▶ SBS News App Download

ⓒ SBS & SBS i : Unauthorized copy and/or redistributing of copyrighted materials prohibited

Drowning in a quagmire of debt after falling victim to lease fraud and suffering stock market losses, young Hyeok-jun (Lee Jae-wook) feels he has reached a dead end in life without even a decent job. At that very moment, he happens to come across a strange flyer advertising an "ultra-high daily wage gig."

Heading over to the "Geomi Labor Agency," the boss (Lee Hee Jun) makes an eye-popping offer: "50 times the minimum wage." The only condition is simply fulfilling the hours of an ordinary night shift at a convenience store. Lured by the boss's sweet temptation that "there's no cushier gig than this," Hyeok-jun arrives at an out-of-the-way convenience store, where he encounters unexpected terror. A brutal reality unfolds as he must risk his life to complete the part-time shift amid bizarre entities that leave him questioning whether they are human or ghosts.

Netflix's new original series "Dead-End Job," released on October 30, bills itself as a "breadwinning survival horror series" combining mystery and horror with such relatable subject matter. By transforming ordinary spaces that almost anyone might have experienced—such as night shifts at convenience stores, dawn milk deliveries, and late-night movie theaters—into stages of terror, it delivers a fresh genre thrill.

The sudden jumps of surreal entities, warped spacetime, and splattering blood are indeed chilling. However, viewers expecting a traditional horror piece may find it somewhat mild. While the bizarreness is strong, the overall atmosphere feels more like a socially satirical black comedy than outright terrifying.

The line "Are you scared of ghosts? Becoming broke is what's truly scary" pierces through the overarching sentiment of the series. It captures the hardships of people on the brink of survival who must make money somehow, even in life-threatening situations. Watching the desperately struggling protagonist, viewers might wonder, 'Why does he keep doing that kind of part-time job?' Yet, it holds an uncanny persuasiveness that soon has viewers nodding in deep empathy.

The passionate performances of the cast also firmly anchor the drama. Lee Jae-wook reliably serves as the central anchor, vividly portraying the young Hyeok-jun who struggles to survive while gripped by fear. Lee Hee Jun, playing the mysterious yet strangely persuasive head of Geomi Labor Agency, also adds strength with his distinct presence.

The rediscovery of actor Kim Minha is particularly welcome. Having mainly showcased restrained performances filled with deep-seated sorrow in the past, she undergoes a complete transformation into Hyeok-jun's younger sister Ji-yoon, an outspoken woman of action. Her tight "realistic sibling" chemistry with Lee Jae-wook serves as a key highlight that breathes vitality into the show.

Despite the fresh attempt to turn everyday spaces into horror, it leaves something to be desired in terms of narrative plausibility. The lack of clear explanations regarding the mysterious entities and settings that appear in the work leaves lingering questions.

Nonetheless, the short running time is a great asset. Composed of eight episodes in total, each running for a relatively brief 30 to 40 minutes, it is the perfect "killing time" content for an effortless binge-watch.

Bolstered by this intuitive entertainment value, "Dead-End Job" climbed to No. 1 in South Korea right after its release and rose to No. 2 on the global TV show rankings. The number of countries entering the global Top 10 has also expanded to 86, continuing its early momentum that is captivating viewers worldwide.

[Photo = Netflix]

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)

▶Read the Full Story Now

▶ SBS News App Download

ⓒ SBS & SBS i : Unauthorized copy and/or redistributing of copyrighted materials prohibited

▶ SBS News App Download

ⓒ SBS & SBS i : Unauthorized copy and/or redistributing of copyrighted materials prohibited

Trend analyst Kim Ja-yeon, who won first place at the 2003 SBS Supermodel Contest, has tied the knot with Young Sohn, former president of Samsung Electronics and current chairman of the board at Harman.

Kim recently announced the news of her marriage through her social media, writing, "I thought I would never get married and would live alone my whole life, but well past forty, after taking the long way around, I met my person."

Regarding her husband Young Sohn, Kim introduced him by saying, "Having walked different paths in our respective fields, we first met two years ago as senior and junior alumni from MIT. More than his social achievements, he is someone with a warm character who truly cherishes and loves me, and always shows consideration and respect. And he finds me very cute, even though I am tall."

The two initially maintained a bond as alumni before confirming their feelings for each other early this year and developing into a couple. Kim stated, "Because we had built trust as good acquaintances for two years, after becoming a couple, it did not take long to decide to spend the rest of our lives together."

The wedding was held quietly with the warm blessings of their families at the Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne in Switzerland, a location also famous as the wedding venue of Audrey Hepburn.

As congratulatory messages poured in following her wedding announcement, Kim expressed her gratitude to those who congratulated her, saying, "A destined connection that might come much earlier for most people came to me at a slower pace well past forty, but I suppose unexpected matches can still arrive like that, fitting each person in their own time."

Born in 1981 and 45 years old this year, Kim won the grand prize at the Supermodel Contest and went on to study at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York and earn a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from MIT, and is currently working as a fashion trend analyst.

Born in 1956 and 70 years old, former President Young Sohn spearheaded the acquisition of automotive electronics and audio company Harman during his time as Samsung Electronics' Chief Strategy Officer (CSO). He currently serves as chairman of Samsung's semiconductor advisory board and chairman of the board at Harman.

