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We tracked the day of the demolition of the Japanese Government-General of Korea building.

On the 16th, the SBS program "Tails of Tales" shed light on the day the Japanese Government-General building was demolished.

In the summer of 1995, 50,000 people gathered around the Gwanghwamun area. Although it was one of the hottest days of the year, no one complained or expressed irritation. What they were waiting for was the demolition of the spire of the Japanese Government-General building, a symbol of Japanese imperialism.

Although many had waited for this moment, the demolition was not a smooth process. At the time, opinions for and against the demolition were sharply divided, and at one point, the opposition to the demolition even held a majority.

Arguments against the demolition included the idea of preserving it as evidence of Japanese atrocities to serve as a lesson from a shameful history, as well as concerns over using taxpayer money for such a massive project when tearing down a building would not erase the painful past.

Additionally, there were opinions to preserve the building as it was a symbolic structure of modern Korean history that had changed owners four times over 70 years.

However, the president at the time, Kim Young-sam, was firm. Upon taking office, he ordered the prompt demolition of the Japanese Government-General building.

President Kim Young-sam argued for the demolition, stating, "While cultural assets should be preserved, can a symbol of national humiliation truly be considered a cultural asset?" and added, "Reforms cannot be achieved without setting history straight."

The Japanese Government-General building was a space deeply rooted in the intentions of Japanese imperialism, clearly designed to show the Korean people what Japan wanted them to see.

Above all, the building was constructed to block the view of Gyeongbokgung Palace, a symbol of the Joseon Dynasty, which sparked anger as it appeared to be an attempt to sever the history of Korea.

The construction took 11 years and cost 180 billion won. The building was created by exploiting the labor of Koreans and using Korean materials. It was a case of forcing Koreans to build the headquarters of their own colonial rule. Furthermore, Japan committed shameless acts to secure the massive construction costs, such as selling off Korean cultural assets.

For example, Seonwonjeon, where the portraits of Joseon kings were enshrined and ancestral rites were held, was sold off to be used as a kitchen and storage for a temple honoring Ito Hirobumi. In this process, Gyeongbokgung Palace was continuously damaged; out of 509 buildings that existed before the Japanese colonial period, only 36 remained after the period, meaning over 90 percent of the buildings were sold or demolished.

Japan even removed Gwanghwamun because it blocked the front of the Japanese Government-General building. They also designed the building so that its central axis was misaligned with that of Gyeongbokgung Palace, attempting to erase the legitimacy of the Korean people.

If the axis was tilted by 3.75 degrees, it pointed toward Namsan, where the Joseon Shrine, which enshrined Japanese deities, was located at the time. When viewed from above, the Japanese Government-General building looked like the Chinese character for "sun" (日), which represented Japan. This raised questions about whether it was Japan's true intention to stamp a "sun" seal in the very heart of Korea.

Despite this history of humiliation, even after the demolition was decided and the spire was removed first, the demolition did not proceed for a year. There were many tasks that needed to be completed before the full demolition.

In particular, the Japanese Government-General building was being used as the National Museum of Korea at the time. Moving the many artifacts without damage was a daunting task. A temporary relocation to the National Palace Museum of Korea, located 50 meters away, was decided, but for the officials who valued the artifacts more than their own lives, moving them was the most difficult challenge in the world.

During this process, something shocking was discovered in the basement of the Japanese Government-General building. A detention facility was found with iron doors as thick as 14cm. This space, which included locks on the outside and observation windows, served as evidence of the system Japan used to rule Korea. Traces of torture found throughout the space once again ignited public anger.

After the demolition was decided, Japanese people flocked to Korea to see the building before it disappeared. They made outrageous remarks, saying things like, "I miss those days; why destroy such a historically valuable building?"

In particular, the Japanese Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications sparked public outrage with his remarks, stating, "Japan did many good things for Korea through the annexation. The change of names was not forced."

In response, President Kim Young-sam countered, "I will fix the manners of the Japanese." He made his position clear, stating, "There is no reason for me to show tolerance regarding history."

As time passed, 11 months after the removal of the spire, the full-scale demolition began. The Japanese Government-General building was dismantled layer by layer and disappeared from the world forever on November 13, 1996.

Gwanghwamun Plaza has now become the most symbolic space in the Republic of Korea. If the Japanese Government-General building were still there, would it hold the same meaning it does today?

History was rewritten after the Japanese Government-General building vanished. Could the destruction on August 15, 1995, be considered a constructive destruction that allowed the Republic of Korea to be reborn?

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

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Kwon Ye-chan has been crowned the most popular contestant of season 2.

On the episode of the SBS show "Match To Marry: With Parents 2" that aired on the 16th, the mothers of the male contestants introduced their sons.

During the broadcast, the mothers took turns introducing their sons. Lee In-kwon, born in 1990 and 37 years old, is currently a 9-year veteran SBS announcer.

When asked about the trend of announcers going freelance, Lee In-kwon honestly replied, "There are still many things I haven't done at the company and many people I want to work with, so I haven't given it much thought." He also drew attention by stating that he wants a marriage partner who will be unconditionally on his side and someone who will trust him blindly.

As expected, Kwon Ye-chan was revealed to be a lawyer. He mentioned that he is currently serving as a public service worker at the Gwangju High Prosecutors' Office and is scheduled to work at a law firm in Gangnam in two months.

Kim Dong-young, born in 1993 and 34 years old, revealed that he works in sales for a pharmaceutical company and is based in Busan. Living in Gimhae, he expressed confidence regarding long-distance relationships, saying, "I can go anywhere if I know where the 38th parallel is."

Kang Shin-woo, born in 1992 and 35 years old, is an Oriental medicine doctor. He shared that he runs a clinic near Gyodae Station, received a 6-year scholarship at Dongguk University's College of Oriental Medicine, and was even offered a professor position at a university hospital after completing his doctorate, which drew interest.

