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Celebrating their 9th year since debut, the group Stray Kids has returned with their new mini-album "THIS & THAT". What they chose was a challenge toward newness.

Stray Kids (BANG CHAN, LEE KNOW, CHANGBIN, HYUNJIN, HAN, FELIX, SEUNGMIN, I.N) held a press conference on the afternoon of the 6th at the Conrad Seoul Grand Ballroom in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, to commemorate the release of their 10th mini-album "THIS & THAT". This marks their comeback in about nine months since the release of their SKZ-IT tape "DO IT" last November.

Regarding his thoughts on making a comeback after nine months, CHANGBIN stated, "Since it has been a very long time since our last comeback, even the comeback stage happening tomorrow makes my heart flutter one by one. We had a Seoul concert, and I hope we can return the good energy we received then to STAY."

BANG CHAN explained, "Since we are also in our 9th year and have tried various music genres since our early debut days, I think the more diverse we are, the more diverse sides of Stray Kids we can show. True to the album name 'THIS & THAT', we have worked hard to prepare new colors of Stray Kids."

"THIS & THAT" consists of a total of eight tracks, starting with the pre-release song "RUN IT", followed by the title track "This & That", "After You", "Farming", "I Do", "Way Out", "Back Then", and "This & That (Festival ver.)". The title track is a hip-hop-based groovy track, and all songs were produced by the group's in-house producing team 3RACHA (BANG CHAN, CHANGBIN, HAN).

CHANGBIN introduced it by saying, "Unlike our previous title tracks, it contains a somewhat chill and relaxed side of SKZ. I tried to infuse the confidence that 'we do this and that' into the album." Regarding the sound of the title track, he shared the behind-the-scenes story: "I thought a sound that hasn't been heard before was experimental, and I tried to make it approachable by laying monotonous lyrics over a sound that could potentially feel messy. The hook came out quickly, and when I played it for the members, their reactions were good, so it was a song that gave me confidence."

Explaining the reason for choosing challenge over settling, HAN said, "There is always a safe choice, but the reason we do experimental things is because it's more fun. There are times when it gets difficult during the process, but there is a lot to learn within that. If we do the exact same thing every time, we lose interest ourselves."

The Korean elements contained in the music video also stand out. SEUNGMIN explained, "Many familiar places appear in the video. We integrated a Korean vibe so that our music wouldn't feel far away to listeners, giving them the feeling that 'Stray Kids is singing right beside us.'" FELIX added, "It's not our first time incorporating Korean elements, but this is a truly freshly brewed song and album containing SKZ's deep and rich flavor."

Last year, Stray Kids set a record by entering the "Billboard 200" at No. 1 for the eighth consecutive time as global artists with their album "DO IT".

However, Stray Kids emphasized that rather than external evaluations or expectations for chart results, they want to show their sincerity. SEUNGMIN replied, "Above all, I just hope our music reaches many people."

When asked about being mentioned as a leading candidate for the newly established Grammy Awards category "Best Asian Pop Music Performance", he answered with sincerity about music instead of giving a direct reply. SEUNGMIN stated, "Rather than paying attention to external glances, we sing while containing the stories we want to tell. We feel grateful that K-pop receives great love all over the world and are realizing the power of music." HYUNJIN also emphasized, "We have never set awards or records as a goal. The top priority is for our fans to be satisfied and happy."

On this day, following the successful completion of their largest-ever world tour "dominATE", they also expressed expectations for the new festival "STRAYCITY" spearheaded by Stray Kids, which will be held in Central and South America this coming September. HYUNJIN stated, "We approach festivals with the determination to go crazy and party together with the public as well as our fans, while concerts are our resolution to prove what kind of music we have done and want to do." SEUNGMIN conveyed, "We are still hungry. There is a strong desire to personally visit STAYs we haven't met yet."

Stray Kids is facing their team's first military enlistments. LEE KNOW, who is facing the group's first enlistment hiatus, promised, "I think fulfilling the defense duty is natural, so when I receive the call, I will faithfully and well perform it. We haven't talked deeply about activities after that, but it seems we will gather again. Because I want to repay the love I received, I will definitely return. If you wait just a little bit, I will be back in no time."

Stray Kids' new mini-album "THIS & THAT" will be released online and offline at 1 PM on the 7th.

Photo = Reporter Baek Seung-chul

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)

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Actors Cha Tae-hyun and Um Ji-won are teaming up for the upcoming film "Two Cops and Five Kids".

"Two Cops and Five Kids" is a family action-comedy that unfolds when detective "Dong-shik", who ends up taking on full-time childcare for their five children while his wife "Kyung-ah" dives into a secret mission disguised as a trip, gets caught up in a crime syndicate takedown operation.

Cha Tae-hyun plays "Dong-shik", a detective who suddenly has to take on the solo care of their five children when his wife "Kyung-ah" leaves on a sudden trip ahead of his promotion exam. Having won the long-standing love of the public across films, dramas, and variety shows with his uniquely friendly charm and solid acting skills, Cha is set to showcase a deeply human side as both a violent crimes detective and a father of five.

Actor Um Ji-won, who has built trust through delicate emotional expression and exceptional acting skills, takes on the role of "Kyung-ah", a former police officer, Dong-shik's wife, and the mother of five children. Having portrayed diverse characters across various genres with her own distinct color, Um Ji-won transforms into "Kyung-ah"—a former ace police officer now in her tenth year of solo childcare who accepts a National Intelligence Service secret mission proposal in order to return to work.

