongju" or "Yang-saeksi."

The camp towns created by the state were places where the state permitted and encouraged prostitution. The Park Chung-hee regime, which encouraged and sponsored the camp towns, even implemented a "camp town purification measure" for US soldiers when the foreign currency earned from US military-related businesses reached 70 million dollars, thereby taking control of the camp towns.

However, the country remained silent about the murders of camp town women that occurred all over the country at the time. Feeling abandoned by their country, these camp town women were the true strangers in the slums.

Markle, who was paroled after 12 years and 3 months in prison and returned to the US, lived an ordinary life. However, even after returning to the US, he committed over 10 crimes, including drunk driving, fraud, child support issues, domestic violence, and trespassing. He denied his charges until the end and died at the age of 50.

Yun Geum-i's remains were hastily cremated two days after the incident and scattered at the Sangpae-dong communal cemetery. The Sangpae-dong communal cemetery was a place where camp town women were buried without even a tombstone.

However, it was recently revealed that as park construction progressed, bodies with next of kin were relocated after being collected by bereaved families, and the remains of those without next of kin were relocated by a funeral service company. In particular, there were 780 unclaimed graves there, most of which were graves of camp town women.

Then, in 2022, the Supreme Court ruling on a damages lawsuit filed by US military comfort women against the state, which had been ongoing for 8 years, was released. In their final statement, the camp town women appealed their grievances, saying, "What did we do wrong to be abandoned by our own country? It is so unfair that we lived our lives as patriots earning dollars inside, while being looked down upon outside."

In response, the Supreme Court acknowledged state violence against the victims, stating, "The Republic of Korea has a responsibility to compensate." After the Supreme Court ruling, the victims felt as if they had become citizens of the Republic of Korea for the first time.

Out of 122 US military comfort women, 27 women passed away during that time. The survivors placed the written judgment on the graves of the deceased who could not see the ruling until the end. And this past March, the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family officially apologized for the US military comfort women issue.

Finally, a former US military comfort woman expressed her only wish, saying, "I just wish they would look at us normally, as the same human beings," evoking deep sadness.

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

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Who will reach whom amidst conflicting emotions?

On the July 9 episode of the SBS show "Match To Marry: With Parents 2", the male and female contestants began their full-scale exploration of one another.

Kwon Ye-chan, who went on an evening date with Ahn Do-yoon, opened his condition notebook upon returning to the house. He stated, "I thought I would like to talk more with Do-yoon, and the people I want to get to know better are Do-yoon, Da-hye, and Jeong-yoon."

Kwon Ye-chan's mother mentioned Kang Shin-woo, who is pursuing Kim Da-hye, asking, "Da-hye has already been claimed, so what will you do?" Kwon Ye-chan showed confidence, saying, "That doesn't matter. I don't think of it as a competition. Everyone should just do their own thing."

Kwon Ye-chan also mentioned that he didn't feel a sense of excitement during his date with Ahn Do-yoon, and that he planned to have a one-on-one conversation with Kim Da-hye, even if it was brief.

Watching this, Kim Yo-han remarked, "You are very thorough," and added, "I have a strange feeling that if you keep doing that, you will end up with nothing," predicting Kwon Ye-chan's future and drawing laughter.

However, contrary to his prediction, Kwon Ye-chan had a conversation with Kim Da-hye as he had hoped. He happened to run into her and made time for it.

The two talked naturally and asked each other questions. In particular, Kim Da-hye asked if Kwon Ye-chan's name meant what they expected (praise for Jesus). Kwon Ye-chan confirmed it and revealed that he shares the same religion as Kim Da-hye, drawing attention.

While they were deep in conversation, Kim Da-hye looked at Kwon Ye-chan's feet and said, "I have an occupational disease where I look at feet, and these are very sad feet. You have flat feet, too." She massaged his feet, which made Kwon Ye-chan scream, causing laughter.

The panelists watching this commented, "It is not easy to have physical contact while talking for the first time. Also, Kim Da-hye's expression seems a bit more affectionate than when she is with Kang Shin-woo. They even share the same religion. So, I am worried about Shin-woo," expressing curiosity about what changes might occur.

On this day, Moon Seong-mo requested a one-on-one conversation with Choi Jeong-yoon after their evening date. He confessed that he had been interested in Choi Jeong-yoon from the beginning. Choi Jeong-yoon also cleared up her misunderstandings about Moon Seong-mo and her interest in him increased, which drew attention.

However, she revealed that her current number one interest is Lee In-kwon, and she wanted to have more diverse conversations with him. Choi Jeong-yoon went to Lee In-kwon's room to meet him in person. At this time, Lee In-kwon also left his room to meet someone.

The panelists watching this said, "It seems they are going to each other. If they run into each other like this, the emotion will be even greater," looking forward to their meeting. However, the two missed each other. It turned out that Lee In-kwon went to see Ahn Do-yoon, not Choi Jeong-yoon.

He honestly said, "After the evening date, my interest in Choi Jeong-yoon decreased. I felt that her interest in me was not that high." He also confessed that even while choosing Choi Jeong-yoon, he kept thinking about Ahn Do-yoon, and that his interest in her remained, raising curiosity about how their relationships will change in the future.

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

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Yang Ha-yoon shed tears following a question from Kim Dong-young.

On the July 9th broadcast of SBS's "Match To Marry: With Parents 2", Kim Dong-young enjoyed a one-on-one dinner date with Yang Ha-yoon.

During the date, Kim Dong-young brought up his first impression choice. He drew attention by saying, "I still feel bad about the day I made my first choice." Seo Jang-hoon reacted by shouting, "That was the worst. The worst choice," which brought laughter.

Kim Dong-young honestly expressed his apology, saying, "I am only saying this now, but it still weighs on my mind." In response, Yang Ha-yoon said she was looking forward to Kim Dong-young's self-introduction. Kim Dong-young then sincerely added, "I hope you continue to be curious about me after this."

Yang Ha-yoon could not hide her excitement, saying, "I like that. This is the first time I have felt my heart flutter since coming here."

