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The clock for NewJeans has started ticking again. The group NewJeans has signaled a restart of their activities by releasing new content featuring four members: MINJI, HANNI, HAERIN, and HYEIN.

On July 22, in celebration of their 4th anniversary, NewJeans released a special film titled "2026 Summer of NewJeans" and new group photos on their official YouTube channel and social media. This marks the first time in approximately 1 year and 4 months since their hiatus in March of last year that NewJeans has presented official group content. The appearance of MINJI, who has reportedly been discussing future activity directions with ADOR, drew significant attention.

The video begins with a scene of MINJI appearing alone on a dark summer night. She is followed by HYEIN, HANNI, and HAERIN, and the four members hold hands while looking in the same direction. Given the long period of uncertainty surrounding each member's status, the scene of the four gathered together carries a symbolic message in itself.

Interest in the comeback is heightened by the fact that this content connects the team's core imagery—rabbits, everyday life, and the summer season—in a new way, rather than completely changing the existing vibe of NewJeans.

Rabbit imagery, which has symbolized NewJeans, appears repeatedly in the individual member videos. MINJI folds a flyer she found at a gas station into a rabbit shape, and a rabbit drawing appears on the screen while HANNI is working on music. HAERIN goes out wearing a handmade rabbit bag, and HYEIN orders a rabbit-shaped ice cream at an ice cream shop called "The Bunnies Scoop." By featuring rabbits, which remind fans of the fandom "Bunnies," and ice cream, which symbolizes summer, the group continues its signature refreshing and natural image.

In the latter part of the video, the four members are seen gathered together at night, holding hands and gazing at something. While no specific conversations or future plans were revealed, the fact that the team has started moving again has sparked expectations that this may be a hint of a full-scale comeback.

However, ADOR explained that this video is commemorative content produced for fans to mark the 4th anniversary, stating, "We plan to announce specific activity plans and methods after discussions are fully concluded."

According to the video credits, the creative director who spearheaded the new visuals was Kim Na-yeon. It is known that she remained at ADOR following the resignation of former CEO Min Hee-jin and has been overseeing visuals as a creative director under the new management system.

Previously, overseas schedules of the NewJeans members were spotted one after another. In April, it was confirmed that HAERIN, HYEIN, and HANNI visited Copenhagen, Denmark, with ADOR staff, and later, footage of HAERIN and HYEIN appearing to be filming in the United States was released online, leading to speculation that new content or music production is underway.

NewJeans notified ADOR of the termination of their exclusive contract in November 2024 and attempted independent activities, but their activities were halted after the court ruled in favor of the agency in the injunction and the lawsuit to confirm the validity of the exclusive contract filed by ADOR. Subsequently, HAERIN, HYEIN, and HANNI confirmed their return to ADOR sequentially, and DANIELLE was notified by ADOR of the termination of her exclusive contract.

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)

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Lee Jang-won and Bae Da-hae have revealed their daily life with a 100-year-old grandfather.

On the July 21st broadcast of SBS "You're My Destiny," Lee Jang-won and Bae Da-hae appeared together for the first time in a while.

The broadcast showed the couple living with the 100-year-old grandfather. When asked about the difficulties of living together, Lee Jang-won drew a line, saying, "There really aren't any. None at all."

Bae Da-hae exposed him, saying, "It seems like you're having a hard time with everything. Your tension level has gone from 0 to 100, and you're really struggling. You sometimes resent me and ask if we really had to do this."

Lee Jang-won tried to smooth things over, saying, "No. I'm grateful to wake up every day and we're getting along well." However, Bae Da-hae added, "He is really having a hard time. In reality, he has a lot to do. I find it fun. Since his parents and the rest of the family are taking care of the grandfather, we moved in on the condition that I don't have to do anything. So I don't find it difficult. And when else would I receive this kind of love? I don't think it's bad," she said with a satisfied expression.

Lee Jang-won expressed his gratitude to Bae Da-hae. Bae Da-hae said, “But I only did it because it was you. I’m doing this because I’m with you,” and added, “And honestly, what do I even have to do after moving in?” Lee Jang-won replied, “What do you mean there’s nothing to do?” and added, “Thank you. Grandfather likes it so much.”

Bae Da-hae worried, "He really likes it, right? But I think it might be uncomfortable for him too." Lee Jang-won said, "He likes it. I think he finds us fun, that's why he waits for us at night before going to sleep," drawing attention.

The broadcast also showed the couple exercising with the grandfather, following his routine. The grandfather, who keeps his routine every day, surprised everyone by showing himself cycling after his gymnastics.

Lee Jang-won said, "I think a regular life is the secret to longevity," and revealed, "After retiring, he lived his life without wavering, keeping his routine." Seo Jang-hoon exclaimed, "It's like a textbook."

The couple went out with the grandfather. Looking at the familiar streets, the grandfather missed his late wife, saying, "The biggest tragedy is that my wife left first. It's very sad." Missing his wife, he stared blankly out the window, saying, "My wife was a very hardworking person. She was a principal for 25 years."

Lee Jang-won asked if he enjoyed living with them. The grandfather said it was good and joked, "Why did you come so late?"

They met the grandfather's Korea Military Academy classmate and his wife. The 99-year-old classmate and his 95-year-old wife, with a combined age of nearly 300, drew admiration. Especially since the grandfather and his friends are from North Korea, they missed their hometown while eating Pyongyang naengmyeon and North Korean-style dumplings.

Looking at the classmate list his friend brought, the grandfather said, "They're all gone, only I'm left," missing his friends who leave day by day. He expressed his regret, saying, "I should meet them often now. So they don't die. Every few months, I hear that someone has passed away."