He also mentioned that he currently raises a 35kg Golden Retriever and stated that his biggest wish is to meet a woman who can cherish and love his pet like family.

Moon Seong-mo, born in 1992 and 35 years old, revealed that he is a professional golfer currently working as a freelancer. His mother introduced him by saying, "He is currently preparing to buy his own home. His spending is not high, so he is financially stable, but he spends without hesitation for his family," noting that he is building his career through golf lessons, advertisements, events, and modeling.

After all the male contestants were introduced, the panelists predicted that Kwon Ye-chan and Kang Shin-woo would be the most popular among the mothers. They also expected that the favorability toward announcer Lee In-kwon would rise.

Following the introductions, the mothers of the female contestants made their date selections. The results were largely in line with everyone's expectations. The mothers of Ahn Do-yoon, Yang Ha-yoon, and Choi Jung-yoon chose the lawyer, Kwon Ye-chan. Meanwhile, the mothers of Kim Da-hye and Lee Kang-hyun chose the Oriental medicine doctor, Kang Shin-woo.

The realistic mothers preferred men with stable professional careers as partners for their daughters. Watching the mothers flock to the professional men, the panelists empathized with their choices, saying, "They should have studied hard. It is exactly as we thought, without a single error. They are choosing them because they genuinely want them to be their sons-in-law, without any pretense."

Kwon Ye-chan, who became the most popular contestant of season 2, enjoyed dates with three women. Yang Ha-yoon, whose interest in Kwon Ye-chan grew due to realistic concerns about long-distance dating with Kim Dong-young, asked if the three women Kwon Ye-chan previously mentioned as having an interest in were the three currently present.

Kwon Ye-chan avoided a direct answer, saying, "Almost everyone is here." Throughout the date, he made a constant effort to take care of all three women equally. Seeing Kwon Ye-chan even distribute the conversation time evenly, Seo Jang-hoon praised him, saying, "He is a very excellent MC. He has to keep paying attention, and he is handling it like a lawyer."

The straightforward Kang Shin-woo enjoyed a 2-on-1 date with Kim Da-hye, whom he had been eyeing, and a new partner, Lee Kang-hyun. Kang Shin-woo had previously stated during his self-introduction that there was only one woman he was interested in. In response, Lee Kang-hyun honestly said, "To be honest, I was worried about whether it was right for me to be here today."

Kang Shin-woo explained, "I tend to be the type to consistently push forward with a choice once I make it. However, I haven't completely closed my heart. I just spoke honestly earlier because I had to express my feelings at that moment."

Afterward, Lee Kang-hyun bombarded Kang Shin-woo with questions. Kang Shin-woo remarked, "It felt like a pressure interview because she was asking questions as if she were interrogating me, so it was difficult. It was my first time eating with a woman I like and a woman I don't, so it was very uncomfortable," raising curiosity about whether there is room in his heart for someone other than Kim Da-hye.

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

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Contestants who received zero votes found comfort in each other.

On the July 16 broadcast of the SBS program "Match To Marry: With Parents 2," the mothers of the male contestants introduced their sons.

During the episode, the mothers of the female contestants chose who they wanted to date their daughters after the men were introduced. All the attention went to Kwon Ye-chan and Kang Shin-woo, while Lee In-kwon, Kim Dong-young, and Moon Sung-mo received zero votes.

Lee In-kwon shared his feelings, saying, "I felt like I wouldn't want to go to work when this airs. I am actually fine, but the moment I saw my mother trying to force a smile, that was the hardest part."

Lee In-kwon's mother honestly added, "Mothers of our generation still seem to want to pair their daughters with professionals like doctors or lawyers. As a mother, I understand that feeling."

Kim Dong-young appeared calm, mentioning that he had somewhat expected the outcome. Moon Sung-mo also commented, "My academic background is not as strong as the other contestants, and my job is not as stable. I think the mothers were likely swayed after hearing about the others' professions."

As the contestants moved for their dates, the men who received zero votes gathered in one place. Moon Sung-mo appeared wearing a revealing sleeveless shirt, which drew complaints from Lee In-kwon.

Kim Dong-young then joked to Moon Sung-mo, "Brother, you should have gone to 'Single's Inferno', not here," bringing laughter to the group.

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

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The male contestants have been introduced.

On the episode of the SBS program "Match To Marry: With Parents 2" that aired on the 16th, the mothers of the male contestants introduced their sons.

During the broadcast, Kwon Ye-chan's mother introduced her son. It was revealed that Kwon Ye-chan, born in 1993 and 34 years old, is a 3rd-year lawyer, just as many had expected.

In response, Seo Jang-hoon said, "Didn't I say from the beginning that he was a professional, like a lawyer or an accountant? You can tell by the way he talks," expressing his satisfaction.

Kwon Ye-chan also drew attention by mentioning that he received a full scholarship throughout his four years at Sungkyunkwan University, stands 188cm tall, and claimed that his appearance is reasonably handsome.

His mother continued, "He grew up in a harmonious and happy family, receiving plenty of love from his parents without any hardships. He also currently owns a home in Yongsan," which drew admiration from the mothers of the female contestants.

Kwon Ye-chan, who enjoys a flashy style, and his mother both expressed their hope that his future spouse would be a fellow Christian.

Furthermore, Kwon Ye-chan's mother stated, "If my son gets married, I will work hard as a mother-in-law. I am sincere," adding, "I don't even have the intention of treating my daughter-in-law like a daughter," setting conditions that would satisfy the women listening.

The panelists laughed and remarked, "It is an introduction that could steal the hearts of both the women and their mothers. He has captivated both the daughters and the mothers."

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

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Comedian Lee Su-ji has faced political controversy following the release of a fake documentary content depicting the hardships of civil servants, leading the production team to delete the scene and issue an official apology.

On July 15, a new video was released on the YouTube channel "Hot Issue-ji." The video comically captured the day of "Kim Ji-young," a first-year civil servant working at a community center, played by Lee Su-ji.

