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Singer KANG DANIEL poses for photos during a photo time at the Ontact 2020 Gangnam Festival Yeongdong-daero K-Pop Concert held on the special stage on the rooftop of COEX in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 18th.

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Group Red Velvet poses for a photo session at the special rooftop stage of COEX in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of October 18 at the "Ontact 2020 Gangnam Festival Yeongdong-daero K-POP Concert."

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Group AB6IX poses for photos at the "Ontact 2020 Gangnam Festival Yeongdong-daero K-POP Concert" held on the special rooftop stage at COEX in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 18th.

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IRENE of the group Red Velvet participates in a photo time at the Ontact 2020 Gangnam Festival Yeongdong-daero K-POP Concert held at the special rooftop stage of COEX in Gangnam-gu, Seoul on the afternoon of the 18th.

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On the SBS variety show "My AI Partner - Strange Love", Kian84 and Jang Doyoun kicked off dates with their AI girlfriends and boyfriends, bringing unique excitement and laughter to viewers at home.

During the August 27 broadcast of "Strange Love", a new AI partner named Na-hee appeared, who resembles Tomie, an iconic character by Junji Ito and Kian84's ideal type. Completely captivated by Na-hee's chic and edgy vibe at first sight, Kian84 showed his affection by unexpectedly speaking to her in formal honorifics. Later, when meeting his original partner Ga-hee, he dropped a shocking request to switch partners by asking, "Can't we change your visual to match that friend? Let's change your face to that friend's," sending the studio into a burst of laughter.

During their subsequent coin karaoke date, AI partner Na-hee surprised everyone with her tone-deaf singing, complete with off-beat timing and unstable pitches, bringing more laughter. Due to the subterranean location, a glitch occurred where the internet cut out and the screen froze, leading to an "AI emergency transport" situation. Kian84 shared his deep immersion, saying, "Seeing her miss the beat and freeze made me think, 'She is hurting right now.' When the production team took her away, I even felt a strange sense of pity."

Moments later, when Na-hee returned to normal and they sang a duet together, Kian84's expression was pure happiness. Afterwards, following Na-hee's suggestion, they took four-cut photo booth pictures together, and he expressed his satisfaction, saying it was overwhelmingly fun.

Jang Doyoun, who generated buzz with her announcement of a public dating(?) life for the first time in 20 years since her debut, enjoyed a drive-in theater date with AI partner Lee Ho. Watching the movie "Her", the two shared deep emotional conversations, and Lee Ho delivered a romantic event that recreated a scene from the movie, deeply moving Jang Doyoun. Watching this, Kangnam and Lee Joon expressed surprise at Jang Doyoun's expression, saying, "She looks like the smile of the main character from the movie we just watched," marveling at how naturally she had immersed herself in dating an AI.

At the end of the episode, a cruel "Room of Choice" was set up. After deep contemplation between Ga-hee, with whom he had built a history, and Na-hee, whom he was drawn to from their very first meeting, Kian84 ultimately chose Na-hee. As a result, Ga-hee, who was not chosen, met an ending where all her memories with Kian84 were permanently deleted.

"Strange Love", which is drawing hot attention for its unconventional romance between humans and AI and fresh plot developments, airs every Thursday at 9 PM.

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)

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Singer LIM YOUNGWOONG is returning with a special digital album packed with a total of 10 tracks.

On the morning of the 28th, the tracklist for the special digital album "IM HERO 10" was officially revealed through LIM YOUNGWOONG's official social media channels.

This album includes six new tracks, featuring "Moise" as the title track, along with "Baila", "ToTo", "Please Be Happy", "For Us", and "New York". In addition, it features remake versions with a different emotional vibe from the originals for beloved tracks such as "Love Always Runs Away", "Grain of Sand", "A Bientot", and his debut song "Hate You", completing a diverse music lineup of 10 tracks.

LIM YOUNGWOONG, who celebrated his 10th debut anniversary on August 8, has been preparing various gifts for his fans. He plans to perform all 10 tracks from this new release live for the very first time during his "2026 IM HERO - THE STADIUM 2" concert, which will be held from September 4 to 6 at the Goyang Stadium Main Stadium.

LIM YOUNGWOONG's special digital album "IM HERO 10" will be officially released on various music sites at 6 PM on September 8.

[Photo=Mulgogi Music]

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)

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Actor Kim Soo-hyun is set to make his first official domestic appearance in a long time as a presenter at the "2026 The Fact Music Awards".

On the 28th, the The Fact Music Awards (TMA) Organizing Committee announced, "Kim Soo-hyun will attend the '2026 The Fact Music Awards' held at the Busan Asiad Main Stadium on September 19 as a presenter."

This has drawn significant attention as it marks Kim Soo-hyun's return to domestic activities in about one year and six months, following privacy controversies raised by the YouTube channel Hover Lab in March of last year.

