https://en.fannstar.tf.co.kr FANNSTAR RSS Service - All Articles copyright (c) FANNSTAR fannstar@tf.co.kr 2nd, 'Uncommon Girl' released.. Block B remakeExpanding 'Yena-core' smartly instead of repeatingYENA released the digital single 'Uncommon Girl' on the 2nd. It reinterpreted the song of the same name, included in boy group Block B's fourth mini-album 'HER' released in 2014. The photo shows her attending the '2026 THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS' in September. /Reporter Kim Sung-ryeol[THE FACT | Reporter Jung Byung-geun] As difficult as it is to create one's own color is not to be trapped by that color. YENA completed the so-called 'Yena-core' through 'Nemo Nemo' and 'Catch Catch' this year. And the moment she showed what she does best, she took a step in a slightly different direction.The digital single 'Uncommon Girl' (Feat. Nauen Young), released by YENA on the 2nd, is therefore interesting. Compared to YENA's recent image, which seemed to have jumped out of a cartoon or animation, she has toned it down considerably. Many of the devices of 'Yena-core', which densely filled the music and visuals, have also been removed. Yet, when you listen to the song, it's strangely YENA. The familiar YENA is wearing unfamiliar clothes.'Uncommon Girl' reinterprets the song of the same name, included in boy group Block B's fourth mini-album 'HER', released in 2014. The original song was a sweet pop rap that contained a man's active courtship of an attractive woman. The YENA version flips that gaze. The person who was described as an 'uncommon girl' by someone now becomes the narrator and defines herself as such.If the original song had the male saying, "You're not an ordinary girl," this time YENA says, "I am not an ordinary girl." The chorus, which in the original song complained about being tired while looking at the attractive woman, has also changed subjects to something like, 'You're tired because I'm pretty.''Uncommon Girl' differs from the starting point of a simple remake where a man's song is sung in a woman's key. As a result, despite being a remake, there is a wide scope for YENA to play.With rapper Nauen Young, who gained attention on Mnet's 'Show Me The Money 12', participating as a featured artist, the original song's one-sided courtship has turned into a push-and-pull conversation between a man and a woman. YENA knows her charm well but playfully steps back from cheesy expressions, while Nauen Young is the younger man who actively approaches her. At this point, YENA's strengths shine.YENA's weapon is her ability to turn characters into songs. This continues in 'Uncommon Girl'. However, the difference is that while 'Nemo Nemo' and 'Catch Catch' were new worlds filled with all sorts of devices, 'Uncommon Girl' is much closer to an everyday romantic comedy. The photo shows her at the '2026 THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS'. /Reporter LEE SAEROMThe most powerful weapon YENA has built up through her solo activities is her ability to turn characters into songs, more so than any specific genre. In 2022, she showed bright, playful, and confident energy with 'SMILEY' and has since explored her range across rock, pop, and emotional music. The process of this taking a clear form was 'Nemo Nemo' in 2024.Intuitive lyrics expressing the rough edges of each other discovered through love as 'nemo' (square) shapes, millennium-inspired electronic sounds, and cartoon-like visuals combined with hand gestures forming squares, all merged music and character.'Catch Catch' refined this further. Repetitive melodies, instantly memorable point choreography, high-saturation colors, and a world closer to animation than reality moved together. Thus, 'Yena-core' is not just a cute concept, but YENA's unique way of embodying exaggerated expressions, fast energy, and quirky, confident attitudes through music, performance, and visuals.This method exploded. 