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Kihyun of the group NouerA is departing for Tokyo, Japan, through Gimpo International Airport on the afternoon of the 10th for his Asia tour schedule.

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

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The group NouerA is departing for Tokyo, Japan, via Gimpo International Airport on the afternoon of July 10 for their Asia tour schedule.

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

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Hyunjun of the group NouerA is departing for Tokyo, Japan, via Gimpo International Airport on the afternoon of the 10th for his Asia tour schedule.

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Pan of the group NouerA is departing for Tokyo, Japan, via Gimpo International Airport on the afternoon of July 10 for their Asia tour.

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Yuseop of the group NouerA is departing for Tokyo, Japan, via Gimpo International Airport on the afternoon of July 10 for his Asia tour schedule.

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Kim Se-ui, the CEO of the YouTube channel Hover Lab who is currently in custody and facing trial, has claimed that his survival is at risk due to a provisional seizure of his prison deposit funds filed by YouTuber Eun Hyun-jang. 

Hover Lab revealed a letter written by Kim from the detention center on June 2 during a broadcast on July 8. In the letter, Kim stated, "Today, I received documents from a correctional officer stating that Eun Hyun-jang deposited 20 million KRW and placed a provisional seizure on my 100 million KRW in prison deposit funds. There was 300,000 KRW in my deposit account, but due to the seizure, I cannot even purchase bottled water, toilet paper, toothpaste, toothbrushes, or medicine, putting my survival at risk."

He further explained, "For the past few days, I have been suffering from a cold and stomach issues, causing me to vomit every morning and evening, but I cannot even buy cold medicine or stomach medicine. I only have four stamps left. I only have two rolls of toilet paper left, and I do not know how much longer I can hold out." He added, "I plan to request the court to exclude the minimum amount necessary for survival from the scope of the seizure."

Kim also claimed that he had been unable to eat properly for about three days, from the evening of June 30 to June 2, when he wrote the letter. Expressing his distress, he said, "It seems my mental anguish has manifested into physical illness. My hands are shaking a lot, and I feel dizzy constantly." He concluded by asking for support and encouragement, stating, "I have endured for one month, and I will do my best to endure the remaining five months (of my detention period)."

Previously, Eun Hyun-jang announced that the court had accepted his request for a 100 million KRW provisional seizure of Kim Se-ui's prison deposit funds. Kim had previously raised various allegations against Eun, including claims of illegal remittances to North Korea, stock manipulation, and claims regarding his nationality, and the case was recently forwarded to the prosecution.

Director Lee Han of the musical Park Chung-hee, who has been hosting the Hover Lab broadcast since Kim's arrest, said after revealing the letter, "It is quite ridiculous that the court accepted the request for a provisional seizure." He added, "Hover Lab must naturally continue, and the broadcasts must go on. We will do our absolute best to continue the broadcasts." 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)

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The films "Moana" and "THE EYES" are locked in a tight race at the weekend box office, with a gap of around 2,000 tickets.

According to the Korean Film Council's integrated computer network for movie theater admissions on July 10, "Moana" recorded 39,829 admissions and "THE EYES" recorded 38,125 admissions on July 9, placing them at 1st and 2nd at the box office, respectively. The difference in audience numbers between the two films is 1,704. It is such a close race that it would not be surprising if the rankings changed today.

"Moana" reached 1st place at the box office upon its release on July 8, but its top spot is being threatened after just one day. It has not been able to generate explosive audience numbers as it failed to differentiate itself from other animated films, while "THE EYES," now in its third week of release, is showing strong staying power.

"THE EYES" surpassed 1 million total admissions on July 9, 16 days after its release, demonstrating the power of a small film.

(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)

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The vibrant scenes of the "2026 Gangnam Picnic Concert," an outdoor music festival hosted by Gangnam-gu, will be revealed in a special SBS broadcast today, July 10, at 5:10 PM.

This special broadcast captures the heat of the festival, which successfully concluded on June 13 at the multipurpose field of the Han River Park Sinsa Jamwon District. It is expected to be a special summer gift for viewers who could not visit the site in person, delivering the romance and energy of that day once again.