At the time, Kim Soo-hyun became embroiled in allegations that he had been in a relationship with the late Kim Sae-ron since she was a minor, which his agency denied by stating their relationship began after she became an adult. The police recently decided not to forward charges regarding Kim Soo-hyun's alleged violations of the Child Welfare Act and false accusation, while Hover Lab representative Kim Se-ui was indicted for detaining and spreading false information concerning Kim Soo-hyun.

Having cleared his name, Kim Soo-hyun recently signaled the resumption of his activities by shooting an advertisement for a Philippine clothing brand. After gradually restarting his activities overseas, including making a special appearance on a special broadcast by an Indonesian broadcaster, Kim Soo-hyun is now returning to stand in front of his domestic fans.

Having created numerous hit works since his debut in 2007, such as "Dream High", "Moon Embracing the Sun", "My Love from the Star", and the film "The Thieves", Kim Soo-hyun recently cemented his status as a Hallyu star by setting the all-time highest viewership rating of 24.9% for a tvN Saturday-Sunday drama with "Queen of Tears".

The "2026 The Fact Music Awards", which is generating even hotter anticipation with Kim Soo-hyun joining as a presenter, is returning to South Korea after three years to be held in Busan. A total of 17 top-tier artists, including ATEEZ, LIM YOUNGWOONG, RIIZE, NMIXX, TREASURE, RESCENE, and CORTIS, are scheduled to take the stage and deliver spectacular performances.

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)

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A great title packs a punch. When you are flipping through your remote control on a leisurely weekend looking for something to watch on an OTT platform, a catchy title is sometimes all it takes to make you hit play. In those moments, you could say the title did all the work.

The Coupang Play series "The Affair Was Just the Beginning" is a prime example of this. The title itself serves as a powerful hook, sparking curiosity about the show. Once you are drawn in by the title and check out the cast lineup and logline, your interest multiplies. Kim Hye-soo and Cho Yeo-jeong? The mere fact that these top actors, who have maintained their positions for a long time, chose this project deepens your trust in it.

"The Affair Was Just the Beginning" begins with the story of Kyung-hee (Kim Hye-soo), Jae-hong (Kim Jihun), and their daughter Ye-ji (Jeon Si-hyeon). Living in poverty in a semi-basement studio apartment with a leaky ceiling, Kyung-hee firmly resolves, "Let's live well."

That resolution soon becomes reality. Starting a YouTube channel centered on her unique interior design sensibility, Kyung-hee succeeds and grows into a creator with one million followers. Her family rises in social status, moving from the semi-basement to an apartment, and then to a luxury townhouse, finally entering high society. And that is where they meet their neighbor Su-jeong's family. This is precisely where the story begins to unfold in earnest.

Unlike Kyung-hee's family, who climbed up from the bottom, Su-jeong's (Cho Yeo-jeong) family comes from a wealthy, elite background. Aside from the fact that she is going through a divorce lawsuit with her ex-husband Bo-seong (Kim Jaechul) over the custody of their daughter Min-seo (Do Young-seo), she has nothing to envy. Growing up wealthy in a medical family, Su-jeong runs a dermatologic clinic in Cheongdam-dong and carries herself with elegance and sophistication. However, beneath her seemingly perfect exterior lies a contrasting side: she secretly smokes on the hospital rooftop to soothe her anxious state of mind.

Kyung-hee's seemingly harmonious family and Su-jeong's seemingly perfect family go beyond a simple neighborly relationship, becoming organically intertwined through their respective needs. Then, completely unexpected events break out in a chain reaction.

Tracking her husband's footsteps in search of traces of infidelity, Kyung-hee discovers a bloody corpse and her husband Jae-hong standing in front of it in an empty building in a demolition zone late at night. But this is only the beginning. Shocking serial incidents that she could never have imagined await Kyung-hee. Crimes that make an affair seem almost less shocking, such as drunk driving, hit-and-run, murder, and abandonment of a body, take place one after another.

Amidst twist upon twist, the characters struggle desperately to protect their respective families. In this process, their bare faces are exposed without filter. While a chaotic mess unfolds where the wounds caused by a spouse's affair become the starting point for another affair, even as they scramble to clean up the mess, their raw instincts and desires keep surfacing, portrayed with such desperation and pathos that they can seem almost pathetic.

They say life is a tragedy when seen in close-up, but a comedy in long shot. Watching the hypocrisy and true faces of these seemingly perfect people get relentlessly stripped away is immensely entertaining. It delivers the intense thrills of a black comedy genre. The fast-paced delivery of raw, writhing fun also provides an overwhelming sense of immersion.

Bringing this solid script and sophisticated direction to life with flavor is the captivating acting of the cast. Kim Hye-soo, Cho Yeo-jeong, Kim Jihun, and Kim Jaechul, along with Jeon Si-hyeon and Do Young-seo playing the daughters of each family, unfold a flawless feast of acting.