'Catch Catch' connected the heat generated from short-form content to the music charts, reaching a monthly high of 7th on the Circle Digital Chart, and surpassed 100 million cumulative streams on Spotify on the 30th of last month. She expanded the scale of her activities with an Asian tour that started in Seoul in April and went through Macau, Taipei, Hong Kong, and Tokyo, followed by an encore concert in August.It would have been natural to use 'Yena-core', which created this momentum, once more. However, YENA chose a B-side track from a boy group from 12 years ago. This is where the value of 'Uncommon Girl' lies.In the new version, YENA's signature bright and light tone, and her playful way of delivering words, are still present. Her cheeky attitude of declaring "I am an uncommon girl" also aligns with the character YENA has shown in 'Nemo Nemo' or 'Catch Catch'. Making cheesy lines shameless yet lovable is an area where YENA particularly excels.On the other hand, the way it is packaged is distinctly different. While 'Nemo Nemo' and 'Catch Catch' were new worlds filled with all sorts of devices, 'Uncommon Girl' is much closer to an everyday romantic comedy. Instead of a character dominating the entire screen alone, she converses and plays push-and-pull with the other person. Therefore, YENA's brightness, rather than exploding as before, works by reacting to the other person's words.What YENA needs now is not just to deepen her own color, but to confirm how far that color can spread, and 'Uncommon Girl' is a rather clever choice for that first experiment. The photo is a scene from the music video. /YH EntertainmentThe new version, compressed to 2 minutes and 29 seconds, is much shorter than the original 3 minutes and 11 seconds. While keeping the familiar chorus of the original song at its center, it quickly exchanges new lyrics and Nauen Young's parts. The arrangement using guitar, bass, and synthesizer was also re-composed to fit today's short and upbeat pop grammar, rather than restoring the original song.The music video also focuses on the relationship and chemistry created by the two people, rather than showing YENA's exaggerated world alone. The fact that she pre-released this song with Nauen Young at the encore concert in August already shows that character well. It's more of a continuation of the enjoyable synergy that began at the concert, rather than a next chapter.Therefore, the format of a digital single is appropriate. A single-song remake single allows for trying out different aspects without pressure. There is no reason to discard the color, nor is there a need to stay in it.Above all, this song conversely shows the essence of 'Yena-core'. Even when the high-saturation sets, animated settings, and relentlessly fast-paced concepts are removed, YENA's unique tone, expressions, cheeky confidence, and her ability to digest a song like a character are felt. This proves that YENA herself, not the various devices, is the center of 'Yena-core'.What YENA needs now is not just to deepen her own color, but to confirm how far that color can spread, and 'Uncommon Girl' is a rather clever choice for that first experiment. In the light format of a digital single, she took a well-known song by Block B and tried out a different tone without pressure. And she did so without losing her core strengths.Viewed in this light, 'Uncommon Girl' is a song that confirms the boundaries of 'Yena-core'. At a time when 'Catch Catch' was gaining strong momentum this year, YENA did not rush to create another 'Catch Catch', but instead showed that she can utilize her established color in different genres and relationships. It is a smart expansion of 'Yena-core'.kafka@tf.co.kr[Entertainment Department | ssent@tf.co.kr]]]> FANNSTAR Thu, 08 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Jang Gyu-ri, who plays Jae-in, brings vitality... delicate control of tempo from teens to twentiesNext project is occult film 'Perfect House', to be released within the yearActress Jang Gyu-ri met with and held a wrap-up interview for the tvN Saturday-Sunday drama 'Four Hands', which ended on the 4th. / Namoo Actors[THE FACT|Reporter Kim Saet-byul] Actress Jang Gyu-ri has grown once again. In 'Four Hands', she portrayed Jae-in, who spans her teens and twenties, expressing her bright and lovely side as well as a more mature manager. The experience of playing multiple ages and emotions of one character was a new challenge for Jang Gyu-ri as well.Jang Gyu-ri recently met with at the Namoo Actors building in Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, for an interview ahead of the finale of the tvN Saturday-Sunday drama 'Four Hands' (written by Shin Yi-won, directed by Park Hyun-seok). In the drama, she played Hong Jae-in, who grew from a violist to a manager, and shared various stories about the work and her character.'Four Hands', which ended on the 4th with its 12th episode, is a story about