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The identity of the next "My Star" has been revealed.

On the October 2 broadcast of SBS's "Genie Will Do Anything – My Genie Secretary" (hereafter "My Genie Secretary"), the identity of the next "My Star" was unveiled.

In a preview teased at the end of the episode, the production team asked Lee Seo-jin, "What do you envy most about your 'My Star'?" Without hesitation, Lee Seo-jin replied, "Wealth." When asked who has more money between himself and the star, Lee Seo-jin answered, "Jang-hoon probably has more."

The next "My Star" was none other than entertainer and former professional basketball star Seo Jang-hoon. Lee Seo-jin asked Seo Jang-hoon, "Are you okay with a 10 million won team dinner?" and Seo Jang-hoon nodded without a second thought.

The preview heightened excitement for the encounter between Seo Jang-hoon and Lee Seo-jin, forming an ultimate "T-type" (Thinking) duo. When Seo Jang-hoon claimed he is actually a "warm T," Lee Seo-jin quipped, "Jang-hoon wasn't like this back in the day. This guy has become a complete variety entertainer," raising curiosity about the chemistry the two will bring to the next broadcast.

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

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Actor Lee Seo-jin brought laughs by displaying his hilariously realistic "T" (Thinking) personality type when hearing about his "My Star."

On the October 2 broadcast of SBS's "Whatever You Wish, Genie – My Genie Secretary" (hereinafter "My Genie Secretary"), girl group RESCENE, who earned the highest number of recommendations, appeared as the featured "My Star."

On this day, the production team briefed Lee Seo-jin—who was unfamiliar with RESCENE, 2026's top rising stars—on their current busy schedule.

Regarding RESCENE, the production team explained, "The agency can barely get any work done because they receive 100 casting calls a day. They have 40 schedules a week and over 100 commercial offers alone," adding, "They just returned from Los Angeles yesterday and came to the shoot with barely any sleep."

Hearing this, Lee Seo-jin remarked, "Isn't it normal not to sleep when you're that young and successful? That's when you sleep on airplanes." When the production team asked, "Don't you feel bad for them?" Lee Seo-jin quipped, "Hey, isn't that just how it goes? You sleep on airplanes," jokingly whining, "They should be taking care of us. This older brother is about to collapse right now," sparking laughter on set.

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

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Details about the latest "My Star" have been unveiled.

On the October 2 broadcast of SBS's "Genie Who Will Do Anything - My Genie Secretary" (hereinafter "My Genie Secretary"), the girl group RESCENE, who earned the highest number of recommendations, made their grand entrance as the featured "My Star."

Arriving for work at the same time, the secretaries tidied up their outfits before greeting the "My Star." Kim Kwang-kyu drew attention by showing off a special T-shirt he had chosen specifically for the idols, remarking, "Isn't this cute? I hurriedly bought one for the babies," and added, "How happy will the babies be to see Donald Duck and characters like that?"

However, Lee Seo-jin immediately chimed in, saying, "That's not Donald," and the stylist cracked everyone up by correcting him, "That's Tweety."

Lee Seo-jin then quizzed Kim Kwang-kyu on his preparation, asking, "Did you memorize all five of their names?" Kim Kwang-kyu proudly recited the members in order: "WONI, Minani, MAY, LIV, ZENA," drawing laughter and catching everyone's attention with his confidence.

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

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SBS's "Curious Stories Y" investigates the identity of a masked, pantsless man who has terrorized students by appearing on the hill behind an all-girls high school, uncovering the truth behind a hidden outdoor exposure mission.

Airing at 9:30 PM on October 2, "Curious Stories Y" shines a light on a mysterious man who has repeatedly appeared near the school foundation chairman's grave on the mountain behind an all-girls high school, engaging in bizarre behavior.

Concealing his face behind a mask and taking off his pants, the man has carried out erratic acts for five months—waving and making heart gestures toward students through classroom windows, rolling across the ground, and touching himself. Recently, the situation escalated into a severe safety threat as he walked down onto school property and encountered a student just a few meters away.

While tracking the man, the production team received a tip from someone who had spotted a nearly naked man in a mask standing near Tancheon Stream in Jamsil, Seoul. Meanwhile, rumors began spreading among students that he might be carrying out a type of "exposure mission" directed over social media.

Pursuing these leads online, the production team uncovered evidence of illicit dealings surrounding "outdoor exposure" and conducted interviews with both perpetrators who repeatedly expose themselves and individuals who assign the missions.

Whether the masked man's bizarre behavior is tied to secret online missions, and whether the production team's operation to help apprehend the pantsless prowler threatening students' daily lives was successful, will be revealed on "Curious Stories Y," airing tonight (Friday, October 2) at 9:30 PM.

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)

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SBS's "Unanswered Questions" will delve into the shocking truth and the chilling double life of a civil servant who brutally murdered his wife right before their young child's eyes.

Airing on Saturday, October 3, at 11:10 PM, "Unanswered Questions" will shed light on the tragic incident that occurred this past September at a multi-family residence in Gwangju, Gyeonggi Province, through an episode titled "The Helmet and the Home Cam - The Gwangju Civil Servant Murder Mystery."

Early in the morning on the day of the incident, 34-year-old Park Eun-ah (pseudonym) was leaving her home to take her 5-year-old child to daycare when she was mercilessly attacked on the stairs by an uninvited intruder wearing a helmet. The victim was stabbed 28 times and died from her injuries. The perpetrator, who fled the scene on a motorcycle, was arrested at a lodging facility in Suwon four hours later. Shockingly, the suspect was revealed to be her husband, a fifth-year civil servant surnamed Yeom, who was in the middle of divorce proceedings with her.

Yeom, who had been known as a dependable civil servant, claims that the crime was impulsive, brought on by the stress of the divorce. However, suspicions of premeditated murder have been strongly raised given that he managed to infiltrate the building after finding out the separated victim's new home address and the communal entrance passcode in advance.

The production team of "Unanswered Questions" managed to obtain a USB flash drive that the victim had entrusted to her younger brother before her death. Inside were around 4,000 home cam videos, including precarious moments from three months prior to the incident when police were dispatched to the scene. Additionally, after a difficult unlocking process, around 600 chilling audio files were recovered from the victim's phone. Yeom's horrifying duplicity, which left both the bereaved family and the production crew in terror, along with crucial clues to the case, will be unveiled for the first time during the broadcast.

"Unanswered Questions," which uncovers the hidden truths behind shocking events, airs on Saturday, October 3, at 11:10 PM. 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)

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Singer J.Y. Park (54) will meet fans with a domestic solo concert at the end of this year.