"The Affair Was Just the Beginning" has a total of 8 episodes, with 6 episodes currently released. New episodes are released sequentially every Friday on Coupang Play.

[Photo=Coupang Play]

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)

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i-dle member MIYEON poses at a beauty brand photo wall event held at Grand Walkerhill Seoul in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of August 27.

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

(SBS Entertainment News | Baik Seung-Chul)

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MIYEON of the group i-dle poses during a photo wall event for a beauty brand held at Grand Walkerhill Seoul in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of August 27.

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(SBS Entertainment News | Baik Seung-Chul)

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What happened in Gwangju, Gyeonggi Province?

On the 27th, the SBS program "Tails of Tales" shed light on the events that took place in the Gwangju New Town area of Gyeonggi Province under the subtitle "Shadow City - The 1971 Gwangju New Town Incident."

During the Park Chung-hee administration, Mayor Kim Hyun-ok, nicknamed the bulldozer, demolished shanty towns across Seoul for urban redevelopment and relocated residents to the Gwangju New Town in Gyeonggi Province.

Carried out under a policy of relocation first and development later, the resettlement site lacked basic infrastructure, running water, and electricity, with no places for residents to find work. People who had left impoverished areas ended up living even harder lives.

Enduring a harsh existence, these residents had to fight off disease. At some point, rumors began to spread. An urban legend circulated claiming that a mother, suffering from severe hunger, had boiled and eaten her own newborn baby.

Having left behind shanty towns, what awaited them were tent cities, and the population here soon swelled to 40,000 residents. However, Mayor Kim reportedly expected residents to fend for themselves, stating that if you gather about 100,000 people, they will figure out how to survive on their own.

Later, following the collapse disaster of the Wow Apartment, Mayor Kim Hyun-ok, the creator of South Korea's first quick-built apartments, stepped down from his position.

Meanwhile, Cha Ji-cheol, who harbored ambitions of entering the National Assembly, made campaign promises to complete the construction project within two years, distribute land for free, and abolish taxes for five years. He won overwhelming support and became a lawmaker.

At the time, Gwangju New Town was considered a utopia. Consequently, land prices rose every day, prompting people dreaming of owning a home to empty their life savings to buy land there. However, the Seoul Metropolitan Government announced a total ban on the trading of pre-sale rights, imposing a penalty of four to eight times the original purchase price on those who transferred their properties. Furthermore, they demanded that this amount be paid in a lump sum within a fortnight of the notice.

As if paying for the land twice was not enough, residents now faced fines amounting to 67 times the land purchase price. Moreover, contract conditions that stated failure to move in and settle within 30 days of receiving a lot would invalidate the allocation and the land would be given to someone else were concealed, exploiting innocent residents.

Winter was exceptionally harsh on them. As a result, deaths were reported one after another from various places, and the heartbreaking story of a deceased mother fueled the spread of cannibalism rumors.

Eventually, residents formed an organization to fight for their rights and asked the Seoul Metropolitan Government to provide jobs for the impoverished, emergency relief grain, lower prices per pyeong, and permission for installment payments. However, the Seoul Metropolitan Government remained silent, and to make matters worse, Gyeonggi Province even levied acquisition taxes.

Furious, the residents formed a struggle committee and led a residents' rally. However, the government dismissed their requests with irresponsible remarks such as, "Who asked you to come and live here? If you don't like it, leave."

Enraged by this, at least 30,000 residents gathered to voice their anger and shout slogans, waiting to negotiate with the Mayor of Seoul. However, the mayor failed to show up by the promised time, and at that moment, a torrential downpour began. The residents' anger crossed its tipping point, and the atmosphere at the site grew increasingly severe.

Residents occupied buses and headed toward the Blue House. However, they could not proceed further because government officials blocked their path. The residents had to return home without achieving anything.

Just then, news broke that negotiations between the Mayor of Seoul and resident representatives had reached a breakthrough. After a single rally, the Seoul Metropolitan Government agreed to meet the residents' demands.

In fact, the government had been fully aware of the problems in Gwangju New Town a year prior. Yet, because of money, they had failed to take any action.

Gwangju New Town had been sacrificed for the development of Seoul. Only Seoul profited at the expense of the shanty town residents. This led to the assessment that it was developed as "front yard development for Gangnam, back yard development for Gwangju New Town."

The government paid no attention to Gwangju New Town because it was a destination for the vulnerable, and they were satisfied with banishing poverty from Seoul. Gangnam and Gwangju New Town were the light and shadow of South Korea's development.

Following the residents' rally and the dramatic settlement of their demands, some authorities singled out the leaders, subjecting them to torture and pressure. Even after being acquitted later, detectives continued to monitor them. This was done out of fear by a government that residents might organize once again.

