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The group OURBIRTHDAY attends the photo time at the media showcase for the release of their debut single "Our Birthday," held at Blue Square in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 19th.

KILALA

ACHIRAYA

BABY

U

CHO HYEJIN

SHIN HYEWON

KUK CHOROK

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

(SBS Entertainment News | Baik Seung-Chul)

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SBS audition project "The Ballad of Us Season 2", which is set to premiere in October, has officially opened public applications for its Round 2 live evaluation panel, known as the "Top 100 Ears".

During the Round 1 recordings held earlier this month, Moon Geun-young, Joo Woo-jae, and Roy Kim joined returning panel members Jun Hyun-moo, Jung Jae-hyung, Cha Tae-hyun, Park Kyung-rim, and Jung Seung-hwan as the new "Top 100 Ears" representatives, receiving enthusiastic applause on set. Notably, contestants with an average age of 17.9—younger and fresher than the previous season—delivered powerful performances of legendary tracks that lit up the history of popular music, even bringing the set to its feet with a standing ovation.

Following this passionate atmosphere, anyone of any age or gender who has an eye for spotting crowd favorites can apply for the Round 2 panel.

The application period runs from August 19 to August 28, with online submissions available through the official "The Ballad of Us" website. Panelists selected through a random draw will directly participate in the Round 2 recording scheduled for Saturday, September 12.

During its first season, "The Ballad of Us" achieved major milestones, ranking number one in viewership ratings among the 2049 demographic across all episodes, entering Netflix's South Korea top 10, surpassing 100 million cumulative online views, and winning the TV Entertainment Program Award at the 39th Korean Broadcasting Awards. Season 2 promises an even more upgraded audition experience alongside eight powerful panel representatives.

Co-produced by audition powerhouse SBS and comprehensive management agency SM C&C, "The Ballad of Us Season 2" is scheduled to premiere in October.

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)

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Group OURBIRTHDAY is performing at the media showcase for their debut single "Our Birthday," held at Blue Square in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of August 19.

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

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The group OURBIRTHDAY attends a media showcase for the release of their debut single "Our Birthday," held at Blue Square in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 19th, and performs on stage.

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

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The group OURBIRTHDAY attends the media showcase for their debut single "Our Birthday," held at Blue Square in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of August 19, and performs on stage.

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

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Actor Don Lee is joining the Netflix action franchise "Extraction 3."

Netflix announced the main cast for "Extraction 3" on the 17th (local time) and signaled the official start of production. Alongside Don Lee, Pierce Brosnan, Joe Taslim, Chi Lewis-Parry, and Sienna Agudong are newly joining the cast, while Chris Hemsworth, Idris Elba, and Golshifteh Farahani will also star.

Sam Hargrave, who directed the previous films, will helm the project, with David Weil of "Citadel" penning the script.

"Extraction 3" follows Tyler Rake, played by Chris Hemsworth, as he embarks on a new mission. However, specific plot details and the roles of the newly added cast members have not yet been revealed. With "Extraction 3" reportedly set to film for several months primarily on location, it promises an even larger scale of action.

Previously, Don Lee starred as Tygo, a mercenary with a war orphan background, in the Netflix film "Tygo." "Tygo" tells the story of Tygo going on a life-risking operation to rescue Ria, whom he considers like family after she is kidnapped by a criminal organization during a critical mission. Lee Jin-uk and BLACKPINK's LISA also star, and the film is currently preparing for its Netflix release.

From filming South Korea's top box-office action franchise "THE ROUNDUP 5" to "Tygo" and "Extraction 3," Don Lee is maintaining active projects through major domestic and international action projects. Anticipation is building over what kind of synergy Don Lee, who has built a signature heavy physique and punchy action style, will showcase alongside Chris Hemsworth and Idris Elba in "Extraction 3."

Don Lee is currently busy filming the movie "THE ROUNDUP 5."

(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)

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Ivy has made her debut on the Broadway stage in the musical "Chicago," with comedian Jo Hye-ryun visiting the venue in person to show her support and leave a heartwarming impression.

On the 18th (local time), Ivy took the stage as Roxie Hart at the Ambassador Theatre in New York for Broadway's "Chicago." Following the performance, she was captured receiving celebration during the curtain call, sharing high-fives with fellow cast members and receiving a bouquet of flowers.

Comedian Jo Hye-ryun personally visited the theater on this day to celebrate Ivy. Jo posted on her social media, "She proudly stood on Broadway in New York, Roxie Hart Ivy. Throughout the first show, my eyes were only on her. How could she be so pretty and pull it off so smoothly, and I was so amazed by how wonderful and beautiful her English pronunciation was. It made me think I should study English too. I hope she successfully finishes her three weeks of Broadway performances."

On the same day, the official account for "Chicago" also celebrated Ivy's debut. The official account posted curtain call photos along with the message, "From Seoul to New York, welcome to the Broadway cell block," adding, "We can still hear the cheers."

In response, Ivy left an English comment saying, "It is truly an honor to be part of Chicago's incredible history. I hope this moment serves as a stepping stone to open doors wide for many more Asian performers in the future. Love Chicago, thank you so much."

