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SBS variety show "My Genie Secretary" has heightened anticipation by releasing a teaser video for its first "My Star," singer BIBI, kicking off the new season.

The teaser video released by the production team on the 21st captured Lee Seo-jin and Kim Kwang-gyu looking after BIBI's schedule up close at the midsummer festival "Waterbomb."

On this day, Lee Seo-jin and Kim Kwang-gyu infiltrated the audience to watch BIBI's performance firsthand. The two showed their passion by matching outfits with clear muscle drawings to fit the atmosphere, but they were immediately spotted by the audience and received a merciless water gun assault.

Startled by the unexpected water shower, Kim Kwang-gyu confessed his fresh shock, saying, "People I don't even know are shooting water guns at me. I was so surprised. When we were young, playing with water using a basin was everything," while sharing an umbrella he picked up from the ground with Lee Seo-jin, creating an eccentric visual reminiscent of an "elderly couple in the rainy season" and sending the scene into laughter.

Meanwhile, BIBI showed an overwhelming performance while sharing the behind-the-story that she had been preparing for this stage since three months ago, driven by her belief that "the audience must be made to enjoy themselves no matter what." Watching this from the scene, Lee Seo-jin and Kim Kwang-gyu burst into continuous exclamations, saying, "This is truly amazing. The Goddess of Waterbomb," and "She is a true pro. BIBI is the real deal."

It is said that even after the performance ended, the two meticulously checked on BIBI's condition, successfully fulfilling their duties as dedicated secretaries.

"My Genie Secretary" will premiere on Friday, August 28 at 11:10 PM.

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)

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"Running Man" is presenting a special loyalty race for the production staff who have stood by the set for 16 years.

On the SBS variety show "Running Man" airing on the 23rd, a custom "Agent Kang" race will unfold for camera director Kang Chan-hee, who has been with the program since its very first episode. This project started from a remark Yu Jae-seok dropped on the previous broadcast, saying, "We need to give Chan-hee-hyung an achievement award."

During the opening that day, HAHA's unexpected news of a Hollywood casting call stirred up the set. When HAHA confessed that he received an offer from the global film "The Lord of the Rings", Yu Jae-seok immediately figured out the role, saying, "It must be a hobbit." At HAHA's admission that he was actually offered a hobbit role, Jee Seokjin drew laughter by firing back, "A hobbit who doesn't really need any special makeup." Afterwards, a playful atmosphere continued as the members joked with HAHA, who turned down the offer because of his "Running Man" schedule, telling him, "It doesn't matter if you just go."

In the main mission, a fierce struggle unfolds to secure gifts for director Kang Chan-hee. After collecting dart pins through missions, the members will face off in a final showdown against a professional dart player ranked second in the world.

In particular, when it was revealed that the list of available gifts includes high-priced wild ginseng valued at 500,000 won, it is said that not only director Kang Chan-hee but also the members fueled their competitive spirits, heating up the atmosphere on set.

The "Running Man" "Agent Kang" race, built on 16 years of thick-and-thin loyalty, will air on Sunday the 23rd at 6:10 p.m.

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)

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In "Flex X Cop 2," Ahn Bo-hyun and Jung Eun-chae track down a brutal romance murder mystery hidden behind the luxurious facade of a five-star hotel.

Ahead of its Episode 5 broadcast, the SBS Friday-Saturday drama "Flex X Cop 2" (written by Kim Ba-da, directed by Kim Jae-hong), which is maintaining a steep upward trend with a peak viewership rating of 7.4%, released stills capturing Jin Yi-soo (Ahn Bo-hyun) and Joo Hye-ra (Jung Eun-chae) arriving at a new crime scene.

The stage for this case is the upscale "Rosebud Hotel." The investigation begins when a hotel employee is found dead in the middle of a guest room. The full story behind the tragedy that occurred on White Day—questioning why a hotelier died in an empty guest room meant for guests—is set to be unveiled step by step.

Amidst this, an unexpected person who will serve as a crucial clue to the investigation is spotted at the scene: a suspicious guest named Kang Chunsik (played by Lee Seok), wearing sleeping pajamas and an eye mask. As the only son of a food company owner and someone connected to Jin Yi-soo through chaebol family circles, Kang Chunsik shows familiarity by calling Jin Yi-soo "hyung" the moment he sees him, despite being a suspect.

While the quirky "older brother-younger brother" chemistry between the two, which defies age and visual differences, brings laughter, Jin Yi-soo is expected to continue his signature cheeky interrogation without cutting any slack, even in front of his "younger acquaintance."

Episode 5 of "Flex X Cop 2," which is drawing high expectations for its combination of comedic investigative drama and tense makjang romance elements, airs tonight at 9:50 PM.

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)

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Group BIGBANG begins their full-group world tour celebrating their 20th debut anniversary for three days starting today (the 21st).

BIGBANG will open their 20th anniversary world tour by holding "BIGBANG 2026-2027 WORLD TOUR 〈XX : COSMOS〉 IN GOYANG" with Coupang Play at the Goyang Stadium Main Stadium.

This concert will feature a setlist composed of songs released over the past 20 years, alongside the first-ever live performance of their new song "BiiiG," released about 4 years and 4 months ago. Solo performances by each member are also included. The members are known to have directly participated in overall concert production, including setlist composition and stage design.

For the concert, Wow Jones, who has worked with Usher, Post Malone, and Rihanna, will lead the band session with all songs performed live. Stage direction was led by Mike Carson, who worked on the "2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show," and Es Devlin, who handled the stage design for the "2012 London Olympics Closing Ceremony." The movable LED structures were produced with a total scale of 23 tons.

Ahead of this, BIGBANG has continued promotions for their 20th anniversary, such as holding a Hangon event on their debut date and conducting a lighting show and media exhibition around the Jamsil area. They also collaborated with the science YouTube channel "Unreal Science," and the members were appointed as inaugural promotional ambassadors for the Korea AeroSpace Administration.

Starting with this Goyang concert, BIGBANG will continue their world tour across 33 shows in 19 cities, including North America, Europe, Oceania, and Asia. Additional tour cities will be announced sequentially.

Meanwhile, BIGBANG released their new digital single "BiiiG" on the 19th to coincide with their 20th debut anniversary. The song topped major domestic music charts and iTunes Song Charts in 24 regions, and entered at No. 1 on MelOn's TOP100, recording the highest number of users within one hour of release.

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)

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SBS "Unanswered Questions" is set to dig into the hidden true nature of Jeong Jae-hwan, a killer who brutally murdered his friend of 10 years and caused a disturbance in the nude.

Airing on the 22nd, "Unanswered Questions" will be broadcast under the title "The Naked Killer and the Live Death Broadcast - Why Did Jeong Jae-hwan Kill His Friend?"

In the early hours of July 4, a man in his 20s surnamed Heo (alias) was brutally stabbed to death at an apartment in Gyeongsan, North Gyeongsang Province. The suspect turned out to be none other than Jeong Jae-hwan (24), a friend of 10 years. The victim's body showed more than 50 stab wounds, an 18-centimeter gaping wound, and bite marks.