Kim Dong-young then mentioned how Yang Ha-yoon takes good care of those around her, and asked an unexpected question: "But it seems like you do not feel happiness in your daily life. Even if you take care of others, you need to be able to take care of yourself to properly care for them. I am curious, are you taking care of yourself?"

Overwhelmed, Yang Ha-yoon shed tears. She explained why she cried, saying, "I was a bit shocked. It is true that I have not been taking care of myself while working and looking after the people around me. I really did not expect that question."

Yang Ha-yoon then asked Kim Dong-young the same question. He replied, "I have lived my life constantly asking myself if I could find happiness within me." When Yang Ha-yoon asked if he had found the answer, Kim Dong-young drew attention by saying, "I came here to find the answer. I came with the mindset that if I cannot find it alone, we can find it together."

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

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Lee Kang-hyun has received 0 votes once again.

On the episode of SBS's "Match To Marry: With Parents 2" that aired on the 9th, the male contestants chose their date partners.

In this episode, the contestants went on dates based on the pairings determined by their mothers. Afterward, the male contestants were asked to choose their partners for an evening date.

The selection began with Moon Seong-mo. Moon Seong-mo, who had previously gone on a date with Kim Da-hye, moved to stand next to Choi Jung-yoon. Choi Jung-yoon expressed her surprise at the unexpected choice, saying, "What is this? Why did he come here? I was surprised because I thought he had no interest in me at all."

Next, Kang Shin-woo, who had been on a date with Choi Jung-yoon, stood next to Kim Da-hye as expected. Kim Dong-young chose Yang Ha-yoon, matching his mother's choice. Kwon Ye-chan, who had been on a 2-on-1 date with them, surprised everyone by leaving Yang Ha-yoon and choosing Ahn Do-yoon.

Ahn Do-yoon, who finally escaped the 0-vote streak, could not hide her joy, saying, "I feel so good. Thank you so much. I thought I would get 0 votes again," which brought laughter.

Meanwhile, Lee In-kwon maintained his choice of Choi Jung-yoon. Lee In-kwon explained his reason for choosing her, saying, "I felt a sense of regret from our lunch date, and I wanted to quench that thirst."

Finally, Lee Kang-hyun received 0 votes again. He tried to laugh it off, saying, "Mom, we need to leave the show," which drew sympathy from viewers.

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

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Singer Eru, who had suspended his activities after facing legal consequences for driving under the influence and a "driver swapping" controversy, has shared his feelings on returning to the broadcast stage after 4 years.

On the 7th, Eru posted a short message along with a video of his performance on his social media. He shared his thoughts, saying, "It was a stage I was very cautious and nervous about, as it was my first time back in a long time," and added, "I am grateful and it was meaningful to be able to show my mother my performance on screen once again." He concluded his message by saying, "I was happy and enjoyed the experience thanks to the support and encouragement of many people."

The released video shows Eru bowing 90 degrees on stage to greet the public cautiously, as well as scenes of him preparing for the performance with a serious expression in the waiting room.

Previously, Eru appeared on the 5th-anniversary special of the TV Chosun variety program "Lovers of Joseon," titled "Lovers of Joseon Singing Contest," which aired on the 6th, and took the stage with his father, Tae Jin-ah. During the performance, he sang his hit song "Black Glasses" and his father's signature song "Ok-gyeong-i." Notably, "Black Glasses" is known to be the favorite song of his mother, who is currently battling dementia.

This marks the first time in about 4 years that Eru has stood before the public and held a microphone since he entered a period of self-reflection following his DUI controversy in 2022. In September 2022, he was caught driving under the influence and was sent to trial on charges including attempting "driver swapping" with a passenger. He also faced charges for another DUI incident in December of the same year, in which he hit a guardrail.

At the time, the Defendant's attorney appealed for leniency in court, stating, "His mother is suffering from severe dementia and relies heavily on her son, the Defendant. Please consider the fact that he has been devoted to caring for his mother." The court sentenced Eru to 6 months in prison, suspended for 1 year, and a fine of 100,000 KRW.

After spending a long period of self-reflection, Eru first revealed his daily life of devotedly caring for his mother on the July 2nd broadcast of "The Lover of Joseon," and has now signaled his full-scale return to the entertainment industry starting with this special performance.

[Photo = Eru Instagram] 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)

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The couple YouTuber duo Yongsuk Couple, who amassed 100,000 subscribers, has officially ended their marriage.

Yongsuk recently launched a new YouTube channel titled 'Yussi's Vlog' and shared the news in her first video, stating, "Over the past eight months, I lost my father, and in less than three months after that, I also concluded my long marriage."

She continued, "Because we were a couple YouTuber channel, I had to let go of my work, which was the biggest part of my life. I realized I couldn't just stay at home. I booked a flight and headed to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, without a plan. As soon as I arrived in Ho Chi Minh City, I felt like I could breathe again. It felt like I was finding myself. I want to start over, even if it is on my own. I plan to document the process of a woman in her mid-30s slowly getting back on her feet."

She also calmly shared her feelings following the divorce. "I thought I would feel burdened by having to take responsibility for everything on my own, but it is actually better than I thought. It feels lighter. I am confident in my ability to make a living," she said with a smile.

Regarding her ex-husband, she expressed her support, saying, "I cannot go into detail, but we have parted ways on good terms, wishing the best for each other. I truly want him to succeed because he is someone I grew up with."

Previously, the Yongsuk Couple announced the closure of their original channel last month, stating, "There have been many changes over the past period, and after much deliberation, we have decided to end this channel here." At the time, they did not disclose specific reasons, saying, "We cannot share the personal details, but we are grateful to those who have been with us."

The Yongsuk Couple gained popularity for their travel-focused content. The two published an essay titled 'Things that Make Life Free,' which covered their working holiday experiences, world backpacking trips, and their journey as content creators. They also engaged in charitable activities, including donations through volunteer organizations. 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)

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The film "Portrait of a Family", starring actors Ryu Seung-ryong, Ha Ji-won, and Kim Sia, has confirmed its theatrical release for September 2.