Singer G.NA also sent support through a comment, writing, "Bravo unnie. You are truly an inspiration and a mega superstar."

Ivy will take the stage as the lead role of Roxie Hart in Broadway's "Chicago" at the Ambassador Theatre for three weeks until September 6.

This marks the first instance of a Korean actor taking on the lead role of Roxie Hart in Broadway's "Chicago." Ivy has established herself as a representative Roxie Hart by performing the same role 592 times in the Korean licensed production since 2012.

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)

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The group AtHeart attends a media showcase commemorating the release of their second single "3! 4!" held at RYSE Hotel in Mapo-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 19th, performing on stage.

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

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The group AtHeart attends the media showcase for the release of their second single "3! 4!" held at RYSE Hotel in Mapo-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 19th and performs on stage.

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

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Girl group AtHeart attends a media showcase for the release of their second single "3! 4!" held at RYSE Hotel in Mapo-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 19th.

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

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The Netflix variety show "Better Late than Single" has officially confirmed its production for a third season amid enthusiastic responses and has begun recruiting cast members.

"Better Late than Single" follows the first-ever dating journeys of lifelong singles who have no prior romantic experience but are more sincere about love than anyone else. Both Season 1 and Season 2 received immense love from viewers. The relatable and commentary-inducing stories that unfold alongside makeovers garnered massive attention, and the show previously won Best Variety Show at the 5th Blue Dragon Series Awards.

PD Kim No-eun, who is directing Season 3 following Seasons 1 and 2, shared her thoughts, saying, "Thank you for cheering on the lifelong singles as they took on their very first romantic journeys across Seasons 1 and 2. It feels like the production team is growing together with the program." She added, "As we have carefully listened to the diverse feedback, we will return with an even more sincere and laughter-filled story."

Season 3 of "Better Late than Single" begins recruiting applicants starting today (the 19th) targeting singles in their 20s and 30s who dream of their first romantic relationship. Detailed application methods and information can be found through the official Netflix Korea social media channels.

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)

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Actor Ko So-young, celebrating her 16th wedding anniversary, invited her husband Jang Dong-gun for an honest couple talk.

In a video released on the 18th, Ko So-young introduced Jang Dong-gun as the first guest on her YouTube channel talk show. The two same-age friends became a couple right after the 1999 film "Love Wind Love Song," broke up shortly after, reunited, married in 2010, and have two children.

Recalling their first meeting over 20 years ago, Jang Dong-gun shared, "I was passing by Galleria Department Store in a car and saw Ko So-young wearing red shoes. She looked like a girl straight out of a fantasy, and I thought to myself, 'Can someone that pretty actually exist in real life?'" making Ko So-young flutter with excitement.

Remembering Jang Dong-gun's first impression, Ko So-young said, "His face looked like a sculpture, but he was calm, introverted like an honor student, and had a pure soul. When he greeted me with a 'hello,' he seemed a bit shy."

The couple, who started a family at age 39 amidst heavy public attention, also talked about what they envision for their old age. Jang Dong-gun said, "When elderly couples sit like this on a bench, people take a lot of pictures. Even when we are in our 70s or 80s, I want to share things where we can still enjoy each other like friends."

When asked what she is most grateful to her husband for, Ko So-young expressed, "He is always reliable. Whenever something happens or I feel down, I always feel like he is on my side. I am always thankful that he has become a comforting shelter for me."

Jang Dong-gun also opened up, saying, "In the early days of our marriage, I had the arrogance of thinking I knew much more and could do better. As time went on and we lived life, I realized that wasn't the case. I feel a sense of shudder thinking, 'Where would I be without So-young?' When I think about how wise she is and 'how frustrating I must have been to her,' I also feel apologetic."

In response, Ko So-young shared her thoughts on Jang Dong-gun's personality, saying, "My husband is more of a mood-maker than people think. People might think I am the one driven by moods, but that's not true. He loves being around people so much that he easily gets carried away and swept along." At the same time, she wrapped up the conversation by showing trust in their marriage, adding, "I think we naturally act as a stabilizing anchor for each other."

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)

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The group AtHeart attends a photo session during the media showcase for their second single, "3! 4!", held on the afternoon of August 19 at RYSE Hotel in Mapo-gu, Seoul.

ARIN

KATELYN

SEOHYEON

NAHYUN

MICHI

BOME

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

(SBS Entertainment News | Baik Seung-Chul)

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Actor couple Jin Tae-hyun and Park Si-eun have continued their steady sharing by donating a total of 20 million won to improve the living environments of descendants of independence fighters, support medical treatment for children with disabilities, and aid vulnerable families.

On August 14, Jin Tae-hyun and Park Si-eun donated 10 million won to Habitat for Korea's "815 Run Housing Improvement Project for Descendants of Independence Fighters." The donation will be used to provide stable homes for descendant families living in poor housing conditions.

Jin Tae-hyun recently shared the Habitat for Korea donation certificate on his social media, announcing his participation in sharing for the descendants of independence fighters ahead of Liberation Day. Along with this, he expressed his intention to continuously practice sharing for neighbors in need and marginalized people throughout society.