Watching this, Baek Il-seob said, "Before Soon-jae hyung passed away, we used to meet often," mentioning that the "Grandpas Over Flowers" members met frequently. He continued, "Since Soon-jae hyung passed away, we no longer have enough members for golf. And for some reason, I don't want to do it either. Park Geun-hyung also says he's doing a play and doesn't play golf because it's not fun without Soon-jae hyung. I've been close with Soon-jae hyung since I was young. I miss him sometimes," expressing his longing for Lee Soon-jae, which brought sadness.

At the end of the broadcast, the sincerity contained in the diary the grandfather writes every day was revealed. The grandfather, who was full of worries every day, confessed that he feels small happiness while living with his grandson and his wife, making everyone watching tear up.

Baek Il-seob said, "If this program is still on in 5 years, if you have a son or daughter, wouldn't they be the grandfather's great-grandchild? Let's come out together once more then. Wouldn't the grandfather be 105 then? I hope we can see each other again then," drawing attention.

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

(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Hyo-jung)

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The Bachelor Squad made a bet with their fate.

On the July 21st broadcast of SBS's "High Valley, Top Hero," the Bachelor Squad was shown heading out for their first meal out together.

Upon arriving at a Chinese restaurant, the Bachelor Squad decided to play a game to determine who would pay. After some deliberation, they decided to use rock-paper-scissors to pick the person who would cover the bill.

The members were filled with competitive spirit, and LIM YOUNGWOONG, the homeowner, showed his firm determination not to lose. The members joked, "The rich are different. This is true asset management," causing laughter.

The rock-paper-scissors game seemed like it would never end, but it concluded in a single round. LIM YOUNGWOONG lost alone. He protested, "You rigged it, didn't you? You rigged it," drawing attention.

However, once the meal began, the Bachelor Squad enjoyed their food, and LIM YOUNGWOONG coolly paid for the meal.

Afterward, they decided who would pay for the cafe through another bet. They decided to open a magazine to a random page and use the number of people on that page to determine the winner.

Nucksal went first and opened to a page with 4 people, putting him in the safe zone. Later, Heo Kyung-hwan got 0, Kwak Bum got 1, and LIM YOUNGWOONG and Roy Kim also took their turns. As a result, LIM YOUNGWOONG got 0 and Roy Kim got 1, leading to a rematch between Heo Kyung-hwan and LIM YOUNGWOONG.

Heo Kyung-hwan was devastated when he opened to a page with 0 people again. In contrast, LIM YOUNGWOONG opened to a page with a group photo where the people were too numerous to count, causing an explosion of laughter. LIM YOUNGWOONG won by a landslide, and Heo Kyung-hwan paid the bill.

The betting did not end there. This time, they made a bet with the production team for Hanwoo for dinner by playing a game of foot volleyball. If the production team won, the Bachelor Squad would buy 50 servings of chicken, and if the Bachelor Squad won, the production team would buy Hanwoo.

The Bachelor Squad led with LIM YOUNGWOONG and Kwak Bum, who have talent for soccer. However, foot volleyball was different from their expectations. The production team took the lead, putting the Bachelor Squad in danger of losing.

However, with the production team at match point, the Bachelor Squad made it 10-10 deuce. They needed to score two consecutive points to win.

LIM YOUNGWOONG, who had been disappointing until then, made the decisive shot to score, and they won the final match point due to a mistake by the production team, ultimately leading to the Bachelor Squad's victory.

But another bet followed. Kwak Bum, who had been acting cocky, said during the game, "Can't we buy the chicken even if we win?" They played a game of hitting the goalpost to decide who would buy chicken for the elementary school students and production team who were cheering them on.

Roy Kim succeeded on his first try, surprising everyone. When Kwak Bum and LIM YOUNGWOONG failed, Roy Kim joked, "So much for being on a soccer team," causing laughter.

With only Nucksal and Kwak Bum left, the expectations were broken again. Nucksal, who heard a tip from Kwak Bum, succeeded, while Kwak Bum failed. Kwak Bum, who became the "Chicken Man," coolly gifted chicken to the elementary school students and the production team, and the students thanked him, creating a heartwarming scene.

Meanwhile, at the end of the broadcast, Cha Seung-won, a veteran of mountain life, was previewed as a new member, raising anticipation for the next episode.

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

(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Hyo-jung)

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Lee Jang-won's 100-year-old grandfather revealed the morning diet he has maintained for 10 years.

On the broadcast of SBS's "Same Bed, Different Dreams 2: You Are My Destiny" (hereinafter "Same Bed, Different Dreams 2") on July 21, Lee Jang-won and Bae Da-hae appeared after a long time.

On this day's broadcast, the two revealed that they have a new roommate. The couple has moved in with Lee Jang-won's 100-year-old grandfather.

Born in December 1926, the grandfather has lived a full 100 years. The broadcast then revealed the 100-year-old grandfather's morning diet.

After seeing it, Lee Ji-hye said, "Isn't this a longevity diet? I want to eat exactly like that."

The grandfather's morning diet, which he has maintained for 10 years, consists of 1 egg, seasonal fruit, 1 roasted sweet potato, lettuce without dressing, yogurt, Imsil cheese, and a 3-vegetable juice made with paprika, tomato, and broccoli.

Seeing the sugar-free and salt-free longevity diet, the panelists exclaimed, "Looking at this diet, he will live a long life." In response, Lee Jang-won said, "This 'morning 7-course meal' is a diet that reflects the latest trends. It is a diet created by my father," revealing that it was designed by his father, an engineering PhD from UPenn, based on social media trends, which drew attention.