"Portrait of a Family" is a family saga that follows top star couple Joong-gu (Ryu Seung-ryong) and Nam-mi (Ha Ji-won). After their marriage falls apart due to the sudden appearance of Joong-gu’s daughter, Dong-ju (Kim Sia), the couple finds themselves entangled in a shocking incident eight years later. They must risk everything they have left to uncover the truth and save Dong-ju.

The launching poster and trailer released alongside the announcement capture the symbolism of the title "Portrait of a Family" and the film’s emotional tone, sparking curiosity.

The launching poster draws attention with the back view of Ryu Seung-ryong as Joong-gu, reminiscent of the figure holding an umbrella under a weeping willow in the "Portrait of a Family" playing card. The trailer begins with a narration by Ha Ji-won, who plays Nam-mi, explaining the meaning of "Portrait of a Family". The poster’s tagline, "The brightest card in a moment of crisis," and the trailer’s narration—"On a rainy day, a frog was jumping to reach a weeping willow to avoid being swept away by the torrent. It fell, and fell again, but the frog did not give up, and finally caught the willow to survive"—foreshadow the solidarity and deep family love of characters who cling to each other to survive, much like the meaning behind the "Portrait of a Family" card.

"Portrait of a Family" is the latest work by director Lee Ji-won, who won Best New Director in the film category at the 55th Baeksang Arts Awards for Miss Baek and recently garnered attention for the drama Climax.

In the film, Ryu Seung-ryong plays Joong-gu, a former top baseball player who hit rock bottom after the appearance of Dong-ju and is now a father who will stop at nothing to protect her.

Ha Ji-won plays Nam-mi, a former top star whose life collapsed instantly due to the sudden arrival of Dong-ju, leaving her to live as a struggling celebrity. Kim Sia, who made her debut in the film "Miss Baek" after beating a 600-to-1 competition rate and has since been building a diverse acting career, transforms into the role of Dong-ju.

They are joined by veteran actors Kim Hae-sook, Kim Sunyoung, and Kim Young-min, who appear as a unique family that fears nothing when it comes to protecting Dong-ju.

"Portrait of a Family" will be available in theaters on September 2.

(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)

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Actor Choi Dae-hoon is on an unstoppable roll. Having turned every recent project he touches into a jackpot, he is now taking the global market by storm with the SBS Friday-Saturday drama "Agent Kim Reactivated".

In the currently airing SBS drama "Agent Kim Reactivated" (written by Nam Dae-jung, directed by Lee Seung-young and Lee So-eun), Choi delivers a compelling performance as Seong Han-su, a character who is the complete package—possessing brilliant intelligence, an imposing physique, and elite martial arts skills. Known for his chameleon-like transformations across various works, Choi has successfully reimagined the typical middle-aged man we see in our daily lives as the coolest guy around, earning explosive support from viewers.

Choi Dae-hoon's true value lies in his versatile acting that transcends genres and his exceptional chemistry with his co-stars. In "Agent Kim Reactivated", he injects vitality into the narrative, balancing potentially dark and heavy moments with his signature witty delivery, while also leaving audiences in awe with high-level action sequences, including a 1440-degree spinning kick. Most notably, the perfect chemistry among the trio of So Jisub, Yoon Kyungho, and Choi is cited as the primary driver of the show's syndrome-level popularity. The fourth episode of "Agent Kim Reactivated" recorded a nationwide viewership rating of 21.6% (based on Nielsen Korea), breaking the record for the highest-rated drama of the year.

The massive success of "Agent Kim Reactivated" in the domestic market is also reflected in global charts. According to Netflix's official engagement site, Tudum, on July 8, "Agent Kim Reactivated" surpassed 10.5 million views worldwide, proudly taking the number one spot on the Netflix Global Top 10 list for non-English TV shows. It also entered the Top 10 in 79 countries simultaneously, proving its appeal to audiences far beyond Asia.

Last year, Choi won the Best Supporting Actor award at the Baeksang Arts Awards for his role as Bu Sang-gil in the hit Netflix series "When Life Gives You Tangerines", where he popularized the catchphrase "Hak-ssi." He then attempted a unique transformation in "The WONDERfools", playing Son Gyeong-hun, a character with sticky superpowers. His performance was particularly impressive in a scene where he nonchalantly pretended to be hypnotized to hide his identity among a group of brainwashed cult followers; his natural comedic acting in this "zombie-like" state went viral on short-form platforms both domestically and internationally, making the character a fan favorite.

Now, with his action-packed performance in "Agent Kim Reactivated", Choi Dae-hoon is receiving widespread acclaim for his limitless acting spectrum.

Having established himself as an irreplaceable pillar of K-content by building unique characters that range from deeply humanistic roles to charismatic action leads, Choi Dae-hoon continues his unstoppable streak. The drama "Agent Kim Reactivated", which is breaking viewership records with every episode, airs every Friday and Saturday at 9:50 PM on SBS.

[Photo= Ace Factory] 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)

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Lee In-kwon is sending hearts racing on "Match to Marry 2" with his fearless flirting toward Choi Jung-yoon.

In the third episode of the SBS variety show "Match to Marry 2", airing tonight, July 9, at 9 PM, the love lines among the single men and women shift as they enter their second day of living together. The episode will also feature Lee In-kwon’s bold, direct approach that left the studio MCs in total shock.

"Match to Marry 2" is a reality dating show where 10 singles desperate for marriage and their 10 mothers live together for 5 nights and 6 days, all racing toward the final destination of marriage. Thanks to the relatable commentary from MCs Seo Jang-hoon, Lee Yo-won, and Kim Yo-han, the show hit number 1 on Netflix's Top 10 Series in South Korea after just one episode and has maintained the top spot for five consecutive days, dominating the buzz.

This episode unveils the Mom-Picked Date, where the contestants are matched by the mothers of the men. Among them, Choi Jung-yoon, a former Miss Korea who runs a beauty pageant academy and has been a popular contestant since day one, goes on a 2-on-1 date with Lee In-kwon and Kang Shin-woo, creating palpable tension.