In addition, the couple delivered another 10 million won to the Milal Welfare Foundation for children with disabilities treatment expenses and vulnerable family support. This donation will be used for families of children with disabilities who have difficulty receiving timely treatment due to financial reasons, as well as vulnerable families in urgent need of help. Part of this will be used to provide a refrigerator, the most urgent item, to a student family living with a mother suffering from schizophrenia.

The two have served as goodwill ambassadors for the Milal Welfare Foundation for a long time, supporting medical and living expenses for children with disabilities. Park Si-eun was appointed as an ambassador in 2014 and Jin Tae-hyun in 2015, and they have been sharing activities together as a couple goodwill ambassadors since their marriage.

Having been listed in the Milal Welfare Foundation's major donor club "Companion Club" for contributors of 100 million won or more in 2022, the cumulative donations they have delivered through the Milal Welfare Foundation surpassed 200 million won early this year.

Having broadly looked after neighbors in need ranging from descendants of independence fighters to children with disabilities and vulnerable families, the Jin Tae-hyun and Park Si-eun couple plan to continue spreading positive influence through ongoing sharing in the future.

[Photo= Jin Tae-hyun's Instagram]

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)

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Group Stray Kids has extended their historic run by landing their ninth consecutive No. 1 on the Billboard 200 main album chart while also achieving their highest-ever ranking on the Hot 100 singles chart.

According to Billboard's official website on August 18 (local time), Stray Kids' mini album "THIS & THAT," released on August 7, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart dated August 22. This marks their ninth consecutive album to debut at the top spot upon release, cementing their titles as the first act in Billboard 200 history to achieve nine consecutive No. 1 entries and the 21st-century group with the most No. 1 albums on the chart.

On the main Hot 100 singles chart, the title track "This & That" entered at No. 38, breaking the group's personal best record. Following their first Hot 100 entry with "LALALALA" in November 2023, Stray Kids has now landed their sixth career entry on the chart, succeeding "Lose My Breath (Feat. Charlie Puth)," "Chk Chk Boom," "CEREMONY," and "Do It."

The group also claimed the top spot on the Artist 100 chart, marking their eighth time simultaneously topping the Billboard 200 and Artist 100. They swept No. 1 on the Top Album Sales and World Albums charts for the ninth consecutive time, while charting across a total of 17 categories, including No. 1 on Vinyl Albums, No. 4 on Digital Song Sales, No. 25 on the Billboard Global 200, and No. 15 on the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart.

Sharing their thoughts through their agency JYP Entertainment, Stray Kids stated, "It is deeply meaningful to achieve our ninth Billboard 200 No. 1 in our ninth year since debut. We were able to accomplish this thanks to STAY, who always supports us without change. We want to show the endless growth of not only Stray Kids but also K-pop to music fans around the world."

Stray Kids will hold concerts at the Japan National Stadium in Tokyo on August 29 and 30 as part of their world tour "Stray Kids World Tour <RUN IT>." This marks the first time for a foreign male artist to hold a solo concert at the Tokyo National Stadium.

Photo=JYP Entertainment

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)

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Actor Hong Min-gi has been swept up in allegations of dating violence.

Influencer A, who has 20,000 followers, published a post targeting Hong Min-gi via Instagram Stories in the early hours of the 19th, along with a legal notice sent through a law firm.

The released legal notice was dated July 28 and was titled "Notice of Legal Action Warning Against Illegal Criminal Acts." The document contained claims that Hong Min-gi threw a dangerous object at Influencer A and subjected her to physical assault and threats.

According to Influencer A's side, Hong Min-gi engaged in dangerous behavior by throwing and shattering a soju bottle at her on the street, and made around 40 phone calls suspecting that she was cheating with another man. During a subsequent meeting, he reportedly made threatening remarks such as, "If I found you, I was going to kill you both," and "I'm going to kill that bastard."

The legal notice also specified circumstances of assault, stating that Hong Min-gi struck her shoulder hard with his hand, pushed her, and grabbed her by the throat.

Additionally, Influencer A stated that Hong Min-gi invaded her privacy by secretly checking her mobile phone and KakaoTalk messages. She also claimed that he drove an e-scooter with her on it while under the influence of alcohol, causing an accident that left her with severe injuries, and that photos of the related injuries exist.

After releasing the legal notice, Influencer A posted additional photos of Hong Min-gi and stated, "The person in the previous story is indeed this person," directly pointing to Hong Min-gi as the subject of the allegations.

However, these allegations are unilateral claims presented by Influencer A through the legal notice. In response to Influencer A's claims, Hong Min-gi's agency, Fable Company, stated, "We are organizing our position. We will release an official statement soon."

Since his debut in 2020, Hong Min-gi has appeared in "Night Has Come", "Love Your Enemy", "Study Group", "Crushology 101", "Trigger", "To My Beloved Thief", and "Doctor on the Edge", and is awaiting the release of "Study Group Season 2".

