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Seo Jang-hoon’s Rising Eagles, fueled by the goal of conquering the nation, are set to make a spectacular return for Season 2 with an even more powerful lineup.

Premiering on Sunday, July 5 at 11:05 PM, SBS Rising Eagles Season 2 features the return of Korean basketball legend Seo Jang-hoon as head coach, leading the team toward their second flight.

This season, the team has completed a national-level coaching staff with the addition of KBL legend and guard Kim Tae-sul. They are joined by returning members SHINee’s Minho, Son Tae-jin, Park Chan-woong, Oh Seung-hoon, 2AM’s Jeong Jin-woon, Moon Soo-in, Lee Dae-hee, Jeong Gyu-min, and Kim Taek. The roster has been further strengthened by the arrival of the physically imposing Julien Kang, hidden talent Jo Jin-se—who has been honing his skills since middle school—EXO’s Chanyeol, and the ambitious rookie Jin-hyeok from NOWZ.

Before embarking on the national championship, the new and existing members faced off in a 3-on-3 match fueled by pride. Chanyeol ignited an internal rivalry by naming his SM senior and fellow passion-driven member Minho as his target. Jo Jin-se also provoked Jeong Gyu-min by declaring, "I will take your number 13 jersey," to which Jeong Gyu-min retorted, "I will definitely set the rookies straight today," raising the tension on the court to its peak.

The rookies’ performances stunned everyone on set. Chanyeol, in particular, showed off high-level skills by sinking consecutive shots, earning high praise from head coach Seo Jang-hoon, who noted, "His shooting touch is exceptional." Julien Kang dominated the paint with his human-wall physique, while the existing Eagles members countered with solid teamwork, leading to an unpredictable and fierce battle. It is also reported that a special 1-on-1 match between legendary guard coach Kim Tae-sul and Jeon Tae-poong brought a rare, bright smile to Coach Seo Jang-hoon’s face.

However, the festive atmosphere was short-lived. As the national championship approaches, amateur basketball powerhouses began launching cold provocations, leaving the set frozen. Opposing teams threw sharp insults at the Rising Eagles, claiming, "They lack basketball IQ compared to their passion," and "At the end of the day, they are just a celebrity team." In response, head coach Seo Jang-hoon expressed his anger, saying, "That is complete nonsense," and the members declared they would face the challenge head-on, stating, "We will prove it with our skills on the court."

The grueling struggle of the Rising Eagles to prove their worth and the start of their journey toward the national throne will be revealed in the premiere of Rising Eagles Season 2 on Sunday, July 5 at 11:05 PM.

Reporter Kang Sun-ae sakang@sbs.co.kr

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

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In the upcoming episode of Agent Kim Reactivated, So Jisub and Choi Dae-hoon transform into the most dangerous fathers as they launch a relentless counterattack.

In the third episode of the SBS Friday-Saturday drama Agent Kim Reactivated (written by Nam Dae-jung, directed by Lee Seung-young and Lee So-eun), airing tonight, July 3, at 9:50 PM, Agent Kim (played by So Jisub) seeks out his friend Seong Han-su (played by Choi Dae-hoon) while searching for his missing daughter. The two will engage in a breathtaking cooperative action sequence against mysterious assailants.

Agent Kim Reactivated has quickly emerged as the hottest drama of the summer, recording a peak viewership rating of 18.1% after just two episodes. So Jisub has topped the list for most buzzworthy TV and OTT drama cast member, while the series itself has claimed the number one spot for TV drama buzz, dominating both ratings and popularity.

In this episode, Agent Kim’s search for his daughter leads him to his old friend Seong Han-su, with whom he once shared life-or-death experiences, signaling the full-scale launch of the "Dad Universe." In stills released ahead of the broadcast, So Jisub exudes intensity in a sharp black suit as he corners his enemies, while Choi Dae-hoon builds tension dressed in a taekwondo uniform, displaying his firm resolve.

Most notably, the "double-pistol action" of the two men standing back-to-back with their weapons drawn captures the eye with visuals reminiscent of a movie scene. The combination of Agent Kim’s unwavering decisiveness and Seong Han-su’s passionate loyalty promises to deliver a heavy-hitting, high-speed action experience unlike anything seen before.

It is reported that both actors gave their all on set, performing intense action sequences without holding back. So Jisub vividly portrays the desperation of a father, while Choi Dae-hoon embodies the loyalty of a friend willing to put his body on the line, completing a perfect "lawless middle-aged" bromance. The synergy between the two, which promises to leave a lasting impression beyond just the action, is a key point to watch in the third episode.

The production team stated, "In episode 3 of Agent Kim Reactivated, as Agent Kim and Seong Han-su reunite as a team, the 'Dad Universe' action will accelerate. The fast-paced plot, exhilarating action, and the bromance synergy between the two actors will provide viewers with a thrilling catharsis."

Episode 3 of Agent Kim Reactivated airs tonight, July 3, at 9:50 PM.

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

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SBS's

Tails of Tales

(hosted by the "Jang Trio" consisting of Jang Hyun-sung, Jang Sung-kyu, and Jang Doyoun) brings to light the stories of "that day" in history that we must never forget. For those who missed the broadcast or want to revisit the details, SBS Entertainment News has summarized the episode for you.

The story we want to share with you today is from the episode broadcast on July 2, 2026, titled

"Four Kidnappers – Who is Lying?"

Joining as story buddies were AND2BLE member ZHANG HAO, singer SOYOU, and actor Park Tam-hee. (In line with the show's unique style, this review is written in an informal, conversational tone.)

▲ Eun-ji Has Vanished

The date is October 10, 1994, at a home in Busan. A housewife, Mrs. Kim, keeps staring out the window. Her 10-year-old daughter, Eun-ji (pseudonym), has not returned home yet. Eun-ji, a third-grader, usually comes home from school around 1:00 PM. But on this day, she is still missing even as 4:00 PM approaches. Just then, the phone rings.

"If you want to find Eun-ji, listen to me carefully. Bring 'two sheets' of cash to the Busan Theater by 2:30 PM the day after tomorrow."

Eun-ji had been kidnapped. However, the "two sheets" of cash the kidnapper demanded was not 20 million won, but 2 million won. Usually, kidnapping is a planned crime aiming for a large sum of money, but in 1994, 2 million won was worth less than 5 million won in today's value. The kidnapper did not ask for a massive fortune.

Furthermore, Eun-ji's father was an ordinary office worker. Their family was not wealthy enough to be targeted for a crime. So, why did the kidnapper target Eun-ji?

Upon receiving the report, the police immediately tracked Eun-ji's last known movements. While canvassing the school area with the child's photo, an eyewitness emerged. It was So-young (pseudonym), Eun-ji's friend from the same after-school academy.

"Eun-ji was walking over there with an older girl earlier. She had long, straight hair."

Around 1:00 PM on the day of her disappearance, she saw a young woman in her 20s walking with Eun-ji. Crucially, Eun-ji was smiling at the time. Hearing this, the detectives' eyes sharpened.

"If she was smiling as they walked by, 'she definitely wasn't a stranger; she must have known her well.' If it was someone she knew well, we believed there was a high possibility it was a relative."

- Case Detective

The detectives checked if any of Eun-ji's relatives lived in the direction the two had headed. It turned out Eun-ji's maternal aunt lived there. The young woman in her 20s seen by the witness matched Eun-ji's maternal cousin, who was in her 20s.

Her name was Na Kyung-ae (pseudonym). She was a 20-year-old student preparing for college entrance exams, and she had long, straight hair. Was the woman walking with Eun-ji really her cousin, Na Kyung-ae? The next day, the police brought her in for voluntary questioning.

"Me, Eun-ji?! That makes no sense!"

- Na Kyung-ae

Na Kyung-ae vehemently denied it. Just as the detectives began to doubt her, someone made an urgent phone call. It was Na Kyung-ae's father.

"When I came home, the house was a mess. The police were coming and going. I was so out of it that I first sat down in Kyung-ae's room. As I slowly gathered my thoughts, I kept smelling a strange odor. It was the smell of decomposition. Goosebumps broke out all over me, and I thought, 'Ah, something is wrong here.'"

- Na Kyung-ae's father

The source of the horrifying stench was a blanket bundle inside the room. That night, the police discovered Eun-ji's body wrapped in a blanket bundle inside Na Kyung-ae's room.

Only then did she confess to the crime. Even more shocking was that she had murdered the child on the very day of the kidnapping. While her family was away, she hid the body in her house. However, this was not the only secret Na Kyung-ae revealed.

"Hyun-woo oppa suggested we kidnap her just to get the money. I really had no intention of killing her."

- Na Kyung-ae

She claimed she had accomplices. Here is the horrific story of that day as told by Na Kyung-ae.

▲ Four Kidnappers

His name was Choi Hyun-woo (pseudonym), a 23-year-old office worker. Na Kyung-ae claimed he was the one who initially planned the crime, making him the mastermind. And there were more accomplices.

Her name was Shin Yu-ri (pseudonym). She was Na Kyung-ae's high school classmate and best friend. Unlike Na Kyung-ae, who was preparing for college entrance exams again, Yu-ri had entered college that year. Na Kyung-ae, Shin Yu-ri, and Choi Hyun-woo reportedly knew each other beforehand. And there was one more.

His name was Jung Il-soo (pseudonym). He was a 23-year-old restaurant owner and a neighborhood friend brought in by Choi Hyun-woo.

Why did these young adults, who had just entered society and were seemingly living normal lives attending school and work, commit such a crime? It was because of this incident.

The "Jijonpa," a criminal organization that shocked South Korea in 1994. Claiming to hate the wealthy, they built a murder factory and killed innocent people with absolute brutality. On October 9, 1994, the day before the crime, when the four first conspired, Na Kyung-ae claimed Choi Hyun-woo said this:

"Did you guys see the news about the Jijonpa? We're bored, so why don't we pull off a job too? My mom said she won't give me money for a while."

- Choi Hyun-woo

In reality, except for Na Kyung-ae, the other three came from wealthy families. Yet, they allegedly planned the crime out of curiosity after watching the Jijonpa news. They committed a horrific copycat crime simply to make money for entertainment.

The next day, the four lured Eun-ji on her way home from school and put her in a pre-arranged car. They could have returned the child after receiving the ransom, so why did they murder Eun-ji? According to Na Kyung-ae, Shin Yu-ri argued:

"The kid saw our faces. What if she goes home and tells everyone? Let's just get rid of her."

- Shin Yu-ri

Ultimately, the four decided to kill Eun-ji. They parked the car in a suitable spot, and Na Kyung-ae and Shin Yu-ri got out to keep watch. Then, Choi Hyun-woo strangled Eun-ji inside the car. Afterward, Jung Il-soo wrapped the body in a blanket bundle and put it in the trunk. The next day, they moved the body to Na Kyung-ae's house. This was Na Kyung-ae's claim.

Based on Na Kyung-ae's statement, the police arrested the three accomplices. Following the Jijonpa case, the entire nation was shocked once again.

▲ Conflicting Statements

However, at that very moment, another place was in an uproar for a different reason. It was the

Busan Maeil Shinmun

, one of the three major newspapers in Busan at the time. It was the only one among the three to publish a morning paper. However, the previous evening, other newspapers had scooped them by reporting the story first.