Lee In-kwon’s bold, straight-shooting style truly shone during this love triangle. Breaking the ice of their first date, Lee In-kwon subtly expressed his interest in Choi Jung-yoon by saying, "You look like actor Gong Seung-yeon." He then followed up with a powerful punch during their conversation about ideal types, declaring, "My ideal type is Gong Seung-yeon", leaving Choi Jung-yoon heart-fluttered.

Choi Jung-yoon was so caught off guard by Lee In-kwon’s calculated flirting that she nearly choked on her drink. However, she also shyly confessed her excitement, saying, "You were so direct, it actually made me more curious about what kind of person you are", signaling a major shift in the show's love lines.

The reaction in the studio was just as heated. Lee Yo-won couldn't hide her surprise, remarking, "It was so sudden and heart-fluttering. It was a clean, refreshing type of flirting that didn't feel burdensome." Even Seo Jang-hoon reportedly gave rare praise, commenting, "He has great sense."

Will Lee In-kwon’s courageous, direct approach be enough to win the heart of the popular contestant Choi Jung-yoon? Find out on "Match to Marry 2", airing tonight, July 9, at 9 PM. 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)

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The film "THE EYES", starring actor Shin Mina, has surpassed 1 million viewers nationwide.

Distributor BY4M Studio announced on the afternoon of the 9th that "'THE EYES' surpassed 1 million viewers as of 2:30 PM on Thursday, July 9 (based on the Korean Film Council's integrated computer network for movie theater tickets)."

Reaching the 1 million mark just 16 days after its release, the film is performing two days faster than "Noise", which led the box office for genre films last summer with a cumulative total of 1.7 million viewers.

"THE EYES" has shown a steady upward trend, drawing more viewers in its second week than in its first, and maintaining that momentum into its third week. During the weekdays of its third week, it even surpassed "Toy Story 5" to take the number one spot at the box office. It is currently maintaining a top-three position following the release of "Moana".

"THE EYES" is a suspense thriller about Seo-jin, who is gradually losing her sight due to a genetic disease, as she uncovers the truth behind the suspicious death of her twin sibling. The film stars Shin Mina and Kim Nam-hee and is directed by newcomer Yeom Ji-ho. 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)

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Actor Yoon Kyungho, the star of the SBS Friday-Saturday drama "Agent Kim Reactivated", which is currently enjoying massive success with viewership ratings surpassing 20 percent, is set to fulfill an unprecedented 13-hour vow of silence.

On July 8, SBS announced the event via its official social media channels, titled <SBS Drama "Agent Kim Reactivated" Invitation Event - Yoon Kyungho Viewership Rating Pledge: Silent Fan Sign Event>, drawing significant attention from fans.

This event will feature a fan signing session held during the 13-hour period of silence that actor Yoon Kyungho promised to observe. SBS added a witty note, stating, "You are free to speak, but actor Yoon absolutely cannot," heightening anticipation for the fun and unique atmosphere of the event.

Previously, at the press conference for "Agent Kim Reactivated" held on June 25, Yoon Kyungho made the pledge, saying, "Since So Jisub is returning to SBS after 13 years, if we surpass 13 percent in viewership ratings, and if my schedule allows, I will observe a 13-day vow of silence. If that is not possible, I will do it for at least 13 hours."

Known in the entertainment industry for being quite talkative, Yoon Kyungho volunteered for this vow of silence. "Agent Kim Reactivated" achieved a nationwide viewership rating of 15.7 percent after just two episodes, easily clearing the 13 percent threshold. The most recent fourth episode even hit a phenomenal personal best of 21.6 percent, solidifying its position as the biggest hit of the year.

Consequently, Yoon Kyungho has confirmed he will fulfill his promise to the fans. On July 13, the day of his pledge, he is scheduled to appear as a guest on the live broadcast of SBS Power FM's Cultwo Show, where he will have to participate in the radio program without saying a single word. Following the radio broadcast, a fan signing event is scheduled to take place at the SBS Broadcasting Center in Mok-dong at 4:00 PM that same day.

Fans are eagerly watching to see how Yoon Kyungho will manage to navigate both a radio broadcast and a fan signing event while maintaining his 13-hour vow of silence. 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)

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J.Y. Park (54), the oldest active dance singer in the industry, is fully prepared to meet his fans as he gears up for his appearance at "Waterbomb Seoul 2026" with a bold dance challenge.

The "Waterbomb" organizers recently released a challenge video of J.Y. Park on their official social media channels, accompanied by the caption, "Get wet, make me sweat."

In the video, J.Y. Park appears wearing a white sleeveless T-shirt and pants. Looking noticeably leaner—as if he has recently lost weight—he caught viewers' attention with a lively performance alongside male and female dancers. He wrapped up the clip by firing a water gun at the camera, heightening anticipation for his upcoming stage.

Prior to this, J.Y. Park built even more excitement with an acting challenge. He showcased various emotions, including temptation, sadness, aegyo (cuteness), and anger, while asking, "Are you coming to Waterbomb?" His signature aegyo version, in particular, drew significant attention.

Celebrating his 31st anniversary since debut, the veteran singer has received an enthusiastic response from fans for his willingness to fearlessly take on new challenges. This marks his second consecutive year performing at the Waterbomb festival.

Last year, J.Y. Park made headlines by performing his hit songs while wearing a hot pink see-through halter neck outfit and plastic pants.

J.Y. Park is scheduled to take the stage for TEAM GREEN at "Waterbomb Seoul 2026", which will be held at the outdoor Global Stage at KINTEX in Goyang, Gyeonggi-do, on July 26. 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)

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The team behind the film "HOPE" is proving their dedication to promotion by confirming a packed schedule of stage greetings that will run through the third week of the film's release.

"HOPE" has confirmed stage greetings starting on its release date of July 15, followed by July 17 (Fri), July 18 (Sat), July 19 (Sun), the second weekend of July 25 (Sat) and July 26 (Sun), and continuing into the third week on July 29 (Wed), July 30 (Thu), July 31 (Fri), August 1 (Sat), and August 2 (Sun).