[Photo = Influencer A's Instagram, Fable Company]

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)

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I-DLE's SOYEON is set to launch solo activities next month.

According to her agency, SOYEON will make her solo comeback in early next month. This marks her return as a solo artist 5 years and 2 months after the release of her first solo mini album "Windy" in July 2021. Attention is focused on what kind of music and message SOYEON will present as a solo artist, having been active on numerous global stages including their fourth world tour and Chicago's "Lollapalooza".

SOYEON has drawn attention as a self-producing artist who serves as the leader of I-DLE and has created mega-hit songs such as "TOMBOY", "Nxde", "Queencard", and "Fate". In 2024, she was promoted to a full member of the Korea Music Copyright Association, and this year, I-DLE was selected for Forbes Asia's "30 Under 30", recognizing their unrivaled musical capabilities.

In particular, SOYEON participated under the producer name icebluerabbit in I-DLE's digital single "Mono (Feat. skaiwater)" released last January, showcasing an even more expanded musical world. She also surprised fans at the "2026 I-DLE World Tour [Syncopation]" by unexpectedly unveiling her solo song "ICE BLUE RABBIT", which received favorable reviews.

In addition, she has left a strong impression with her relentless musical moves through collaborations with global artists such as American rapper Odetari and Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Anderson .Paak.

SOYEON appeared on the stage of EBS "Space" on the 18th, receiving an enthusiastic response from the audience with her deep live performance. On the 22nd, she is scheduled to appear at "Waterbomb Sokcho 2026" held in Sokcho, Gangwon Province, once again proving her status as a powerhouse performer with overwhelming energy.

Photo=Cube Entertainment

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)

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The film "The Assassin(s)" has released two main posters and a main trailer, showcasing a stellar cast and solid production ahead of its release this Chuseok holiday.

"The Assassin(s)" tells the story of tracking the suspicions and mastermind behind the assassination of the First Lady, an incident that shocked South Korea on August 15, 1974.

The first main poster captures the strong presence of detective Chul-gu (Yoo Hai-jin), newspaper social affairs editor Jae-hwan (Park Hae-il), and rookie reporter Young-il (Lee Minho) in a single frame. The determined expressions on their faces as they gaze forward reveal an unwavering resolve toward the truth that grows stronger the closer they get to the reality of the case, raising curiosity about how these individuals facing the incident from different positions will pursue it.

The second main poster immediately catches the eye with the tagline, "August 15, 1974, First Lady Assassination Incident, Who is the Mastermind Behind It?" further heightening curiosity about the mysteries hidden beneath the surface of an event everyone believed they knew. In addition, the tense expressions of Chul-gu, Jae-hwan, and Young-il vividly convey the intense suspense of the work.

The main trailer released alongside begins with the back of an assassin and the loading of a gun, increasing immersion. This is followed by the tense moment when the sniper attack takes place, along with Jae-hwan witnessing it live, Young-il capturing the scene with his camera, and Chul-gu engulfed in shock, vividly depicting the chaos of the time.

Subsequently, a diverse array of actors who will further enrich the production—including Bae Seong-woo, Uhm Ji-won, Park Ji-hwan, Park Hoon, Ryu Hye-young, Choi Yu-ri, Jang Ryul, Ryu Kyung-soo, Kim Dae-myung, Shim Eun-kyung, Park Hae-jun, Park Sung-hoon, Oh Jung-se, Shin Hyun-been, and Jung Woosung—appear one after another, completing a glamorous casting lineup. Furthermore, the scenes of Chul-gu desperately chasing the truth of the case, Jae-hwan persistently digging into the hidden mastermind, and Young-il boldly diving into the scene unfold in succession, heightening expectations for the overwhelming scale and breath-taking thrill the film will deliver.

"The Assassin(s)" is scheduled to be released in theaters this Chuseok. 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)

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Actor Hwang Jung-min has objected to a court-ordered mediation decision in a damages lawsuit filed by a woman, identified as A, who has made allegations about his private life, meaning the case will now proceed to a formal trial.

According to legal sources on August 19, Hwang's side submitted an objection to the compulsory mediation decision to the Seoul Central District Court the previous day.

Compulsory mediation is a procedure in which a court determines how to resolve a dispute between the two parties. If either the plaintiff or defendant objects, the mediation decision becomes void, and the case proceeds to a formal trial.

A previously filed a lawsuit in February seeking 200 million won in damages, claiming that she had not been paid for her work on a soju development project and for writing a novel, which caused her emotional distress.

The court held a mediation hearing on August 14, but neither party attended, prompting the court to issue a compulsory mediation decision.

Recently, A has claimed through social media and other channels that she had a personal relationship with Hwang, sharing recordings of phone calls and messages.

She also claimed that Hwang proposed a soju brand business, for which she handled the related work, and that he encouraged her to write a novel, which she subsequently did.

Meanwhile, A is also facing a separate criminal trial after being indicted on charges of stalking Hwang.

At the final hearing held on August 11 before the 4th Criminal Division of the Goyang Branch of the Uijeongbu District Court, prosecutors sought a fine of 10 million won for A. A has denied the charges, and the court is scheduled to deliver its ruling on September 8.