The "2026 Gangnam Picnic Concert" was planned with a diverse composition spanning genres such as bands, ballads, trot, and dance to cater to the tastes of all generations. It will capture eyes and ears with the refreshing and energetic performance of the talented idol band N.Flying, followed by the "eternal diva" Bada, who possesses unrivaled vocal skills, and the exciting stage of Park Ji-hyun, who has recently emerged as a trend in trot.

In addition, the lineup includes the legendary vocal group SeeYa, who showcased their impeccable harmony while celebrating their 20th anniversary this year; the national rock band Crying Nut; emotional balladeer Seo Young-eun; and the original teen star of the 90s, Kim Won-jun. A total of seven top-tier artists will present passionate live performances.

In particular, this special broadcast will deliver the romantic atmosphere of the site to the living room, featuring the beautiful night view of the Han River dyed in sunset colors and the audience enjoying the performance while spreading out picnic mats on the green grass.

The "2026 Gangnam Picnic Concert," filled with the romance of an early summer night, will meet viewers on SBS at 5:10 PM on the 10th. 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)

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Singer and actor IU and actor Lee Jong-suk have ended their four-year public relationship.

IU's agency, EDAM Entertainment, and Lee Jong-suk's agency, Ace Factory, stated, "It is true that they have broken up. They have decided to remain good colleagues."

The two first met as hosts for SBS "Inkigayo" in 2012 and began dating in 2022. Having been in a relationship for about four years, it is reported that they recently drifted apart due to their busy schedules and decided to end their relationship.

IU and Lee Jong-suk plan to continue their activities in their respective fields. Lee Jong-suk is preparing for the release of the Disney+ original series "The Remarried Empress" and has also confirmed his appearance in "Iseop's Romance," a live-action adaptation of a popular Naver web novel.

IU has finished filming the MBC series "Perfect Crown" and has begun preparations for a new album. She is also scheduled to hold a concert at the Goyang Sports Complex Main Stadium this coming September.

(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)

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The most anticipated Korean film of 2026, "HOPE," is drawing attention from Korea's leading directors.

"HOPE" will host a special relay GV (Guest Visit) starting July 14 (Tue), one day before its release, to share diverse stories about the film.

On July 14 (Tue), a GV featuring director Na Hong-jin and director Lee Chang-dong will be held at Lotte Cinema World Tower following the 6:25 PM screening. This GV will offer a meaningful time for the two directors to share a wide range of stories centered on "HOPE," with Na Hong-jin, who has built a reputation for genre-based imagination and overwhelming cinematic experiences, and Lee Chang-dong, who has showcased a body of work that deeply explores humanity and society.

On the release date of July 15 (Wed), a GV with director Na Hong-jin and director Bong Joon-ho will be held at Megabox COEX after the 6:45 PM screening. Through the meeting of these two directors who have established their own unique cinematic worlds, the audience will be able to encounter "HOPE" from a broader perspective.

On July 16 (Thu), a GV with director Na Hong-jin and director Jang Jae-hyun will take place at Megabox COEX after the 6:45 PM screening. The two directors, who have expanded new horizons for Korean genre films, are expected to provide a time for a richer experience of the work through in-depth discussions about "HOPE."

All three directors are representative figures of the Korean film industry. These GV sessions are expected to be meaningful occasions that confirm their interest in the film "HOPE" and their support for their colleague, director Na Hong-jin.

"HOPE" is a story that begins when 'Beom-seok,' a police station chief in the DMZ, hears news of a tiger sighting from local youth and faces an unbelievable reality as the entire village goes on high alert. The film opens on July 15. 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)

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The "Rising Eagles," led by coach Seo Jang-hoon, are back with their sights set on a national championship as they prepare for their first match.

The SBS variety show "Rising Eagles Season 2," which airs on Sunday, July 12 at 11:05 PM, will kick off the "National Championship," a tournament featuring the strongest amateur basketball teams from across the country. The team returns with a larger scale, featuring new uniforms and a dedicated home court.

