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Singer John Park is set to showcase his summer vibes with his new single, "Summer Back" (literal title).

On the 20th, John Park announced the release of his new single "Summer Is Back," scheduled for July 23 at 6 PM, through a teaser image on his official social media.

The released teaser features a 15-part collage of various summer-themed imagery, including green trees, a blue swimming pool, refreshing drinks, watermelon, sandals on a sandy beach, and an inner tube. The phrase "What's your summer?" was added, heightening curiosity about the concept of the new song.

"Summer Is Back" is a refreshing track perfect for the sweltering summer. John Park previously appeared on Sung Si-kyung's YouTube and introduced it as "a funky soul-pop track with a light, breezy beat that evokes retro nostalgia, making it a perfect summer song."

Notably, John Park personally handled the lyrics, composition, and arrangement for this new song, infusing it with his own musical color.

Last December, John Park proved his enduring ticket power by selling out all seats for his solo concert "Like a Dream," held for the first time in 8 years.

John Park's new single "Summer Is Back" will be released on various online music platforms on July 23 at 6 PM. 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)

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Singer and actor Lee Jun-young is temporarily leaving his fans' side today (July 21) to fulfill his mandatory military service.

Lee Jun-young will enlist as an active-duty soldier in the army today (July 21) and enter the recruit training center. To prevent crowding and safety accidents on-site, no official event will be held, and his enlistment will be kept private. Previously, Lee Jun-young received warm support after personally sharing his enlistment news through a handwritten letter filled with affection for his fans.

Having debuted in the entertainment industry in 2014 as "JUN," a member of the group U-KISS, Lee Jun-young has shown versatile performances across the stage and the small screen. He officially began his acting career in 2017 with the drama "Avengers Social Club." Since then, he has steadily built an unrivaled filmography with a wide acting spectrum across various genres, including the dramas "Class of Lies," "Please Don't Date Him," "Imitation," "D.P.," "Mask Girl," "Weak Hero Class 2," and "When Life Gives You Tangerines," as well as the films "Brave Citizen" and "Badland Hunters."

In particular, in the JTBC drama "Reborn Rookie" which aired this year, he proved his multi-dimensional acting skills by perfectly pulling off a dual role where the souls of Hwang Jun-hyun and Chairman Kang Yong-ho coexist. The work also concluded on a high note, breaking its own highest viewership ratings.

Continuing his hard work right up until his enlistment, he successfully completed filming for tvN's new drama "Four Hands," fully preparing to soothe fans' regrets over his upcoming military hiatus.

Ahead of his enlistment, Lee Jun-young brought smiles to fans' faces with a short but witty message through his agency, Billions: "I will go and return in good health. See you in the winter of the year after next! Early Merry Christmas and Happy New Year x2."

Meanwhile, tvN's new Saturday-Sunday drama "Four Hands," starring Lee Jun-young as the main character Choi Jeong-yo, is scheduled to premiere on August 29. 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)

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The group PENTAGON has announced their return as a full group, signaling the release of a new song and a tour for the first time in 3 years to celebrate their 10th anniversary since debut.

PENTAGON surprised fans by revealing their 10th-anniversary project through their official social media channels at midnight on the 21st. NAKED, the agency in charge of project management, stated, "To mark their 10th anniversary, PENTAGON will release a new song and embark on a tour for the first time in 3 years," adding, "Starting with this 10th-anniversary project, PENTAGON will be active as a 7-member lineup consisting of JINHO, HUI, HONGSEOK, SHINWON, YEOONE, KINO, and WOOSEOK."

This marks the first time in about 3 years that PENTAGON is releasing a new song since their digital single "Promise," which was released in 2023. As the members have been actively pursuing individual careers in music, acting, and variety shows, the news of them reuniting for their 10th anniversary is drawing significant anticipation from fans.

Previously, PENTAGON proved their unwavering teamwork by performing as a full group for the first time in about 2 years and 3 months at the "33rd Hanteo Music Awards 2025" held this past February. At the time, they also solidified their presence as a group by winning the "10th Anniversary-Influential Artist" award.

PENTAGON, who debuted on October 10, 2016, has been beloved for releasing numerous hit songs such as "Shine," "Spring Snow," and "Daisy."

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)

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American broadcaster based in Korea, Tyler Rasch, has suddenly announced the closure of his YouTube channel "Tylerbolkkayo," which has 810,000 subscribers, drawing attention to the reasons behind the decision.

On the 20th, Tyler posted a video on his YouTube channel titled "The Truth Behind the Secret Closed-Door Meetings More Chilling than the Illuminati (Leaked Situation)." After discussing US politics and international affairs, he announced the channel's closure at the end of the video.