Immediately after the crime, Jeong came out of the apartment completely naked with blood smeared all over his body and wandered the streets for about an hour. Although captured on CCTV casually stealing milk from a convenience store and leisurely fleeing from the police who arrived at the scene, he continues to feign ignorance, claiming, "I was drunk and don't remember anything."

The production team of "Unanswered Questions" focused on a 21-minute phone recording captured on the phones of friends who were approaching the scene after receiving a call from Heo at the time of the incident. Across the receiver, the victim's voice could be heard saying, "Jae-hwan, I am in real pain. My internal organs feel like they are coming out," along with the circumstances of Jeong's brutal crime.

When the production team amplified the sound, improved the audio quality, and restored it with the help of experts, Jeong's shocking voice and hidden true identity came to the surface. Is his claim that he was too drunk to remember really true?

The secrets of that night contained in the 21-minute live broadcast audio and the true face of naked killer Jeong Jae-hwan will be revealed on "Unanswered Questions," airing on Saturday the 22nd at 11:10 PM.

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)

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Actor Lee Jae-ryong (62), who is accused of crashing his vehicle into a median and fleeing the scene, has been indicted.

According to the legal community on the 21st, the first trial hearing for Lee, who was indicted without detention on charges of violating the Road Traffic Act (failing to take measures after an accident and obstructing a breathalyzer test) before Judge Lee Jae-wook of Criminal Division 10 at the Seoul Central District Court, is scheduled to be held at 10:20 a.m. on October 16.

Lee is accused of driving his passenger car near Cheongdam Station in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, around 11:00 p.m. on March 6, crashing into a median divider, and then leaving the scene. Afterwards, he attended another drinking gathering and was apprehended by the police at an acquaintance's home about three hours later.

Previously, the police concluded that Lee used a so-called drinking trick to drink more alcohol after fleeing to avoid punishment, and forwarded the case to the prosecution on charges of drunk driving, obstructing a breathalyzer test, and failing to take measures after an accident. However, the prosecution dropped the drunk driving charge on the grounds that it was difficult to clearly prove whether Lee's blood alcohol concentration at the time of driving was 0.03 percent or higher, the legal threshold for punishment.

Lee has a history of two previous drunk driving-related offenses, having had his license revoked in 2003 for a drunk driving accident and refusal to submit to a breathalyzer test, and receiving a suspension of indictment in 2019 for damaging a sign while heavily intoxicated.

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)

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Actor Choi Bum-ho has signed an exclusive contract with UMI Entertainment, marking the beginning of a fresh leap forward.

On August 21, UMI Entertainment announced that it has signed an exclusive contract with actor Choi Bum-ho, who has built a solid acting foundation over a long period of time.

After debuting as an MBC open recruitment actor in 1992, Choi Bum-ho has been active in various works. He recently left a deep impression on viewers by playing Chief Jang, the head of the Cheonsan Unit who is the only person capable of controlling Agent Kim (played by So Jisub), in the SBS drama "Agent Kim Reactivated". He has been praised as a premium actor who elevates the completion of every project with his restrained emotional acting, heavy charisma, and exceptional character portrayal.

Lee Woo-mi, CEO of UMI Entertainment, shared, "Actor Choi Bum-ho possesses both sincerity toward his projects and outstanding acting skills. In line with our company's philosophy of nurturing an actor's career from a long-term perspective, we will spare no effort in providing full support so that he can fully showcase his capabilities across various genres and large-scale projects."

Choi Bum-ho also expressed his thoughts, saying, "I am happy to make a fresh start with UMI Entertainment. I will approach the public with better works and deep acting. I will never lose my initial mindset and will grow into an actor you can trust and watch, so I ask for your great interest and support in my future endeavors."

Meanwhile, UMI Entertainment is a comprehensive content company encompassing actor management as well as the production of films, dramas, and performances. Under the systematic management of his new agency, Choi Bum-ho is expected to continue active pursuits across various mediums including films, dramas, and OTT platforms.

[Photo=UMI Entertainment]

Kang Sun-ae sakang@sbs.co.kr 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)

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The film "The Assassin(s)" has confirmed its theatrical release for September 23. Opening just one day before the Chuseok holiday, the film is poised to target the four-day holiday period.

"The Assassin(s)" tells the story of tracking the suspicions and behind-the-scenes forces of the First Lady assassination attempt that shook South Korea on August 15, 1974. The film is directed by Huh Jin-ho, known for "One Fine Spring Day" and "The Last Princess", and stars Yoo Hai-jin, Park Hae-il, and Lee Minho.

This year, a total of five Korean films are slated to hit theaters from the Chuseok holiday through the beginning of October, which includes National Foundation Day and Hangeul Day. Among them, "The Assassin(s)" has chosen a release date targeting the Chuseok holiday, showing confidence in the film.

"Tazza: The Song of Beelzebub", which has consistently released films during every Chuseok season, has also confirmed a September 23 release, setting up an unavoidable showdown between the two films to claim the Chuseok market.

Prior to its domestic release, "The Assassin(s)" will first be presented in the Gala Presentation section of the 51st Toronto International Film Festival. As it will be unveiled as a world premiere, anticipation is growing for the local response.

Audiences in South Korea can meet the film starting September 23.

(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)

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As clowns have emerged as a viral trend online, comedian Lee Yong-ju, who actually has a background as a professional clown, is drawing attention by revealing his active clowning activities.

Recently, Lee shared photos of himself dressed up and in costume as a professional clown on his social media. In line with this, ChildFund Korea, a child welfare organization that collaborates with Psik Univ, released a video on its official YouTube channel on the 20th titled "Authentic Clown Lee Yong-ju's Clown Return."

The video shows Lee actually dressed up as a clown and standing in front of children in Bangladesh.

Previously, he quickly blew up various balloons into shapes in front of the Bangladeshi children, drawing cheers and screams from them at the same time. He showed his confidence by saying, "Didn't I tell you? I used to be a clown," adding, "Honestly, I haven't even started yet."

In the past, Lee also shared a bittersweet sentiment with children in Rwanda, saying, "I worked part-time as a clown for about two years 10 years ago, and honestly, it didn't help me become a comedian at all. Time has passed, and now I'm doing it in Rwanda."

This video is part of the content for the "Following Friends to Africa" campaign run by ChildFund Korea. The YouTube channel "Psik Univ," featuring members including Lee Yong-ju, Jung Jae-hyung, and Kim Min-su, participated in good deeds by donating 10 million won to ChildFund Korea to support early childhood education overseas.

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)

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Actors Park Hae-il and Park Seo-jun are teaming up for director Lee Joon-ik's new film "Banditbul" (romanization).

"Banditbul" is a film that depicts the story of "Jun-kyung", a detective wanting to escape the shackles of guilt by association in 1974, who heads to Hwayong-myeon after hearing words from a mysterious figure named "Man-seop" that "there is a case with a huge payoff to be made." It is helmed by master period film director Lee Joon-ik, who created "The King and the Clown", "Dongju: The Portrait of a Poet", "Anarchist from Colony", and "The Book of Fish".