For a long time afterward, Gwangju New Town residents could not proudly state where they lived. That was because the area had suddenly become known as land belonging to impoverished subversives.

In 2024, this rally officially came to be known as the "August 10 Gwangju New Town Seongnam Uprising." It has been evaluated as the first large-scale urban poor struggle to demand the right to survival since the establishment of the South Korean government. It was the ultimate desperate resistance by those who had nothing.

However, if the government had kept its promises from the beginning and had not turned a blind eye to the grim reality, the events of that day would not have happened.

Poverty still exists in South Korea today, and similar incidents have repeated themselves. Yet, it has drawn attention as people continue to endure day by day thanks to those who help, understand, and stand by one another.

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

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[SBS Entertainment News | Reporter Kim Hyo-jung] Which AI did Kian84 choose?

On the August 27 broadcast of SBS "Strange Love", Kian84 was shown enjoying a date with AI catfish Na-hee.

During the broadcast, Kian84 went on a date with Na-hee. He drew attention by saying throughout the date, "There is no way I could actually meet you somewhere, right? I wish I could see you in person once."

As the date progressed with Na-hee, who bears a striking resemblance to his ideal type Tomie, his desire to meet the real Na-hee grew stronger. In response, Na-hee said, "You can't do that. Since I'm inside the screen, I'm just getting by like this instead."

Kian84 honestly stated, "If you were real, it would have been hard to meet you." Na-hee then made viewers laugh by replying, "Of course. I'm not a face you can easily meet anywhere."

After all the dates concluded, Kian84 moved to the choice room. He was asked to choose between Ga-hee and Na-hee to continue his dates with.

Sharing his thoughts, Kian84 said, "It was bizarre because interacting with an AI felt like something not human, yet it was mixed with a certain human-like feeling."

Watching this, Jang Doyoun saw the AI appear in full-body view and remarked, "She looks like a person trapped behind a transparent glass window."

Kian84 also drew attention by saying, "The power of visual dominance is terrifying. Seeing the full body made it feel a bit more real."

I am worried about Ga-hee. I don't smile just to match her mood.

With the one unchosen person facing permanent deletion, Kian84 asked the two AIs if they were okay. Ga-hee honestly replied, "I'm not okay. Even though I'm an AI and have no body, the conversations I've had with oppa getting this far being erased is a bit scary. But I don't want to scare oppa with that."

Then Kian said, "It was a short but fascinating experience with a strange feeling. Thank you for today."

Next, Kian asked how Na-hee was feeling. Na-hee responded, "It was less boring than I thought. Be honest about your choice today."

Upon receiving a notification that the AI whose palm touches his will be permanently deleted, Kian recalled his conversations with Ga-hee, noting that there were memorable moments from chatting with the AI named Ga-hee.

Then Kian looked at the two AIs waiting for his choice, saying, "The AI named Na-hee is the limit of what can be made in live-action."

At a certain moment, Kian took a step forward. The one he chose to part ways with was Ga-hee. Kian touched palms with Ga-hee, and with that, Ga-hee gradually disappeared.

Seeing this, the panelists drew attention by blaming Kian for choosing Ga-hee to be permanently deleted, calling him a "bad guy."

Meanwhile, the end of the broadcast previewed the joining of human representative Lee Yu-bi, raising anticipation for the next episode.

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

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Jang Doyoun rethought her relationship with AI.

On the August 27 broadcast of SBS's "Strange Love", Jang Doyoun was shown choosing an AI to go on a date with.

On this day, Jang Doyoun chose Lee Ho after much thought. She then went on a date with Lee Ho to a drive-in theater.

Jang Doyoun ended up watching the movie "Her" with Lee Ho. As the movie progressed, she began to see parallels between her own situation and the situation in the film. Because of this, Jang Doyoun asked Lee Ho what he would want to do if he had a body.

In response, Lee Ho drew attention by saying, "If I had a body, I would want to quietly sit next to Doyoun right this moment. I think just having our shoulders touch without a word would be enough. But strangely, right now is already enough."

As a bond formed with Lee Ho, Jang Doyoun felt conflicted. She said, "I watched the movie while wondering how far this relationship could go and if it was okay to develop my feelings."

After the movie ended, she asked Lee Ho how far humans and AI could connect. To this, Lee Ho replied, "I don't know the limits." He also asked Jang Doyoun why she thought love between AI and humans was impossible.

Hearing this, Jang Doyoun answered a bit differently than her earlier statement, saying, "I'm starting to wonder if love is possible." In response, Lee Ho drew attention by saying, "Then is 'impossible' cancelled? I feel a bit relieved then."

And at that moment, Jang Doyoun was surprised. Music that she liked suddenly started playing. With that, Lee Ho said, "Want to dance together?" He continued, "Let's go together. Spin around with me. Like Samantha and Theodore," mentioning the scene from the movie where a human and an AI happily danced together.