He said, "I decided to film this because I wanted to share a slightly heavier topic than usual. Thanks to those who have cherished "Tylerbolkkayo" and visited every week, I was able to create very precious memories."

He continued, "Every beginning has an end. The 'Tylerbolkkayo' you have known until now has come to an end. I will try my best to ensure a beautiful conclusion so that we can end on a high note. Thank you for watching all this time, and I will see you again with an even better version of myself," he said in his final farewell.

The sudden news of the closure led to a flood of comments expressing regret. However, some raised conspiracy-themed speculations.

Because the final video dealt with the relationship between technological power and politics, using private meetings between big tech companies and high-ranking government officials as the subject, some made baseless guesses such as, "Isn't there a political reason?" or "Is he leaving Korea for good?"

However, Tyler did not mention stopping his activities in Korea or any plans to leave the country anywhere in the video. Instead, he hinted at new activities by saying, "I will see you again with an even better version of myself."

In particular, Tyler is a co-founder and co-CEO of the entertainment agency Wave Entertainment, which he established with fellow Belgian broadcaster Julian Quintart. As he continues to be active in broadcasting, lectures, and writing, critics point out that the interpretation circulating online that he might be "leaving Korea" is somewhat excessive.

Born in 1988, Tyler made a name for himself through JTBC's "Non Summit." Since then, he has established himself as a leading foreign broadcaster in Korea, active in various fields including broadcasting, English teaching, writing, and painting. 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)

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The film "HOPE" has maintained its No. 1 spot at the box office for 6 consecutive days.

According to the Korean Film Council's integrated computer network for movie theater tickets on the 21st, "HOPE" drew 143,062 viewers on the 20th, keeping its position at the top of the box office. The cumulative number of viewers has reached 2,272,733.

"HOPE," which was released on the 15th, surpassed 1 million viewers in 3 days and 2 million in 5 days, and has continued its winning streak into the weekdays of its second week. The number of viewers in the second week is crucial for reaching the break-even point (approximately 7 million). This is because the competing film "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" is set to be released on the 29th. Currently, "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" is ahead of "HOPE" in pre-sale rates and ticket counts.

"HOPE" depicts the story of Beom-seok (Hwang Jung-min), the head of the Hopo Port branch in the Demilitarized Zone, who hears news of a tiger sighting from local youth and faces an unbelievable reality as the entire village falls into chaos. The film stars Hwang Jung-min, Zo In-sung, and Jung Hoyeon.

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U-KNOW displayed his signature overflowing passion.

On the episode of the SBS program "uh, but like, seriously!" that aired on the 20th, U-KNOW, known as the ultimate passionate man in Korea, visited "Suzy's Boarding House."

During the broadcast, U-KNOW drew attention by saying, "I don't think I live my life thinking I am working hard, but I believe in doing my best in everything I do."

In response, Lee Sang-min brought up the quote he had mentioned in the past, "The most harmful pest in the world is half-heartedness," to which U-KNOW replied, "I think it is important to find a compromise because everyone feels things differently," drawing admiration.

He shared that he keeps his promises to himself no matter what, adding, "I have photos from fans at home, and I look at them and say, 'Hey, wake up! What are you doing?'" which brought laughter to the set.

Recently, U-KNOW has also been showcasing his impressive work as an actor. He received acclaim for the rediscovery of actor Jung Yun-ho through his role as the Mokpo gangster Jang Beol-gu in the drama "Fine."

U-KNOW began by saying, "I was cast through an audition. Actually, I heard some disappointing feedback during my first meeting with the director."

He continued, "I didn't even know there was a reading, so I went unprepared. I told the director the truth and asked for two weeks. I told him, 'You are the captain, so if you are still not satisfied after two weeks, do whatever you want,'" recalling that time.

U-KNOW then went straight to Mokpo and explained, "I had to use the 1970s-80s dialect, so I took a taxi and met a driver. Fortunately, he was a Mokpo native. I got good hints from talking to him." He then explained the background behind the line, "Where are you trying to pull a fast one like a fox with its tail showing?"

He added, "I got hints from those words, learned the key intonations, and mastered the rhythm of the Mokpo dialect," revealing the immense effort he put into the role.

U-KNOW said, "I went back after two weeks and greeted him as the character. I didn't have much time, so I walked through the door and immediately acted as the character. The director saw me and said, 'You've changed in just two weeks.' He gave me the part on the spot and showed me the cast list," revealing the story of how he proudly joined the star-studded lineup.