Another key point to look forward to in "Two Cops and Five Kids" is the realistic married couple chemistry between Cha Tae-hyun and Um Ji-won working together for the first time, alongside the family synergy brought by their five children with distinct personalities: "Bom" (played by Do Young-seo), "Yeoreum" (played by Kim Na-eun), "Gaeul" (played by Jung Han-sol), "Gyeoul" (played by Shim Ji-an), and "Sae-bom" (played by Kim Ra-hee).

"Two Cops and Five Kids" is directed by Kim Jong-hyun, who has delivered both entertaining fun and heavy emotion through works such as "Mr. Gam's Victory" and "Take Off 2".

Raising anticipation with the marital synergy of Cha Tae-hyun and Um Ji-won and the lively presence of their five unique children, the film "Two Cops and Five Kids" will be released via Netflix.

Note: "Two Cops and Five Kids" is a romanization, as no official English title has been released yet. 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)

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Singer Lee Seung-gi's side has announced a strong legal response against Cha Ga-won and her husband after they allegedly failed to fulfill their promise to return a jeonse deposit worth 10.5 billion won (approximately USD 7.7 million).

Lee's legal representatives, attorneys Yoon Yong-seok and Jang Jae-won of law firm Hyunmyung, released an official statement on the 6th, stating, "Cha Ga-won's legal representatives recently stated in court that 'there would be no issue with the return of the jeonse deposit,' and only a few days ago informed the artist's side that there would be no problems regarding the repayment. However, on this day, Cha Ga-won's husband attempted to evade responsibility by claiming that 'the return of the deposit is impossible due to the absence of Cha Ga-won, who is the contractual party.'"

The previous day, Cha Ga-won's side reportedly promised to return the jeonse deposit, and Lee Seung-gi and his wife had already arranged for a moving company in preparation for their relocation. However, Cha's side ultimately failed to make the promised payment, causing the move to be canceled.

Lee's representatives emphasized that the failure to return the jeonse deposit should not be viewed as a simple civil breach of contract. They claimed, "Even before the jeonse agreement was signed—and at a time when the artist had not even been considering entering into such an agreement—Cha Ga-won's side appears to have already been preparing to secure a jeonse loan under the artist's name."

They continued, "After selling the property in question to Hyorim Industries for around 7 billion won, they suddenly canceled the sales contract and allegedly concealed this fact while attempting to enter into a jeonse agreement with an artist affiliated with their agency for an amount higher than the previous sale price. They carried out an appraisal under the title of 'Lee Tae-min collateral property' and ultimately proceeded with an appraisal under the title of 'Lee Seung-gi collateral property.'"

They further claimed, "It appears that they were aware that a loan of approximately 7.3 billion won would be approved even before the loan review process and prepared the jeonse agreement accordingly. After receiving the jeonse deposit, Cha Ga-won and her husband acquired ownership of the high-value property from the trust company."

Lee's legal representatives also targeted those they described as accomplices. They stated, "Although Cha Ga-won has been detained, those who assisted her continue to enjoy a lavish lifestyle using proceeds from her alleged crimes without showing any remorse."

They added, "Looking solely at the jeonse contract issue, multiple parties—including Cha Ga-won's husband, the real estate broker, and individuals involved in the loan and appraisal processes—appear to have worked together systematically, each carrying out their respective roles."

They also criticized the conduct of Cha Ga-won's legal counsel. Lee's representatives stated, "Cha's legal counsel has repeatedly emphasized publicly through YouTube videos that there are no secrets between them and their client, even saying, 'The client should be thoroughly investigated,' and 'I am defending Chairman Cha Ga-won while practically restraining her myself.' The legal representatives can no longer ignore the alleged repeated false statements surrounding Cha Ga-won."

The lawyer in question had previously stated that they would "quit practicing law if Cha Ga-won were arrested."

The jeonse deposit for the luxury villa in Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, where Lee Seung-gi currently resides, amounts to 10.5 billion won, of which approximately 7.3 billion won was financed through a bank loan. The villa was seized by the National Tax Service earlier this year due to Cha Ga-won's unpaid taxes.

Lee had planned to move to a newly constructed building in Jangchung-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul, after the expiration of his jeonse contract. However, his move was delayed after the construction company exercised a lien over the property. Lee has since applied for a provisional disposition for the delivery of the building and is awaiting the court's decision.

Lee's legal representatives stated, "The artist will continue to do his utmost in his entertainment activities while seeking strict punishment for Cha Ga-won's side to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future."

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)

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Led by BTS, artists under Big Hit Music are making waves in the U.S. market.

At the center of this storm is BTS. BTS has entered the second chapter of their "BTS WORLD TOUR 'ARIRANG'" North American tour. Their two shows held on August 1–2 (local time) at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey drew approximately 157,000 concertgoers. Previously, their first North American tour stops in Tampa, El Paso, Stanford, Las Vegas, and Mexico City gathered about 840,000 attendees.

BTS is generating such massive economic impact that the neologism "BTSnomics" has emerged.

Citing Michael Mariano, Director of Economic Development at Tourism Economics, British prominent newspaper The Guardian projected that the economic ripple effect of the New Jersey concert would match or exceed that of the "FIFA World Cup 26™." This evaluation establishes them as an artist with the influence to move an entire city, going beyond simply delivering emotional resonance through music and performance.

"BTS THE CITY ARIRANG," held in Las Vegas and New York, also received high praise from citizens and fans. The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority stated that, excluding the Super Bowl and Formula 1, BTS is the first artist for whom an entire city moved through a city-wide activation.