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

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LIM YOUNGWOONG, Roy Kim, and Nucksal have unveiled their unreleased songs for the first time.

On the episode of SBS's "High Valley, Top Hero" that aired on the 21st, the members of the "High Valley Bachelors" were shown sharing their musical concerns.

During the broadcast, Kwak Beom looked at the members of the "High Valley Bachelors" and remarked, "This is a gathering of incredible people." The group included "Mr. Trot" winner LIM YOUNGWOONG, "Superstar K" winner Roy Kim, and "Show Me The Money" runner-up Nucksal, all of whom are musically significant figures gathered in one place.

Nucksal asked Roy Kim about the source of his inspiration for songwriting. Roy Kim replied, "I record every clever and smart thought I have every day. Then, the lyrics and melody come out almost simultaneously, and I spend months revising the lyrics afterward. The melody usually comes first."

Upon hearing this, Nucksal said, "I am so envious of that," explaining that he can only produce a melody after writing the lyrics first. LIM YOUNGWOONG agreed, and the three shared their musical struggles while mentioning their respective unreleased tracks.

Heo Kyung-hwan and Kwak Beom, who were watching, asked them to reveal one unreleased song each, and Roy Kim was the first to do so. His song, titled "The Reason I Like Being Alone," captivated the audience with his signature ballad style.

Nucksal's song quickly turned the atmosphere into a party. Following this, LIM YOUNGWOONG explained his own song with a nervous expression.

He said, “They are not rejecting me, we are not in a ‘some’ relationship, and I have not approached them either. But I get scared and try to distance myself, yet my heart keeps going toward them again and again. I captured that situation in the lyrics.” He added, “I have been into Latin pop lately, and there are a lot of ‘to’ sounds in the lyrics. I thought it would be fun to connect that sound to the song’s lyrics, so I titled it ‘Tto-tto.’” His reveal of the unreleased track “Tto-tto” drew significant attention.

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

(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Hyo-jung)

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Lee Jang-won's 100-year-old grandfather revealed the morning diet he has maintained for 10 years.

On the July 21 broadcast of the SBS show "You're my destiny", Lee Jang-won and Bae Da-hae made a long-awaited appearance.

On this day, the couple revealed that they have a new roommate. The couple has started living with Lee Jang-won's 100-year-old grandfather.

Born in December 1926, the grandfather has lived a full 100-year life. The broadcast then revealed the 100-year-old grandfather's morning diet.

After seeing it, Lee Ji-hye said, "Isn't this a longevity diet? I want to eat exactly like that."

The grandfather's morning diet, which he has maintained for 10 years, consists of 1 egg, seasonal fruit, 1 roasted sweet potato, lettuce without dressing, yogurt, Imsil cheese, and a 3-vegetable juice made from paprika, Tomato, and broccoli.

Seeing the sugar-free and salt-free longevity diet, the panelists marveled, saying, "Looking at the diet, he will live a long life." Lee Jang-won added, "The morning 7-course meal is a diet that reflects the latest trends. It is a diet created by my father," revealing that it was designed by his father, who is an engineering PhD from UPenn, based on SNS-based trends, which drew attention.

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

(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Hyo-jung)

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Baek Il-seob has revealed the story of being scolded by Kang Boo-ja and Lee Soon-jae after his marriage graduation, or jolhon.

On the July 21 broadcast of the SBS program "You're my destiny," actor Baek Il-seob, the first celebrity to graduate from marriage, appeared as a special MC.

During the broadcast, Baek, who has been enjoying a single life for 11 years as the first celebrity to undergo a marriage graduation, drew attention. Recalling his younger days as a symbol of a popular man, he laughed and said, "I was popular back in the 60s."

Now enjoying a flamboyant single life, he said, "I don't like the term 'jolhon' because I hear it too much. I don't like hearing it repeatedly. I think of it as living out after leaving a mark at home. Calling it 'jolhon' feels a bit impolite."

Regarding being scolded by Kang Boo-ja after his marriage graduation, Baek said, "Kang Boo-ja knows the mother of my children well and used to visit our house often, so she scolded me. The late Lee Soon-jae also did. I was scolded a lot by both of them after my marriage graduation. But I couldn't argue with my elders, so I just took it."

To this, Kim Gura added, "Still, it means he has no intention of going back. He has adapted, so why would he go back?" which brought laughter.

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

(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Hyo-jung)

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Roy Kim and Nucksal delivered a "Mountain Morning Live" performance.

On the July 21 broadcast of the SBS show "High Valley, Top Hero," the "Mountain Morning Live" segment was unveiled.

On this day, Roy Kim woke up on the second day of their trip, grabbed his guitar, and stood on the wooden deck. He began a live, raw-voice performance at 10 AM in the mountains of Gangwon-do.

After Roy Kim passionately sang "Bom Bom Bom" with his raw voice, the members exclaimed, "This is great, your voice is amazing." Once the song ended, Roy Kim joked, "I feel like my throat has become like senior Im Jae-bum's," and Kwak Beom requested a song by Im Jae-bum.

Roy Kim immediately sang Im Jae-bum's "For You" with Kwak Beom. He then naturally passed the baton to Nucksal.

Nucksal, who claimed that a morning live performance was too much, saying, "Rapping at 10 AM is illegal," was provoked by Heo Kyung-hwan, who asked, “I'm asking because I don't know, but is rapping also difficult in the morning?”

In response, Nucksal declared he would rap without any accompaniment and performed "Brother." Following this, Roy Kim sang "If You Ask Me What Love Is," drawing admiration from the others.

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

(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Hyo-jung)

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The 22nd Jecheon International Music & Film Festival (JIMFF, Executive Director Jang Hang-jun) announced the guest lineup for its program event "Talk To You," where audiences meet to discuss film and music, on July 20.