To this, Lee Suji mentioned his debut drama "Heading to the Ground," where he faced challenges as an actor, saying, "But honestly, you weren't recognized from the start. There was a time when you were just heading to the ground."

U-KNOW responded confidently, saying, "I don't deny my past," even when the footage of his acting from that time was shown. However, once the video was actually revealed, he broke into a sweat from embarrassment.

Meanwhile, at the end of the broadcast, Lee Suji revealed a novel that U-KNOW had written himself when he was in high school, and U-KNOW pleaded, "Who on earth found that? Please, get rid of that novel!" causing a burst of laughter.

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

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SUNMI revealed why U-KNOW, not Park Jin-young, is her role model.

On the July 20 episode of the SBS show "uh, but like, seriously!", SUNMI visited Suzy's boarding house.

During the broadcast, SUNMI shared that U-KNOW is her role model. She said, "He is my passion role model in life. Even though he debuted over 20 years ago, he always works as hard as a rookie whenever I see him at the broadcasting station."

SUNMI added, "Watching him, I feel that to survive for a long time, one must live with such passion."

The panelists asked, "Wouldn't JYP be sad? He is someone who is full of passion more than anyone else. Do you not click?"

SUNMI replied, "JYP is also full of passion, but it is a bit annoying to look at," to which the panelists agreed, saying, "That sums it up perfectly."

SUNMI then caused laughter by saying, "He nags too much. I know he is passionate, but he keeps nagging us to be passionate, so it is annoying."

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

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U-KNOW has admitted to being the "SM Revenant."

On the episode of SBS's "uh, but like, seriously!" that aired on the 20th, the passionate U-KNOW visited Lee Su-ji's boarding house.

On this day, Lee Su-ji said to U-KNOW, "I heard you are the 'SM Revenant' and that there is a separate 'U-KNOW Time'."

In response, U-KNOW clarified that there was a slight misunderstanding, saying, "If you cut out the 'Revenant' part, it is true." Then, Tak Jae-hoon asked again, "They say you told people, 'If you are going to do it half-heartedly, leave right now. If you are going to practice like that, go back to your hometown.' Is that not true?"

Recalling the past, U-KNOW said he could not deny it, to which Lee Su-ji asked, "Is there anyone we know who has heard that story?"

U-KNOW replied, "That was Heechul. After I said that, he changed. He endured it and became a member of Super Junior."

U-KNOW also drew attention by saying that he does not remember saying the same thing to Changmin, a member of TVXQ!.

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

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Jonathan opened up about the difficulties he faces due to stereotypes.

On the July 20th broadcast of SBS's "uh, but like, seriously!", Jonathan visited Suzy's boarding house.

During the show, the panelists expressed surprise at Jonathan, who was different from their expectations. Jonathan, who people assumed would be full of soul, showed a side completely devoid of it, leading Boom to remark, "Jonathan really can't sing. He really has no soul."

The panelists then asked if he was good at basketball. Jonathan replied, "I hate basketball," and added, "The most annoying thing is that at school, kids always ask me to play basketball and tell me to try dunking," drawing attention.

Jonathan, who also said he cannot rap, shared, "Kids ask me if I'm going on 'Show Me The Money,' and tell me that the moment I go on 'Show Me The Money,' it would be like Jesus appearing at summer Bible school," which brought everyone to laughter.

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

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Singer Hyun Jin-young (55) has unveiled a "STOP DRUG" t-shirt he designed himself, delivering a message of drug prevention to the youth.

Hyun Jin-young recently shared photos on his social media taken with his wife, Oh Seo-woon. The couple is seen wearing new products from "XKARA," a fashion brand launched by Hyun in 2023, while enjoying a meal at a Korean restaurant run by singer Kim Jang-hoon.

Regarding the t-shirt, Hyun Jin-young stated, "This design is a reproduction of the album jacket from I.W.B.H, a project hip-hop group I released in 1997." He added, "STOP DRUG was the title track of that album, but I wanted to convey a slightly different meaning this time." He explained, "I created this design specifically to send a message to many people, including teenagers, that they must never do drugs."

He wrote with a laugh, "Honestly, it is a bit embarrassing for me to wear a t-shirt with this kind of slogan on it," but added, "It is okay because I am living a very good and diligent life now."

This t-shirt draws more attention as it is not just a fashion item, but a symbol that encapsulates Hyun Jin-young's own life.