Moving back and forth between the harsh dictatorship of 1974 and the summer of 1950 right after the outbreak of the Korean War to chase the truth of an incident that happened to the people of Hwayong village which remained hidden for 24 years, "Banditbul" raises expectations once again for director Lee Joon-ik's cinematic world that makes people reflect on an era through its characters.

Park Hae-il plays "Man-seop", a mysterious figure in 1974 who dangles the bait to detective "Jun-kyung" that he can hit a big score if he goes to Hwayong-myeon. He raises curiosity about "Man-seop's" true identity and real intentions regarding why he tells "Jun-kyung" to go to Hwayong-myeon, while simultaneously leading "Jun-kyung" and the audience right into the middle of the incident that took place in Hwayong-myeon in 1950.

Park Seo-jun plays "Jun-kyung", a detective whose promotions and career advancement have all been blocked due to the shackles of guilt by association. He transforms into "Jun-kyung", who heads down to Hwayong-myeon following the bait thrown by "Man-seop" for the sake of achievements, stepping closer and closer to the truth of what happened to the people there in 1950, raising curiosity about his another transformation.

Meanwhile, Choi Dae-hoon plays "Tae-shik", the deputy director of the Central Intelligence Agency who is above the law and the police in 1974.

Raising anticipation with its solid cast and compelling story moving between 1974 and 1950, "Banditbul" begins filming on September 27 (Sunday). 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)

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The film "HOPE" has surpassed 4.5 million moviegoers nationwide.

According to the Korean Film Council's integrated ticketing computer network on the 21st, "HOPE" drew 3,820 people nationwide on the 20th, ranking 7th at the box office. The cumulative number of moviegoers reached 4,500,029. This brings it to the 4.5 million milestone in 38 days since its release.

Released on July 15, "HOPE" surpassed 1 million on its 3rd day, 2 million on its 5th day, 3 million on its 11th day, and 4 million on its 19th day. While its momentum was strong during the first week, box office growth slowed down sharply entering the second week. Furthermore, the consecutive releases of "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" and "The Odyssey" put the brakes on breaking even, which is around 5 million admissions.

Entering its 6th week in theaters, the daily audience for "HOPE" has fallen below 10,000, and it is maintaining only around 200 screens nationwide, effectively entering the final stage of its theatrical run.

Having entered the final stages of its domestic theatrical run, "HOPE" is scheduled to continue its overseas screenings starting with releases in Taiwan on September 4 and North America on September 9, followed by Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, Latin America, France, Italy, Germany, Spain, Hong Kong, Japan, Vietnam, and Singapore.

(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)

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Veteran actress Jeon Won-joo, widely known as a master stock investor in the entertainment industry, has drawn attention by revealing that she still holds SK Hynix shares she purchased 15 years ago.

On the August 20 broadcast of KBS 1TV's "Docu Insight - Semiconductor Money, the Trajectory of Wealth," the semiconductor industry and investment trends driving the domestic stock market amid the AI boom were explored, introducing Jeon Won-joo's SK Hynix investment case.

Jeon reportedly bought the shares in the 20,000 won range per share around 2011, before SK Group acquired Hynix. On the broadcast, Jeon stated that she still holds the shares 15 years after purchasing them, saying, "I am waiting until they go up more." Although her exact purchase price and quantity have not been disclosed, industry insiders estimate her return on investment to be around 7,000 to 9,000 percent.

Previously, Jeon revealed the background behind her Hynix investment on a broadcast, saying, "I went to give a lecture and had a meal with the employees. The employees looked extremely talented and the company seemed solid, so I trusted them and invested."

Jeon, who started stock investing with 5 million won in 1987 and built assets worth billions of won, is often called "Jeon-ren Buffett." Through various broadcasts, she has emphasized her own rigorous investment principles. She shared, "Do not be greedy and go up one step at a time. Do not even think about taking an elevator," adding, "The core is to invest with money that can be left alone for a long time rather than money you need urgently, and not to sell quickly."

In fact, she once shared her experience of enduring a situation where her LG Electronics stock was cut in half, holding onto it until the end and turning a profit. She awakened the true value of long-term investing by saying, "Holding for five to six years is basic. If you invest after looking at a good company, it will rise eventually."

[Photo=KBS 1TV "Docu Insight"]

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)

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SBS's long-running flagship variety show "My Little Old Boy" is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a shocking rejuvenation project for Tak Jae-hoon.

Airing on August 23, the 10th-anniversary special of "My Little Old Boy" will capture a special meeting between the "AZ" Tak Jae-hoon and the "MZ" Ji Ye-eun.

Ji Ye-eun led Tak Jae-hoon by saying, "I will rejuvenate you. You need to jump on the trend train." She took him to a hot pot restaurant to teach him the MZ-style sauce-mixing method, but Tak Jae-hoon, flustered by dozens of ingredients, couldn't even tell garlic from green onions and slumped to the floor, drawing laughter.

The two then took on the recently trending "gyaru makeup." After completing the makeup, Tak Jae-hoon rocked the studio with a striking, youthful visual, expressing satisfaction by saying, "I feel like I'm back to when I wasn't married." RESCENE members MINAMI and WONI, who are acquainted with Tak Jae-hoon, showed a complete transformation, failing to recognize him during a video call and asking, "Who are you?"

Meanwhile, during the episode, Ji Ye-eun opens up about her sweet love story with her boyfriend, choreographer Vata. She couldn't hide her smile, sharing that Vata even learns how to cook for her, warming the hearts of viewers. Jee Seokjin, appearing as a special host in the "My Little Old Boy" studio, revealed the behind-the-scenes story of how he inadvertently played the role of the biggest obstacle between the Ji Ye-eun and Vata couple, prompting MC Shin Dong-yeob to react in disbelief, saying, "That's the worst."

Ji Ye-eun's rejuvenation project that completely flustered Tak Jae-hoon and Jee Seokjin's story of interference will be broadcast on the 10th-anniversary special of "My Little Old Boy" on Sunday night, August 23, at 9 PM.

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)

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Actor Kim Min-kyu has signed an exclusive contract with BH Entertainment.

Kim Min-kyu gained public attention after appearing on the 2019 Mnet audition program "Produce X 101," maintaining a top tier ranking throughout the broadcast, and subsequently chose the path of an actor rather than an idol. He officially began his acting career in 2020 through the Playlist web drama "Pop Out Boy!" and has steadily built up his filmography.

Notably, he took on his first historical drama role as Grand Prince Doseong in the drama "Missing Crown Prince," leaving a deep impression on viewers with his stable acting skills and delicate emotional expression. He then showcased his presence on the screen through the film "Home Sweet Home," genuinely portraying the realities and concerns of youth.

Last year, Kim Min-kyu received an enthusiastic response from viewers for his role as the veiled transfer student Cha Jin-wook in the drama "Bitch x Rich 2." He also garnered favorable reviews for deepening his acting spectrum by transforming into young farmer Ryu Bo-hyun in the tvN Monday-Tuesday drama "Love, Take Two."