[Photo=Kim Ja-yeon's Instagram] 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)

▶Read the Full Story Now

▶ SBS News App Download

ⓒ SBS & SBS i : Unauthorized copy and/or redistributing of copyrighted materials prohibited

▶ SBS News App Download

ⓒ SBS & SBS i : Unauthorized copy and/or redistributing of copyrighted materials prohibited

MINHO, a member of the group SHINee, has officially apologized for the "improper assistance" controversy that arose after he completed his first-ever full marathon.

MINHO participated in the full course of the "2026 JTBC Seoul Marathon" held on November 1, completing 42.195 kilometers in 3 hours, 0 minutes, and 18 seconds. He initially shared his thoughts on finishing just 18 seconds shy of a "Sub-3"—completing a full marathon in under three hours—but controversy arose after the race as videos began spreading across online communities.

The footage showed a man running alongside MINHO and appearing to push him by placing his hand on MINHO's lower back and back area. This prompted criticism questioning whether the physical assistance from a pacemaker violated marathon competition rules.

As the controversy grew, MINHO posted on his social media on November 3, bowing his head: "I am sorry for causing disappointment to many people in the marathon I participated in on November 1."

MINHO said, "Everything happened because of my own shortcomings, and as someone who cherishes and loves sports, I feel deeply ashamed. Once again, I apologize for causing concern," adding, "I will pay closer attention to ensure that the same thing does not happen again and will strive to always present my best self."

He continued, "I, too, will not accept the result of this marathon, and I will not forget the lessons learned through this process. I convey my respect to the runners who work hard while shedding countless drops of sweat," expressing his intention to voluntarily forfeit the marathon record logged that day.

[Photo=MINHO's Instagram]

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)

▶Read the Full Story Now

▶ SBS News App Download

ⓒ SBS & SBS i : Unauthorized copy and/or redistributing of copyrighted materials prohibited

▶ SBS News App Download

ⓒ SBS & SBS i : Unauthorized copy and/or redistributing of copyrighted materials prohibited

The film "Possible Love" is set to meet viewers around the world on Netflix.

"Possible Love" tells the story of two married couples—a laid-off worker and his wife, and a documentary director and her husband—who come together to produce a documentary and confront their contrasting lives and concealed desires. Honored with the Grand Jury Prize at this year's Venice International Film Festival, the film is a masterwork showcasing the dignity and depth of "master" director Lee Chang-dong.

Following its early theatrical release on September 23, the film will connect with global audiences through its main platform, Netflix. Moving beyond traditional movie screens to television and mobile devices, it guarantees the convenience of watching from anywhere, at any time.

Netflix made its full entry into the South Korean film market in 2020 by directly investing in and distributing domestic titles. While its previous offerings leaned heavily toward pure entertainment, "Possible Love" aims to be a masterpiece. It stands as an exceptional cinematic piece brought to life through the seasoned direction of Korean film icon Lee Chang-dong and standout performances from Jeon Do-yeon, Sul Kyung-gu, Zo In-sung, and Cho Yeo-jeong, some of the leading actors of Korean cinema.

Ahead of the film's premiere, story stills unveiled on November 3 highlight intriguing dynamics among the four characters.

At the funeral of a laid-off worker, Hoseok (Sul Kyung-gu) expresses anger toward documentary director Yeji (Cho Yeo-jeong), who is holding a camera, while his wife Mi-ok (Jeon Do-yeon) tries to restrain him. The scene captures the stark divide in perspectives surrounding the documentary filming and signals palpable tension right from their very first encounter.

In another still, Mi-ok is seen sitting for an interview with Yeji in the yard of her home, raising anticipation about what she will share in front of the lens. Meanwhile, the expressions of Mi-ok and Hoseok sitting side by side sharing drinks reflect the enduring hardships they have faced together as a dismissed laborer and his wife, deepening curiosity about their inner emotions.

In the second half of the year, "Possible Love" will embark on its Oscar campaign targeting next year's Academy Awards in the United States. The film has earned three nominations at the upcoming U.S. Gotham Awards, taking place on November 30: Best International Feature, Outstanding Lead Performance (Jeon Do-yeon), and Best Screenplay (Lee Chang-dong, Oh Jung-mi).

With its worldwide debut on Netflix scheduled just ahead of the awards season, the film is expected to kick off its Oscar run backed by acclaim and positive word of mouth from international audiences.

The only concern lies in viewers watching it in fragmented segments. Without the physical enclosure of a theater, audiences must actively immerse themselves in the story to fully appreciate the world and message crafted by the director and cast. While the running time is 164 minutes, the narrative promises a deep and lingering resonance that will not be easily forgotten.

"Possible Love" premieres November 6 on Netflix.

ebada@sbs.co.kr 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)

▶Read the Full Story Now

▶ SBS News App Download

ⓒ SBS & SBS i : Unauthorized copy and/or redistributing of copyrighted materials prohibited

▶ SBS News App Download

ⓒ SBS & SBS i : Unauthorized copy and/or redistributing of copyrighted materials prohibited

The film "Heart of the Beast," starring Brad Pitt, has claimed the top spot at the box office.

According to the Korean Film Council's integrated box office tracking network on November 3, "Heart of the Beast" drew 19,383 moviegoers nationwide on November 2, bringing its cumulative audience to 236,101.

"Heart of the Beast" is an extreme survival drama depicting the desperate fight for life between James (Brad Pitt), a former Army Special Forces veteran stranded in the remote Alaskan wilderness following a plane crash, and his retired military dog Odin, as they rely solely on each other amid ever-looming threats of death.