According to JYP Entertainment on October 2, J.Y. Park will hold his solo concert "WET" for three days from December 24 to 26 at Olympic Hall in Olympic Park, Songpa-gu, Seoul. In the concert teaser image, J.Y. Park poses shirtless in front of a red background. With a flawlessly maintained, ageless physique, he is praised for demonstrating that he is still going strong as an active dance singer 30 years into his career.

Having repeatedly voiced his aspiration to "remain active as a dance singer until 60," J.Y. Park continues to refresh his career as an artist each year through relentless self-discipline and creative output.

This concert is headlined by "WET," his summer track released in July after a six-year break from summer singles and the official theme song for "Waterbomb 2026." This past summer, he took the stage at both "Waterbomb Seoul" and "Waterbomb Busan," generating massive buzz with his toned physique and bold performances.

"WET," a reggaeton-infused Latin pop dance song written, composed, and arranged by J.Y. Park himself, heated up music broadcasts and festival stages all summer long.

This marks J.Y. Park's first solo concert in South Korea in a year, following his "HAPPY HOUR" concert held at Kyung Hee University's Grand Peace Palace in December 2025. That performance delivered an intimate atmosphere centered on jazz and ballad numbers alongside a 15-member full band session. This upcoming concert represents a significant shift in scale. Unlike the Grand Peace Palace, which had around 4,500 seats, Olympic Hall is a major indoor venue with more than 10,000 seats. It is seen as an ambition to carry the fiery momentum he showcased on summer festival stages directly into his year-end solo shows.

The concerts will be held across three days on December 24 at 8:00 p.m., December 25 at 5:00 p.m., and December 26 at 5:00 p.m. Ticket reservations will open through NOL on October 6 at 2:00 p.m.

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)

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Following the cancellation of its scheduled appearances at the Busan International Film Festival, the film "The Assassin(s)" has now cancelled all theatrical stage greetings for its second week of release.

On October 2, production company Hive Media Corp announced the decision through a statement titled "Notice of Cancellation for Second-Week Stage Greetings," stating, "After careful consideration and discussions regarding the various circumstances surrounding the film, we have inevitably decided not to proceed with the stage greetings scheduled from October 3 to October 5."

The production company explained, "While we respect the diverse opinions and interest shown toward our film, we are deeply concerned that the situation surrounding the project is placing an excessive burden on the cast and crew even beyond the work itself." They continued, "This decision was reached after extensive deliberation to protect those who participated in the film, while also taking into account the potential impact on audience members planning to visit theaters and on theater staff."

They added, "Our hearts are heavy to cause disappointment and inconvenience through this abrupt cancellation to the moviegoers who took the time to reserve tickets and prepare their visits in anticipation of meeting us. As the production company, we will look after the cast, crew, and all those who worked on the film with great care, and we will fulfill our responsibilities regarding audience guidance and follow-up measures."

The cancelled stage greetings were scheduled to take place across 12 theaters in the Seoul metropolitan area and Busan over three days. Director Hur Jin-ho alongside actors Yoo Hai-jin, Park Hae-il, Lee Minho, and Choi Yu-ri were scheduled to attend all three days, with Ryu Hyeyoung also planning to join them on October 3.

Earlier the same day, organizers of the 31st Busan International Film Festival also announced, "We inform you that, at the request of the production company of 'The Assassin(s)', the scheduled attendance at the opening ceremony and outdoor stage greetings of the 31st Busan International Film Festival have been cancelled." The "Actors' House: Lee Minho" event had already been cancelled prior to this notice.

"The Assassin(s)" is a film inspired by the August 15, 1974 assassination of First Lady Yuk Young-soo, tracking the suspicions and forces behind the incident. Since its premiere on September 23, criticism directed at the cast has mounted, primarily led by conservative organizations. A demonstration notice was also filed to stage protest rallies outside the private residence of actor Yoo Hai-jin from October 3 to October 30. The scheduled start date of the protests coincided with the first day of the cancelled stage greetings.

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)

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American metal band Megadeth will step in to fill the slot left by Avenged Sevenfold, who abruptly canceled their appearance just a day prior to the show.

Organizers of the Busan International Rock Festival announced on October 2, "Megadeth's performance as the headliner for the Samnak Stage on the festival's opening day has been confirmed. In addition to their previously scheduled set on October 3, they will now perform across both days, October 2 and 3."

Avenged Sevenfold was originally scheduled to headline opening night on October 2. However, festival organizers shared an urgent notice on the afternoon of October 1, the day before the launch, stating, "Due to a band member's health condition, the performance scheduled for Friday, October 2, can no longer take place. A member is currently unable to board a flight bound for South Korea for medical reasons." What was set to be their first performance in the country in 11 years since January 2015 fell through just hours before showtime.

Because Avenged Sevenfold delivered the cancellation notice immediately after wrapping up their Asia tour stop in Tokyo, Japan, on September 30, and with specific details regarding the member's health remaining undisclosed, fans expressed both disappointment and confusion.

Stepping up to save the day was Megadeth, who was already on the ground in Busan preparing for their October 3 headline set. For a single artist to headline two consecutive days at a major domestic music festival is an exceptionally rare move. Fans celebrated the news, sharing reactions like "True legends showing how it's done" and "This is what real rock spirit looks like."

This visit marks Megadeth's return to South Korea after 19 years, following their 2007 solo concert. Representatives from the Busan International Rock Festival remarked, "We would like to express our deepest gratitude to Megadeth for graciously accepting our sudden request."

The 2026 Busan International Rock Festival runs for three days from October 2 to 4 at Busan's Samnak Ecological Park. On October 2, performers include Broccoli, you too, Lee Seung-yoon, Jang Beom-june, N.Flying, and Xdinary Heroes. On October 3, JANNABI, TOUCHED, WOODZ, and KWON JINAH will share the bill alongside Megadeth. The final day on October 4 will feature The Libertines, Songgolmae, CNBLUE, and HANRORO. 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)

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Amid escalating tensions—including the exposure of a cast member's home address and announcements of planned protest rallies—all schedules related to the film "The Assassin(s)" at the Busan International Film Festival, South Korea's largest film event, have been canceled.

On October 2, organizers of the 31st Busan International Film Festival announced through their official social media channels, "We inform you that the opening ceremony attendance and outdoor stage greeting events for the 31st Busan International Film Festival have been canceled at the request of the production company of 'The Assassin(s).'" They continued, "The Busan International Film Festival respects the decision of the production company, which took into account the safety of audiences and guests as well as the smooth operation of the event. We ask for the understanding of audience members who have been waiting for these schedules."