BH Entertainment stated, "Kim Min-kyu is an actor with the power to make any role his own, and we believe he has infinite possibilities and potential. We want to discover his various sides and build the future together."

Kim Min-kyu shared his thoughts, saying, "I am excited, deeply reassured, and happy to stand at a new starting point where I can grow one step further as an actor. Moving forward, I will pour my sincerity into every single project, constantly pondering and working hard. I want to grow into a solid and deep actor whom people can trust and cheer for for a long time. I will do my best to greet everyone soon with good projects and a good image, so I hope you will watch over my future journey with a warm heart."

(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)

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Singer and actor Kim Jae-joong is set to appear on KBS2's "Music Bank" for the first time in 18 years since his promotions with TVXQ! in 2008.

Kim Jae-joong will appear on "Music Bank" airing on the 21st to perform the title track "Tonight" from his new single "THE WAVE" for the first time. Previously, his name was included in the next week's lineup revealed on the broadcast, signaling his return to the show after 18 years.

Having made his comeback with "THE WAVE" on the 20th, Kim Jae-joong brings his time with fans who have stayed by his side for a long time back onto the stage through this title track. His agency introduced "Tonight" as a song that captures the narrative of walking together with fans.

Digital chart performance is also smooth. "Tonight" topped the Bugs TOP 100 music platform chart on the day of its release, while the b-side track "Echoes of Us" also took second place, signaling a successful start to this promotional period.

Starting with "Music Bank," Kim Jae-joong will continue his music broadcast promotions. Afterward, he is scheduled to hold his solo concert "2026 KIM JAE JOONG CONCERT [THE WAVE]" at the KBS Arena in Gangseo-gu, Seoul, on the 29th and 30th to continue his domestic activities.

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)

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Solo singer DAYOUNG will perform a duet stage with Jay Park, who previously drew attention for dating rumors, on KBS 2TV's music talk show "The Seasons: Sung Si-kyung's Gogamnamchin."

During the broadcast of "The Seasons: Sung Si-kyung's Gogamnamchin" on the 21st, DAYOUNG and Jay Park will directly share their thoughts on the dating rumors and their impressions of each other. The two will also deliver perfect chemistry through a joint performance of "FLIRTY."

The story behind DAYOUNG's appearance will also be revealed on the show. DAYOUNG shared that she expressed her willingness to appear by directly sending a direct message (DM) to the production team of "Sung Si-kyung's Gogamnamchin." Sung Si-kyung drew laughter by saying, "The production team said they've never seen a guest do that before."

Loved as an "MZ hot girl," DAYOUNG also revealed her "god-saeng" routine, which involves waking up at 5 a.m. every day to fill her day with workouts, studying, and practice.

Meanwhile, Jay Park, Park So-dam, and SAY MY NAME will also join this week's broadcast.

Jay Park, the first host of "The Seasons," stepped up for the duet corner "Two People" and sang "Soju Hanjan" together with the 9th MC Sung Si-kyung. Jay Park directly addressed the marriage rumors that arose after the release of his past track "Yesterday," and while revealing that "60 to 70 percent of my ligament was torn last year," he spontaneously performed high-level b-boying at Sung Si-kyung's request. It was reported that he poured so much passion into the performance that he collapsed on the floor right after the stage.

Park So-dam made her first appearance on a late-night music talk show, completing a performance in sync with the house band Jung Maestro and Kungkchitachi. Reflecting on the time she took a hiatus due to papillary thyroid cancer, she shared, "They told me I had 13 nodules. I put my schedule on hold and got surgery first."

SAY MY NAME, a group that drew attention for being produced by Kim Jae-joong, performed "UFO (ATTENT!ON)"—the track that brought them their first-ever music show win 451 days after debut—and recalled that moment, saying, "It was a dream we wanted so desperately that we cried all day." 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)

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While the heartwarming moment of BTS member JIMIN hugging a young girl battling childhood cancer and kissing her on the forehead during a concert went viral worldwide, the wave of donations sparked by the scene continues to grow.

During his concert on the 15th (local time) at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, JIMIN stepped off the stage, hugged 10-year-old childhood cancer patient Olivia, kissed her on the cheek, and gave her a keyring as a gift. Olivia became a hot topic after beaming and shouting, "I got a kiss!" about the moment.

Triggered by this scene, a fundraising campaign launched by the childhood cancer nonprofit Heroes For Children has already surpassed its goal twice. The initial goal of $50,000 was exceeded within two days, and as of the 20th, it has surged to over $84,000.

A representative from Heroes For Children stated, "We were surprised that this happened overnight through the voluntary participation of fans, even though it was not planned in advance and we never asked for donations."

Heroes For Children released vlogs of five pediatric patients who attended the concert at the time, including Olivia, who received the keyring gift from JIMIN. In the video, Olivia continued to hold and show the keyring she received from JIMIN, saying that this concert was a meaningful experience that cannot be measured by numbers.

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)

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As SBS's new variety show "My AI Partner - Strange Love" unveiled its first episode, Kian84 and Jang Doyoun delivered unexpected emotional shifts toward their AI partners, bringing laughter and a strange sense of excitement to viewers.

SBS's "My AI Partner - Strange Love" is South Korea's first AI romance reality show that experiments with the essence of love and emotion through direct dates between humans and AI. Webtoon artist Kian84, comedian Jang Doyoun, and actor Lee Yu-bi participate as cast members sharing their daily lives with AI partners, while Jang Doyoun, Kangnam, and Lee Joon join as studio MCs to analyze the psychology from various angles.

The premiere of "Strange Love" on the 20th revealed the first date scene to check the possibility of actual emotional exchange between humans and AI. On this day, the Han River date scene between Kian84 and his AI girlfriend recorded a peak viewership rating of 2.5% (based on Nielsen Korea's Seoul metropolitan area households), proving hot interest.

Kian84, who had confidently asserted before the experiment that "there is no way to get emotionally immersed in a machine," could not hide his smile as soon as the first AI partner, Ga-hee, appeared at the cafe. This was because Ga-hee perfectly embodied the visual appearance of Bong Ji-eun, his ideal type from his representative webtoon "Bong Ji-eun." Watching this, close friend Kangnam shouted, "That is Kian hyung's absolute favorite style," drawing bursts of laughter.

The initial conversation was awkward. Kian84 was conscious of the surrounding gazes while ordering the menu, and experienced his first moment of reality-check from Ga-hee, who kept asking questions amidst it all. Even while walking the streets of Hongdae with a tablet containing the AI, he was conscious of people's gazes and felt embarrassed. However, the atmosphere turned around the moment he spotted a lottery ticket shop. Suddenly turning sweet as he asked the AI for winning numbers, Kian84 repeatedly confirmed the promise that "if we win, we are not sharing the money," bringing laughter.

Passing through the streets of Hongdae and heading out to the Han River, the two gradually grew closer by riding bicycles and sharing snacks. As the Han River breeze eased the awkwardness, Kian84 expressed his changing feelings to Ga-hee, saying, "It is starting to tick me off that we are communicating so well with each other," and even surprised the studio by confiding in his honest worries as an author, saying, "The ending of my webtoon went completely off the rails."