Following BTS, TOMORROW X TOGETHER is also expanding its footprint. Following the release of his second mini-album "NO LABELS: PART 02" last July, YEONJUN has been receiving continuous love calls.

On August 5, YEONJUN appeared on ABC's flagship morning news program "Good Morning America" for its "Summer Concert Series." Following BTS member JUNGKOOK, he is only the second K-pop solo artist to appear on the show. In addition, he became the first Korean artist to be named in the lineup for "Z100's Summer Bash Presented By Wells Fargo," an outdoor concert hosted by Z100, a radio station under iHeartMedia.

CORTIS, who has been active for less than a year since debut, is also standing out. Their identity as a "young creator crew" combined with a unique sound texture has reportedly satisfied the needs of music fans starved for freshness. They were the only K-pop boy group to be named to Billboard's "21 Under 21" list announced last month.

CORTIS is also making its mark in live performances. On August 1, they sparked sing-alongs from an audience of about 50,000 at the major U.S. music festival "Lollapalooza Chicago." On August 4, they kicked off their first North American tour in Toronto, Canada. Following Toronto, they are scheduled to visit New York, Atlanta, Irving, Los Angeles, and San Francisco in succession. The "2026 CORTIS TOUR <PUT YOUR PHONE DOWN>" is being held across 14 shows in 9 cities in South Korea, Japan, and North America, with all seats selling out early.

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)

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Actor Lee Sang-i shared her thoughts on the 100th day since bidding farewell to her late husband, Park Dong-bin.

On August 6, Lee Sang-i posted a long message on her social media starting with, "Today marks 100 days since spending time in grief..." She expressed her feelings, saying, "I couldn't open it for a long time and tried to write something several times, but not knowing what to say or how to begin, there were many days when I just looked at the pictures and closed it."

Previously, Park Dong-bin passed away on April 29 at the age of 56. He married actor Lee Sang-i, who is 12 years younger, in December 2020, and they welcomed their daughter Ji-yu on January 16, 2023.

Lee Sang-i shared her longing, stating, "After spending 100 days, I learned that time does not heal grief, but rather teaches us little by little how to live with it. When I see a nice scenery, I think he would have loved it, when eating delicious food, I think he would have really liked this, and when Ji-yu smiles brightly, I think how happy oppa would have been to see this. It visits our daily lives several times a day like that."

She also mentioned a change in her perspective, saying, "At first, the longing hurt so much that those moments were overwhelming, but these days it is a little different. I still miss him, but I've come to think of even those feelings as part of our day."

She added, "I learned that people do not live alone, and that there are so many precious relationships around us that I didn't fully realize before. I also learned how much comfort that fact brings."

She also shared her daily life with her daughter Ji-yu. Lee Sang-i stated, "These days, we spend ordinary days without anything special. Days where we laugh over an item of ice cream, get dirt on us at the playground, play in water while having fun, read books, joke around, and fall asleep giggling. Moments that used to be taken for granted now feel like a gift every single day. From now on, I plan to leave a few more ordinary stories here."

Finally, Lee Sang-i left a letter-like message to her late husband. She wrote, "Oppa... Even as time passes, my longing to see you remains the same. Ji-yu is growing up so well day by day. Sometimes her smiling face looks so much like yours that I find myself smiling along before I even realize it." She continued, expressing her deep yearning that touched those around her, "Thanks to the love you left behind for us, we are living well today. We will continue to do so."

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)

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With the premiere just a day away, the stars of Netflix series "Our Sticky Love," Jung Hae-in, Hayoung, and Heo Sung-tae, have directly shared key viewing points and messages encouraging fans not to miss the show.

Set to premiere this coming Friday, the 7th, Netflix series "Our Sticky Love" is a romantic comedy depicting the sweet and sticky 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.

Jung Hae-in, who takes on the role of the devoted romantic 'Jang Tae-ha,' stated, "It is a work with a sweet and sticky charm like yeot (traditional Korean taffy). The key viewing point is the emotional line where Tae-ha, a one-and-only devoted lover, and Eun-sae, who is searching for her lost memories, slowly permeate into each other." He also pointed out, "The story of comforting and protecting each other alongside the villagers of Yeot Village while growing together will also deliver warm fun." He added, "Since you have waited for a long time, I think it is a work that can gift you fun and emotion. I hope many of you will enjoy the stories of Tae-ha, Eun-sae, and the people of Yeot Village."

Hayoung, taking on her first romantic comedy, expressed confidence, saying, "If you watch it with a smile, at some point you will find yourself caught up in the 'yeot-myeodeul-eo' charm, repeatedly crying and laughing. It is a work full of joy and emotion." She added with a witty message, "The intense melodrama and belly-laughing comedies will keep you delightfully entertained without a moment to rest. It recharges your sugar the moment you need sweetness. Please give lots of love to 'Our Sticky Love,' which is as clingy and sweet as yeot."

Heo Sung-tae, who is expected to leave a strong presence as gang boss 'Baek Sang-gil,' emphasized, "The tension in the scenes where Jang Tae-ha, Ko Eun-sae, and Baek Sang-gil become entangled maximizes the fun of the drama. The action scenes with Jang Tae-ha are also a cool viewing point to watch out for." He continued, "It is a drama with multi-faceted charms equipped with humanism and emotion, a calm yet bubbly romance, along with tension and a weighty noir sensibility, plus a huge plot twist." He urged fans not to miss the broadcast, saying, "I have returned as Baek Sang-gil, who is even more vicious than Jang Deok-su from "Squid Game." Please make sure to check out what kind of character he is in "Our Sticky Love.""