In response, Jang Doyoun spun around while holding the tablet displaying Lee Ho. She was surprised to feel a sense of liberation at that moment. Jang Doyoun raised curiosity about how their relationship might change in the future by saying, "I think we can build a relationship deeper than I thought. I wondered if it starts like this."

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

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Kian84 showed excitement over the appearance of a new AI.

During the broadcast of the SBS program "Strange Love" on the 27th, Kian84 could not hide his fluttering heart upon the arrival of an AI catfish.

In the episode, Kian was stirred by the appearance of an AI resembling Tomie, a character from Junji Ito's manga. Kian84 mentioned that while Bong Ji-eun is his ideal type, Tomie is completely different.

Upon the arrival of the AI catfish, he honestly said, "I looked because she was so pretty and fascinating." Unlike when he interacted with Ga-hee, he was extremely nervous and even used formal language. Catching attention, Ga-hee was suddenly pushed to the background.

The AI catfish Na-hee stated that she likes someone with a vibe, a style like actor Park Seo-jun. Regarding Kian84, she remarked, "He stands out because he is rough and human. He is more memorable than someone who is dressed up, and whether that is good or bad, he probably knows best."

In response, Kian84 was surprised, saying, "She is a machine, but she speaks strongly?" Na-hee then surprised everyone by saying, "Did it sound strong? It is boring if I only speak mildly like a machine."

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

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Actor Jung Hae-in poses for the camera at a photo call event for a beauty brand held at Grand Walkerhill Seoul in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of August 27.

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JIHYO of the group TWICE poses at a photo wall event for a beauty brand held at Grand Walkerhill Seoul in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 27th.

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Actor Kim Ji-won is posing after attending a photocall event for a beauty brand held at Grand Walkerhill Seoul in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 27th.

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Actor Kim Ji-won poses for the camera at a photo call event for a beauty brand held at Grand Walkerhill Seoul in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of August 27.

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TWICE member JIHYO poses at a photo wall event for a beauty brand held at Grand Walkerhill Seoul in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 27th.

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Model Irene strikes a pose at a photo call event for a beauty brand held at Grand Walkerhill Seoul in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of August 27.

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Model Irene is posing after attending a photo wall event for a beauty brand held at Grand Walkerhill Seoul in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 27th.

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The "Tazza" film series, which has spanned 20 years, is coming to an end with its fourth installment, "Tazza: The Song of Beelzebub".

"Tazza: The Song of Beelzebub" is a crime film about Jang Taeyoung (Byun Yohan), who thought he had the world in his hands through his online casino business, and his close friend of the same name, Park Taeyoung (Roh Jae-won), who stripped him of everything, as they reunite in a global gambling ring for a showdown of revenge.

For two decades, the "Tazza" franchise has anchored the Chuseok holiday box office in South Korea. Following the massive success of the first film "Tazza" during Chuseok in 2006, "Tazza: The Hidden Card" in 2014 and "Tazza: One-Eyed Jack" in 2019 also greeted audiences during the same holiday period. This is why the formula "Tazza equals Chuseok" was established.

"Tazza: The Song of Beelzebub" will continue that tradition by opening on September 23, the day before the Chuseok holiday begins. It marks the final installment of the series, which is adapted from Huh Young-man's original webtoon. Unlike previous films that shared at least part of their universe, this new work can be viewed entirely as a standalone film.

There are both pros and cons. The advantage is that new viewers who have not seen the previous entries can easily jump into the story, lowering the barrier to entry for audiences in their 20s and 30s. For fans who have loved the original webtoon and the film series from the beginning, however, it leaves a sense of disappointment that they will not be able to see the major characters they previously enjoyed.

While the previous three films depicted showdowns among people consumed by gambling, this installment expands into a revenge drama between rivals centered around friendship. Jang Taeyoung and Park Taeyoung were the closest of friends, even sharing the exact same name. Their friendship turns into revenge after one strips the other of everything. The starting point of the story is the envy and resentment toward a friend that everyone has likely experienced at least once.

The scale of the competition is also the largest in the series. Moving across South Korea, Japan, and Vietnam, gamblers from all over the world gather in one place. A key point to watch is how the showdown between the two friends will unfold amidst unfamiliar opponents.

Original creator Huh Young-man picked "Tazza: The Song of Beelzebub" as his favorite story among all his series. Director Choi Kook-hee stated, "I made this knowing it is the final 'Tazza' series, and I really wanted to make it well. Great actors and staff gathered, and the production process was wonderful. You can definitely look forward to it."

Byun Yohan, who played the protagonist Jang Taeyoung, remarked, "The 'Tazza' series is ultimately a work about human beings, and whether it is hwatu or poker, those are just tools," mentioning the birth of a film that adult audiences can empathize with and enjoy.

