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A video showing A2O Key Producer Lee Soo-man buying grilled pork for citizens at a restaurant after A2O LITE—the group he introduced upon returning to Korea after three years—topped music charts and clinched music show wins is drawing widespread attention.

On October 22, posts surfaced across social media and online communities stating that Lee had "rang the golden bell" by covering the meal expenses for patrons at a grilled pork specialty restaurant in Seoul.

In the video featured in the posts, Lee was reportedly celebrating "A2O LITE reaching No. 1" and the "successful conclusion of the Shidae Forum." Shouting "Please eat plenty" to the clapping customers, he responded by raising both hands when patrons chanted his name. Lee also readily agreed to photo requests from citizens, showing his satisfaction.

Earlier on October 22, A2O LITE took first place on Mnet's "M Countdown" with their debut digital single "NEON." Prior to this, A2O LITE recorded their third music broadcast trophy, following wins on SBS Life's "The Show" on October 20 and MBC M's "Show Champion" on October 21.

A2O LITE's achievements do not stop there. On October 15, just 29 hours after their debut, "NEON" held the No. 1 spot on music streaming platform Melon's TOP 100, setting a record for the shortest time to reach the milestone. Lee Soo-man, the founder and former chief producer of SM Entertainment, previously disposed of all his shares and, in accordance with a three-year non-compete clause, founded A2O Entertainment overseas rather than in Korea to produce multinational groups. In particular, A2O LITE, made up of members with an average age of 14.9 years, quickly captured the eyes of music fans with their unconventional performance of "NEON."

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)

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The SBS variety show "The Great Hang-jun" brought laughs with a dazzling battle of wits between Jang Hang-jun and Jin Sun-kyu.

In the second episode of "The Great Hang-jun," which aired on October 22, actor Jin Sun-kyu appeared as a guest and showed off uninhibited, real-best-friend chemistry with MC Jang Hang-jun. Powered by their seamless rapport, the second episode recorded a peak viewership rating of 2.55% among households in the Seoul metropolitan area (according to Nielsen Korea). It also proved its hot buzz as "Jin Sun-kyu Jang Hang-jun doppelganger" ranked No. 1 on a portal site's real-time trending list during the broadcast.

On this day, Jang Hang-jun started making absurd, playful accusations, saying, "Jin Sun-kyu was happier to see writer Kim Eun-hee than me," and "He sent dried persimmons to my house, and there was a stack of 50,000-won bills underneath". In response, Jin Sun-kyu wittily countered, "Hyung, did you develop mythomania? Take your medicine!" filling the scene with laughter.

Amid the side-splitting conversation, Jin Sun-kyu's candid stories were also revealed. Along with behind-the-scenes stories from his audition for "The Outlaws," which became a turning point in his acting career, he shared a touching story involving his wife, actor Park Bo Kyoung. Jin Sun-kyu added warmth by sharing, "When we had a child, my wife told me, 'Oppa, you be the actor for now, and I will be the mom,'" adding, "Hearing those words made me resolve that I must succeed through acting".

During the official audition for the autobiographical film "Hang-juni, Odyssey," Jin Sun-kyu put on Jang Hang-jun's horn-rimmed glasses and delivered a perfect doppelganger performance, copying his voice and even finger gestures 200%. However, after finishing his fully immersed acting, when Jang Hang-jun held out a contract without even showing him a script, Jin Sun-kyu delivered delightful laughs until the very end, asking, "Isn't it fraud not to show me the script?"

Meanwhile, "The Great Hang-jun," a cinematic talk variety show where master Jang Hang-jun sets out to cast top actors, airs every Thursday at 9:00 PM. 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)

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In "Doctor X: Mafia in White," Kim Ji-won and Lee Jung-eun set out to deliver a satisfying, refreshing dose of retribution against a rampaging Jang Seung-jo.

In Episode 5 of the SBS Friday-Saturday drama "Doctor X: Mafia in White" (written by Pyun Sung-geun, directed by Lee Jung-rim), which airs on Friday, October 23, at 9:50 PM, a fierce showdown unfolds between Na Dae-il (played by Jang Seung-jo), who has thrown the emergency room into total chaos, and Gye Soo-jung (played by Kim Ji-won) and Jang Hee-sook (played by Lee Jung-eun), who stand in his way.

Previously in Episode 4, Gye Soo-jung discovered a gruesome trace during an emergency surgery where Na Dae-il had carved his own initials onto a patient's organ in the past. Having uncovered Na Dae-il's demonic true face, attention is focused on how Gye Soo-jung will bring his evil deeds to justice.

Amid this, Episode 5 still cuts released on October 23 deliver a shock by showing Na Dae-il sprawled on the emergency room floor in hospital patient clothes. Having completely cast off his mask of a virtuous surgeon, Na Dae-il's murderous, glaring gaze instantly turns the emergency room into pandemonium.