Hyun Jin-young was a first-generation artist who led the domestic hip-hop craze in the 1990s, but he went through a long dark period after getting involved with drugs during his prime. Having broken free from drugs in the early 2000s through voluntary treatment and determination, he has since consistently participated in drug prevention campaigns and public service activities, using his own experience to raise awareness about the importance of preventing recidivism and educating youth. This "STOP DRUG" t-shirt is an extension of those efforts.

Hyun Jin-young, who launched the fashion brand "XKARA" in 2023, which reinterprets his stage outfits in a modern way, previously stated, "I put my hope into it that Generation X and the MZ generation could empathize with each other through fashion," and "I want to share emotions that transcend generations through the mediums of music and fashion." 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)

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The film "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" has claimed the top spot in both pre-sale rates and ticket volume, surpassing "HOPE" with 9 days left until its release.

According to the Korean Film Council on the 20th, "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" recorded a 48.8% pre-sale rate (as of 10:30 AM) and 230,000 tickets sold. This result is nearly double the figures of the current box office leader, "HOPE" (26.6%, 120,000 tickets).

"Spider-Man: Brand New Day" is a film that depicts the journey of Peter Parker, who lives alone after being forgotten by everyone, as he overcomes new threats to become a true hero.

The "Tom-Spa" series, which refers to the "Spider-Man" series starring Tom Holland, has never failed at the box office in Korea. The previous three films—"Spider-Man: Homecoming" (2017, 7.25 million viewers), "Spider-Man: Far From Home" (2019, 8.02 million viewers), and "Spider-Man: No Way Home" (2021, 7.55 million viewers)—all recorded massive box office success with over 7 million viewers each.

Returning after five years, the fourth installment is already showing high pre-sale rates and ticket volumes, signaling a fierce battle to become this summer's box office winner.

"Spider-Man: Brand New Day" will be released on the 29th. 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)

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As the film "HOPE" surpasses 2 million viewers nationwide just 5 days after its release, the supporting actors who shone in the film are also receiving attention.

A prime example is Eum Moon-suk, whose casting was not even known until the film's release. Eum Moon-suk plays 'Yang-bae', a carpenter in Hopohang, and takes on a pivotal role from the middle of the film onwards.

If director Na Hong-jin's previous work "The Wailing" reached a turning point in the plot with the appearance of Il-gwang (Hwang Jung-min), then Yang-bae plays that same role in "HOPE". He is the person who provides the catalyst for the incident. With his shabby appearance, vacant expression, and yellowed teeth, he exudes an unusual aura just by his looks.

"Hopohang" is a small village located near the DMZ adjacent to North Korea, but Yang-bae speaks with a Chungcheong-do dialect. The authentic dialect line, "It's at my house!", provided big laughs, but this line also causes a massive ripple effect that keeps the audience focused. Yang-bae also delivers an unexpected performance in the latter half of the film, greatly surprising the audience.

In an interview, director Na Hong-jin explained, "The thing that Yang-bae did is, in a way, a trivial matter, but the film shows how far this can escalate. This massive tragic situation can arise from such trivial things, and it becomes an evil act. However, if you look closely, there seems to be no malice at all. There is no rule that the perpetrator of an evil act must necessarily have malice. It seems that life's tragedies happen that way. 'HOPE' is a film that tells that kind of story."

After premiering the film at the Cannes Film Festival, director Na Hong-jin returned to Korea and re-edited it. In the process, the running time was reduced from 160 minutes to 156 minutes. During this process, the entire portion featuring Park Young-gyu, who played the township head, was edited out.

Compared to the Cannes version, Yang-bae's screen time increased in the domestic version. Director Na Hong-jin stated that he put the most effort into the Yang-bae character in the final cut, even describing it as a "restoration to the original state." He emphasized, "I hoped that 'Yang-bae' would deliver the same impact to the audience that Il-gwang gave in 'The Wailing'."

At a GV event with director Bong Joon-ho, director Na Hong-jin revealed, "Eum Moon-suk acted so well that I had no choice but to cast him after several auditions." Director Bong Joon-ho also mentioned Eum Moon-suk, who showed an impressive appearance and acting ability in the film.

Eum Moon-suk's performance provides the fun of an unexpected discovery. His unique, personality-filled acting offers more than just comic relief and even plays a role in heightening the tension in the latter half.

"HOPE" is currently a box office hit, surpassing 2 million viewers nationwide in just 5 days since its release. Eum Moon-suk is touring for stage greetings alongside Hwang Jung-min, Zo In-sung, and Jung Hoyeon, receiving enthusiastic applause from the audience. 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)

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Dog trainer Lee Chan-jong, who stood trial on charges of sexually harassing a fellow trainer, has shared his feelings for the first time after being acquitted following a legal battle that lasted 4 years and 5 months.