Director Hur Jin-ho and actors Yoo Hai-jin, Park Hae-il, and Lee Minho were originally scheduled to attend the outdoor stage greeting for "The Assassin(s)." The "Actors' House: Lee Minho" event, which was scheduled to be held on the same day, was canceled prior to this announcement.

"The Assassin(s)" is a film inspired by the August 15, 1974 assassination of First Lady Yuk Young-soo, tracking the suspicions and forces behind the incident. Following its theatrical release on September 23, excessive criticism and attacks targeting the cast members have continued, largely led by conservative groups. The controversy has widened as the home address of an actor was exposed to the public and protest rallies in residential neighborhoods were announced.

Pressure has also mounted against other content covering the incident. The YouTube channel "Maebul Show" made a video featuring history storyteller Sun Kim (real name Kim Sunyoung) addressing the assassination of First Lady Yuk Young-soo private. Host Choi Wook stated during a live broadcast on October 1, "The guest has received an overwhelming number of threatening emails. They reached out to us saying they felt a threat to their personal safety, so we ultimately made the video private to protect the guest."

Film critic Lee Dong-jin also deleted his review content for "The Assassin(s)" at the request of the production company after facing an onslaught of criticism. However, he made his position clear that he has no intention of apologizing for the content of his critique.

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)

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SBS dominated the top viewership ratings for major events such as judo and wrestling, delivering vivid coverage of a flood of medals, including four golds won in a single day at the 2026 Nagoya Asian Games.

According to ratings research firm Nielsen Korea on October 2, SBS recorded a household rating of 2.8% and a 20-49 demographic rating of 0.8% in the Seoul metropolitan area during the broadcast of Huh Mimi's women's judo 57kg final the previous day. This comfortably surpassed MBC (household 1.2%, 20-49 rating 0.4%) and KBS2 (household 0.5%, 20-49 rating 0.2%) by a wide margin, securing first place among terrestrial broadcasters. The broadcast of the men's judo 81kg bronze medal match also achieved a household rating of 2.5% and a 20-49 rating of 0.4% in the Seoul metropolitan area, alongside nationwide figures of 2.2% in households and 0.5% in the 20-49 demographic. SBS swept first place in metropolitan and nationwide households as well as the 20-49 demographic across all judo broadcasts, posting the highest ratings among the three major terrestrial networks. The men's Greco-Roman 60kg wrestling bronze medal match also claimed the top spot among terrestrial channels with a 2.3% household rating in the Seoul metropolitan area, once again proving SBS's reputation as a powerhouse in sports broadcasting.

Thrilling golden news from the South Korean national team followed one after another throughout the day's broadcast. In the men's individual compound archery event, Kim Jong-ho clinched the gold medal, becoming the first South Korean athlete ever to win the title in the event. At the decisive moment with a final 10-point shot on the line, commentator Im Dong-hyun added a witty remark, saying, "We will do the getting excited. Kim Jong-ho, stay calm," and as the gold medal was confirmed, caster Jung Woo-young cheered, "How long have we waited for this gold medal!"

In the women's individual event, Kang Yeon-seo claimed a bronze medal, becoming South Korea's youngest Asian Games medalist. Commentator Im Dong-hyun envisioned a bright future, saying, "She is still only in her third year of middle school. There will be countless opportunities ahead."

In shooting, Lee Geon-hyeok captured a gold medal in the individual final after a fierce shoot-off battle following his team event victory, becoming a double gold medalist at the Games. Caster Yoon Jang-hyun and commentator Kim Joon-hyuk highlighted Lee's unwavering concentration at the crucial moment.

In judo, Huh Mimi reached the pinnacle of the women's 57kg division, earning her first career Asian Games gold medal. Commentator Song Dae-nam expressed his deep emotion, stating, "Our Huh Mimi has now opened the floodgates for South Korea's first gold medal." Lee Joon-hwan also secured a valuable bronze medal in the men's 81kg division.

Meanwhile, on Friday, October 2, Day 13 of the Games, SBS will broadcast live coverage of the recurve archery women's team and mixed team semifinals and finals, the women's 67kg taekwondo semifinals and finals, and the women's soccer bronze medal match, bringing the electrifying atmosphere of the venues straight to viewers at home.

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)

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Young-soo and Young-sook, contestants from Season 26 of ENA and SBS Plus's dating reality show "I Am Solo," which aired in June of last year, are tying the knot this coming November.

The couple appeared together on the YouTube channel "Chonjang Entertainment TV's" segment "Solo Land News" on October 1 to share their wedding news directly with fans. The two first met on a blind date five years ago and drew significant attention when they unexpectedly crossed paths again on the same season of "I Am Solo," though they did not choose each other in the final selection.

Young-sook revealed her bittersweet feelings about Young-soo not picking her at the end of the show, saying, "We met again on the show after five years, and I think our first impressions of each other were good back then too. We had a lot of conversations and connected deeply, and I felt that was enough time. Even so, saying he wanted to see me outside without making a definitive choice felt a bit upsetting."

However, Young-sook added, "After dating him for the past year and a half, I've come to understand where he was coming from. I'm the type of person who pushes forward once I make up my mind, while Young-soo is someone who worries, plans, and thinks things through one more time before taking action." She explained, "We broke up for about a month around late February or early March of this year, but Young-soo reached out to me again, and from that point on, we began preparing for our wedding in earnest."

Young-sook praised Young-soo as "a comforting, warm person like a traditional Korean moon jar," while Young-soo proudly shared, "She is so devoted and open in expressing her affection that I find myself thinking, 'Do I even deserve to be loved this much?'"

Regarding why she decided to marry him, Young-sook said, "I realized I wanted to be with him through thick and thin, whether in good health or in sickness. When I felt ready to share all those moments with him, that was when I made up my mind." Young-soo said, "I truly felt that a person's feelings, even if they start out small, can grow so much bigger over time."

Young-soo completed his bachelor's through doctoral degrees in the School of Chemical and Biological Engineering at Seoul National University, worked as a researcher at Yale University in the United States, and currently serves as a professor at an engineering university in Busan. Young-sook earned bachelor's and master's degrees in art-related fields in the United States and the United Kingdom, completed her doctorate in archaeology and art history at K University in South Korea, and is currently a visiting professor in Busan.

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)

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Actor Nana has personally opened up about her feelings on a fan communication platform after confirming her relationship with T.O.P, formerly of BIGBANG.

On October 2, Nana comforted fans who may have been startled by the sudden dating news, writing on the fan communication platform Bubble, "You must have been really surprised."

