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Archery legend Ki Bo-bae and rhythmic gymnastics star Chun Songe are joining "Kick a Goal" to make their debut matches as soccer players.

In the July 29 broadcast of SBS' "Kick a Goal", the second G-League runner-up team "FC National Family" and their formidable rival "FC Top Girl Movement" will face off in a fateful match for the final semifinal ticket of the second GIFA Cup.

On this day, sports stars representing South Korea will join "FC National Family" as new firepower. The main figures are Olympic triple gold medalist Ki Bo-bae, who has collected 94 gold medals, and former rhythmic gymnastics national team member Chun Songe, who boasts four consecutive National Sports Festival titles.

Ki Bo-bae expressed her unique passion, stating, "Soccer makes me feel like I am alive." Team captain Park Seung-hee also warmly welcomed Ki Bo-bae's joining, saying, "We saw each other often for a long time at the Taereung National Training Center."

Additionally, Chun Songe was selected to fill the goalkeeper vacancy left by Si Eun-mi's transfer. Manager Choi Jin-cheol evaluated her, saying, "Her movement and catching abilities are good. She is the player with the highest potential for development." As the match started, Chun Songe showcased her presence with rhythmic gymnast-like flexibility and a refreshing throw-in, leaving MC Bae Seong-jae in awe as he exclaimed, "I thought Si Eun-mi had returned."

The match featuring "FC National Family", which is gathering high expectations due to the addition of national medalist duo Ki Bo-bae and Chun Songe, will be revealed on "Kick a Goal", airing on Wednesday, July 29, at 9 p.m.

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)

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Director Na Hong-jin met with local fans in advance at Comic-Con ahead of the North American release of "HOPE" on September 9.

Director Na Hong-jin attended San Diego Comic-Con on Thursday, July 23, for a meaningful encounter with the audience. Comic-Con is the world's largest pop culture festival spanning movies, series, comics, games, and more, serving as a global event where major Hollywood studios unveil their new works each year.

The panel, hosted by Joanna Robinson, a podcaster for The Ringer and pop culture critic, took place in Ballroom 20, the second-largest venue at Comic-Con, drawing about 4,000 attendees and demonstrating explosive interest in "HOPE".

Prior to the main event that day, a special montage video featuring Na Hong-jin's previous works including "The Chaser", "The Yellow Sea", and "The Wailing" was screened, heating up the auditorium.

Taking the stage, Director Na Hong-jin stated, "'HOPE' carries the message I have continued from my previous works, but its style and narrative tone are completely different. I hope you will let go of preconceived notions or expectations about my previous works and watch the film." He continued with a diverse discussion covering the film's overwhelming scale, the strong female characters that drew passionate responses from the audience, and the global attention directed toward the project.

Following this, an opening video featuring Jung Hoyeon in the role of "Sung-ae" along with unreleased footage from the main feature was screened. Hot-button action sequences that have been winning over Korean audiences were unveiled, including a scene where "Beom-seok" (Hwang Jung-min) struggles in a chaotic town office and encounters an alien, as well as a scene where "Sung-ki" (Zo In-sung) on horseback and others in a patrol car race side-by-side down a road while facing pursuit by "Mabeyo", generating an enthusiastic response.

Director Na Hong-jin noted that while that footage wasn't the most difficult to shoot, he picked the scene where characters ride horses and flee through the forest as the highest in shooting difficulty. He then heaped praise on Jung Hoyeon, saying, "Actor Jung Hoyeon had to undergo driving training for six months. She learned everything from starting the car without stalling to pulling off very difficult drifts. On set, she even acted while driving."

During the Q&A with the audience, Director Na Hong-jin directly answered various questions about the film, further heightening the energy of the venue.

"HOPE" begins as "Beom-seok", the head of the Hopohang branch office located in the Demilitarized Zone, hears news from local youths that a tiger has appeared, leading to an emergency across the entire village and an unbelievable reality. The film surpassed 3 million moviegoers nationwide in 11 days after its release.

(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)

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Actors Jung Hae-in and Hayoung are starting a sweet and dangerous cohabitation life in "Our Sticky Love".

Netflix released the couple still cuts on the 28th for the new original series "Our Sticky Love" (written by Mo Ji-hye, directed by Kim Jang-han), which is slated for release on August 7.

"Our Sticky Love" is a romantic comedy depicting the sticky and heart-fluttering cohabitation between Ko Eun-sae (played by Hayoung), a prosecutor suffering from amnesia, and Jang Tae-ha (played by Jung Hae-in), a boxing coach who insists he is her boyfriend.

The still cuts released today spark curiosity by capturing the suspicious boyfriend Jang Tae-ha appearing before the memory-loss-stricken Ko Eun-sae at an unfamiliar countryside hospital, followed by a moment where Ko Eun-sae quickly plants a surprise kiss on him after her initial shock. With affectionate gazes toward each other and ultra-close skinship previewed, expectations are high for the sweet-and-salty romance the two will portray.