This year, the lineup includes profiler Kwon Il-yong, singer Kim Yoon-ah, actor and director Ryu Hyun-kyung, director Bong Joon-ho, journalist Sohn Suk-hee, director Lee Myung-se, and actor Jeon Mi-do.

"Talk To You" is a signature program event of the Jecheon International Music & Film Festival that combines film screenings with talk sessions. It serves as a platform where guests from various fields, including film directors, actors, musicians, and cultural artists, communicate directly with the audience through the medium of film.

Profiler Kwon Il-yong is South Korea's first profiler and a doctor of criminology, currently serving as an adjunct professor at the Dongguk University Graduate School of Police and Judicial Administration. He has authored books such as "Through the Darkness" and "Profiling Theory and Practice," and is actively appearing in various broadcasts and content, including E Channel's "Brave Detectives," MBC every1's "Hidden Eye," and the film "The Roundup: Punishment."

Singer Kim Yoon-ah is the vocalist and singer-songwriter of the rock band Jaurim, having built a unique musical world while alternating between band and solo activities. She has established herself as an artist representing Korean popular music with profound lyrics and a wide musical spectrum, receiving consistent love.

Actor and director Ryu Hyun-kyung has been active as an actor since debuting as a child actor at the age of 13, while also directing short films, music videos, and film festival trailers. Recently, she expanded her scope as a creator by taking on the directing, screenwriting, editing, producing, distribution, and lead role for the feature film "Don't Go Back."

Director Bong Joon-ho has received global acclaim for directing and writing films such as "Barking Dogs Never Bite," "Memories of Murder," "The Host," "Mother," "Snowpiercer," "Okja," "Parasite," and "Mickey 17." Through original direction that combines witty humor, suspense, and sharp social criticism while twisting genre conventions, he has consistently explored issues of social systems and inequality.

Following his Palme d'Or win at the Cannes Film Festival for "Parasite," he swept four categories at the U.S. Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. He is currently preparing for the release of the feature animation "Ally," for which he serves as producer, director, and screenwriter.

Journalist Sohn Suk-hee joined as an MBC announcer and later served as an anchor and president of JTBC, earning long-standing public trust through in-depth interviews and reliable hosting. He served as a visiting professor at Ritsumeikan University in Japan and shed light on various issues in our society through the MBC current affairs program "Questions." He is currently meeting listeners as the host of the MBC radio show "Sohn Suk-hee's 12 O'Clock."

Director Lee Myung-se is regarded as a "stylist" director representing the Korean film industry for his delicate mise-en-scene and sensuous visual beauty, having directed films such as "My Love, My Bride," "Nowhere to Hide," "Duelist," "M," and "The Killers." Recently, he presented the cinematic documentary "Ran 12.3," which deals with martial law.

Actor Jeon Mi-do is consistently loved by the public for her solid acting skills and delicate expressive power, crossing boundaries between theater, musicals, dramas, and films. She has appeared in various works such as the plays "Oslo" and "The Seagull," the musicals "Sweeney Todd" and "Maybe Happy Ending," and the dramas "Hospital Playlist" and "Connection." In the film "The King's Warden," she played the role of Maehwa, leaving a deep impression on the audience with her delicate emotional acting.

The guests of "Talk To You" will each select and introduce a film that holds special meaning to them, and share their experiences and thoughts related to the works with the audience. It is expected to be a special time for figures from different fields to empathize and communicate with the audience through film.

"Talk To You" will be held in Jecheon during the 22nd Jecheon International Music & Film Festival from September 3 to 8, and the screened films and detailed schedules for each program will be released sequentially. 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)

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On "High Valley, Top Hero," singers LIM YOUNGWOONG, Roy Kim, and Nucksal will unveil unreleased tracks for the first time, followed by a chaotic foot volleyball match with 600,000 KRW worth of Hanwoo (Korean beef) on the line.

The 5th episode of the SBS program "High Valley, Top Hero," airing on the 21st, will feature a late-night listening party filled with mountain vibes and a high-stakes game driven by pride.

The highlight of the broadcast is the "late-night listening party" featuring LIM YOUNGWOONG, Roy Kim, and Nucksal. The three will share unreleased songs they are currently working on for the first time exclusively through "High Valley, Top Hero," warming up the atmosphere. In particular, LIM YOUNGWOONG is set to share the behind-the-scenes stories of his songs along with tracks that will leave viewers in awe.

Meanwhile, when Nucksal loses his phone in the middle of the night, host LIM YOUNGWOONG steps up to help, showing off his skills as the "all-around mountain fixer."

Following this, the mountain bachelors head out for their first trip to town, where a ruthless "all-in game" for lunch and coffee money begins. Fueled by their competitive spirit, they eventually challenge the production crew to a foot volleyball match at a local elementary school with "600,000 KRW worth of premium Hanwoo" on the line. Although the members, led by the self-proclaimed soccer enthusiast LIM YOUNGWOONG, started with confidence, they face a major crisis against the unexpectedly skilled "foot volleyball expert" production team. The situation even escalates to a side game involving "buying chicken for the elementary school," drawing attention to the identity of the "Gangwon-do Chicken Man" who dug his own grave.

During the dinner that followed the intense match, the official chef Kwak Beom takes charge of the main dish. Kwak Beom makes the studio burst into laughter by boldly challenging Cha Seung-won, the icon of cooking variety shows, and proposing the launch of his own restaurant, "Kwak's."