Although the film opened in second place behind the Japanese animated film "Chiikawa the Movie: The Secret of the Mermaid Island" during its debut weekend, it edged into the No. 1 position as soon as the weekdays of its second week began. On the same day, "Chiikawa the Movie: The Secret of the Mermaid Island" attracted 15,158 viewers to finish second, with its cumulative attendance reaching 2,599,013.

(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)

▶Read the Full Story Now

▶ SBS News App Download

ⓒ SBS & SBS i : Unauthorized copy and/or redistributing of copyrighted materials prohibited

▶ SBS News App Download

ⓒ SBS & SBS i : Unauthorized copy and/or redistributing of copyrighted materials prohibited

Group RESCENE performs their title track "With" at a media showcase commemorating the release of their fourth mini album "PULSE," held on the afternoon of November 3 at Blue Square in Yongsan-gu, Seoul.

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

▶Read the Full Story Now

▶ SBS News App Download

ⓒ SBS & SBS i : Unauthorized copy and/or redistributing of copyrighted materials prohibited

▶ SBS News App Download

ⓒ SBS & SBS i : Unauthorized copy and/or redistributing of copyrighted materials prohibited

Group RESCENE poses for photos during the media showcase held to commemorate the release of their fourth mini album "PULSE" at Blue Square in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of November 3.

ZENA

MAY

MINAMI

LIV

WONI

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

▶Read the Full Story Now

▶ SBS News App Download

ⓒ SBS & SBS i : Unauthorized copy and/or redistributing of copyrighted materials prohibited

▶ SBS News App Download

ⓒ SBS & SBS i : Unauthorized copy and/or redistributing of copyrighted materials prohibited

The group RESCENE performs their title track "With" at a media showcase celebrating the release of their fourth mini album "PULSE," held on the afternoon of November 3 at Blue Square in Yongsan-gu, Seoul.

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

▶Read the Full Story Now

▶ SBS News App Download

ⓒ SBS & SBS i : Unauthorized copy and/or redistributing of copyrighted materials prohibited

▶ SBS News App Download

ⓒ SBS & SBS i : Unauthorized copy and/or redistributing of copyrighted materials prohibited

Group RESCENE performs their title track "With" during a media showcase celebrating the release of their fourth mini album "PULSE," held on the afternoon of November 3 at Blue Square in Yongsan-gu, Seoul.

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

▶Read the Full Story Now

▶ SBS News App Download

ⓒ SBS & SBS i : Unauthorized copy and/or redistributing of copyrighted materials prohibited

▶ SBS News App Download

ⓒ SBS & SBS i : Unauthorized copy and/or redistributing of copyrighted materials prohibited

WONI of the group RESCENE performs the title track "With" at a media showcase held on the afternoon of November 3 at Blue Square in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, celebrating the release of their fourth mini album "PULSE."

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

▶Read the Full Story Now

▶ SBS News App Download

ⓒ SBS & SBS i : Unauthorized copy and/or redistributing of copyrighted materials prohibited

▶ SBS News App Download

ⓒ SBS & SBS i : Unauthorized copy and/or redistributing of copyrighted materials prohibited

Actor Lee Seyoung is set to captivate viewers by transforming into Rashta, an icon of survival and ambition, in "The Remarried Empress."

On the morning of November 3, a press conference for the Disney+ original series "The Remarried Empress" (written by Yeo Ji-na and Hyun Choong-yeol, directed by Jo Soo-won) was held at Conrad Seoul in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul. Actors Shin Mina, Ju Ji-hoon, Lee Jong-suk, and Lee Seyoung, along with director Jo Soo-won, attended the event to share their anticipation for the upcoming series.

"The Remarried Empress" is an epic romance fantasy following Navier (played by Shin Mina), the perfect empress of the Eastern Empire, who is notified of a divorce by Emperor Sovieshu (played by Ju Ji-hoon) after he falls for runaway slave Rashta (played by Lee Seyoung). Accepting the divorce, she demands approval to remarry Prince Heinrey (played by Lee Jong-suk) of the Western Kingdom.

On this day, Lee Seyoung explained her reason for joining the production: "She is a lovely villain whom you dislike but can't completely hate—a kind of role I haven't shown in a while—so she felt very charming to me. I thought I could showcase a new side of myself through Rashta, and I happily joined because I felt I could learn a lot on set from my senior co-stars."

Describing the character of Rashta, she introduced, "She is a former runaway slave whose life is turned upside down after a chance meeting with Sovieshu. Beneath her pure and innocent facade, her survival instinct and desires intertwine, causing conflict within the imperial palace."

Regarding the tone of her acting, she added, "Just as a baby instinctively cries when hungry, I thought Rashta is someone who fiercely desires things in order to survive, so I tried to portray 'pure evil.'"

In particular, Lee Seyoung shared her honest reaction to the line Rashta delivers to Empress Navier after winning over the emperor—"Would it be all right if I called you 'unnie'?"—saying, "I thought, 'She really doesn't think.'" She also revealed behind-the-scenes details, adding, "I practiced constantly in everyday life so that Rashta's distinctive third-person speech would roll off my tongue naturally."

She also mentioned her efforts to enhance her synchronization with the character. Lee Seyoung shared, "I thought that for Rashta to remain impossible to purely hate despite doing things that invite criticism, she needed to look pristine and beautiful. So, I took care of my appearance more diligently than for any other project," adding, "I approached the role hoping viewers would react by thinking, 'I want to kill her, but I also feel a bit sorry for her and can understand her.'"