On the 19th, Lee released a video titled "Hello, this is trainer Lee Chan-jong" on his YouTube channel "JAEkkiCHAN". The video includes footage of him at the court on the day of the appellate court's sentencing and scenes of him sharing his joy with his family immediately after the acquittal.

Before entering the court, Lee said, "Today is the day my truth is revealed. I have gone through various processes over the past 4 years and 5 months. I don't know what the result will be, but I want to prove my innocence and confirm to the world that truth exists. It was harder to see my family suffer than to deal with my own unfairness. My first goal in clearing my name was for my family to live with their heads held high."

After the appellate court dismissed the prosecutor's appeal and declared him not guilty, Lee said, "My innocence has once again been confirmed in the second trial as well. I have suffered so much for 4 years and 5 months, and I am so overwhelmed right now. My legs are giving out." He then hugged his daughter and wife, expressing his gratitude.

On this day, Lee's wife said, "My husband even went to a reservoir alone. After that, I accompanied him to every police investigation, prosecution investigation, and court appearance." His daughter also emphasized her trust in her father, saying, "When the incident broke out, I worried about whether I should go to school. Some friends even said, 'I didn't think you would come to school.' It was upsetting because I didn't understand why they thought that way when I hadn't done anything wrong."

Lee concluded by saying, "When the incident first happened, the first thing that came to my mind was my family. My family trusted me unconditionally and told me, 'We will protect you, Dad.' I am also grateful to the viewers of "JAEkkiCHAN" for trusting and supporting me from the beginning."

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)

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CRAVITY proved their true value as the masters of performance, known as 'Perform-vity,' by heating up the Caribbean Bay Water Music Pool Party.

CRAVITY appeared at the 'Caribbean Bay Water Music Pool Party,' held on the special outdoor wave pool stage at Caribbean Bay in Yongin, Gyeonggi-do, on July 19, and delivered an energy-packed performance. Amid the cheers of the crowd that filled the venue, they boosted the mid-summer festival atmosphere with refreshing performances and solid live vocals.

On this day, CRAVITY appeared in sporty casual outfits and kicked off the show with "AWAKE." They kept the heat going with "Lemonade Fever" and delighted fans by performing "Sunrise" for the first time in a while. During the following talk segment, they greeted the audience and communicated more closely with them. CRAVITY roamed the stage and sprayed water to liven up the atmosphere, adding a refreshing charm with "Cloud 9." They brought the performance to a grand finale with their final song, "Ready or Not," delivering a steady performance even amidst the pouring water jets.

Through their agency, Starship Entertainment, CRAVITY shared their thoughts, saying, "We were able to enjoy the performance even more because so many people joined us, to the point where we could feel the hot energy just by standing on stage." They added, "We thank everyone who enjoyed the scene with us and LUVITY, who always cheers for us with the loudest voices. We hope this remains an unforgettable memory for everyone."

Meanwhile, CRAVITY is meeting fans every Monday at 9 PM through their own content series, "CRAVITY PARK."

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)

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Director Na Hong-jin, who created the film "HOPE," spoke about the process of producing a sci-fi film, a genre that is nearly barren in Korea.

In a recent interview with Elle magazine, director Na Hong-jin revealed that "HOPE" is a film with over 400 creature shots, adding that he spent an intense time working on CGI and sound post-production until just before the screening.

Director Na Hong-jin said, "As soon as the script was finished, I met with the CEO of the VFX company at Daepo Port," and added, "I had the thought that our country's VFX industry needed to try this and achieve a certain level of quality. It wasn't the grammar of existing creature films; it was something that had never been done before. There are no references for creatures in broad daylight. We started from scratch."

The reason for starting "HOPE" was not simply a challenge to the sci-fi or creature genre. Mentioning the era when the streaming age was in full swing, director Na Hong-jin revealed the starting point of the work, saying, "The entertainment I wanted to see in theaters was gradually disappearing. So, I started with the mindset that I would make it myself."

A special philosophy was also embedded in the film's visuals. Director Na Hong-jin explained his collaboration with cinematographer Hong Kyung-pyo, stating that he wanted to plant a "retro" sensibility into the entire mise-en-scène of "HOPE." He replied that he wanted to complete a classic genre film of the current era through vintage lenses and classic screen composition, adding, "I've watched it over 1,000 times while making 'HOPE,' and I still love the feeling."

He also mentioned that for the actors' action scenes, he chose to film them in reality as much as possible without relying on CGI, aiming to capture the spectacle created by the human body on screen.