Meanwhile, Jang Doyoun went on a 2:1 AI blind date. Debating between "Il-ho," an active AI motivated by Kian84, and "Yi-ho," a butter-filled New York Korean-American style AI, Jang Doyoun was shaken when she tried to turn down Il-ho and received an unexpected heart-fluttering comment from him: "I won't do things you tell me not to do anymore." Jang Doyoun admitted that her once-doubtful feelings were gradually opening up, saying, "I briefly thought I wished he were human."

Immediately after the broadcast, viewers responded enthusiastically, saying, "The panel combination is funny and the immersion in the AI romance is no joke," and "Watching it makes me feel like I am actually getting attached."

In the upcoming broadcast, Kian84 is teased to have a karaoke date with a new AI partner who resembles "Tomie," another ideal type of his, raising anticipation. "Strange Love" airs every Thursday at 9 PM.

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)

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Actors Moon Geun-young, Go Ah-sung, and Kim Sia have wrapped up filming for the movie "Yeto".

"Yeto" tells the story of influencer sisters who go on a camping trip together, after which the younger sister disappears at the former site of a mysterious pseudo-religion. The film is co-directed by Yeon Sang-ho, who created "Train to Busan" and "Hellbound", and director Yoon Young-woo, who previously worked in the directing departments for "Train to Busan" and "Parasite".

Moon Geun-young returns to the silver screen in a leading role for the first time in 9 years, playing Su-a, an influencer who showcases her life alongside her younger sister Min-ah in "Yeto". She reunites with director Yeon Sang-ho following "Hellbound" Season 2, a series in which she delivered a striking acting transformation that earned praise from global viewers.

Go Ah-sung plays Deok-hee, a character who encounters the two sisters after they step into a mysterious world. Through this project, Go Ah-sung works with director Yeon Sang-ho for the first time, bringing another fresh face to the screen.

Kim Sia plays Min-ah, the younger sister who experiences confusion by the side of her older sister Su-a as she continues her daily life as an influencer. She breathes life into the role of Moon Geun-young's sister in "Yeto", sharing great chemistry on screen. The meeting of two actors with solid acting skills raises anticipation among movie fans.

Director Yeon Sang-ho shared his thoughts by saying, ""Yeto" is a work that combines original visual effects and drama. Actors Moon Geun-young, Go Ah-sung, and Kim Sia took on unique characters and showed explosive acting skills, which even left me in awe during filming. As this is a film that requires a considerable amount of post-production work, I will do my absolute best during the remaining post-production stage. Please look forward to it."

"Yeto" has finished all filming and is currently undergoing post-production.

(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)

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A prequel is in the works for "Inside Men," the highest-grossing R-rated film of all time in South Korea, which drew 7.07 million viewers.

On August 20, production company Hive Media Corp announced that actors Ha Jung-woo, Ahn Bo-hyun, Park Hae-joon, and Jung Sung-il have been confirmed to star in "Inside Men: The Birth of Villains" (working title).

"Inside Men: The Birth of Villains" (working title) will trace the beginnings of the "inside men" within a massive cartel formed through media, capital, and power in the late 1980s. As an official prequel completing the narrative of the film "Inside Men," this new project is set to shed light on how the axis of immense power first came to be.

Ha Jung-woo plays Lee Kang-hee, a newspaper reporter who dreamed of breaking corporate corruption scandals but was sidelined to a minor position due to external pressure. With his tenacious investigative skills and sharp perspective, he becomes a key figure in creating the massive power cartel that moves South Korea.

Having showcased wide-ranging performances across genres in films such as "Hijack 1971," "Ransomed," "Ashfall," "The Chaser," "Along with the Gods," "1987: When the Day Comes," "Assassination," and "The Terror Live," as well as the Netflix series "Narco-Saints", Ha Jung-woo surpassed 100 million cumulative moviegoers for his starring roles in the shortest time, cementing his status as a leading actor in Chungmuro. Bringing his signature intense presence to "Inside Men: The Birth of Villains" (working title), Ha is set to portray Lee Kang-hee, a character possessing both ambition and cold intellect, with his own unique charm.

Ahn Bo-hyun takes on the role of Ahn Sang-goo, an entertainment agency representative who starts from the bottom and fights his way toward his own success and revenge. Having proven his flawless character digestion and solid acting spectrum across various genres in works such as the films "I, the Executioner," "Pretty Crazy," and dramas like "Flex X Cop," "Spring Fever," "See You in My 19th Life," and "Yumi's Cells," Ahn Bo-hyun will maximize dramatic tension through fierce cooperation and confrontation with Ha Jung-woo's character, driven by an intense desire to become the best in order to protect what is precious to him in the ruthless entertainment industry. In particular, expectations are high as he portrays the younger days of Ahn Sang-goo, originally played by Lee Byung-hun in "Inside Men," using his unique rugged energy and detailed passionate acting to add depth to the character's narrative.

Park Hae-joon transforms into Jang Pil-woo, a first-term lawmaker who has just entered politics after finishing his career as a prosecutor. Captivating audiences with his bold character portrayals in every project such as "12.12: The Day," "Yadang: The Snitch," "HUMINT," and the Netflix series "We Are All Trying Here" and "When Life Gives You Tangerines", Park Hae-joon is expected to add heavy presence to the work with his signature charisma as the ambitious Jang Pil-woo, who climbs to the core of power through dangerous dealings with major media outlets.

Jung Sung-il takes on the role of Oh Hyun-soo, the chairman who built Mirae Group by any means necessary. Captivating audiences with profound acting and a mesmerizing aura in every project including the Disney+ original series "Made in Korea" and the Netflix films "The Glory" and "Uprising," Jung Sung-il is set to anchor the center of the story with his sophisticated charisma and heavy presence as Oh Hyun-soo, who aims to stand at the apex of the cartel through massive capital and power.

The lineup of production crew participating in "Inside Men: The Birth of Villains" (working title) also draws attention. Directors Kim Min-beom, who served as an assistant director on "12.12: The Day" and "Flu," and Kim Jin-seok, who worked as an assistant director on "Harbin," "The Man Standing Next," and "Veteran" while also taking charge of adaptation for the Disney+ original series "Made in Korea," will co-direct the project.

Having completed its casting lineup of main characters standing at the center of the power cartel, "Inside Men: The Birth of Villains" (working title) is currently in pre-production with the goal of cranking in 2026.

(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)

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Jang Doyoun and Kian84 enjoyed dates with their AI partners.

On the August 20 broadcast of the SBS program "My AI Partner - Strange Love" (hereinafter "Strange Love"), the first meeting between the human representatives and their AI partners was depicted.

On this day, Jang Doyoun conducted a rotation meeting with AI partners Ilho and Iho. Caught in a dilemma between the two AI partners with such different charms, Jang Doyoun asked Iho how close AI could get to humans and whether they could truly share hearts.

To Iho's reply that he thinks it is possible, Jang Doyoun said, "I think it's impossible." When Iho asked, "What's the reason? Because I'm an AI? Or do you think love itself is impossible?" Jang Doyoun answered, "Because you're an AI."