However, even in the face of Na Dae-il's mad rampage, Gye Soo-jung maintains a calm expression and subdues him by force, driving the tension to its peak. With Jang Hee-sook also arriving at the emergency room with a fury-filled face to join in, anticipation is exploding for their crushing retribution against Na Dae-il.

Episode 5 of "Doctor X: Mafia in White," which has been sweeping the charts by ranking No. 1 weekly on Netflix's Global Top 10 Non-English TV Shows for two consecutive weeks as well as No. 1 in overall TV-OTT buzz, airs tonight (October 23) at 9:50 PM.

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)

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Actor Son Suk-ku is set to reveal his turbulent life story for the first time, ranging from an unprecedented act of rebellion that even his parents never knew about to the behind-the-scenes story of when he decided to retire from acting.

On the SBS variety show "My Genie Secretary" airing on Friday, October 23 at 11:10 PM, "Son Suk-ku's Liberation Notes" will unfold, featuring stories from his military deployment to Iraq to the behind-the-scenes journey of his late debut.

On this day, Son Suk-ku surprised everyone on set by sharing funny yet bittersweet anecdotes of experiencing the South Korean military after being accustomed to American culture, along with the daring story of how he secretly volunteered to be deployed to Iraq without his parents' knowledge.

Son Suk-ku went on to recall the time he contemplated retirement after debuting at the relatively late age of 35, sharing, "I was going to quit acting." He revealed that just as he was about to give up on acting, he encountered a pivotal project and a mentor who turned his life around, raising curiosity over who the benefactor was that rescued him from the brink of retirement.

Meanwhile, having liberated himself from his busy schedule, Son Suk-ku visited an arcade with the "My Genie Secretary" cast, unleashing his hidden competitive drive. He overwhelmed the scene with shooting skills honed during his deployment to Iraq as well as impressive basketball skills, and it is said that Lee Seo-jin and Kim Kwang-kyu forgot about competing altogether, repeatedly expressing awe and shifting into full "worship mode" for Son Suk-ku.

Son Suk-ku's diverse charms and turbulent life story will be revealed today on Friday, October 23 at 11:10 PM on "My Genie Secretary." 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)

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Boy group ENHYPEN, who has been actively raising awareness about the importance of blood donation, has met with Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO).

According to their agency Belift Lab on October 23, ENHYPEN met with Director-General Tedros on October 22 at the HYBE headquarters in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, to share the achievements of their global blood donation campaign and discuss future activities. Officials from the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Korean Red Cross Blood Services were also present at the meeting.

Director-General Tedros addressed the reality that many patients in need of transfusions do not receive safe blood in a timely manner and highly commended the members for personally donating blood. He also took note of how fans worldwide organized group blood donations following ENHYPEN's global blood donation pledge.

"I am proud of all the members of ENHYPEN for their dedication and collaboration with WHO to promote blood donation and save lives," he said. He added, "The past campaign was a great success, reaching millions of people. ENHYPEN and their fandom ENGENE have the true power to make an impact on the world. I am also a fan of yours." He further expressed hope that ENHYPEN could play a role in raising awareness among young people regarding various public health issues.

ENHYPEN stated, "We started this campaign with the hope that our supporters would join us, and we are grateful that ENGENEs from all over the world took part. Moving forward, we want to continue making meaningful changes alongside our fans."

ENHYPEN's blood donation campaign was launched in January alongside the release of their seventh mini-album, "THE SIN : VANISH". Taking inspiration from their core lore concept of "vampires," the campaign was conducted jointly with the Korean Red Cross. Blood donation buses were deployed at major locations where fans gathered, and an online event was held for participants nationwide. According to the agency, a total of 7,730 people participated in blood donations online and offline from January 16 to January 25, of which 1,031 were first-time donors—an increase of approximately 19 times compared to the period prior to the campaign. The initiative expanded to Japan and Singapore, reportedly bringing cumulative participation to around 10,000 people.

In June, ENHYPEN teamed up with the WHO to release content highlighting the importance of securing safe blood in observance of "World Blood Donor Day 2026." The members also participated directly in donating blood.

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)

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Rock band Jaurim will hold a nationwide tour connecting the year-end and the new year.

According to their agency, Jaurim will hold their solo concert "MIDNIGHT EXPRESS 2026-2027" for three days from December 18 to 20 at Olympic Hall in Olympic Park, Seoul. Starting with the Seoul shows, the band will continue performing across four cities: Busan on December 25, Daejeon on January 2 of next year, and Daegu on January 9.

This concert is a tour linking the end of 2026 to the beginning of 2027. Jaurim released their 12th studio album "LIFE!" last year, and they plan to showcase a diverse setlist including their signature hits at the upcoming shows.

Tickets for the Seoul concerts will open for presale on October 27, followed by general sales on October 28. For the Busan, Daejeon, and Daegu shows, presales will open sequentially on November 3, with general sales opening on November 4.

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)

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Actor Cho Jung-seok has taken on the lead voice role in the animated film "The Cat in the Hat."