While stage greetings for new films are typically scheduled around the release date and weekends (Friday to Sunday), the "HOPE" team has added extra dates on July 16 (Thu), July 23 (Thu), and July 24 (Fri). The director, the lead actors, and Eum Moon-suk, who played a scene-stealing role in the film, will be working together as one team.

On July 16 (Thu), the day after the release, director Na Hong-jin, Hwang Jung-min, Zo In-sung, Jung Hoyeon, and Eum Moon-suk will visit Megabox Guui Eastpole, CGV Apgujeong, and Megabox COEX in sequence to express their gratitude to the audience.

On July 23 (Thu), Hwang Jung-min, Zo In-sung, Jung Hoyeon, and Eum Moon-suk will visit Lotte Cinema Hongik Univ. Station, Megabox Hongdae, and CGV Hongdae to provide various fan services. The following day, July 24 (Fri), director Na Hong-jin, Hwang Jung-min, Zo In-sung, Jung Hoyeon, and Eum Moon-suk will visit CGV Apgujeong, Lotte Cinema Konkuk Univ. Station, and Megabox Guui Eastpole to spend special time with the audience.

For the third week of release, director Na Hong-jin, Hwang Jung-min, Zo In-sung, Jung Hoyeon, and Eum Moon-suk have also confirmed additional stage greeting dates to meet with fans. On July 29 (Wed), they will visit CGV Yongsan I'Park Mall, and on July 30 (Thu), they will visit CGV Wangsimni to respond to the audience's support. They will continue on August 1 (Sat) at CGV Ulsan Samsan and CGV Centum City, and on the following day, August 2 (Sun), they will express their thanks to the audience at CGV Daegu Hanhil and CGV Daegu.

"HOPE" begins when Beom-seok, the head of the Hopo Port branch office located in the Demilitarized Zone, hears news from local youths that a tiger has appeared, leading to a state of emergency in the village as they encounter an unbelievable reality.

Proving the high anticipation for the film, it reached number one in pre-sales at the fastest pace this year as soon as tickets opened. With a week left until the release, it has already recorded a pre-sale rate approaching 50% and nearly 200,000 tickets sold. 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)

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The final installment of the iconic Tazza series, "Tazza: The Song of Beelzebub", has officially confirmed its release for the upcoming Chuseok holiday season.

"Tazza: The Song of Beelzebub" is a crime film that follows Jang Tae-young (Byun Yo-han), who believed he had the world at his feet through his online casino business, and his best friend of the same name, Park Tae-young (Roh Jae-won), who strips him of everything. The two eventually cross paths again in a global gambling ring to settle the score in a high-stakes game of revenge.

As the final chapter of the "Tazza" comic series by Huh Young-man, the film has confirmed its release for this September, coinciding with the Chuseok holiday. Along with the announcement, the production team unveiled a teaser poster and a rival-themed trailer. The promotional materials highlight the film's commitment to the original spirit of the "Tazza" series while showcasing a production quality that invites audiences into the deepest and most expansive world of poker ever seen in the franchise.

The teaser poster captures the intense conflict between Jang Tae-young (Byun Yo-han) and Park Tae-young (Roh Jae-won), two men who share the same name but are destined for different paths. With the tagline, "The friend I trusted most has become my most cruel hand," the poster builds palpable tension among the characters standing on the edge of the global gambling scene.

The poster also introduces a stellar supporting cast: Kaneko (Miyoshi Ayaka), the mastermind behind the global gambling ring; Jo Joong-hwan (Yoon Kyungho), whom Jang Tae-young meets at a life-or-death crossroads; and the legendary gambler Kwak Dong-wook (Jo Woo-jin), who mentors Jang Tae-young in the art of poker.

The accompanying rival trailer offers a glimpse into the thrilling scale of the global gambling world and the parade of captivating characters befitting the finale of the "Tazza" series. The short preview captures the transformation of the relationship between the naturally gifted Jang Tae-young (Byun Yo-han) and the hardworking, genius-level Park Tae-young (Roh Jae-won) from best friends to bitter rivals, as well as Jang Tae-young's sharpening of his blade for revenge.

Expectations are high as to whether "Tazza: The Song of Beelzebub" will successfully honor the series' originality while introducing a fresh evolution to the franchise. The film will be available in theaters this September. 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)

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BTS has set another historic milestone, performing for approximately 130,000 fans in London.

BTS held their BTS WORLD TOUR "ARIRANG" IN LONDON at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on July 6–7 (local time). All tickets for the concerts sold out immediately upon release. According to the concert promoter Live Nation, BTS drew approximately 130,000 fans over the two days, setting the record for the highest attendance per show at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium since it opened in April 2019.

BTS has consistently left meaningful marks whenever they visit London. Following their historic achievement as the first Korean artists to hold a solo concert at Wembley Stadium in June 2019, they have added a new record to their legacy upon returning to London as a full group after about seven years.

The excitement in London was palpable even before the shows began. Tottenham Hotspur Stadium introduced BTS as "Pop Royalty" through their official channels. The official Korean-language account for Tottenham Hotspur also welcomed fans worldwide by sharing a video of the title track "SWIM" from the group's 5th studio album, "ARIRANG", playing inside the stadium.

BTS kicked off the concert with "Hooligan" from their 5th studio album. They continued to heat up the venue with new tracks such as "NORMAL" and "Body to Body," alongside global hits including "IDOL" and "FIRE."

The members shared their thoughts, saying, "We are feeling the same emotions we felt at Wembley Stadium seven years ago. Thanks to your passion, we had such a wonderful time. It brought back many memories of our past performances, and we were surprised once again to realize just how passionate London is as a city."

Local media also showered the performances with praise. British music magazine Rolling Stone UK and the daily newspaper The Guardian both awarded the concert a perfect five-star rating.

Rolling Stone UK likened the BTS London concert to a "coronation," stating that they have "reclaimed the throne as the biggest band in the world." They praised the group for delivering a performance worthy of the long wait for fans who had been anticipating a full-group stage.

The Guardian described the show, featuring spectacular fireworks and diverse stage production, as an "incredibly enjoyable spectacle," adding that "the power BTS possesses is immense."