Previously, Lee Su-ji gained empathy by realistically parodying various professions such as kindergarten teachers and nurses. This time, she was praised for lightheartedly addressing the reality of civil servants, including low wages, malicious complaints, and heavy workloads. The video garnered high views and became a hot topic within one day of its release.

However, one scene in the video became a point of contention. A scene was inserted where a petitioner shouts "re-election" while civil servant Kim Ji-young is processing work. Some viewers raised concerns that it was mocking a recently sensitive social election issue. One left a comment saying, "It is a serious matter that people were unable to vote, yet they used it as comedy material. It is a problem regarding the fundamental rights of democracy."

As the controversy continued, the production team deleted the scene and stated their official position through the comments section.

The production team apologized, saying, "The scene was not used with the intention of conveying a specific issue or political stance. It was a lack of judgment by the production team to use the scene without carefully considering socially sensitive issues."

They added, "This incident is completely unrelated to the performer's personal political views or intentions, and it was a problem caused by the production team's failure to review it carefully during the production process. We are also very sorry for causing unnecessary misunderstanding and burden to the performer. We are taking this matter seriously and will produce content with a more responsible attitude in the future."

Even after the apology, mixed reactions continued in the comments section. While there were opinions such as "It was a video that captured the reality of civil servants well," "I watched it with empathy," and "Isn't this an excessive interpretation," some continued to criticize that the scene related to the election itself was inappropriate. 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)

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The impressive credentials of the male contestants on "Match to Marry 2" are set to cause a stir in the show's love lines.

In the fourth episode of the SBS reality dating show "Match to Marry 2," airing on July 16, the previously veiled backgrounds of the male contestants will be revealed, heating up the atmosphere in the shared house.

"Match to Marry 2" is a reality dating program where 10 singles looking for marriage and 10 mothers hoping to see their children wed live together for 5 nights and 6 days, all striving toward the single goal of marriage. MCs Seo Jang-hoon, Lee Yo-won, and Kim Yo-han add to the fun with their unfiltered empathy and deep immersion in the show. Notably, the program claimed the number one spot on the Netflix "Korea TOP 10 Series" list just one episode after its premiere and has maintained the top position for 5 consecutive days, establishing itself as the hottest dating show this summer.

In today's episode, the mothers of the male contestants will personally introduce their sons' credentials, triggering a major shift in the love lines. With the previous reveal of the female contestants' backgrounds having already swayed the mothers' favor toward TCM doctor Yang Ha-yoon and former Miss Korea Choi Jung-yoon, attention is focused on how the disclosure of the men's credentials will impact the love lines on the third day of the retreat.

As details such as age, occupation, values, and ideal types are unveiled through the mothers, the appearance of numerous professional male contestants catches the eyes of the female contestants' mothers. One mother, who introduced her son as a "3rd-year lawyer," caused a buzz in the room by making a bold promise: "He has a home prepared in Yongsan, and if they get married, we will go on trips or dine out during the holidays." It is reported that MC Lee Yo-won was left in awe, remarking, "The prospective mother-in-law is saying exactly what I want to hear."

As other professional male contestants were introduced one after another, the mothers of the female contestants could not hide their smiles, commenting, "Their credentials are even better than I thought." The mothers showered them with questions, ranging from their residential areas to their ideal types and specific marriage plans, showing intense interest in their prospective sons-in-law.

Following the reveal of the men's credentials, many female contestants and their mothers confessed that "the rankings have changed," leading to an unpredictable upheaval. Curiosity is mounting over where the arrows of the men and women will point as they navigate between realistic conditions and their genuine feelings.

"Match to Marry 2" airs on Thursday, July 16, at 9 PM. 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)

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An epic, chaotic, out-of-control drama that makes even infidelity seem trivial is coming.

On the 16th, the production team for the Coupang Play series "The Infidelity Is Not the Problem" (written by Jung Eun-kyung and Park Su-rin, directed by Lee Chang-hee, literal translation) released 12 stills, heightening anticipation by capturing the moment two seemingly perfect neighbors become entangled in uncontrollable events.

"The Infidelity Is Not the Problem," set to premiere on the 31st, is a chain-reaction black comedy about a popular influencer couple who have been selling the image of a happy family and their neighbor, a doctor couple in the middle of a messy divorce, who become entangled in secrets so big that even infidelity seems trivial.

The released stills show the glamorous daily lives of the two families who met as neighbors in a luxury residential area, while also hinting at the unpredictable developments by showing the shocking twists hidden beneath the surface.

First, the self-made interior influencer Kyung-hee (played by Kim Hye-soo) is seen happy after moving into a new house with her husband Jae-hong (played by Kim Ji-hoon) and daughter Ye-ji. On the other hand, the elegant dermatologist Su-jeong (played by Cho Yeo-jeong) stimulates curiosity by showing her lonely daily life with her daughter Min-seo while going through a fierce divorce lawsuit with her ex-husband Bo-seong (played by Kim Jae-chul).

The subsequent stills capture a series of events that will shatter the peace of the two families, raising the tension. From the affectionate husband Jae-hong suddenly kneeling to him running away in a hurry with his face covered, curiosity is piqued about the secrets he is hiding. In addition, an agitated Bo-seong foreshadows a fierce confrontation with his ex-wife Su-jeong, adding to the tension of the drama.

The subtle relationship where the two families begin to get entangled was also captured. The tense nerve war between Kyung-hee and Su-jeong, who face each other with sharp eyes, and the sight of Su-jeong checking on an injured Jae-hong create a strange atmosphere. In particular, the sight of the couple Kyung-hee and Jae-hong frozen in front of an unidentified corpse and their backs as they seem to be urgently cleaning up something in the middle of the night hint at the beginning of a dangerous incident that is on a different level from infidelity. Added to this are the dark expressions of the two daughters, Ye-ji and Min-seo, who are swept up in the twisted relationships of their parents, maximizing curiosity.