"Back then, the concepts of scoops and missed stories were incredibly strong. If we missed even a minor traffic accident or a non-fatal incident during coverage and got scooped, we faced immense criticism."

- Kim Hyung-jin, then-reporter for the Busan Maeil Shinmun's social affairs department

Having missed such a massive scoop, the newspaper office was turned upside down. A special coverage team was quickly assembled, and Reporter Kim and his colleagues rushed to the police station handling the case. By pleading with a friendly detective, they managed to speak with one of the kidnappers: Na Kyung-ae's classmate, Shin Yu-ri.

However, Shin Yu-ri did nothing but cry silently in front of the reporter. Just as they were about to leave empty-handed, Shin Yu-ri spoke up.

"I... I really didn't do it. I was taking a typing exam that day!"

- Shin Yu-ri

She claimed she had absolutely nothing to do with the case. Shin Yu-ri provided an alibi, stating she was taking a typing exam at school on the day of the crime.

"During the investigation, when asked, 'What did you do yesterday? Why did you participate in the crime?' she replied, 'I was at school at that time. I did not participate in the crime.'"

- Kim Hyung-jin, then-reporting reporter

The reporters rushed to Shin Yu-ri's school to verify the facts. As it turned out, it was true that there was a typing exam on the day of the crime. One of Shin Yu-ri's classmates said:

"While taking the exam, my paper slipped and tore, so I spent that time just looking at the friend next to me. Since Yu-ri was sitting right next to me, I looked at her, and she looked back at me and smiled. That's how it was."

- Shin Yu-ri's classmate

Reporter Kim collected written statements from Shin Yu-ri's classmates. The statements contained detailed eyewitness accounts, such as, "I saw Shin Yu-ri sitting in her seat, around the middle of the first row," "I saw Shin Yu-ri walking down the stairs after the typing exam," and "When I turned around to borrow a stapler from a student in the back, I saw Yu-ri sitting there." One student even drew a seating chart of the typing exam to testify that Shin Yu-ri was present at the scene.

With this level of detail, was Shin Yu-ri's alibi of taking a typing exam at school on the day of the crime true?

Shin Yu-ri's alibi of being at school on the day of the crime was an exclusive scoop obtained by the

Busan Maeil Shinmun

. But just then, a middle-aged man visited the newspaper office, pleading, "Please help me." This man was the father of Choi Hyun-woo, who had been identified as the mastermind.

"The next day, the father of Choi Hyun-woo, who was identified as the mastermind, came to our newspaper office. He kept speaking in a highly frustrated tone, claiming his son was not the culprit, and said he had gone to other newspapers but they wouldn't listen to him..."

- Kim Hyung-jin, then-reporting reporter

Choi Hyun-woo's father presented envelopes claiming his son also had an alibi on the day of the crime. The first envelope contained statements from Choi Hyun-woo's colleagues, stating they saw him working on the day of the crime. The second envelope contained his home phone records, showing that Choi Hyun-woo had spoken with his girlfriend from home after work on the day of the crime.

Furthermore, his home and workplace were located in a different region, not Busan. In other words, Choi Hyun-woo was not even in Busan on the day of the crime. Looking at his colleagues' statements and the phone records with his girlfriend, was Choi Hyun-woo's claim true?

Out of the three accomplices named by Na Kyung-ae, two were claiming alibis. Did the final accomplice, Jung Il-soo, have an alibi as well? Reporter Kim rushed to the restaurant Jung Il-soo ran. There, he met Jung Il-soo's friends, who stated that Jung Il-soo was at his restaurant on the day of the crime, meaning he also had an alibi. Even more bafflingly, Jung Il-soo claimed he saw Na Kyung-ae and Shin Yu-ri for the very first time at the police station. They had never even known each other before.

Three accomplices claiming innocence, and Na Kyung-ae claiming they committed the crime together. Someone among them is lying.

▲ Shattered Alibis

The

Busan Maeil Shinmun

compiled the alibis of the three accomplices and immediately reported them.

This time, the police went into a frenzy. They had just announced the resolution of a kidnapping case that shook the nation, only for an article to suggest that three of the suspects might not be the culprits. The police immediately fired back, claiming that the alibis presented by the accomplices were completely fabricated. Here is the police's side of the story.

First, regarding Shin Yu-ri's alibi of taking a typing exam at her college. The police acknowledged that Shin Yu-ri did go to school on the day of the crime. However, they revealed that one of the students who took the exam that day made an unexpected confession. It was Shin Yu-ri's friend, Miss A.

"I'm sorry. Yu-ri asked me to, so I had no choice but to take the exam for her."

- Shin Yu-ri's friend, A

A stated that she took the typing test on behalf of Shin Yu-ri, and Shin Yu-ri arrived late only to sign the answer sheet. In other words, Shin Yu-ri had set up a "fake alibi" in advance. As for the statements from classmates who claimed to have seen Shin Yu-ri on the day of the exam, the police explained that they had merely seen her arriving late at the test site. Later, the police referred A to the prosecution on charges of taking the exam for Shin Yu-ri.

"To be honest, it was a lie that I saw my friend at the store that day. I lied because I wanted to help my friend."

- Jeong Il-soo's friend

The friend who had provided an alibi for Jeong Il-soo also later confessed to the police, admitting that they had lied to reporters in an attempt to help their friend.

The police also claimed that Choi Hyun-woo's alibi was unreliable. At the time, the president of the company where Choi Hyun-woo worked was none other than his own father. Therefore, the police argued that the employees might have given false statements under pressure from the father, Mr. Choi. But what about the call records with his girlfriend? After consulting with experts, the police claimed that, theoretically, call records could be manipulated. They suggested that the father, Mr. Choi, an influential local figure, bribed a telephone office employee to fabricate fake records.

Now, hearing the police's claims, what do you think? Can the alibis of the three accomplices be trusted? Regarding their alibis, Na Kyung-ae said:

"I have committed a grave, unforgivable sin. I will accept any punishment. However, I can never forgive those who show no remorse."

- Na Kyung-ae

Na Kyung-ae strongly insisted that the accomplices were lying. The prosecution, which took over the case, also recognized the charges against the three accomplices, just as the police did. Ultimately, the truth of this case was left to be decided in court.

▲ Discrepancies in Statements

However, the judge presiding over this trial was nicknamed the "Tiger Judge," famous for handing down heavy sentences in heinous, anti-humanitarian violent crimes.

"At the time, the entire nation was incredibly focused on whether these people were the actual culprits or not. I felt that this case required an exceptionally careful trial. When citizens face unfairness or difficulties, isn't the court their last resort? If so, isn't it most desirable for the judges in that court to work together to find the right answer..."

- Park Tae-beom, then-Presiding Judge of the Busan District Court

However, as Judge Park reviewed the case files, he noticed something puzzling. Let's look back at Na Kyung-ae's statement to see what it was.

On October 9, 1994, the four of them allegedly planned the crime following Choi Hyun-woo's suggestion. The next day, October 10, Na Kyung-ae lured Eun-ji on her way home from school and took her to her own house. Later, at the agreed-upon time, she took the child to a predetermined location. There, they put Eun-ji into a car driven by the accomplices. At this point, they reportedly had no intention of harming Eun-ji, believing they only needed to get money from her parents. So, they drove for about an hour to Nampo-dong, Busan. At the time, this area was a popular hotspot known as the "Myeong-dong of Busan." Driving a kidnapped child for an hour to a bustling downtown area? Doesn't that seem a bit strange?

Na Kyung-ae claimed that they later decided to kill the child as Shin Yu-ri suggested, and discussed the location of the murder with the accomplices. The spot Na Kyung-ae pointed out was an alley in Bupyeong-dong, just across the street from Nampo-dong. She claimed they parked the car there and killed Eun-ji inside it. Committing such a crime on a street rather than indoors? This, too, was hard to believe.

So, Judge Park decided to conduct an "on-site reconstruction" to personally visit the scene and verify Na Kyung-ae's statements.

However, upon personal inspection, the murder scene pointed out by Na Kyung-ae seemed strange. Realistically, it made no sense that a murder could have been committed there.

"You can't park a car in front of this store. If someone tries to park, we don't let them. We are running a business, and if a car blocks the front of the store, customers can't come in."

- Owner of the store in front of the crime scene

When the reporting team checked the site themselves, they found that this alley had so much traffic that a car could not be parked there for even a single minute. How did Na Kyung-ae react on-site when this was pointed out?

"When I got out of the car, I said I was keeping watch, but actually, I wasn't keeping watch after I got out..."

(When asked if she didn't know whether this was the actual murder scene or not)

"As of right now..."

- Na Kyung-ae

As a result of the on-site reconstruction, Na Kyung-ae's statements lost all credibility. Conversely, the probability that the three accomplices' alibis were true increased.

▲ New Evidence

At that time, Reporter Kim of the Busan Maeil Shinmun was deeply troubled. The evidence proving their alibis had been rendered useless during the police investigation. If the three accomplices were truly framed, other evidence was needed to prove their innocence. Just then, a young woman came to Reporter Kim asking for help. It was Choi Hyun-woo's girlfriend.

"He used to call me whenever he moved from one place to another. He was a very caring person. Since he arrived in Daegu at 2:00 PM on October 8 and was definitely with me through the 8th, 9th, and until 1:00 AM on the 10th, I was certain that Hyun-woo was not the culprit."

- Choi Hyun-woo's girlfriend

She insisted that they did indeed talk on the phone on October 10, the day of the crime, and that the call records were not fabricated. Choi Hyun-woo's girlfriend showed a timeline she had made of their movements at the time, which included the following:

"Sunday, October 9, 1994. My sister, Hyun-woo, myself, and my four nieces and nephews went to a sports day in Hyun-woo's car."

This meant that on October 10, the day of the crime, he went to work, and on October 9, when they allegedly plotted the crime, he attended his girlfriend's niece's/nephew's sports day. Reporter Kim called the kindergarten that held the sports day and asked if there was any video footage filmed on that day. The kindergarten said they had hired a videographer to shoot the event. If Choi Hyun-woo was captured on that videotape, his alibi would be proven. However, upon checking, Choi Hyun-woo could not be found in the footage. Just as Reporter Kim was feeling disappointed, the kindergarten shared a piece of information. In 1994, video cameras were rare. However, there was exactly one parent who had brought a camcorder.

"Back then, domestic home video cameras had just come out, so it was a novelty. When I carried it around and filmed, ordinary people would even ask me, 'Which broadcasting station are you from?' Since video cameras were so rare at the time, other mothers at the sports day kept asking me to film their kids, so I carried a tripod and kept shooting there."

- Lee Sang-choon, who filmed the kindergarten sports day at the time

That night, Reporter Kim and Choi Hyun-woo's lawyer visited Lee Sang-choon's house and watched the tape together.

"So we watched the video together at my house. We kept watching, and then, 'Stop!' They rewound and replayed it a few times, and then said, 'We will use this as evidence.'"

- Lee Sang-choon, who filmed the kindergarten sports day at the time

The man walking in front of the parents playing tug-of-war was indeed Choi Hyun-woo. Would Choi Hyun-woo's alibi be proven in court?

"Since the prosecution claimed that the sports day video was manipulated or edited, we consulted an expert at the time to see if it was synthesized, and they said, 'It is not edited.' It was clearly proven that on October 9, the day of the alleged conspiracy, Choi Hyun-woo was in Daegu, not Busan."