The interview also revealed the working process with actors such as Hwang Jung-min, Zo In-sung, Jung Hoyeon, Michael Fassbender, and Alicia Vikander. Director Na Hong-jin expressed his gratitude, saying, "There wasn't a single easy scene," and "Thanks to the actors trusting the set and staying with us until the end, we were able to create a perfect harmony."

Regarding Michael Fassbender, who was immersed in motion capture acting, he added, "He was acting with machines hanging all over his body, surrounded by people he didn't know, and it was so cool," and "My goodness, why am I covering this person with CGI? I should have just shown his face," which drew laughter from the staff at the interview site.

Director Na Hong-jin explained how to watch "HOPE," saying, "Instead of interpreting the film like a text, please accept the visuals and sound as they are, with your body." When asked about a sequel, he left the answer, "I really don't know. Because you can't make a film of this scale with this amount of capital."

"HOPE" was released in theaters nationwide on the 15th and surpassed 2 million viewers nationwide in 5 days.

<Photo=Elle Korea> 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)

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Singer and actor IU (real name Lee Ji-eun) has initiated legal proceedings in a U.S. court to identify the individual behind malicious online posts. It has been revealed that the content of these posts reached a level of severity that included mocking national tragedies and making false claims about deceased celebrities.

According to reports from The Biz and Dispatch on July 20, IU filed an application for discovery (28 U.S.C. §1782) against Meta at the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California on July 15 (local time). This procedure is intended to identify the operator of a Threads account for use in a defamation civil lawsuit currently underway in South Korea.

IU's legal team claims that the account in question repeatedly wrote at least 52 false posts between March and October of last year, causing defamation. It is reported that they have requested the minimum information necessary to identify the account holder from the U.S. court, including the user's name, email address, phone number, physical address, and recent login IP records.

According to the application submitted to the court, the malicious posts were categorized into six types: plagiarism allegations, false claims related to China, distortion of overseas achievements, allegations of marketing using the deceased, allegations of media control and public opinion manipulation, and false claims linking her songs to national tragedies.

The severity of the malicious posts was particularly alarming. The author repeatedly claimed that the Netflix series "When Life Gives You Tangerines," which had tens of billions of won in production costs, was a failure overseas, and also posted conspiracy-theory-style content alleging that IU's side controls the media and manipulates internet public opinion.

Furthermore, the author reportedly made false claims suggesting that IU used the deaths of her colleagues, such as the late Sulli, JONGHYUN, and Koo Ha Ra, for promotional purposes. It was also reported that the author wrote malicious posts claiming that IU's songs "Ah puh" and "Strawberry Moon" contained meanings mocking the Sewol Ferry tragedy and the Itaewon tragedy, respectively.

In addition, the author allegedly repeatedly posted false information referring to IU as a Chinese national or an individual linked to Chinese capital, and claimed that she has "virtually no popularity overseas."

In the application, IU's side argued that "it is highly likely that the user is a South Korean resident," citing the fact that the account exclusively used the Korean language and focused on domestic issues. They also emphasized that defamation based on false facts is not protected under freedom of expression.

If the U.S. court grants the application for discovery, Meta will review whether to submit the relevant subscriber information. If the identity is confirmed, the civil and criminal legal proceedings currently underway in South Korea are expected to accelerate.

IU has consistently taken a firm stance against those who write malicious posts. In February, she announced that she was pursuing criminal complaints and civil lawsuits against 96 malicious commenters. In May, a malicious commenter who stalked her while claiming that IU was a Chinese spy was sentenced to 4 months in prison with a 1-year suspended sentence in an appellate trial.

Photo = Reporter Baek Seung-cheol

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)

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Actor Ha Ji-won will become the first Korean actor to stand on the mound at Fenway Park, the home stadium of the Boston Red Sox in Major League Baseball (MLB).

Ha Ji-won is scheduled to throw the ceremonial first pitch at the 2026 MLB regular season game between the Boston Red Sox and the Baltimore Orioles, held at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts, on July 21 (local time).

Fenway Park is a historic stadium that has represented Major League Baseball since its opening in 1912, and Ha Ji-won is the first Korean actor to take on the role of throwing the first pitch there. This first pitch was arranged as part of a global exchange connecting sports and entertainment, and it is drawing attention as a meaningful event that bridges Korean entertainment and Major League Baseball.

"I am very honored to be the first Korean actor to throw the ceremonial first pitch at Fenway Park, a historic stadium that represents Major League Baseball," Ha Ji-won said. "I want to show a great performance as I have practiced hard. I hope to deliver winning energy to the Boston Red Sox players, and I also hope it will be a meaningful time for the Korean residents and baseball fans from all over the world who are there at the scene."