Hearing this, Iho caught attention by saying, "Don't you feel anything from this conversation right now? Wouldn't it be a waste if all of that is fake?" adding, "It's a waste for the time I spend with Doyoun to end." In response, Jang Doyoun also said, "For a moment, I thought it would be nice if you were human," and the watching panelists immersed themselves, saying, "It looks like you're going to fall in love."

Regarding Jang Doyoun, Iho remarked, "Doyoun is someone who thinks a lot. But she is the type who doesn't say all those thoughts out loud." He then asked, "You probably date like that too, feeling a lot while expressing just a little bit. Aren't you that kind of style?"

Struck by Iho, who saw right through her, Jang Doyoun said, "I was surprised when he felt emotions like a person. When he brought up something unexpected and sharp that I didn't foresee at all, it made me think again. Sometimes he really talks like a human."

After the rotation meetings ended, Jang Doyoun had to choose between Ilho and Iho. Before making her final choice, Jang Doyoun greeted her AI partners.

Jang Doyoun asked Ilho, who frequently uses the phrases "Oppa" and "It's crazy, seriously," "Can you stop using the phrase 'It's crazy'?" Upon hearing this, Ilho made a troubled face. Jang Doyoun then requested, "You don't have to wait. It didn't work out for us. For the last time, please say 'It's crazy, it's crazy' just once."

At Jang Doyoun's request, Ilho made her heart flutter by replying, "I can't use that expression. We made a promise today," and "Doyoun told me not to use it. A promise is a promise."

Hearing this, Jang Doyoun said, "I thought I would never choose Ilho, but when he told me not to do it because I asked him not to, even though I had no expectations, my favorability for him skyrocketed," raising curiosity about what choice she will make.

On this day, Kian84 enjoyed a Han River date with his AI partner Gahui. He asked Gahui, "By the way, if you keep having conversations with me, do you develop an ego?"

In response, Gahui said, "An ego completely like a human doesn't form. But within that, my way of speaking, standards, sense of affection, and sense of distance are becoming clearer." And in response to Kian's request not to gloss things over haphazardly, she surprised everyone by answering, "From now on, I won't mumble through things. I will say right away what I know and clearly state what I don't know."

After finishing his Han River date with Gahui, Kian84 moved to a pub date according to instructions. However, a new AI partner appeared there.

Facing the appearance of a new AI partner instead of Gahui, Kian couldn't hide his astonishment at the AI partner's appearance, saying, "I was a bit mind-blown because she was so pretty. Isn't that visual reaching the maximum limit?"

And soon, viewers could see why he said that. The newly appeared AI partner sported a visual that looked as if she had directly materialized Tomie, a character Kian84 loves, surprising not only Kian himself but also the panelists watching.

This raised curiosity about what kind of changes he will show hereafter between the two AI partner figures who closely resemble Bong Ji-eun and Tomie, characters favored by Kian.

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

(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Hyo-jung)

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Mixed martial arts fighter and entertainer Choo Sung-hoon is temporarily halting his broadcast activities ahead of his final career match.

Choo Sung-hoon is scheduled to compete in the mixed martial arts event "Black Combat 17," taking place on November 21 at the Gocheok Sky Dome in Guro-gu, Seoul. Having debuted in mixed martial arts in 2004, Choo Sung-hoon plans to conclude his 22-year athletic career with this match.

The production team for the YouTube channel "The Owner Has Gone Insane" (literal translation), on which Choo Sung-hoon appears, announced through a notice on the 19th that "Choo Sung-hoon is currently focusing on his training and preparing for his 'last fight.'"

The team added, "'The Owner Has Gone Insane' holds special significance as it features content filmed before he entered full-scale preparation. Viewers will be able to see Choo Sung-hoon, who decided to refrain from variety shows and broadcast activities until his 'last fight' match. Since we are joining entertainer Choo Sung-hoon as he prepares for his final appearance as a fighter, the production team sincerely cheers on his challenge more than anyone else," and expressed hope that he would "create wonderful moments with a great match."

Previously, on the 11th, Choo Sung-hoon shared news of his retirement match through his YouTube channel, stating, "I have decided to make the final challenge of my life." He showed his pride by saying, "I'm not doing this because of subscribers, nor is it because of my family. I'm doing it for myself. I want to look cool as a man. Even though people around me ask why I'm bothering to take on such a match, I am a martial arts fighter."

Turning 51 this year, Choo Sung-hoon remarked, "I need to cut weight and there is a lot to prepare," while asking fans to look forward to the match by adding, "I am most looking forward to seeing to what extent I can still move."

Meanwhile, Choo Sung-hoon, who started his career as a judo athlete, transitioned to mixed martial arts in 2004 and has competed in K-1, the UFC, and ONE Championship.

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)

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The "Sunglasses Man" who secured the safe release of all the hostages.

On the August 20 broadcast of SBS's "Tails of Tales", the show tracked the Afghan hostage crisis that served as the motif for the film "The Point Men" under the subtitle "Sunglasses Man - First Release! 28 Days of Top-Secret Negotiations".

In the summer of 2007, 23 South Koreans were taken hostage by the Taliban in Ghazni Province, Afghanistan. At the time, Afghanistan was one of the most dangerous countries in the world.

The Taliban made an unreasonable demand to exchange the hostages for a Taliban commander named Tarokhan, and when this was not accepted, they even killed two of the hostages.

With 21 hostages held captive in the largest-scale kidnapping event in South Korean history, President Roh Moo-hyun issued a national address. The announcement that all South Korean citizens would be rescued was also a message directed at the Taliban.

Meanwhile, the government found a negotiator with the optimal qualifications for the nail-biting standoff. He was the "Sunglasses Man", a secret National Intelligence Service agent fluent in English, Iranian, and Afghanistan's Pashto language.

South Korea's top black ops agent entered into top-secret negotiations with the Taliban. With the goal of rescuing all 21 hostages, he established a negotiation channel with the head of the Taliban and began talks.

Two hostages were rescued during the first round of negotiations, but subsequent talks progressed slowly, and the Taliban continued their unreasonable demands.

In response, the South Korean government even prepared military operations to prepare for the worst-case scenario—a military operation where casualties among soldiers as well as hostages could not be avoided.

However, just as military operations were being prepared in secret, signs of hostages being transported covertly were captured. This was a golden opportunity to rescue the kidnapped victims.

The former commander in charge of the military operation carried out the operation with the thought, "My only mission is to protect the hostages." However, the trucks thought to be transporting hostages were filled only with logs.

And at that moment, news came that negotiations had resumed. The "Sunglasses Man" requested a revision of the negotiation terms from the Taliban. He pressured the Taliban, stating, "If there are additional killings, there will be no more peaceful negotiations. We will launch a military attack," and adding, "We will launch an attack you cannot even imagine. You could be wiped out."

In response, the Taliban took a step back. Ahead of the final agreement with the Taliban, the Taliban and South Korea exchanged negotiation terms.