(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)

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Singer G.NA has signaled her official return to activities by taking on the role of special host for a K-pop event in Canada.

The official account of the Kimchi & K-Food Festival announced G.NA's appearance on its official social media on the 19th. The festival introduced her, stating, "Korean-Canadian artist G.NA, who has been active on the K-pop stage, will join as the special host for the 2026 Kimchi Festival K-POP Dance Championship. It will be a special time to cheer on the participants' passion and challenges toward the stage and create the passionate energy of K-pop together with the audience."

In the post, G.NA directly expressed her intention to participate by leaving a comment saying, "Can't wait." The K-POP Dance Championship, where G.NA will serve as host, is a side event of the "2026 Kimchi & K-Food Festival" taking place on the 28th at Town Centre Park in Coquitlam, British Columbia. The organizers expect over 100,000 visitors for the event, making it the largest Korean food and culture festival in Western Canada.

This move is drawing even more attention as it is an extension of the comeback signals G.NA has been showing over the past few months. Previously, G.NA announced her return to the music scene through her social media in June by sharing news of a remake of her debut song "I'll Get Lost, You Go Your Way."

G.NA began her career in 2010 with her debut song "I'll Get Lost, You Go Your Way" and gained popularity with multiple hit songs such as "Black & White" and "Top Girl." However, she practically suspended her activities after being sentenced to a fine in 2016 for violating the Act on the Punishment of Acts of Arranging Sexual Traffic, and has since been known to live mainly in Canada. G.NA has repeatedly stated her position that all the charges were rumors.

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)

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Ahn Bo-hyun of "Flex X Cop 2" has captured living rooms across the nation with his uniquely lovable swagger.

SBS's Friday-Saturday drama "Flex X Cop 2" (written by Kim Ba-da, directed by Kim Jae-hong) is a refreshing investigative crime drama depicting the thrilling cooperative teamwork between Jin Yi-soo (played by Ahn Bo-hyun), a chaebol detective who shakes up deadlocked investigations with massive wealth, and the new team leader Joo Hye-ra. Set against a significantly expanded scale, Jin Yi-soo's smug yet impossible-to-hate self-praise and swagger are drawing enthusiastic responses from viewers.

In the drama, Jin Yi-soo spares no expense using his signature combination of money and connections to punish villains. He catches criminals through everything from life-threatening car chases to brazen undercover investigations, but rather than acting humble, he triggers laughter by launching into "swagger mode," shamelessly praising himself. He transforms into a current affairs program host to expose crimes and show off his attention-seeking side, and even after landing a sharp shot with his gun, he struts around boasting, "At this point, I'm practically John Wick." Even when his hand is injured, his tenacious refusal to give up his signature gesture maximizes the character's multidimensional charm.

Although the character could easily come across as unlikable, critics note that Ahn Bo-hyun's delicate pacing and control in acting have completed the role of a lifetime. Blending more seasoned investigative skills as an official police officer with cheerful wit, viewers have poured out glowing reviews such as, "Jin Yi-soo is swagger on the inhale and swagger on the exhale, he is driving me crazy," "It's infuriating, but I can't hate him," and "Please, never grow up and keep on swaggering forever."

fueled by this word-of-mouth buzz, "Flex X Cop 2" has kicked its upward momentum into gear. Following a peak viewership rating of 7.4% based on episode 4 (according to Nielsen Korea), it claimed the number one spot in the Disney+ "non-original series" category in South Korea as of August 18 according to global OTT viewing rank aggregator FlixPatrol, proving its formidable box office power.

Ahn Bo-hyun's vibrant performance leading the box office streak as the unprecedented chaebol detective Jin Yi-soo will continue in episode 5 of "Flex X Cop 2," which airs at 9:50 PM on Friday, August 21.

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)

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Actors Jung Hae-in and Heo Sung-tae brought delightful laughter to Tuesday evening home viewers as they showed off completely contrasting, twist charms.

According to Nielsen Korea ratings data on the 19th, SBS' "Whenever Possible", which aired the previous day, recorded a peak metropolitan viewership rating of 4.6% and a household rating of 3.4%. Notably, the 20-49 viewership rating surged compared to the previous week to 1.4%, ranking first overall among entertainment, drama, and infotainment programs in the same time slot.

In the episode, hosts Yu Jae-seok and Yoo Yeonseok, along with guests Jung Hae-in and Heo Sung-tae, explored the hidden bits of free time in Seoul's Dongjak District.

Jung Hae-in, who revealed that he has lived in Dongjak District for nearly 30 years, delivered all-around performances befitting the "Son of Dongjak." Jung demonstrated quick-witted and efficient skills on the move, ranging from making lunch reservations to searching for a shaved ice dessert spot. Admiring the youngest member's thoughtful gesture of preparing a portable fan for the older members, Yu Jae-seok couldn't hide his amazement, saying, "Hae-in is doing a huge job. He is completely invincible." Yoo Yeonseok also chimed in, saying, "Since he is the Son of Dongjak, his actions are fast," bringing laughter to the set.