Bringing to life the legendary intellectual property that has accumulated 2.97 billion global views, the Disney+ original series "The Remarried Empress" releases Episodes 1 to 4 today, Tuesday, November 3, in the afternoon. Afterward, two episodes will be released every Wednesday, for a total of 10 episodes.

[Photo = Reporter Baek Seung-cheol]

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)

▶Read the Full Story Now

▶ SBS News App Download

ⓒ SBS & SBS i : Unauthorized copy and/or redistributing of copyrighted materials prohibited

▶ SBS News App Download

ⓒ SBS & SBS i : Unauthorized copy and/or redistributing of copyrighted materials prohibited

Actor Jinyoung is set to return to the big screen with the film "Fighter."

On the morning of November 3, Management Run announced, "Our actor Jinyoung is preparing to meet audiences with intense combat action through the film 'Fighter.' You can look forward not only to Jinyoung's poignant and deepened narrative as he protects his family with his bare fists, but also to an intense side of Jinyoung that he has not shown before."

"Fighter" is a youth crime action film about Hye-seong (Jinyoung), an unknown MMA fighter dreaming of entering the UFC, who takes on a dangerous assignment alongside his best friend Won-do (Kim Min-ho) and gets caught up in an incident surrounding a cold wallet containing cryptocurrency worth 60 billion won.

In the film, Hye-seong, played by Jinyoung, is a character who refuses to give up on his dream of making it to the UFC despite difficult circumstances. While making a living to cover his younger sibling's medical bills and debt, he continuously dedicates himself to training and possesses a strong personality that confronts immense threats to protect the people around him.

In particular, Jinyoung, who has embarked on an acting transformation with full-fledged MMA action through this project, plunged into training well before crank-in to deliver vivid action reminiscent of real fights. Alongside the action, the youth's desperation and Hye-seong's emotions as he tries to protect his precious people are also cited as key watching points.

The film "Fighter," which drew attention with the casting news of Jinyoung—an actor who has completed characters with his own distinct colors across romance, comedy, and genre works—began filming on October 28 and aims for a release in 2027.

<Photo = Management Run> 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)

▶Read the Full Story Now

▶ SBS News App Download

ⓒ SBS & SBS i : Unauthorized copy and/or redistributing of copyrighted materials prohibited

▶ SBS News App Download

ⓒ SBS & SBS i : Unauthorized copy and/or redistributing of copyrighted materials prohibited

Actor Lee Jong-suk has marked his return to the small screen as the charming prince Heinrey in "The Remarried Empress".

On the morning of November 3, a press conference for the Disney+ original series "The Remarried Empress" (written by Yeo Ji-na and Hyun Chung-yeol, directed by Cho Soo-won) was held at Conrad Seoul in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul. Director Cho Soo-won and actors Shin Mina, Ju Ji-hoon, Lee Jong-suk, and Lee Seyoung attended the event.

"The Remarried Empress" is an epic romance fantasy chronicle depicting Navier (played by Shin Mina), the perfect empress of the Eastern Empire, who receives notice of a divorce from Emperor Sovieshu (played by Ju Ji-hoon) after he falls for runaway slave Rashta (played by Lee Seyoung); rather than simply accepting it, she demands approval to remarry Prince Heinrey (played by Lee Jong-suk) of the Western Kingdom.

On this day, Lee Jong-suk shared his reason for joining the project, saying, "I really enjoyed reading the original webtoon and web novel. When I heard it was being adapted into a drama, I thought it would make for an unfamiliar yet fresh and charming project. Thinking, 'When else would I ever get to play a prince?' I readily agreed to come on board."

Regarding his character Heinrey, he said, "He is a warm figure with a secret identity who falls in love after meeting Navier and transforms into her dependable ally," adding, "I tried to showcase a distinctive charm rooted in an easygoing and sly nature."

In the drama, Heinrey is the ultimate prince charming who becomes the envy of every woman with his flawless looks and voice. Addressing this setup, Lee Jong-suk confessed frankly, "It was an immense burden for me." He added, "More than ever before, I had to pay a great deal of attention to my external appearance. For that reason, it was a burdensome project."

In particular, addressing the premise in which Heinrey transforms into the mystical bird 'Queen,' Lee Jong-suk quipped, "I kind of look like a bird," and shared, "The production team actually incorporated my appearance and physical gestures into the bird's design." He went on to share an amusing story, saying, "When he first transforms from a bird back into a human, he appears naked. Because that was an important setup for the drama, I requested the director, 'Please give me just one more month to work on my physique.'"

The project also drew spotlight for his third collaboration with Director Cho Soo-won, with whom he spent his twenties making "I Can Hear Your Voice" and "Pinocchio." Director Cho expressed his gratitude, saying, "Actor Lee Jong-suk readily lent his support, which gave me the courage to launch this project." Lee Jong-suk likewise displayed his trust, sharing, "I was able to take courage and begin after having many conversations with the director."

Anticipation is high for the Disney+ original series "The Remarried Empress," a live-action adaptation of a legendary IP that accumulated 2.97 billion global views. Episodes 1 through 4 will be released this afternoon, Tuesday, November 3, followed by two episodes every Wednesday for a total run of 10 episodes.

[Photo = Reporter Baek Seung-cheol]

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)

▶Read the Full Story Now

▶ SBS News App Download

ⓒ SBS & SBS i : Unauthorized copy and/or redistributing of copyrighted materials prohibited

▶ SBS News App Download

ⓒ SBS & SBS i : Unauthorized copy and/or redistributing of copyrighted materials prohibited

Shin Mina shared the excitement and new challenges she experienced portraying an empress in "The Remarried Empress."

