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Rising star Kang Shin has been invited to the 29th Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival (BIFAN) with the film Ask Me Anything (directed by Lee Yong-seok).

Kang Shin will attend the opening ceremony of the 29th BIFAN, which takes place today (July 2) at 7:00 PM at the Bucheon Arts Center Concert Hall.

Ask Me Anything, starring Kang Shin, is a full-scale fantasy thriller that follows a character who gradually confronts their own reality through a bizarre interview. The film has been officially invited to the Bucheon Choice: AI Film international competition section of the festival.

This project is a hybrid feature film that utilizes generative AI to implement major CG and VFX elements. It adopts a production method that combines live-action filming with AI-based visual effects. Kang Shin stars in the film alongside Lee Ki-woo.

Kang Shin is a rookie actor who first gained industry attention after being selected for the CJ ENM O'PEN project The Receiver through an unprecedented competition rate. While awaiting the release of director Park Ruslan's film Kantar, which he has already finished filming, he has now received an invitation to BIFAN for Ask Me Anything.

Attending his first international film festival since his debut, Kang Shin will participate in events including the red carpet photo wall before the opening ceremony and the screening of the opening film. He is also scheduled to attend the screenings of Ask Me Anything and the subsequent Q&A sessions with the audience on July 3 and July 8.

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* This article contains spoilers for the film.

Director Josh Safdie, the visionary behind the film Marty Supreme, has opened up about the movie's ambiguous, tragicomic ending, revealing that he had considered a completely different conclusion.

During a virtual press conference held for domestic media on the morning of July 2, Director Safdie shared the alternative ideas he had contemplated before settling on the current version of the film's finale.

Safdie explained, "There was another ending. It was a montage that followed Marty seeing his newborn child. The montage would have shown the births of his first and second children, the death of his dog, and an elderly Marty living in a grand mansion on Long Island after inheriting his uncle's business." He revealed that this version would have depicted the realization of Marty's American Dream.

But that was not all. Safdie added, "Following that scene, Rockwell would have appeared from behind the concert hall. He would have looked exactly as he did decades ago, like a vampire, and bitten Marty's neck. That was the idea."

The alternative ending described by Safdie carries a vastly different tone from the theatrical version. While the current ending leaves audiences with a lingering feeling on the blurred line between comedy and tragedy, the director's initial concept—shifting from comedy to satire and even a genre-bending twist—has piqued the interest of many.

Marty Supreme is a bold and dynamic film that follows the journey of Marty Mouser, a man obsessed with a dream no one respects, as he goes to hell and back to become the best. Based on the life of American table tennis champion Marty Mouser, the film features a standout performance by Timothée Chalamet and is elevated by Director Safdie's signature vibrant and sensory-driven direction.

By exploring the life of a Jewish table tennis player, the film critiques the illusions and fallacies of the 1950s American Dream. It resonated deeply with many Americans, including immigrants, and became the highest-grossing film for distributor A24 prior to the release of The Backrooms.

Marty Supreme was released domestically on July 1 and debuted at number 3 at the box office.

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Singer and actor Lee Ja-ram, who has played the role of Song-hwa in the musical Seopyeonje for 16 years, has announced that she has only two performances remaining this season, leaving fans feeling bittersweet.

Lee recently shared her thoughts ahead of her final performances through the official Seopyeonje social media channels, stating, "This is Lee Ja-ram, who plays the role of Song-hwa in Seopyeonje. I now have only two performances left, on July 3 and July 5."

She expressed her deep affection for the production, saying, "While there are still regional performances scheduled, this marks the true end for this season. I have received so much love through Seopyeonje. There were so many unbelievable and amazing moments, and I think even my nicknames were born from this show."

She added, "Regardless, I will finish this journey well until the very end. Thank you for all the love. Please come to see not only my remaining shows but also the Seopyeonje performances featuring all the other Song-hwas, Dong-hos, Yu-bongs, and the ensemble cast."

Since the premiere in 2010, Lee Ja-ram has established herself as an iconic actor of Seopyeonje, portraying the role of Song-hwa for 16 years. She has been beloved as the definitive Song-hwa, delicately expressing complex emotions—from the innocence of a young girl to the process of growing into a master singer, and the reunion with Dong-ho.

This season features original cast members Lee Ja-ram and Cha Ji-yeon, alongside new additions Lee Bom-sori and STAYC's Sieun, who have joined as Song-hwa. Additionally, a role for an older Song-hwa was newly created, with Jung Eun-hye participating, while Kim Kyung-soo, Yoo Hyun-seok, and KIM JUNSU have been cast as Dong-ho, each bringing their own unique charm to the stage.

The musical Seopyeonje is based on the novel of the same name from Lee Cheong-jun's short story collection Namdo Saram. The work depicts the lives of Yu-bong, who travels the country teaching traditional singing to his step-children Song-hwa and Dong-ho; Dong-ho, who believes his mother died because of the singing; and Song-hwa, who silently walks her own path, all told through Korean sentiments and pansori.

Lee Ja-ram's final performances for this season of Seopyeonje can be seen on the stage on July 3 and July 5.

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Apink member Hayoung and creator ZapZap are transforming into ambassadors to share the charm of K-Shopping with the world.

On July 2, SBS announced the launch of a new digital content series titled K-Shopping Mate, designed for global tourists who find shopping in Korea challenging. K-Shopping Mate is an outdoor reality show where the two MCs act as genuine shopping buddies for foreign guests, visiting the hottest shopping destinations in Seoul, including Seongsu, Myeong-dong, Cheongdam, and Hongdae.

The star-studded lineup has also captured attention. Hayoung of Apink, known among fans as Oh-phrodite for her exceptional beauty sense, will team up with beauty creator ZapZap, who has captivated 1.65 million subscribers across TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube with diverse makeup content. They plan to guide viewers to trendy spots known only to locals and carefully select and introduce hidden gems that foreigners might easily miss.

This content is also a meaningful win-win project designed to help excellent domestic small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) enter overseas markets. It was produced as part of a joint advancement project for SMEs, supported by the Korea Foundation for Cooperation of Large & Small Business, Rural Affairs and co-hosted by SBS and Gmarket. To assist SMEs lacking overseas infrastructure, SBS is in charge of content production and marketing, while Gmarket provides full support for overseas distribution and sales channels.