"The Cat in the Hat" is a lively, fun-filled fantasy adventure following siblings Gabby and Sebastian, who have moved to an unfamiliar neighborhood and set off into a mysterious world alongside the Cat in the Hat.

Cho Jung-seok is taking on his first-ever voice acting role as the titular character in the Korean-dubbed version of "The Cat in the Hat." With his signature wit and remarkable acting skills spanning across genres, he is set to invite audiences into an enchanting world of adventure.

The voice cast joining Cho Jung-seok is also attracting attention. First, rising musical star Seol Ga-eun, who gained acclaim through Daehangno's buzzy production "A Long, Long Night," stars as Gabby, who embarks on the adventure with the Cat in the Hat. Joining her is rookie Park Jin-woo as Gabby's younger sibling, Sebastian. In addition, Sa Seong-ung of the "Butt Detective" series and "Red Shoes" voices the talking goldfish Waffles, while Bae Jeong-mi of the "Inazuma Eleven" series takes on the role of Gabby and Sebastian's mother, Carmen.

Yeo Min-jeong of "Heartsping: Teenieping of Love" and the "Detective Conan" series appears as Sherry from HR, while Seok Seung-hoon, who voiced Zenitsu in the "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba" series, portrays Gary, a cynical intern hired through personal connections. Song Jun-seok, who left a strong impression as Jesus in "Zootopia 2," plays the corrupt boss Hoogeboom, and Jeong Yu-jeong, known for her role as Jang Jun-hu in "The Soul Guardians," adds weight to the lineup as the fussy landlord Patty. Bringing together both seasoned voice artists and shining new talents, "The Cat in the Hat" signals the arrival of a deeply immersive experience.

Featuring the vivid performances of Cho Jung-seok in his first voice acting role alongside veteran voice artists and rising stars, the film "The Cat in the Hat" is scheduled to hit theaters on Friday, November 6.

(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)

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Why did a convicted murderer send a letter to "Tails of Tales"?

The episode of SBS's "Tails of Tales" broadcast on October 22 shed light on Busan's Yeonghwasuk and Jaesaengwon, where horrific events took place in the 1960s, under the subtitle "A Murderer's Letter – Yeonghwasuk and Jaesaengwon."

In March 2025, a letter arrived at the broadcasting station. A man named Kyung-ho, who identified himself as a prisoner serving a life sentence for murder, mentioned Busan's Yeonghwasuk and Jaesaengwon, stating, "While staying in 'that place,' I was trained in crime and committed offenses such as theft and robbery all across Busan. Everything started there."

To verify the unbelievable story in the letter, the production team tracked down people who spent their childhoods there and could not hide their shock upon hearing their stories firsthand.

The facility changed completely after its new director, Lee Soon-young, arrived at Yeonghwasuk and Jaesaengwon. It was said that after his arrival, people died daily and construction began.

Children who vanished from all over Busan were gathered there one by one. The Park Chung-hee administration at the time sought to purge vagrant children and homeless people from society under the pretext of social purification. In response, Director Lee Soon-young, who signed an outsourced custody and protection contract with Busan City for vagrants and homeless people, carried out illegal abductions for money, placing those under 18 in Yeonghwasuk and those 19 and older in Jaesaengwon.

Once ordinary citizens of Busan, they slept packed tightly like sardines on their sides in rooms piled with excrement and were watched day and night. Subjected to daily military-style control, they were also forced into hard labor amid constant violence.

Unable to eat even one proper meal a day, the children lived a subhuman existence, scavenging maggots from toilets due to starvation and even envying pig feed. Yet they could not easily escape because of collective punishment. With beatings continuing daily as if it did not matter if they died, they had no choice but to give up on escaping.

The director also made the children capture runaway peers and forced residents to bring in other inmates, creating a structure where victims became perpetrators. Consequently, the inmates repeatedly engaged in wrongful acts, even while knowing what they were doing was wrong. The children suffered severe human rights violations, including sexual assault as well as physical violence.

Friends who slept beside them one day were dead the next, and those who died from harsh abuse were buried in secret in the reed fields surrounding Yeonghwasuk and Jaesaengwon.

Father Aloysius Schwartz, an American priest known as a father to the poorest of the poor who happened to see the facility, was deeply shocked when he learned the reality of Yeonghwasuk and Jaesaengwon. He reported the truth about the place to save the children, but was ignored and even threatened in return.

However, he did not give up. He sent petitions to the Minister of Home Affairs, the Prime Minister, and even to Park Chung-hee. As a result, Director Lee Soon-young was investigated by police and detained. Yet, just six days after his arrest, Lee Soon-young was released on the grounds that he posed no flight risk.

After negotiating with Lee Soon-young, Father Aloysius received permission to care for the children. Continuing his efforts to rescue them, Busan City's consignment contract with Yeonghwasuk was canceled in 1971. It seemed that the children there would finally return to normal life.