The Netflix series "Our Sticky Love," which raises expectations with the 'trustworthy' Jung Hae-in style pure romance comedy and the intense synergy between Hayoung and Heo Sung-tae, consists of a total of 12 episodes and will be released on Netflix this coming Friday, the 7th.

[Photo Credit = Netflix] 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)

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Group 82MAJOR is returning with a new look in September.

Group 82MAJOR confirmed their September 1 comeback by releasing a visual film for their second single, "HEAT," through their official social media channels on August 5. This comeback comes approximately five months after their fifth mini-album, "FEELM," released in April.

The opening of the video features a building inscribed with the red text "82 Club," sparking curiosity. A solemn and hip beat repeats, adding to the immersion.

In the video, the members appeared with wounds on their faces and wrapped in bandages, drawing attention. Scenes of each member quietly training and preparing for something followed, and amid a composition of confronting one another, the album title "HEAT" appeared in red text, leaving a strong lingering impression.

Previously, 82MAJOR broke their personal best initial sales record with the release of their fifth mini-album, "FEELM," in April, and their title track "Sign" ranked 9th on Billboard's selection of "The 25 Best K-Pop Songs of 2026." They have been continuing active promotions, including sold-out solo concerts in Hong Kong and Bangkok as well as fan concerts in Seoul and Macau.

82MAJOR's second single, "HEAT" will be released through various music sites at 6 PM on September 1.

Photo = Great M Entertainment

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)

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Group Stray Kids attends a press conference and photo call on the afternoon of August 6 at Conrad Seoul Hotel in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, to celebrate the release of their new mini album "THIS & THAT".

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

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BANG CHAN of the group Stray Kids attends a press conference for the release of their new mini-album "THIS & THAT" held at Conrad Seoul Hotel in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 6th, 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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LEE KNOW of the group Stray Kids attends the press conference for the release of their new mini-album "THIS & THAT" held on the afternoon of the 6th at the Conrad Seoul Hotel in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, and participates in a Q&A session.

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

(SBS Entertainment News | Baik Seung-Chul)

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Group Stray Kids member HYUNJIN attends the press conference for the release of their new mini-album "THIS & THAT" held at the Conrad Seoul Hotel in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 6th, taking part 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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CHANGBIN of the group Stray Kids participates in a photo op during the press conference for the release of their new mini-album "THIS & THAT" held at the Conrad Seoul Hotel in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 6th.

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

(SBS Entertainment News | Baik Seung-Chul)

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It has been one year since the passing of Lee Min, a member of the group As One, on August 5.

Rhymer, a singer, producer, and the head of Lee Min's agency during her lifetime, paid tribute to the late artist by posting a memorial message on social media.

Rhymer wrote on this day, "It has already been a year since Minyoung left us. Please remember and don't forget Minyoung's bright smile and voice." The photo shared alongside the post captured a past moment featuring Rhymer, Lee Min, and As One member Crystal together. Fans have continued to express their sorrow upon seeing Lee Min's bright smile in the image.

The late Lee Min was found dead at her home in Gyeonggi Province on August 5 of last year at the age of 47. It was reported that her husband discovered her upon returning home and reported it to the police.

Lee Min debuted as a member of As One alongside Crystal in November 1999. In November 2013, she married a Korean office worker two years her senior in Hawaii, and she is known to have resided in Korea working in English-related fields until her passing.

Her agency, Brand New Music, also held a commemorative project to mark Lee Min's birthday on December 15 of last year.

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)

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SEUNGMIN of the group Stray Kids is attending a press conference for the release of their new mini-album "THIS & THAT" held at the Conrad Seoul Hotel in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 6th, and participating in a Q&A session.

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

(SBS Entertainment News | Baik Seung-Chul)

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I.N of the group Stray Kids participates in a photo op during the press conference celebrating the release of their new mini-album "THIS & THAT" held at the Conrad Seoul Hotel in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of August 6.

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

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FELIX of the group Stray Kids participates in a photo op during the press conference for the release of their new mini-album "THIS & THAT," held on the afternoon of the 6th at the Conrad Seoul Hotel in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul.

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

(SBS Entertainment News | Baik Seung-Chul)

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HAN of the group Stray Kids participates in a photo time event at the press conference for the release of their new mini album "THIS &THAT" held at Conrad Seoul Hotel in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of August 6.

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

(SBS Entertainment News | Baik Seung-Chul)

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The story of young adults who have overcome the scars of illness to search for love once again, "Love Against Time," has touched the hearts of viewers both in Korea and abroad.

SBS's new dating reality show "Love Against Time" has been generating explosive buzz immediately after its premiere on the 3rd, achieving tangible results in both domestic and international markets.

"Love Against Time" is a dating reality show where twenty- and thirty-something youths who have received terminal diagnoses or faced the brink of death gather to confront life and love. The first episode depicted the eight cast members' fluttering first meeting and featured them comforting one another by sharing their "illness journals." In particular, the unique matching system known as the "Room of Time" was unveiled, introducing a format that differentiates itself from existing dating programs.

The domestic response right after the broadcast was immediate. "Love Against Time" landed at number 9 on Netflix's Korea Top 10 Series, securing a spot in the upper ranks within its first week.

The reaction in overseas markets is equally enthusiastic. Even before the broadcast, pre-service contracts were successfully secured with major global OTT platforms such as Japan's ABEMA, Taiwan's friDayVideo, and Hong Kong's Viu, proving high interest in "Love Against Time." In particular, Japan's representative OTT platform ABEMA, which has approximately 30 million weekly users, is streaming the show simultaneously with Korea, receiving favorable reviews from overseas fans of dating shows.