The 10 SME brands selected for this project will showcase their products to global consumers through K-Shopping Mate, and overseas direct sales channels will be opened via Gmarket Global. In addition, they will receive integrated marketing solutions, including digital promotion and the operation of local pop-up stores.

K-Shopping Mate, a global shopping reality show raising expectations through the meeting of K-Content and e-commerce, will unveil its first episode on Monday, July 6, at 3:00 PM via the official SBS Mobidic YouTube channel.

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Actor Ryu Jun Yeol has signed an exclusive contract with Galaxy Corporation, the agency currently representing stars such as G-DRAGON and Song Kang-ho.

On July 1, Galaxy Corporation announced, "We have signed an exclusive contract with actor Ryu Junyeol. We will provide full support for his activities so that his unrivaled acting skills and artistic capabilities can shine even brighter on the global stage."

Ryu Junyeol debuted in the 2015 film Socialphobia and gained widespread popularity through the drama Reply 1988. He has since established himself as one of South Korea's leading actors through various projects, including the films The King, A Taxi Driver, Believer, Money, and The Night Owl. He is currently awaiting the release of the Netflix series Mousetrap.

Galaxy Corporation is currently home to a star-studded roster, including actor Song Kang-ho, G-DRAGON, TAEMIN, and Kim Jong-kook.

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

(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)

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The detective who uses money and connections to take down criminals is back, and the scale is bigger than ever.

On July 2, the production team for the new SBS Friday-Saturday drama Flex X Cop Season 2 released its highly anticipated first teaser, signaling a spectacular comeback.

Scheduled to premiere on August 7 as the follow-up to the currently airing Agent Kim Reactivated, Flex X Cop Season 2 follows the story of Jin I-soo (played by Ahn Bo-hyun), a third-generation chaebol detective who uses his wealth and influence as a cheat code, and the new veteran team leader Joo Hye-ra (played by Jung Eun-chae). Together, they team up to take down criminals who have become even more intelligent and sophisticated.

The first teaser video released today immediately grabs viewers' attention with the signature confidence of Jin I-soo. He is seen crossing borders on a luxury private jet with his Violent Crimes Unit 1 teammates Park Joon-young (played by Kang Sang-jun) and Choi Kyung-jin (played by Kim Shin-bi). He also calls in a helicopter, saying, "I need to use that helicopter. I have to catch some serial killers," and engages in a high-stakes car chase through the heart of the city, marking the beginning of a truly high-class, flex-style investigation.

The biggest change this season is the shake-up within the Violent Crimes Unit 1 at Gangha Police Station. The arrival of the new team leader, Joo Hye-ra, is set to keep Jin I-soo on his toes. Joo Hye-ra is a former instructor known as the "Devil Instructor" who terrified Jin I-soo back in his police academy days. She is shown effortlessly taking him down with judo techniques, hinting at a unique and intense chemistry between the two.

Amidst the tension brought on by mysterious terror cases that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats, actor Yoo Seung-ho makes his first appearance, finally unveiling his character, the new chaebol figure Yoo Sung-won. With his short appearance already sparking intense curiosity among viewers, all eyes are on what kind of "cheat code" Yoo Seung-ho will bring to the table this season.

With the return of Ahn Bo-hyun's dynamic investigation style, the addition of his new partner Jung Eun-chae's girl-crush charisma, and the arrival of Yoo Seung-ho, Flex X Cop Season 2 is returning with a massive upgrade in scale. The drama will premiere on Friday, August 7, at 9:50 PM.

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Director Josh Safdie, who helmed the film Marty Supreme, has opened up about the unique charm of actor Timothée Chalamet, who stars in the title role.

During a virtual press conference held for domestic media on the morning of the 2nd, Director Josh Safdie shared his thoughts on Chalamet, stating, "The biggest charm I felt from Chalamet was his intensity. He has a boyish quality and the eyes of a child looking at the world. Through these two elements, that intensity comes across in a gentle way."

Safdie detailed the communication process he shared with Chalamet. "From the moment we started working together, I could tell his process was very specific. He shared all of that with me. On the other hand, my ideas were a constant stream of chaos, and Chalamet would ask me to organize what I wanted from him. At first, I tried to accommodate that method, but later on, it didn't work. So he told me, 'Director, just do it your way,'" Safdie explained regarding how they adjusted to each other's styles.

He further praised Chalamet's attitude and passion, saying, "Chalamet is serious and relentless when it comes to acting. I love that about him. If I tell him to 'read this book' or 'learn table tennis,' he does exactly that. He was so passionate that he even started practicing table tennis before the script was fully completed."

Marty Supreme is a bold and dynamic film that follows the journey of Marty Mouser, a man obsessed with a dream that no one respects, as he goes to hell and back to become the best. Based on the life of American table tennis champion Marty Mouser, the film features what is considered Timothée Chalamet's greatest performance to date, earning him Best Actor honors at this year's Critics Choice Awards and the Golden Globe Awards.

Director Josh Safdie gained global attention for films he co-directed with his brother Benny Safdie, such as Good Time and Uncut Gems. Marty Supreme marks his first solo directorial project since he and his brother decided to pursue their own paths.

Marty Supreme was released in Korea on the 1st.

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Although it has been over a decade since singer Jang Yoon Jeong reportedly cut ties with her mother, her painful family history has resurfaced due to new fraud allegations involving her mother.

On the episode of JTBC's "Crime Chief" that aired on the 30th of last month, allegations were raised that Jang Yoon Jeong's mother, surnamed Yook, had committed investment fraud against an acquaintance by using her daughter's name.

According to the broadcast, a woman in her 60s, identified as A, met Yook at a sauna about two years ago and became close with her. A claimed that Yook told her, "I have already reconciled with Jang Yoon Jeong and we are on good terms," and showed her messenger conversations and text messages that appeared to be between herself and Jang Yoon Jeong. Trusting these claims, A invested 30 million KRW with Yook. However, after failing to receive the principal or any returns, A filed a complaint against Yook in April.

The conflict between Jang Yoon Jeong and her mother first became public in 2013, ahead of the singer's marriage. At the time, Jang Yoon Jeong confessed on the SBS program "Healing Camp" that she discovered that most of the wealth she had earned throughout her long career had disappeared while her mother was managing her bank accounts, and that she was instead left with debts amounting to over 1 billion KRW.