"The Infidelity Is Not the Problem" is directed by Lee Chang-hee, who was recognized for his sensuous genre directing through the dramas "A Killer Paradox" and "Strangers from Hell," and was produced by producer Kim Ji-yeon of the global hit "Squid Game" series and director Hwang Dong-hyuk's Firstman Studio.

"The Infidelity Is Not the Problem," which is raising expectations with the unconventional acting synergy of Kim Hye-soo, Cho Yeo-jeong, Kim Ji-hoon, and Kim Jae-chul and its unpredictable plot, will be released on Coupang Play on Friday, the 31st, at 8 PM.

[Photo=Coupang Play] 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)

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Young-sook (real name Baek), a contestant from Season 16 of the ENA and SBS Plus variety show "I Am Solo," has had her conviction for defamation and insult against a fellow contestant upheld by the Supreme Court.

On the 16th, the Supreme Court dismissed the appeal filed by Baek, who was charged with violating the Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection (defamation) and insult. Consequently, the first-instance ruling of a 2 million won fine, delivered in July of last year by the Daegu District Court, and the appellate court ruling from April of this year, remain in effect. This concludes the legal dispute between the two parties, which began in late 2023, after approximately three years.

The case began in November 2023 when "I Am Solo" Season 16 contestant Sang-chul (real name Kang Jung-hwan) filed a complaint against Baek for defamation under the Information and Communications Network Act. Later, in May 2024, an insult charge was added due to Baek's actions, such as using profanity toward Kang during a live broadcast, and the prosecution indicted her on both charges.

After the Supreme Court ruling, Kang stated, "Three years is by no means a short time. The repeated spread of false stories caused great pain not only to me but also to my family and those around me. While today's ruling cannot turn back time, I believe it is a meaningful decision that confirms that the truth eventually comes to light, even if it takes time, and that actions that defame others must be held accountable."

He added, "I hope this ruling serves as an opportunity to reaffirm that, even in online spaces, exposure without fact-checking and personal attacks cannot be protected under the name of freedom of expression, and that this result is not just for me personally."

Kang's legal representative, attorney Lee Yong-ik of Attention Law Firm, stated, "This ruling confirms that the spread of false information and defamation occurring in online spaces carries the same legal responsibility as general defamation." He added, "Now that the criminal ruling has been finalized, we plan to proceed with a civil lawsuit for damages, and we will also hold the perpetrator accountable for the mental and social harm suffered by the victim." 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)

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The film "HOPE" is receiving mixed reviews from audiences right from the start of its release.

Released on the 15th, "HOPE" drew 330,000 viewers on its first day, marking the highest opening audience count for a film released in 2026. However, opinions among those who have seen the film are sharply divided.

Immediately after its first public screening at the Cannes Film Festival last May, "HOPE" received reactions from foreign media such as "a crazy movie" and "I don't know what I just watched." The reactions from domestic audiences are not much different. This sense of bewilderment encompasses both pleasure and discomfort.

Audiences who gave positive reviews were enthusiastic about the scale of the SF blockbuster, which is rare in Korean cinema, and the action that provided the speed and thrill of riding a roller coaster. Those who gave negative reviews commonly pointed out the lack of narrative probability and density, as well as the unfriendly ending. Criticism regarding the CG quality, which had been mentioned since the Cannes Film Festival, was also a common point of contention.

Most of director Na Hong-jin's films have seen divided opinions early in their release. While they are now remembered as successes, "The Chaser," "The Yellow Sea," and "The Wailing" all coexisted with both "fans" (enthusiasts) and "haters" (critics) at the time of their release.

Of course, the temperature difference for "HOPE" is greater than that of the previous three films. As director Na Hong-jin has ventured into a genre he has never attempted before, and given the high expectations for a blockbuster nearing 70 billion KRW, the satisfaction and dissatisfaction are clearly split.

Nevertheless, the box office outlook for "HOPE" remains bright. The pre-sale rate is 61.4%, and it has surpassed 550,000 tickets sold. The reason this trend is expected to continue for the time being is due to the audience's expectations for the "Na Hong-jin" brand. Furthermore, now that it has been unveiled, "HOPE" has become the center of attention, for better or for worse.

Korean audiences have a characteristic of not ignoring a "talked-about event." The new film, released by director Na Hong-jin for the first time in 10 years, is being evaluated as a problematic work and a bizarre film from its first day. The audience's psychology of wanting to see it with their own eyes is expected to be the driving force that maintains the pre-sale rate for "HOPE." 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)

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The "Grand Mint Festival 2026," a music festival representing the autumn season, has unveiled its first lineup of performers.

The "Grand Mint Festival 2026" will be held for two days on October 17 and 18 at Olympic Park in Seoul, featuring artists from various genres performing across four stages.

The first day, October 17, will feature performances by Lideor, Owalloil, Lee Seung-yoon, Jang Ki-ha, Jukjae, Car, the garden, Touched, Peppertones, and Hong Isaac. Singer-songwriters and bands with distinct musical colors are set to fill the autumn atmosphere.

On the second day, October 18, Far East Asian Tigers, Kkachisan, Dragon Pony, Roy Kim, Thornapple, CNBLUE, N.Flying, ONEWE, and YOUNHA will take the stage. The lineup draws attention for covering a wide range of genres, from rock and band sounds to ballads.

The organizer, Mint Paper, stated, "This first lineup was curated based on the choices of many audience members through a recommendation event," and added, "It is significant in that you can meet the musicians who represent the Grand Mint Festival in one place."

They continued, "The additional lineup will include new names and artists that exceed expectations," and added, "Please look forward to an even richer festival." 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)

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YouTuber Yuno, who has 780,000 subscribers, has deleted his video and issued an apology after facing backlash for ordering over 20 in-flight meals during a flight.