- Park Tae-beom, the judge in charge of the case at the time

The situation of Choi Hyun-woo, who was accused of being the mastermind, was completely reversed. Was everything fabricated by Na Kyung-ae?

▲ Uncover the Truth

Following this, lawyers in Busan began to take action. The Busan Bar Association conducted a truth-finding investigation into the case. Interestingly, the head of this investigation team was former President Moon Jae-in, who was a practicing lawyer at the time.

"At the time, Attorney Moon Jae-in was incredibly passionate. Even during our reporting, if we shared new facts discovered late at night, around 11:00 PM or midnight, he would immediately rush to the scene and verify them himself."

- Kim Hyung-jin, the reporter covering the case at the time

Attorney Moon and the investigation team met not only with the four defendants but also with all the witnesses. When the results were announced, the case took an unexpected turn. They found the real accomplice who had manipulated the case behind Na Kyung-ae.

▲ The Third Accomplice

This is a written statement recorded and notarized by the investigation team itself. The statement was made by a witness, Mr. Oh. He was being investigated for a different case at the same police station handling Eun-ji's case. He happened to see Choi Hyun-woo and Jeong Il-soo being investigated next to him.

"A person who appeared to be the head of the investigation ordered that their statements must be aligned, saying there were too many discrepancies. As soon as Choi Hyun-woo and Jeong Il-soo entered the office, they started beating them indiscriminately, saying, 'You bastards, you don't deserve to live. You must die.'"

- From the statement of witness Mr. Oh

At the time, the police reportedly sat Na Kyung-ae next to them and beat the two men until they gave the same answers as her. If the accomplices' statements differed, the police should have questioned Na Kyung-ae's initial claims. Instead, they assaulted Choi Hyun-woo and Jeong Il-soo, claiming that 16 of their statements did not align. Mr. Oh recalled that every time Choi Hyun-woo returned to the holding cell after questioning, he was covered in bruises.

And remember how it was mentioned earlier that Jeong Il-soo did not know Na Kyung-ae? In fact, the accomplice Na Kyung-ae initially pointed out was not Jeong Il-soo, but a man named Park Dong-soo (pseudonym).

"The accomplice initially pointed out at the police station by the cousin, Na Kyung-ae, was a man named 'Park Dong-soo.' They identified him as the culprit, brought him in, and actually investigated him at the police station."

- Kim Hyung-jin, the reporter covering the case at the time

However, when they checked Park Dong-soo's whereabouts, he was serving as a conscripted police officer on the day of the crime. With such an airtight alibi, Park Dong-soo was clearly not the culprit. The police then demanded to know the "real accomplice." Instead of asking Na Kyung-ae, they asked Choi Hyun-woo—even resorting to torture. Unable to endure the torture, Choi Hyun-woo eventually pointed to his friend, Jeong Il-soo. Jeong Il-soo, after suffering harsh treatment by the police, also made a false statement claiming he had used the pseudonym "Park Dong-soo."

That wasn't all. Miss A, who had stated she took the exam on behalf of Shin Yu-ri, revealed to the investigation team, "Yu-ri did take the exam herself that day," admitting she had been forced to lie.

"During the police investigation, what they were saying started to sound like the truth. It wasn't true at all, but since Yu-ri kept insisting it was, and the police warned me that if things went wrong, I might have to spend a few days in the holding cell, I was terrified."

- Shin Yu-ri's friend, A

The investigation revealed that Shin Yu-ri had also been severely beaten by the police. That was why she made a false confession about asking her friend to take the exam for her. Furthermore, Jeong Il-soo's friend, who had retracted his statement, also revealed that he had given false testimony due to police assault.

In total, there were six witnesses who gave false statements due to the police's coercive investigation. The police assaulted not only the suspects but also the witnesses. In other words, the alibis of the three accomplices were not fabricated; they were the truth. Yet, the police refused to believe the three men from the very beginning. Why on earth did the police go to such lengths?

"Police Day is October 21. Since the incident occurred less than ten days before October 21, the police station involved was in line to receive an award for solving the case. That is why they conducted such a high-pressure investigation."

- Kim Hyung-jin, the reporter covering the case at the time

At the time, the police announced the three individuals as accomplices based solely on Na Kyung-ae's confession. Having quickly solved a kidnapping and murder case that shocked the entire nation, they were even slated to receive a presidential citation. Consequently, suspicions arose that they had conducted a coercive investigation to wrap up the case hastily ahead of the award ceremony.

But was it really just a suspicion? There is clear "physical evidence" in this case.

The blanket wrapping that covered Eun-ji's body. This was the only physical evidence in this case. Naturally, it should have been preserved. When asked about the status of this blanket, the police said:

"This has been incinerated and no longer exists. (When asked who incinerated it) The autopsy room staff. The autopsy room workers."

– Police officer in charge of the case

The police claimed that the autopsy room staff incinerated it without a word. Is this claim true?

"When the police request us to 'secure it as evidence,' we preserve it. Our job itself is to assist with the autopsies conducted by the police, not to lead them. We cannot arbitrarily keep something if we are told 'do not leave it,' nor would we destroy something the police told us to 'keep.'"

– Autopsy room staff member

The police did not even properly manage the sole physical and decisive piece of evidence. Naturally, they did not investigate any fingerprints or DNA that might have remained on the wrapping cloth. If true, this is a massive dereliction of duty, and if it was covered up, it is a criminal act.

Later, Lawyer Moon Jae-in and the Busan Bar Association sued all 14 police officers involved in the torture. As a result of the investigation, charges were acknowledged for seven of them, and three were ultimately convicted.

"Without the efforts of the Busan Bar Association's truth investigation team and Lawyer Moon Jae-in, I think it would not have been easy to reach this stage."

– Kim Hyung-jin, the reporter who covered the case at the time

▲ The Unending Revelations

Did the trial of Eun-ji's case proceed smoothly then? Shin Yu-ri's friend, Miss A, exposed another shocking fact. This is from her written statement:

"I went to the prosecutor's office with the thought of telling only the absolute truth this time. But instead of believing me, they beat me and swore at me, accusing me of lying."

– From Miss A's written statement

Just like the police, the prosecution had also resorted to assault and intimidation. Reporter Kim Hyung-jin of the Busan Maeil Shinmun immediately reported this. Consequently, the newspaper office was thrown into turmoil.

"I really thought the prosecution organization was formidable. The president of our newspaper graduated from Seoul National University, and they even found a high-ranking prosecution official who had a connection with him from his boarding house days to contact the president and suggest, 'It would be good if you stopped reporting.' They used various methods to apply pressure."

– Kim Hyung-jin, the reporter who covered the case at the time

Another reporter from the Busan Maeil Shinmun was summoned for questioning by the prosecution, and Reporter Kim was even sued by the police for defamation by publication. However, the reporters did not back down. They continued to report evidence proving the alibis of the co-defendants.

"There were even rumors saying, 'The reporters will be arrested' or 'The company will go bankrupt,' but we weren't afraid. It actually made us believe even more that we could win and that this case must be uncovered, driving us to show even greater journalistic spirit."

– Kim Hyung-jin, the reporter who covered the case at the time

However, the prosecution fought back fiercely, claiming that even if the evidence fabricated through torture was excluded, there was still sufficient evidence to prove the defendants' guilt. The courtroom battle grew more intense by the day. The number of witnesses requested by both sides reached a staggering 98, which was reportedly a record high in criminal trial history at the time.

After a turbulent 1994, February 1995 arrived, and only the sentencing remained. But just then, someone visited Judge Park's office.

"Since this case was drawing so much national attention, mid-level prosecutors came to me and said, 'Don't make a ruling, Presiding Judge Park, just leave for your next post.' The atmosphere at the time strongly suggested an acquittal was coming, so they wanted the verdict to be delivered by a different panel of judges. They made many such requests, if you could call them that."

– Park Tae-beom, the judge in charge of the case at the time

At the time, Judge Park had already been appointed to another court as of March 1, 1995. Yet, the prosecution requested additional hearings twice, claiming they had new evidence. Judge Park accepted all those requests, delaying the sentencing date as much as possible to February 24, just one week before his transfer. Even so, a high-ranking prosecution official asked him to delay the sentencing once more. Judge Park firmly rejected this demand.

"'The defendants on trial are waiting and putting their trust in this panel of judges, so how could I irresponsibly abandon them and just leave?'"

– Park Tae-beom, the judge in charge of the case at the time

On the night of February 23, the day before the sentencing, Judge Park, who was preparing to leave work, called home on a strange hunch. When he asked if any suspicious people had come by or if anyone had left a note, Judge Park's wife replied:

"Some men are standing outside. Why do you ask?"

Judge Park felt that he should not go home under those circumstances. So, he intentionally waited until after midnight to return home in the early morning.

Thus, the day of the sentencing dawned. However, unfamiliar men visited his house early in the morning. They were people from the prosecution. In the end, Judge Park fled his home and headed to a certain location.

"If I went straight to my office on the day of the trial, I would have faced continuous pressure from all sides to postpone the sentencing. So, I decided to stay on a small island near the court and enter the courtroom just in time for the sentencing."

– Park Tae-beom, the judge in charge of the case at the time

Finally, at 1:30 PM, the scheduled time for the sentencing, Judge Park headed straight to the courtroom as soon as he arrived at the court. A crowd of over 300 people gathered in the courtroom to hear his verdict that day. In a rare move for a criminal trial, television cameras even appeared in the courtroom. So, what was Judge Park's final ruling?

"This case involves kidnapping and causing the death of a young cousin who usually followed and liked the defendant, Na, calling her 'Unni, Unni.' This is an act so contrary to humanity that it cannot be tolerated for any reason. For these reasons, the defendant, Na Kyung-ae, is sentenced to death. For the other defendants, there is insufficient evidence to acknowledge the charges, meaning the crimes have not been proven. Therefore, all three co-defendants are acquitted..."

– From the first-instance ruling

However, the prosecution did not accept this verdict and immediately appealed. On December 8, 1995, the Supreme Court delivered its final ruling on the case. Na Kyung-ae, who had been sentenced to death in the first trial, had her sentence commuted to life imprisonment because she showed remorse. The other three individuals were all acquitted. Thanks to the efforts of many, these three young people were cleared of the false accusations.

▲ The Unsolved Mystery

Yet, Judge Park says there are still unresolved questions about this case, even now, 30 years later.

"The female defendant, Na Kyung-ae, admitted to the crime from the very beginning and consistently maintained in her statements that she did it with these three people. Why she dragged three innocent people into this remains a mystery, I think."

– Park Tae-beom, the judge in charge of the case at the time

From here, we will tell you another truth of that day 30 years ago, which was not recorded in the ruling. It began in May 1994, when this entire tragedy started.

Five months before the incident, Na Kyung-ae and Shin Yu-ri were walking along the Haeundae beach at night. A young man approached them, asking, "Would you like me to take a picture of you?" He then mentioned he had a companion and suggested they grab a cup of coffee together. That companion was Choi Hyun-woo. The three of them, who met for the first time that way, went on a trip to Masan shortly after. But on that day, Na Kyung-ae witnessed an unexpected scene.