Behind the scenes, however, Director Lee trained the children in crime. Among those led down the path of criminality was Kyung-ho. Yeonghwasuk and Jaesaengwon had become criminal academies. Director Lee also framed other children for crimes committed by someone else.

Consequently, Kyung-ho was sent to a juvenile detention center, but he evoked sorrow by saying he found freedom there. After being released from the juvenile facility, he had no choice but to return to Yeonghwasuk. Director Lee assigned Kyung-ho another duty. Drug delivery became his new assignment, and he was even made to deliver kickbacks to public officials.

Later, in 1976, Busan City canceled the corporate permit, leading to the closure of Yeonghwasuk and Jaesaengwon, and Lee Soon-young received merely a fine of 300,000 won in his final judgment. The reason was that there was insufficient evidence to prove Lee Soon-young had directly ordered the actions.

However, the wealth amassed through the inmates' forced labor and the funds illegally embezzled all reverted to Lee Soon-young's family assets. Four years after the final ruling, Lee Soon-young died of an illness in 1981.

Victims who left Yeonghwasuk were later taken to Brothers Home and subsequently sent in succession to the Samcheong Re-education Camp, unable to escape the vicious cycle of evil.

The victims suffered from panic disorder, social phobia, and claustrophobia. Furthermore, because their names were altered in the facility register upon admission to Yeonghwasuk, they were treated as unidentified persons and were even framed as spies and tortured.

After committing various crimes, Kyung-ho, then 28, happened to work at a restaurant, where he became involved in a fight and crossed a line that should never have been crossed.

Now in his 70s, Kyung-ho shared his final wish before dying: "If I am recognized as a victim of Yeonghwasuk and Jaesaengwon and receive compensation, I want to donate it to a welfare foundation that helps neighbors in need so that no one else ends up like me. And I want to excavate the bodies buried secretly around Yeonghwasuk, including the ones I buried, and return them to their families."

He added, leaving a bitter impression, "I am a violent offender and a lifer. I seek neither forgiveness nor a second chance."

Victims who lived through a lifetime of hellish trauma secured 51.1 billion won in compensation from the state and Busan City. Yet they evoked sorrow as they looked back on their irreversible lives in despair, saying, "Money is not the issue. Who am I supposed to resent and live with now?"

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

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Jin Sun-kyu spoke about the audition that changed his life.

On the October 22 broadcast of SBS's "The Great Hang-jun," actor Jin Sun-kyu auditioned for director Jang Hang-jun's next project.

That day, Jin Sun-kyu shared heartfelt advice with junior actors preparing for auditions, noting that he has auditioned over 200 times.

He also mentioned the audition for the film "The Outlaws," which changed his life. Jin Sun-kyu said, "Back then, I was filming minor roles every day in Pyeongchang. Then I got a call telling me to come to Seoul for an audition."

He recalled that time, saying, "The director asked me something, but I couldn't answer properly. I had barely familiarized myself with the script. I knew myself that my attitude was completely wrong. That was when I went in having read the script for the role of Jang I-soo."

Jin Sun-kyu confessed that botching the audition snapped him back to reality, saying, "On my way back to Pyeongchang after the audition, it felt like someone had punched me right in the stomach and brought me to my senses. I thought, 'Someone must be doing this to tell me to work hard. Right, let's get my act together, let's work hard.'"

Then, a week later, he was given another audition opportunity. Jin Sun-kyu explained, "I had played a small role in my first commercial film, 'The Hunt,' and a friend who was the script supervisor on that film was the script supervisor for 'The Outlaws.' That friend told the director, 'Sun-kyu sunbae must have really had circumstances that day, could you please see him just one more time?' and that's how I got another chance. Hearing that, I started reading the script like crazy," revealing how genuinely he approached the second chance.

At the second audition, the director watched Jin Sun-kyu's performance, asked, "Why are you so different?", and cast him in the role of Wi Seong-rak, which allowed Jin Sun-kyu to imprint his name as an actor on the world.

Hearing this, Kim Poong asked Jin Sun-kyu what his secret was to winning over the staff. Jin Sun-kyu replied, "Including that script supervisor friend, a group of female filmmakers who love Sun-kyu still sends coffee trucks under the name 'Sunshine.'" To this, Song Eun-i brought laughter by stopping further mention, saying, "The director gets jealous of stories like that."

After winning Best Supporting Actor for the film "The Outlaws," Jin Sun-kyu has been on a smooth path of success. Recently, he also drew major attention by shedding tears while winning awards alongside his wife, actor Park Bo Kyoung, at the same awards ceremony.

Regarding this, Jin Sun-kyu explained the reason behind his tears: "During my days as an unknown actor, I used to think about how much I wanted to walk an award ceremony red carpet, and now I went not alone, but together with my wife. When her name was called there, I was so happy. It made me happier to see the person I love receive an award than when I won one myself. Remembering the moments we waited for that instant, and the time she spent as a mother, brought tears to my eyes."

Jin Sun-kyu then drew attention by expressing his gratitude to his wife, saying, "Because we had no money when we had our child, my wife sacrificed herself. She thought fulfilling the role of a mother was most important, so she stepped away from acting for a while, and eight years passed like that."