She continued, "I'm a bit shy, too," but added, "We will date nicely and healthily!" expressing her honest and confident feelings about dating T.O.P.

Earlier that day, when dating rumors involving Nana and T.O.P surfaced, both agencies swiftly acknowledged the relationship in less than an hour, announcing the birth of an official celebrity couple.

The two reportedly connected earlier this year while filming the music video for "Studio54", the title track of T.O.P's solo album, and after maintaining a friendship, they developed into a romantic couple around June.

Meanwhile, Nana debuted in 2009 with After School and transitioned to acting starting with the 2016 drama "The Good Wife", steadily building her career as an actor. She recently appeared in the Netflix series "The Scandal".

[Photo = Top Spot Pictures]

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)

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Singer and actor T.O.P (Choi Seung-hyun, 38), formerly of the group BIGBANG, and singer and actor/After School member Nana (Im Jin-ah, 35), have officially confirmed that they are in a relationship. The two first met on the set of a music video and began dating around June, marking their fourth month together.

On October 2, T.O.P's agency TOPSPOT PICTURES stated, "They first met and formed a connection through a music video shoot, grew close afterward, and developed into a romantic relationship around June". Nana's agency Sublime also confirmed the news, stating, "They formed a bond through a music video shoot and are currently continuing a good relationship".

Earlier that day, media outlet Dispatch reported that T.O.P and Nana met for the first time in January during a music video shoot and blossomed into lovers around June. Dispatch also published sightings of the two spending time together near Nana's residence recently.

The project that brought the couple together was the music video for "Studio54," the title track from T.O.P's first solo full-length album "Another Dimension". Nana starred as the lead in the video following a personal offer from T.O.P.

In a video uploaded to his YouTube channel "T.O.P" in April, the artist explained his reasoning behind casting Nana: "Ever since I first created 'Studio54,' I wanted an enigmatic, mysterious woman whose era was impossible to tell. I needed a charm where you couldn't tell whether she came from outer space or from the past. She needed classic beauty, but I also thought it would be incredibly captivating if a woman who looked truly, completely crazy—just like the song's title—appeared. In my eyes, she was the best fit."

T.O.P made his debut with BIGBANG in 2006 before parting ways with the group, later resuming his acting career through the Netflix series "Squid Game" Season 2. In April, he dropped his first solo full-length album, "Another Dimension". 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)

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A conservative civic group has publicly announced plans to hold rallies outside actor Yoo Hae-jin's home for nearly a month, ostensibly to protest the film "The Assassin(s)."

On October 1, Kim Sang-jin, head of the conservative organization Shin Jayu Yeondae (New Freedom Coalition), posted on social media, "Rally notification filed for in front of Yoo Hae-jin's home in [OO]-dong, where he is the lead actor in the film The Assassin(s)." He added, "Once I hold the rally, I expect his agency will probably move Yoo Hae-jin to another location. Later, I will prove that 'Yoo Hae-jin ran away from home.' Fight on!!!"

Along with the post, Kim shared photos showing the exterior of a building believed to be Yoo Hae-jin's home, as well as a receipt for the filing of an outdoor assembly (demonstration and march) notification.

According to the published receipt, the name of the rally is "Condemning Yoo Hae-jin, Condemning the Production Company of The Assassin(s)." The rally is scheduled to take place from October 3 through October 30, with consecutive dates listed beginning October 3. The number of participants listed on the filing is 20. The listed activities include cultural events, national ceremonial observances, participant introductions, and speeches. Equipment listed for the rally includes two broadcasting vehicles, a foldable temporary stage, sound equipment, and one video truck. At the bottom of the receipt, a note reads, "Administrative guidance attached as a separate sheet."

Shin Jayu Yeondae was founded in 2021 by Kim Sang-jin, a former secretary-general of Jayu Yeondae (Freedom Coalition), after he left the organization. Kim runs the YouTube channel "Kim Sang-jin TV" and has previously led rallies calling for the arrest of former President Moon Jae-in.

Kim's post quickly spread across social media and online communities, but the reaction has been largely negative. One online commenter wrote, "They're going all the way to someone's home to hold a protest?? ... What did the people living nearby do wrong?" The comment received more than 1,000 likes. Criticism followed, with many arguing that expressing opposition to the film at an actor's private residence rather than at the production company crosses a line. The publication of photos clearly showing the exterior of the actor's home has also raised concerns about an invasion of privacy and potential threats to his personal safety.

"The Assassin(s)," directed by Hur Jin-ho and starring Yoo Hae-jin, Park Hae-il, and Lee Min-ho, is a film that explores the suspicions and alleged forces behind the August 15, 1974 shooting of First Lady Yuk Young-soo. The film was released on September 23.

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)

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Son Bin-ah, the runner-up of TV Chosun's "Mr. Trot Season 3," is set to release his first mini-album.

His agency, Yuseonsu Entertainment, announced on October 2 that Son Bin-ah will release his first mini-album, "I, You" (literal translation), on October 23. This marks the very first trot album produced by TV Chosun. The agency explained, "This is the first time in the history of the 'Miss Trot' and 'Mr. Trot' series that an album has been produced for an artist from their all-time TOP 7."

The album features a total of seven tracks, including the title track "I, You" and the double title track "Let's Be Lovers". It spans a rich variety of styles, from poignant ballad trot and songs infused with 1970s and 1980s nostalgia to upbeat dance trot. A stellar lineup of composers participated in the project, including Kim Hyun-jin—who wrote "I Want to Go to Maryang"—alongside Jang Yoon Jeong, Park Hyun-jin, and Park Sang-cheol.

The album jacket embraces a visual concept reminiscent of 1980s Hong Kong noir films.

The agency stated, "We aimed to project the image of a man who appears tough and rugged on the outside but carries solitude and loneliness within," adding, "It captures both Son Bin-ah's signature bold masculinity and an unexpected boyish charm." Describing the record, they added, "It is a well-made adult contemporary album created through the synergy between Son Bin-ah and TV Chosun's production know-how, built over years of producing hit trot audition shows."

Son Bin-ah finished as the runner-up on "Mr. Trot Season 3." During the competition, he earned the nickname "The Man of All 100s" after becoming the first contestant in the history of the "Mr. Trot" franchise to receive a perfect score from every single master. Following the show, he has continued his active broadcast career as a regular cast member on TV Chosun programs such as "Firey Friday" and "Miss Trot for You." Recently, membership in his official fan cafe, "Shining Star," surpassed 30,000.