On July 15, Yuno posted a lengthy apology on his YouTube channel community, stating, "I am deeply sorry for the discomfort caused by the in-flight meal video I uploaded today."

Regarding his planning, Yuno explained, "I was only focused on creating new content, and I made a hasty judgment, thinking it would be fine if I asked the flight attendants for permission and they said it was okay." He added, "I asked the flight attendants before filming if it was possible, and I tried to film only during times when other passengers were having their meals or snacks."

However, Yuno acknowledged his thoughtlessness. He stated, "I failed to fully consider that my repeated requests for so many in-flight meals could burden the flight attendants and cause discomfort to other passengers using the same space," adding, "It was clearly a lapse in judgment on my part for not considering things more carefully."

He expressed particular gratitude to the flight attendant in charge, saying, "I am so sorry that you must have had a hard time because of my constant unreasonable requests, yet you remained kind and smiling until we landed. I am even more sorry because I feel like I relied too much on that kindness, and I want to sincerely apologize."

Previously, Yuno had released a video of his first-class flight experience. In the video, he showed himself ordering in-flight meals and snacks 20 times, including eight bowls of ramen, as well as salads, appetizers, bread, fruit, sandwiches, cheese, and tiramisu.

Although Yuno thanked the flight attendants for preparing the food at the end of the video, he faced intense criticism from netizens who labeled it "nuisance content" for demanding excessive labor from the crew and disturbing the rest of other passengers in the confined cabin environment. As the controversy grew, Yuno immediately deleted the video and posted an apology to address the situation.

After the criticism continued, Yuno posted an additional apology. He admitted, "It should have been done in moderation, but looking back at this video, it was definitely too excessive." He confessed, "It was my first time in such a nice seat, and I was so excited that I tried to rationalize my behavior at the time by thinking, 'Wouldn't one more time be okay?'"

However, regarding some claims that he continuously called the flight attendants throughout the flight, he carefully clarified the facts, stating, "It is true that I requested a large amount of food, but the filming was done in three sessions over about 2 hours and 10 minutes during the 15-hour flight, specifically during meal times and after I woke up from sleep." He added, "Regardless of the filming time, I am taking it very seriously that my behavior of requesting various foods showed a lack of consideration for the flight attendants and other passengers, and that it could have been felt as a burden or inconvenience."

[Photo = YouTube channel 'Yuno'] 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)

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Singer MC Mong, who has been embroiled in financial disputes with One Hundred Chairwoman Cha Ga-won and controversies over gifts worth 10 billion won, has officially signaled his return by announcing an upcoming concert.

In a recent TikTok live broadcast, MC Mong shared specific plans for his comeback performance, saying, "I'm finally holding a concert. It's on August 14 and August 16 at the YES24 Live Hall. It's less than a month away. You'll finally get to see me."

Following this, a post titled "MC Mong's Concert Confirmed" was uploaded to an MC Mong fan account. The post read, "The performances are scheduled to take place once a day on Friday, August 14, and Sunday, August 16, 2026, at the YES24 Live Hall." However, specific details regarding ticket reservations have not yet been released.

In May of last year, MC Mong announced that he would step down from his role as a producer at One Hundred and Big Planet Made to study abroad, citing severe depression and deteriorating health. At the time, he promised, "During that time, my extremely severe depression, along with a surgery and deteriorating health, made it difficult for me to even make music. I decided to study abroad for my health and personal growth. I will absolutely release an album this year, hold a concert that I don't know when I'll be able to do again, and then go study abroad."

Since then, MC Mong has been actively communicating with fans through TikTok live broadcasts. During this process, he denied allegations of embezzling company funds and gambling, while causing a stir by mentioning the real names of entertainment industry figures and raising allegations of illegal gambling against them. Later, when MBC's "PD Note" reported allegations that 12 billion won lent to MC Mong by Chairwoman Cha was used to pay off gambling debts, MC Mong refuted the claims, stating he had never gambled with company money.

Despite MC Mong revealing specific dates and a venue for his concert amidst these various controversies, it appears the performance schedule has not yet been finalized.

An official from YES24 Live Hall stated in a phone call with SBS Star, "As of now, there have been no separate inquiries regarding MC Mong's performance," adding, "It is also true that no venue rental has been booked." Indeed, MC Mong's concert is not registered on the August schedule published on the YES24 Live Hall website. August 14 and 16, the dates MC Mong mentioned for his performances, are currently shown as available for rental applications.

Attention is now focused on whether MC Mong, who has made his concert plans official, will actually be able to take the stage as promised. 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)

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Actor and author Cha In-pyo has invited youth victims of school violence to the play "Dead Poets Society."

On July 16, the Blue Tree Foundation announced that Cha In-pyo personally donated tickets for youth and activists affiliated with the foundation to attend the performance. Cha In-pyo plays the lead role of Mr. Keating in the play "Dead Poets Society," which holds its first performance on July 18. He will portray a teacher who values the individual thoughts and potential of students over grades and discipline, and he plans to deliver the message of the work: "Carpe diem, seize the day."

This invitation stems from the connection between Cha In-pyo and the Blue Tree Foundation. Last year, Cha In-pyo attended the foundation's Dae-hyun Scholarship Ceremony as a special guest speaker, offering comfort and courage to youth who have overcome the trauma of school violence.

He is continuing this connection by inviting the youth he met at that time to the performance he is starring in. Cha In-pyo reportedly expressed his wish, saying, "I hope the message I deliver on stage reaches these youth."

The play "Dead Poets Society" is the first official licensed Korean production based on the script by Tom Schulman, which won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay in 1989. In the play, Mr. Keating awakens the courage in students trapped by standardized education and strict discipline to think for themselves and choose their own lives. Cha In-pyo plans to convey a message of support to youth who have experienced trauma, telling them, "You are never alone."