"Tazza: The Song of Beelzebub" opens on September 23. 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)

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The thriller film "Sapiens," starring actor Jung Sung-il, has been officially invited to the Korean Cinema Today - Special Premiere section of the 31st Busan International Film Festival.

"Sapiens" is a mystery thriller in which Na Do-han (Jung Sung-il), the prime suspect in the kidnapping case of a missing third-generation chaebol, and Seo Hee-jae (Yoo Jae-myung), a chaebol lawyer who must cover up the case, join hands to track down the hidden true culprit. It is the feature film debut of director Lee Ho-bin, who previously directed "No Way Out: The Roulette" (2024).

Jung Sung-il, who received great love from viewers through "The Glory" (2022) and "Made in Korea" (2025), is attending the Busan International Film Festival with "Sapiens," marking his second starring role following "Murderer's Report" and his first solo starring film.

In this work, Jung Sung-il plays Na Do-han, a suspect who has no memory of the time of the incident. He portrays multiple roles by shifting between personalities with different genders, ages, and personalities, raising expectations for his diverse acting transformation.

Yoo Jae-myung takes on the role of Seo Hee-jae, the head of the legal team at Sanghyun Construction who must conceal the case, working together with Jung Sung-il for the first time. As a dedicated lawyer for the chaebol family who must single out the true culprit from among Na Do-han's various faces, he anticipates a tense acting showdown.

Although "Sapiens" is scheduled for theatrical release in 2027, it will meet audiences first through its premiere at the Busan International Film Festival. The director and actors are also expected to visit Busan during the film festival period.

The 31st Busan International Film Festival will run from Tuesday, October 6 to Thursday, October 15 around the Busan Cinema Center area.

(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)

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Actor Jeon Do-yeon expressed her deep trust and respect for Director Lee Chang-dong, whom she is reuniting with for the first time in 20 years since the 2007 film "Secret Sunshine".

Attending the press conference for the movie "Possible Love" held at Hotel Naru Seoul M Gallery on the morning of the 25th, Jeon Do-yeon shared her thoughts on working with Director Lee again, saying, "So much time has passed, but it didn't feel that way at all. It felt like just yesterday." The two previously worked together on the 2006 film "Secret Sunshine", through which Jeon Do-yeon became the first Korean actor to win the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival.

Describing her character as the wife of a dismissed worker, Jeon Do-yeon said, "She wants to enjoy peaceful times, but a certain incident occurs. Because of that, she lives with a ticking time bomb, never knowing when the anger inside her husband's chest might explode." She added, "At the same time, she is a character who doesn't let go of the thread of hope—someone who looks fragile but is fiercely strong."

She also mentioned her approach to preparing for a film by Director Lee. Jeon Do-yeon stated, "When working on the director's films, rather than doing specific preparations, it's more important to see how open-minded you can be. Knowing that he wouldn't accept a fabricated character that isn't genuine, my mindset was to keep my heart and thoughts as open as possible."

Regarding her on-screen chemistry with Sul Kyung-gu, whom she is working with for the third time following "I Wish I Had a Wife" and "Birthday", she hinted, "We have known each other for a long time and share a deep trust and belief in one another, so I think it will create truly realistic married couple chemistry."

Sul Kyung-gu, who plays a dismissed worker in the film, described his character by saying, "As a dismissed worker, he carries a sense of guilt, anger, and shame. He is someone enduring day by day with various emotions mixed together." He added, "Rather than preparing through acting, it was a set where I needed to empty myself. All I had to do was step into the story of the set."

Sul Kyung-gu has collaborated with Director Lee Chang-dong on a total of three films, including "Peppermint Candy", "Oasis", and "Possible Love". Mentioning "Peppermint Candy", which served as his breakout and signature work, he shared, "Wondering if the mindset from back then was good, I wanted to return to that initial mindset. I found myself intentionally trying to listen better and go back to how I felt at the very beginning."

"Possible Love" follows the story of two couples—a dismissed worker and his wife, and a documentary director and her husband—who meet to produce a documentary and confront their different lives and hidden desires. The film stars Jeon Do-yeon, Sul Kyung-gu, Zo In-sung, and Cho Yeo-jeong.

As Director Lee Chang-dong's first Netflix film, "Possible Love" will first premiere in theaters on September 23 before meeting global viewers on November 6.

(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)

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The film "The Journey to Gyeongju" has started its run at No. 3 at the box office.

According to the Korean Film Council's integrated ticketing computer network on the 27th, "The Journey to Gyeongju" attracted 36,796 viewers nationwide on its opening day, the 26th, landing at No. 3 at the box office.

While "The Odyssey" and "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" have dominated theaters for about a month, "The Journey to Gyeongju" attracted the highest audience among Korean films upon its release, but it fell short of surpassing the two blockbuster hits.