Jung also revealed his special bond with his younger brother and manager, which had previously drawn attention. While playfully describing his brother as a "servant made by mom," he expressed affection, sharing that his brother always accompanies him on schedules and has become a dependable presence that goes beyond family.

On the other hand, Heo Sung-tae cracked up the set with his friendly and fragile demeanor, contrasting with his intense "super villain" image in his works. When he repeatedly made mistakes during the first mission, a boxing gym "mitt rally," he spontaneously dropped to his knees to apologize and playfully called himself "Fool Sung-tae," bringing laughter.

Heo Sung-tae's "fragile charm" also shone during the subsequent mission at Chung-Ang University's American football club. Seeing Heo Sung-tae sweat from extreme tension during the relay mission, Yu Jae-seok pointed out, "He plays a lot of villain roles, but he is as faint-hearted as I am," adding to the fun. After failing the mission and not knowing what to do out of regret and apology, Heo Sung-tae asked for the club students' bank account numbers, promising to treat them to pork belly out of his own pocket and leaving a warm impression until the end.

Meanwhile, "Whenever Possible", which brings good fortune to brief moments of everyday life, airs every Tuesday at 9 p.m.

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)

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Actors Lee Do-hyun and Kim Min-ha are teaming up for the upcoming romance film "Shake Our Solar System" (literal translation).

"Shake Our Solar System" is a brilliant survival romance film that follows "Woo-ri", who longed for a miracle while fading away without a tomorrow, and "Taeyang", an unpredictable and eccentric free spirit who promises a tomorrow, as they become bound by an accidental promise and shake up each other's worlds. Having finalized its main cast including Lee Do-hyun and Kim Min-ha, the film cranks in on August 19.

Prior to the first shoot, director Park Dan-hee and main cast members such as Lee Do-hyun and Kim Min-ha attended the script reading. Generating intense anticipation simply through the meeting of the two actors, they lit up the set with their flawless chemistry and cheerful energy, signaling the beginning of a dazzling romance.

Lee Do-hyun, who has cemented his status as a trusted actor through diverse roles across genres in "Sweet Home", "Youth of May", "The Glory", "The Good Bad Mother", and his screen debut "Exhuma", takes on the role of "Taeyang", who shakes up "Woo-ri's" world. He is set to showcase a new charm he has never shown before through "Taeyang", an eccentric youth who makes an unusual proposal to "Woo-ri" while preparing for his final moments.

Actor Kim Min-ha, who has made a strong impression by flawlessly portraying diverse characters in "Pachinko", "Light Shop", "Way Back Love", "Typhoon Family", and "Hana Korea", takes on the role of "Woo-ri" in this project. "Woo-ri" is a character who endures a cold reality while desperately waiting for a miracle, and Kim Min-ha is set to captivate audiences with her deepening acting.

Director Park Dan-hee, who has been recognized for her sensory directing skills through "Tastefully Yours" and co-directing "Weak Hero Class 1", is taking the megaphone. Director Park is set to present a fresh romance by adding the characters' lovely emotions and delicate direction that stirs the heart onto a realistic premise.

"Shake Our Solar System" cranks in on Wednesday, August 19, and enters full-scale filming. 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)

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Following an unexpected wardrobe situation during a music festival performance, JENNIE of the group BLACKPINK's agency has announced plans for legal action in response to controversial videos spreading online.

JENNIE performed as a headliner at "Summer Sonic 2026," held on August 14 at ZOZO Marine Stadium and Makuhari Messe in Tokyo, and on August 16 at Expo '70 Commemorative Park in Osaka. As the first Korean solo artist to headline the event, JENNIE delivered a solo set lasting about an hour. During the performance, she was seen adjusting her top while turning around due to wardrobe concerns and signaling staff about microphone equipment issues. She also directly explained to the audience that the hot weather and sweat had caused issues with her outfit, asking for their understanding.

After the concert, videos of JENNIE's performance spread rapidly across social media and online communities. Among them, some videos sparked controversy by appearing to show body exposure due to shifting clothing, with those clips surpassing 10 million views.

In response, JENNIE's agency, OA Entertainment, released an official statement on August 18 outlining its plans for legal action. The agency stated, "We have continuously identified malicious slander, the spread of false information, the malicious editing and manipulation of photos and videos, and posts or distribution violating privacy and personal rights regarding JENNIE across online communities and social media," adding that civil and criminal legal responses are currently underway.

The agency also emphasized, "We will take active legal measures depending on the content and severity of cases involving the malicious editing or re-manipulation of JENNIE's physical features, the repeated posting or distribution of specific photos or video fragments, and posts or distribution combined with insulting expressions or false information," making it clear that there will be no agreements or leniency throughout this process.

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)

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The Netflix series "Mousetrap", which draws inspiration from Korean folklore, has released striking and intense press stills.

"Mousetrap" is a tracking thriller that follows novelist Mun-jae (played by Ryu Jun-yeol), whose name, face, and life are completely stolen by a mysterious entity known as "Mousetrap", loan shark No-ja (played by Sul Kyung-gu), who is trying to recover lost money, and detective Sun-yong (played by Lee Kyu-hyung) as they chase down the true identity of Mousetrap.