the friendship, love, competition, and growth of young people who meet at an arts high school filled with musical prodigies.Jang Gyu-ri played Jae-in, who stayed by Bio's (played by Song Kang) side for a long time. While the surrounding characters acted in a realistic tone, Jae-in had a uniquely bright disposition, which made her a character that carried some pressure. Jang Gyu-ri confessed, "The fact that I was the only one standing out made it more burdensome. Everyone else was realistic, but I felt like a cartoon character."Therefore, the process of matching the tone with the director was important. She explained, "The director would tone me down if it was too much, and tell me to raise it if it needed more." She also clearly differentiated between her teenage and twenties portrayals. For her teenage self, she created a cute and bright image using hairpins, while for her twenties self, she expressed a manager-like aura with suits, watches, neat hairstyles, and subtle makeup."In my teens, I had to act with a bright tone, but as I entered my twenties, I switched to a more realistic tone. I wanted to look like I belonged in the drama rather than appearing separate. Thanks to that, I think I was able to show a variety of acting in 'Four Hands'."Actress Jang Gyu-ri played Hong Jae-in in the tvN Saturday-Sunday drama 'Four Hands', who grew from a violist to a manager, portraying both the teenage and adult versions of the character. / tvNIn understanding Jae-in, music was important to Jang Gyu-ri. She saw Bio's music, a childhood friend, as having a meaning beyond just music for Jae-in. She filled in the character's emotions by imagining backgrounds not explicitly stated in the script.Jang Gyu-ri interpreted, "Bio's music must have been music that enveloped and comforted Jae-in," adding, "She must have wanted to make others feel the comfort she received by protecting Bio's music." She viewed Jae-in's desire to discover Jeong-yo's talent early on and publicize his potential in the same light.She also did not easily define the relationship between Bio and Jae-in. Jang Gyu-ri said, "I didn't know even while acting. I kept wondering what Bio's feelings were and what (Song Kang) oppa was thinking while acting," and added, "I think Jae-in felt the same way. She doesn't seem to know exactly what her feelings are."She saw Jae-in's reaction to Bio, who spoke of parting, as closer to avoidance than certainty. She thought, "She knew it wasn't (love), but she asked while avoiding it," and continued, "Perhaps she continued the relationship thinking Bio's feelings might change. Even until the end, it might have been a feeling of avoidance."Jae-in's feelings were most clearly revealed in the scene where she angrily tells Jeong-yo to protect Bio. Jang Gyu-ri explained, "Isn't that the only scene where Jae-in gets angry? In that situation, protecting Bio was the priority, so I thought it was an action she could take," and added, "No matter how much of a conductor Jeong-yo is, I thought, 'How much must Jae-in have been to act like this?'"Regarding the much-talked-about kiss scene between Bio and Jae-in, she also shared her interpretation. Jang Gyu-ri said, "Jae-in is a character who has liked Bio for a long time," and expressed her hope, "I wanted it to be seen more as a form of CPR than a kiss between a man and a woman." Therefore, she hoped that in their relationship, more attention would be paid to Jae-in's growth rather than Bio's regret."Regardless of whether Bio regrets it or not, I think the experience of Jae-in liking someone for a long time is precious. Jae-in will also grow in her own way, so I hope people focus on that part. Whether Bio regrets it or not, Jae-in will be the same."Actress Jang Gyu-ri revealed that in the tvN Saturday-Sunday drama 'Four Hands', while the relationship between Jae-in and Bio was important, she tried to focus a little more on Jae-in's growth. / tvNAs Jang Gyu-ri said, Jae-in's growth is not limited to love. Jang Gyu-ri cited her process of finding her own life and work as growth, saying, "There were times when Jae-in acted as if Bio was her whole life, but now she's not like that and works harder in her management job." Regarding the ending, she smiled and said, "Personally, I like happy endings, so I'm satisfied."In this work, she also took on the challenge of playing the viola herself. Although she was initially offered a double, she had a strong desire