Teasers for "I, You" will roll out sequentially, starting with concept photos, followed by a highlight medley, a full album streaming medley video on YouTube, and a listening session. The album will be released on October 23 at 6 p.m. KST across major streaming platforms and physical retail stores.

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)

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SBS's new variety show "Maestro Jang" is making waves with enthusiastic support from world-renowned master directors Park Chan-wook and Bong Joon-ho.

Set to premiere on Thursday, October 15 at 9 p.m., SBS's new variety program "Maestro Jang" is a quick-witted talk show and secret audition where film director Jang Hang-jun—who was at times pathetic and servile, yet more brilliant than anyone else—sets out to cast top-tier actors for his autobiographical film "Maestro Jang."

In the second teaser video titled "The Maestro's Shout-Out," released on October 1, directors Park Chan-wook and Bong Joon-ho, who represent the pinnacle of Korean cinema, appeared to shower director Jang Hang-jun with generous praise and affection.

Director Bong Joon-ho expressed his deep confidence in him, saying, "What was bound to happen has finally come. He is someone who truly deserves to be called a master." He added, "Even if you searched the entire world, it wouldn't be easy to find anyone who dislikes Director Jang." Bong continued to show his extraordinary fondness, exclaiming, "I get nervous every time we talk on the phone. I'm a fan. I like you. A flame of love!"

Director Park Chan-wook also expressed envy, saying, "I'm genuinely jealous and envious that he has become a master and is basking in the spotlight." He then drew laughter with a witty warning, adding, "I marvel at how brilliant he is, but comedy is my domain, so I hope he doesn't intrude on it."

"Maestro Jang," which will showcase the delightfully captivating charm of Jang Hang-jun—who has become the "beloved keyring director" to both master filmmakers Park Chan-wook and Bong Joon-ho—premieres on Thursday, October 15 at 9 p.m.

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)

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"Trot Queen" Jang Yoon Jeong will appear as a special host on SBS's "My Little Old Boy," sharing updates on her recent transformation into an agency CEO as well as hilarious glimpses into her daily life with husband Do Kyung-wan.

On the upcoming episode of SBS's "My Little Old Boy" airing on Sunday, October 4 at 9 p.m., Jang Yoon Jeong is set to captivate viewers with her legendary wit as a special guest host.

During the broadcast, Jang Yoon Jeong reveals the unexpected story behind founding her own entertainment agency to nurture junior artists, stepping into the role of company head. In particular, while the slot for the agency's "Artist No. 1" remained vacant, her husband Do Kyung-wan expressed his disappointment by asking, "Why can't it be me?" Jang Yoon Jeong had the studio in stitches when she revealed the surprising reason she had no choice but to turn him down.

Furthermore, Jang Yoon Jeong addressed the widely recognized list of the entertainment industry's "Big Three Men Blessed with Great Wives"—consisting of director Jang Hang-jun, musician Lee Sang-soon, and Do Kyung-wan. She drew roaring laughter from the set when explaining why Do Kyung-wan ranked himself as number one, recalling his answer: "Because the gap between me and my wife is the biggest."

She also drew admiration with a flex befitting her reputation as the "Nation's Daughter-in-law." After personally paying for a hair transplant for her father-in-law, who had been bald for years, she unveiled another surprise gift she prepared for him, leaving the cast in awe.

Jang Yoon Jeong's unmatched variety show presence and charming humor as a newly minted agency CEO will be featured on "My Little Old Boy" this Sunday, October 4 at 9 p.m. 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)

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Lee Seo-jin and Kim Kwang-kyu of "My Genie Secretary" are set to impart a raw, hilarious taste of capitalism to girl group RESCENE.

Airing in an extended special broadcast on October 2 at 10:30 PM, the SBS variety show "My Genie Secretary" will showcase the duo's unique masterclass that instantly steeps RESCENE, a girl group with an average age of 20.6, in the realities of capitalism.

During the broadcast, RESCENE are left in shock by the relentless lectures on capitalism delivered by the hosts whenever they get the chance. With non-stop rote lessons continuing regardless of location, even leader WONI comes to a hilariously blunt realization, remarking, "I guess I was already enjoying capitalism," which reportedly had everyone on set bursting into laughter.

In particular, when WONI and MAY enjoy everyday little joys by drawing toys at a gacha shop, Lee Seo-jin cracks up the room with his unfiltered philosophy: "When you make a lot of money, happiness naturally follows."

Later, visiting RESCENE on the set of their photo shoot, the veteran stars offer practical, real-world industry advice. Seeing the members anxiously watching the staff prepare for the shoot, Lee urges them to carry themselves with confidence, saying, "You guys made it big. You don't have to walk on eggshells around anyone." He even shares rare tips on managing "celebrity disease," drawing genuine admiration from the members.

The unvarnished crash course in capitalism and industry survival tips that even rising girl group RESCENE could not escape will air tonight (Friday, October 2) at 10:30 PM on "My Genie Secretary." 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)

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A video capturing television personality Hong Seok-cheon personally cleaning up trash spilled across a roadway with his bare hands is creating a heartwarming buzz online.

A video recently spread across social media and online community platforms showing a scene recorded on a road near Gongdeok Station in Seoul. The clip shows multiple trash bags that had fallen from a truck during the early morning hours scattered across the road, while a sanitation worker works to clean up the mess.

Upon witnessing the scene, Hong pulled his vehicle over. After asking his passenger to turn on the hazard lights, he immediately stepped out of the car, picking up the scattered debris piece by piece with his bare hands and placing it into bags. After finishing the cleanup, Hong greeted the sanitation worker before returning to his car.

The footage was reportedly not staged in any way, but an authentic moment captured by chance as he stepped in to assist a sanitation worker facing an unexpected and difficult situation.

Seeing his actions, online users reacted warmly, leaving comments such as, "This hyung is the real deal," "He only gets cooler as he gets older," "It is even more touching because it clearly was not done for show," and "That is what genuine character looks like." Another commenter noted, "I still remember how he always treated people so well whenever I visited his restaurant."

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)

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American heavy metal band Avenged Sevenfold has canceled their appearance just one day before the opening of the 2026 Busan International Rock Festival. Disappointment is growing among fans as their first concert in South Korea in 11 years fell through the day before the performance.

On the afternoon of October 1, the Busan International Rock Festival organizers made an urgent announcement on their official social media, stating, "Today, just one day ahead of the opening of the 2026 Busan International Rock Festival, we received the unfortunate news from AVENGED SEVENFOLD that their performance scheduled for Friday, October 2, cannot take place due to health reasons of a member."