On the morning of November 3, a press conference for the Disney+ original series "The Remarried Empress" (written by Yeo Ji-na and Hyun Choong-yeol, directed by Cho Soo-won) took place at Conrad Seoul in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul. Director Cho Soo-won and actors Shin Mina, Ju Ji-hoon, Lee Jong-suk, and Lee Seyoung attended the event to discuss the project.

"The Remarried Empress" is a romance-fantasy epic that follows Navier (played by Shin Mina), the perfect empress of the Eastern Empire, who is notified of a divorce by Emperor Sovieshu (played by Ju Ji-hoon) after he falls for Rashta (played by Lee Seyoung), an escaped slave. Instead of refusing, Navier accepts the divorce on the condition of approval to remarry Prince Heinrey (played by Lee Jong-suk) of the Western Kingdom.

Regarding her reason for choosing the project, Shin Mina stated, "The script itself was incredibly exciting, and I thought it would become a new kind of drama." She added, "I joined with the anticipation that I could show a new side of myself that I haven't shown before through the empress character."

Introducing her character, Empress Navier, she described her as "the perfect empress of the Eastern Empire, endowed with dignity and poise." She added, "Even after hearing shocking news from Emperor Sovieshu, she remains unshaken and is an independent woman capable of forging her own destiny."

On what she emphasized in her performance, she noted, "It was important to navigate the emotional arc well—balancing the gravity of an empress with Navier's relatable, human side as a woman making a new choice."

Shin Mina's transformation into an empress, adorned in lavish gowns and styling, has been garnering buzz every time still cuts and related videos are revealed. Shin Mina shared, "Visually, there was pressure because I had to show the elegance of an empress, but I also had high expectations that it would be a fresh look. While acting on the set, it was so much fun that I thought to myself, 'I might never get to act in this kind of universe again,' and it became a great memory."

Addressing the differences from the original work, Shin Mina explained, "The original has many episodes and numerous characters, but we resolved the narrative arc within 10 episodes by focusing primarily on the four main leads with concise and impactful elements." She added, "While Empress Navier has many facets in the original, we adapted certain aspects to suit the dramatic medium."

The Disney+ original series "The Remarried Empress" premieres today, Tuesday, November 3, in the afternoon with Episodes 1 to 4, followed by two episodes every Wednesday for a total of 10 episodes.

[Photo = Reporter Baik Seung-chul] 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)

▶Read the Full Story Now

▶ SBS News App Download

ⓒ SBS & SBS i : Unauthorized copy and/or redistributing of copyrighted materials prohibited

▶ SBS News App Download

ⓒ SBS & SBS i : Unauthorized copy and/or redistributing of copyrighted materials prohibited

Actor Ju Ji-hoon has revealed that he is fully prepared to face criticism for his portrayal of Sovieshu in "The Remarried Empress."

On the morning of November 3, a press conference for the Disney+ original series "The Remarried Empress" (written by Yeo Ji-na and Hyun Chung-yeol, directed by Cho Su-won) was held at the Conrad Seoul in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul. Actors Shin Mina, Ju Ji-hoon, Lee Jong-suk, and Lee Seyoung, along with director Cho Su-won, attended the event to share their anticipation for the upcoming series.

"The Remarried Empress" is an epic romance fantasy about Navier (played by Shin Mina), the perfect empress of the Eastern Empire, who is informed by Emperor Sovieshu (played by Ju Ji-hoon)—who has fallen for the runaway slave Rashta (played by Lee Seyoung)—that he wants a divorce, and accepts it on the condition of demanding approval to remarry Prince Heinrey (played by Lee Jong-suk) of the Western Kingdom.

"The Remarried Empress" is a legendary intellectual property that has recorded 2.97 billion cumulative global views across the franchise, including the original web novel and the webtoon adaptation of the same name. While news of its live-action adaptation generated massive buzz, curiosity has also grown over how the Western-style imperial court, unfamiliar names, and a fantasy universe coexisting with magic from the original work would be brought to life on screen and convince viewers.

Reflecting on the moment he was first offered the role, Ju Ji-hoon said, "It felt unfamiliar to my personal taste. I wondered if I could really pull this off, but I decided to take it on because the people around me trusted me and held my hand."

Describing his character Sovieshu, he explained, "He is the multifaceted emperor of the Eastern Empire, but after opening his eyes to a new love, he creates a massive rift. To put it nicely, he is a childlike character who purely follows where his heart leads, without realizing that this causes harm to others."

Sovieshu is a figure who wavers in the face of a new love and betrays his flawless empress. Regarding the character, Ju Ji-hoon explained, "From the emperor's perspective, there is a justification for bringing in a mistress to secure an heir, but as I followed the emotions through the perspective of Empress Navier, I focused my acting on how someone gets hurt in this kind of relationship."

Viewers' anger toward Sovieshu is already anticipated. Addressing this, Ju Ji-hoon joked, "The economy is tough these days and times are hard, so if getting heated up over me or pointing fingers makes viewers feel relieved and lets off steam, I am satisfied as an actor."

He continued with confidence, "Having spent over 20 years in the entertainment industry, I've seen hundreds of thousands of comments, so my mentality is prepared. As long as viewers enjoy the series, I am ready for whatever reaction comes."

Lastly, Ju Ji-hoon said, "Since it has a fantasy world, I think it fits well with Disney+. Since childhood, when watching Disney, don't they invite us into a land of dreams and fantasy? Regardless of plausibility, they have made many works that truly satisfy our fantasies. I believe 'The Remarried Empress' does the same. I hope everyone will freely enjoy your fantasy."