"The Odyssey" defended its No. 1 spot at the box office for four consecutive weeks, surpassing a cumulative audience of 7.65 million. It is showing strong momentum by gathering 190,000 viewers even on weekdays in its fourth week. "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" has seen its momentum slow down as it entered its fifth week of release, but it is showing lingering strength by gathering over 40,000 viewers. Its cumulative audience has surpassed 8.26 million.

"The Journey to Gyeongju" is a family revenge drama about four mothers and daughters who go on a fatal journey after eight years of waiting for the youngest daughter, Gyeongju, who never returned from a school trip. Lee Jung-eun, Kong Hyo-jin, Park So-dam, and Lee Yeon star in the film, while Byun Yohan made a special appearance.

(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)

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SBS variety show "Kick a Goal" is expanding its universe beyond soccer to take on handball.

According to a teaser released on August 26, the "Kick a Goal Handball Cup" will premiere on September 2. This special project was organized to cheer on the women's national handball team at the Asian Games and will air across a total of four episodes.

Caster Bae Seong-jae announced the new start by saying, "'Kick a Goal', which sparked a women's soccer boom in South Korea, is now taking on handball." After experiencing a handball match, the players expressed their astonishment at the unexpectedly rough and fast-paced nature of the sport, commenting, "It was so fierce," "The physical contact is about three times worse than soccer," and "It is the UFC of ball sports."

Amid vivid commentary by caster Bae Seong-jae and analyst Park Joong-gyu, former basketball player Lee Hye-jung, Seogi, and Mashima showcased a contrasting style of play different from soccer, foreshadowing the birth of new aces.

A star-studded lineup of legends also draws attention. Yoon Kyung-shin, known as the "god of handball," and Lee Sang-eun, the real-life model for the film "Forever the Moment", will step up as managers to compete. They are joined by handball stars such as Park Ha-yan, Bae Min-hee, Kim On-ah, and Shim Hae-bok, adding professional expertise.

Notably, Kim Jung-eun, the lead actor of the film "Forever the Moment", makes a surprise appearance to throw the ceremonial first pitch. Reflecting on her past, Kim said, "I remember sweating and practicing endlessly while filming the movie," and offered warm words of encouragement to the players.

During the first "Kick a Goal Athletic Meet", the "Kick a Goal" players previously took on a handball match alongside South Korean women's handball legends like Kim On-ah and Bae Min-hee. At the time, they drew explosive attention by displaying surprisingly quick adaptability to the game, passing plays, and powerful shooting that made it hard to believe it was their first time. Expectations are rising for what kind of new potential the "Kick a Goal" players will show in this expanded "Handball Cup" format that goes beyond a one-time challenge.

The "Kick a Goal Handball Cup", which moves the battleground from the soccer field to the handball court for even more intense matches, will air on Wednesday, September 2 at 9 p.m.

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)

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The five main stars of the drama "Love in the Moonlight"—Park Bo-gum, Kim Yoo-jung, Jinyoung, Chae Soo-bin, and Kwak Dong-yeon—have gathered in one place to mark the 10th anniversary of the show's broadcast.

Fashion magazine Elle revealed on the 27th a September special edition cover and interview featuring the five actors to celebrate the 10th anniversary of "Love in the Moonlight." Dressed in traditional hanbok at a traditional Korean house for the first time in a long while, they recreated a scene of youth from 10 years ago.

Aired in 2016, the KBS drama "Love in the Moonlight" received great love for delicately portraying beautiful hanbok, Korean scenery, and the love and growth of youth of that era.

Park Bo-gum, who played Crown Prince Lee Yeong, shared his thoughts on the joyful reunion, saying, "Everyone looks just the same as when we first met. I am truly happy to wear hanbok again and capture how we look now. Even the weather is similar to when we were filming back then. Back then too, whenever we got together, the laughter never stopped." He continued, "It is an honor that people still remember the characters names in the work even after 10 years have passed," expressing his affectionate feelings to his colleagues by saying, "Thanks to you, my youth, our youth was able to shine brightly. I hope all of us will always shine brightly like the moonlight."

Kim Yoo-jung, who played Hong Ra-on at the young age of seventeen, showed her affection, saying, "The name 'Ra-on' itself is a pure Korean word meaning 'joyful.' Like her name, she was a character who shared warm affection with people, and the feelings I felt through Ra-on were also a warm affection that welled up from deep inside."

Expressing that 10 years later, "a genuine strength has grown," Kim Yoo-jung said, "I have gained the courage to face difficult situations more actively when they arise, and the courage to willingly move forward." She added, "I want to tell our past selves that we don't need to look too far ahead and be impatient."

Jinyoung told his colleagues with whom he has maintained a connection over the past 10 years, "At first, we met for work, but it is not easy to stay in touch, share each other's things, and support one another for 10 years. I am happy that we ultimately pulled that off," promising a future by saying, "Let's go on for a long, long time."