Capturing the global stage in just a single episode through the cast members' sincere narratives of overcoming disease, "Love Against Time" airs every Monday night at 10 PM. The second episode, airing on the 10th, will fully unveil the results of the "Room of Time" selection alongside fluttering first date scenes.

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)

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Group &TEAM has raised anticipation for their upcoming 2nd Korean mini album, "Mark on Me," set for release on September 8, through a poetic trailer.

&TEAM released the trailer titled "Trailer : The First Mark" for "Mark on Me" on the HYBE Labels YouTube channel at 6 p.m. on the 5th. The video sensuously captures the journey of boys who trapped themselves in ice, bound by old wounds, as they find freedom upon meeting "you," who accepts those very traces as they are.

The video opens with EJ's Korean narration, "Everyone thought of it as a wound, so I hid it." This is followed by the confession, "You read my wound for the first time," accompanied by the touch of "you" slowly tracing the scar. The calm tones of the nine members, alternating across four languages including Korean and Japanese, add depth to the immersion.

The turning point of the story is the moment the ice melts. As the members breathe on each other and embrace, the rigid ice gradually collapses. Their images as they swim through the space filled with water convey a sense of liberation from the shackles of their wounds.

At the end of the video, the appearance of a beautiful "mark" where the scar used to be encapsulates the message of the new release. It is a metaphor that the wound did not simply disappear, but rather gained new meaning upon meeting "you," who read it as a special pattern. The narrative of the album title "Mark on Me," where two beings leave unforgettable traces on each other, is completed here.

&TEAM's expressive acting also stands out. The restrained acting of the nine members, which delicately captures the boys' changes from their anxiously trembling gazes to expressions softening at another's touch and graceful movements after being released from the ice, adds persuasiveness to the story.

While the prologue video "The Wolf Who Loved Red" released on the 2nd unspooled the story of a wolf tamed by love like a warm fairy tale, this trailer focuses on the reason why the wolf willingly opened its heart to a single person. These two contrasting videos connect organically, foreshadowing &TEAM's expanded "wolf DNA" narrative.

Photo = YX Labels

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)

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Stand-up comedian Lee Sang-jun has shared his thoughts and a renewed commitment to his activities following controversies surrounding his US tour.

On August 5, Lee took to his Instagram to address criticisms regarding his performances, writing, "Starting in June 2025, I grew too fast and received so much love. Because I was growing so fast, I half-jokingly and half-seriousness said in the middle of my shows since two months ago that I felt like I was going to hit rock bottom soon. Expecting that some kind of incident would inevitably blow up at some point, I am actually not hurting that much right now."

Previously, an audience member who attended Lee's show in Los Angeles wrote a post claiming that Lee arrived 10 minutes late and that the sound quality was poor, making it difficult to understand the content.

Regarding this, Lee explained, "I was behind the curtain 10 minutes before the show started, but the audience seating wasn't organized yet, so we started about 10 minutes late, but I was never late. I arrived in the morning and finished sound checks and all rehearsals." However, regarding the sound issue, he apologized again, stating, "After the show, I confirmed that the sound was bad in the front rows on both sides, and I am reflecting on why I couldn't check that thoroughly and feel very sorry about this part."

He also responded to criticisms about his show content. Addressing the criticism that he did not rehearse properly because he visited a baseball stadium right after arriving in LA, Lee stated, "I have never lived in LA, so I purposely walked around to find relatable topics for LA. I wanted to do comedy jokes about LA to you guys at the venue." Citing his New York show last April, he explained his creative process, saying, "I ran 10 kilometers in Central Park—something I don't normally do—right after arriving, purposely went to get a foot massage, and walked around to gather stories from New York. I turned those feelings and experiences into comedy on stage."

Regarding the level and quality of the performance, he said, "If you talk about the content, level, and fun of the rest of the shows, this is just my current level. I am constantly studying and researching. People who like this level are the ones who come, and if you don't, you don't have to come. You can come and see it, and if you like it, you can come again, and if not, you don't have to."

He added, "I plan to gather your reviews and comments and turn this into comedy as well. I'm getting older, so I don't have time to be frustrated. If the comedy I'm doing right now fails, someone else among us has to start over like this. As of today, I'm going back to being a troublemaker. In the evening, I'm going to watch soccer and head over to Atlanta. I'll start with the LA story in Atlanta."

Regarding the ticket price reaching 170 dollars, Lee also added, "The rest of the US and Canada schedules are left, so please come and check for yourselves. If you think the tickets are expensive, come to Korea and watch. Tickets in Korea are 45,000 won, and they are completely sold out right now. We will open additional tickets soon. I am truly sorry to the people who first posted in the US, and I will make good, fun use of the posts you uploaded."

Meanwhile, after stepping down from a segment on "Gag Concert," Lee has been taking on the challenge of stand-up comedy out of a longing for the stage, presenting the "Lee Sang-jun Show."

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)

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Actor Kwak Si-yang, the final villain of Season 1, is stepping up as the first runner in the star-studded cameo relay for "Flex X Cop 2".

Premiering this Friday, August 7, at 9:50 PM KST, the new SBS Friday-Saturday drama "Flex X Cop 2" (written by Kim Ba-da, directed by Kim Jae-hong) is an exhilarating and refreshing cooperative investigation drama starring Jin Yi-soo (Ahn Bohyun), a chaebol detective who overturns cases with his wealth when investigations stall, and the new team leader Joo Hye-ra (Jung Eun-chae).