This "National Championship" saw fierce competition with over 200 teams applying from across the nation, and only 7 top-tier teams were selected to participate. For the first hurdle in this grand journey, the "Rising Eagles" have been matched against the Gyeongbuk representative, the "Gyeongbuk Fire Department."

Composed entirely of active-duty firefighters, the Gyeongbuk Fire Department is a traditional powerhouse, boasting 4 wins at the National Fire Agency Commissioner's Cup and 4 wins at the Firefighting Basketball Association Tournament. With their overwhelming physical stamina honed at actual fire scenes and their terrifying speed in transitioning between offense and defense, the "Rising Eagles" are bracing for a grueling, no-holds-barred battle from the very first game.

Ahead of the first match, coach Seo Jang-hoon's charisma left the court frozen. Until the day before the game, coach Seo conducted high-intensity, customized special training, checking defense, fast breaks, and pattern plays without a break. However, when painful passing errors and mistakes were repeated during practice, coach Seo Jang-hoon could no longer hold back and let out a thunderous roar, saying, "You will definitely lose if you play like this!" and "How many times do I have to tell you the same thing!" Stung by the coach's sharp criticism, the players regrouped and entered the game with more determination than ever to achieve their goal of a national championship.

Season 2 has seen significant upgrades not only in team strength but also in the club's environment. The players, who were provided with a dedicated home court, comfortable home locker rooms, and new uniforms, could not hide their overwhelming excitement, saying, "It felt strange to have a home court." On the day of the opening match, fans filled the stands to cheer for the first victory of the "Rising Eagles," providing a solid home-court advantage.

The support from others also shone through. Sandara Park, who joined as a new official manager, launched a covert operation as a "special spy duo" alongside caster Jung Yong-gum. After visiting the Gyeongbuk Fire Department's waiting room, Sandara Park showed off her signature sociability and brilliant eloquence, saying, "I will visit the opposing team, who must be nervous, and try to scout them while pretending to help them relax." It is reported that the Gyeongbuk Fire Department team was taken in by this and spilled their team's ace player and core tactics, raising expectations for how this espionage will affect the game.

Once the actual game began, the court turned into a battlefield. The biggest point of interest was the pride-filled battle in the paint between the "Rising Eagles" anchor MINHO and the Gyeongbuk Fire Department's Kim Sang-dong. With the flow of the game shifting on every offensive and defensive rebound, the two players exchanged rough physical contact and hustle plays, drawing gasps from onlookers who remarked, "They are truly intense."

In addition, the heat of the opening match reached its peak with a refreshing opening performance by the 6-member girl group LIGHTSUM and a fiery halftime show by the "Summer Queens" BB GIRLS.

The opening match of "Rising Eagles Season 2," which promises to be a drama without a script, will air on Sunday, July 12 at 11:05 PM. 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)

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Actor Zo In-sung has revealed the reason why he is addressed as 'Sunbae-nim' by director Na Hong-jin.

On the afternoon of the 9th, during an interview held in Samcheong-dong, Seoul, to commemorate the release of the movie "HOPE", Zo In-sung addressed the director calling him 'Sunbae-nim', saying, "Some people have asked if Zo In-sung is older than Na Hong-jin, but I was born in 1981. I think it is Director Na Hong-jin's way of expressing respect for actors."

At the press preview and conference held on the 6th, it drew attention that Director Na Hong-jin consistently referred to Zo In-sung as 'Sunbae-nim'. This was particularly notable because Director Na Hong-jin was born in 1974, while Zo In-sung was born in 1981. Given that they are in a director-actor relationship and are not of the same age, the director's choice of address for Zo In-sung was quite impressive.

Regarding this, Zo In-sung said, "I was a bit embarrassed at first, too. But since he kept calling me that, I couldn't help it... (laughs). In urgent situations on the filming set, he would shout, 'In-sung hyung!!!'. However, he never spoke to me informally. I think he calls me 'Sunbae-nim' because I debuted earlier. I finished filming feeling constantly respected by the director."

Zo In-sung described Director Na Hong-jin as a 'terrible perfectionist'. He added, "That is why such a movie comes out. I cannot summarize Na Hong-jin's perfection and precision with just one episode. The entire movie was created and completed under that impression. That is his power."