The Blue Tree Foundation stated, "We hope this invitation becomes a time to provide comfort and courage to youth who are continuing to recover and grow despite the trauma of school violence and difficult circumstances."

The Dae-hyun Scholarship project was established to commemorate the late Kim Dae-hyun, who passed away due to school violence. It provides scholarships and cultural experience activities to youth who are victims of school violence and those in need of social support. 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)

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Netflix's upcoming series "Our Sticky Love" has released character stills showcasing the contrasting charms of its lead actors.

On July 16, Netflix unveiled character stills for the romantic comedy "Our Sticky Love" (written by Mo Ji-hye, directed by Kim Jang-han), which is set to premiere on August 7, sparking curiosity among drama fans.

"Our Sticky Love" tells the heart-fluttering story of Go Eun-sae (played by Hayoung), an elite prosecutor who suffers from amnesia after an unexpected accident, and Jang Tae-ha (played by Jung Hae-in), a boxing coach who insists he is her boyfriend. The delightful and bittersweet romance, sparked by the inseparable connection between the two, is set to capture the hearts of viewers.

In the newly released photos, Jung Hae-in draws attention by exuding two completely different vibes. There is a stark contrast between his innocent look—wearing casual clothes and sporting a bright smile at a boxing gym—and his sophisticated appearance, boasting a neat hairstyle, a perfect black suit fit, and a deep, intense gaze.

Introducing Jang Tae-ha as "the epitome of a pure-hearted man," Jung Hae-in expressed his affection for the character, saying, "He is a cool person who does his best to protect the one he loves under any circumstances, but he also has an unexpected charm of being clumsy and awkward at times." He added, "I tried to naturally express the differences in emotions and attitudes in each situation, from being a hungry boxer to a gang's general manager. In particular, after reuniting with Go Eun-sae, I paid close attention to capturing the details of his struggles and conflicts to protect her."

The transformation of Hayoung, who plays the amnesiac prosecutor Go Eun-sae, also catches the eye. Hayoung explained, "Go Ji-won [Go Eun-sae's real name before losing her memory], who used to stop at nothing to achieve what she wanted, loses her memory, steps away from the circumstances surrounding her, and returns to her true self. Watching her grow while receiving love from Jang Tae-ha and the people around her made me want to root for her and touched my heart." She added, "She is a lovely character whom you cannot help but love, even when she does annoying things."

Heo Sung-tae, who plays the villainous gang boss Baek Sang-gil and is responsible for the gripping tension of the show, also exudes an extraordinary aura. Baek Sang-gil is a character who has been living under a laundered identity to erase all traces of his gang. However, upon hearing that the prosecutor he thought was dead is actually alive, he begins to track her down. Heo Sung-tae raised expectations by saying, "Baek Sang-gil is a character who heightens the tension of the drama just by appearing. I thought a lot about how to portray the temperature difference between Baek Sang-gil's outward appearance in social relationships and his true self. I tried to maintain a relaxed attitude while dryly and brutally maximizing his inherent cruelty."

Director Kim Jang-han praised the cast, saying, "Actor Jung Hae-in was a perfect fit for the character of Jang Tae-ha, who needs to coexist with a strong yet sweet side, and sometimes a clumsy, cute side. He truly showed an all-around performance, handling everything from romantic comedy to high-intensity action." He also expressed strong trust in the three actors, adding, "Hayoung's personality, filled with both laughter and tears, allowed her to interpret the aspects of Go Eun-sae, which could have otherwise seemed unlikable, in a lovely way. For Baek Sang-gil, we needed an actor who could show multiple dimensions rather than just highlighting evil, and Heo Sung-tae's rich expressiveness and ideas brought the character to life."

Anticipation is high for the fresh pairing and thrilling rom-com chemistry of Jung Hae-in, Hayoung, and Heo Sung-tae. The Netflix series "Our Sticky Love" will be released on Netflix on August 7.

[Photo=Netflix] 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)

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"Flex x Cop 2" has unveiled a second teaser video, showcasing its thrilling charm.

On July 16, the production team for the new SBS Friday-Saturday drama "Flex x Cop 2" (written by Kim Ba-da, directed by Kim Jae-hong) released a second teaser video, signaling an upgraded season and drawing significant attention.

"Flex x Cop 2," which is set to premiere on August 7 following "Agent Kim Reactivated," is a refreshing and cathartic investigative drama. It follows the story of Jin Yi-soo (played by Ahn Bo-hyun), a chaebol detective who uses his wealth to flip the script when investigations hit a wall, and the new team leader, Joo Hye-ra (played by Jung Eun-chae). As a highly anticipated title in the SBS "cider" universe—following the lineage of "Taxi Driver," "The Fiery Priest," and "The Judge from Hell"—the drama is expected to kick off the 2026 SBS Friday-Saturday lineup with a bang.

The second teaser video, released on July 16, immediately captures attention by showing the Gangha Police Station Violent Crimes Unit 1 heading out on a mission aboard Jin Yi-soo's private jet. When the new team leader, Joo Hye-ra, asks, "Must be nice to have so much money?", Jin Yi-soo retorts, "Is there anything wrong with that?", showcasing his unique confidence derived from his immense wealth. Scenes of him enjoying the spotlight at a lavish party or practicing at a private clay shooting range highlight the return of the "chaebol-turned-detective who still has a flair for attention," bringing a sense of familiar humor.

The chemistry between Jin Yi-soo and Joo Hye-ra, who are working together for the first time in this second season, is a key point to watch. The drama will explore the dynamic as they go from bickering to Joo Hye-ra gradually being won over by Jin Yi-soo's bold approach, such as chasing down a suspect's vehicle in a supercar.

Notably, the teaser introduces Yoo Sung-won (played by Yoo Seung-ho), a new chaebol character, adding intense tension. The contrast between his friendly hug and puppy-like eye smile with Jin Yi-soo and his later appearance with a blood-stained face and an eerie smile raises curiosity about his true identity.