to perform it herself. She said, "I thought a scene where I play it myself, even if it's short, was essential, so I asked to get a viola and receive lessons," and revealed that she learned everything from how to hold the instrument to playing a song naturally over about two months.Her familiarity with music was also influenced by her mother. Jang Gyu-ri, whose mother was a music teacher in high school, learned piano, violin, and guitar from a young age. She shared, "She always created an environment where I could play when I was having a hard time or needed comfort," and admitted that she has actually been comforted through music.Therefore, when she first received the script for 'Four Hands', she was drawn to the story of young people growing through music, as she believed in the power of music. Above all, she was attracted to the fact that Jae-in looked at Jeong-yo's and Bio's talents without jealousy or misunderstanding and helped them be loved by the world.'Four Hands' is also significant for Jang Gyu-ri in that she experienced the various ages and emotions of a single character. She said, "That process itself feels like I've grown a little as a person," and added, "Before, I had only shown one period or one aspect of a character, but this time I showed various sides. I think I'm doing well step by step."Actress Jang Gyu-ri bid farewell to the tvN Saturday-Sunday drama 'Four Hands' with a three-line poem. / Namoo ActorsAlthough she is steadily rising as an actress who leads projects, Jang Gyu-ri still doesn't confidently say, "I'm ready." She confessed, "I always worry and doubt if I can do well," but added, "If I'm given a role, I seem to do my best. So I hope I'm given roles," she said with a smile.She remains open to new roles in the future. Jang Gyu-ri said, "I want to try everything I haven't done before," and expressed her desire to "challenge historical dramas and roles related to my father's profession as a soldier."Her next project is already set. The movie 'Perfect House', which was filmed early on, is scheduled to be released within the year. It is particularly drawing attention as Jang Gyu-ri's first film debut and her foray into the occult genre.Finally, Jang Gyu-ri expressed her regret at parting with 'Four Hands' and her feelings for the viewers who watched it through a three-line poem. At first, she shyly said, "It's so embarrassing. Please don't use it if it's awkward," but in the end, she directly conveyed her greetings to the viewers who loved Jae-in and the drama."When watching Four Hands, I tooHeld my breath and watched, putting down my phone.Thank you for your love until now."sstar1204@tf.co.kr[Entertainment Department | ssent@tf.co.kr]]]> FANNSTAR Thu, 08 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Director Kim Jong-kwan and actors Kim Min-ha, Ju Jong-hyuk, Han Sun-hwa, Shim Eun-kyung, Jeon So-young, and Kim Dong-hwi (from left) pose at the 'Day and Night for Each Other' open talk event held at the Roof Cinema of the Busan Cinema Center in Haeundae-gu, Busan on the afternoon of the 7th. /Busan=Reporter Kim Sung-ryeol[THE FACT | Busan=Reporter Kim Sung-ryeol] Director Kim Jong-kwan and actors Kim Min-ha, Ju Jong-hyuk, Han Sun-hwa, Shim Eun-kyung, Jeon So-young, and Kim Dong-hwi (from left) pose at the 'Day and Night for Each Other' open talk event held at the Roof Cinema of the Busan Cinema Center in Haeundae-gu, Busan on the afternoon of the 7th.'Day and Night for Each Other,' which premiered as the opening film at the 31st Busan International Film Festival, deals with the relationships of people who stay in a cafe at different times.The film depicts the chance encounter between Eugene and Hyeon-oh, the quirky and sudden reunion of middle school friends Sang-mi and Young-min, the laughter-filled, sparks-flying first meeting between web novel writer Hye-jin and film director Dong-nam, and the poignant moment between idol trainee Na-kyung and her lover Jong-soo.Meanwhile, the Busan International Film Festival will be held for ten days until the 15th at eight theaters and 31 screens in the Haeundae area, including the Busan Cinema Center.This year's film festival will feature a total of 315 diverse films, including 246 official invited films from 59 countries around the world, meeting with audiences.ksr@tf.co.krphoto@tf.co.kr]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Hyun Bin, Jung Woo-sung, and Woo Do-hwan to meet with fans at