Actors who have worked with Director Na Hong-jin at least once, such as Kim Yun-seok, Ha Jung-woo, Hwang Jung-min, and Kunimura Jun, have all marveled at his perfectionism. At the same time, it is true that they do not readily agree to work with him again, as he is a director who induces not only physical exhaustion but also mental tension.

Zo In-sung also performed high-intensity action scenes for this movie, including riding a horse at high speed through forests and roads. At the same time, he expressed extreme fear, pain, and anger through his facial expressions, showing a side of Zo In-sung that has never been seen before.

When asked, "Would you be willing to work with Director Na Hong-jin again if offered another project?", Zo In-sung smiled and said, "There is no reason not to. But I don't know if he would ask me again."

"HOPE" tells the story that begins when 'Beom-seok', the head of the Hopohang branch located in the Demilitarized Zone, hears news from local youths that a tiger has appeared, and the whole village falls into an emergency while encountering an unbelievable reality. Zo In-sung played the role of the hunter Seong-gi in this work and gave a great performance.

The movie will be released on the 15th. 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)

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"Match to Marry 2" heated up Thursday night with the bold and honest flirting of its participants.

In the 3rd episode of the SBS show "Match to Marry 2" aired on July 9, the love lines shifted as the men made their choices following the dates picked by the mothers. The episode recorded a peak viewership rating of 2.2% (based on Nielsen Korea, Seoul metropolitan area), proving its popularity.

The scene-stealer who provided the biggest laughs and plot twists was none other than participant Lee Kang-hyun's mother. Lee Kang-hyun suffered the pain of being a "three-time zero-vote woman" after failing to receive a single vote for the third consecutive time. While enjoying a chicken and beer date with her mother in the lonely dorm where all other participants had left for their dates, Lee Kang-hyun could not hold back her sadness and cried, saying, "I'm sad because I'm afraid you'll look at me with pity."

At that moment, instead of being swayed by her daughter's tears, Lee Kang-hyun's mother shocked the studio by delivering a powerful, "extremely T" (logical) dose of brutal honesty, saying, "Wake up." She continued, "It is sad, but it doesn't break my heart. So don't hang yourself and cry just because you weren't chosen," keeping her daughter's mental state in check with cold and realistic insight. Watching this on screen, MC Seo Jang-hoon burst into laughter, saying, "I really like the mother. She said exactly what I wanted to say," and gave her a double thumbs-up.

Meanwhile, a romance was born as one participant completely melted the other's heart with sincere comfort. Kim Dong-young had his first 1-on-1 date with Yang Ha-yoon, an oriental medicine doctor who had given him the humiliation of zero votes in the first impression choice. Kim Dong-young saw through the inner feelings of Yang Ha-yoon, who was unable to take care of herself while looking after others, and offered warm sincerity, saying, "Are you taking care of your own happiness? Let's find a way to be happy together."

Moved by Kim Dong-young's consideration, which fully understood her, Yang Ha-yoon burst into tears and opened her closed heart, saying, "I'm curious about you, Dong-young." At the dramatic synchronization of the two's emotions, MC Kim Yo-han cheered, "I told you they would end up together."

On the other hand, the direct approach of Kang Shin-woo, who is non-religious and only has eyes for "Pilates studio owner" Kim Da-hye, easily overcame even the barrier of religion. For Kim Da-hye, who considers faith important, Kang Shin-woo brought laughter by promising to attend dawn services, saying, "I can go to church just for the fact that we can be together." In particular, he surprised Seo Jang-hoon once again with his confident remark, "I feel like I'm holding onto you too much. Please talk to other people and see how great of a person I am."

Amidst the unpredictable whirlwind of emotions, "Match to Marry 2," which raises expectations for what kind of turmoil will arise next week as the actual specs of the men are set to be revealed, airs every Thursday at 9 PM. 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)

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Actor Kim Min-hee's return to the screen following the birth of her child is, as expected, a film by director Hong Sang-soo.

