Actors Jin Ki-joo, PARK JI HOON, Lee Hong-nae, and Heo Nam-joon (from top left, clockwise) had a meaningful first half of 2026 and sent greetings through <THE FACT> for the Chuseok holiday. / Respective Agencies

[THE FACT| Reporter Kim Saet-byul] The first half of 2026 saw many notable actors on the small and big screens. From actors who led the success of their projects and expanded their presence to those who left a strong impression on the public with new faces and characters, each captivated viewers and audiences in their own way. Some gained attention through consecutive projects, while others became the center of attention through a single work.

The first half of 2026 was a more special time than ever for the actors, who had been running tirelessly for a considerable period. After completing their projects, they experienced the reactions of those around them and confirmed their potential as actors through new challenges. After a meaningful first half, they are now taking a moment to catch their breath and welcome the Chuseok holiday.

To this end, <THE FACT> asked the actors who shined in the first half of 2026 to look back on the past and share their plans for the Chuseok holiday. Furthermore, we heard about the new goals the actors are envisioning for the second half of 2026 and the image they want to show in the future.

Actor Jin Ki-joo poses at the production presentation of the Netflix series 'The Bequeathed' held at the Ambassador Seoul Pullman Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul, on the morning of the 5th. / Reporter Park Sang-min

◆ 'The Bequeathed' Jin Ki-joo

Jin Ki-joo once again proved her new side through the Netflix series 'The Bequeathed.' Playing the role of Im Han-lim, a supervisor at the Office for the Protection of Teachers' Rights, she perfectly executed high-level action sequences that matched her rough background as a former special forces soldier. Moving beyond her elegant and determined previous image, she was praised for playing a central role in the drama by exuding intense impact and charisma.

Amidst the positive reviews from global viewers, the first half of 2026 was a time for Jin Ki-joo to solidify another significant transformation as an actress. Having consistently undergone limitless transformations in each project, Jin Ki-joo has now secured a powerful action spectrum through 'The Bequeathed,' raising expectations that she will meet the public with more diverse and leading characters in her upcoming projects.

- You left a strong impression on the public with 'The Bequeathed' in the first half of 2026! Looking back at the past six months, what memories does the first half of 2026 hold for you?

▶ It was a very grateful first half, as I met KBS drama 'Sleeping Doctor,' which I've come to love anew and poured my heart into, and 'The Bequeathed,' which was passionately and happily made, received great love upon its release.

- With so much attention on your work this year, you must have experienced reactions from those around you and felt changes. What was the most rewarding moment during your activities in the first half of the year?

▶ I felt most rewarded when I heard vivid reviews of 'The Bequeathed' on the set of my next project. Hearing good things about my previous work from people who are now pouring their new passion into the current project was much more rewarding, grateful, and energizing than I had imagined.

- Chuseok has arrived after a busy first half. How do you plan to spend this Chuseok holiday?

▶ My current project is in its final stages of filming, so I plan to spend my time focusing on the project until the end. There are still many important and major scenes left. I plan to rest fully for one day and then diligently prepare for the remaining filming for the other days.

- 2026 is nearing its end. What personal goals do you want to achieve or what image do you want to show as an actor in the remaining half of the year?

▶ I want to try running. I'm not sure if I can do it, but I definitely want to start before it gets cold. I know my fans want to see me in various ways, so I've gone to schedules dressed up nicely and even tried variety shows. If circumstances allow, I want to try many new and infrequent things.

- Lastly, please send warm Chuseok greetings to your fans and readers of <THE FACT>.

▶ It seems like 2026 will pass by in the blink of an eye again. I hope you stay healthy and peaceful for the remainder of 2026. I hope you have a bountiful Chuseok and a time for recharging. I will greet you again with a good performance. Thank you.