BIFF outdoor stage event on the 7thSeason 3 set in the early 1990s confirmedDirector Woo Min-ho and actors Hyun Bin, Woo Do-hwan, and Jung Woo-sung (from left) pose at the outdoor stage event for 'Made in Korea Season 2' held at the Busan Cinema Center's Roof Theater in Haeundae-gu, Busan on the 7th. /Busan=Reporter Kim Sung-ryeol[THE FACT|Busan=Reporter Kim Saet-byeol] 'Made in Korea' is returning with Season 3. Director Woo Min-ho has officially announced the production of the next season, hinting that the story will continue with a backdrop set in the early 1990s. Hyun Bin, who has lived as Baek Ki-tae for about three years, also expressed his special affection for the character, saying, "I still can't let go of Baek Ki-tae."On the 7th, the second day of the 31st Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), an open talk and outdoor stage greeting event for the Disney+ original series 'Made in Korea Season 2' was held at the Busan Cinema Center's Roof Theater in Haeundae-gu, Busan. Director Woo Min-ho and actors Hyun Bin, Jung Woo-sung, and Woo Do-hwan attended the event to discuss the work.'Made in Korea Season 2,' which concluded its 6-episode run on the 23rd of last month, is a noir drama depicting the journey of Baek Ki-tae (played by Hyun Bin), who goes on a rampage towards greater ambition 9 years later. Season 1 was released in 2025, and Season 2 depicted a deeper and more intense story with a time lapse of 9 years.Notably, Season 1 recorded the highest number of viewers among Disney+ Korean original releases worldwide and won major awards at various ceremonies, including the Baeksang Arts Awards and the Global OTT Awards, proving both its critical acclaim and popularity.What drew the most attention on this day were Director Woo Min-ho's remarks about Season 3. Director Woo, who previously likened Season 1 to "a fight between children" and Season 2 to "a fight between adults," said, "We tried to come back with a grander scale and even bigger desires," adding, "We filmed intensely with the actors and staff, but there's still a slight sense of regret. We are continuously looking towards an even bigger Season 3."Director Woo particularly heated up the venue by officially announcing the production of 'Season 3,' which fans have been eagerly awaiting. He emphasized, "A movie ends when it's released in theaters, but a series can be created in dialogue with the public, which is quite interesting. We will definitely do Season 3," drawing cheers.While being tight-lipped about specific plot details, he did hint at the historical setting. Director Woo said, "I cannot reveal the events that will occur in Season 3," but he foreshadowed, "It seems like it will be set in the early 1990s," raising curiosity about the next installment.He also shared his thoughts on the reactions of international viewers. Director Woo stated, "'Made in Korea' deals with Korea's specific political situation, and I am grateful that international viewers understood it well and found it enjoyable," adding, "I believe the essence of human desire is similar whether in Korea or abroad. I feel proud of that aspect."Actor Hyun Bin speaks at the outdoor stage event for 'Made in Korea Season 2' held at the Busan Cinema Center's Roof Theater in Haeundae-gu, Busan on the 7th. /Busan=Reporter Kim Sung-ryeolHyun Bin reflected on his time playing Baek Ki-tae for about three years. He explained, "'Made in Korea' began filming in July 2024 and finished in March of this year. For an actor, it doesn't matter if it's a series or not; the joy comes from the character itself being attractive and offering room for research, even if it's just one project."He continued, "The time spent researching and playing the very attractive character of Baek Ki-tae for nearly three years felt like a dream. I still can't let go of Baek Ki-tae. It was a time when I played a good, attractive character."He also spoke about his chemistry with the other actors. Hyun Bin said, "Because we spent so much time together, I felt much freer and more comfortable while acting. I feel like they would accept anything."Jung Woo-sung emphasized the deepened emotional connection between characters in Season 2. He said, "We entered filming Season 2 with the conflict structure between characters established in Season 1. It was a time when we could comfortably build up the density and tension in emotional communication with each other."He added, "'Made