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

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Jang Hang-jun mentioned PARK JIHOON.

On the October 22 broadcast of SBS's "The Great Hang-jun," video messages from numerous actors arrived for the director, drawing attention.

Amid love calls from numerous actors directed toward Jang Hang-jun that day, producer Song Eun-i brought up PARK JIHOON, the lead of "The King's Warden," saying, "Among the actors likely to send a video, there was someone I anticipated: actor PARK JIHOON."

To this, Jang Hang-jun surprised everyone by saying, "He is outside my house right now, waiting for me." Jang Hang-jun continued, "I don't know why he laid out a mat there and is prostrating himself before me in penance," adding, "He keeps begging me to cast him one more time, and when I tell him, 'It's burdensome, so please go home,' he keeps saying no, he can't."

Jang Hang-jun then quipped, "On the other hand, I understand him. Isn't it because he received such tremendous grace from me?" drawing bursts of laughter.

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

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Calls of interest for Jang Hang-jun kept pouring in.

On the October 22 broadcast of SBS's "The Great Hang-jun," video messages addressed to the "master" from numerous actors arrived and drew attention.

On this day, actor Song Joong-ki told master Hang-jun, "Now that you've hit 10 million, things feel different, and I feel like I need to stay on your good side," adding, "I don't think there are many people besides me who could play the role of Jang Hang-jun. Let's have another serious talk where there's no one else around."

Shim Eun-kyung said, "He is a director I respect from the bottom of my heart. I keep thinking deep down that he will call on me one day."

Actor Kim Seolhyun continued, "I respect him so much. As an actor, I'd really love to work with him and experience his directing," adding, "Even if it's a minor role, if you call me, I'll come running."

Actor Kim Eui-sung also said, "Shouldn't I pay to appear?" adding, "He considers actors mobilizing coffee trucks very important, so shouldn't I send about 20 coffee trucks to appear?" bringing a smile to Jang Hang-jun's face.

Jang Hang-jun's close friend Jang Hyun-sung said, "You must know that I hold a few things on you—your history. Don't forget that," while Jang Doyoun pleaded, "It would be such an honor if you would cast me in your project. Please cast me, please cast me," drawing laughter.

Faith HYOJUNG Zico

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

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Big Hit Music, the agency representing the group TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT), has initiated strong legal action to protect its artist.

On October 22, Big Hit Music announced through an official statement, "We recently confirmed that false information and malicious rumors regarding our artist are being indiscriminately spread across overseas social media and online communities," sharing an update on its stern legal measures.

Explaining that it had previously refrained from issuing separate statements to prevent rumors from unnecessarily resurfacing even when false and malicious posts appeared, the agency said, "However, we determined that malicious rumors and posts aimed at slandering the artist ahead of their comeback have reached a severe level," detailing the background behind elevating the intensity of its legal response.

The agency added, "The act of posting and circulating malicious content is an obvious crime that severely damages the artist's character and reputation," emphasizing, "We are currently collecting evidence regarding relevant posts on domestic and international platforms, and we will take stern measures under a zero-tolerance principle without any leniency or settlement." It also urged fans to actively report violations via the HYBE artist rights infringement reporting website.

Meanwhile, TXT, taking a firm stance against malicious rumors, is scheduled to make their comeback on November 16 with the release of their 9th mini album "PERFECT STORM." 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)

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Will Hollywood star Keanu Reeves and Don Lee share the screen in the same film?

On October 20 (local time), the American film trade outlet The Hollywood Reporter reported that "Keanu Reeves is in talks to star in Paramount Pictures' remake of 'The Gangster, The Cop, The Devil.'"

The outlet added, "Keanu Reeves is set to appear alongside Don Lee, the lead actor of the original film. Don Lee will reprise the same role in this remake."

"The Gangster, The Cop, The Devil" is an American remake of the 2019 Korean film of the same name. James Wan, renowned for the "Saw" and "The Conjuring" franchises, will direct, while Don Lee will serve as both producer and lead star. Keanu Reeves' casting is nearing finalization, though his specific role has not been disclosed.

"The Gangster, The Cop, The Devil" is a crime action film that follows an organized crime boss (Don Lee), who survives an unexpected attack by a serial killer, teaming up with a detective determined to catch the culprit as they pursue serial killer K. The original film was invited to the Midnight Screening section of the 72nd Cannes Film Festival and was sold to 104 overseas countries, including the United States, Canada, Germany, and France.

In South Korea, it was released in May 2019 and drew 3.36 million moviegoers nationwide. 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)

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The Japanese animated film "Chiikawa the Movie: The Secret of the Mermaid Island" has defended its No. 1 spot at the box office amid the slow theatrical season.

According to data from the Korean Film Council's integrated computer network for movie tickets on October 21, "Chiikawa the Movie: The Secret of the Mermaid Island" drew 22,474 moviegoers nationwide on October 20. Its cumulative audience count stands at 1,875,609.