However, his bold confidence is short-lived as smoke from the stove fills the area, turning the scene into chaos. With even the production crew at risk of being smoked out, a commotion ensues as one person is singled out as a "human flytrap" for attracting bugs, leading them to flee into the mountains. The dinner scene of the mountain bachelors, which prompted requests to "please stop being so funny" due to the series of unexpected events, is highly anticipated.

The 5th episode of "High Valley, Top Hero," which will provide pleasant healing through the first reveal of unreleased tracks, a high-stakes match, and hilarious dinner scenes, airs on the 21st at 9 PM. 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)

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Actor Nam Joohyuk shared his deep thoughts on the mixed reactions to the Netflix series "The East Palace," accepting them with humility.

On the afternoon of the 21st, an interview with actor Nam Joohyuk, who starred in the Netflix series "The East Palace" (written by Kwon So-ra and Seo Jae-won, directed by Choi Jung-kyu), was held at a cafe in Samcheong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul.

"The East Palace" is a mystery thriller occult historical drama about Gu-cheon (Nam Joohyuk), a ghost hunter with the special ability to freely cross into the world of spirits, and Saeng-gang (Roh Yoonseo), a court lady who can hear the voices of spirits. The two are secretly summoned by the King (Cho Seung-woo) to uncover the truth behind the cruel curse dwelling in the East Palace. In the drama, Nam Joohyuk delivered a passionate performance as the mysterious character Gu-cheon, who enters the palace to track down the truth behind the pond ghost that killed the Crown Prince.

Regarding the release of "The East Palace," which began filming in October two years ago, Nam Joohyuk said, "The time until the release felt both long and short. I feel relieved, but also very nervous." He added, "I have been spending my days with a mix of worry, anticipation, and excitement about how viewers will receive it."

Having heard many reactions from people who watched all 8 episodes in one sitting after the release, he expressed his gratitude, saying, "It was a project that everyone, from the actors to the staff and production team, worked on with one heart from the hot summer to the cold winter. When I heard positive comments, it felt like the hard times I went through were washed away, and I felt really good."

This fantasy occult historical drama was a set where the actors' physical exhaustion reached its peak due to overwhelming action scenes and underwater filming. Nam Joohyuk, who expected some hardship from the moment he saw the script, recalled, "I was in the military when I decided to join the project, so I was full of passion and physical strength. But after filming the first action scene where I enter the world of spirits on set, I realized, 'This is going to be really tough.'" Nevertheless, he showed his sense of responsibility as an actor, saying, "If that vividness was conveyed well to the public, the hardships I went through are nothing. If I can create good scenes, the struggle is nothing."

Since its release, "The East Palace" has ranked number one on Netflix in Korea and has received positive responses from overseas viewers, with some comparing it to "Stranger Things" and the film "Constantine." However, some viewers have expressed disappointment with the acting of the leads, Nam Joohyuk and Roh Yoonseo.

Nam Joohyuk showed a candid and composed attitude toward the various evaluations and mixed reactions from viewers regarding the project and his acting.

He stated, "I am fully aware that there are mixed reactions. I gratefully accept the positive reviews, and I also gratefully accept the feedback that pointed out areas for improvement, and I think about how I can develop and grow further. Rather, those perspectives become new motivation for me."

He added, "It is natural for diverse opinions to emerge when there are many viewers for a project. There will be times when I receive praise and times when I don't, but I will be grateful for all opinions."

He also revealed his firm philosophy regarding the fact that the acting profession is subject to public evaluation. Nam Joohyuk said, "Acting is a profession where you are inevitably evaluated. Whether it is a project I am working on now, or in the future, my mindset remains the same. I try to approach it with a positive heart, thinking about how I can best portray the character I have been assigned."

Finally, he shared his determination, saying, "Meeting a good project is a great blessing as a person and as an actor. I am grateful to have met such a wonderful project, and I will continue to study and research for future projects, acting as if I am burning my whole body."

Meanwhile, "The East Palace," which features Nam Joohyuk's new acting transformation, consists of 8 episodes and was released in its entirety on Netflix on the 17th.

[Photo=Netflix] 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)

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The former manager of entertainer Park Na-rae (40), identified as Mr. Shin, has been was referred to prosecutors while in custody on charges of threatening to expose false information about Park to demand a large sum of money.

According to the police on July 21, the Seoul Yongsan Police Station referred Mr. Shin to the prosecution on the same day while he was in custody, on charges of attempted extortion and occupational embezzlement. Another former manager, identified as Mr. A, was also referred to the prosecution without detention on charges of attempted extortion.

Mr. Shin and Mr. A are accused of demanding an amount equivalent to 10 percent of the company's 2024 revenue in exchange for preventing the disclosure of allegations that Park Na-rae had used company funds for personal purposes, such as for her ex-boyfriend. Separately, Mr. Shin is also facing charges of occupational embezzlement for allegedly misappropriating approximately 30 million KRW of company funds.

This case emerged in December 2025 when both sides filed complaints against each other. At the time, Mr. Shin and Mr. A filed a petition with the labor office and a criminal complaint against Park Na-rae, alleging workplace harassment, verbal abuse, special injury, proxy prescriptions, and unpaid wages.

They also claimed that they were forced to perform unfair duties, such as being forced to attend drinking parties, running errands, and being on 24-hour on-call duty. On the other hand, Park Na-rae's side countered that they had demanded an additional amount equivalent to 10 percent of the company's previous year's revenue after receiving their severance pay normally.

At the time, Park Na-rae's side claimed that while responding to them, they confirmed that approximately 30 million KRW of company funds had been siphoned into a private corporation established by Mr. Shin, and subsequently raised charges of occupational embezzlement.