Released on the 18th, the new stills immediately capture attention with the diverse appearances of the characters entangled in the web of Mousetrap.

In particular, anticipation is high for Ryu Jun-yeol as he takes on the first dual-role challenge of his filmography, simultaneously portraying Mun-jae and the "Mousetrap" entity, who shares Mun-jae's face but exudes a cold and chilling atmosphere.

Sul Kyung-gu, playing the loan shark No-ja, hints at a high-stakes, life-threatening chase with his blood-stained shirt and rugged aura, while Lee Kyu-hyung portrays detective Sun-yong, capturing the sharp and persistent gaze of an investigator closing in on the truth during an undercover stakeout.

Joining them are Mu Jin-sung as Mun-jae's friend Su-hyeon, Kim Sung-oh as Seung-gyu, who projects a threatening presence, and Hyun Bong-shik as Myeong-su, raising expectations for intense character conflicts and a fast-paced narrative.

Reinterpreting the traditional folklore of the "Rat Transformed Into a Man" with a modern twist to deliver extreme immersion, the Netflix series "Mousetrap" consists of 10 episodes and is set for release on Netflix on the 28th (Friday).

[Photo = Netflix]

Kang Sun-ae (sakang@sbs.co.kr) 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)

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Lady Jane and Lim Hyun-tae's twin daughters recently underwent an infant developmental screening test.

During the broadcast of SBS "You're my destiny" on the 18th, the daily lives of the couple Lady Jane and Lim Hyun-tae were revealed.

On this day, the two went to take their twin daughters for an infant developmental screening test. Lady Jane, who followed Lim Hyun-tae, asked, "Is there something like this? Can they even be tested when they're this young?"

In response, Lim Hyun-tae explained, "It's a test where you can explore career paths once they pass about one year old." Lady Jane laughed in disbelief, saying, "You're being way too excessive."

Lady Jane then explained, "Hyun-tae is a member of an online parenting community, and he heard that mothers in high-achieving school districts get these tests done from the age of one to plan out their children's lives from the start, which is why he brought us here."

The screening test then began in earnest. In the test conducted with Woo-joo first, Woo-joo immediately found an object hidden inside a cup, and Lim Hyun-tae could not hide his joy.

However, in the subsequent imitation test where she had to follow actions, the desired response did not come out, and her babbling was still inexperienced, causing disappointment.

In the next test, Byul-i caught attention by responding immediately to conversations and babbling quite well. However, during the motor domain test, Byul-i moved using her knees as if jumping, leading the professor to call over the testing teacher and order a retest for the motor domain.

Because of this, Lady Jane stated that Byul-i's condition did not seem good enough for a retest, and the testing concluded as it was.

In the developmental tests across five areas, both Byul-i and Woo-joo scored within the average range in the cognitive domain. However, they showed differences in language. Byul-i scored 94 points, falling into the average category, while Woo-joo scored 84 points, falling below the average. In particular, the professor expressed concern over Woo-joo's lack of response when her name was called.

The professor advised, "Her receptive language is low. It is necessary to change the method of communication."

Additionally, in the motor domain, Byul-i's gross motor score was 5 points, which was just 1 point away from the 4 points that fall under developmental delay, raising concerns. In particular, a score of 4 points belongs to the 98th place out of 100 people, deepening the parents' worries.

The professor analyzed, "While crawling on all fours, the strength in the feet and legs increases, but she is moving her hind feet like a frog." Lady Jane then remarked, "It seems like she doesn't want to do things that require effort and hard work."

In response, the professor drew attention by advising, "It is necessary to create an environment where she can move voluntarily."

After all the results of the developmental test were revealed, Lady Jane asked the professor whether it would be possible for the children to enter Harvard.

The professor stated, "You must have a lot of interest, but it is still too early. They need to be past the age of 3 for the correlation to be high."

When Lim Hyun-tae then asked, "If we take the test after age 3, will the transparency regarding Harvard be revealed by then?", the panel scolded him, asking, "Why are you talking about an audit for Harvard? What is Harvard transparency?"

However, Lim Hyun-tae brought laughter by showing his unyielding desire for his children's education, saying, "I will make sure we come back with a higher score than now when they are 3 years old."

Meanwhile, towards the end of the broadcast, former baseball player Yoon Suk-min and his wife Kim Soo-hyun were previewed as joining as a new couple, raising anticipation for the next broadcast.

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

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Jung Hae-in showed off his unexpectedly organized, planner-like side.

On the August 18 broadcast of SBS's "Whenever Possible", actors Jung Hae-in and Heo Sung-tae appeared as gap friends.

In this episode, the Yoo brothers warmly welcomed the guests. Jung Hae-in shared that he has lived in Dongjak-gu for 30 years, prompting Yoo Yeonseok to bring up memories of his own military service days there.