The Disney+ original series "The Remarried Empress" premieres today, Tuesday, November 3, in the afternoon with Episodes 1 to 4, followed by two episodes released every Wednesday for a total of 10 episodes.

[Photo = Reporter Baek Seung-cheol]

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)

▶Read the Full Story Now

▶ SBS News App Download

ⓒ SBS & SBS i : Unauthorized copy and/or redistributing of copyrighted materials prohibited

▶ SBS News App Download

ⓒ SBS & SBS i : Unauthorized copy and/or redistributing of copyrighted materials prohibited

Actor Lee Seyoung delivers her greeting remarks while attending the press conference for the Disney+ series "The Remarried Empress," held on the morning of November 3 at the Conrad Seoul hotel in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul.

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

▶Read the Full Story Now

▶ SBS News App Download

ⓒ SBS & SBS i : Unauthorized copy and/or redistributing of copyrighted materials prohibited

▶ SBS News App Download

ⓒ SBS & SBS i : Unauthorized copy and/or redistributing of copyrighted materials prohibited

Actor Shin Mina poses during a photo call at the press conference for the Disney+ series "The Remarried Empress," held on the morning of November 3 at the Conrad Seoul Hotel in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul.

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

▶Read the Full Story Now

▶ SBS News App Download

ⓒ SBS & SBS i : Unauthorized copy and/or redistributing of copyrighted materials prohibited

▶ SBS News App Download

ⓒ SBS & SBS i : Unauthorized copy and/or redistributing of copyrighted materials prohibited

Actor Ju Ji-hoon poses for photos at the press conference for the Disney+ series "The Remarried Empress," held on the morning of November 3 at the Conrad Seoul hotel in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul.

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

▶Read the Full Story Now

▶ SBS News App Download

ⓒ SBS & SBS i : Unauthorized copy and/or redistributing of copyrighted materials prohibited

▶ SBS News App Download

ⓒ SBS & SBS i : Unauthorized copy and/or redistributing of copyrighted materials prohibited

Actors Ju Ji-hoon (from left), Shin Mina, Lee Jong-suk, and Lee Seyoung pose for photos during the production press conference for the Disney+ series "The Remarried Empress," held at the Conrad Seoul Hotel in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, on the morning of November 3.

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

▶Read the Full Story Now

▶ SBS News App Download

ⓒ SBS & SBS i : Unauthorized copy and/or redistributing of copyrighted materials prohibited

▶ SBS News App Download

ⓒ SBS & SBS i : Unauthorized copy and/or redistributing of copyrighted materials prohibited

Actors Shin Mina (left) and Ju Ji-hoon pose during a photo session at the press conference for the Disney+ series "The Remarried Empress," held on the morning of November 3 at the Conrad Seoul hotel in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul.

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

▶Read the Full Story Now

▶ SBS News App Download

ⓒ SBS & SBS i : Unauthorized copy and/or redistributing of copyrighted materials prohibited

▶ SBS News App Download

ⓒ SBS & SBS i : Unauthorized copy and/or redistributing of copyrighted materials prohibited

Actor Shin Mina delivers her greetings while attending the press conference for the Disney+ series "The Remarried Empress," held on the morning of November 3 at the Conrad Seoul hotel in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul.

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

▶Read the Full Story Now

▶ SBS News App Download

ⓒ SBS & SBS i : Unauthorized copy and/or redistributing of copyrighted materials prohibited

▶ SBS News App Download

ⓒ SBS & SBS i : Unauthorized copy and/or redistributing of copyrighted materials prohibited

Actor Lee Seyoung poses during a photo session at the production presentation for the Disney+ series "The Remarried Empress," held on the morning of November 3 at the Conrad Seoul hotel in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul.

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

▶Read the Full Story Now

▶ SBS News App Download

ⓒ SBS & SBS i : Unauthorized copy and/or redistributing of copyrighted materials prohibited

▶ SBS News App Download

ⓒ SBS & SBS i : Unauthorized copy and/or redistributing of copyrighted materials prohibited

Actor Lee Jong-suk poses for photos at the press conference for the Disney+ series "The Remarried Empress," held on the morning of November 3 at the Conrad Seoul Hotel in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul.

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

▶Read the Full Story Now

▶ SBS News App Download

ⓒ SBS & SBS i : Unauthorized copy and/or redistributing of copyrighted materials prohibited

▶ SBS News App Download

ⓒ SBS & SBS i : Unauthorized copy and/or redistributing of copyrighted materials prohibited

SBS's new Wednesday-Thursday drama "Nine to Six" has signaled the beginning of an office romance by unveiling its main poster featuring a sweet moment of eye contact between Park Minyoung and Yook Sung-jae.

Premiering on November 25, SBS's new Wednesday-Thursday drama "Nine to Six" (written by Choi Ji-oh, directed by Lee Hyoung-min and Oh Song-hee) is an on-and-off "work-and-love balance" romance about a rational woman who has spent her life proving herself through work meeting an affectionate and emotional man to rewrite the standards of work, love, and happiness.

In the main poster released on November 3, Park Minyoung exudes a professional aura transformed into Kang Yi-ji, a perfectionist deputy manager of the legal team dressed in a neat beige suit and holding a file folder. Meanwhile, Yook Sung-jae, playing intern Han Seon-woo wearing a backpack, is seen fixing his gaze on Kang Yi-ji rather than his work. His honey-sweet gaze and playful expression toward Kang Yi-ji fully reveal the younger man's personal interest.