The chemistry between the two actors also draws attention. Jung Hae-in shared his thoughts, saying, "Actor Hayoung is truly an actor with immense acting passion and positive energy. She portrayed the character of Ko Eun-sae with great delicacy, which helped me immensely throughout our acting."

Hayoung also expressed deep trust, stating, "I learned so much from actor Jung Hae-in. He always pondered and asked for my opinions together on how to make the two characters look more lovable and how to create more heart-fluttering and beautiful scenes. These processes were a tremendous help to my acting."

Selecting taffy as the key metaphor penetrating the relationship in the work, Jung Hae-in explained, "Taffy sticks together more tightly as the temperature rises. The two of them are also a relationship that holds onto each other more firmly and overcomes hardships together as trials arise." He emphasized, "Jang Tae-ha and Ko Eun-sae are characters who meet each other and gradually change and grow. I hope you will pay attention to the process where they experience various hardships and trials, and come to trust and rely on each other even more firmly."

Hayoung shared, "If you focus on watching the process where the love between the two, starting from coincidence and leading to destiny, crosses paths and bumps into each other while entangling stickily like taffy, you will be able to feel a deep sweetness. Please watch how Ko Eun-sae's exploding energy and Jang Tae-ha's steadfastness interact with each other."

The Netflix series "Our Sticky Love," which deals with the sticky and pure romance of Jung Hae-in and Hayoung, consists of a total of 12 episodes and will be released via Netflix on Friday, August 7.

[Photo = Netflix]

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)

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Actor Park Hae-jun has joined cinematographer Lee Mo-gae's directorial debut film "Nambeol". With this addition, "Nambeol" (literal title) has completed its star-studded cast lineup featuring Lee Byung-hun, Go Youn-jung, Lee Do-hyun, and Cho Seung-youn (WOODZ).

"Nambeol" is a hardboiled martial arts action film set in the early Joseon Dynasty, following nine warriors with diverse skills and social standings as they head to Tsushima Island to rescue hostages kidnapped by Japanese raiders. Park Hae-jun, who has shown a strong presence in Hive MediaCorp productions such as "12.12: The Day" and "YADANG: The Snitch", is set to add even tighter synergy to "Nambeol" based on his proven teamwork and trust with the production company.

Park Hae-jun plays Miyoshi, the leader of a group of Japanese raiders based on Tsushima Island, who is a ruthless figure stopping at nothing for his ambition and goals. Shrouded in a veil of chilling charisma, Miyoshi is expected to confront the warriors who set out to subdue Tsushima Island and bring a palpable sense of tension throughout the entire film. In particular, the tense confrontation with Lee Byung-hun, who plays Im Eok, the leader of the warriors, is projected to be the film's most compelling focal point.

"Nambeol" is drawing significant attention as the first directorial work of cinematographer Lee Mo-gae, who has showcased unique mise-en-scène in bold works such as "12.12: The Day", "Exhuma", "Hunt", and "YADANG: The Snitch". Recognized for his exceptional sensory direction—having won awards such as 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 set to demonstrate outstanding directorial flair by capturing grand narratives alongside intense action and visuals in this project.

"Nambeol" is currently in pre-production with the goal of cranking in during the second half of 2026. 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)

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Actor Cho Yeo-jeong is seen participating in a talk session at the press conference for the Coupang series "The Affair was Just the Beginning," held at the Ambassador Seoul Pullman Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul, on the morning of the 28th.

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

(SBS Entertainment News | Baik Seung-Chul)

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Actor Yoon Kyungho recently shared behind-the-scenes stories about his character Park Jin-chul in "Agent Kim Reactivated" along with his honest hopes for a second season.

During a press interview celebrating the conclusion of the SBS Friday-Saturday drama "Agent Kim Reactivated" (written by Nam Dae-jung, directed by Lee Seung-young and Lee So-eun) held on the 27th at a cafe in Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Yoon Kyungho introduced the efforts he poured into building his character, Park Jin-chul.

In the series, Yoon Kyungho plays a former special agent known as the "God of the Battlefield" who looks like an ordinary middle-aged man on the outside. He harmoniously portrayed explosive superhuman action during moments of crisis alongside his signature witty banter, earning praise for successfully bringing a three-dimensional "Yoon Kyungho-style Park Jin-chul" to life.

He explained, "In the beginning, Park Jin-chul had the image of an ordinary guy wearing glasses, so his strength probably wasn't visible through his appearance alone. I wanted to deliver a pleasant surprise through the striking impact of the action when viewer expectations were low. If he changed too drastically during action scenes, it might have felt unfamiliar, so I tried to maintain Park Jin-chul's characteristic talkativeness and relaxed demeanor."

He also discussed the ad-libs that became a hot topic in the show. Yoon Kyungho shared the behind-the-scenes story, saying, "Park Jin-chul shouting 'Rock and roll' was entirely improvised on set. The scene in episode 3 where he claps alone was also done while thinking of Queen's 'We Will Rock You,' and because the reaction was good, I kept pushing with it."