Subsequently, Jang Yoon Jeong filed a lawsuit against her younger brother for the return of borrowed funds and won a partial victory, ultimately recovering 320 million KRW. At the time, her mother and brother denied the allegations of squandering her wealth through various broadcasts, but it was reported that Jang Yoon Jeong had effectively cut ties with both of them.

Back then, Jang Yoon Jeong's mother made unverified claims to the media, such as "I have never squandered my daughter's money" and "She tried to lock me up in a mental hospital," while also contacting fellow celebrities who had ties to Jang Yoon Jeong, causing the singer significant distress. However, as media outlets and Jang Yoon Jeong's associates maintained a policy of non-response, Yook eventually stopped providing tips about her daughter.

In 2018, Yook was convicted of fraud for borrowing hundreds of millions of KRW from an acquaintance and failing to repay it, for which she received a prison sentence. It was later revealed that she was released on parole in December of that same year to receive treatment after being diagnosed with terminal liver cancer.

Despite the news of Yook being sued for fraud becoming public, Jang Yoon Jeong, who has remained silent on matters regarding her mother for a long time, has refrained from responding directly. Her agency maintained a cautious stance, stating, "We understand that our position was sufficiently conveyed through 'Crime Chief'."

Photo = Reporter Baek Seung-cheol

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(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)

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The sports variety show Burn to Win has decided not to air the match between the Fireworks Fighters and Paichai High School.

Studio C1, the production company behind Burn to Win, announced on its official YouTube channel on July 1, "The production team has taken the recent issues regarding Paichai High School very seriously, and we have decided not to air the Paichai High School episode, which was scheduled for July 6." They added, "We ask for the viewers' understanding."

The statement continued, "We will return with the Seongnam High School episode on July 13 at 8:00 PM."

The decision by Studio C1 follows an incident that occurred during the 81st Blue Dragon National High School Baseball Championship match between Paichai High School and Gwangju Jeil High School at Mokdong Baseball Stadium in Seoul on the 29th of last month. During the game, Paichai High School baseball players were heard chanting, "Let's go, let's go, let's go to Starbucks," toward the Gwangju Jeil High School dugout, and also shouted the phrase "Tank Day."

Gwangju Jeil High School protested through the umpires, stating, "Stop that. Why are you bringing up Starbucks?" leading to the umpires issuing a warning to the Paichai High School side. As videos of the incident spread across YouTube and online communities, the Paichai High School baseball team faced criticism for allegedly mocking the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement and disparaging the region.

Although Paichai High School attempted to address the situation by issuing two separate apologies, public sentiment remained cold. According to the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education, Paichai High School expressed a desire to visit Gwangju Jeil High School in person today (July 1) to offer a sincere apology. However, it was reported that Gwangju Jeil High School requested they reconsider, stating that "the students are not yet in a state of mind to accept an apology."

On the 7th of last month, the players of Burn to Win played a match against the student athletes of Paichai High School at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul, which was broadcast live on the SBS Plus channel that day. The edited version of this broadcast was scheduled to be released on Studio C1's YouTube channel on the 6th, but the production team decided to cancel the broadcast following the controversy over Paichai High School's alleged regional disparagement.

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

(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)

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Lotte Cinema has announced its July lineup for its exclusive release program, Lotte Cinema Pick, and its specialized sound theater, Gwang-eum Cinema.

First, the theater chain is introducing three exclusive titles under the Lotte Cinema Pick banner to energize the summer box office.

Doraemon the Movie: New Nobita's Undersea Devil Castle, the latest installment in the Doraemon series, meets audiences starting July 1. Following its release in Japan this past February, the film saw explosive success, topping the box office for six consecutive weeks and surpassing 4 billion yen in revenue within eight weeks. Notably, it is the first in the series to be released in the SUPER│MX4D format, promising a dynamic viewing experience that makes the audience feel as if they are part of the mysterious undersea adventure.

On the same day, the legendary horror-comedy "Scary Movie" also arrives. As a comedy series known for its relentless satire of Hollywood, it has brought laughter to fans worldwide. This installment is expected to deliver unpredictable fun with even more daring and humorous parodies, including KPop Demon Hunters, as well as Scream, Weapons, The Substance, and Get Out.

Following this, the horror film Hokum arrives on July 22. The film has garnered attention after being selected by NEON, the North American distributor for Parasite and Hope. Upon its North American release, it achieved a 90% freshness rating on the global film review site Rotten Tomatoes, proving both its artistic quality and commercial appeal. The overwhelming horror stemming from the ghost stories and hidden truths of a sealed suite is expected to captivate local horror enthusiasts once again.

In addition, Lotte Cinema continues its momentum by unveiling the July lineup for Gwang-eum Cinema, a specialized sound theater that offers an optimal cinematic experience through high-quality, explosive audio.

First, Disney's ocean adventure Moana, opening July 8, will be screened at Gwang-eum Cinema. The combination of enchanting visuals set against the backdrop of the ocean and vivid sound is expected to provide audiences with a complete auditory immersion, as if they were right in the middle of a massive wave.

On July 29, Spider-Man: Brand New Day, a film awaited by fans worldwide, will serve as the highlight of the Gwang-eum Cinema lineup. The film's signature high-flying action and impact will be maximized by Gwang-eum Cinema's explosive sound system, delivering a spectacular experience.

A representative from Lotte Cinema stated, "For the summer vacation season, we have prepared a rich selection, ranging from Lotte Cinema Pick exclusive releases that will hit the mark for our audience's tastes, to the Gwang-eum Cinema lineup that offers an overwhelming sound experience only available in theaters." They added, "We plan to continue introducing differentiated content and viewing environments that can only be experienced at Lotte Cinema."

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It has been revealed that the son of legendary Korean comedian couple Park Mi-sun and Lee Bong-won has been pursuing an acting career under a different surname to avoid relying on his parents' fame.

Recently, comedians Park Mi-sun and Lee Kyung-shil appeared on comedian Jo Hye-ryun's YouTube channel to share updates and talk about their families. Reflecting on a time when she temporarily halted her activities due to health issues, Park expressed her deep affection for her children.