Park Na-rae, who suspended her activities as soon as the controversy arose, stated in a video statement in December 2025 that she would respond legally, saying, "We are currently in the process of legal proceedings as there are parts of the raised issues that require a calm verification of the facts. I believe this matter is not one of personal feelings or relationships, but one that must be objectively verified through official procedures." 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)

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Director Yeon Sang-ho's new film "Paradise Lost" has been officially invited to the Special Presentations section of the 51st Toronto International Film Festival.

Special Presentations is a signature section of the Toronto International Film Festival that showcases new works and buzzworthy films from world-renowned directors.

With this invitation, Director Yeon Sang-ho has been selected by Toronto for two consecutive years, following his invitation to the 50th Toronto International Film Festival's Special Presentations section with "The Ugly". Furthermore, following the official invitation of "COLONY" to the Midnight Screening section of the 79th Cannes Film Festival in the first half of the year, "Paradise Lost" entering Toronto in the second half means he has had two commercial films featured at the world's two major international film festivals in one year.

The international poster, unveiled alongside the news of the festival invitation, draws attention. The poster captures a torn old photo of a child, a silhouette walking out of the darkness, and Ryu So-young (Kim Hyun-joo) standing with her head bowed in front of the photo. The silhouette with the missing face hints at the son, Son-woo, who has returned after 9 years looking completely different from memory, raising curiosity about what will happen between the two.

Director Yeon Sang-ho opens the trailer released together. Appearing directly in the opening comment intro, the director introduced the work, saying, "I have been contemplating the dark side of humanity while working on 'The King of Pigs', 'The Fake', and 'The Ugly'. This 'Paradise Lost' is the darkest story among the stories I have had, and it is a film about a mother's desperate struggle as she falls into a dark abyss between a child revived by AI and the real child who returned alive after 9 years."

In "Paradise Lost", Kim Hyun-joo, who works with Director Yeon Sang-ho once again following the "Hellbound" series, "Jung_E", and "The Bequeathed", plays the role of Ryu So-young, and Bae Hyun-sung, who is taking on his first film lead role, plays the role of the strange son Ryu Son-woo who returned after 9 years.

"Paradise Lost", which unveils its veil in Toronto, will be released in domestic theaters this coming October.

(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)

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Actors Youn Jung-hoon (from left), Cha In-pyo, and Oh Man-seok attend the press call for the play "Dead Poets Society," held at NOL Theater in Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of July 21, and participate in a photo time.

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

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The last-place team, FC Gucheok Jangsin, and the "Gucheok Killer," FC Balladream, are set for a high-stakes showdown for a ticket to the semifinals.

The upcoming episode of SBS's "Kick a Goal," airing on the 22nd, will feature the third match of the "2nd GIFA Cup," a single-elimination tournament, showcasing the fated rivalry between FC Gucheok Jangsin and FC Balladream.

FC Gucheok Jangsin, which fell to the bottom of the rankings last season after suffering the pain of conceding 20 goals, has re-equipped its signature "tenacious spirit" to break the chain of defeats. FC Balladream, their opponents, also sharpened their vigilance and determination to win, stating, "We also returned after being relegated and won the championship, so we should never underestimate the grit of a last-place team."

To save the struggling FC Gucheok Jangsin, Cho Won-hee, known as the "Korean Gattuso," has been appointed as the new head coach. Declaring, "If they are busy, I will go to their front door to coach them one-on-one," Coach Cho has boosted the players' stamina and mental strength through his intense "Cho-parta" training. Expectations are high on whether the reborn FC Gucheok Jangsin can pull off a "rebellion of the last-place team."

Meanwhile, a touching story from Jung Ye-won of FC Balladream is drawing attention. Her older sister, who is just one week away from giving birth, visited the stadium with her full-term belly. Jung Ye-won moved the set to tears by expressing her deep affection, saying, "My sister raised me in place of our mother who passed away early. I want to be a great source of strength for my sister who will soon become a mother." Attention is focused on whether Jung Ye-won will be able to score and lead her team to victory with the support of her most reliable pillar of strength, her sister.

The unmissable clash between FC Gucheok Jangsin and FC Balladream, both standing on the edge of a cliff, will be revealed on "Kick a Goal," airing on Wednesday, July 22, at 9 PM. 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)

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Webtoon artist and TV personality Kian84 is set to embark on a groundbreaking dating survival experience with an AI.

SBS announced that it will premiere the nation's first AI dating survival program, "My AI Partner - Kian Dating" (literal translation), this coming August.

"My AI Partner - Kian Dating" is a new concept variety show that combines AI technology with dating reality. Participants enter a dating world created by AI, facing new encounters and relationship dynamics that are difficult to experience in reality. Starting from the question, "Can humans truly date an AI?", the show captures a dense spectrum of emotions, from excitement and attraction to jealousy, confusion, and regret, all within a fantasy designed by AI.

Expectations are high for the transformation of Kian84, who serves as the main participant. Moving beyond the raw, unfiltered image he has shown in observational variety shows, Kian84 is expected to reveal the boundaries, excitement, expectations, and disappointments he faces in his relationship with his AI partner without reservation. The deep emotional layers of Kian84, hidden behind his familiar daily life, are expected to be a key point of interest.

The studio MC lineup is also star-studded, featuring comedian Jang Doyoun, singer Kangnam, and actor Lee Joon. Among them, Jang Doyoun takes on the dual role of a direct participant in AI dating and a studio MC.

Jang Doyoun will candidly share the actual feelings and inner thoughts she experienced while dating an AI, while also using her signature empathy and quick wit to highlight the emotional changes of the participants, including Kian84. They will be joined by the outspoken Kangnam and the unpredictable charm of Lee Joon, adding rich entertainment to the studio talk.