in Korea' seems to be telling a story about how much individuals sacrifice in that era, and how personal freedom and thoughts operate and are sacrificed. I tried to capture how the character Jang Geon-young's values are broken down."Actors Woo Do-hwan (left) and Jung Woo-sung (from left) pose at the outdoor stage event for 'Made in Korea Season 2' held at the Busan Cinema Center's Roof Theater in Haeundae-gu, Busan on the 7th. /Busan=Reporter Kim Sung-ryeolWoo Do-hwan shared his feelings about playing the more mature Baek Ki-hyun in Season 2. He said, "I felt both pressure and anticipation, but I had fun filming, trusting the director, seniors, and staff. It's thanks to the 'Made in Korea' team that Ki-hyun could grow so much."He also expressed gratitude for the global K-content craze. Woo Do-hwan said, "I am so grateful that not only our work but also K-content in general is loved so much these days. As a junior, I am thankful for the foundation laid by my seniors. I am grateful to be able to meet more audiences."Concluding the event, Hyun Bin said, "It was a happy time to make eye contact and meet with the audience," and Jung Woo-sung added, "I am glad to have had a chance to communicate. I hope you enjoy the remaining programs of the Busan International Film Festival." Woo Do-hwan, who finished his last official schedule, said, "It was meaningful to be able to make eye contact and greet you in person," concluding the stage greeting with a sense of regret.'Made in Korea,' which has set a milestone for 'K-noir,' can be watched in its entirety on Disney+.sstar1204@tf.co.kr[Entertainment Department | ssent@tf.co.kr]]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900 [THE FACT | Busan=Reporter Kim Seong-ryeol] Actor Hyun Bin is greeting the audience after finishing the outdoor stage greeting event for 'Made in Korea Season 2' at the Cinema Center's Roof Cinema in Haeundae-gu, Busan on the afternoon of the 7th.ksr@tf.co.krphoto@tf.co.kr]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Director Woo Min-ho and actors Hyun Bin, Woo Do-hwan, and Jung Woo-sung (from left) pose at the outdoor stage greeting event for 'Made in Korea Season 2' held at the Roof Cinema of the Busan Cinema Center in Haeundae-gu, Busan on the afternoon of the 7th. /Busan=Reporter Kim Sung-ryeol[THE FACT | Busan=Reporter Kim Sung-ryeol] Director Woo Min-ho and actors Hyun Bin, Woo Do-hwan, and Jung Woo-sung (from left) pose at the outdoor stage greeting event for 'Made in Korea Season 2' held at the Roof Cinema of the Busan Cinema Center in Haeundae-gu, Busan on the afternoon of the 7th.'Made in Korea Season 2' is a noir drama that depicts the story of Baek Ki-tae, who moves toward greater desires, set nine years after the story of Season 1, which was released in December last year.The Busan International Film Festival, now in its 31st year, will be held for ten days until the 15th at eight theaters and 31 screens in the Haeundae area, including the Busan Cinema Center.A total of 315 diverse films, including 246 official invited films from 59 countries around the world, will meet with audiences at this film festival.ksr@tf.co.krphoto@tf.co.kr]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Kim So-hee, formerly of the group Alice, announced that she is pregnant with her second child. On the 7th, Kim So-hee posted on her social media account, ″I’m having a second baby! By the way, I’m already five months along. Now we are a family of four,″ along with several photos and videos. The released photos and videos showed her revealing her baby bump outdoors, enjoying golf, and daily life during a trip to Japan. She also shared a shadow photo of herself and her husband, who is 15 years older, making a heart shape. Kim So-hee announced her retirement from the entertainment industry after marrying a non-celebrity businessman 15 years her senior in May 2024. The following year, she gave birth to her first daughter, and now, two years after marriage, she shared the news of her second pregnancy. Kim So-hee gained recognition as the runner-up on SBS audition program ″K-pop Star Season 6 - The Last Chance″ in 2017 and debuted the same year as a member of the girl group Alice. She has also worked as an actress.]