Park shared, "While I was sick, I realized how important family is. My daughter documented every step of my recovery and uploaded it to YouTube. She put so much heart into it," expressing her gratitude.

Jo Hye-ryun, producer of the play "I Love You, Mom," mentioned actor Choi Sang-yeop, stating, "His son is currently working as an actor under a different surname." She added, "Two years ago, a young man came to audition, and it turned out to be Park Mi-sun's son. I didn't even know during the audition. He is working under the surname Choi, and he is so cute, handsome, and truly a great actor."

She continued with a laugh, "What's even funnier is that when Lee Bong-won came to see the play, he didn't even recognize his own son. He kept asking, 'Where is Sang-yeop?' and was shocked when he was told, 'I am Sang-yeop.'"

Park Mi-sun commented, "My son dreamed of being a comedian when he was young. We even taught him how to fall safely, saying, 'Mom and Dad will teach you.' But then, suddenly, he said he wanted to be an actor. We didn't know much about the acting industry, so we didn't know how to help him. Still, he changed his name and has been quietly walking his own path without any help from his parents," showing her support.

Choi Sang-yeop is currently signed as an actor under Cube Entertainment, the same agency as his parents.

He has been building his filmography step by step, appearing in plays such as "I Love You, Mom," "Fill Up MIMI," "Hamlet Trial," and "Orlando," as well as films like "The Way of Drawing Lines," "Our Neighborhood Superhero," and "Airdrop," and the KBS 1TV drama "Cheongsanri: Reconstruction of the Battle." He is also active in various fields, including commercials and YouTube dramas.

A representative from Cube Entertainment told SBS Entertainment News, "Choi Sang-yeop has a strong will to be recognized as an actor on his own merits rather than through his parents' fame. He didn't reveal whose son he was, changed his surname, and has been steadily attending auditions to carve out his own path." The representative added, "He is a quiet and diligent actor who is trusted on set. He doesn't shy away from small roles and is growing one step at a time."

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

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)

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The film The Secret Agent is garnering attention as a unique piece of cinema that uses the specific setting of 1977 Recife, Brazil, to shed light on our current reality.

When discussing the films of Kleber Mendonça Filho, who has established himself as one of the most notable cineastes of our time with just five works, it is impossible to leave out his hometown of Recife, a city in northeastern Brazil.

Known as the Venice of Brazil, the port city of Recife is a place where intense sunlight and the sea coexist with old city centers and modern development. The director has consistently captured the city's noise, the texture of its streets, its stark class divisions, and the collective memories of its people through his own unique cinematic language.

Having uniquely handled reality and memory across various genres in films such as Neighboring Sounds, Aquarius, Bacurau, and Pictures of Ghosts, he once again brings Recife to the center of his new film, The Secret Agent.

The Secret Agent is a one-of-a-kind premium thriller that depicts a man who abandons his name and returns to his hometown in 1977 Brazil, only to find himself being hunted. In the film, Recife is brought back to life as a complex space where beauty and threat, memory and anxiety coexist, vividly realized through old theaters, streets, archives, phone booths, humid air, and the heat of the crowds.

The vividness of the space created by the film takes on even clearer meaning when coupled with its 1977 setting. While 1977 was a time during Brazil's military dictatorship when the government spoke of easing controls and opening up, the logic of censorship, surveillance, and violence actually dominated society as a whole.

Director Kleber Mendonça Filho does not use this era merely as a backdrop; he focuses on capturing the invisible atmosphere and logic that drove the times. The intense heat, the gazes of the people, rumors and ghost stories, traces erased from records, and inexplicable anxiety clearly reveal the terror of the era. In particular, the film strongly displays the duality of the period by juxtaposing the shadow of state violence with the fervor of Carnival within the same frame.

What makes The Secret Agent special is that it does not stop at restoring the past but connects that time to the present. The failure of Brazilian society to fully confront the memories of its military dictatorship—which the director described as appearing to be a nation that has chosen amnesia—and the resurgence of authoritarianism and the crisis of democracy under the Bolsonaro administration make this film more than just a period piece; it is a work that reflects the present.

Furthermore, the film is structured to move between the past and the present, leading the audience to trace old recordings, documents, photos, and testimonies alongside the characters. It allows viewers to experience the past not as something that is over, but as an event that is being reinterpreted today. Asking questions such as, How accurately can a society that fails to properly remember its past understand its present? and What kind of void does unrecorded time leave for future generations?, The Secret Agent has received rave reviews from leading international media, including It will take you to places film rarely reaches (RogerEbert.com) and An astonishing cinematic experience that brings the past into the present (Empire). Additionally, it won four awards at the 78th Cannes Film Festival, including Best Director and Best Actor. It went on to win two Golden Globes and was nominated in four categories at the Academy Awards, proving both its artistic quality and buzz.

The Secret Agent, which vividly restores the northeastern Brazilian city of Recife and the 1977 military dictatorship era while capturing contemporary significance that reflects both the past and present, will be released in theaters nationwide on July 8.

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

(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)

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The ENA drama The Scarecrow has achieved a remarkable feat by securing the highest number of nominations for the 5th Blue Dragon Series Awards.

The nominees, announced by the Blue Dragon Series Awards secretariat on July 1, were selected from dramas and variety shows released on domestic and international streaming platforms between June 1, 2025, and May 31, 2026.

Five titles have been nominated for Best Drama: Made in Korea, Yumi's Cells Season 3, You and Everything Else, The Legend of Kitchen Soldier, and The Scarecrow, officially kicking off the race for the top honor.

The Scarecrow earned the most nominations, totaling six categories including Best Drama, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor and Actress, and Best New Actor and Actress. However, while one of the drama's two leads, Park Hae-soo, is nominated for Best Actor, the absence of Kim Hee-jun from the acting nominations has raised some eyebrows.

Park Ji-hoon's series comeback, The Legend of Kitchen Soldier, followed closely with nominations in four categories (five total nominations), including Best Drama, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, and Best New Actor. Having risen to stardom as a 16-million-ticket-selling actor with The King's Warden, Park Ji-hoon is now aiming for his first Best Actor win since his debut.