The Times gave the concert four stars, highlighting the large-scale performances, special effects, and the use of the entire stadium space. NME focused on the group's Korean identity, which was woven throughout the performance through traditional Korean music, architecture, and dance.

Meanwhile, BTS will continue their European tour at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, on July 11–12. BTS is set to challenge for another record as the first Korean artists to perform at the Allianz Arena. 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)

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Actors Hyun Bin and Son Ye-jin have been spotted enjoying a happy family vacation in the United States with their son.

On July 8 (local time), photos of the couple touring an exhibition space in Los Angeles with their son, born in 2022, circulated across various online communities.

In the released photos, Hyun Bin is seen in a casual outfit, wearing a white sleeveless shirt, shorts, and a cap. Son Ye-jin also enjoyed the family trip in a relaxed style, wearing a gray short-sleeved t-shirt layered with a yellow bustier, denim shorts, and sunglasses. The two spent quality time with their son without being overly conscious of their surroundings.

Fans reacted warmly to the sight of the couple naturally enjoying their trip without covering their faces, leaving comments such as, "They look like such a happy family," "You can feel the love for his family in the way Hyun Bin looks at his son," and "Son Ye-jin's relaxed smile is so beautiful."

Previously, the couple also made headlines when they were spotted on a family trip in Okinawa, Japan. At the time, the person who happened to encounter the family shared their impression of the couple's son, saying, "The child was so pretty, it was as if he were AI-generated, so I told my wife, 'That baby is so beautiful.'" They added, "I couldn't really see the parents, only the child, so I kept looking. He was the most beautiful child I have ever seen in my life."

Hyun Bin and Son Ye-jin developed a romantic relationship after working together on the film "The Negotiation" and the tvN drama "Crash Landing on You". After going public with their relationship in 2021, the couple tied the knot in March of the following year and welcomed their son in November of the same year. 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)

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Actor Lee Dong-hwi shared hilarious anecdotes about his fellow actors with his signature witty banter.

On the broadcast of SBS Power FM WENDY's "Young Street" on July 8, actor Lee Dong-hwi, who is currently meeting audiences in the play "The Lives of Others", appeared as a guest to express his deep affection for the production and share behind-the-scenes stories with his colleagues.

Regarding his reason for choosing the project, Lee Dong-hwi said, "I was deeply moved after watching the film 'The Lives of Others', which led me to take on this role." He added, "This play makes you ponder why humans are connected to each other and why we live while influencing one another," showing his serious dedication to the work.

He also revealed his strong bromance with actor Jang Seung-jo, who joined the cast this season. When asked by a listener about his chemistry with his co-stars, Lee Dong-hwi made the studio burst into laughter by saying, "Jang Seung-jo joined this season, and we became so close that we ended up hanging out in front of each other's houses several times." He boasted about their tight-knit teamwork, giving their acting chemistry a perfect score of 100 without hesitation.

He then continued with a funny story about Lee Je-hoon, who is both the CEO of his agency and a close colleague. When the topic of Lee Je-hoon attending the premiere came up, and he was asked if Lee Je-hoon would visit again for this run, Lee Dong-hwi joked, "During the premiere, I invited so many people that the cost for complimentary tickets was enormous. So, I don't plan on inviting him this time."

Regarding Lee Je-hoon's reaction to his performance, he said, "Lee Je-hoon gives me a storm of compliments. But aren't storms scary? I'm afraid of his compliments." When asked what specifically he says, he drew more laughter by coolly summarizing, "He just says things like, 'You worked hard,' or 'You were the best.' Honestly, there's nothing special."

Lee Dong-hwi's obsession with being funny peaked during a balance game. Choosing "being told I'm funny" over "being told I'm a good singer," he confessed that he often asks his acquaintances, "Where do I rank among the people you know in terms of being funny?"

Lee Dong-hwi revealed, "I was always number one for one friend, but at one point I dropped to 4th or 5th place, and I felt down all day. That friend is actor Go Ah-sung." He also shared his unique ambition to reclaim the top spot in Go Ah-sung's internal humor rankings.

Meanwhile, the play "The Lives of Others" opened on July 1 and will continue its run until September 13 at the LG Arts Center Seoul U+ Stage. 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)

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MINGYU of the group SEVENTEEN poses at a photo wall event for a chocolate bar brand held at Understand Avenue in Seongsu-dong, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, on the morning of July 9.

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

(SBS Entertainment News | Baik Seung-Chul)

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MINGYU of the group SEVENTEEN is posing at a photo wall event for a chocolate bar brand, held at Under Stand Avenue in Seongsu-dong, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, on the morning of July 9.

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

(SBS Entertainment News | Baik Seung-Chul)

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MINGYU of the group SEVENTEEN is posing at a photo wall event for a chocolate bar brand, held at Under Stand Avenue in Seongsu-dong, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, on the morning of July 9.

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

(SBS Entertainment News | Baik Seung-Chul)

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MINGYU of the group SEVENTEEN participates in an ice-breaking performance at a photo call event for a chocolate bar brand, held at Understand Avenue in Seongsu-dong, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, on the morning of July 9.

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

(SBS Entertainment News | Baik Seung-Chul)

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K-content, which is currently enjoying global popularity, has once again become a target of China's chronic illegal streaming. As the Netflix original series "Teach You a Lesson" continues its successful run, a bizarre situation has unfolded where some Chinese are watching the show through illegal distribution channels and leaving a massive number of reviews.

An official review page for the Netflix series "Teach You a Lesson" has been created on Douban, China's largest content review site. As of July 9, approximately 140,000 have already participated in rating the show, and the number of reviews, including critiques and viewing impressions, has well exceeded 50,000.

Netflix does not officially provide services in China. Nevertheless, the fact that hundreds of thousands of ratings and reviews have poured in over such a short period is clear evidence that locals are watching the content through illegal channels.

Professor Seo Kyoung-duk of Sungshin Women's University strongly criticized this situation on his social media today. Professor Seo pointed out, "If you search for 'Teach You a Lesson' on Baidu, China's largest portal site, you can easily find sites that offer free streaming."