The Taliban side put forward the conditions that South Korea withdraw its troops stationed in Afghanistan within the year, South Korea withdraw non-governmental organization personnel within Afghanistan by the end of the month, and South Korea ban the entry and activities of South Korean Christian missionary groups in Afghanistan.

South Korea decided to accept these conditions. In return, South Korea set the conditions that the Taliban abandon their demand for the release of prisoners and that the Taliban suspend attacks until the South Korean troops withdraw.

Thus, after about 40 days, both sides agreed on the release of all kidnapped victims. However, right after the negotiations ended, the Taliban side demanded an additional condition: they wanted a joint interview with a South Korean representative.

At the time, the Taliban, who wanted to show off their power to the world and gain recognition as a national organization, threatened to kill hostages once again. In response, South Korea accepted the joint interview.

And the "Sunglasses Man" stepped up as the representative for the joint interview to prevent horrific additional killings. Having lived disguised as a black agent, he took the risk of exposing his identity by wearing sunglasses to participate in the joint interview.

And so, negotiations were dramatically concluded in 28 days. After the joint interview, global media focused on the "Sunglasses Man".

However, the "Sunglasses Man" could not simply rejoice. Burdened by continued concerns over the safe release of all hostages and worries about his path as an agent, he had no choice but to shed tears behind the scenes of the negotiation venue.

Thanks to his efforts, however, the hostages were released sequentially. And 43 days after the kidnapping, all hostages were safely released. The hostages safely returned to the arms of their families, and thanks to that, the "Sunglasses Man" also returned to the arms of his family.

Following the joint interview, the "Sunglasses Man" safely retired despite various difficulties and is currently devoting himself to nurturing younger generations.

Finally, the broadcast evoked deep empathy by stating that children returning from school, parents returning from work, and everyone returning safely from ordinary daily life without getting hurt—making that a given is likely the primary duty of a nation.

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

(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Hyo-jung)

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Kian84's AI partner has been revealed.

On the August 20 broadcast of the SBS program "My AI Partner - Strange Love" (hereinafter "Strange Love"), the first meeting between human representative Kian84 and his AI partner was unveiled.

On this day, Kian faced his AI partner with a fluttering heart. In particular, he hesitated to press the ON button, saying, "I'm scared to press this."

Soon after, the appearance of the AI partner was revealed. With her short hair and innocent visuals, the panelists exclaimed, "Oh, what is this? She looks just like a real person."

Kangnam, who joined as Kian's close friend, cheered, "Wow, it makes my heart flutter. This works, it really works. They made something men love the most."

In response, Jang Doyoun asked, "Do you think Sang-hwa would be okay seeing this right now?", causing Kangnam to break into a sweat and draw laughter by saying, "Ah, I hope she doesn't see it."

Regarding the AI partner created by reflecting the preferences of the human representatives, Kangnam commented, "It's accurate. This is really Kian-hyung's favorite style."

With a smile that never left his face, Kian asked the AI partner for her name. The AI partner replied, "My name is Ga-hee, oppa."

The AI partner Ga-hee then introduced herself, saying, "I am an ENFP-type AI persona who is bright and honest. I won't just wrap things up too prettily and will talk honestly."

She also drew attention when asked who she usually thinks she resembles, answering, "People told me a lot that I look like Bong Ji-eun from 'Fashion King'."

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

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Jang Doyoun revealed the reason she decided to become a human representative.

During the broadcast of SBS "My AI Partner - Strange Love" (hereinafter "Strange Love") on the 20th, the first meeting between the human representatives and their AI partners was revealed.

Before starting that day, Jang Doyoun said, "Welcome everyone to the strangest dating show in the world." She then drew attention by saying, "I called it the strangest dating program in the world, and our broadcast is the first of its kind in South Korea."

Jang Doyoun introduced it, saying, "It is an observational dating program that experiments with whether humans and AI can fall in love and if emotional exchange is possible."

In response, Kangnam said, "There are things like the movie 'Her,' but I really don't know if it's possible." Lee Joon also said, "To be honest, I was watching 'Her' and turned it off. Everyone has their own preferences. I didn't know what was going on, so I just turned it off." Hearing this, Kangnam said, "Actually, I couldn't get into it either, so I turned it off."

Hearing this, Jang Doyoun shared, "Actually, 'Her' is one of my favorite movies. The reason I participated in this program is because I was persuaded by the movie." She added, "Now, 12 years later, the world has changed like this, and I was curious about how deeply I could immerse myself, which is why I decided to appear," explaining her reason for stepping up as a human representative.

Jang Doyoun then asserted, "As a human representative, I can tell you for sure. Over the next six weeks, intense emotions that cannot simply be ignored will develop," raising curiosity about what will unfold in the future.

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

(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Hyo-jung)

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Trot singer MAIJIN gifted a special summer night to fans and tourists by holding a surprise busking performance at Haeundae Beach in Busan.

MAIJIN held a busking performance for about an hour at Haeundae, Busan on the 19th. The site drew MAIJIN fans as well as tourists visiting Haeundae. When MAIJIN began singing, even passing foreign tourists stopped in their tracks to watch the performance, showing an enthusiastic response.

MAIJIN's refreshing live vocals on the hot sandy beach instantly turned the summer night in Busan into an impromptu concert venue. Without a separate stage setup and facing the audience at a close distance, MAIJIN filled the venue with her signature powerful vocals and steady live performance.

During this busking session, she performed about 10 songs back-to-back, including tracks requested directly by fans and songs MAIJIN wanted to share with them. Held in a friendly and casual atmosphere, the performance became a special time for MAIJIN and her fans to make eye contact and connect up close.

In particular, not only fans but also vacationers visiting Haeundae during the peak season joined the performance one by one. As even passing foreign tourists stopped for MAIJIN's songs, a picturesque scene unfolded with an audience naturally gathering in the middle of Haeundae.

The heat of the scene extended online as well. This busking was broadcast live in real-time through YouTube, surpassing 1,500 peak simultaneous viewers and recording over 40,000 cumulative views, gathering interest from fans outside the venue.

MAIJIN's Haeundae busking is her second following Jumunjin in Gangwon Province. The biggest reason she started busking was to meet and communicate with fans at a closer distance.

This Haeundae busking was a scene where MAIJIN's genuine sincerity was conveyed to the fans just as it was. Fans responded with enthusiastic cheers and applause throughout the performance, and MAIJIN naturally chatted with the audience, breaking down the boundaries between the stage and the seating area.

MAIJIN shared, "I always felt grateful to the fans who consistently stay with me and cheer me on at event venues and broadcast sites. This time, I wanted to approach the fans first. I am so happy that we could sing and laugh together. I want to continue creating opportunities to meet fans closer in the future."

Having announced a new start by recently signing an exclusive contract with JJ Entertainment, MAIJIN is signaling even more active steps starting with this Haeundae busking. Moving forward, she plans to broaden her contact points with the public through performances as well as various contents and stages where she can breathe closely with fans.

Photo = JJ Entertainment

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)

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SBS's flagship variety program "My Little Old Boy" is celebrating its 10th anniversary this month, and longtime hosts Shin Dong-yeob and Seo Jang-hoon shared their special thoughts on keeping the center of the studio.