The Best Actor category features a fierce competition between Park Hae-soo (The Scarecrow), Park Ji-hoon (The Legend of Kitchen Soldier), Kim Seonho (Can This Love Be Translated?), Kim Woobin (Genie, Make a Wish), and Hyun Bin (Made in Korea). The Best Actress category is equally competitive, with nominations for Go Youn-jung (Can This Love Be Translated?), Kim Go-eun (You and Everything Else), Park Bo young (Gold Land), Park Ji-hyun (You and Everything Else), and Shin Hae Sun (The Art of Sarah).

Nominees for Best Supporting Actor include Yoon Kyungho (The Legend of Kitchen Soldier), Lee Kwang soo (Gold Land), Lee Sang-yi (The Legend of Kitchen Soldier), Jung Moon-sung (The Scarecrow), and Jin Sun-kyu (Aema). The Best Supporting Actress category features Kwak Sun-young (The Scarecrow), Moon Jung-hee (Gold Land), Park Bo-kyung (The Art of Sarah), Seo Eun-su (Made in Korea), and Im Soo-jung (Low Life) vying for the trophy.

The Best New Actor category, a once-in-a-lifetime honor, features Kim Jae-won (Yumi's Cells Season 3), Kim Jin-wook (Low Life), Baek Seon-ho (If Wishes Could Kill), Song Geon-hee (The Scarecrow), and Lee Hong-nae (The Legend of Kitchen Soldier). Meanwhile, the Best New Actress category includes Kim Min (Low Life), Bang Hyo-rin (Aema), Seo Ji-hye (The Scarecrow), Arin (S-Line), and Jeon So-young (If Wishes Could Kill).

The variety show categories are just as star-studded. SCREWBALLS, Better Late Than Single, Jae-seok's B&B Rules!, Office Workers Season 2, and Culinary Class Wars Season 2 have been nominated for Best Variety Show.

The highly anticipated Best Male Entertainer category features nominations for Kim Won-hun (SNL Korea Season 8), Shin Dong-yeob (SNL Korea Season 8), Yu Jae-seok (Jae-seok's B&B Rules!), Lee Kwang soo (Jae-seok's B&B Rules!), and Joo Woo-jae (The Rival). The Best Female Entertainer category includes Kim Sook (The Rival), Lee Soo-ji (SNL Korea Season 8), Lee Eun-ji (Better Late Than Single), Jung Yi-rang (Sister's Cafe), and Ji Ye-eun (Jae-seok's B&B Rules!).

Nominees for Best New Male Entertainer include Kim Gyu-won (SNL Korea Season 8), Kim Seonho (Bonjour Bakery), Byeon Wooseok (Jae-seok's B&B Rules!), Car, the garden (Better Late Than Single), and Hu Deok-juk (Culinary Class Wars Season 2). The Best New Female Entertainer category features Kim Si-hyun (Culinary Class Wars Season 2), Kim Ye-won (EXchange 4), Shim Ja-yoon (Office Workers Season 2), Ahn Ju-mi (SNL Korea Season 8), and Mina-sue Choi (Single's Inferno Season 5).

Netizen voting to determine the final winners will take place from July 2 (Thursday) to July 30 (Thursday) via the voting platform Celeb Champ. The results of this vote will carry the same weight as one judge's vote.

The 5th Blue Dragon Series Awards will be held on July 31 (Friday) at 8:30 PM at Paradise City Chroma in Incheon and will be broadcast live on KBS 2TV.

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

(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)

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Director Yeon Sang-ho and actor Gianna Jun are set to shine at the New York Asian Film Festival (NYAFF).

The pair will attend the 25th New York Asian Film Festival, which kicks off on July 10. As their film, COLONY, has been selected as the opening film, both the director and the lead actor have received official invitations from the festival. The opening screening is scheduled for 7:00 PM local time on July 10.

Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, the New York Asian Film Festival is a premier event dedicated to showcasing a diverse range of genre films from across Asia.

With COLONY selected to open the festival, Director Yeon Sang-ho and Gianna Jun will visit New York to greet the audience in person.

COLONY previously garnered significant attention when it was invited to the Midnight Screenings section of the 79th Cannes Film Festival for its world premiere. It was subsequently released in Korea on May 21, where it achieved box office success, drawing 5.74 million moviegoers nationwide.

Following their appearance at the Cannes Film Festival, Director Yeon Sang-ho and Gianna Jun will once again attend an international film festival together. Their participation is expected to be especially meaningful as they head to the event after the film's successful domestic run.

The New York Asian Film Festival will run from July 10 to July 26 across five theaters in New York City.

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

(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)

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Actor Kim Jung-tae, known for his roles in hit films such as Friend and Miracle in Cell No. 7, is taking on a new challenge as a film director with the upcoming movie Family Trip.

Family Trip is a road movie that captures the chaotic journey of a family who are more like strangers, with one destination but five different agendas. The film is highly anticipated as it marks actor Lee Hwi-hyang's first-ever lead role on the big screen in her 44-year acting career. She plays the role of Sun-im, a mother-in-law suffering from dementia.

Kim Jung-tae, who established himself as a top-tier actor with the ten-million-viewer hit Miracle in Cell No. 7, not only stars in Family Trip as Chang-wook, an incompetent husband who only chases his dreams, but also makes his directorial debut by co-directing the film alongside screenwriter Jung Jong-seop. Director Jung is a storyteller with solid field experience, having been part of the production team for director Kwak Kyung-taek's film Friend. Together, they aimed to create a warm and realistic family drama.

The newly released main poster catches the eye with the tagline, "One destination, five different thoughts. Will this trip really be okay?" while showing the family members displaying different emotions. Sun-im (Lee Hwi-hyang), the mother-in-law with dementia, looks bright and happy, while Young-ju (Seo Young-hee) stands beside her, watching her with a warm smile.

The film sparks curiosity about what will happen to this unconventional family, who are physically together but mentally worlds apart, as they embark on an impromptu trip to Busan.

Family Trip will be released in theaters this September.

Note: "Family Trip" is a romanization of the original Korean title "Gajok Yeohaeng," as no official English title has been released yet.

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Rapper BIG Naughty (real name Seo Dong-hyun) is releasing a new pre-release track featuring singer Jay Park.

BIG Naughty will drop his new EP's second pre-release track, "To You Whose Name Starts With J (Feat. Jay Park)," on various online music platforms at 6 p.m. today.