In particular, Kang Yi-ji, who is completely sharp and decisive when it comes to work, reveals a disarmed smile in front of the warm younger man Han Seon-woo, hinting at the subtle vibe flowing between the two. Much like the tagline, "A work-and-love balance romance between a 100% logic woman and a 100% warmth man," attention is focused on the chemistry the two starkly different characters will deliver.

"Nine to Six," depicting the sweet commute of two people wearing their employee IDs side by side, will premiere on Wednesday, November 25, at 9:00 PM. 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)

▶Read the Full Story Now

▶ SBS News App Download

ⓒ SBS & SBS i : Unauthorized copy and/or redistributing of copyrighted materials prohibited

▶ SBS News App Download

ⓒ SBS & SBS i : Unauthorized copy and/or redistributing of copyrighted materials prohibited

The Korea Pediatric Cancer Foundation announced on November 3 that it received 2 million won in prize money won by singer LIM YOUNGWOONG from the October King of Singers contest on "My Good Star."

The donation will be used for a care and medical expense support project for families of pediatric patients undergoing long-term treatment. The initiative supports household stability by providing caregiving expenses, living costs, and meal expenses to guardians whose economic activities are restricted due to caring for their sick children.

This contribution was made through the participation of his fandom, "Hero Generation," active on "My Good Star." Total cumulative donations made under LIM YOUNGWOONG's name through "My Good Star" have reached 138.05 million won.

Director Hong Seung-yoon of the Korea Pediatric Cancer Foundation stated, "Guardians who remain by their children's side throughout extended treatment periods experience considerable difficulties in their economic activities and daily lives. We are deeply grateful to LIM YOUNGWOONG and the members of Hero Generation for sending their unchanging interest every month, and we will valuably use the delivered funds where needed so that families can relieve their livelihood concerns and focus on their child's treatment and recovery."

Meanwhile, LIM YOUNGWOONG is awaiting the upcoming November 18 release of his live concert film "LIM YOUNGWOONG | IM HERO THE STADIUM 2," which commemorates the 10th anniversary of his debut. 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)

▶Read the Full Story Now

▶ SBS News App Download

ⓒ SBS & SBS i : Unauthorized copy and/or redistributing of copyrighted materials prohibited

▶ SBS News App Download

ⓒ SBS & SBS i : Unauthorized copy and/or redistributing of copyrighted materials prohibited

Former BIGBANG member T.O.P and actor Nana, who are publicly dating, were spotted enjoying a sweet date together.

On November 2, a video was posted to an online community showing T.O.P visiting a birthday cafe prepared by fans to express his gratitude, accompanied by his girlfriend Nana.

In the released video, the two appear comfortably dressed in masks, seemingly stopping by T.O.P's birthday cafe while on a date. Nana showed her warm affection by using her mobile phone camera to capture T.O.P looking thrilled at the birthday cafe prepared directly by his fans.

The two officially confirmed their relationship last month. When dating rumors emerged, agencies representing both sides swiftly acknowledged the romance in under an hour, announcing the birth of an official entertainment industry couple.

The couple first connected earlier this year through filming the music video for "Studio54", the title track of T.O.P's solo album, and reportedly continued their friendship before developing into romantic partners around June.

Meanwhile, T.O.P debuted with BIGBANG in 2006 and later departed from the group, subsequently resuming his acting career through Season 2 of the Netflix series "Squid Game." In April, he released his first full-length solo album, "Another Dimension."

Nana, who debuted as a member of After School in 2009, transitioned to acting starting with the 2016 drama "The Good Wife" and established her position in the industry. She recently appeared in the Netflix series "The Scandal."

[Photo = Online Community]

Faith D.O. DEY Zico XILI

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)

▶Read the Full Story Now

▶ SBS News App Download

ⓒ SBS & SBS i : Unauthorized copy and/or redistributing of copyrighted materials prohibited

▶ SBS News App Download

ⓒ SBS & SBS i : Unauthorized copy and/or redistributing of copyrighted materials prohibited

On "Whenever Possible," Yu Jae-seok, Yoo Yeonseok, and Yang Se-jong reveal how the causes of their injuries change with age.

On the SBS variety show "Whenever Possible," airing on the night of November 3, the "Two Yoo MCs" Yu Jae-seok and Yoo Yeonseok team up with guest "gap friends," actors Lee Dong-hwi and Yang Se-jong, to deliver good fortune during spare moments in Haebangchon, Seoul.

During a recent recording, Yang Se-jong shared his concerns following an injury, saying, "Ever since I suffered an ankle fracture, I've been taking care of my body. I'm trying to make sure the first digit of my weight doesn't change." In response, Yoo Yeonseok vented his sorrow over injuries that arrive without any clear reason, saying, "These days, I wake up injured. Running is trendy right now, so I'm doing marathons, but whenever I run, my knees hurt."

To this, Yu Jae-seok bragged(?) about injury stories that the younger members could never imagine, saying, "If I run, my knees give out. That's why I hear everyone is going to the hospital these days." He then delivered the clincher, saying, "If I start talking about those kinds of stories, there's no end to it," turning the set into a sea of laughter.

On this day, the four displayed their chemistry as "beloved brothers" that transcended generations. Lee Dong-hwi and Yang Se-jong shone as a fantastic younger-brother duo, attentively filling in the gaps for the two older brothers, and Yu Jae-seok expressed his satisfaction, saying, "There really is a reason they are so well-loved."