The production team stated, "My AI Partner - Kian Dating is an experimental dating observation program that captures special emotions and unpredictable dates that can only be felt because it is an AI. At a time when AI is developing at a rapid pace, please watch to see how deep an emotional connection is possible between humans and AI."

Korea's first AI dating survival show, SBS's "My AI Partner - Kian Dating," will premiere in August. 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)

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Na Young-seok's production team is returning with a harsh yet beautiful winter mountain variety show featuring Car, the garden, DOWOON, Lee Chae-min, and TARZZAN.

On the 16th, Netflix confirmed the August 18 release of the new variety show "Take a Hike!" and released a teaser poster and trailer.

"Take a Hike!" is a "my feet, my hike" variety show where four reluctant hikers, who have never been interested in hiking, take on their first-ever winter mountain expedition. The show will capture the journey of these novice hikers as they seek their own answers to the question, "Take a Hike!" while showcasing the cool winter mountain scenery during the hot summer season.

Expectations are high for the collaboration between Netflix and Na Young-seok's team, known for their "character variety show" expertise, along with the fresh cast lineup. The show features all-around entertainer Car, the garden, DAY6 member DOWOON, rising star Lee Chae-min, and TARZZAN from the group ALLDAY PROJECT, promising a unique chemistry among the mountain club members.

The teaser poster captures the attention with the determined expression of the group's eldest, Car, the garden, alongside the curious gaze of DOWOON, the dazzling visuals of Lee Chae-min, and the youngest member TARZZAN, who keeps smiling despite the grueling hike. Cute characters representing each member's traits also appear, sparking interest in their chaotic hiking journey.

The teaser trailer shows the members struggling with the unexpectedly high difficulty of the hike. After Car, the garden expresses his exhaustion by saying, "This isn't it," the breathtakingly majestic winter mountain scenery unfolds, providing an overwhelming visual experience.

Producing Director Park Hyun-yong stated, "The planning intention was to create a raw variety show where the cast truly suffers. South Korea's winter mountains are the harshest and roughest, but paradoxically, they hold the most beautiful scenery of any season. I wanted to show the 'raw chemistry' that these four people, who have lived far from mountains their whole lives, build as they push and pull each other in this extreme environment."

The unpredictable winter mountain expedition of the four reluctant hikers, "Take a Hike!", will be released on Netflix on Tuesday, August 18.

[Photo = Netflix] 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)

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Actor Yeon Jung-hoon is performing key scenes during the press call for the play "Dead Poets Society," held at the NOL Theater in Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of July 21.

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

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Actor Cha In-pyo is performing key scenes during the press call for the play "Dead Poets Society," held at the NOL Theater in Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of July 21.

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

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Actor Yeon Jung-hoon is performing a key scene at the press call for the play "Dead Poets Society," held at the NOL Theater in Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of July 21.

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

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Actor Cha In-pyo is performing key scenes at the press call for the play "Dead Poets Society," held at the NOL Theater in Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of July 21.

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

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On the afternoon of July 21, actors perform key scenes during the press call for the play "Dead Poets Society," held at the NOL Theater in Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul.

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

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Actor Lee Tak-su is performing a key scene during the press call for the play "Dead Poets Society," held at the NOL Theater in Daehak-ro, Seoul, on the afternoon of July 21.

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Actor Oh Man-seok is performing key scenes at the press call for the play "Dead Poets Society," held at the NOL Theater in Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of July 21.

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U-KNOW admitted that he is SM’s “kkondae revenant.”

On the July 20 broadcast of the SBS show "uh, but like, seriously!", the passionate U-KNOW visited Suzy's boarding house.

During the show, Lee Soo-ji asked U-KNOW, "I heard you are SM's Kkondae Revenant and that there is a thing called 'U-KNOW Time'."

U-KNOW responded, "If you cut out the 'Revenant' part, it is true," clarifying that he agreed with the “kkondae” label, but not the “revenant” part. Tak Jae-hoon then asked again, "Is it true that you said, 'If you are going to do it half-heartedly, leave right now, if you are going to practice like that, go back to your hometown'?"

U-KNOW, recalling the past, said he could not deny it. Lee Soo-ji then asked, "Is there anyone we know who heard that story?"

U-KNOW replied, "That was Heechul-hyung," adding, "I saw him after I said that, and he had changed. He endured it, and that is how he became Super Junior."

U-KNOW also drew attention by saying he does not remember saying the same thing to Changmin, a member of TVXQ!.

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

(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Hyo-jung)

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Actor Choi Ji-woo has participated in the audio description recording for the barrier-free version of the film "David."

"David" is an animation that depicts the story of an ordinary shepherd, David, who faces his destiny as a king, starting from his mother's songs to his confrontation with the giant Goliath, whom the world feared. The film previously garnered attention for its voice cast, featuring Park Bo-gum as David, Jang Gwang as Samuel, and Cha Ji-yeon as Nichebet.

Choi Ji-woo is an actor who has been consistently loved by audiences for a long time across films, dramas, and variety shows, including "Sugar," "New Normal," "Like for Likes," "Now and Forever," the drama "The Most Beautiful Goodbye," and variety shows "Bistro Shigor" and "Coffee Friends." This marks her first time working with a barrier-free film through the narration for the barrier-free version of "David."

Choi Ji-woo shared her thoughts on supporting barrier-free films, stating, "It was a very meaningful task to participate in the audio description narration for a barrier-free version, a movie without barriers. I hope more movies of various genres will be able to meet audiences in barrier-free versions in the future."