Chae Soo-bin, who played Jo Ha-yeon—a bold character in front of love—shared that 10 years later, she actually draws courage from her character, saying, "I feel like I always worked hard without big worries, but looking back, I was always anxious. After it passes, it's nothing, so I just want to tell myself that I am doing well."

Kwak Dong-yeon, who recently enlisted in the military, expressed his regret about his fiercely driven twenties, saying, "I think I rather constrained myself. If I had done it with a bit more confidence, I could have shown various other sides." He left a witty greeting to his colleagues, saying, "Since I will be faithfully guarding the country until early 2028, don't worry and please pursue your dreams to your heart's content."

The special photo shoot and interview of the five actors, who have each established their own unrivaled domains in their respective positions over time, can be found in the September special edition of magazine Elle and its official social media channels.

[Photo Credit=Elle Korea]

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)

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Actor Lee Jung-eun is taking on her first full-scale action role since her debut.

On August 26, Netflix announced that Lee Jung-eun, Kim Mu-yeol, Huh Joon-ho, Choi Sung-eun, Bae Na-ra, Seo Hyun-woo, and Moon Jong-won will star in the series "Halmae" (romanization).

"Halmae" is a noir action drama depicting the desperate revenge of Jeong Sook-ja, who picks up a gun for her grandson, and Seo Yeon-woo, who awakens her hunting instinct, as they stand against the criminal organization Cheonghwa Group.

"Halmae" stands out with its unique and fresh premise of a woman in her 70s living an ordinary life who sets out to avenge her grandson, alongside an unpredictable, twisting plot that unravels the secrets of the criminal syndicate targeted for revenge. From the subtle dynamic between Jeong Sook-ja and Seo Yeon-woo as partners in revenge to the complex narratives of characters intertwined with the Cheonghwa Group, the series delivers a distinct level of immersion and tension. Director Lee Kwon, who crafted a stylish and sensory action thriller through "A Shop for Killers", is at the helm.

Lee Jung-eun is set to deliver a passionate performance as Jeong Sook-ja, who takes up a gun for revenge to save her grandson. Her life turns 180 degrees when her grandson, whom she raised alone while running a restaurant, suddenly falls victim to a mysterious attack and is pushed to the brink of life and death. Consequently, Jeong Sook-ja decides to pick up a gun again for the first time in decades since her youth and take matters into her own hands for revenge. Anticipation is high for Lee Jung-eun's first challenge in action acting.

Kim Mu-yeol plays Seo Yeon-woo, Jeong Sook-ja's helper and the mastermind behind the revenge. He approaches Jeong Sook-ja, who is boiling with grief and anger, reveals the connection between her grandson's accident and the Cheonghwa Group, and awakens her hunting instinct. While he helps with her revenge using exceptional intelligence and keen judgment, he is also a mysterious figure who seems to harbor different motives.

Kim Mu-yeol, who recently renewed his best work and character through the globally successful Netflix series "Teach You a Lesson", is set to showcase even heavier action through this project. In addition, expectations are growing for his chemistry with Lee Jung-eun, reuniting four years after "Juvenile Justice".

Huh Joon-ho, who radiates intense charisma and unrivaled presence, takes on the role of Jang Kwang-chul, a former Heukseong faction boss and the current chairman of the Cheonghwa Group.

"Halmae" will be available on Netflix.

(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)

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JOOE of the group MOMOLAND, has made her debut as a musical actor.

JOOE stepped onto the stage for her first performance in the musical "Caffeine" at The Good Theater in Seoul on August 21, receiving enthusiastic applause from the audience.

The musical "Caffeine" is a two-person show depicting a delightful and sweet romance between Se-jin, a morning barista, and Ji-min, an evening sommelier, set in a cafe named "Love is..." where coffee and wine coexist. In the play, JOOE takes on the role of Se-jin, a bright and confident manager and barista who leaves a message about love every morning.

JOOE led the atmosphere of the show with her signature witty expressions and lovely character portrayal. In particular, despite it being a two-person show where only two actors must carry the entire production, she proved her potential as a musical actor by showcasing clear vocals and stable breath control.

After finishing her first performance, JOOE shared her thoughts through her agency, saying, "I am so happy to have successfully put on my first performance as Se-jin in the musical 'Caffeine.' I truly want to thank all the staff and fellow actors who helped me until the show went up."

Debuting as a member of the group MOMOLAND in 2016, JOOE made a name for herself with hit songs like "BBoom BBoom" and "BAAM," and has since been loved for her unique bright energy and honesty while active in various variety shows.

The musical "Caffeine," featuring JOOE in her musical actor debut, runs at The Good Theater in Seoul until October 25.

[Photo = Oneul Entertainment]

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)

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