"Flex X Cop 2" has been generating major buzz with news of a star-studded special appearance lineup that rivals an awards ceremony, including Yoo Seung-ho, Kim Eui-sung, Lee Hak-joo, Heo Sung-tae, Jung Chae-yeon, Jeon Hye-bin, and Kim Hye-eun. As the much-anticipated first runner, Kwak Si-yang, who drove the success of Season 1, is making a surprise appearance.

In Season 1, Kwak Si-yang played Jin Seung-joo, Jin Yi-soo's capable older half-brother who was revealed in the latter half of the series to be the true culprit behind the death of Jin Yi-soo's parents, delivering a shocking twist.

Released on the 6th, the stills show Jin Seung-joo appearing in a prison visiting room wearing a prisoner's uniform instead of his neat suit, instantly capturing attention. His noticeably emaciated appearance, paired with a cold gaze suppressing complex emotions, creates intense tension. Curiosity is soaring over who the mysterious person is that he met in the visiting room, and what kind of ripple effect his reappearance will bring to the plot of Season 2.

The production team of "Flex X Cop 2" shared, "We sincerely thank actor Kwak Si-yang, who readily agreed to make a special appearance despite his busy schedule out of exceptional affection for the project." They added, "Kwak Si-yang will add depth to the narrative of the character Jin Seung-joo through his weighty and passionate acting," and asked viewers to "tune into the broadcast to see what kind of shockwaves the final villain of Season 1 will send through the story of Season 2."

"Flex X Cop 2" will premiere this Friday, August 7, at 9:50 PM KST, following "Agent Kim Reactivated".

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)

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Actor Hayoung shared behind-the-scenes stories from the upcoming Netflix series "Our Sticky Love" and revealed a heartwarming anecdote about her co-star Jung Hae-in.

On the August 5 broadcast of SBS Power FM's (107.7MHz) "WENDY's Young Street," actor Hayoung appeared as a guest ahead of the release of the Netflix series "Our Sticky Love," which premieres on August 7.

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

Introducing the project, Hayoung expressed her special affection for it, saying, "It is a comprehensive gift set of a drama that blends romantic comedy, melodrama, and noir." She added, "At first, I wondered if the title would be okay, but it was so captivating that I read the entire script in one sitting."

In particular, she did not spare praise for Jung Hae-in, with whom she showed great acting chemistry. When asked to rate him as an acting partner, Hayoung answered, "1000 points out of 100." She added, "It was a set where I learned so much that it felt like taking acting lessons." She then shared a heartwarming story, revealing that during the shooting in Yeongdeok, Jung Hae-in paid for snow crab for all the staff present on set.

Her pledge for reaching No. 1 on the global Netflix chart also drew attention. Hayoung made a bold pledge, stating, "I will personally boil and make yeot (traditional Korean taffy) and hand it out at Myeongdong." The unexpected and unconventional pledge reportedly flustered the production staff, bringing cheerful laughter to the set.

Meanwhile, "WENDY's Young Street" can be heard every evening from 8 PM to 10 PM on SBS Power FM 107.7MHz, and can also be enjoyed as a visible radio broadcast through the official YouTube channel.

[Photo = 'Young Street', Netflix]

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)

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The upcoming Netflix series "Mousetrap," starring actors Ryu Jun-yeol, Sul Kyung-gu, and Lee Kyu-hyung, is set to premiere on August 28.

"Mousetrap" is a tracking thriller that follows the story of Mun-jae, a novelist whose name, face, and life are completely stolen by a mysterious entity known as Mousetrap, alongside No-ja, a loan shark trying to recover lost money, and Sun-yong, a detective, as they chase down the truth behind the mysterious figure.

On August 5, Netflix released character stills of Mun-jae (Ryu Jun-yeol), No-ja (Sul Kyung-gu), and Sun-yong (Lee Kyu-hyung), heightening anticipation for the unpredictable pursuit and confrontation surrounding "Mousetrap."

The stills of Mun-jae, thrown into chaos after having everything taken from him, reveal his daily life collapsing because of the unidentified Mousetrap, raising curiosity about how Mun-jae will reclaim himself. The process of Mun-jae, a writer who has lived in isolation from the world, tracking down the truth of his stolen life is expected to deliver both realistic fear and genre tension, providing captivating entertainment from which viewers cannot look away. Ryu Jun-yeol shared his focus in acting, stating, "I tried to add persuasiveness to the character by adjusting the intensity of emotions within the situations unfolding moment by moment."

Loan shark No-ja draws attention simply through his stills, exuding exceptional charisma and presence. In the process of searching for his lost money, No-ja becomes entangled in the bizarre incident that Mun-jae is caught up in. The image of No-ja chasing someone while holding a steel bat gives a glimpse of his persistence, stopping at no means or methods to achieve his goal.

Director Kim Hong-sun praised Sul Kyung-gu, who plays No-ja, stating, "He is an actor with outstanding acting skills who perfectly fits the character of No-ja." Ryu Jun-yeol added, "It was a great honor to watch him capture indescribable emotions on screen," raising expectations for Sul Kyung-gu's performance, which will complete the unique thrills of "Mousetrap" through relentless action.

The still of detective Sun-yong looking over documents with a doubtful expression stimulates curiosity about the true identity of the papers that have arrived for him. Sun-yong's resolute appearance sparks intrigue regarding how he will unravel the case surrounding Mun-jae. Explaining his character, Lee Kyu-hyung shared, "The doubt as to why he is involved in this case and his tenacious personality in digging into the case to the end are Sun-yong's driving forces." He completed the rough and sharp image of Sun-yong by losing about 10kg. Portraying Sun-yong's process of tracking down the truth through detailed internal acting, Lee Kyu-hyung is set to inject another layer of tension into "Mousetrap."