They continued, "Both we and the artist have poured our efforts into concert preparations, including production, since last year up until right before the performance to present the best stage. However, it is currently difficult for the member to board a flight to South Korea due to health reasons." They added, "Both the artist and our team feel deep regret that we cannot share the stage we worked so long and diligently to prepare with the audience. We sincerely apologize to the audience who has been waiting for the show and ask for your generous understanding regarding this unavoidable situation."

The organizers also shared that the band "expressed deep regret over not being able to meet the audience on this stage and conveyed their wish to visit South Korea again in the near future."

However, questions are being raised among fans regarding the circumstances of the cancellation. Avenged Sevenfold had just performed at SGC Hall Ariake in Tokyo, Japan, on September 30 as part of their "ASIA TOUR 2026 JAPAN," and the band's official Instagram shared a thank-you post from the Japanese band EMNW, who served as the opening act that day. With the cancellation notice for the South Korea show delivered the very next day after wrapping up the Tokyo gig citing "health reasons," and with no specific details provided about the member's condition, reactions showing difficulty accepting the explanation have emerged.

Formed in California, United States, in 1999, Avenged Sevenfold previously performed in South Korea for the first time in January 2015 as part of the Hyundai Card Super Series. This appearance at the Busan International Rock Festival was set to mark their first visit to the country in 11 years, where they were slated to headline Day 1.

Hosted by the Busan Metropolitan City and organized by the Busan Culture & Tourism Festival Organizing Committee, the 2026 Busan International Rock Festival runs for three days from October 2 to October 4. On October 2, the lineup includes Broccoli, you too, Lee Seung-yoon, Jang Beom-june, N.Flying, and Xdinary Heroes. On October 3, MEGADETH headlines the stage alongside JANNABI, TOUCHED, WOODZ, and KWON JINAH. On the final day, October 4, The Libertines, Songolmae, CNBLUE, HANRORO, and others are scheduled to meet the festivalgoers.

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)

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Why did the bus driver step on the accelerator that day?

On the October 1 broadcast of SBS's "Tails of Tales," the program investigated the day of the 1970 Gyeongseo Middle School field trip bus disaster.

On October 14, 1970, third-year students from Seoul's Gyeongseo Middle School boarded buses heading home after a joyful school trip. While taking in the scenery on their way back to Seoul, their bus collided with an oncoming train.

The scene instantly turned into complete chaos, and the force of the collision caused the bus engine to explode, engulfing the vehicle in flames.

Some students aboard the colliding Bus No. 3 quickly escaped outside. However, the vast majority of students were trapped and unable to move. Local villagers who witnessed the scene rushed to help rescue the students, but due to iron pipe structures attached to the bus, they could not properly pull the students out, and the bus burned more and more intensely.

Recorded as the most catastrophic bus disaster in South Korea since liberation, the 1970 Gyeongseo Middle School field trip tragedy involved 473 third-year students and 11 teachers divided across seven buses. Tragically, Bus No. 3, which met with the accident, was carrying 77 students.

Bus No. 3 carried all the students of Class 3 and some from Class 4. More than 40 fatalities occurred on this single bus alone, leaving behind profound sorrow.

However, investigations revealed that not a single teacher responsible for supervising the children was on board the crashed bus. Consequently, authorities pointed to the absence of supervising teachers as a major cause of the disaster.

Survivors strongly objected, raising their voices: "You won't find this story anywhere in the media. This is completely false."

At the time, before the buses departed for Seoul, two students had gone missing, prompting the teachers to search for them and help them onto the bus. But before the students and teachers could finish boarding each bus, Bus No. 3 suddenly departed first. The teachers hurried to board the remaining buses; it was not that teachers refused to ride Bus No. 3, but that they were left behind and unable to board it.

Furthermore, reports claiming that the students were singing loudly enough to make the bus noisy also turned out to be false.

It was revealed that the driver of Bus No. 3 could not see the train approaching the tracks due to a two-story rice mill and a row of residential houses located directly in front of the railroad crossing. When he could not see a train despite hearing the alarm bell, he stepped on the accelerator instead of the brake to quickly cross the tracks.

The accident site lacked a crossing gate, which is essential for any railroad crossing. In addition, despite the need for an attendant to manage vehicular traffic, only a warning bell had been installed, adding to the tragedy's heartbreaking nature.

What was supposed to be a joyful school trip turned into a nightmare in an instant, leaving horrific memories for the survivors. The survivors recalled a dear friend they had missed for 56 years.

Among the injured at the time, Park Min-taek suffered the most severe burn injuries. At one point, Min-taek completely lost touch with his classmates, and until recently, no one remained in contact with him.

The show searched for Min-taek, whom his classmates missed so dearly. The production team finally located him after decades of living through painful memories. Gathering his courage to respond to his classmates' longing hearts, he went to reunite with them.

Every October since the disaster, the survivors visit the graves of their departed classmates. When Min-taek appeared before them after 56 years, they looked on in disbelief.

Min-taek greeted them, saying, "Long time no see, it's Park Min-taek," to which his friends responded with immense joy, "Is that really you, Min-taek? You're alive!"

Looking at Min-taek, who still bore the scars from that day, his friends expressed deep sorrow, saying, "You lived your entire life like that. Oh dear." In particular, Min-taek expressed anguish over having almost no memory of his middle school days, to which a friend comforted him, saying, "That's because of the trauma. You blocked it out."

However, as Min-taek began recalling memories of those days one by one with his friends, they finally shared smiles together, moving viewers to tears.

Even while carrying the enduring wounds of that day, the survivors laughed out loud during their reunion with Min-taek and expressed their deep gratitude to the broadcast for bringing them together. Afterward, they headed with Min-taek to visit the resting place of their fallen classmates.

After clearing the weed-covered burial site, the friends bowed in respect to their departed classmates. Looking toward the solitary graves that few ever visit, one friend said, "Don't feel sad thinking you were abandoned. You have friends who still remember you like this. Rest in peace, we'll visit again so you won't be lonely," touching many hearts. Another friend playfully quipped, "It won't be long until we see each other now."

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

(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Hyo-jung)

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Netflix has officially confirmed the release date for its new mystery horror series "Dead-End Job", featuring a powerhouse cast including Lee Jae-wook, Go Min-si, Kim Minha, and Lee Hee-jun, alongside the release of its teaser poster and trailer.

Premiering on Friday, October 30, the Netflix series "Dead-End Job" is a blue-collar survival horror set in a bizarre employment agency that only offers "cushy gigs" paying at least 50 times the standard hourly wage. The plot follows young protagonist Hyeok-jun (played by Lee Jae-wook) as he enters nightmare-inducing work sites just to make a living.