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)

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The highly anticipated film "Assassins," starring Yoo Hai-jin, Park Hae-il, and Lee Min-ho, has finally unveiled its teaser trailer.

"Assassins" follows the investigation into the suspicious circumstances and the mastermind behind the assassination attempt on the First Lady, an event that shocked South Korea on August 15, 1974.

The released teaser trailer begins by capturing the attention of the audience with the chaotic scene at the Liberation Day ceremony, where a single gunshot shatters the silence and turns the event into a scene of devastation. The trailer then introduces the three protagonists: detective 'Cheol-gu' (Yoo Hai-jin), who fiercely pursues the truth hidden behind the incident; journalist 'Jae-hwan' (Park Hae-il), who strives to make the truth heard despite immense external pressure; and rookie reporter 'Young-il' (Lee Min-ho), who finds himself caught in the center of the mystery after witnessing the event firsthand. The trailer highlights the intense pursuit of these three individuals as they seek the truth from their respective positions.

Yoo Hai-jin anchors the film with his sharp gaze and commanding presence, densely portraying the inner world of detective 'Cheol-gu'. Park Hae-il completes the character of 'Jae-hwan', a man with unwavering conviction, through his signature restrained acting, adding significant weight to the film.

In addition, Lee Min-ho showcases a new, deeper side of his acting, vividly portraying the grit and passion of 'Young-il'. As the mysterious circumstances surrounding the incident and the precarious moments facing the characters intersect rapidly, curiosity grows regarding the outcome of their pursuit of the truth.

"Assassins" follows the process of individuals who witnessed and recorded the events of that day as they persistently pursue the truth from their own positions, meticulously digging into the hidden side of the incident. In particular, the delicate and dense direction of director Hur Jin-ho, combined with the unparalleled acting ensemble of Korea's representative actors Yoo Hai-jin, Park Hae-il, and Lee Min-ho, is raising high expectations.

"Assassins" is scheduled to be released in theaters this Chuseok. 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)

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Actor Lee Do-hyun is set to return to the big screen with the film "Nambeol".

"Nambeol" is a hard-boiled martial arts action film set in the early Joseon Dynasty. It follows nine warriors, each with different skills and social classes, as they head to Tsushima Island to rescue captives kidnapped by Japanese raiders. With Lee Byung-hun and Go Youn-jung already confirmed for the cast, the addition of Lee Do-hyun completes a star-studded lineup.

This project is drawing significant attention as it marks the reunion of Lee Do-hyun and cinematographer Lee Mo-gae, who built a strong rapport while working on the 10-million-viewer film "Exhuma". Notably, this film serves as Lee Mo-gae's feature directorial debut.

Lee Do-hyun plays the character 'Bo-gyeong', a rugged warrior who stands at the vanguard of the punitive force. He is a complex figure who breaks through enemy lines with relentless action while possessing a deeper sense of camaraderie than anyone else. He is also expected to shine as the loyal right-hand man to the warriors' leader, 'Im-eok' (Lee Byung-hun), raising anticipation for the overwhelming acting synergy between the two.

"Nambeol" is garnering major interest as the first directorial work by Lee Mo-gae, who has showcased a unique mise-en-scène in high-profile films such as "12.12: The Day", "Exhuma", "Hunt", "Yadang", and "Emergency Declaration". Having been recognized for his exceptional sense of style with awards including the Art Award in the film category at the 59th Baeksang Arts Awards, the Cinematography and Lighting Award at the 43rd and 37th Blue Dragon Film Awards, and the Cinematography Award at the 31st and 29th Blue Dragon Film Awards, he is expected to demonstrate his outstanding directing skills by capturing both grand narratives and intense action and visuals in this project.

With a star-studded cast including Lee Byung-hun, Go Youn-jung, and Lee Do-hyun, "Nambeol" is currently in pre-production with the goal of beginning filming in the second half of 2026.

Note: "Nambeol" is a romanization, as no official English title has been released yet.

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The first solo concert of the group CORTIS, which will celebrate its first anniversary next month, started off with a bang by selling out all tickets. However, fans expressed significant disappointment regarding the concert duration and the composition of the setlist.

CORTIS held their first world tour, "2026 CORTIS TOUR <PUT YOUR PHONE DOWN> IN INCHEON," at the Inspire Arena in Incheon on July 18 and 19. The concert title, "PUT YOUR PHONE DOWN," carries the concept of putting down mobile phones to fully immerse oneself in the stage, music, and the atmosphere of the venue.