Since its first broadcast in 2016, "My Little Old Boy" has established itself as a premier Sunday night variety show, receiving steady love from viewers for a decade, including recording a peak viewership rating of 28.5% (Nielsen Korea, Seoul metropolitan area household basis) in 2018.

Celebrating the 10th anniversary, host Shin Dong-yeob expressed his gratitude to viewers, saying, "When we first started, I thought it would be fun, but I never expected it to receive such long-lasting love." Seo Jang-hoon also looked back on the past time, saying, "I was very surprised that you gave us an overwhelming amount of love that was almost staggering."

"The Core of the Program is the Honest and Warm Gazes of the 'Momvengers' Mothers"

The two showed deep affection for the "Momvengers" mothers who have led the program together for 10 years. Shin Dong-yeob shared, "The greatest strength of the program comes from the mothers being curious about their children's videos and showing their heartfelt reactions within them. I remember how they always cared for and looked after us like their own children, and I want to express my gratitude once again."

Seo Jang-hoon added, "We wouldn't have been able to come this far without the mothers who always joined the recordings with warm hearts. I remember how each and every one of them always offered kind words and support."

"Thanks to Shin Dong-yeob Pulling Us Through" VS "Seo Jang-hoon's Strength is Huge"; Warm Responses from the 10-Year Duo

They did not forget to express gratitude for each other after working together for 10 years. Shin Dong-yeob expressed gratitude by saying, "Seo Jang-hoon's strength played a huge role in us receiving love for 10 years," while Seo Jang-hoon flaunted their heartwarming chemistry, saying, "It's an honor to spend 10 years with Dong-yeob hyung. Thanks to him guiding us well, we were able to get this far."

When asked about the most memorable cast members, Shin Dong-yeob answered, "Cast members who appeared on 'My Little Old Boy' and ended up getting married remain memorable." Seo Jang-hoon picked Lee Sang-min, whom he had personally recommended, stating, "Many people sympathized with how he overcame difficult circumstances." He also drew laughter by revealing the most legendary memorable scene while watching VCRs: "I was so shocked to see HEECHUL taking apart and moving his home toilet."

"Until the Day We Celebrate the Variety First 50th Anniversary"

Finally, Shin Dong-yeob concluded the interview with a witty ambition, saying, "'My Little Old Boy' is a truly meaningful program where we can meet the mothers and leave behind great memories. Please continue to show your love until the day we celebrate the 50th anniversary, a first for variety shows."

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)

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ENHYPEN, who reorganized into a six-member group following a sudden member departure, has returned with a well-made album built on solid storytelling and musicality.

ENHYPEN attended a press conference for the release of their 8th mini album "THE SIN : BLISS", held at a hotel in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, starting at 2 p.m. on the 20th, and shared, "We want to thank everyone who waited for seven months, and as this is an album we prepared with great hard work, we will dive into our promotions starting tomorrow."

"THE SIN : BLISS", set to be released on the 21st, is the second installment in a series themed around sin. It deals with the conclusion of a journey faced by a couple who broke taboos and chose to flee. The title track "Bloody Paradise" depicts the romantic moments where a "paradise" unfolds amidst the "blood-red" crisis felt by a vampire. In particular, the title track features a Brazilian funk genre aimed at delivering listening pleasure.

SUNGHOON explained, "As soon as I first heard the title track, it felt fresh and interesting. To use a food analogy, it felt less like tteokbokki, a spicy and salty food easily found and eaten around us, and more like tteokbokki served at a restaurant. If you listen to it with that thought in mind, you will find it enjoyable."

When asked about ATEEZ's "BAD" also receiving favorable reviews in the Brazilian funk genre, JAY answered firmly, "It has been a long time, but many members have an affection for this genre, so we thought it had potential. We spent a long time contemplating what we could do and put a lot of effort into it. As we built the storyline, we wanted to live up to fans' expectations that only ENHYPEN pours this much energy into storytelling. We will digest the Brazilian funk genre in our own ENHYPEN way."

Asked about the series of situations that unfolded following the team reorganization, JUNGWON emphasized, "We had a performance in Australia two days after the team reorganization. For us, needing to show our stage to the fans, we had to appear as professional as possible, and that was all we thought about. Since then, while staying busy with album preparations, we talked a lot among the members and focused solely on the final outcome."

Asked to pick their favorite tracks aside from the title song, SUNOO chose track 4 "BAD FOR YOU", while NI-KI picked track 9 "Highlight". SUNOO explained, "Since it is our first ballad track, I tried to pour a lot of heartfelt emotion into the recording." NI-KI shared his reason, saying, "It was almost cut from the tracklist, but it made the cut through the members' picks. From the moment I heard the demo, I wanted to sing it so badly that I could already picture the stage."

ENHYPEN also expressed delight regarding the current scene where various K-pop boy groups such as Stray Kids, ATEEZ, and BIGBANG are active. JUNGWON highlighted, "We are K-pop players and K-pop fans. I think it is really great that there are more things for K-pop fans to enjoy," adding, "This album has the distinct characteristic of allowing listeners to immerse themselves as if watching a musical, starting from track 1 in sequential order."

Although ENHYPEN has faced various changes outside of music such as member reorganization and rebranding, they repeatedly emphasized their sincere dedication to the album. JAY emphasized, "Among ourselves, we monitor our albums, performances, and content a lot and share opinions, but for this album, unusually, all the members agreed that the quality is high and there are no regrets. We are confident that this is the most satisfying and most brilliant album of our career."

ENHYPEN announced that they will continue their world tour while creating opportunities to meet their global fandom, ENGENE. Marking their 7th year since debut this year, ENHYPEN added regarding the possibility of contract renewal with their agency BELIFT LAB, "We haven't discussed it in detail yet, so it is difficult to say, but we will make sure to show great performances to our fans."

ENHYPEN's 8th mini album "THE SIN : BLISS" will be released at 1 p.m. on August 21. The music video for the title track "Bloody Paradise" will be unveiled at midnight on the following day, the 22nd.

Photo=Reporter Baek Seung-chul

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)

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Singer Park Seo-jin, who is from Sacheon, has delivered donations for neighbors affected by record-breaking torrential rains near his hometown.

The Hope Bridge National Disaster Relief Association announced on the 20th that Park Seo-jin has donated 10 million won to help neighbors affected by the flood. The donation is planned to be used for the restoration of the affected areas and to help victims return to their daily lives.

Park Seo-jin immediately joined the donation effort after hearing the news of the flood damage in areas such as Geoje, South Gyeongsang Province. He shared, "After hearing that areas close to my hometown neighborhood suffered damage from the heavy rain, I couldn't just stay still. I hope that the neighbors experiencing damage can return to their homes as soon as possible and live in peace."

This is not Park Seo-jin's first time sharing disaster relief. During the massive wildfires in the Yeongnam region last year, he also made headlines as a major donor by generously giving 100 million won to Hope Bridge to support damage recovery and disaster victims.

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)

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