"Dead-End Job" is set to deliver an intensely immersive, grounded horror experience, driven by the innovative direction of Kim Da-min, who penned the Netflix series "A Killer Paradox", and the overall planning of creator Han Jun-hee, who directed and produced the "D.P." and "Weak Hero Class 1" series.

The teaser poster released on October 1 grabs attention with Hyeok-jun sitting covered in blood in the middle of a chaotic, ruined space. The tagline, "Guaranteed minimum 50 times the hourly wage, will you accept this cushy job?" hints at the bizarre dangers lurking behind the sweet, irresistible offer of high-paying part-time work.

The accompanying trailer depicts Hyeok-jun's brutal ordeal after drowning in debt and falling for the employment agency owner's (played by Lee Hee-jun) pitch, asking, "Where else would you find an easy job like this?" Hyeok-jun's desperate struggle ratchets up the tension as his life is increasingly threatened for higher daily pay, from swarms of moths attacking inside a dimly lit convenience store to an encounter with a grotesque clown.

Depicting a desperate fight for survival at eerie and horrifying job sites hidden behind ultra-high wages, the Netflix original series "Dead-End Job" will premiere on Netflix on October 30.

[Photo=Netflix]

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)

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The Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) Actors House event featuring actor Lee Minho, the lead star of the film "The Assassin(s)", has been abruptly canceled just six days before it was scheduled to take place.

On October 1, the BIFF secretariat announced that the "Actors House: Lee Minho" event, originally slated for October 7, had been called off. BIFF stated, "We regret to inform you that the 'Actors House: Lee Minho' event has been canceled due to unavoidable circumstances. Reserved tickets will be automatically canceled and refunded in full without any separate refund requests or fees, and individual notification text messages will be sent. We ask for the audience's generous understanding."

Held during the festival, "Actors House" is a signature program that invites representative actors of Korean cinema to reflect on their filmographies and share their acting philosophies and untold stories in candid, deep conversations. This year, Lee Minho, Kim Goeun, Ryu Seung-ryong, Ju Ji-hoon, and Kim Minha were scheduled to meet fans through Actors House, but Lee Minho's session was suddenly canceled.

Some observers have raised speculation that the cancellation may be linked to recent political controversies surrounding Lee Minho's film "The Assassin(s)". Following the film's theatrical release on September 23, controversy has mounted as political figures and related organizations leveled criticism against certain plot elements in the film, alleging historical distortion.

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)

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YUQI of the group i-dle has completely sold out the opening show of her solo fan-con tour in China.

According to her agency, Cube Entertainment, all tickets for the Guangzhou stop of "2026 YUQI Fan-Con '27'" were snapped up immediately after sales opened on September 30.

The Guangzhou concert will take place on October 11 at the Baoneng Guangzhou International Sports Arena. The venue accommodates approximately 10,000 seats, excluding areas with restricted views.

YUQI, who recently celebrated her 27th birthday, organized this fan-con to return the love she has received from her fans. Kicking off in Guangzhou, the tour will subsequently head to Chengdu, Beijing, and Shanghai.

Earlier this year, YUQI was named "WOMEN OF THE YEAR IN MUSIC 2026" at the Tencent Music Charts in China. Her solo tracks "Radio (Dum-Dum)" and "FREAK" both earned gold certifications from Tencent Music. Her agency explained that "FREAK" charted for 100 consecutive weeks on the Tencent Music Korean Chart, making it both the first track to reach 100 weeks and the longest-charting song in the chart's history. She also performed "Magic Together," the theme song celebrating Shanghai Disney Resort's 10th anniversary.

Ahead of the fan-con, YUQI will make her solo comeback on October 8 with the release of her second mini-album, "二十七(27)," marking her return after one year and one month. YUQI personally wrote and composed every track on the album, including the lead single "Stay."

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)

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Disney+'s original series "The Remarried Empress" has officially unveiled character stills of actor Lee Jong-suk starring as Prince Heinrey of the Western Kingdom.

Based on the web novel of the same name, "The Remarried Empress" is an epic romance fantasy drama that unfolds when Navier (played by Shin Mina), the flawless empress of the Eastern Empire, is served a divorce by Emperor Sovieshu (played by Ju Ji-hoon), who has fallen for runaway slave Rashta (played by Lee Seyoung). Instead of despairing, she accepts the divorce on the condition that her remarriage to Prince Heinrey of the Western Kingdom (played by Lee Jong-suk) is approved.

In the stills released on October 1, Lee Jong-suk showcases Heinrey's multifaceted charms, shifting effortlessly between sharp, piercing gazes and relaxed smiles. Exuding commanding charisma with a sword in hand, he also captivates everyone in the imperial court with his gentle demeanor upon arriving at the Eastern Empire as part of the New Year's festival delegation.

Lee Jong-suk delicately portrays the shifting warmth of Heinrey depending on who he faces. While he openly reveals his sweet, tender feelings in front of Navier, he projects an icy and sharp aura when confronting Emperor Sovieshu, bringing depth and layers to the character.

Director Jo Soo-won praised the actor, saying, "It was a side of him that has never been seen anywhere before. He captured every subtle glance and expression moment by moment." Screenwriter Yeo Ji-na also raised expectations, stating, "He executed the role of Heinrey—who shows Navier a whole new world—exceptionally well with his own unique presence."

"The Remarried Empress," starring Lee Jong-suk as the mysterious and much-whispered-about Prince Heinrey of the Western Kingdom, is set to premiere November 4 on Disney+.

[Photo = Disney+] 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)

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Celebrating its milestone 30th anniversary, "SBS Gayo Daejeon" has officially confirmed its first-ever two-day event, launching the biggest Christmas music festival to date.

On October 1, SBS announced, "Marking its 30th anniversary this year, the '2026 SBS Gayo Daejeon' will take place over two days on Thursday, December 24, and Friday, December 25, at KINTEX in Ilsan."

First launched in 1996 and celebrating a meaningful 30th anniversary this year, "SBS Gayo Daejeon" has stood as the quintessential year-end festival of South Korea. In particular, by locking in an unprecedented two-day mega-event spanning Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, the show will offer global K-pop fans an even richer visual and musical feast.

Commemorating this historic 30th-anniversary milestone, the stage will feature an extraordinary lineup of special performances reflecting on 30 years of K-pop history at a glance. Legendary veteran artists who laid the foundation for K-pop and top-tier artists currently leading the global music market will join forces to deliver generation-transcending collaboration stages that can only be seen at "SBS Gayo Daejeon."