On July 10, the production company Jeonwonsa announced that director Hong Sang-soo's 35th feature film, "Nowhere to Lay My Eyes", has been officially invited to the International Competition section of the Locarno Film Festival.

"Nowhere to Lay My Eyes" features Kim Min-hee, who has appeared in many of director Hong Sang-soo's previous works, alongside Kwon Hae-hyo, Shin Seok-ho, and Park Mi-so. Notably, actor Choi Myeong-gil, who has primarily been active in television dramas, is collaborating with director Hong Sang-soo for the first time, drawing significant attention.

This marks Kim Min-hee's return to acting in a film approximately two years after "By the Stream" in 2024. Since acknowledging her relationship with director Hong Sang-soo in 2016, she has appeared exclusively in his films, though she was credited only as a production manager for his recent works, "What Does That Nature Say to You" and "The Day She Returns". She gave birth to director Hong Sang-soo's child in April 2025.

"Nowhere to Lay My Eyes" (2026, International Competition) is the fifth film by director Hong Sang-soo to be officially invited to the Locarno Film Festival, following "By the Stream" (2024, International Competition/Best Performance Award), "Hotel by the River" (2018, International Competition/Best Performance Award), "Right Now, Wrong Then" (2015, International Competition/Golden Leopard, Best Performance Award), and "Our Sunhi" (2013, International Competition/Best Director Award).

In its invitation statement for the film, the Locarno Film Festival stated, "We were deeply moved by the poetic expression the film evokes and the sophisticated technique that made it possible, as every image, every word, and every encounter in the film conveys the meaning, beauty, and complexity of life in a way that seems so comfortable and effortless. It once again shows why director Hong Sang-soo is one of the great masters of our time."

The Locarno Film Festival, held annually in Locarno, Switzerland, in August, was founded in 1946. It is one of the oldest film festivals in the world and is renowned for showcasing artistic and experimental auteur cinema.

The 79th Locarno Film Festival will run from August 5 to August 15. Following its world premiere at the festival, "Nowhere to Lay My Eyes" is scheduled for domestic release in the second half of this year.

(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)

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Actor So Ji-sub of "Agent Kim Reactivated," which is creating a global syndrome by breaking the "20% barrier," will once again shake up the small screen with a poignant yet intense noir scene in the rain.

In the fifth episode of the SBS Friday-Saturday drama "Agent Kim Reactivated" (written by Nam Dae-jung, directed by Lee Seung-young and Lee So-eun) airing today, July 10, an overwhelming scene will be depicted where Agent Kim Reactivated (played by So Ji-sub), a father who became the most dangerous man to reclaim his only daughter, wanders through the heavy rain pouring down at Myeongpo Port.

"Agent Kim Reactivated" recorded a nationwide viewership rating of 21.6% and a peak of 25.1% in just four episodes. Beyond terrestrial television, it has established itself as the biggest global hit of 2026, ranking first in Netflix's non-English TV show category and entering the top 10 in 79 countries, breaking box office records with every episode.

In previous episodes, Agent Kim joined forces with Seong Han-su (played by Choi Dae-hoon) and Park Jin-cheol (played by Yoon Kyung-ho) to begin a merciless rampage to find his missing daughter, Minji (played by Seo Su-min). In particular, even in the worst-case scenario after suffering a gunshot wound, he repeatedly muttered, "Minji, just stay alive. Just survive," as he raced toward Myeongpo Port where a clue was spotted, tugging at the heartstrings of viewers.

In Episode 5, which airs today, the desperation of the darkened father, Agent Kim, is set to reach its peak. Standing alone in the heavy rain in a black suit, black gloves, and a face covered in wounds and bloodstains, his appearance evokes a solemn beauty reminiscent of a noir pictorial. In particular, a "heavy rain action scene" is teased, where he kneels in front of a red container while getting drenched in the pouring rain, drawing intense interest to the desperate struggle born from his fear of losing his daughter and his obsession to save her.

On set, So Ji-sub drew admiration by portraying the psychology of a father unleashing his time-bomb-like instincts with restrained eyes and heavy steps, even under the extreme conditions of being completely drenched by the pouring rain. It is said that his overwhelming presence, which seemed to swallow even the heavy rain, left the on-site staff breathless.