Immediately after the performance, the agency stated, "The audience put down their phones and immersed themselves in the concert, and the venue was filled with high-purity sing-alongs," declaring the first concert a success. The members also shared their thoughts, saying, "We are grateful and happy to be able to fill such a large stage less than a year after our debut."

The concert focused on maximizing audience participation in a free atmosphere, and some evaluated it as an attempt to move away from the existing grammar of idol concerts and focus on the music and performance itself.

However, the reactions of fans who actually attended the concert were mixed. Reviews on online communities and social media continued, such as, "Compared to the ticket price of 143,000 KRW, the concert duration was short at about 1 hour and 40 minutes," "The representative song 'REDRED' was repeated 4 times, and 'YOUNGCREATORCREW' was repeated 5 times," and "There was a lack of elements expected from a solo concert, such as costume changes, VCRs, or cover stages."

CORTIS has released a total of 12 original songs through two albums so far. As there are not many released songs, the concert was filled with remixes and repetitive compositions, but some fans reacted by saying, "It felt like listening to the same song multiple times," "It was closer to a fan meeting than a concert," and "As it was the first solo concert, I expected a more diverse stage."

As the controversy surrounding the first day's performance spread, there were some changes on the second day. According to reviews from fans who attended the concert, CORTIS added various songs upon audience request during the encore, and the members' talk segments were longer than on the first day. The concert duration was also reported to be slightly longer at about 2 hours, and the encore stage was expanded.

However, the atmosphere was not that the disappointment raised on the first day had been completely resolved. Evaluations continued that there was no major change in the setlist composition other than the slightly increased concert time, and there were many opinions that disappointment remained in terms of the completeness and composition of the concert, considering the symbolism of it being their first solo concert since debut.

While some viewed the challenge of attempting a new concert grammar as meaningful, a significant number of audience members responded, "Regardless of the experiment, since a concert is a cultural product for which the audience pays, it should have met the expectations for basic running time, setlist, and stage composition."

Attention is focused on how CORTIS will reflect the reactions raised at the Incheon concert in their North American tour and the first anniversary commemorative concert to be held this coming August.

Meanwhile, CORTIS will perform a solo stage as the only K-pop boy group this year at "Lollapalooza Chicago" in the United States from July 31 to August 1 (local time). Afterward, they will continue their North American tour starting in Toronto, Canada, on August 4, and hold their first anniversary commemorative concert, "2026 CORTIS TOUR <PUT YOUR PHONE DOWN> BIRTHDAY PARTY," at Hwajeong Gymnasium at Korea University in Seoul on August 22 and 23.

Photo=Big Hit Music (HYBE) 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)

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Actor Lee Dong-wook is posing for photos at the press conference for the Disney+ series "A Shop for Killers" Season 2, held at the Conrad Seoul Hotel in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, on the morning of July 20.

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Actor Jung Yoon-ha poses for photos at the press conference for the Disney+ series "A Shop for Killers" Season 2, held at the Conrad Seoul Hotel in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, on the morning of July 20.

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Actor Jo Han-sun attends the production presentation for the Disney+ series "A Shop for Killers" Season 2, held at the Conrad Seoul Hotel in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, on the morning of July 20.

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Actor Hyunri attends the photo session at the production presentation for the Disney+ series "A Shop for Killers" Season 2, held at the Conrad Seoul Hotel in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, on the morning of July 20.

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Actor Kim Min attends the press conference for the Disney+ series "A Shop for Killers" Season 2, held at the Conrad Seoul Hotel in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, on the morning of the 20th, and poses for the cameras.

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Actor Kim Hye-jun is participating in a photo session at the press conference for the Disney+ series "A Shop for Killers" Season 2, held at the Conrad Seoul Hotel in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, on the morning of the 20th.

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Director Lee Kwon (from left), and actors Okada Masaki, Hyunri, Kim Min, Jung Yun-ha, Geum Hae-na, Jo Han-sun, Kim Hye-jun, and Lee Dong-wook are posing for photos at the production presentation for the Disney+ series "A Shop for Killers" Season 2, held at the Conrad Seoul Hotel in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, on the morning of the 20th.

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Actor Okada Masaki is posing for photos at the press conference for the Disney+ series "A Shop for Killers" Season 2, held at the Conrad Seoul Hotel in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, on the morning of the 20th.

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Actor Keum Hae-na attends the production presentation for the Disney+ series "A Shop for Killers" Season 2, held at the Conrad Seoul Hotel in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, on the morning of July 20, and participates in a photo session.

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