He candidly confessed his pressure regarding the expectations of fans of the original webtoon. "When I was first offered the role, I was scared of whether I could physically portray Park Jin-chul, who is like the 'God of the Battlefield' in the original work," he said. "However, director Lee Seung-young gave me confidence by saying, 'I want to use Yoon Kyungho's unique strengths,' and by combining the strengths within me with the action, I completed my own version of Park Jin-chul."

He did not hide his ambition for a second season. Yoon Kyungho stated, "Because it received so much love, if we can go to season 2, I want to show even more. If season 2 is produced, I want to prepare a much healthier and more powerful physique than now to show even higher-intensity action. I also hope the narratives with the actors who suffered together will be covered more deeply."

Meanwhile, "Agent Kim Reactivated" is a revenge action drama about an ordinary father setting out to get his daughter back, and it came to an end on the 25th. The final episode of "Agent Kim Reactivated" achieved massive success, recording a national viewership rating of 23.0% and 23.4% in the metropolitan area (based on Nielsen Korea). In addition, the work continued its popularity in the global market by ranking first in the Netflix non-English TV shows category for three consecutive weeks.

In this work, Yoon Kyungho took on the role of Park Jin-chul, perfectly portraying everything from the image of an ordinary head of a household to the comical friendship of "guys wearing glasses" and the overwhelming action of the so-called "God of the Battlefield," solidly anchoring the center of the series and leading its box office success.

[Photo=Agent Kim Reactivated]

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)

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Actors Kim Jaechul (from left), Cho Yeo-jeong, Kim Hye-soo, and Kim Jihun pose for photos during a press conference for the Coupang series "The Affair was Just the Beginning" held on the morning of July 28 at the Ambassador Seoul Pullman Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul.

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

(SBS Entertainment News | Baik Seung-Chul)

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Actor Kim Hye-soo attends the press conference for the Coupang series "The Affair was Just the Beginning" held on the morning of the 28th at Ambassador Seoul Pullman Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul, participating in a talk session.

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

(SBS Entertainment News | Baik Seung-Chul)

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Actor Kim Jihun attends the press conference for the Coupang series "The Affair was Just the Beginning," held on the morning of July 28 at the Ambassador Seoul Pullman Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul, where he participates in a photo session.

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

(SBS Entertainment News | Baik Seung-Chul)

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Actor Cho Yeo-jeong attends the photo time at the production presentation for the Coupang series "The Affair was Just the Beginning" held at the Ambassador Seoul Pullman Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul on the morning of July 28.

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

(SBS Entertainment News | Baik Seung-Chul)

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Actor Kim Hye-soo attends the press conference for the Coupang series "The Affair was Just the Beginning" held at the Ambassador Seoul Pullman Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul on the morning of the 28th and participates in a photo session.

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

(SBS Entertainment News | Baik Seung-Chul)

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Actor Kim Hye-soo (left) and Kim Jihun pose for photos during the press conference for the Coupang series "The Affair was Just the Beginning", held on the morning of July 28 at Ambassador Seoul Pullman Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul.

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

(SBS Entertainment News | Baik Seung-Chul)

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Actor Kim Jaechul attends a photo session at the press conference for the Coupang series "The Affair was Just the Beginning" held on the morning of July 28 at the Ambassador Seoul Pullman Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul.

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

(SBS Entertainment News | Baik Seung-Chul)

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Actor Cho Yeo-jeong (left) and Kim Jaechul attend the press conference for the Coupang series "The Affair was Just the Beginning" held on the morning of July 28 at the Ambassador Seoul Pullman Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul, posing for photos.

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

(SBS Entertainment News | Baik Seung-Chul)

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H.O.T. member Moon Hee-jun is taking on his 40th diet challenge with a target of losing 19kg ahead of the group's 30th debut anniversary.

Airing on the 28th, SBS "You're My Destiny Season 2" will feature Moon Hee-jun's secret project and everyday diet routine as he enters full-scale management mode to celebrate H.O.T.'s 30th debut anniversary.

Appearing with his signature bob haircut from his early debut days at the request of fans, Moon Hee-jun revealed his bold goal of undertaking his 40th diet challenge and losing 19kg, stating, "Fans don't just want to see me with longer hair." He further raised expectations by hinting at the existence of a top-secret project, adding, "It's a strict secret from the members as well as the fans until the very day."

Today's broadcast will also show "first-generation idol" Moon Hee-jun trying out the diet meal plan of IVE member JANGWONYOUNG, a representative fourth-generation idol. After tasting the girl group diet meal recommended by his wife Park So-yul, which is said to be "100% effective," Moon Hee-jun threw the set into laughter with his striking review: "It tastes like eating spoiled food."