The production team praised him, saying, "This scene is highly emotionally dense, depicting Agent Kim  wandering through the rain with the fear that he might be too late, without knowing whether Minji is alive or dead." They added, "So Ji-sub showed incredible dedication, physically expressing his performance by walking, running, and falling in the rain while fully conveying his emotions for his daughter."

Whether the lawless, middle-aged Agent Kim, racing through the heavy rain and darkness, can finally hold his desperately sought-after daughter in his arms will be revealed in Episode 5 of "Agent Kim Reactivated," airing tonight at 9:50 PM.

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)

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Actor Choi Daniel is set to bring laughter with his eccentric and bold variety show presence.

On the upcoming episode of SBS "My Little Old Boy," airing this Sunday, July 12 at 9 PM, actor Choi Daniel, who has recently emerged as a variety show star through his active appearances on various programs, will appear as a special MC and share candid stories that have never been heard before.

Upon arriving at the studio, Choi Daniel shocked the mothers on the panel by revealing his unimaginable eating habits. He casually mentioned that he drinks milk that has been expired for three weeks and eats food with mold on it after simply cutting off the moldy parts. He went even further, revealing that he still enjoys eating baby formula even at the age of forty, leaving everyone stunned.

Choi Daniel's spicy talk did not stop there. He shared an intense story from his past about his first kiss with an older woman during a "King Game" at a drinking party in his 20s. When Seo Jang-hoon asked in surprise, "Was it a kiss, not just a peck?" Shin Dong-yeob chimed in with his signature witty remark, "You can't disobey the King's orders," turning the studio into a sea of laughter.

Choi Daniel revealed that after that first kiss incident, he developed a crush on the woman and even went to find her to confess his feelings, sparking curiosity about the outcome of his youthful, straightforward confession.

The highlight of the talk was his pink-hued confession toward comedian Jang Doyoun. Choi Daniel revealed that he had been a long-time fan of Jang Doyoun, with whom he worked on the recent variety show "Six Singles Under One Roof," and surprised everyone by admitting that he decided to join the program because of her.

When the MCs asked if he had ever actually felt a spark while filming together, he honestly replied, "Yes, I have," causing an uproar in the studio. Even Seo Jang-hoon was taken aback by the unexpected answer, saying, "I was surprised that I even asked. I thought he would say something else." Not stopping there, Choi Daniel reportedly heated up the studio atmosphere by sending an impromptu video message to Jang Doyoun.

From his eccentric daily life to his heart-fluttering surprise confession to Jang Doyoun, Choi Daniel's irresistible charm will be revealed on "My Little Old Boy," airing this Sunday, July 12 at 9 PM.

Reporter Kang Sun-ae sakang@sbs.co.kr 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)

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"HOPE", which is targeting both domestic and international markets simultaneously, has unveiled a North American trailer that highlights its powerful energy.

"HOPE", set to be released on July 15, has signed a distribution deal with NEON, the North American distributor behind the Academy Award-winning "Parasite", and is now setting its sights on the North American market. The trailer, released ahead of its September 9 North American premiere, captures director Na Hong-jin's signature bold direction and unique narrative, set against the backdrop of Hopo Port, which has been attacked by a mysterious entity.

The trailer showcases a breathtaking chase in broad daylight, high-level action, and a thrilling car chase with an alien pursuing at incredible speed, all of which heighten the tension. It also incorporates unexpected moments of humor, providing entertainment that transcends genres. Furthermore, the film achieves a unique visual spectacle by minimizing artificial elements like CG and sets, relying instead on the dedicated efforts of the production team to create an overwhelming aesthetic.