The scale of the cases has also been upgraded. From bizarre incidents set against the backdrop of a magic show to spectacular terrorist bombings, a variety of episodes will unfold rapidly. Additionally, renowned actors such as Heo Sung-tae, Joo Hyun-young, Lee Seok, Son Woo-hyun, Jung Chae-yeon, Kim Hye-eun, and Lee Hak-joo are set to make cameo appearances throughout the episodes.

"Flex x Cop 2," featuring cathartic investigations fueled by wealth, unpredictable teamwork, and a grand scale, will premiere on Friday, August 7, at 9:50 PM. 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)

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Director Park Chan-wook's film "No Other Choice" is set to be released in an extended version.

CJ ENM announced, "Starting today (July 16), we are meeting audiences again with the 'No Other Choice' extended cut, which includes scenes not shown in theaters, via IPTV, digital cable TV, and online and mobile VOD services."

This extended cut has a runtime of 157 minutes, adding 19 minutes of footage that was not included in the theatrical release (138 minutes). The newly added scenes reveal the relationships and emotional arcs of the characters more delicately, deepening the lingering impact of the work.

In particular, new sequences not seen in the theatrical version have been added, including scenes of Mansu and Miri leaving the cello studio, the daily life of Riwon, a deeper look at the relationship between Miri and Riwon, a new episode at Oh Jin-ho's dental clinic, and the scene where the truth surrounding Siwon is revealed. Additionally, key scenes such as those at the job training center, the daily lives of the family, the relationship between the couple Mansu and Miri, and the tense moments following the incident have been expanded with deeper pacing and new dialogue, capturing the characters' psychology and relationships in a more three-dimensional way.

"No Other Choice" tells the story of Mansu (Lee Byung-hun), a salaryman who felt his life was so satisfying that he had "achieved everything," only to be suddenly laid off. The film follows his personal war to find re-employment in order to protect his wife, his two children, and the home he worked so hard to acquire.

The film was invited to the competition section of the 82nd Venice International Film Festival and participated in the U.S. Academy Awards race earlier this year. It was released in Korea last September and reached 2.94 million viewers nationwide. 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)

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The group RESCENE attended the opening ceremony of the "2026 Character Licensing Fair - Board Game Con" held at COEX in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, on the morning of the 16th and performed a celebratory stage.

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

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The group RESCENE attended the appointment ceremony for the "2026 Character Licensing Fair & Board Game Con" held at COEX in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, on the morning of July 16, and participated in a photo session.

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

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The group RESCENE attended the opening ceremony of the "2026 Character Licensing Fair - Board Game Con" held at COEX in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, on the morning of the 16th, and performed a celebratory stage.

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

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The group RESCENE attended the opening ceremony of the '2026 Character Licensing Fair - Board Game Con', held at COEX in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, on the morning of the 16th, and performed a celebratory stage.

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

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Group RESCENE attended the appointment ceremony for the "2026 Character Licensing Fair - Board Game Con" held at COEX in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, on the morning of the 16th and shared their greetings.

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

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WONI of the group RESCENE attends the appointment ceremony for the promotional ambassador of the "2026 Character Licensing Fair - Board Game Con," held at COEX in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, on the morning of July 16.

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

(SBS Entertainment News | Baik Seung-Chul)

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MINAMI of the group RESCENE is attending the promotional ambassador appointment ceremony for the "2026 Character Licensing Fair - Board Game Con," held at COEX in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, on the morning of the 16th.

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

(SBS Entertainment News | Baik Seung-Chul)

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The group RESCENE attended the appointment ceremony for the "2026 Character Licensing Fair & Board Game Con" held at COEX in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, on the morning of the 16th, where they received their appointment certificates.

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

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Behind-the-scenes footage of Zo In-sung, who displayed dynamic action and intense energy in the film "HOPE," has been released.

On the 16th, Plus M Entertainment released a character making-of video for "Seong-gi," offering a glimpse into the intense efforts of Zo In-sung, who plays the role of a local youth in Hopohang who takes on any job that pays.

Describing Seong-gi as "a character whose will to survive is evident as he struggles to stay alive," Zo In-sung performed high-difficulty horse-riding action, including firing a gun while riding at high speed, as well as chase scenes filmed across the Retezat Mountains in Romania and vast highways. He also vividly expressed the survival instinct of fighting back with his whole body against an unknown entity that attacked the village, maximizing the immersion of the film.

Zo In-sung shared his thoughts, saying, "I knew I had to have a great resolve to take on a project like this, and I poured all the energy I had into filming every single scene with care."

Zo In-sung is drawing attention for the praise he has received from international media and critics for his high-difficulty action performance, in which he did not spare himself. International Business Times stated, "Zo In-sung brings intense energy to the role of the chaser," while Ioncinema praised his performance, saying, "The action sequence where Zo In-sung appears on horseback is the best sequence in the film. His character becomes a figure who steals the audience's attention with a strong survival instinct," applauding his passionate performance as he became perfectly one with the character.

"HOPE" is a story that begins when Beom-seok, the head of the Hopohang branch located in the DMZ, hears news from local youths that a tiger has appeared, leading to a village-wide emergency and an encounter with an unbelievable reality. "HOPE," which was released on the 15th, debuted at number one at the box office, drawing 330,000 viewers on its first day.

(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)

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Broadcaster and webtoon artist Kian84 is expanding his musical career with the release of his first duet song "Chicken and Her" alongside Kangnam.

Kian84 will release the collaboration single "Chicken and Her" with Kangnam on various online music platforms today, July 16, at 6 PM. The two previously drew attention after singing Matsubara Miki's "Stay With Me" together on Kangnam's YouTube channel "Neighborhood Friend Kangnami". That video recorded over 7 million views, sparking interest in the duo's unexpected musical chemistry.