Tackling an unprecedented dance mission with a special trainer to lose weight, Moon Hee-jun looked flustered and said, "I've never danced like this in my life," but still delivered an overwhelming performance worthy of a first-generation main dancer, drawing admiration from the cast.

Moon Hee-jun's challenge to lose 19kg and the truth behind his secret project commemorating H.O.T.'s 30th anniversary will be revealed on "You're my destiny 2" airing on Tuesday, the 28th, at 10:40 PM.

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)

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During an interview held ahead of the release of their first full-length album and the expiration of their exclusive contracts, mixed-gender group KARD quieted the room as J.seph calmly shared the recent passing of his father.

With their exclusive contracts coming to an end, KARD will wrap up their activities with this first studio album and world tour. While they repeatedly emphasized that this is a contract expiration rather than a disbandment, closing the chapter on a 10-year journey clearly carried a heavy weight for the members.

The interview had been mostly cheerful, but the atmosphere shifted when the question was asked, "What is something you wanted to say to each other over the past 10 years?"

J.seph shared the unexpected news with a relatively composed expression, revealing that his father had passed away three weeks ago.

"My father passed away three weeks ago, and back then, I kept waiting for the time the members would come. Having them by my side like that gave me so much strength," J.seph said, his eyes welling up with tears. "Looking back after going through those chaotic moments, it sounds a bit cheesy, but I really felt that family is family."

BM then shared his thoughts, saying, "We debuted at the ages of 21 and 25, and it felt like we were learning about society together. Spending 10 years together, we saw and lived with each other more than our actual families or friends." JIWOO also added, "I am so grateful and fortunate that I was able to debut as KARD and that I could be with these members."

At this point, the female members eventually shed tears. Even after wrapping up the interview, the KARD members could not stop their tears and repeatedly expressed their gratitude to the reporters. It was a moment of brief silence that touched the hearts of everyone present.

Meanwhile, KARD will release their first full-length album "Where To Now? (Part.2) : NOWHERE" at 6 p.m. on the 28th. The title track "Back To Life" is a dancehall track based on moombahton that sophisticatedly reinterprets KARD's signature tropical sound, with all members participating in writing the lyrics. The album contains a total of 10 tracks, including "Armor", "At Least", "Signal", the fan song "Always", and solo tracks for each member. KARD will kick off their world tour starting with "KARD 2026 WORLD TOUR 'NOW HERE' IN SEOUL" at Gavin Art Hall in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, on August 8.

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)

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"Flex X Cop" is coming to the small screen with a special broadcast ahead of its Season 2 premiere.

SBS's new Friday-Saturday drama "Flex X Cop 2", scheduled to premiere on August 7 and written by Kim Bada and directed by Kim Jae-hong, announced that it will air special broadcasts on July 31 and August 1 for two consecutive days, one week ahead of the first broadcast.

"Flex X Cop 2" is a thrilling and refreshing cooperative investigation drama featuring Jin Yi-soo (played by Ahn Bo-hyun), a chaebol detective who turns the tables with his immense wealth when investigations hit a roadblock, alongside the new team leader Joo Hye-ra (played by Jung Eun-chae). It is drawing attention as SBS's first multi-season anticipated project of 2026, following the success of Season 1 which recorded peak viewership ratings of 11%.

This special broadcast is packed with everything from a review episode gathering the core narrative and iconic scenes of Season 1 to Season 2 highlight footage. At 11:10 PM on July 31, "Flex X Cop Chaebol Flex Investigation Story", which compresses major scenes from Season 1 and highlight scenes from Season 2, will air. At 8:35 PM on August 1, "Flex X Cop 2 Preview" featuring about 15 minutes of key viewing points for Season 2 will be broadcast.

The production team stated, "We prepared this special broadcast so that viewers can enjoy Season 2 more easily and funly," and added, "We ask that you check out the core scenes of Season 1 and the new charms of Season 2 in advance and show a lot of anticipation for the first broadcast."

"Flex X Cop 2" will premiere on Friday, August 7 at 9:50 PM as the follow-up to "Agent Kim Reactivated".

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)

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As BTS member JUNGKOOK draws attention by sharing his solo viewing experience of the film "HOPE", interest is growing over whether the so-called "JUNGKOOK effect" will work its magic once again.

On the afternoon of the 27th, JUNGKOOK posted his thoughts on his social media along with the message, "'HOPE' is great." He shared that he watched the movie in 4DX, stating, "It seems like opinions are a bit divided, but I really enjoyed it." He continued to shower the film with praise, saying, "There are so many hectic and fun parts, and I found myself clenching my fists while watching. The sense of realism and pacing are insane."

JUNGKOOK also mentioned that this outing was a solo movie trip, often referred to in Korea as a "honyoung." He expressed that going to the movies alone is an exciting and enjoyable experience, adding that he would like to go on solo movie outings often in the future.