"I had feelings for Choi Hyun-woo ever since I first saw him, but when I woke up, I saw him kissing Shin Yu-ri on the cheek, which made me feel strange. I felt regretful, upset, and even humiliated in many ways."

– From Na Kyung-ae's statement

It is natural to feel bad seeing the man you like with another woman. But humiliated? In fact, Na Kyung-ae had experienced something similar before. There was a man she had a crush on, but he also liked Shin Yu-ri. Shin Yu-ri reportedly had no interest in him whatsoever. She had only met him once because he contacted her so persistently. Perhaps Na Kyung-ae thought, 'Why does everyone like Shin Yu-ri even when she does nothing, while the man I like doesn't like me?'

The name of the man Na Kyung-ae had a crush on was Park Dong-su, the very person she first pointed out as a co-conspirator. In other words, Na Kyung-ae framed Park Dong-su and Choi Hyun-woo—the men she had crushed on—and Shin Yu-ri, the girl they both liked, with this horrific crime.

However, Na Kyung-ae's feelings at the time might not have been simple jealousy. Na Kyung-ae's friends described her like this:

"Should I say Kyung-ae was a bit eccentric? Once, she actually chewed and broke a glass cup with her mouth."

"Kyung-ae had a sort of complex. It got worse after she failed to get into college."

The university Shin Yu-ri was attending at the time was the very university Na Kyung-ae had failed to enter.

From the beginning of the investigation, the police believed Na Kyung-ae had an accomplice because Eun-ji's mother, who received the threatening call, stated that the kidnapper's voice was male. Could there have been a real, third accomplice? It is possible that Na Kyung-ae pointed out the three individuals to hide him. There is a saying that 'a perfect lie is made from the ingredients of truth.' Perhaps within Na Kyung-ae's statements, there lies a piece of truth she hid without realizing it.

To find that piece, let's go back to the interrogation room 30 years ago.

▲ The Truth Hidden in the Statements

First, this is the situation where Na Kyung-ae testified about the threatening phone call:

"She said, 'Hyun-woo oppa called that house and told them to bring the money. Then my aunt begged him, saying, "Just don't hurt the child."'"

– From Na Kyung-ae's statement

This statement claiming Choi Hyun-woo made the threatening call is, of course, a lie. However, experts say there is a word to pay close attention to here.

"What Na Kyung-ae is claiming here is describing what she heard about Choi Hyun-woo's previous call to Eun-ji's mother. The word that stands out in this statement is 'Aunt.' From Choi Hyun-woo's perspective, it would have been more natural to refer to the other party as 'the person on the phone,' 'the child's mother,' or 'the lady' as a third party. However, when Na Kyung-ae described it, she used the term 'Aunt,' which refers to her own relationship with the person on the phone. In other words, the person who actually spoke with the aunt is highly likely to be Na Kyung-ae..."

– Park Ji-sun, Criminal Psychologist

The word 'Aunt' was highly likely uttered unconsciously as Na Kyung-ae spoke from her own experience. In other words, Na Kyung-ae herself might have made the threatening call by mimicking a male voice.

Then, who killed Eun-ji, and why? This time, it is the situation where Na Kyung-ae talks about Eun-ji's condition inside the car:

"When I asked if Eun-ji was crying, she said Hyun-woo oppa told me she was fine because he tied her mouth with a towel and buckled her seatbelt."

– From Na Kyung-ae's statement

This statement is also Na Kyung-ae's lie. There is something unnatural about it.

"When looking at the description of the situation inside the car, a very prominent element appears: a 'towel.' We need to suspect this towel as the actual tool used in the crime. When someone is murdered by a person they have a close or familiar relationship with, they often use tools like clothes or towels to gag or strangle them. I believe there is a high possibility that a tool like the towel mentioned in this statement was used to suffocate the child."

– Park Ji-sun, Criminal Psychologist

Indeed, Eun-ji's cause of death was revealed to be suffocation. If Na Kyung-ae really committed the crime using a towel, the place where Eun-ji was killed would likely be somewhere a towel is always readily available.

"A towel is an item far more likely to be found inside a house than inside a car. Looking at the 'child crying situation' described here, I believe the process leading to the child's death was highly likely unintentional and highly impulsive."

– Park Ji-sun, Criminal Psychologist

Professor Park Ji-sun states that there is a high probability Eun-ji was killed at Na Kyung-ae's house. Just as Na claimed, it seems she initially took Eun-ji just to make some money. Afterward, she fed her snacks and let her watch TV at her house. However, something unplanned happened: Eun-ji started crying. A child crying hysterically is difficult to control, even for parents. In fact, many kidnappers end up killing the child shortly after the abduction because they cannot handle the crying. The expert estimates that Na Kyung-ae also killed Eun-ji impulsively during that process.

Furthermore, the body was found in Na Kyung-ae's room. If there had been an accomplice, wouldn't they have hidden the body somewhere other than her own house? In other words, this case is estimated to be a solo crime committed by Na Kyung-ae in her own home.

The most horrific truth remains. This is Na Kyung-ae's statement about discussing the disposal of the body:

"I asked Yuri the next day, 'What did you do with it?' She said it seemed Hyun-woo oppa drove around with it all night, not knowing what to do with that corpse, 'it.'"

– From Na Kyung-ae's statement

What was Na Kyung-ae's true feelings hidden behind the lie? What can we find here?

"The most surprising and shocking part of Na Kyung-ae's statement is that throughout her entire description of the kidnapping and murder process, there is absolutely no sense of sadness, regret, or any such emotion. Furthermore, the word Na Kyung-ae uses to describe the victim is 'it.' Her attitude of referring to the victim, who is her own relative, as an object like 'it' is incredibly shocking."

– Park Ji-sun, Criminal Psychologist

▲ Fish in a Trap

In the expert's view, Na Kyung-ae did not seem to feel any guilt or emotion toward the victim. However, all of this remains mere speculation. Because the investigation relied heavily on Na Kyung-ae's statements and torture, they missed the golden window to gather key evidence. Consequently, even now, 30 years later, the bereaved family still does not know why or how Eun-ji died. It remains forever a half-unsolved mystery.

Thanks to those who fought for the truth, the three co-defendants were cleared of their false accusations, but this case was never fully resolved. If the prosecution had chosen to reinvestigate instead of appealing after the first-instance ruling, or if the police had properly verified the suspects' alibis, or if Na Kyung-ae had simply told the truth, would the truth behind Eun-ji's death have been brought to light?

Reporter Kim says that when he thinks of this case, a "fish trap" used to catch fish comes to mind.

"You know what a fish trap is, right? If a fish enters the trap and swims back out, it survives. I believe the prosecution at the time was like a fish in that trap. They must have realized why the police's initial investigation was flawed and where things went wrong. They could have just walked away then. They could have held the person in charge of the investigation accountable and saved these innocent young people. The prosecution would have even received applause for that. Instead, they used their power to push forward, insisting on sticking to their original indictment."

- Kim Hyung-jin, Reporter who covered the case at the time

A fish in a trap. Perhaps this also applies to Na Gyeong-ae. If only she had sent the child back when she felt she could no longer handle Eun-ji, who was crying helplessly.

And this may apply to all of us as well. Everyone has, at least once, regretted a first button fastened incorrectly. Ultimately, what matters is the courage to correct our mistakes. Even if it means taking a detour or suffering a loss, having the courage to willingly admit a mistake and start over—perhaps that courage could become the new first button for a fresh start.

What are your thoughts today after hearing the story of 'that day'?

Reporter Kang Sun-ae sakang@sbs.co.kr

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

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The investment and distribution company for the upcoming film Vampir has addressed reports claiming that actor Yoo Ah-in has been confirmed for a role, stating that "nothing has been decided."

A representative from the distributor, NEW, stated on July 3, "Yoo Ah-in's casting has not been finalized."

Rumors regarding Yoo Ah-in's potential appearance in Vampir first emerged late last year. The film is highly anticipated as the next project from director Jang Jae-hyun, who achieved a massive success with the 10-million-viewer hit Exhuma.

Interest in Yoo's potential casting intensified recently after NEW confirmed its role in the investment and distribution of Vampir. Speculation grew as reports surfaced that Yoo's exclusive contract with his former agency, UAA, had expired and that he might be moving to Galaxy Corporation, with Vampir being mentioned as his potential next project.

Yoo Ah-in halted all professional activities in early 2023 following the discovery of his drug use case. He faced charges of using medical propofol 181 times between September 2020 and March 2022, and illegally obtaining and purchasing over 1,100 sleeping pills under other people's names on 44 occasions between May 2021 and August 2022. Additionally, he was charged with smoking marijuana in the United States on three occasions in January 2023 with an individual identified as Choi, and encouraging another person to smoke it. In July of last year, the Supreme Court finalized his sentence of one year in prison, suspended for two years, along with a fine of 2 million KRW.

While the investment distributor and the director remain cautious in their comments, it appears that a casting offer was indeed made and that details are currently being discussed. NEW concluded its statement by saying, "We will share news about the film as soon as related matters are settled."

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

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

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Actor Shin Ye Eun is posing at a photo wall event for a beauty outlet held in Seongsu-dong, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of July 3.

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

(SBS Entertainment News | Baik Seung-Chul)

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Actor Shin Ye Eun poses for the cameras at a photo wall event for a beauty outlet store, held in Seongsu-dong, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of July 3.

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

(SBS Entertainment News | Baik Seung-Chul)

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Actor Shin Ye Eun is posing at a photo wall event for a beauty outlet store held in Seongsu-dong, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of July 3.

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

(SBS Entertainment News | Baik Seung-Chul)

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Actor Shin Ye Eun is attending a photo wall event for a beauty outlet store held in Seongsu-dong, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of July 3.

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

(SBS Entertainment News | Baik Seung-Chul)

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Actor Shin Aela has shared her personal journey of raising her three children and her reflections on the role of a parent.

In a recent interview for the series Stories of Living for Christ (hereinafter referred to as Geusasae) with the international child development organization Compassion, Shin discussed her experiences in parenting, the true role of a parent, and the life values she has realized while working with Compassion.

Geusasae is an interview series by Compassion Korea that features the faith and sharing stories of various figures in our society. Previous guests who have shared their deep life stories and offered warm inspiration include Song Eun-i, Kim Beom-soo, the couple Park Wi and Song Ji-eun, and actors Yun Yu-Sun, Nam Bo-ra, and Baek Z Young.

In this interview, Shin identified parenting as the most difficult experience of her life. She confessed, "Becoming a parent was a much bigger change than marriage," adding, "Raising a child was not something that could be achieved just by me working hard at it."

She specifically mentioned that the greatest lesson she learned while raising her three children was "letting go of the desire to control everything within me." She shared, "I tried to control many things out of a parent's anxiety and impatience to prevent my children from failing or getting hurt. I realized that the true role of a parent is to silently wait so that the child can grow by experiencing failure and frustration on their own." She added, "A child's adolescence is a time when a parent's shortcomings are fully exposed. If a parent has done something wrong, they must be able to apologize sincerely. A parent's apology is never a loss of authority."

Shin, who has been a promotional ambassador for Compassion since 2005, said, "Through my activities with Compassion, I have come to understand little by little what God wants to accomplish through my life," and added, "I also realized that the heart to love and embrace children is a talent God gave me."