This controversy over Chinese illegally streaming K-content is nothing new. Whenever hit works such as Netflix's "KPop Demon Hunters", "Squid Game", "Culinary Class Wars", and "The Glory" have been released, some Chinese have consistently engaged in illegal viewing.

"Illegal streaming has now become a daily routine in China," Professor Seo criticized, adding, "What is even more baffling is that they feel no shame at all."

He further urged a change in attitude from local authorities, who have been standing by while copyright infringement continues. "It is time for the Chinese authorities to take more active measures," Professor Seo emphasized. "They must stop ignoring the normalization of illegal streaming and urgently implement intensive crackdowns and preventive measures against illegal activities within their country."

[Photo=Netflix "Teach You a Lesson" official trailer, screenshot of the "Teach You a Lesson" page created on the Chinese review site Douban] 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)

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IVE and AKMU have emerged as the artists who dominated the Melon weekly charts for the longest period in the first half of 2026.

On July 9, Kakao Entertainment's music platform, Melon, released its music chart review for the first half of 2026 through its data analysis content, Data Lab. IVE and AKMU were identified as the artists who held the number one spot on the weekly chart for the longest duration.

IVE topped the weekly chart for six consecutive weeks with "BANG BANG", the double title track from their second full-length album. AKMU also tied for first place, holding the top spot for six weeks each with the tracks "Joy, Sorrow, A Beautiful Heart" and "Paradise of Rumors" from their fourth full-length album.

Among songs released in 2026, IVE's "BANG BANG" also held the number one spot on the daily chart for the longest time, remaining at the top for 40 days. Combined, AKMU's two tracks spent a total of 41 days at number one on the daily chart, with "Joy, Sorrow, A Beautiful Heart" recorded as the most-liked song of the first half of the year.

Melon selected RESCENE as a representative artist for the first half of this year. The title track "LOVE ATTACK" from their first mini-album, released in August 2024, experienced two chart resurgences over the past two years, climbing to 5th place on the Melon TOP100 as of June 30.

According to Melon, "LOVE ATTACK" first entered the daily chart at 904th place in September 2024 and has since shown a steady upward trend. Streaming surged significantly after the "Geoje Yaho" meme, which became a hot topic through member WONI's YouTube content, spread. Compared to the time the YouTube channel was launched, streaming increased by up to 2,019% and listeners by 977%. Searches for RESCENE on Melon also increased by 6,550%.

The House genre, which has seen a revival after about 10 years, was highlighted as a key K-Pop trend for the first half of this year. KiiiKiii's "404 (New Era)" and Hearts2Hearts' "RUDE!" were mentioned as representative tracks.

KiiiKiii's "404 (New Era)" reached number one on the Melon TOP100 just 16 days after its release, the first song released in 2026 to do so, and recorded 12 consecutive days at number one on the daily chart and two consecutive weeks on the weekly chart. Hearts2Hearts' "RUDE!" also achieved long-term success, climbing to 2nd place on the TOP100 immediately after its release.

Melon analyzed, "The first half of 2026 showed that despite the strength of new releases, the steady resurgence of RESCENE and the return of the House genre were the most significant trends." 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)

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Nam Seong-mo of the group 82MAJOR has shared his heartfelt gratitude to viewers and fans as he concludes his position as a music show host.

Nam Seong-mo stepped down from his MC role following the episode of MBC M and MBC every1's "Show Champion" that aired on July 8. Having led the program with stable hosting skills and bright energy, he expressed both sadness and appreciation after finishing his final broadcast.

"It was a huge opportunity just to be able to show myself to so many people every week," Nam Seong-mo said. "I sincerely thank the production team of 'Show Champion' for entrusting me with such a precious position. Although my time as an MC has come to an end, I will continue to show you more diverse sides of myself as Nam Seong-mo of 82MAJOR."

He added, "Watching the performances of various artists gave me a lot of inspiration and allowed me to learn so much. I also want to tell Min-wook and Yeo-jun, who hosted alongside me, that I am truly grateful and I love them. I was happy to meet such great people thanks to 'Show Champion'." He also extended his gratitude to his fans, saying, "I am most thankful to 82DE (fandom name) who came to see me every week. It was a truly happy time because of all of you."

Meanwhile, 82MAJOR, the group to which Nam Seong-mo belongs, recently achieved their highest first-week sales record with their 5th mini-album "FEELM", and the title track Sign has been receiving positive responses on major domestic music charts. The group is scheduled to meet fans at the "2026 82MAJOR FAN-CONCERT 82 Office : Vacation", which will be held at Seoul Excalibur on July 18 and 19.

Photo= Reporter Baek Seung-cheol 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)

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Singer EVAN is set to connect with global fans as he takes the stage at the Grammy Museum.

According to his agency, BELIFT LAB, on July 9, EVAN will appear on the special program 'Spotlight' on August 14 (local time) at the Ray Charles Rooftop Terrace of the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles.

'Spotlight' is a self-produced performance and interview series by the Grammy Museum, featuring rising artists who share their music stories alongside live performances. Previous guests include Grammy-winning rapper Doechii, singer-songwriter Chappell Roan, and global girl group KATSEYE.

During this appearance, EVAN plans to discuss the production process and musical direction of his digital single 'RIDE OR DIE,' which was released last month, while also delivering a live performance against the backdrop of the rooftop terrace.

The Grammy Museum introduced EVAN as a "versatile vocalist known for his trendy yet sweet tone," adding, "Beyond his stage performances, he has built his own musical identity by participating in songwriting, composing, and producing."

The museum further noted, "He played a leading role in the overall production process of his debut single, infusing the track with his unique creative vision and deep emotions."

Following his activities for the digital single 'RIDE OR DIE,' EVAN is scheduled to continue his global journey by performing at 'KCON LA 2026,' which will be held in the United States on August 16. 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)

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Ko Woo-rim of the crossover group Forestella is making headlines for gifting an unforgettable memory to a 51-year-old man whose wife has been a dedicated fan of the singer for five years.