As soon as JUNGKOOK's post became known, director Na Hong-jin, who helmed "HOPE", immediately reposted it on his Instagram story to express his delight. Fans who saw this have also been leaving comments saying they plan to go see the movie based on JUNGKOOK's recommendation.

This is not the first time that consumer behavior has shifted immediately following a mention by JUNGKOOK.

In February 2023, a beer glass he used during a personal live broadcast sold out on online shopping malls, leading to a surge in orders. Following that, products he used or mentioned continuously drew buzz, coining the phrase "JUNGKOOK effect." Given this precedent, the industry is now watching closely to see if his latest review for "HOPE" will translate into actual audience influx beyond just the fandom.

"HOPE" depicts the events that unfold when Beom-seok (played by Hwang Jung-min), the chief of a sub-office in Hopohang near the Demilitarized Zone, receives news that an unidentified entity has appeared in the village. Starring Hwang Jung-min alongside Zo In-sung and Jung Hoyeon, the new film by director Na Hong-jin was also invited to the competition section of the 79th Cannes Film Festival.

According to the Korean Film Council's integrated ticket computer network on the 27th, "HOPE" has maintained its position at number one at the weekend box office for two consecutive weeks since its release. Based on last weekend, the cumulative number of moviegoers surpassed 3 million, and it is cruising smoothly toward breaking the 4 million mark. However, the second-week weekend audience dropped by more than half compared to the opening weekend. With the release of "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" coming up on the 29th, attention is focused on whether JUNGKOOK's mention can serve as a card for box office success.

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)

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The Korean musician mentioned by BTS leader RM during an overseas interview, first-generation punk rock band No Brain, is drawing attention from fans around the world.

No Brain leader Lee Sung-woo posted on his social media on the 27th, saying, "BTS's RM recommended us."

He then expressed his surprise, saying, "Such a wild thing to happen in this life," and added, "RM has a good eye for things." Lee Sung-woo wrapped up his post by asking fans, "Please listen to No Brain's music a lot, ARMY."

Previously, RM appeared in an interview video with British fashion designer Bella Freud released on the 22nd, during a segment introducing the Korean punk scene. The interviewer mentioned the rough and tense musical style of Sonic Youth and Kim Gordon, and asked him to recommend a Korean artist with a similar vibe.

RM immediately picked No Brain in response to the question.

With a laugh, he answered, "Just mentioning the band's name will convey its unique feel."

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)

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Lee Soo-ji shared a story about Go Joon-hee's extraordinary generosity.

On the July 27 broadcast of the SBS program "uh, but like, seriously!" (hereinafter "uh, but like, seriously!"), actor Go Joon-hee visited Suzy's Boarding House.

When asked on the show if she was interested in wealth management, Go Joon-hee honestly answered, "I spend as much as I earn."

In response, Tak Jae-hoon jokingly asked, "How much do you make?", drawing laughter. Watching this, Lee Soo-ji surprised everyone by saying, "She earns a lot. I once helped out with Go Joon-hee's personal channel, and to thank me, she suddenly took me to a Chanel store."

Go Joon-hee explained the reason behind her big-hearted splurge, saying, "Because I was grateful." Hearing this, Boom chimed in, "Let's all help her out together," and the other cast members humorously volunteered their assistance by asking, "Is there anything we can help with?", bringing laughter to the set.

Lee Soo-ji continued, "She could have just bought me a wallet, but she told me to pick out a pair of shoes as well." Tak Jae-hoon drew attention with a witty remark, saying, "This woman's got quite a shoe size."

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

(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Hyo-jung)

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Kangnam claimed that he was the one who helped Tak Jae-hoon become a regular cast member on "My Little Old Boy."

On the July 27 broadcast of the SBS program "uh, but like, seriously!", Kangnam visited Suzy's boarding house.

On this day, regarding Tak Jae-hoon treating him coldly, Kangnam said, "Hyung, you became successful because of me. Don't you remember?"

He continued, claiming a stake in Tak Jae-hoon's success by saying, "Back when you were only getting paid for occasional appearances on 'My Little Old Boy', I brought it up, and isn't that why the network executive made you a regular cast member from then on?"

Kangnam, who appeared on "My Little Old Boy" 5 years ago, asked Tak Jae-hoon if he was a fixed cast member. When Tak Jae-hoon replied that he was, Kangnam said, "No. Hyung, you were a semi-fixed member," and asked, "Did the head director meet you and say, 'Tak Jae-hoon, you are a fixed member'?"

At that, Tak Jae-hoon replied, "He just told me thank you." To this, Kangnam recounted what he had said back then: "That was just a token gesture. Hyung, you shouldn't give up here. You have to keep going until you become a regular cast member."

Recalling that time, when asked about what really happened, Tak Jae-hoon brought laughter by saying, "Kangnam really doesn't let things go."

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

(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Hyo-jung)

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Actor Yoon Kyungho shared his honest thoughts on wrapping up the hit drama "Agent Kim Reactivated" and the passionate love he received from viewers for his character.