This song follows "10:30 at Krispy (Feat. Dynamic Duo)," which was released in May, and serves as a new release ahead of his first solo concert on the 11th.

Most notably, Jay Park, the founder of H1GHR MUSIC, participated as a featured artist, drawing significant attention. The previously released short-form content titled "Looking for J" featured individuals whose names start with the initial "J," such as Jung Sang-soo, Jung Chan-sung, and Jonathan, building anticipation for who the actual featured artist would be.

"To You Whose Name Starts With J" captures the clumsy and youthful feelings of a crush that everyone has experienced at least once. It features a witty concept that connects the feelings for one person whose name starts with "J" to all the "J"s in the world.

BIG Naughty and Jay Park showcase a clean yet rhythmic vocal chemistry over a warm sound centered on acoustic guitar and piano. They naturally express the moments of excitement and quirkiness one feels in front of someone they like, completing a heart-fluttering vibe.

Meanwhile, BIG Naughty will hold his first solo concert in seven years since his debut, titled "ICN > NTG : BIG Naughty Concert," at Jangchung Arena in Seoul on the 11th. The concert proved its high popularity by selling out all seats as soon as tickets went on sale.

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Seo Inguk, Kang Hanna, Lee Eun-ji, and Car, the garden attend the press conference for the Netflix series Better Late Than Single Season 2, held at Hotel Naru Seoul M Gallery in Mapo-gu, Seoul, on the morning of July 1.

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(SBS Entertainment News | Baik Seung-Chul)

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Singer Car, the garden is posing for photos at the press conference for the Netflix series Better Late Than Single Season 2, held at Hotel Naru Seoul Mgallery in Mapo-gu, Seoul, on the morning of July 1.

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Comedian Lee Eun-ji strikes a pose during the press conference for the Netflix series Better Late Than Single Season 2, held on the morning of July 1 at Hotel Naru Seoul M Gallery in Mapo-gu, Seoul.

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Actor Seo In-guk attends the press conference for Netflix series Better Late Than Single Season 2, held at Hotel Naru Seoul M Gallery in Mapo-gu, Seoul, on the morning of July 1, and participates in a photo session.

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Actor Kang Hanna attends the press conference for the Netflix series 'Better Late Than Single' Season 2, held at Hotel Naru Seoul Mgallery in Mapo-gu, Seoul, on the morning of July 1.

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Lee Eun-sang, formerly a co-leader of the group YOUNITE, is concluding his activities with the group to make a fresh start as a solo artist.

His agency, Brand New Music, announced on July 1, "Lee Eun-sang, who had been on a hiatus due to health reasons, has recovered. He will conclude his activities with YOUNITE and begin a new challenge as a solo artist under his original agency, Brand New Music."

Lee Eun-sang debuted in 2019 as a member of the project group X1, formed through the Mnet audition program Produce X 101, and released his first solo single, Beautiful Scar, in 2020. He later re-debuted as a member of YOUNITE in 2022, leading the team as a co-leader and lead vocalist.

During his time with YOUNITE, Lee consistently demonstrated his musical capabilities by participating in songwriting, composing, and producing, with his own tracks included on the group's albums. However, he temporarily halted his activities in May of last year due to health issues and has been on a hiatus since.

Brand New Music explained, "After his health recovered, we held in-depth discussions over a long period regarding future activities with Eun-sang, the members of YOUNITE, and the agency. In the process, we confirmed the musical direction and vision the artist wishes to pursue, and we have decided to fully respect his wishes."

The agency added, "This decision was made after careful consideration for the artist's better future and new leap forward. Lee Eun-sang, starting anew as a solo artist, plans to meet fans again with music that contains his own unique color and sensibility. We ask for your continued love and support for the seven members of YOUNITE as they continue their new paths in their respective places."

Meanwhile, during his time with X1, Lee Eun-sang won the Worldwide Fans' Choice award at the MAMA. He has also balanced his music career with acting, appearing in the web drama The Moment the Heart Shines and the JTBC drama IDOL: The Coup.

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Singer Kim Gun-mo is set to resume his official activities with the release of his first new song in 10 years.

Kim Gun-mo will release his new single, "Where Are You Heading," through various online music platforms today at 6:00 PM. This marks his first official new release since his 25th-anniversary album, "50," in 2016.

"Where Are You Heading" is a remake of the title track from singer Jeon Young's first album, released in 1977. While maintaining the lyrical melody of the original, the song features a minimalist arrangement with reduced instrumentation, highlighting Kim Gun-mo's signature clean and profound vocals.

The most notable change in this new track is that Kim Gun-mo plays the acoustic guitar himself for the first time. Known and loved for his image as a pianist, he has chosen the guitar over the piano for this project, attempting a new musical transformation.

According to his agency, this song is one that Kim Gun-mo has practiced and sung the most while playing the guitar over a long period. It carries an autobiographical meaning, naturally incorporating the time he spent comforting and encouraging himself.

The original creators of the song, composer Lee Hyun-seop and lyricist Lee Kyung-mi, reportedly expressed their delight, stating, "It feels like receiving an unexpected gift."

Kim Gun-mo shared his thoughts, saying, "As this is the first song where I sing while playing the guitar, I hope it becomes an opportunity to show a new side of Kim Gun-mo to many people." He added, "I am grateful to those who have waited for a long time."

Previously, Kim Gun-mo proved his enduring ticket power by selling out every show during his "2025-2026 Kim Gun-mo Live Tour," which took place over the last six months.

Kim Gun-mo's new single, "Where Are You Heading," will be available on various online music platforms starting at 6:00 PM today.

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

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TV personality Hong Seok-cheon has proposed that the students of the Baejae High School baseball team, who sparked controversy for mocking Gwangju Jeil High School with their cheers, should visit Gwangju in person to offer an apology.

On July 1, Hong posted a message on his social media titled "My Thoughts on How to Apologize," sharing his perspective on the recent incident.

Hong shared, "Growing up, I was educated through news reports that claimed 'rebels in Gwangju, South Jeolla Province, started an uprising and were suppressed by military force.' It wasn't until I graduated from middle and high school and entered university in Seoul that I learned the truth was different. I was deeply shocked, and I felt truly saddened when I learned about the pain of Gwangju."