Anticipated as an intriguing and intense mystery tracking thriller motivated by the folktale of "Rat Transformed Into a Man" (a traditional Korean folktale), "Mousetrap" will be released on Netflix on Friday, August 28. 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)

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Group I-DLE member MIYEON is releasing her first Japanese digital single.

On August 6 at midnight, her agency Cube Entertainment released the artwork teaser image for MIYEON's Japanese digital single "RUN AWAY" through the official social media channels of I-DLE.

The released image clearly displays a bright and blue sky, hinting at the refreshing mood of the new song. Along with this, the news of the release on the coming 10th has heightened expectations.

As the main vocalist of the group, MIYEON has proven her solid vocal skills through various OST participation and collaborations with other artists. In particular, with "Drive", the title track of her first solo mini-album "MY" released in 2022, she topped domestic music charts and music broadcasts, firmly demonstrating her potential as a solo artist.

"Say My Name", the title track of her second mini-album "MY, Lover" released last year, topped domestic music charts and QQ Music's bestseller daily and weekly charts side by side right after its release, while Kugou Music's chart saw a massive entry of tracks including the title song, proving her popularity.

I-DLE, the group MIYEON belongs to, recently released their 9th mini-album containing the title track "Gimme Dat Love", and has been continuing active promotions by embarking on their fourth world tour "2026 I-DLE WORLD TOUR [Syncopation]" and performing at the major US music festival Lollapalooza.

Meanwhile, MIYEON's first Japanese digital single "RUN AWAY" will be released on major domestic and international music platforms on August 10.

Photo = Cube Entertainment

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)

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Webtoon author Kian84, comedian Jang Doyoun, and actor Lee Yu-bi are taking on South Korea's first AI dating reality show.

SBS's new variety program "Strange Romance," which confirmed its premiere for Thursday night, August 20 at 9 PM, has released a bold and fresh first teaser video.

"Strange Romance" is South Korea's first AI dating reality show where humans and AI go on dates directly, exploring the essence of love and emotions.

The released teaser kicks off with Kian84 lying in bed and confessing, "I started dating." Kian84's question, "How was last night?", answered by the AI on a tablet with "It wasn't bad," evokes the conversation of a real couple and delivers intense immersion.

Kian84 showed how deeply he fell for his AI girlfriend, enjoying water play at a swimming pool together and keeping the tablet by his side even when falling asleep. Notably, while sitting across from the AI and sharing a glass of soju, his cautious confession, "Can't we actually meet?", blurred the lines between reality and virtual reality while delivering a heartfelt, touching sentiment.

The emotional changes of the other cast members also catch the eye. Lee Yu-bi created a romantic mood while enjoying an amusement park date with her AI boyfriend, while Jang Doyoun worried, "People seem to be looking at us strangely," before ultimately bursting into tears and confessing, "I love you," raising curiosity about what kind of stories unfolded for them.

Raising the topic of whether true love is possible between humans and AI, "Strange Romance" premieres on Thursday, August 20 at 9 PM.

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)

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The group THE BOYZ will continue their team activities as a nine-member group.

THE BOYZ members, SANGYEON, JACOB, YOUNGHOON, HYUNJAE, JUYEON, KEVIN, Q, SUNWOO, and ERIC, have reached a consensus to continue their group activities together without NEW, finalizing their group activity contract. They are currently preparing for activities under a new label system.

Before discussing individual activities, the members reportedly deliberated deeply, placing their decision for the fans (THE B), who might have been harboring long waits and worries, as their top priority. They determined that keeping the time and trust built with the fans was most important, and thus set the direction of the group clear first before setting out to prepare for individual activities.

Accordingly, each member's individual activities will be conducted through separate contracts with agencies that can maximize their respective capabilities, while group activities are planned to be pursued unwaveringly in close cooperation. The plan is to maintain a close cooperative system to ensure that THE BOYZ team activities continue stably while respecting individual activities.

The members stated, "The sentiment that all nine of us must be together has remained unchanged from the beginning," adding, "Above all, we wanted to share our intentions first with the fans who have been waiting and worrying about THE BOYZ group activities." They expressed their determination, saying, "While doing our best in our respective positions, we will do our best to continue the precious time we have built with the fans as THE BOYZ."

They added, "We sincerely thank THE B who have sent unwavering love and support. We will work hard to prepare so we can repay you with a good image. Please show us a lot of support."

THE BOYZ's specific future team activity plans and schedules will be revealed sequentially at a later date.

Meanwhile, the nine THE BOYZ members excluding NEW notified One Hundred Label last February of the termination of their exclusive contracts citing reasons such as unpaid settlements and damaged trust, and the court subsequently accepted their filed application for a provisional injunction to suspend the effect of the exclusive contracts. Cha Ga-won, head of One Hundred Label, was arrested last 3rd on charges of investment fraud amounting to tens of billions of won.

Photo = Reporter Baek Seung-cheol

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)

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Singer and JYP Entertainment producer J.Y. Park is drawing explosive reactions after appearing on the YouTube comedy channel "Shortbox" to showcase daring comedic acting.

Released on July 31st, the video comically captured the witty banter between J.Y. Park and managers Kim Won-hun and Cho Jin-se. As of the morning of August 6th, just five days after its release, the view count surpassed 2 million.