In a wrap-up interview with reporters held at a cafe in Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul on the 27th, Yoon Kyungho shared his thoughts, saying, "It feels like the fever for 'Agent Kim Reactivated' will linger for a long time. Looking back, I also feel a bit of regret wondering if I should have tried certain lines or ad-libs."

He said, "Every morning when I open my eyes, I search my name and look through comments while giggling. The happy times felt so surreal, floating on a cloud, that I think it will be hard to snap out of it for a while."

In particular, he reflected on how the impact of this project was unlike his previous hit works such as the film "Intimate Strangers" or the drama "The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call". Yoon Kyungho added, "Because it aired on terrestrial television, the impact was incredible. The nationwide temperature felt much warmer than before. Seeing people of all ages recognize me and greet me as 'Park Jin-cheol' everywhere I went gave me goosebumps. I recently went to Gwangju to throw a ceremonial first pitch at a baseball game, and everyone recognized me there too, which was thrilling. It was truly a thrill like I had never felt before."

He also expressed gratitude and humility regarding recently topping the actor brand reputation rankings. He calmly shared, "When I first heard the news, it didn't make sense and I couldn't believe it. It was thrilling to think that such a moment could happen in my life. However, I know that popularity can come like a gift and vanish at any moment. I calmed my excited mind, spent time with my family to ground myself, and am currently trying to return to square zero to prepare for my next project."

Meanwhile, "Agent Kim Reactivated" is a revenge action series about an ordinary father who sets out to rescue his daughter, and it came to an end on the 25th. The final episode of "Agent Kim Reactivated" achieved massive success, recording a nationwide viewership rating of 23.0% and 23.4% in the metropolitan area (according to Nielsen Korea). Furthermore, the series continued its popularity in the global market by ranking No. 1 on Netflix's Non-English TV shows category for three consecutive weeks.

In this project, Yoon Kyungho took on the role of Park Jin-cheol, perfectly portraying everything from the image of an ordinary family man to the comedic friendship of "middle-aged men in glasses" and the overwhelming action known as the "god of the battlefield," firmly anchoring the center of the series and leading its box office success.

[Photo=Noon Company]

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)

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The movie "REAWAKEN MAN: THE RED", starring actor Koo Kyohwan, has confirmed its theatrical release for September.

"REAWAKEN MAN: THE RED" tells the story of Seok-hwan (Koo Kyohwan), an unemployed job seeker whose only qualification is groundless self-confidence, who discovers that he has the ability to revive 72 hours after death and subsequently finds himself facing a mysterious pursuit.

Following a string of consecutive box office hits starting with the film "Once We Were Us", which drew 2.6 million moviegoers, to the 5.94 million-hit film "COLONY", Koo Kyohwan is set to showcase a brand new transformation through "REAWAKEN MAN: THE RED".

Koo Kyohwan takes on the role of Seok-hwan, a character who revives 72 hours after death, radiating cheerful energy. In addition, Koo Kyohwan will take on his first full-fledged action role in "REAWAKEN MAN: THE RED", delivering thrilling excitement as his action grows increasingly powerful with each revival. Joining him to add a rich layer of entertainment are Shin Seung-ho, who left a strong impression through "Pilot", "Weak Hero Class 1", and "D.P.", Kang Ki-young, who has been beloved for his deeply human portrayals in every work, and the solid acting talents of Kim Si-a.

The newly released poster showcases a side of Koo Kyohwan never seen before. Despite the scars scattered across his face and bullet marks embedded in the wall, Seok-hwan's utterly relaxed expression sparks curiosity about his character, who transforms from an ordinary job seeker into a revival-gifted powerhouse.

With "REAWAKEN MAN: THE RED" confirming its September release, this year's Chuseok theater district is expected to become a fierce battleground for Korean films, including "Tazza: The Song of Beelzebub" and "Possible Love".

(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)

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Go Joon-hee and Kim Min-su created a rosy atmosphere.

On the July 27 broadcast of the SBS program "uh, but like, seriously!", Go Joon-hee, Kim Min-su, and Kangnam visited Suzy's boarding house.

During the broadcast, Boom unveiled an acting scene between Go Joon-hee and Kim Min-su that blurred the lines between acting and real romance. In particular, he asked Kim Min-su, who dodged Go Joon-hee's attempt to kiss him, "Why didn't you accept that?"

In response, Go Joon-hee explained that it was purely a comedy sketch and asked Kim Min-su if his heart fluttered. Kim Min-su replied, "This is something I wanted to ask noona. During the kissing scene earlier, we were originally supposed to just pretend and yell cut, but noona told me to really do it, so we actually kissed. Why on earth did you do that back then?"

Go Joon-hee explained that she was simply immersed in the acting, saying, "I genuinely find comedy sketches so much fun. I even said I wanted to appear on Min-su's YouTube channel of my own accord, so I acted with all my heart."