She specifically shared her connection with her sponsored child in the Philippines, Rica, recalling, "It was heartbreaking when Rica was going through a difficult time, but I knew that the child's future was in God's hands. I felt how important it is to be there through prayer and letters rather than excessive worry." She continued, "Compassion is a precious community that has gone beyond volunteer work to set the direction of my life. I want to continue playing my part for children in need in the future."

The interview also covered various stories, including her experience participating in a vision trip during the early days of her sponsorship with Compassion and the background of how her husband, actor Cha In-pyo, came to form the Compassion Band. Detailed information can be found on the official YouTube channel of Compassion Korea.

Meanwhile, Compassion is an international child development organization that connects children suffering from poverty in 29 countries around the world and provides holistic development (intellectual, socio-emotional, physical, and spiritual) until they become self-sufficient adults.

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

(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)

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Actor Mun Kayoung has signed an exclusive contract with Fantagio, the agency home to stars including Cha Eun-woo and Kim Seonho.

On July 3, the entertainment agency Fantagio announced the news of the exclusive contract, stating, "We have joined hands with actor Mun Kayoung."

Since her debut in the 2006 film To Sir, With Love, Mun Kayoung has expanded her acting spectrum through various works such as the dramas True Beauty, The Interest of Love, Delightfully Deceitful, The Black Dragon, and Seocho-dong.

She received acclaim for her delicate portrayal of love, breakup, and youth in the film If We, which was released in December of last year, and achieved the feat of winning the Best Actress award in the film category at the 62nd Baeksang Arts Awards. She has also been confirmed to star as the lead character Heo Soo-ah in the tvN drama Whale Star, which is scheduled to air in 2027.

Fantagio, which signed the exclusive contract with Mun Kayoung, is a management agency that houses artists including Cha Eun-woo, Kim Seonho, Baek Yoon-sik, Lee Sungkyoung, Ong Seong-wu, Lee Seyoung, ASTRO, Lee Chang-sub, and LUN8.

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

(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)

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The surprising daily life of creator and AI researcher Heo Seong-beom and a heart-fluttering blind date for Heo Kyung-hwan are set to be unveiled.

In the upcoming episode of SBS My Little Old Boy, airing on July 5, comedian Heo Kyung-hwan visits the home of Heo Seong-beom, a brainy younger peer currently working as an AI researcher at the KAIST graduate school, alongside Kim Jong-min.

During the recent recording, Heo Kyung-hwan expressed immense pride in Heo Seong-beom, calling him the smartest person in their extended family. Heo Seong-beom shared his impressive background, revealing that he was admitted to the Korea Science Academy as the 8th-ranked student among thousands of competitive applicants, leaving the studio in awe. The celebrity mothers watching were equally impressed, commenting on how brilliant he is and how proud his mother must be.

The episode will feature the first-ever reveal of Heo Seong-beom’s home. His house was filled with unique gifts from the global AI chatbot ChatGPT and famous luxury brands, drawing much attention. Most notably, he revealed a special gift he received directly from music icon G-DRAGON, sparking envy from Kim Jong-min and Heo Kyung-hwan. It is said that Heo Seong-beom’s honest review of using G-DRAGON’s gift had the entire studio bursting with laughter.

Meanwhile, the highlight of the episode was a mysterious gift Heo Seong-beom prepared for Heo Kyung-hwan. Heo Seong-beom led Heo Kyung-hwan and Kim Jong-min to a secret location, saying, I have prepared a big gift for Kyung-hwan hyung. He is waiting for you now. The two men could not hide their excitement, wondering if it was a blind date, and Heo Kyung-hwan’s mother, watching from the studio, added to the amusement by saying, My son, my heart is racing!

Upon arriving at the location, they were met by a woman with an elegant aura, which shocked everyone on set. Upon seeing her, Heo Kyung-hwan reacted with a mix of surprise and delight, saying, Wait, hold on! Even his mother in the studio seemed to recognize the woman, correctly guessing her profession and heating up the atmosphere.

The identity of the mysterious blind date partner who caught the attention of the celebrity mothers, along with the surprising daily life of KAIST genius Heo Seong-beom, will be revealed on My Little Old Boy, airing this Sunday, July 5, at 9:00 PM.

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

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Marty Supreme, which has generated significant buzz for what many are calling a career-best performance by actor Timothée Chalamet, is seeing underwhelming results in the domestic box office.

Released domestically on the 1st, Marty Supreme recorded 19,985 admissions on its first day and 10,360 on its second, bringing its cumulative total to just 31,762 viewers.

The film was highly anticipated as the second-highest-grossing project from A24—a studio that has become a trusted name in Korea—and as a showcase for the best acting from Timothée Chalamet, who commands a strong fan base in the country. However, in its early release period, the film has struggled to surpass the momentum of The Eyes and Toy Story 5.

Critical reception for the film has been generally positive, with many praising Timothée Chalamet’s performance as awe-inspiring. However, the film's narrative and characters have failed to fully resonate with audiences, which is hindering positive word-of-mouth.

Director Josh Safdie uses the protagonist, Marty, to critique the illusions of the American Dream. The twists and turns of this journey serve as the film's primary source of intrigue and entertainment. Marty Supreme is currently maintaining a third-place spot in ticket reservation rates, with hopes for a rebound over the weekend.

Marty Supreme is a bold and dynamic film that depicts the journey of Marty Reisman, a man obsessed with a dream that no one else respects, as he goes to hell and back to become the best. Based on the life of American table tennis champion Marty Reisman, the film is considered Timothée Chalamet’s finest performance to date and swept the Best Actor awards at this year’s Critics Choice Awards and the Golden Globe Awards.

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

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Yook, the mother of singer Jang Yoon Jeong, who is currently facing charges of investment fraud, has reportedly cut off contact after sending messages expressing despair to a reporter.

According to The Fact on July 3, Yook sent a KakaoTalk message to a reporter on June 17, stating, "How wonderful it would have been to have a home to go to and to cook a warm meal with my own hands..." She expressed her financial hardships, adding, "As my pain has grown, I have been living as a wanderer, crying... I think this will be my last message. I am sorry for causing so much trouble."

Previously, in May, Yook reportedly sent another message saying, "I am waiting for the time to go out and die, carrying this painful body. Neither lies nor truth matter anymore. You all have gone too far. I had made a firm resolution to try and live. It is heartbreaking to throw away a living life. Please give me a chance."

Yook was recently sued by an acquaintance, identified as A, on charges of fraud. On June 30, JTBC's "Crime Chief" reported that A met Yook at a sauna about two years ago and built a friendship. A claimed that Yook gained their trust by showing messenger conversations she allegedly had with her daughter, Jang Yoon Jeong, claiming they had reconciled and were on good terms. A alleged that Yook then swindled 30 million KRW from them, promising high returns on investments in "Mr. Trot," leading to a lawsuit in April.

It is reported that Yook's whereabouts are currently unknown, as there has been no activity such as mobile phone usage or credit card transactions. According to "Crime Chief," the investigation into Yook has been suspended due to her unknown location, and police are continuing to track her whereabouts.

Jang Yoon Jeong's mother became estranged from her daughter in 2013 after it was revealed that she had mismanaged the earnings her daughter had accumulated through her career and had incurred hundreds of millions of won in debt. It was later reported that in 2018, Yook was sentenced to prison for fraud after failing to repay hundreds of millions of won borrowed from an acquaintance. She was reportedly released on parole in December of that year for medical treatment due to terminal liver cancer.

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

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Director Na Hong-jin’s new film HOPE has unveiled a fresh look at its main characters, captured through the lens of cinematographer Hong Kyung-pyo.

The three behind-the-scenes character posters released today are special designs featuring photography taken directly by cinematographer Hong Kyung-pyo. The images, which show Hwang Jung-min (playing Beom-seok) and Jung Hoyeon (playing Seong-ae) focused on set, capture the intense presence of actors fully immersed in their roles.

Another poster, featuring Zo In-sung (playing Seong-gi) and a group of young men leaning against a truck against the backdrop of a dense forest, heightens anticipation for the film with the unique look and color palette of HOPE. Notably, the behind-the-scenes character posters stand out for their bold use of black-and-white photography and a free, original style that includes varied title designs for each character.

The three additional character posters also released today capture the urgent moments of the three individuals trying to protect Hopo Port. Through these posters, viewers can see Beom-seok, the police substation chief trying to protect residents from a presence that has appeared in the village; Seong-ae, a police officer aiming a gun at those who have crossed the line; and Seong-gi, a young man heading into the mountains to chase the monster that attacked the village.

Unlike traditional movie posters, these six character posters—completed through the bold use of behind-the-scenes cuts and character stills—offer audiences a new kind of enjoyment, allowing them to imagine scenes from the film and feel the atmosphere of the set.

HOPE tells the story that begins when Beom-seok, the chief of a police substation located in the Demilitarized Zone, hears news from local youths that a tiger has appeared, leading the entire village into a state of emergency as they face an unbelievable reality. The film is set to be released on July 15.

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The clash between parents and their children has officially begun on Match To Marry: With Parents 2 as the contestants' professional backgrounds were finally revealed.

In the episode aired on July 2, the second day of the retreat saw the participants' jobs and credentials unveiled. As soon as their professions were revealed, the romantic dynamics shifted, and the mothers' preferences fluctuated, leading to a peak viewership rating of 2.5% (based on Nielsen Korea's metropolitan household data) and proving the show's intense popularity. The most-watched minute of the night was the tense moment when the mother of Kwon Ye-chan, a favorite based on first impressions, had to choose a potential daughter-in-law.

The episode revealed the results of the secret preference vote held on the first night, signaling the start of complicated romances. Lee In-kwon and Ahn Do-yoon confirmed their mutual interest, while Kang Shin-woo, who suffered the humiliation of receiving zero votes in the first round, finally won a vote from Kim Da-hye after his persistent efforts, drawing cheers from the MCs.

On the other hand, Kim Dong-young, who had ignored Yang Ha-yoon after she chose him in the first impression vote, ended up receiving zero votes and fell into a pit of regret. Watching this, MC Seo Jang-hoon gave him some sharp advice, saying, "Dong-young, you need to get on your knees and tell Ha-yoon, 'I was crazy earlier,' if you want to change her mind," which sent the studio into fits of laughter. Meanwhile, Yang Ha-yoon shifted her interest toward Kwon Ye-chan, who had shown his manners by giving her his outer garment, while Choi Jung-yoon, a former Miss Korea contestant, also emerged as a popular choice with two votes.

The male contestants' direct approach continued during their conversations. In particular, Kang Shin-woo expressed his feelings to Kim Da-hye with a considerate tone, saying, "You are the only one here I feel a romantic connection with." MC Lee Yo-won praised his sincerity, remarking, "He speaks so beautifully."

The self-introduction session for the female contestants became the turning point that shook the entire landscape. Ahn Do-yoon (born in 1998), an employee at a major domestic electronics company, drew admiration by revealing she had already saved up enough money for marriage. Kim Da-hye (born in 1994) was revealed to be a Pilates center owner, and Lee Kang-hyun (born in 1997) as a freelance show host. When Yang Ha-yoon (born in 1995) revealed she was an Oriental medicine doctor, the eyes of the mothers of the male contestants lit up. Furthermore, the mother of Choi Jung-yoon (born in 1996), a former Miss Korea who currently runs a beauty pageant academy, won over the other mothers by promising, "I will work hard to help with childcare," offering a bold pledge to support her future grandchildren.