He continued, "I felt a lot of guilt, wondering why I had held onto such thoughts for so long. The people I met in Gwangju were so warm and beautiful, and they gave me happy memories."

Addressing the recent controversy involving the Baejae High School baseball team, Hong stated, "Honestly, I was very surprised when I saw the news. I felt that students shouldn't behave that way."

He suggested, "Rather than the school just issuing a formal apology and explaining the situation, I think it would be best for the baseball team students to go down to Gwangju, talk to the students of Gwangju Jeil High School, apologize, and share a meal prepared by the warm-hearted mothers of Gwangju before returning."

"I believe that is the best way for them to apologize at their age," he emphasized. "I trust that the students of Gwangju Jeil High School would accept that apology. History must be studied accurately."

Previously, on the 29th of last month, during the 81st Blue Dragon National High School Baseball Championship held at Mokdong Baseball Stadium in Seoul, some student players from Baejae High School faced criticism for mocking the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement by shouting slogans such as "Let's go to Starbucks" and "Tank Day" toward the Gwangju Jeil High School dugout. Following the incident, Baejae High School issued an official apology, and the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education has begun an investigation into the facts.

Prior to this, singer JK Kim Dong-uk shared a news article regarding Baejae High School on his social media and sparked further controversy by writing, "They really got triggered. Are they really blowing this out of proportion as just a happening that occurred while kids were playing baseball?" and adding, "The atrocities of the far-left who target people. It's a trashy sentiment that needs to disappear."

JK Kim Dong-uk, a Canadian citizen, was previously at the center of controversy during the Starbucks "Tank Day" marketing incident when he wrote, "I don't even go there often, so why are you making me want to go and bothering me?"

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Singer Kim Hojoong, who was serving a prison sentence for a drunk driving hit-and-run incident, has been released on parole. While he shared a handwritten letter to his fans expressing his apologies, public sentiment remains cold.

On the 30th, Kim Hojoong posted a handwritten letter on his official fan cafe, stating, "It took me two years to write here again. I realize once more how grave my mistakes were." He continued, "Among my 2-year and 6-month sentence, I was deemed eligible for parole during the June 2026 review and was released into the world today." He added, "Rather than feeling a sense of freedom or liberation from leaving prison, I feel a greater sense of responsibility. I will continue to reflect and serve the remainder of my sentence."

He further apologized, saying, "Instead of more words, I will clearly look at my current situation and circumstances and live my life without straying. I am sorry. I am truly sorry. I will reflect more and set my heart straight."

Kim Hojoong was released on parole from the Somang Correctional Institution in Yeoju, Gyeonggi-do, this morning. This is approximately five months earlier than his original full-term release date, which was scheduled for this coming November.

In May 2024, Kim Hojoong was indicted on charges of driving under the influence in Apgujeong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, where he crossed the center line, hit a taxi, and fled the scene. He later faced public outrage when it was revealed that he had instructed his manager to turn themselves in falsely. The court found him guilty of charges including dangerous driving resulting in injury under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment, etc. of Specific Crimes, sentencing him to 2 years and 6 months in prison. The sentence was finalized after Kim Hojoong withdrew his appeal. He has now returned to society about five months early after passing the Ministry of Justice's parole review committee.

Outside the prison today, fans gathered with signs reading messages such as "You worked so hard" and "We waited for you, let's be happy now" to welcome his release. However, online, the atmosphere remains icy, with criticisms such as "Isn't he rushing to return rather than reflecting?", "The parole is too early," and "We must not forget the responsibility for drunk driving and destruction of evidence."

Kim Hojoong's side stated that he plans to focus on surgery for both of his ankles and rehabilitation treatment for the time being following his release.

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The sequel to the film Okay Madam, titled Okay Madam 2, has officially entered the competitive summer movie season.

Distributor CGV Pictures announced that Okay Madam 2 is set to hit theaters on Wednesday, August 12, alongside the release of its launch poster and teaser trailer.

Okay Madam 2 is a comedic action film that follows Mi-young, a former legendary agent, and her family as they embark on a luxurious cruise vacation, only to become entangled in a hijacking incident in the middle of the blue ocean. The film features the return of original cast members Uhm Jung-hwa, Park Sung-woong, Lee Sang-yoon, and Bae Jung-nam, with new additions Park Jin-joo, Ryeoun, and Choi Soo-young, promising an even larger scale and a star-studded ensemble.

The newly released teaser trailer opens with Mi-young delivering intense action as she subdues hijackers, reminiscent of the airplane setting from the first film. The screen then captures a massive cruise ship sailing across the vast ocean, accompanied by the text, "This time, it's a cruise." The trailer builds tension as it shows Mi-young sprinting across the deck, followed by glimpses of fierce hand-to-hand combat between the characters.

With its release confirmed for the second week of August, Okay Madam 2 joins the summer box office race alongside films such as Hope (releasing July 15), Spider-Man: Brand New Day (releasing July 29), and Odyssey (releasing August 5). Attention is focused on whether this film, as the only domestic comedy, can captivate audiences looking to escape the summer heat. The first installment, released in 2020, drew 1.22 million viewers nationwide, achieving solid results relative to its production budget.

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Allegations have surfaced that the mother of singer Jang Yoon Jeong, who has been estranged from her daughter for several years, has been sued for investment fraud after allegedly using the singer's name to solicit funds from acquaintances.

On the June 30 broadcast of the JTBC program "Sajeonbanjang," the story of a woman in her 60s, identified as A, who filed a fraud complaint against Jang Yoon Jeong’s mother, surnamed Yook, was revealed.

A claimed that she met Yook at a sauna about two years ago and became close with her. A alleged that she was convinced of their relationship after Yook claimed, "I have already reconciled with Jang Yoon Jeong and we are on good terms," while showing her messenger conversations and text messages that she claimed were between herself and the singer.

According to the broadcast, A alleged that Yook persuaded her to invest by saying, "You can earn large profits by investing in Mr. Trot," and "Jang Yoon Jeong is currently working on a 20 billion won project." A claimed she gained trust after Yook showed her an investment confirmation document under the name of Jang Yoon Jeong’s company and text messages allegedly sent by the singer. Believing these claims, A stated that she even borrowed money from an acquaintance to invest approximately 30 million won, but never received the promised returns.