The production team of "Gayo Daejeon" shared their ambitions, stating, "To repay the support and love sent to us over the past 30 years, we are preparing a Christmas gift that is more special and diverse than ever before. We will create a festival where everyone can come together and celebrate across generations."

The performing artist lineup for "2026 SBS Gayo Daejeon," which promises an unprecedented scale, will be revealed sequentially at a later date. 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)

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Hollywood actor Jim Carrey, 64, has married his longtime partner Min Ah, 32.

According to multiple U.S. entertainment outlets, Jim Carrey tied the knot with Min Ah in a small, private ceremony in Los Angeles on September 30 (local time). Carrey's representative confirmed the marriage to PEOPLE and Just Jared that same day. The ceremony was held quietly with only close friends and family in attendance, and the exact wedding date was not disclosed.

Min Ah is a Los Angeles-based actor and artist. According to local reports, she is an artist of Korean descent. Dating rumors between the two first surfaced in February 2022 when they were spotted together in Los Angeles.

Jim Carrey, who received an honorary award at the César Awards in Paris, France, in February, expressed his heartfelt gratitude in his acceptance speech: "Thank you to my wonderful family, my daughter Jane and my grandson Jackson. I love you now and forever. Thank you to my sublime companion, Min Ah. I love you, Min Ah."

He added, "And finally, thank you to the funniest man I have ever known: my father, Percy Joseph Carrey, who taught me the value of love, generosity, and laughter." The couple has officially become husband and wife seven months after publicly revealing their relationship.

This marks Jim Carrey's third marriage. He previously married former actor Melissa Womer in 1987, welcoming daughter Jane, before divorcing in 1995. The following year, in 1996, he married actor Lauren Holly, his costar in the film "Dumb and Dumber," though the couple parted ways after less than a year. He later began dating Renée Zellweger in 1999 after meeting on the set of "Me, Myself & Irene" and was briefly engaged to her before they separated the following year.

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)

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SBS has demonstrated its unrivaled power as a sports broadcasting powerhouse by achieving the No. 1 spot in viewership ratings for 11 consecutive days during its coverage of key events at the 2026 Nagoya Asian Games, while simultaneously sweeping YouTube digital content.

According to ratings research firm Nielsen Korea on October 1, SBS posted a 2.9% rating among households in the Seoul metropolitan area and 2.5% nationwide for its broadcast of the women's 52kg judo final featuring athlete Jang Se-yun the previous day, beating MBC (2.2% in the metropolitan area) and KBS2 (2.0% in the metropolitan area) to take the top spot among terrestrial networks. Broadcasts of the women's team compound archery event and athlete Kim Chan-nyeong's men's 66kg judo semifinal also swept first place in their respective time slots.

SBS delivered a decisive victory on digital platforms as well as in television ratings. An analysis of sports YouTube channels showed that SBS (SBS Sports) produced 27 videos that surpassed 1 million views, with 11 of them breaking the 2 million mark. Notably, coverage of the men's football match between North Korea and Japan reached 4.9 million views, while key clips including An Se-young's gold medal-winning match (1.93 million views) have been drawing an explosive response.

The broadcast was further elevated by the standout performances of its expert commentary team. Compound archery commentator Im Dong-hyun boosted the athletes' morale with a witty remark, saying, "As long as the wind inside your heart doesn't blow, you'll be fine," and gave warm encouragement to athlete Choi Yong-hee, who secured a silver medal in the mixed team event, by telling him, "Well done."

In the men's football semifinal against China, commentators Jang Ji-hyun and Park Joo-ho delivered sharp analysis. After having accurately broken down the opponent's dense defense and the strategy to pierce it beforehand, sportscaster Bae Sung-jae captured the electrifying atmosphere for viewers at home when Bae Jun-ho scored the winning goal in the 37th minute of the second half, shouting, "We are now just one step away from four consecutive Asian Games men's football titles!"

Meanwhile, on Thursday, October 1—Day 12 of the competition—SBS continues its gold rush with live broadcasts of the men's and women's compound archery quarterfinals, semifinals, bronze medal matches, and finals, as well as the men's volleyball quarterfinals and medal matches in shooting, judo, and wrestling. 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)

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Film critic Lee Dong-jin has addressed the controversy surrounding his review of the film "The Assassin(s)."

On September 30, Lee posted a statement titled "A Statement" on his blog, "Lee Dong-jin's Film Landscape – Always Like the Movies." He explained that on the afternoon of September 29, the production team of "B tv Lee Dong-jin's Phaeacia" contacted him to say that they would make his review video, uploaded on September 25, private as controversy surrounding "The Assassin(s)" continued. The video was subsequently made private.

"In the video, I expressed my views on the film's strengths and weaknesses as well as its overall quality, but controversy has continued after one passage from my remarks was quoted separately," Lee wrote.

He explained the context of his remarks, saying, "I was discussing how the film deals with questions surrounding what happened to the bullets fired at the National Theater on August 15, 1974, including questions about where they went and where they ended up, as well as aspects of the incident that cannot be readily resolved based solely on the official announcements made at the time."

He stressed, "This did not mean that every hypothesis raised by the film was factual. It had absolutely nothing to do with the claim that President Park Chung-hee was behind the shooting of First Lady Yuk Young-soo."

Lee acknowledged that different viewers may draw different meanings from the same film, but emphasized, "I did not see the claim that President Park Chung-hee was behind the assassination of First Lady Yuk Young-soo expressed in any dialogue or scene in the film."

Addressing criticism over how such a conspiracy theory could be raised while the bereaved family is still alive, Lee said, "I find that difficult to accept because it first assumes that such a claim exists and then criticizes me for making it."

He continued, "What I discussed in my review was the questions raised by the film and the way those questions are dramatically constructed. It was not an assertion that a specific individual was behind the assassination."

Lee added, "If there is going to be a debate about this film, I hope it can take place after people have watched the entire film whenever possible. I also hope that criticism of my review will be based on the context in which I made those remarks."

"Over the past 30 years of reviewing films, I have been criticized at different times by people with completely opposing views, depending on the film," he said, adding that his assessment of the film had nothing to do with his personal views on the current political situation in South Korea.

He concluded, "My assessment of ‘The Assassin(s)' as a film remains the same today. I have no intention of retracting my assessment in that review or apologizing for it. I wanted to make it clear what I did say and what I did not say."

Released on September 23, "The Assassin(s)" explores questions and suspicions surrounding the August 15, 1974 shooting of First Lady Yuk Young-soo and the figures allegedly behind the incident. The film has faced criticism over allegations of historical distortion.

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)

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