Released on September 30, "Chiikawa the Movie: The Secret of the Mermaid Island" had long hovered in second place behind "The Assassin(s)", but after rising to the top of the box office on October 14, it has maintained its reign at No. 1 for seven consecutive days.

With the end of three consecutive holiday stretches and the arrival of an off-peak theatrical season, the daily total of moviegoers visiting cinemas dropped below 100,000 (recording 91,036 on October 20). Amid this slowdown, "Chiikawa the Movie: The Secret of the Mermaid Island" continues its first-place streak and is showing staying power toward crossing the 2 million mark. It is expected to surpass the milestone around this weekend.

(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)

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Singer DAWN poses at a sports brand photo wall event held in Seongsu-dong, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of October 22.

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

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Actor Byun Yohan poses at a sportswear brand photo wall event held in Seongsu-dong, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of October 22.

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Actor Lee Dong-hwi strikes a pose while attending a photo call event for a sports brand held on the afternoon of October 22 in Seongsu-dong, Seongdong-gu, Seoul.

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Former figure skater Kim Yuna poses at a sports brand photo wall event held in Seongsu-dong, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of October 22.

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Singer and actor IU poses at a sportswear brand photo wall event held in Seongsu-dong, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of October 22.

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Singer and actor IU attends a photo wall event for a sports brand held in Seongsu-dong, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of October 22.

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Former figure skater Yuna Kim attends a photocall event for a sportswear brand held in Seongsu-dong, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of October 22.

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"Whenever Possible" firmly maintained its No. 1 spot in its time slot for 10 consecutive weeks, propelled by the delightful performances of actors Shin Seungho and Chae Soo-bin.

The broadcast of SBS's variety show "Whenever Possible" on Tuesday, October 20, recorded a peak rating of 5.7% in the Seoul metropolitan area and a household rating of 3.8% (based on Nielsen Korea), achieving first place among all entertainment and educational/cultural programs in its time slot for 10 straight weeks. In particular, it recorded a 1.4% rating among the target demographic of viewers aged 20 to 49, ranking first among all variety shows broadcast on Tuesday.

On this broadcast, the two MCs, Yu Jae-seok and Yoo Yeonseok, were joined by Shin Seungho and Chae Soo-bin as guest "Slot Friends" to fill the spare moments of everyday people around the Gwanghwamun area.

Yu Jae-seok, who had previously canceled a recording session due to cold symptoms, opened the resumed filming in a generous mood, remarking, "Today is Yu Jae-seok's apology broadcast." Even when Yoo Yeonseok boasted of his friendship with the two guests, noting they share the same agency, Yu Jae-seok praised them instead, saying, "Thank you, our King Kongs," causing Yoo Yeonseok to burst into laughter. Chae Soo-bin, making her second appearance on the program, showed her determination for redemption by sharing, "My mom takes great pride in athletics, and she said she felt embarrassed watching me play games on 'Whenever Possible' last time." In response, Yoo Yeonseok expressed high hopes for their gameplay, noting, "An elite squad has arrived today."

Meeting their first "Slot Owners," who were foreign office workers at the Seoul Global Center, the four took on the "Eraser Killing Shot!" game. In contrast to Shin Seungho, who made timid throws despite his athletic build, Chae Soo-bin emerged as the team's ace by striking the box in just three attempts. Motivated by her success, Shin Seungho displayed his competitive drive and steered the group to a stage two victory. However, they were ultimately unable to surpass stage three, leaving behind a touch of disappointment.

During the episode, Yu Jae-seok also unveiled an unexpected personal aesthetic, stating, "Old kitsch is what I strive for." He showed off his easygoing, friendly charm while casually greeting passersby, remarking, "I like the freedom of an ahjussi." Chae Soo-bin resonated with him and added, "I'm also called a 'celebrity ajumma' among my friends," leaving Yu Jae-seok visibly pleased.

Yu Jae-seok, who stayed in apology mode throughout the shoot, also garnered attention by offering an "apology flex." When Shin Seungho and Chae Soo-bin spotted an accessory and prop shop and asked, "Senior, please buy something for us," Yu Jae-seok grandly declared, "Buy whatever you want today." However, when Shin Seungho prepared for a full shopping spree by asking, "May I buy some accessories?", Yu Jae-seok grew visibly flustered, triggering waves of laughter.

In the subsequent "Sogo Tong Tong!" game at a gayageum academy, Shin Seungho's unexpected timid charm stood out once again. Startled by the production crew's countdown, he pleaded, "Please don't count numbers out loud," and later complained of leg pain from becoming overly immersed in the game, sparking laughter. Eventually, the Slot Owner cautiously asked, "Can we stop right now?", turning the set into an ocean of laughs.

Although they fell just short of a complete game victory, the four delivered immense laughter to viewers with their tight-knit sibling chemistry and burning passion.