Meanwhile, "Whenever Possible," which has solidified its position as a Tuesday variety show powerhouse by maintaining the No. 1 spot in its time slot for 11 consecutive weeks, is scheduled to air tonight (November 3) at 10:30 p.m. due to the broadcast of Game 1 of the 2026 KBO Korean Series. 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)

▶Read the Full Story Now

▶ SBS News App Download

ⓒ SBS & SBS i : Unauthorized copy and/or redistributing of copyrighted materials prohibited

▶ SBS News App Download

ⓒ SBS & SBS i : Unauthorized copy and/or redistributing of copyrighted materials prohibited

A shocking upset unfolded during the Round 2 one-on-one deathmatches on "The Ballad of Us 2."

On the November 2 broadcast of SBS's "The Ballad of Us 2," the Round 2 one-on-one deathmatches took place, where skilled vocalist Han Ro-i defeated Park Ye-seung, the first round's first perfect scorer, successfully advancing to Round 3.

According to Nielsen Korea, the broadcast peaked at 6.4% per minute and recorded a household rating of 5.8% in the Seoul metropolitan area. It also posted a 1.4% rating among viewers aged 20 to 49, ranking first in its time slot and among all Monday variety programs for five consecutive weeks, proving its formidable sensation.

The highlight of the day was the showdown between powerhouse vocalist Han Ro-i and Round 1 perfect scorer Park Ye-seung. Selecting Kang San-eh's "When I Look at You"—his mother's favorite song—Han Ro-i took the stage with a guitar and delivered an upgraded performance. Meanwhile, Park Ye-seung performed Roy Kim's "If You Ask Me What Love Is," his father's favorite song, completing a sincere stage.

After a fierce contest, Han Ro-i claimed victory, and Jung Seung-hwan could not hide his shock at the elimination of Park Ye-seung, who had been considered a strong contender to win, exclaiming, "How can this happen?"

Meanwhile, visual center Park Dae-hee earned 116 votes with Cho Ha-moon's "When You Come Into My Heart" amid recruitment offers from Jung Jae-hyung and BIBI, advancing straight to Round 3. Tone fairy Shin Chae-won also delivered a lovely reinterpretation of Yoon Jong-shin's "Rebirth," dramatically surviving by edging out Lee Yoo-bin by a mere two votes.

Adding heat with unexpected plot twists, "The Ballad of Us 2" will air on Monday, November 9, at 10 p.m.

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)

▶Read the Full Story Now

▶ SBS News App Download

ⓒ SBS & SBS i : Unauthorized copy and/or redistributing of copyrighted materials prohibited

▶ SBS News App Download

ⓒ SBS & SBS i : Unauthorized copy and/or redistributing of copyrighted materials prohibited

Han Ro-i defeated a favorite to win.

On the November 2 broadcast of SBS' "The Ballad of Us Season 2," Han Ro-i and Park Ye-seung went head-to-head in a one-on-one battle.

On the broadcast, Han Ro-i revealed that he ended up competing after being chosen by Park Ye-seung, the only person he had classified as high risk.

He also showed a positive attitude regarding the harsh criticism directed at his previous performance, saying, "I wondered if busking had left me with habits that didn't fit my age. I felt the need to rethink my way of expression going forward. On the other hand, I felt relieved that it happened now."

Explaining his song selection, he shared that he chose his mother's favorite track, Kang San-eh's "When I Look at You". He said, "I have been living apart from my mother since I was 18. Whenever I busked from then on, I used to send her videos of my performances, and she created a YouTube channel in my name to upload those videos. She told me she uploaded them hoping many people would listen. And among the songs I sing, she loves this track in particular."

He added, "When I told her my competition song, she was thrilled. I will sing for my mother, my number one fan who knows me best and loves my singing."

He then delivered a performance that exceeded everyone's expectations. In response, Park Kyung-lim applauded, saying, "I guarantee your YouTube channel won't stay quiet anymore. The views are going to explode."

The "Top 100 Ears" representatives also praised Han Ro-i's effort, noting that the feedback from the previous round was seamlessly integrated into the performance.

Cha Tae-hyun offered high praise, saying, "Even today, there were moments when his voice sounded like someone else. But as I listened to the song, I thought, 'What does that matter? Who cares?' Han Ro-i's own color was so cool."

BIBI also praised the stage, saying, "At first, I thought, 'Car, the garden?' But after listening to the whole thing, it felt like a tough guy breaking out of Car, the garden. Rather than a 21-year-old, it felt like a master said, 'Excuse me, I'm going to enter your body and leave.'"

Joo Woo-jae commented, "Watching today's performance made me wonder how much busking he must have done until now. It felt as though his vocal cords had undergone iron palm training. He seemed thoroughly tempered on the ground. The guitar and his voice felt like one."

Jung Seung-hwan followed with applause, saying, "I thought to myself that he is someone who sings his own life. The luxury that his mother had enjoyed all to herself until now might now be shared by many more people. It made me want to root for the singer Han Ro-i."

Roy Kim also cheered him on, saying, "Not all singers know their own voice from the very start. You are doing well right now, so I hope you take pride and put on performances that are entirely your own."

Meanwhile, Han Ro-i surprised everyone by defeating title favorite Park Ye-seung with a score of 91 to 59, automatically advancing to the next round.

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

▶Read the Full Story Now

▶ SBS News App Download

ⓒ SBS & SBS i : Unauthorized copy and/or redistributing of copyrighted materials prohibited