Born from this positive reception, "Chicken and Her" features lyrics written by Kian84, with Kangnam handling production and composition. The song is a city pop track with a retro sensibility, blending upbeat sounds and a refreshing atmosphere to capture memories of more youthful days.

Kian84 has been steadily broadening his activities in the music field recently. He has demonstrated his potential as a singer-songwriter by releasing tracks such as "Dandelion," which he wrote and composed himself for the 2024 MBC variety show "Music Adventure by Accident," as well as "Tornado" and "Like a Friend," a collaboration with Pani Bottle and Yoo Teo.

Meanwhile, Kian84 is currently active on various variety programs including "Kian's Bizarre B&B" on Netflix, as well as MBC's "Extreme 84" and "I Live Alone," and continues to communicate with viewers through his YouTube channel "Life84". 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)

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Singer J.Y. Park is returning with a summer song "WET" after 6 years.

J.Y. Park will release his new single "WET" on the 23rd and begin his summer activities in earnest. This is his first new song in about 8 months since "Happy Hour (With KWON JINAH)" released last November, and his first summer season song in 6 years since "When We Disco (Duet with SUNMI)" in 2020.

"WET" has been selected as the main theme song for the domestic summer music festival "Waterbomb 2026". It is a song that captures the summer atmosphere with a cheerful sound based on reggae tones, and expectations are high for J.Y. Park's signature energetic performance.

J.Y. Park will take the stage at "Waterbomb 2026" in Seoul and Busan again this year, following last year. Having garnered attention for his hot pink vinyl outfit and intense performance last year, he has teased an even more unconventional stage this year.

In a video recently released through the official "Waterbomb" YouTube channel, J.Y. Park introduced the song, saying, "This outfit will likely be more eye-catching than last year's. A new fabric is appearing. Vinyl will disappear into history." He added, "Thanks to Waterbomb, I am releasing a summer song for the first time in 6 years. It is a reggae-tone track that fits the summer season well."

Ahead of the song's release, the "WET" challenge pre-released on social media is also drawing attention. Artists appearing at "Waterbomb 2026" such as WJSN's DAYOUNG, Billlie, 82MAJOR, KISS OF LIFE, MADEIN, and KickFlip have participated one after another, heating up the atmosphere.

Additionally, J.Y. Park garnered attention online by releasing "WET" and "Pretty Girl" challenge videos with RESCENE member MINAMI. Many expressed their anticipation for the comeback with reactions such as "The dance lines are impressive" and "His self-management is amazing."

Debuting in 1994, J.Y. Park is a representative domestic artist who has created numerous hit songs while balancing his work as a producer and singer. Attention is focused on whether he will be able to create another summer hit with this new song "WET", as he has been loved for his constant musical challenges and performances. 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)

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Group BBGIRLS is making a comeback after approximately 1 year and 2 months with their new song "BODY WAVE." BBGIRLS will release their new single "BODY WAVE" through various online music platforms at 6 PM on the 16th and begin their official promotions.

"BODY WAVE" is their first new release since the remake song "Wish list," which was released in May of last year. It is a summer song that captures a flexible yet explosive energy, like crashing waves, based on a refreshing tropical synth sound and an intense Moombahton rhythm.

The sensual brass sound and the signature refreshing vocals of BBGIRLS add to the song's crisp atmosphere, while the intuitive lyrics and addictive performance are also highlighted as key points to enjoy.

In particular, member MINYOUNG contributed to the overall production by serving as a co-producer for the new song, as well as participating in writing lyrics, providing chorus sessions, and casting cameos for the music video. EUNJI and YUNA also actively contributed their opinions during the staff composition and planning process, further enhancing the quality of the release.

The music video was directed by BOK from the video production company 815VIDEO. While the video captures the refreshing charm and sensual visual aesthetics of BBGIRLS, the identity of the surprise cameo, which was teased earlier, is also drawing attention.

Since joining the global label GLG in 2024, BBGIRLS has consistently met with fans through the release of remake tracks and official fan meetings. Expectations are high to see if BBGIRLS, who solidified their image as "Summer Queens" with the chart-climbing syndrome of "Rollin'," can prove their presence once again this summer with "BODY WAVE."

The music and music video for BBGIRLS' new single "BODY WAVE" will be released on the 16th at 6 PM through various online music sites and their official YouTube channel. 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)

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Actor Gong Yoo is set to meet global fans through his first-ever Asia fan meeting tour since his debut.

On the 16th, his agency, Management SOOP, announced that the "2026 Gong Yoo Asia Fan Meeting Tour <The Long Take>" will be held in six Asian cities, starting in Yokohama on October 4, followed by Bangkok, Jakarta, Macau, Manila, and Seoul.

This tour marks the first time Gong Yoo has held an Asia-wide fan meeting tour since his debut. As such, it is expected to be a very special time for him to share his past, present, and future with his fans. He plans to look back on the numerous frames and sequences that both the actor Gong Yoo and the person Gong Ji-cheol have passed through, while also unfolding the new scenes he will create with his fans in the future, all like a seamless "long take."

Previously, Gong Yoo garnered attention on the 10th when he personally shared the news of the fan meeting through a handwritten letter on his birthday. In the letter, he expressed his sincere feelings, stating, "Thanks to all of you who have been with me for a long time, I have been able to naturally look back on the time that has passed. So, this year, I have prepared a place to face that time together. I hope we can add new scenes to the story that has been continuing for a long time. Thank you always."

In the teaser video released alongside the announcement, Gong Yoo immediately captured attention with his signature modern and dandy visuals. According to the video, the tour will begin in Yokohama on October 4, followed by Bangkok on the 10th, Jakarta on the 17th, Macau on November 7, Manila on the 21st, and Seoul on the 28th. Detailed information, including ticket reservations, will be released sequentially in the future.

Meanwhile, Gong Yoo is set to meet viewers around the world this year as the lead character "Dong-gu" in the new Netflix original series "Tantara."

[Photo= Management SOOP]

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)

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