Actor PARK JI HOON poses at the production presentation of the TVING original series 'The Legend of the Cooking Soldier' held at the Broadway Hall of Pullman Ambassador Seoul Eastpole in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 6th. / Reporter Song Ho-young

◆ 'The King and the Man', 'The Legend of the Cooking Soldier' PARK JI HOON

PARK JI HOON had a hotter first half than anyone else. After meeting over 16 million viewers with his first leading role in the film 'The King and the Man' as Prince Danjong, he succeeded in consecutive hits with the TVING original series 'The Legend of the Cooking Soldier.' By portraying diverse genres and characters, he showcased his breadth as an actor, making 2026 a special year for PARK JI HOON.

As PARK JI HOON has firmly established himself as an actor with both star power and acting skills, much attention is being paid to whether he will continue his box-office success with bold acting transformations in the second half of 2026.

- You left a strong impression on the public with 'The King and the Man' and 'The Legend of the Cooking Soldier' in the first half of 2026! Looking back at the past six months, what memories does the first half of 2026 hold for you?

▶ The first half of 2026 was filled with many grateful moments. I was able to show new sides of myself through 'The King and the Man' and 'The Legend of the Cooking Soldier,' and it will be remembered as a particularly meaningful time as many people loved the projects.

- With so much attention on your work this year, you must have experienced reactions from those around you and felt changes. What was the most rewarding moment during your activities in the first half of the year?

▶ I feel most rewarded when I hear that people enjoyed the projects I participated in. I receive great energy as an actor when I meet people who remember and like the characters in my work.

- Chuseok has arrived after a busy first half. How do you plan to spend this Chuseok holiday?

▶ This Chuseok, I plan to spend time with my family and rest leisurely. I want to eat delicious food and have comfortable conversations that I haven't had in a while.

- 2026 is nearing its end. What personal goals do you want to achieve or what image do you want to show as an actor in the remaining half of the year?

▶ My goal for the rest of 2026 is to be an actor who does my best in everything given and continues to strive forward.

- Lastly, please send warm Chuseok greetings to your fans and readers of <THE FACT>.

▶ I hope you have a bountiful and happy Chuseok. Thank you for your continued interest and warm support. I hope you have a warm and enjoyable Chuseok holiday with your families. I will continue to greet you with good performances.

Actor Lee Hong-nae attends a wrap-up interview for the TVING original series 'The Legend of the Cooking Soldier' held at the TVING building in Sangam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 19th. / Reporter Park Sang-min

◆ 'The Legend of the Cooking Soldier' Lee Hong-nae

Lee Hong-nae made his mark on viewers through 'The Legend of the Cooking Soldier.' Amidst the success of the project centered around PARK JI HOON, he showcased his presence by embodying his character. Furthermore, through Netflix's 'The King's Affection,' he displayed a completely different side from his previous works, boasting unparalleled character assimilation.

Having once again made his mark on domestic and international viewers, the first half of 2026 was a time that raised expectations for Lee Hong-nae's future endeavors, as he actively played the role of a powerful scene-stealer. With his consistent delivery of non-clichéd performances in every project, building trust, anticipation is high for the acting transformations Lee Hong-nae will showcase as he moves between screens and television.

- You received much love and left a strong impression on the public through 'The Cooking Soldier' and 'The King's Affection' in the first half of 2026! Looking back at the past six months, what memories does the first half of 2026 hold for you?

▶ It was a first half filled with many grateful moments. Through 'The Legend of the Cooking Soldier' and 'The King's Affection,' I was able to show the aspects I wanted to, and both projects were very meaningful to me.

By playing different characters, I was able to learn and grow a lot as an actor, and I felt truly happy every time I heard people say they enjoyed the projects after they were released. Therefore, the first half of 2026 remains in my memory as a time of great happiness and growth.

- With so much attention on your work this year, you must have experienced reactions from those around you and felt changes. What was the most rewarding moment during your activities in the first half of the year?

▶ The most rewarding moment is when people who have seen my work remember and talk about it. Although I spend a long time contemplating and preparing during filming, I never know what kind of reaction the work will receive once it's released.