Regarding Kim Min-su saying he was too surprised at the time, Lee Su-ji brought laughter by remarking, "People watching were also very surprised. People were saying it was a self-serving broadcast for Kim Min-su, and asking if Go Joon-hee was paid around 500 million won for the appearance."

The two revealed that they also contacted each other privately after their romantic acting. Go Joon-hee confessed, "At first, I didn't know my next guest would be Suzy. While filming, I found out Suzy was the next guest, and after hearing that news while shooting, I even got stomach cramps," revealing that she felt a lot of pressure because of Lee Su-ji.

Go Joon-hee continued, "The next guest was so strong, so I kept contacting him to ask him to pay a little attention to my editing. I couldn't let there be a big gap between me and Suzy. That's why we contacted each other almost every day," explaining the reason she kept in touch with Kim Min-su.

At this, Lee Sang-min asked, "There is a story that Go Joon-hee was interested in Min-su, but he played hard to get. What is the story behind that?"

Then Go Joon-hee exposed, "Since I also know Won-hoon, I suggested we all meet up, saying that if he was busy, the two of us could meet. But Min-su refused, saying no, let's meet as a trio."

The panelists pressed, "Did Min-su put up an iron wall? Why did he do that?" Kim Min-su explained, "No, noona was the one who suggested meeting together with Won-hoon hyung." Go Joon-hee expressed her disappointment, drawing attention as she said, "Later on, I suggested the two of us meet, but you said you didn't want to."

Watching this, the panelists asked Kim Min-su, "Didn't you think she might have feelings for you?" In response, Kim Min-su mentioned statements Go Joon-hee had made to him, saying, "That's right. Noona, you kept saying you liked me. You even said somewhere that you were interested in me."

At that, Go Joon-hee made a face as if hearing it for the first time, asking, "Me?" Kim Min-su expressed his disappointment toward Go Joon-hee by saying, "In the past, there was love in noona's eyes, but there wasn't any today. You've changed." Watching this, Kangnam brought laughter by getting deeply immersed in their relationship, saying, "This is more entertaining than most movies."

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

(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Hyo-jung)

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Go Joon-hee opened up about her romantic style.

On the July 27 broadcast of the SBS program "uh, but like, seriously!", actor Go Joon-hee visited Suzy's boarding house.

During the episode, when asked when her last relationship was, Go Joon-hee candidly answered, "I was in one until last year."

When asked what she is like when she is in love, she shared, "I am the type to give love," adding, "I give gifts, I give my heart, and I pretty much give everything," drawing attention by revealing that she gives her all in a relationship.

Go Joon-hee then surprised everyone by saying, "I think I've done everything except get married." In response, Tak Jae-hoon expressed his astonishment, saying, "Go Joon-hee doesn't talk much, but every single word she says carries weight."

Watching this, Lee Sang-min asked, "After giving so much, isn't it painful when you break up? You give your affection, your heart, and even your money."

To this, Go Joon-hee stated her perspective on love, saying, "Because I gave everything, I am able to walk away without even looking back."

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

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The Presidential Committee on Pop Culture Exchange, in collaboration with South Korea's four major K-pop agencies—SM, JYP, HYBE, and YG—announced that the domestic awards ceremony for the global K-culture festival "Fanomenon" will kick off in Seoul next December.

The committee held a press conference on the afternoon of July 27 at the Seoul Education Center of the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Jongno-gu, Seoul, to unveil detailed blueprints for the K-pop festival aimed at surpassing America's Coachella. The event was attended by Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism and Committee Chairperson Choi Hwi-young, along with JYP Entertainment Chief Creative Officer (CCO) and Co-Chairperson J.Y. Park.

The initiative consists of three main pillars: the "Fanomenon Awards" (domestic awards ceremony), the "Fanomenon Festival" (held overseas), and the establishment of K-culture centers in key cities worldwide. The name "Fanomenon" is a portmanteau replacing the first part of the English word "phenomenon" with "fan," signifying a cultural phenomenon driven by fans.

The domestic Fanomenon Awards will begin with a prelude event on December 2 next year, followed by the main event running from December 3 to 12. The stages will be split between Seoul Arena, a 20,000-seat venue in Dobong-gu, Seoul scheduled for completion next May, and Exhibition Hall 2 at KINTEX in Ilsan, Gyeonggi Province.

Seoul Arena will host two weeks of headlining performances by K-pop groups combined with the awards ceremony, while the adjacent exhibition hall will feature exhibits highlighting the top 10 fandoms. KINTEX Exhibition Hall 2 will host music festivals alongside artist and actor fan meetings, production presentations, video content screenings, esports tournaments, film and drama OST performances, and a K-culture business forum. The event aims to encompass all facets of Korean culture, spanning not only popular music, but also film, video, gaming, animation, webtoons, food, fashion, and beauty.