"Whenever Possible," a variety program that delivers good fortune during the spare moments of everyday life, airs every Tuesday at 9:00 p.m. 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)

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The thriller film "My Home" (directed by Jeong Yong-ki), starring actors Jang Gyu-ri and Bae Jong-ok, has confirmed its theatrical release for November 25.

"My Home" follows the story of a college student who moves into a luxury apartment under unconventional terms and begins facing bizarre events after starting to live with the elegant homeowner.

Along with the release announcement, the filmmakers unveiled an intriguing event. The promotion for "My Home" is an event where audience members who watch the movie and leave verified viewer reviews will be entered into a raffle to win a habitable tiny house (stay-type shelter).

The tiny house prize is a partitioned studio layout with an actual floor area of 4.3 pyeong, fully equipped with a kitchen and bathroom to enable regular living. However, the prize does not include the installation site or transportation and installation costs, and the winner must cover applicable taxes and public utilities directly.

The production team shared, "This event was planned not only to deliver the terrifying thrill and fun of the 'perfect shelter' in the movie, but also to bring audiences the ultimate rush of dopamine through the prize of 'giving away a real house.'"

The schedule and detailed instructions on how to participate in this promotion to become the owner of a real 'perfect house' will be announced later through Studio Take's official social media channels.

The film hits theaters on November 25. 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)

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Actor Kim Ji-won of "Doctor X: Mafia in White" is captivating viewers with her starkly contrasting charms.

Behind-the-scenes photos of Kim Ji-won, who stars as the uncompromising genius surgeon Kye Soo-jung in the SBS Friday-Saturday drama "Doctor X: Mafia in White" (written by Pyeon Seong-geun, directed by Lee Jung-rim / hereinafter "Doctor X: Mafia in White"), were released on October 22.

In the released photos, Kim Ji-won displays a perfect "on and off" mode. Off camera, she serves as the set's mood maker by flashing V-signs and offering bright smiles, but the moment filming starts, she instantly immerses herself as the serious and cool-headed Kye Soo-jung, giving off an unmatched aura.

This contrasting appeal also stands out in the character of Kye Soo-jung. While she possesses unwavering conviction and sharp intuition in any situation, she also has a quirky and cute side that becomes completely weak in front of delicious food. Kim Ji-won adds depth to the drama by delicately portraying Kye Soo-jung's cold exterior alongside her warm, human interior with nuanced acting.

Kim Ji-won previously stated, "The contrast between how Kye Soo-jung looks on the outside and what you discover anew the more you look into her was charming." Viewers continue to praise Kim Ji-won's detailed, passionate performance that brings out the character's charm.

Meanwhile, "Doctor X: Mafia in White," which highlights Kim Ji-won's diverse charms, airs every Friday and Saturday at 9:50 PM. 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)

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Actor Park Minyoung is set to showcase her charm as the "office rom-com queen" once again through "Nine to Six".

Premiering on November 25, the new SBS Wednesday-Thursday drama "Nine to Six" (written by Choi Ji-oh, directed by Lee Hyung-min and Oh Song-hee) is an office romance about a rational woman who has lived her life proving herself through work, who meets a warm, emotional man and rewrites her standards of work, love, and happiness. In the drama, Park Minyoung plays the role of Kang Yi-ji, the "100% logic" deputy head of the legal team at Chronic Motors.

On October 22, the team behind "Nine to Six" drew attention by unveiling the first stills of Park Minyoung.

In the released photos, Park Minyoung catches the eye with her neat, sharp bob haircut and an impeccably tailored suit. Her brightly shining eyes and resolute expression during a phone call reveal the qualities of a top-tier professional who leaves no room for mistakes.

In particular, her chilling confrontation with Jung Ki-tae (played by Jo Bok-rae), a master of internal office politics with whom she competes for the position of head of the legal team, piques curiosity. Casting a cold gaze at Jo Bok-rae as he blocks her path, Park Minyoung creates a subtle war of nerves, heightening the tension of office life.

Having created career-defining roles with her unmatched, perfectly fitted performances in office romance titles such as "What's Wrong with Secretary Kim", "Forecasting Love and Weather", and "Marry My Husband", Park Minyoung is set to deliver both the realistic joys and sorrows of a workaholic and a fresh sense of excitement through "Nine to Six".

The production team stated, "Park Minyoung earned high praise from the staff by flawlessly embodying a realistic character who constantly deliberates between work and love," adding, "Please look forward to office rom-com queen Park Minyoung's performance that maximizes both excitement and empathy as she returns with a brand-new character."

The new SBS Wednesday-Thursday drama "Nine to Six" will premiere on Wednesday, November 25, at 9:00 PM. 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)

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Netflix is joining hands with the Korean Film Council (KOFIC) to nurture the next generation of Korean film talent.

On November 10, the two organizations will host a "Global Competency Training" program at the Korean Film Archive (KOFA) Cinematheque for around 100 film and video industry professionals and aspiring filmmakers. The session is part of an ongoing memorandum of understanding (MOU) to cultivate K-content talent that Netflix has carried out with the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA) and KOFIC since 2023.