The barrier-free version of "David" was supported by the Seoul Business Agency Media Contents Center. The barrier-free version of "David," featuring Choi Ji-woo's voice, will be available in theaters starting in August after undergoing post-production processes such as barrier-free subtitle work. 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)

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Singer J.Y. Park is building anticipation for his comeback with the new single "WET," showcasing his toned physique.

J.Y. Park released silhouette teaser images ahead of the release of his new single "WET" on July 23. In the released photos, J.Y. Park captures attention by revealing his well-defined body from various angles. The silhouette, contrasting against the teal background, further highlights a physique that is hard to believe belongs to a 54-year-old.

J.Y. Park previously made headlines by revealing that he lowered his body fat percentage to a single digit while preparing for the "Waterbomb 2026" stage. He stated via the official Waterbomb YouTube channel, "The biggest difference from before this Waterbomb is my body fat. It is the first time since I was 25 that I have had single-digit body fat," adding, "I worked really hard to achieve this, so I am going to make the most of it." He continued, "I am promoting with the mindset of a rookie in my 31st year," and expressed his unwavering passion, saying, "I want to remain a singer who always stands on stage with the energy of a rookie."

The new song "WET" is his first summer release in about 6 years since "When We Disco (duet with SUNMI)" in 2020. It has also been selected as the main theme song for this year's "Waterbomb 2026," drawing significant interest. J.Y. Park is scheduled to perform "WET" for the first time at the "Waterbomb 2026" stages in Seoul on July 26 and in Busan on August 8.

Meanwhile, J.Y. Park's new single "WET" will be released on various online music sites on July 23 at 6 PM. 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)

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Actor Jung Eun-chae, known for her undefeated streak in "girl crush" roles, has signaled another bold character transformation.

On the 21st, 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 an interview with Jung Eun-chae, who plays Joo Hye-ra, the veteran new team leader of the Gangha Police Station Violent Crimes Unit 1.

"Flex X Cop 2," which premieres on August 7 as the follow-up to "Agent Kim Reactivated," is a refreshing and exhilarating investigative drama featuring the "money-fueled" cooperation between chaebol detective Jin Yi-soo (played by Ahn Bo-hyun) and the new team leader Joo Hye-ra (played by Jung Eun-chae). It is considered a key pillar of the SBS "cider" universe, following in the footsteps of "Taxi Driver," "The Fiery Priest," and "The Judge from Hell," and is highly anticipated as a project that will kick off SBS's 2026 seasonal hit lineup.

Regarding her role as Joo Hye-ra, a former ace of the police counter-terrorism team who is newly assigned to the Violent Crimes Unit 1, Jung Eun-chae explained why she chose the project: "I was captivated by its unique wit and exhilarating plot development. I was curious about how a stranger like Joo Hye-ra would clash with and blend into the existing world. I wanted to try playing a character who is rugged yet human and independent," she said, recalling her first impression of the role.

Jung Eun-chae, who has proven her irreplaceable "girl crush" aura in works such as "Pachinko," "Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born," and "Honour," is taking on her first comedic action genre through this project. Describing her character, she said, "She is a person with rich internal experience, strength, and the capacity to trust and listen to her team members' stories." She also raised expectations for her visuals, adding, "I plan to showcase a styling that combines both weight and mobility."

In particular, a key point to watch in Season 2 is the "tiki-taka" cooperation between Joo Hye-ra, who was a "devil instructor" at the police academy, and Jin Yi-soo, a trainee who was harshly treated by her, as they reunite as team leader and team member. Jung Eun-chae expressed confidence, saying, "Jin Yi-soo and Joo Hye-ra have completely opposite personalities, like fire and water, but in some ways, they are strangely similar. The process of them starting with a strained hierarchical relationship and gradually becoming perfect partners in cooperation will be very interesting."

Regarding her co-star Ahn Bo-hyun, she showed strong trust, saying, "He was always Jin Yi-soo himself on set. As a fellow actor, his passion and flexibility were great motivators for me. In reality, he also has a very witty and cute side."

Finally, Jung Eun-chae encouraged viewers to tune in, saying, "'Flex X Cop 2' is a project where a feast of wonderful actors unfolds in every episode. It will be a fun, refreshing, and exhilarating show that will cool down the summer heat, so I hope you don't miss it and enjoy it with us."

"Flex X Cop 2" will premiere on Friday, August 7, at 9:50 PM. 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)

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Actor Kim Yoo-jung has captured attention with a daring blonde transformation and an alluring, sophisticated charm.

On the 21st, the fashion magazine "Allure Korea" officially released a pictorial featuring Kim Yoo-jung, who graces the cover of its August issue. This pictorial was planned as part of the tvN 20th anniversary project, adding significance as it features the leads of highly anticipated works for the second half of the year.

In the released photos, Kim Yoo-jung immediately draws the eye with her vibrant blonde hair set against an intense red background. She creates a chic and haughty vibe with a cool, doll-like short bob, while adding sophisticated elegance with a long, wavy hairstyle. Her fatal aura, blended with roses, evokes admiration as she oscillates between sexy and alluring charms.

In particular, Kim Yoo-jung perfectly pulled off a variety of outfits, ranging from a mini dress to a luxurious silk dress and a leopard-print skirt. It is said that she overwhelmed the set with nothing more than her restrained expressions and deep, piercing gaze.

Kim Yoo-jung is set to return to the small screen through the new tvN Saturday-Sunday drama "100 Days of Deception," which is scheduled to premiere in October. She will showcase a spy romance by playing the lead character "Lee Ga-kyung," who goes from being the best pickpocket in Gyeongseong to infiltrating the Japanese Government-General of Korea as an interpreter for 100 days.

[Photo=Allure Korea] 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)

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