The chaos that followed when the mothers chose dates for their sons was absolute. Both Kwon Ye-chan's and Kim Dong-young's mothers chose the Oriental medicine doctor, Yang Ha-yoon. Kwon Ye-chan, who had previously named Choi Jung-yoon as his ideal type, confidently walked over to her, assuming his mother would have chosen her, which brought laughter to the set. However, his mother firmly stated, "I prefer a professional for a daughter-in-law," choosing Yang Ha-yoon instead and signaling the start of a conflict between the son's taste and the mother's conditions.

The twists did not end there. Choi Jung-yoon also became a popular choice, receiving votes from the mothers of Lee In-kwon and Kang Shin-woo. Lee Yo-won remarked, "The mother's influence is huge," admiring the strategy of Choi Jung-yoon's mother, who boosted her daughter's appeal with her active childcare pledge. Conversely, Ahn Do-yoon, whom Seo Jang-hoon had predicted would receive many votes due to her stable job and perfect preparation for marriage, was left with zero votes, adding to the shock.

Match To Marry: With Parents 2, which shows unpredictable developments at every turn as the mothers' realistic perspectives intervene in their children's romances, airs every Thursday at 9 PM.

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The attack on a promising young politician has spiraled into allegations of a staged event, and the truth behind the incident is set to be revealed.

On the episode of SBS Curious Stories Y airing this Friday night, July 3, the show will delve into the secret details surrounding the attack on former Busan mayoral candidate Jeong Yi-han of the Reform Party, which shook Busan during the June 3 local elections.

Jeong was a rising star in Busan politics, boasting a golden resume that included working as an aide in a People Power Party office and as an official in the Office of the Prime Minister. However, his political career took a sharp turn in April when he collapsed after being hit by a cup thrown by an unidentified individual during a campaign event.

At the time, his campaign team claimed that Jeong had been diagnosed with a concussion and strongly condemned the violence on the campaign trail. The political sphere also called for a thorough investigation, labeling it a political terror attack against a promising young figure.

However, the accounts of citizens who witnessed the scene were different. Witness Ha Min-ji (pseudonym) raised questions during an interview with the production team, stating, "He didn't seem to be hit directly by the cup; it looked like he just fell slightly while trying to dodge it. I wondered if it was really worth all that." As the police investigation progressed, reports emerged that the man who threw the drink was an acquaintance of Jeong, and evidence of communication between the two before the incident surfaced, quickly turning the case into a suspected staged act.

As the controversy grew out of control, Jeong suddenly announced his retirement from politics after the election and disappeared from the public eye. The production team, tracking his movements while he remained silent without providing a clear explanation, encountered suspicions surrounding not just this attack, but his entire journey into and through the political arena.

Those around Jeong pointed to his father. One source made a bombshell statement, saying, "The son is just a prop. The father planned everything and just placed his son in that position." The father, who is at the center of these suspicions, is a well-known figure in the local medical community who operates a large hospital, leading to claims that he may have influenced Jeong's political path and the background of this incident.

Curious Stories Y, which tracks the suspicions and the reality behind the attack on former Busan mayoral candidate Jeong Yi-han, will air on Friday, July 3, at 8:50 PM.

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As crimes targeting celebrities who reveal their private lives and homes on television continue to rise, rapper Simon Dominic has shocked fans by confessing that he was once a victim of a home burglary.

On the 2nd, a video titled "Life of Simon Dominic" was uploaded to the YouTube channel "Life84." In the video, Kian84 visited the home of his same-aged friend Simon Dominic, with whom he has maintained a close friendship since meeting on the MBC show "I Live Alone," for the first time in eight years.

Upon visiting Simon Dominic's home after a long time, Kian84, knowing his friend is an avid watch collector, asked him to "show me some expensive watches." Simon Dominic firmly refused, drawing a clear line by stating, "My expensive watches are in a safe. I won't even tell you where the safe is anymore."

The reason behind Simon Dominic's heightened sensitivity toward his safe and home security stems from a harrowing incident. He calmly revealed to a surprised Kian84, "A thief once broke into my house and stole my most extravagant, full-diamond watch." The watch is reportedly worth between 700 million and 1 billion won in current value.

Simon Dominic also shared the movie-like process of how he caught the thief. "The thief had actually put the watch up for consignment at a watch shop I frequent," he explained. "Coincidentally, a friend of mine who owns the exact same watch went to that shop to buy one and spotted mine. After I got the call, I went to see it myself, and there it was, sparkling."

"I have thin wrists, so when I tried it on, it fit perfectly. Since there were no extra links to adjust the band, I knew for sure it was mine," he vividly recalled. He continued, "Eventually, on Christmas Eve at 10 AM, I went to the shop with the police and checked the CCTV to identify the thief. Because the thief had left a copy of their ID when registering for the consignment, we were able to catch them immediately."

However, regarding the fate of the watch he dramatically recovered, he added, "Because it had been stolen, it felt like it had bad energy, so I sold it right away."

When Kian84 expressed genuine concern, saying, "It must be scary to have a thief break into your home. What if you ran into them and got hurt?" Simon Dominic nodded and confessed the lasting trauma. "That is why I no longer film at home," he said. In fact, in the video released that day, all background footage that might reveal the location of his home or his private life was heavily blurred.

Recently, copycat crimes targeting the actual homes of celebrities after they are exposed on broadcasts or social media have become a major social issue. Actors Nana and Kim Gyu-ri, as well as television personality Park Na-rae, have previously confessed to suffering from trespassing and theft after revealing their homes on media, highlighting the bitter reality that caution and enhanced security have become essential for celebrities regarding media exposure.

[Photo provided by YouTube channel 'Life84']

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The 30th Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival (BIFAN) officially began its 10-day journey with an opening ceremony held on July 2.

The red carpet was graced by both domestic and international film figures, including actor Fan Bingbing, director Yuen Woo-ping, actor Isabelle Huppert, and actor Josie Ho, adding to the excitement of the event. Notably, members of the Bucheon FC 1995 team, including players, the coach, the general manager, and supporters, joined the red carpet alongside Bucheon citizens, making the occasion even more meaningful.

The opening ceremony, held at the Bucheon Art Center, was directed by Song Seung-hwan. The celebratory performance, which explored the harmony between humanoid robots and humans, captivated the audience by artistically illustrating BIFAN's leap toward the future.

During the ceremony, Festival Organizing Committee Chairman Cho Yong-ik reflected on the long journey of BIFAN over the past 30 years, stating that they had prepared a festival where "both filmmakers and citizens are the protagonists of a national genre film festival."

Following this, Organizing Committee member Jang Mi-hee looked back on BIFAN's 30-year history, describing it as "a fierce journey that has challenged old conventions and proposed alternatives." She added, "This year, BIFAN intends to talk about the coexistence of the present and the future."

To mark the 30th anniversary, special awards were presented to world-renowned film figures. Actor Josie Ho, known for her unique presence in the genre film scene, received the Fantastic Icon Award. This was followed by the Global Icon Award for actor Fan Bingbing, who has captivated audiences worldwide. Finally, the Achievement Award was presented to the iconic French actor Isabelle Huppert.

In addition, the ceremony featured the investiture of BIFAN programmer Nam Jong-seok as a Chevalier of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres. This is one of the highest honors awarded by the French government, marking a significant moment that recognizes Nam's global contributions to expanding the reach of genre films and fostering international exchange.

Honorary Organizing Committee Chairman Chung Ji-young then introduced the opening film. Raising expectations for the film Blades of the Guardians: Wind Rises in the Desert, he said, "I hope you enjoy this new challenge from director Yuen Woo-ping, who has left a significant mark on world action cinema." Director Yuen Woo-ping took the stage to share his thoughts on opening the 30th BIFAN, while Festival Director Shin Chul asked for continued support for the 11-day event and the next 30 years of BIFAN.

After the ceremony, the opening film, Blades of the Guardians: Wind Rises in the Desert, was screened at the Bucheon City Hall Eoulmadang. With the audience's enthusiastic applause and positive response, the first day of the 30th BIFAN concluded successfully.

Starting with this opening ceremony, the 30th BIFAN will continue to meet audiences through July 12, featuring 321 films, various events, and interactive programs.

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Fall 2: Dead Point, the sequel to the hit film Fall that left audiences breathless with its intense vertigo, is set to hit theaters in Korea in the second half of 2026.

Fall 2: Dead Point marks the return of the original high-altitude survival series, featuring a desperate struggle for life on a broken cliffside walkway 3,300 meters above sea level.

While the first film, Fall, depicted the terror of vertical isolation on a 600-meter transmission tower, Fall 2: Dead Point escalates the survival stakes by setting the action against a collapsed high-altitude bridge and a cliffside path at 3,300 meters. The struggle in this extreme environment, where the chances of rescue are slim, promises a visceral, heart-pounding thrill that surpasses its predecessor.

Expectations are high as the production team, which successfully captured the fear of extreme isolation in the 47 Meters Down series and the first Fall film, has reunited. Moving the stage from the ocean and a transmission tower to an ultra-high altitude cliff, they have crafted an upgraded version of their signature high-altitude survival experience.

The launch poster, released alongside the announcement, captures a life-or-death moment in the middle of a cloud-covered mountain cliff. It shows a person dangling from a broken high-altitude bridge, clinging to a single rope, which immediately commands attention. The endless expanse of clouds beneath their feet and the unfathomable drop intuitively showcase the vertical terror that Fall 2: Dead Point will deliver.

The accompanying launch trailer heightens the tension by capturing the first-person perspective of characters navigating a precarious, rusted walkway fixed to a sheer vertical cliff. Amid the extreme conditions of "3,300 meters above sea level, 13.7% oxygen concentration," the trailer displays warning signs like "Rapid heart rate, increased blood pressure, shortness of breath." It then rapidly depicts the physical breakdown caused by oxygen deprivation, dehydration, and hallucinations, allowing viewers to experience the extreme intensity firsthand.

Fall 2: Dead Point, returning with the hair-raising terror of disappearing ground beneath your feet, will be available in theaters in the second half of this year.

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

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Cube Entertainment has announced that it will take strong legal action against fraudulent investment schemes that are falsely claiming to organize concerts for its artists in China.

In an official statement released on July 3, Cube Entertainment stated, "We have received reports that certain companies are spreading false information, claiming they have our authorization to hold concerts for our artists in China, and are using this to solicit large investments from Chinese firms." The agency emphasized, "We want to make it clear that no such arrangements exist, and we urge everyone to exercise extreme caution to avoid any potential damage."

Cube Entertainment warned, "We will continue to take necessary measures to protect the rights and interests of our agency and our artists, and to prevent damages caused by the spread of false information and impersonation." The agency added, "If any acts of spreading false information, soliciting investments, or attempting to enter into contracts by unauthorized use of our company name or our artists are discovered, we will respond strictly through all available legal actions, including filing criminal and civil complaints."

Meanwhile, i-dle is preparing for their comeback with the release of their 9th mini-album, We made, on July 6. The previously released teaser for the title track, Gimme Dat Love, reached No. 5 on the Korean music video chart and No. 18 on the overall chart on QQ Music, China's largest music platform, proving the high level of interest from global fans even before the official release.