During Forestella’s 4th full-length album tour concert, "THE LEGACY: SYMPHONY", held at the BEXCO Auditorium in Busan on July 4, Ko Woo-rim spotted the man in the audience, who had come to the concert alone in place of his wife, who could not attend due to health issues.

The man previously gained attention on the KBS 2TV program "Gag Concert - Malja Show", which aired last month, when he shared his concerns, saying, "My wife has been a fan of Forestella’s Ko Woo-rim for five years. Seeing the way she looks at him makes me wonder if I could ever receive that kind of look. I am worried I might be going through menopause."

Ko Woo-rim recognized the man immediately, walked down to the audience to speak with him, and even took photos with him, providing a special fan service.

The man explained, "My wife suffered a herniated disc three days before the concert, so I came to watch the show in her place." After meeting Ko Woo-rim up close, he repeatedly exclaimed, "He is truly handsome, and after watching the performance, he seemed to have fallen for Ko Woo-rim’s charm himself, drawing laughter from the audience."

Fans who attended the concert shared heartwarming reviews, saying, Ko Woo-rim spotted the husband as soon as the concert started, He went down to the seats to hug him and take pictures, and It is as if Ko Woo-rim personally resolved the concern the husband had shared on the variety show.

Previously, comedian Kim Young-hee had wittily advised the man regarding his concern, saying, "Ko Woo-rim is married to Kim Yuna. At the end of the day, your wife is the one who comes home to cook your meals. She isn’t cooking for Ko Woo-rim, so don’t worry too much", which brought laughter to the show. 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)

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The group RESCENE shared an emotional moment with their fans, shedding tears of joy during a live broadcast held immediately after reaching No. 1 on the Melon Top 100, the largest music streaming platform in South Korea.

RESCENE surprised fans by launching a live broadcast on their official YouTube channel on July 8. The members explained that they had been asleep when they heard the news of their No. 1 ranking on the Melon Top 100 and rushed to start the stream, expressing their disbelief at the achievement.

Appearing in comfortable attire with hats pulled low, the members laughed and said, "We didn't plan on greeting you wearing hats like this, but we never expected to hit No. 1. We were sleeping when we heard the news and rushed over. We have to head to a music show in an hour, so we haven't even had time to get ready."

"Sleep didn't matter; once we heard we were number one, we just came here," the members said, unable to hide their excitement. They repeatedly expressed their gratitude to their fandom, REMINE, saying, "This is all thanks to REMINE. We are so grateful."

Their joy soon turned into tears. The members teared up, saying, "How many times in life do you get to cry because you are this happy?" and "Seeing so many congratulatory messages in the comments makes me cry even more." They comforted each other and shared the emotional milestone. They also added, "Our CEO, directors, and all the staff at our agency sent us congratulatory messages," as they hugged each other to celebrate.

RESCENE promised, "We will work even harder," and "We will now walk with confidence wherever we go." They concluded the live stream to prepare for their music show appearance, adding, "We love you, REMINE. We will repay you with even better performances."

Debuting in 2024, RESCENE is a girl group from a small-to-medium-sized agency that has established itself in the music industry through their musicality and approachable charm. 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)

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Actor Kim Minha has candidly opened up about her recent weight loss and the public discourse surrounding her appearance in an interview with BBC Korea.

In the interview released on July 8, Kim addressed her noticeably slimmer physique, stating, "Many people have been talking about my appearance lately. I have lost some weight, and I am actively preparing for my next role." She emphasized, "This is not because of beauty standards, but purely a change for the character."

She particularly expressed satisfaction with her appearance, laughing as she said, "I am very satisfied with myself. Whatever my body looks like, I am very happy with who I am. My figure is not important to me. I am someone who only focuses on my role."

Previously, Kim had also addressed her weight loss process on a broadcast, clarifying, "I did not receive help from Wegovy or Mounjaro." She added, "I lost the weight slowly over two years, starting from when I was filming the drama 'Typhoon Family.' I have lost about 16 to 17kg since then through a diet of one meal a day and exercise."

The interview also covered the film 'Hana Korea,' which was released on July 8. 'Hana Korea' depicts the journey of a North Korean defector settling into South Korean society, with Kim playing the lead role of 'Hyesun,' a defector from Ryanggang Province.

"Because it was a story based on real events, I felt a sense of responsibility to portray the characters with more delicacy and caution," Kim said. "The fact that the film features a lot of narration was also a major reason I decided to join the project." She added, "I didn't want to portray Hyesun simply as a defector from North Korea. I wanted to express her as an ordinary person living in South Korea."

Having worked with three different coaches to prepare for her dialect performance, she explained, "The most important thing was to show how Hyesun's dialect gradually changes as she adapts to South Korean society. I wanted to express the process of becoming accustomed to a new environment."

She continued, "We are all living our lives, struggling to adapt to new situations and new environments. I hope that those who watch the film will think, 'I am also working really hard to adapt to this society.' Even though the world can sometimes be confusing and strange, I hope the audience feels light and hope in the process of living their lives."

Meanwhile, 'Hana Korea' was invited to the non-competition section of the 30th Busan International Film Festival last year, where it won the Audience Award. The film was written and directed by Danish director Frederik Sølberg. 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)

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Singer and actor Lee Seung-gi and actor Lee Da-in have become parents of two, welcoming their second child, a son.

According to a representative for Lee Seung-gi on the 8th, the couple welcomed their son on the 7th. Both the mother and the baby are reported to be in good health.

Lee Seung-gi and Lee Da-in confirmed their relationship in 2021 and got married in April 2023 after two years of public dating. They welcomed their first daughter in February 2024 and announced the pregnancy of their second child this past February.

Last month, Lee Seung-gi appeared on KBS 2TV's "Immortal Songs" and made headlines by mentioning that his wife was due to give birth in July, adding that he might not be able to participate in the King of Kings special to be with her.

Lee Seung-gi is currently preparing to meet his fans at his solo concert, "2026 Lee Seung-gi Concert - Ki-Seung-Jeon: Rak", which will be held this October for the first time in 13 years. 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)

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