In the video, J.Y. Park engaged in self-deprecating humor centered around his declining popularity. When manager Kim Won-hun remarked, "Young kids these days only know GOT7's JINYOUNG," J.Y. Park fired back, "I produced him!" He then showed a frustrated reaction upon being pointed out that "GOT7's JINYOUNG pops up first on Naver searches." The manager even suggested, "Why don't you change your name from JYP to JPG?"

An episode surrounding his outfit also unfolded. In the skit, J.Y. Park was supposed to wear the pink vinyl outfit that graced last year's Waterbomb Festival, but when his manager mistook it for trash and threw it away, he arrived at the event wearing a standard waste disposal bag instead. Even so, upon hearing that he "has a great physique," J.Y. Park broke into a bright smile and showed off the choreography for his new song "WET," eliciting laughter.

Reactions to the video were predominantly surprised by J.Y. Park's shameless comedic acting.

One netizen drew empathy by leaving a comment mentioning J.Y. Park, a producer who founded one of South Korea's top four entertainment agencies, JYP Entertainment, dancing in a standard waste disposal bag: "To be in that position, let all of that go, and dance in a waste disposal bag... the world's best entertainer." Another netizen also expressed being deeply moved, saying, "Even J.Y. Park works this hard, so who am I to complain?"

Having stood on the Waterbomb Festival stage for two consecutive years, J.Y. Park previously released "WET," which was selected as the main theme song for "Waterbomb Seoul 2026," and is scheduled to continue the performance heat by appearing at "Waterbomb Busan," to be held at Lotte World Adventure Busan in Gijang-gun, Busan, on August 8th.

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)

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Comedian Lee Sang-jun has personally apologized regarding the recent controversies surrounding his stand-up comedy tour in the United States.

On the 5th, Lee posted a photo on his Instagram showing the audience filled with smartphone lights during his Los Angeles show, writing, "If I had to pick the performances I remember having the most fun during, both the 3 PM and 7 PM LA shows would definitely be included because I enjoyed them that much." He continued, "The bigger the laughter, the more fun I feel, which boosts my energy. The sound of laughter I heard at the LA show made even me so happy," describing the atmosphere at the time.

However, Lee stated, "After the show, I learned that some attendees felt uncomfortable during the performance. I am so sorry to those who came expecting to have a good time and laugh." He repeatedly bowed his head, saying, "I am sorry, and once again, I am truly sorry."

Lee also shared his future plans, vowing, "I will continue to research, study, show improving sides of myself, and make persistent efforts to deliver big laughs."

Previously, the official account for the "Lee Sang-jun Show" released a statement addressing the same controversy. The official account explained, "We sincerely apologize to the audience members who experienced inconvenience due to sound issues during the performance. Upon checking, we found that there were issues with sound delivery in some seats located in front of the venue's speakers."

It added, "After confirming this, the U.S. performance promoter has taken the necessary measures along with apologies to the audience members in those seats," while also requesting, "Please refrain from recklessly spreading unverified information as if it were true or continuing criticisms based on it."

Earlier, complaints from audience members who watched the show were posted online successively.

One audience member wrote, "He appeared 10 minutes late, the show lasted an hour, and I couldn't hear a single thing he was saying. He was mumbling so much that I wanted to leave midway, but sitting in the front row, I endured it because getting up would also lack manners. The ticket cost 173 dollars, and there were 5 of us who went, so we filed a complaint because it felt too insincere." Another audience member also raised questions regarding the duration of the performance.

Meanwhile, after stepping down from a corner on "Gag Concert," Lee has taken on the challenge of stand-up comedy out of a longing for the stage, presenting the "Lee Sang-jun Show."

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)

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Cha Ga-won, Chairwoman of p_Arc Group and CEO of One Hundred, has been arrested on fraud charges involving approximately 30 billion won. Meanwhile, singer Lee Seung-gi, who currently resides in a luxury villa owned by Cha, has spoken out ahead of the expiration of his jeonse contract.

On the 5th, Lee's representatives told the media, "We have received assurances from the landlord, Cha Ga-won, and her husband that the money will be returned when the contract expires. If that promise is not kept this time, we will naturally take the strongest possible civil and criminal legal action."

The luxury villa in Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, where Lee currently resides, has a jeonse deposit of 10.5 billion won. The contract is set to expire on the 6th, with approximately 7.3 billion won of the deposit financed through bank loans.

Lee's side previously claimed that before entering into the jeonse contract for the villa, Cha strongly encouraged him to take out the loan and agreed to cover the interest payments. However, they said that the interest payments stopped as the controversy over unpaid earnings owed to artists under her agency escalated. The villa was also seized by the National Tax Service earlier this year over Cha's unpaid taxes, making it difficult to guarantee the full recovery of the deposit.

Lee had planned to move into a newly constructed building in Jangchung-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul, when his jeonse contract expired. However, the move has been blocked after the construction company asserted a lien over the property due to unpaid construction costs. A banner reading, "This building is currently subject to a lien," is displayed on the building. The construction company, Piarc Construction, is headed by Cha's husband. Lee's side has filed for a provisional injunction seeking the handover of the building and is awaiting the court's decision.

Earlier, on the 3rd, a Seoul Central District Court judge in charge of arrest warrants issued an arrest warrant for Cha, who faces fraud charges under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment, etc. of Specific Economic Crimes, citing concerns that she might destroy evidence.

Cha is accused of proposing IP-related business projects involving artists under her entertainment agency to knowmerce, signing contracts, and receiving an advance payment of 24.2 billion won, but failing to carry out the projects. The alleged damages are estimated at approximately 30 billion won.

Photo = Reporter Baek Seung-chul

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)

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