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

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)

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The brutal true face of Jang Yoon-gi, a murderer who took the life of an innocent high school girl on her way home, and the mysterious motives behind his crime are set to be unveiled.

The upcoming episode of SBS's Unanswered Questions, airing on the night of July 4, is titled "Real Dolls and the Fainting Game - What Was Murderer Jang Yoon-gi Hiding?" The episode will focus on the true nature of Jang Yoon-gi, the suspect in the murder of a high school girl that occurred in Wolgye-dong, Gwangju, this past May, and the bizarre traces found in his residence.

The incident began just after midnight on May 5, near a six-lane road in Wolgye-dong, Gwangju. A male high school student, who ran toward the scene after hearing desperate screams piercing the darkness, discovered a female student lying on the ground bleeding. However, just as the student was about to call for help, he was ambushed by an unidentified man who emerged from the darkness, resulting in secondary harm as the student sustained serious injuries.

The victim was rushed to the emergency room but ultimately passed away. The deceased was Lee Chae-won, only 17 years old. She had been brutally stabbed nine times in areas including her neck and chest while on her way home from studying.

The perpetrator, 23-year-old Jang Yoon-gi, who worked at a nearby restaurant, fled the scene but was later apprehended by police, and his identity was disclosed. During the investigation, he claimed that he had impulsively murdered Chae-won, whom he did not know, while attempting to take his own life due to pessimism about his personal circumstances. He insisted that he did not even know the victim was a female student and that the crime was not premeditated.

However, CCTV footage from before and after the crime and dashcam footage from a nearby truck, exclusively obtained and released for the first time by the Unanswered Questions production team, completely contradict his statement. In the footage, Jang Yoon-gi is seen persistently stalking Chae-won for 15 minutes before the crime. After committing the act in just 140 seconds (a little over two minutes), he engaged in a deceptive escape that was far from an attempt at suicide.

An even more shocking fact was discovered inside Jang Yoon-gi's studio apartment. According to prosecution officials, a 'real doll'—a life-sized female doll—was found during a search of his residence, with specific body parts cut out or severely damaged. However, despite the doll being clearly visible in police evidence footage, it mysteriously disappeared before the prosecution could formally seize it. This raises questions about why Jang Yoon-gi brutally damaged the doll and the background behind the disappearance of this evidence during the police investigation.

Although it has been revealed that Jang Yoon-gi had a prior criminal record of stalking and sexually assaulting another woman before this crime, he adamantly denies that there was any sexual motive in this murder case. Yet, it is reported that 'fainting game' was among the search terms on his mobile phone after the crime. What is his true motive for murdering the victim, and what secret was he trying to hide?

The analysis of the dashcam footage that dismantles the suspect's lie of an impulsive murder, the whereabouts of the missing real doll, and the truth behind the ugly secrets Jang Yoon-gi tried to hide will be revealed on Unanswered Questions, airing on Saturday, July 4, at 11:10 PM.

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ATEEZ has achieved another career high with their 14th mini album.

With their 14th mini album, GOLDEN HOUR : Part.5, released on June 26, ATEEZ surpassed 1.88 million copies in first-week sales (sales during the first week of release), breaking their own personal record.

This milestone marks the group's seventh million-seller achievement. By exceeding the first-week sales of their previous albums, ATEEZ has once again proven their formidable power in physical album sales and the strength of their global fandom.

GOLDEN HOUR : Part.5 captures ATEEZ joyfully embracing moments led by instinct and sensation. All tracks on the album, including the title song BAD, as well as MAMACITA, TOXIN, Fallin', and Body, are receiving widespread love.

Beyond their physical album performance, the group is maintaining a strong presence on both domestic and international charts. The new release swept to number one on the Hanteo Chart, Circle Chart's retail album chart, and Bugs' real-time and daily album charts. Furthermore, it topped iTunes Top Albums charts in 31 countries around the world, proving their global popularity.

The title track, BAD, also reached number one on Bugs' real-time and daily charts and topped iTunes Top Songs charts in 8 countries, while also making its mark on the Worldwide iTunes Song Chart and the European iTunes Song Chart.

Interest in the music video is also intense. The music video for BAD, which garnered attention even before its release due to the appearance of Hollywood actor Chase Infiniti, has surpassed 10 million views and reached number one on YouTube's Worldwide Trending Music Videos chart, demonstrating the group's global buzz.

Last year, ATEEZ solidified their position as a representative global K-pop group by winning numerous awards, including the Prime Minister's Commendation at the Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards, the Grand Prize at the Korea Grand Music Awards, the Grand Prize at the Asia Artist Awards, and this year, the Grand Prize at the Seoul Music Awards and the ASEA Grand Prize.

Meanwhile, ATEEZ will meet their fans at their 2026 fan meeting, ATINY'S VOYAGE : TINY MYSTERY, which will be held at Hwajeong Gymnasium in Seoul from July 17 to 19.

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

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THE EYES, starring actor Shin Mina, has topped the box office for two days in a row.

According to the Korean Film Council's integrated computer network for movie theater admissions on the 3rd, THE EYES drew 50,724 viewers nationwide on the 2nd. The film's cumulative audience has reached 482,861. After claiming the number one spot at the box office for the first time on the 2nd, THE EYES has maintained its momentum for a second consecutive day.

Although its advance ticket reservation rate still trails behind Toy Story 5, the film has continued its winning streak thanks to strong walk-in ticket sales. Attention is now focused on whether it can defend its top position over the upcoming weekend. This weekend, which marks the second week since its release, is expected to be a critical turning point in reaching the 1 million viewer milestone.

THE EYES is a suspense thriller about Seo-jin, who is gradually losing her sight due to a genetic disease, as she uncovers the truth behind her twin sister's death. The film stars Shin Mina and Kim Nam-hee and is directed by Yeom Ji-ho, who previously gained attention for the film The Neighbor.

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The mixed duo TOGEWORL, consisting of members Do Dae-yoon and Lim Kim, is set to appear on television as a full group after 12 years.

The production team for the new KBS 2TV variety show Happy Together: Glad We Are Not Alone recently teased the duo's appearance through their official social media channels. The released teaser video features Do Dae-yoon and Lim Kim side-by-side, accompanied by the caption, "TOGEWORL, slightly awkward after meeting for the first time in 10 years." The two shared a laugh and posed for a heart gesture, delighting long-time fans.

This marks the first time that TOGEWORL will stand on stage as a complete group on a broadcast since their appearance on Mnet's Superstar K3 in 2011.

Do Dae-yoon and Lim Kim were selected through the U.S. auditions and participated in the competition under the name TOGEWORL, which signifies that they formed the team just two months prior. They gained immense popularity and finished in third place.

TOGEWORL garnered attention as a mixed duo, blending Lim Kim's unique vocal tone with Do Dae-yoon's sweet voice and guitar playing. However, the team entered a long hiatus as Do Dae-yoon moved to New Jersey, while Lim Kim continued her career as an actor and singer. Lim Kim later transformed into the artist Lim Kim, earning critical acclaim for her distinct and powerful musical style.

In 2024, Do Dae-yoon appeared on the KBS Joy program Ask Us Anything Fortune Teller, where he revealed that he had struggled with his mental health due to sudden fame and a hectic schedule following Superstar K3. He shared that around the age of 20, he was involuntarily admitted to a psychiatric hospital by his mother due to symptoms of bipolar disorder and received treatment for two months. After transitioning into a solo artist, Do Dae-yoon reunited with Lim Kim on stage at the 2024 Seoul Jazz Festival.

Happy Together: Glad We Are Not Alone is a new KBS 2TV variety show hosted by Yu Jae-seok, director Jang Hang-jun, and Yoon Jong-shin. It is a storytelling music audition program that features the stories and performances of various life teammates. The show marks the return of the Happy Together franchise, which concluded in 2020, after a six-year hiatus.

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

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)

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Singer Lee Ji-hye shed tears as she expressed her gratitude to Baek Z Young and Yuri from the group Cool, who stood by her side during her difficult times.

In content released on Lee Ji-hye's YouTube channel, "Not Hating the Attention Seeker," on July 2, it was revealed that Yuri, who resides in the United States, visited Korea for the first time in seven years. She joined her close friend Baek Z Young at Lee Ji-hye's home to share memories of their long-standing friendship.

The three reflected on their activities from over 20 years ago and recalled the times they relied on each other. Yuri said, "We have a history together. We went through hard times together, you know. We really relied on each other a lot. Since we all faced difficult situations once in a while at a young age, we bonded even more."

The trio also spoke candidly about their past popularity. Yuri reminisced about their youthful days in their 20s, saying, "We weren't pretty, but we had kind personalities. We each had different charms." Lee Ji-hye remarked, "Yuri was the most popular. I was second." Yuri then jokingly added, "Since I am married, my husband is my first love and my last love," bringing laughter to the group.

When asked, "Who was the most popular?" Baek Z Young replied, "In terms of numbers, Ji-hye was the most popular, while Yuri and I had our own devoted admirers," though she trailed off by adding, "I can't quite remember who they were."

At the end of the video, a heartfelt confession followed. Lee Ji-hye expressed her regret, saying, "You two gave me so many luxury gifts, but I have never properly returned the favor." She teared up as she added, "When my youth was difficult and depressing, you would call me out to karaoke, hang out with me, and help me endure. I hope you both stay healthy for a long time."

Hearing this, Baek Z Young warmly comforted Lee Ji-hye, saying, "Focus on raising your child and saving money for now, and pay us back later. You can do it when you earn a lot more in the future."

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

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)

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Choi Jung-yoon and Kwon Ye-chan received the most votes in the latest favorability poll.

On the July 2nd broadcast of SBS Match To Marry: With Parents 2, the contestants participated in a favorability vote on their first night.

During the episode, the contestants each gave a traditional ornament as a gift to the person they were interested in. Lee In-kwon and Ahn Do-yoon, who had previously voted for each other in the first impression poll, continued to show interest in one another by voting for each other again.

Meanwhile, Kang Shin-woo, who had gotten off to a disappointing start with zero votes in the first impression poll, escaped that status by receiving a vote from Kim Da-hye. Staying true to his initial feelings, Kang Shin-woo also cast his vote for Kim Da-hye, drawing attention.

As Kim Dong-young stepped up to check his results, Seo Jang-hoon remarked, "This is a critical moment. He might not have received a single vote." The results proved Seo Jang-hoon’s prediction correct.

Previously, Kim Dong-young had chosen to vote for Choi Jung-yoon instead of Yang Ha-yoon, who had initially voted for him, and that decision appeared to have impacted the favorability poll. Watching the scene, Kim Dong-young's mother looked on with concern, saying, "What do we do? Oh, what should he do?"

Kwon Ye-chan, who emerged as a popular contestant with two votes in the first impression poll, maintained his popularity by receiving two votes again. However, unlike the first poll, he surprised everyone by receiving a vote from Yang Ha-yoon.

Regarding her choice, Yang Ha-yoon joked, "He lent me something to wear right before the voting. You should all be careful—a small gesture of kindness toward someone who received zero votes can turn into a huge crush," bringing laughter to the room.

As expected, Moon Sung-mo received one vote from Lee Kang-hyun. However, he chose Choi Jung-yoon instead of Lee Kang-hyun, leaving Lee Kang-hyun with zero votes. Finally, with Kwon Ye-chan also choosing Choi Jung-yoon, she became the female contestant with the highest number of votes.