It was further reported that Yook even sent A a message she claimed was sent to television personality Noh Hong-chul, which read, "There is a situation at my daughter's company, so please deposit the money into the informant's account."

Through "Sajeonbanjang," Jang Yoon Jeong’s side stated, "She has not been in contact with her mother for over 10 years, and there is no truth to the claim that they have exchanged messages." They clarified that all the text messages and investment stories mentioned on the broadcast are completely groundless.

According to "Sajeonbanjang," A filed a police complaint against Yook in April. However, it is reported that the investigation has been suspended as Yook's current whereabouts cannot be determined, with no signs of activity such as mobile phone or credit card usage.

The conflict between Jang Yoon Jeong and her mother has been public for a long time. In 2013, on the SBS variety show "Healing Camp," Jang Yoon Jeong confessed that she discovered that most of the assets she had earned over years of her career had disappeared while her mother was managing her finances, leaving her with approximately 1 billion won in debt. Later, she won a partial victory in a lawsuit against her younger brother for the return of a loan, recovering 320 million won.

Additionally, it was reported that in 2018, Yook was sentenced to prison for fraud after borrowing hundreds of millions of won from an acquaintance and failing to repay it, but was released on parole in December of that year for medical treatment due to terminal liver cancer.

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The Disney and Pixar animated film Toy Story 5 has maintained its spot at number one at the box office for 14 consecutive days, surpassing 1.7 million viewers nationwide.

According to the Korean Film Council's integrated computer network for movie theater tickets on July 1, Toy Story 5 drew 42,011 viewers across the country on June 30, successfully defending its top position. The cumulative number of viewers stands at 1,700,047.

Since its release on June 17, Toy Story 5 has not relinquished the number one spot for a single day, continuing to grow its audience. The film is expected to surpass the 2 million viewer mark this weekend.

Toy Story 5 follows the story of classic toys like Jessie, Woody, and Buzz as they reunite for an unpredictable journey after facing an unprecedented crisis with the introduction of Lilypad, a smart tablet that has become the new friend of their owner, Bonnie. Actors from the previous series, including Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, and Joan Cusack, have teamed up once again to provide the voices for Woody, Buzz, and Jessie.

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(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)

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Choi Yoojung will appear on

WENDY's Young Street

. In addition, fromis_9's Song Hayoung will take the microphone as a special DJ, and Lim Ji-yeon will also visit

Joo Hyun-young at 12

. Heo Young-ji, Lee Jin-hyuk, and Kim So-hye will also join, promising a day filled with rich voices. Here is the schedule organized by time slot.

[Power FM]

07:00–09:00

Kim Young-chul's Power FM

| Guests: Kim Heon, Jeong Sang-geun / Choi Soo-jong, Yang Joon-mo

- Energetic vibes to wake you up in the morning and a variety of talks await. Kim Heon, Jeong Sang-geun, Choi Soo-jong, and Yang Joon-mo will join to deliver rich stories and energy. You can also look forward to surprise charm points in various segments. Lively information and laughter perfect for your morning commute will be with you.

11:00–12:00

Park Haseon's Cinetown

| Guest: Kim Nam-hee (Movie "THE EYES")

- An hour to fill your emotions with movie stories. Kim Nam-hee from "THE EYES" will appear to share behind-the-scenes stories and sincere feelings about the work. Scene talks accompanied by music also raise expectations. Immerse yourself in comfortable, easy-to-listen-to movie chatter.

12:00–14:00

Joo Hyun-young at 12

| Guest: Lim Ji-yeon

- During lunchtime, Lim Ji-yeon will greet you with her welcoming voice. She plans to comfortably share everything from behind-the-scenes stories of her projects to small everyday emotions. Look forward to a time filled with empathetic conversations with listeners. A pleasant balance of music and talk will continue.

14:00–16:00

Cultwo Show

| Guests: DJ Hwang Chi-yeul / Kang Jae-jun

- Two hours to boost your afternoon energy. DJ Hwang Chi-yeul's refreshing hosting meets Kang Jae-jun's delightful wit. Witty story introductions in a live atmosphere add to the laughter. Please look forward to an exciting talk where you will lose track of time.

18:00–20:00

Love Game

| Guests: Heo Young-ji, Lee Jin-hyuk

- Accompanying the sweet evening air. Heo Young-ji and Lee Jin-hyuk will appear to deliver heart-fluttering conversations and honest charms. They plan to warm the atmosphere by deeply empathizing with listeners' stories. Raise your excitement level along with the music.

20:00–22:00

WENDY's Young Street

| Guests: Special DJ Song Hayoung (fromis_9) / Choi Yoojung

- Today, fromis_9's Song Hayoung will take over as the special DJ. Choi Yoojung will appear, promising refreshing energy and lively chemistry. They will fill various segments while communicating with listeners in real-time. "It's Young Street," responsible for your evening vitality!

22:00–23:00

Ten

| Guests: Special DJ Kim So-hye / O3ohn

- A combination that will emotionally fill your night. Special DJ Kim So-hye will lead the atmosphere with her smooth hosting, while O3ohn adds his musical color. Sincere charms will naturally unfold in comfortable conversations. Gently wrap up your day with them.

[Love FM]

12:05–14:00

Yoo Min-sang's Hungry Radio

| Guests: Jungmo, Lee Hyuk

- A delicious talk perfectly suited for mealtime will unfold. Lee Hyuk and Jungmo, who have returned with a new album, will captivate your ears with their music stories. Cheerful stories and live reactions add to the listening pleasure. Look forward to two hours as satisfying as a hearty meal.

16:00–17:00

Insaengeun Audition

| Guests: Kim Hye-yeon, Enoch / Yoon Seo-ryeong, Yoyomi

- An hour of telling life stories through music. Kim Hye-yeon, Enoch, Yoon Seo-ryeong, and Yoyomi will shift the mood with their respective voices. Talks filled with personality and songs will blend naturally. Feel the joy of listening comfortably and cheering them on.

To watch SBS Radio even more vividly, you can check it out on the Gorealra app.

Download Gorealra right now.

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

More detailed schedule information can be found at the address below.

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

(SBSi Entertainment News Team)

Note: "Insaengeun Audition" 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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