Since its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, "HOPE" has received praise from critics worldwide, along with positive reviews from major U.S. media outlets. TheWrap stated, "The pinnacle of what action cinema can achieve," while The Hollywood Reporter noted, "Director Na Hong-jin has returned with an overwhelming work that makes his previous films feel like a warm-up." Reactions from international critics on social media have also been enthusiastic. Karl Delossantos of The New York Times described it as "a sci-fi action thriller with a touch of Korean black comedy, starting with an hour-long action sequence and transitioning into a delightful creature feature," and JUSTIN CHANG of The New Yorker called it "100% pure, relentless blockbuster adrenaline," raising expectations among global audiences, including those in North America.

"HOPE" tells the story of 'Beom-seok', the chief of an outpost in the Demilitarized Zone, who hears news of a tiger sighting from local youth. As the entire village goes on high alert, he encounters an unbelievable reality. The film features a star-studded cast of top actors from Korea and the U.S., including Hwang Jung-min, Zo In-sung, Jung Hoyeon, Michael Fassbender, and Alicia Vikander.

"HOPE", which opens domestically on July 15, has already surpassed 250,000 in pre-sale tickets, signaling an explosive box office success. 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)

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Netflix reality series "Better Late than Single 2" is already sparking a heated response from viewers immediately upon its release.

"Better Late than Single 2" unveiled its first four episodes on July 7. This season once again features young people who have never been in a relationship for their own unique reasons, as they embark on their first-ever romantic encounters. The show has instantly triggered the viewers' urge to offer advice and drawn the cast of The four "romance makers" into deep, emotional immersion.

The cast of singles entering the show this season is anything but ordinary. The group includes Kim Jae-seo, who attempted a dramatic makeover; Jeon Seo-yun, who prioritized hobbies over dating; Yoon Jeong-yun, who gathered the courage to join; Choi Hyun-seo, who arrived with a calm charm and a 200% boost in motivation; the bold Lee Han-ju; the innocent-looking Ahn Seung-hyun; Kim Soo-hyun, whose family has made his dating life a long-term project; and Choi Hyeok-jun, who believes in destiny.

The contestants' unpredictable actions, which often defy the production team's plans, continue to provide entertainment this season. During the couple dinner, where a natural romantic atmosphere was expected, some contestants took off their couple rings as soon as the meal ended. During the group date, they prioritized their competitive spirit over subtle romantic tension, leaving The four "romance makers" frustrated. In particular, their bold honesty in confessing their true interest directly in front of their dates sparked laughter among viewers.

However, watching them slowly learn about the unfamiliar emotion of love through their clumsy process has drawn heartfelt support. Even when they were at a loss for words, saying, "I feel like I'm acting stiff; I can't even make eye contact," their inability to hide their excitement when coincidences kept happening—muttering, "Is this destiny?"—reminded viewers of their own first love experiences.

Furthermore, the arrival of "game changers" at unpredictable moments shook up the early love lines. With the addition of intense new participants—Lee Jin-woo, who has experience with online dating; the bold and proactive Han Su-ji; Kim Tae-hoon, who declared his ambition to "stir things up"; and Ahn Jeong-eun, who has a flashy history of receiving offers from other dating reality shows—the tension has only intensified.

The chemistry among the four "romance makers" in the studio also adds to the show's appeal. Seo In-guk, witnessing the growth of the singles, became emotional, asking, "How can they be this moving after just one episode?" Kang Han-na, acting as an empathy fairy, stomped her feet whenever the protagonists made mistakes, saying, "You shouldn't have gone that far," but clapped in excitement the moment their sincerity connected, saying, "That's the feeling, exactly that."

Lee Eun-ji, channeling a parental perspective, expressed her affection by saying, "Can our singles even eat properly from the start?" and "Our kids can't even breathe," while also bringing laughter with her witty comment, "I only carry a gua sha tool when I'm filming this." Car, the garden also became deeply immersed, seeing his past self in them and saying, "I was always like that. I'm worried." However, when their clumsiness crossed the line, he added to the fun with his blunt, refreshing remarks, shouting, "Get out of there! You, seriously, get out," and "You're going to get hit by someone!"

"Better Late than Single 2", a genuine dating challenge featuring singles who are so clumsy you cannot look away, releases new episodes every Tuesday on Netflix. The series consists of 10 episodes and will be available to global viewers over the next four weeks.

[Photo= Netflix]

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)

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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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