I remember a touching and pleasant comment I received: 'The drama I appeared in is the strength that gets me through the week.'

- Chuseok has arrived after a busy first half. How do you plan to spend this Chuseok holiday?

▶ This Chuseok, I plan to go down to my hometown, spend time with my family, and rest leisurely. I also plan to recharge my energy for future projects and the new image I want to show.

- 2026 is nearing its end. What personal goals do you want to achieve or what image do you want to show as an actor in the remaining half of the year?

▶ For the remainder of the year, I want to continue filming my current project well, and personally, I want to maintain good energy by taking care of my body and mind, separate from my work. I plan to participate in the Highrox competition in November. I want to complete it without regrets.

Thank you to everyone who has been watching and supporting my work and activities this year. Your support gives me the motivation to show even better performances and is a great source of strength!

- Lastly, please send warm Chuseok greetings to your fans and readers of <THE FACT>.

▶ This Chuseok, I hope you have delicious food and a happy and warm time with your beloved family and precious people. I will work hard to continue greeting you with good projects and good performances. Everyone, have a bountiful and happy Chuseok!

Actor Heo Nam-joon poses at the production presentation of JTBC's new Saturday-Sunday drama 'A Hundred Memories' held at The Link Seoul Hotel in Guro-gu, Seoul, on the 11th. / Reporter LEE SAEROM

◆ 'Brave New World' Heo Nam-joon

Heo Nam-joon became the center of attention in the first half of 2026, not just for his projects but as an actor himself. Playing Cha Se-gye in 'Brave New World' and working with Lim Ji-yeon, he increased his presence, and the drama received positive responses in terms of viewership and buzz. Notably, interest in Heo Nam-joon continued even after the project concluded, solidifying his position as a 'trending actor.'

In particular, Heo Nam-joon, who created multidimensional characters with his fresh looks and unique mysterious aura, left a strong impact with his charm of coexisting good and evil. With the momentum of his popularity in the first half of 2026, attention is focused on how far he will soar.

- Your interest in actor Heo Nam-joon has been particularly high this year, including with 'Brave New World.' Looking back at the past six months, what memories does the first half of 2026 hold for you?

▶ I learned a lot and worked intensely, like someone new to the set. Every moment of that time was enjoyable. Like with every project, I watched 'Brave New World' with a mix of excitement and nervousness, and I was in a daze as many people loved it. (Laughs)

- With so much attention on your work this year, you must have experienced reactions from those around you and felt changes. What was the most rewarding moment during your activities in the first half of the year?

▶ It was when I received calls from my close friends. Many friends watched the entire drama and contacted me. Usually, friends say it's hard to see their friends acting in dramas, but I felt good when they contacted me saying they enjoyed it and watched it well.

- You had a busy first half with a lot of attention. How do you plan to spend this Chuseok holiday?

▶ I have a short filming schedule planned for this holiday. For the remaining time, I plan to meet my family and spend time alone to fully rest.

- 2026 is nearing its end. What personal goals do you want to achieve or what image do you want to show as an actor in the remaining half of the year?

▶ For the rest of 2026, I want to continue working hard as I am now, while also taking good care of myself. I have a strong desire to not only pursue my acting ambitions but also manage my condition well so that I can continue running without getting tired. Therefore, I've been reflecting a lot lately on how to rest properly and what activities bring me the most healing.

- Lastly, please send warm Chuseok greetings to your fans and readers of <THE FACT>.

▶ Everyone, 2026 is already passing by quickly, and we are heading towards the end of the year. Just as you always tell me to be healthy and happy, I hope everyone stays well without getting sick. I hope you have a warm and happy time with your families during this holiday, and I wish you a year-end filled with good things. Have a joyful Chuseok. Thank you.

sstar1204@tf.co.kr
[Entertainment Department | ssent@tf.co.kr]