The awards ceremony differentiates itself from existing ones by honoring fandoms rather than the artists themselves. J.Y. Park explained, "The fans of the artists are the winners, and the artists accept the awards on their behalf. We research and analyze which fandoms burned the brightest in each category to select the top 10. Rather than voting, the process of building a matrix based on meticulously detailed data is now in its final stages."

The overseas festival modeled after the Korean Coachella has been confirmed to hold its inaugural event in Los Angeles, United States, in May 2028. Explaining the selection of the location, Park said, "Right now, the place that can generate the greatest impact and economic effect is LA. Isn't it the entertainment capital of the world?" He added that the four agencies are currently pursuing the establishment of a joint venture (JV) to host the global K-pop festival, with a corporate combination review currently underway.

The committee estimates that the 11-day domestic event will attract a total of 520,000 visitors, including 200,000 foreign tourists, generating an economic impact of over 1 trillion won.

Refuting claims that K-pop was planned by the government, Park stated, "The rumor that K-pop was designed by the government is not true. It started with them asking us, who are running on the front lines, for the methods." He added, "Once it establishes itself on a Coachella level, top stars will all want to participate. Since it is an event where artists accept awards on behalf of their fandoms, it will be a difficult decision for singers to skip."

Ticket prices, specific domestic venues, and participating artists for the event have not yet been finalized.

The Presidential Committee on Pop Culture Exchange is a newly established presidential body under the administration of Lee Jae-myung, aimed at formulating a national vision for pan-governmental pop culture exchange policies and strengthening public-private cooperation to boost the competitiveness of the cultural industry.

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)

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The heartfelt stories of young adults in their 20s and 30s who have overcome the pain of illness to search for love once again, accompanied by cinematic twists, have finally been unveiled.

On July 27, the production team of the new SBS dating reality show "Love Against Time", which is set to premiere on August 3, released its official teaser video for the first episode through social media, capturing excitement, tears, and unexpected twists.

In the released video, the cast members begin with fluttering first encounters, sharing compliments such as "You look elegant and cute," "You look clear," and "You look bright." However, the atmosphere quickly shifts. The cast members read aloud diary entries from their battles with illnesses that they had never been able to share with the world, including "I became a stage 4 cancer patient," "I had a total gastrectomy," and "I was told I might lose one of my legs," plunging the studio into silence.

In particular, MC YENA deeply empathized and shed tears as the cast members shared their realistic worries and scars, asking, "Can I date? Can I get married?"

Towards the end of the teaser, in "The Room of Time"—the signature space of "Love Against Time"—a male cast member made a significant confession, saying, "Actually, I know that person. Will she remember me?" which left the studio in shock. The unexpected past connection between the two, which even the production team did not foresee, caused the MCs to jump out of their seats in sheer amazement.

"Love Against Time" is a dating reality program where young adults in their 20s who have experienced receiving a terminal prognosis or stood at the threshold of death face life and love once again. It will premiere on Monday, August 3, at 10 PM.

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)

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Band EHJM shared a passionate connection with fans by performing every single track from their new album live for the first time during their solo concert.

EHJM held their solo concert "THE MEN" on the 25th at Space Brick in Seoul. This concert was organized to celebrate the release of their second mini-album "THE MEN," which came out last month.

All tracks from the new mini-album were unveiled live for the first time on this day. The solid band sound and rock energy moving across the stage drew sing-alongs from the audience and heightened the concert atmosphere. Performances of representative songs and cover songs followed, and a time to chat with the audience was also arranged in the middle of the show.

Among fans who attended the concert, reactions included "It was a concert that pampered my ears," "Lee Hyuk's explosive vocals and Jungmo's guitar tone are overwhelming," and "EHJM's sincere passion for music was fully felt."

Meanwhile, EHJM plans to continue meeting fans through various performances and contents moving forward.

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)

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The next-generation leaders of K-POP will deliver an unprecedented special performance to heat up the summer night at the "2026 SBS Gayo Daejeon Summer".

On the 27th, the production team of SBS "Gayo Daejeon Summer" revealed the lineup and concept for the special stage "Red Summer Night," designed to elevate the heat of this summer's festival. Rising rookies KickFlip, ALPHA DRIVE ONE, and AND2BLE, who are drawing attention in the music scene, will take the stage.

"Red Summer Night" is a relay cover stage where the three teams, recognized for their unique performance skills and stage presence, reinterpret legendary K-POP summer hit songs in their own styles.

In particular, the members of the three teams personally participated in song selection and stage planning to maximize the quality of this special performance. The diverse and differentiated performances unfolding under a single theme are expected to present an overwhelming spectacle to global fans.

The production team shared, "Next-generation rookies equipped with exceptional skills and passion are preparing special stages that reinterpret legendary summer hit songs with their own unique charms," adding, "Please look forward to the 'Red Summer Night' special stage, which will dye the summer night red and hot."

Meanwhile, the "2026 SBS Gayo Daejeon Summer" will be held on Sunday, August 9, at KINTEX in Ilsan.

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)

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