The training will be divided into two main topics. The first topic, "Understanding Netflix's Global Strategy: Planning in the 'Local First' Era," will explore planning methodologies rooted in the sentiments and culture of local viewers, alongside global content market trends.

The second topic, "Understanding Netflix Production for South Korean Visual Industry Professionals," will focus on the production workflow that turns a creator's vision into a completed work, as well as collaboration methods with partner companies. The presentations will be followed by a panel discussion and a Q&A session.

Eligible applicants include film and video majors or professionals with experience in related industries. Details on how to register before the October 28 deadline are available on the Korean Academy of Film Arts (KAFA) official website.

Netflix and KOFIC have previously collaborated on programs such as the "KAFA X Netflix Masterclass" and the "KAFA+ Neo Sora Masterclass," and they have also continued to support emerging creators' debuts and sponsor the Wildflower Film Awards and the Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival.

(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)

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Lee Seok-won of the band Sister's Barbershop shared his thoughts following his performance at Grand Mint Festival 2026 (GMF 2026), stating, "I really want to sing right now."

On October 20, Lee uploaded a new post on his blog. He greeted fans by writing, "I bow my head in deep gratitude to the audience members who filled the seats despite the rough weather."

He continued, "As for my upcoming plans, I first need to hurry up with work on my delayed album, but right now I want to sing so badly, and in that sense, perhaps my GMF is not over yet." He also expressed his appreciation to both the attendees at the venue and those who cheered from afar, adding, "I will consult with those around me so it won't be too late, and let you know once something is decided."

Lee also recently published a new book: the essay collection "Someday Barbershop," published by Next Wave, 456 pages), dedicated to fans marking the 30th anniversary of Sister's Barbershop's debut. Centering on the lyrics of the band's most iconic songs, the book explores memories of people, life, love, and creation intertwined with the music. This marks the first time Lee has fully chronicled the band's musical journey in a book.

Sister's Barbershop debuted in 1996, and promoted actively before announcing a halt to group activities following their final album, "People Alone," in 2017. 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)

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Director Yeon Sang-ho's new film "Lost Paradise" debuted at No. 2 at the box office on its opening day.

According to the Korean Film Council's integrated computer network for movie theater tickets on October 22, "Lost Paradise" drew 20,628 moviegoers nationwide on its release day, October 21.

"Lost Paradise" is a psychological thriller that begins when her son SUNOO, whom she thought was dead, miraculously returns alive to Ryu So-young, a mother who lost her son in a camping school bus disappearance nine years ago. Following "The Ugly," it is another low-budget project by director Yeon Sang-ho, produced with a budget of 500 million won.

"The Ugly" opened with 34,985 viewers on its first day and went on to draw 1.08 million moviegoers. Attention is focused on whether "Lost Paradise" can achieve similar results driven by word of mouth. Having already surpassed its break-even point through overseas pre-sales, the film faces relatively little pressure regarding box office performance.

First place at the box office went to "Chiikawa the Movie: Secret of the Mermaid Island," which drew 28,985 moviegoers on the same day.

(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)

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Actor Lee Seo-jin showcases an unprecedented bromance with Son Suk-ku, revealing an affectionate side that marks a complete 180-degree transformation.

On the SBS Friday variety show "My Genie Secretary", scheduled to air on Friday, October 23 at 11:10 p.m., actor Son Suk-ku, who visited the Busan International Film Festival, appears as the "my star" guest and meets with Lee Seo-jin and Kim Kwang-kyu.

On this day, Lee Seo-jin stepped up to provide dedicated, close-up assistance for Son Suk-ku. From personally tying his necktie to engaging in subtle physical touch, he colored the atmosphere on set in an unusual way through an affectionate demeanor never seen before. Watching the affectionate display between the two, Kim Kwang-kyu grumbled, "It looks like Son Suk-ku and Lee Seo-jin are dating," drawing laughter. However, the warm and friendly mood was brief, piquing curiosity as an unexpected twist unfolded when Son Suk-ku suddenly grabbed Lee Seo-jin by the collar.

Meanwhile, a dizzying "150 billion won kiss debate" broke out on set. Amid discussions about Son Suk-ku being chosen as the "No. 1 male actor favored by gay men," the question was asked: "If you were given 150 billion won, could you kiss Kim Kwang-kyu?"

At this, Lee Seo-jin, known as an "icon of capitalism," threw the set into chaos by making an unhesitating, bombshell declaration: "For 150 billion won, of course I have to." Toward a visibly disgusted Kim Kwang-kyu, Lee Seo-jin reportedly went on to actively persuade him, arguing, "What do you have to lose?"

The extraordinary bromance between Son Suk-ku and Lee Seo-jin, as well as the conclusion of the dizzying kiss debate surrounding 150 billion won, will be revealed on "My Genie Secretary," airing this Friday, October 23, at 11:10 p.m. 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)

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