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

(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Hyo-jung)

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Michin Gamsung, Jung Sang-geun, Peter, and Kwon Jin-young are here to kick off your morning. Following them, Lee Jae-ik and Lee Jae-yul join the airwaves, bringing their unique charms to various programs. Here is the schedule for today, July 3, featuring the guests appearing on SBS Radio.

[Power FM]

07:00~09:00

Kim Young-chul's Power FM

- Guests: Michin Gamsung, Jung Sang-geun, Peter / Kwon Jin-young

With an energetic opening, these four guests share engaging stories and their personal music tastes. Their diverse perspectives and humor create a lively atmosphere. Each segment is packed with distinct personality, making it a must-listen. It is the perfect hour to boost your energy during your morning commute.

[Love FM]

09:05~11:00

Lee Sook-young's Love FM

- Guest: Lee Jae-ik

Lee Jae-ik adds his candid commentary to the smooth hosting, making for a comfortable morning. From relatable life stories to music recommendations, the show is filled with highlights. It strikes a perfect balance between lighthearted laughter and sincere comfort, making it an ideal listen for a relaxing morning.

16:00~17:00

Life is an Audition

- Guest: Lee Jae-yul

Join Lee Jae-yul as he explores stories of challenge and growth. Behind-the-scenes anecdotes and practical advice blend naturally throughout the show. You will find yourself feeling motivated to take that next step. The show wraps up with a harmonious mix of music and talk.

For a more vivid experience, you can watch SBS Radio through the Gorealra app.

Download Gorealra today.

https://www.sbs.co.kr/radio/info.html

For more detailed scheduling information, please visit the link below.

http://www.sbs.co.kr/radio/schedules.html

(SBSi Entertainment News Team)

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

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The shocking truth behind the Busan elementary school student kidnapping and murder case has been traced.

On the July 2 broadcast of SBS's

Tails of Tales

, the episode titled "Four Kidnappers – Who is Lying?" retraced the events of that fateful day of the Busan elementary school student kidnapping and murder case.

In October 1994, a phone call was made to a home in Busan. It was a threatening call from a kidnapper demanding 2 million KRW in cash if they wanted their daughter back.

Detectives launched an investigation to find the kidnapper, focusing on a witness statement that the child was seen walking with a woman in her 20s right before she disappeared. In particular, because the witness noted that the child was smiling, investigators suspected the culprit might be a relative.

The detectives identified the prime suspect as Na Kyung-ae, the maternal cousin of the missing child. However, Na strongly denied the allegations, and the case seemed to fall into a labyrinth.

But then, Na Kyung-ae's father called the police station. He reported a foul, decomposing odor coming from his daughter's room. The source of the smell was a blanket bundle inside Na's room. To everyone's horror, the body of the kidnapped victim, Eun-ji, was discovered inside.

Only then did Na Kyung-ae confess to the crime. However, she claimed, "Hyun-woo oppa suggested we kidnap her just to get the money. I had no intention of killing her," pointing to the existence of accomplices. She named three accomplices in total.

The accomplices she named were Choi Hyun-woo, a 23-year-old office worker; her friend Shin Yu-ri, a college student; and Jung Il-soo, a 23-year-old friend of Choi Hyun-woo.

Na Kyung-ae stated that she planned the crime out of curiosity after watching news reports about the Chijon Family. She drew attention by claiming that Choi Hyun-woo was the one who initially planned the crime.

According to her, the other three came from wealthy families but decided to commit the kidnapping to secure entertainment money. While they initially had no intention of killing the child, Shin Yu-ri allegedly suggested murdering her out of fear that she would reveal their identities, a proposal that the other three accepted.

Na Kyung-ae claimed that they parked the car in a suitable spot to kill the child, while she and Shin Yu-ri kept watch. She asserted that Choi Hyun-woo strangled the victim inside the car, Jung Il-soo loaded the body into the trunk, and she ended up abandoning the body in her own room the following day.

Consequently, detectives immediately arrested the three accomplices, sparking nationwide outrage across South Korea.

However, shortly after, the alleged accomplices proclaimed their innocence. They claimed they had absolutely nothing to do with the case and had solid alibis for the day of the crime. Shockingly, Jung Il-soo revealed that he had met Na Kyung-ae and Shin Yu-ri for the very first time at the police station after their arrest.

Yet, the police insisted that their claims were entirely false and that their alibis were also distorted, presenting evidence to support their stance.

Faced with conflicting statements, the presiding judge decided to try the case with extreme caution and ordered an on-site crime scene reenactment.

During this process, it was revealed that the murder scene designated by Na Kyung-ae was actually a highly congested road where a car could not be parked for even a single minute. When the judge pressed Na on this, she changed her story, claiming she did not know where the murder took place, which severely damaged the credibility of her previous statements.

Subsequently, additional evidence supporting the alibis of the three accomplices emerged. In particular, it was proven that Choi Hyun-woo was actually in Daegu, not Busan, on October 9—the day the crime was allegedly plotted—turning the case on its head.

In response, the Busan Bar Association formed a truth-finding committee to investigate the case. They soon uncovered the identity of a "third accomplice" who had distorted the case behind Na Kyung-ae's back.

A witness, Mr. Oh, who was being questioned for a different case at the same police station handling Eun-ji's case, happened to see Choi and Jung. He witnessed detectives shouting profanities and mercilessly beating Choi and Jung, telling them, "There are too many inconsistencies in your statements. You need to align your stories," until 16 key points of their statements matched.

Consequently, the truth-finding committee revealed that all the alleged accomplices, except Na Kyung-ae, had made false confessions due to police brutality. They also discovered that at least six witnesses had given false statements under coercive investigation. This proved that the alibis of the three accomplices were genuine and had not been distorted. The police simply refused to believe them from the very beginning.

Furthermore, it was revealed that the police failed to properly preserve the blanket bundle—a crucial piece of physical evidence—and did not even test it for fingerprints or DNA.

The truth-finding committee subsequently filed lawsuits against 14 police officers involved in the torture. Charges were sustained against seven of them, and three were ultimately convicted.

However, it was revealed that not only the police but also the prosecution had assaulted and threatened the three men to distort their statements. Upon learning this, journalists exposed the ugly actions of both the police and the prosecution.

In response, the prosecution pressured newspapers and journalists through acquaintances, even summoning and suing some of them. However, the journalists refused to back down. They continued to report evidence proving the alibis of the three falsely accused men.

One journalist who fought to uncover the truth at the time drew attention by sharing, "I wasn't afraid. I believed we could win. I wrote the articles with the mindset that this must be thoroughly uncovered."

The trial proceeded amidst the battle for the truth, with a total of 98 witnesses called to testify—the highest number in South Korean criminal court history.

In February 1995, shortly before the sentencing hearing, prosecutors visited Judge Park to pressure him into delaying the verdict. However, Judge Park ignored their demands, deciding that the ruling could no longer be postponed.

Despite facing immense pressure to halt the trial, Judge Park stood firm. He even hid on a small island near the courthouse to wait out the hours before the sentencing, entering the courtroom right on time.

Judge Park sentenced Na Kyung-ae, who kidnapped and caused the death of her young cousin, to death, while declaring the other three defendants not guilty. However, the prosecution immediately appealed, claiming there was no room for reconsideration.

On December 8, 1995, the Supreme Court handed down its final ruling. Citing signs of remorse, the Supreme Court commuted Na Kyung-ae's death sentence to life imprisonment. Meanwhile, the court upheld the not-guilty verdicts for the other three defendants. Thanks to the tireless efforts of many, the three innocent young men were finally cleared of all charges.

However, Judge Park noted that one mystery remains unsolved to this day: Why did Na Kyung-ae drag those three innocent people—specifically those three—into her crime?

The broadcast then traced another truth from that day 30 years ago. In May 1994, five months before the incident, Na Kyung-ae and Shin Yu-ri crossed paths with Choi Hyun-woo by chance.

Shortly after, the three went on a trip to Masan. There, Na Kyung-ae felt devastated when she saw Choi Hyun-woo kiss Shin Yu-ri on the cheek.

Na Kyung-ae had harbored feelings for Choi Hyun-woo since they first met, but Choi had shown interest in Shin Yu-ri instead. To make matters worse, Na had previously experienced a situation where a man she had a crush on liked Shin Yu-ri. Having this pattern repeat left her feeling deeply humiliated.

Furthermore, the person Na Kyung-ae had originally intended to name as an accomplice instead of Jung Il-soo was actually Park Dong-soo—the very man she had previously had a crush on. In this twisted manner, Na Kyung-ae framed the men she had unrequited crushes on, along with Shin Yu-ri, the woman they had preferred over her.

Additionally, the broadcast analyzed Na Kyung-ae's statements and suggested that the Busan elementary school student kidnapping and murder was highly likely a solo crime committed by Na alone. However, this remains a mere theory. Because the golden hour of the investigation was lost in its early stages, the case remains forever only partially solved.

While the three falsely accused defendants cleared their names thanks to those who fought for the truth, the full truth behind Eun-ji's tragic death might have been uncovered if the prosecution had chosen to reinvestigate instead of appealing, if the police had properly verified the suspects' alibis, and if Na Kyung-ae had spoken the truth.

The broadcast concluded with a poignant message, emphasizing that the most crucial thing is the courage to correct one's mistakes, to willingly apologize and admit wrongdoing, and to find the strength to start anew.

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

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The professions and ages of the female contestants have finally been unveiled.

On the episode of SBS's Match To Marry: With Parents 2, which aired on July 2, the mothers of the female contestants took the stage to introduce their daughters.

The introductions began with Ahn Do-yoon's mother. At 28, Ahn Do-yoon is a five-year veteran employee at Samsung Electronics.

The panelists nodded in agreement, noting, "The mother showed such great pride in her daughter when she first appeared in the previous episode, and now we see why."

Ahn Do-yoon, who has been working steadily since joining the company at 24, shared that she currently lives in Dongtan near her workplace and has already saved up enough funds for marriage.

Next was Kim Da-hye. The 33-year-old Pilates instructor currently runs her own center in Gangnam. She surprised everyone by revealing that she has completed 15 body profile photoshoots in just one year and has won awards at both domestic and international fitness competitions.

When the profession of 32-year-old Yang Ha-yoon was revealed, the mothers of the male contestants let out gasps of admiration. Yang Ha-yoon is an Oriental medicine doctor currently running a clinic in Gangnam.

She particularly drew attention by highlighting that her four-day work week allows her to dedicate plenty of time to her future family.

Lee Kang-hyun, 30, who majored in Jazz Piano at Kookje University of Arts, was revealed to be a show host with six years of experience. The panelists laughed, remarking, "Everything about her makes sense now that her profession is out."

As a freelance show host and professional creator, Lee Kang-hyun confidently stated, "I earn a significant income, so it is perfectly fine if my partner earns less."

Finally, 31-year-old Choi Jung-yoon was introduced as a former winner of the 2020 Miss Korea Daejeon-Sejong-Chungcheong pageant. She currently works as a vice director at a beauty pageant image consulting and speech academy, while also working as a freelance announcer.

She also captured the hearts of the male contestants' mothers by mentioning that she is a skilled cook and has the flexibility to manage her own schedule, allowing her to invest ample time in her family life.

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

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