Yu Jae-seok jokingly shuddered, saying, "You talk about your military service and Sejong University without missing a beat." Yoo Yeonseok looked flustered and replied, "Come on, I'm allowed to talk about it, aren't I?"

Yu Jae-seok pointed out, "Sejong University should give you an award. Except for King Sejong, no one has promoted Sejong University as much as Yeonseok." Yoo Yeonseok made everyone laugh by responding, "Actually, I even received an invitation to host the Hangeul Day event."

After failing their first gap mission, the four decided to head out for lunch. Dongjak-gu's own Jung Hae-in took the lead.

Jung Hae-in tracked down a restaurant serving cold buckwheat noodles with pork cutlet. Before heading over, he called the restaurant to check if dining and filming were available.

Yu Jae-seok admired this, saying, "For a P type, Hae-in is quite structured." While on their way, the four spotted a shaved ice shop and decided on their dessert in advance.

However, Jung Hae-in suddenly disappeared. He had run off to the shaved ice shop to check its business hours. Finding out that the hours didn't match their schedule, he expressed his disappointment and quickly tracked down another shaved ice shop.

Arriving at the cold buckwheat noodle and pork cutlet restaurant, Jung Hae-in introduced the spot, saying, "I heard this place was featured on 'Live Information'. It has 1,200 reviews, and it's right around the corner in the next alley," referring to where they would go for dessert.

The Yoo brothers were impressed, saying, "Hae-in really enjoys searching for these kinds of places." Jung Hae-in drew attention by sharing, "When senior Lee Young-ja gave me her Dae-dong Food Map in the past, I was so happy. It's locked in my safe right now."

He explained, "It's handwritten on thick paper, so you can really see the care and effort put into it." Hearing this, Yu Jae-seok remarked, "That just shows how much noona truly cherishes Hae-in."

After finishing their meal, Yu Jae-seok felt so happy about the delicious food that he completely forgot about failing the gap mission. Heo Sung-tae also expressed his gratitude, saying, "It's all thanks to Hae-in."

However, there were no exceptions when it came to paying for the meal. They decided to determine who would pay through a wasabi-water roulette game, hiding water spiked with wasabi.

Jung Hae-in ended up losing the meal bet. The spice was too much to bear, and his eyes welled up with tears, bringing laughter to everyone.

After finishing their meal, the four headed to the shaved ice shop. However, it was packed, and they could not get in. Amidst his struggling colleagues, Jung Hae-in stared intently somewhere, quickly spotted a cup-bingsu shop, and sprinted over. He checked for empty seats first, causing everyone to laugh.

Meanwhile, the end of the broadcast previewed the appearance of Cha Tae-hyun, who visits as a gap friend every season, raising anticipation for the next episode.

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

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Song Jin Woo thoroughly enjoyed his freedom after his wife left.

On the August 18 broadcast of SBS's "You're My Destiny", the daily life of the couple Song Jin Woo and MINAMI was revealed.

During the broadcast, Song Jin Woo saw off MINAMI as she headed to her maternal home with their child for a month.

He gazed longingly at the receding backs of his family members. Seeing this, Lee Ji-hye empathized with Song Jin Woo's feelings, saying, "It's heartbreaking even if you're only parting for a little while, right?"

Then Kim Sook remarked, "You can tell by looking at his expression the moment they turn around. Whether he's genuinely sad or not."

Soon after, his true intentions were revealed. Once his family disappeared from sight and he turned away, Song Jin Woo was seen acting out fake sadness while muttering, "Okay, let's go. Oh, I'm so lonely."

JANE, who was watching this, pointed out, "He can't control the corners of his mouth." Song Jin Woo then surprised everyone by showing off tap dance moves at the airport with a lighthearted step.

In particular, after returning home, he even sang, "Throw off the chains that have bound me. Now I only have freedom. Grant me freedom." This prompted Kim Gu-ra to shudder and say, "As expected, he's not ordinary," creating an explosion of laughter.

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

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Song Jin Woo's wife MINAMI showed off her past gyaru style.

On the August 18 broadcast of the SBS program "You're my destiny", the daily life of the Song Jin Woo and MINAMI couple was revealed.

During the broadcast, Song Jin Woo told MINAMI, "Gyaru style is really popular in Korea these days." He mentioned the recent gyaru trend sparked by RESCENE member MINAMI's gyaru cosplay.

In response, MINAMI said, "I used to be a gyaru back in the day," and revealed a photo from her past. MINAMI then impersonated a gyaru working at a clothing store.

MINAMI drew attention by saying, "I was envious. We gyarus used to think that gyarus working in women's clothing stores were at the very top of the gyaru hierarchy."

MINAMI then showcased the gyaru style prepared by Song Jin Woo, summoning her gyaru self from 20 years ago and bringing laughter to everyone.

Watching this, Song Jin Woo joked, "If you had been a gyaru back then, I wouldn't have married you," to which MINAMI fired back, "I hated you even more back then," causing an outburst of laughter.

In response, Song Jin Woo said, "I was the mascot of the theater and film department in college," and shocked everyone by revealing a photo of himself with an over-the-top shaggy haircut from his college days.

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

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