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900 "Beyond Warmth, a Fiery Film"... Director Kim Ji-hyun Talks About 'Jeonggane'Calf Seller Also a Focus... Theatrical Release on December 2ndDirector Kim Ji-hyun and actors Ryu Seung-ryong, Park Hae-joon, Ong Seong-wu, and Lee Sang-hee (from left) pose at the open talk event for the film 'Jeonggane' held at the Busan Cinema Center's Loop Theater in Haeundae-gu, Busan, on the afternoon of the 7th. /Busan=Reporter Kim Sung-ryeol[THE FACT|Busan=Reporter Kim Saet-byeol] An open talk for the film 'Jeonggane' (directed by Kim Ji-hyun), invited to the 'Korean Cinema Today' section at the 31st Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), was held on the outdoor stage of the Busan Cinema Center in Haeundae-gu, Busan, on the afternoon of the 7th. Director Kim Ji-hyun, along with actors Ryu Seung-ryong, Park Hae-joon, Ong Seong-wu, and Lee Sang-hee, attended and shared various stories about the work.'Jeonggane' is a story about brothers Man-su (Ryu Seung-ryong) and Byeong-su (Park Hae-joon), who have lived without speaking a word to each other for 30 years, joining forces to protect the calf seller amidst a contagious disease crisis that engulfs the village.Regarding the film, Director Kim Ji-hyun introduced it as, "Family members bicker and fight when they are together, but isn't there a nobility in living together and protecting each other's sides? It's a film that subtly captures that meaning."However, the film is not entirely calm. Director Kim said, "There is more action and spectacular scenes than expected. We filmed chase scenes throughout the winter," and added, "At first, I considered the title 'Jeonggane Ranch,' but because it's not a static film, I didn't want to limit the work with a pastoral word like 'ranch'."He continued, "The family's appearance and atmosphere shown on set are also memorable. I believe those aspects are the fundamental strength of our film," and urged, "Please look forward to the scenes within the space of home, where we eventually return."Ryu Seung-ryong plays Man-su, the older brother who is gruff towards his younger brother. He introduced the character as, "A person who lives like a brother, with a deep and steadfast sincerity despite being gruff."Ryu Seung-ryong, who recently watched the film himself, said with a laugh, "My beard is noticeable and it's mine. The actors said it looked like it was filmed five years ago."Director Kim described Ryu Seung-ryong as, "An actor who embodies both fun and wit, as well as weight and seriousness. He has played various roles, but in this film, he has few lines and is taciturn, yet his presence itself evokes curiosity and intrigue."Actor Ryu Seung-ryong (left) poses at the open talk event for the film 'Jeonggane' held at the Busan Cinema Center's Loop Theater in Haeundae-gu, Busan, on the afternoon of the 7th. /Busan=Reporter Kim Sung-ryeolPark Hae-joon plays Byeong-su, the younger brother who is prickly towards his older brother. He said, "Byeong-su is an interesting character who holds many things within him. He's someone who has never been number one and has always been in his brother's shadow. He respects his brother but also harbors a complex because of him."He recalled, "He's good at his job and has good relationships with people around him, but he's a troublemaker who feels inferior solely because of his brother. I remember acting with a carefree attitude on set."Director Kim described Park Hae-joon's charm as "quirkiness." He said with a laugh, "The actor already had a rebellious spirit within him. I think we designed the costume together to bring out that aspect."Ong Seong-wu plays Jeong-hoon, a new veterinarian in Hoengsan-gun who is sensitive to the dynamics between the two brothers. As the only outsider in the village, he is a character who observes the unfamiliar scenery along with the audience.Ong Seong-wu introduced his character as, "The only outsider who meets the villagers for the first time. So, I think I can share the feeling of seeing fresh sights with the audience through my somewhat clumsy portrayal."He also described the film as, "When I first read the script, it felt like reading a fairy tale. It had the scent of earth, warmth, richness, and a sense of longing. It was a work that made me want to become a resident of this village and be a part of it."Director Kim described Ong Seong-wu as "like a calf in our film." He praised, "This is my first time attempting dialect acting in this film. I needed bright energy, and Ong Seong-wu handled it well. He acts as a mediator between Man-su, Byeong-su, and Gyeong-eun, and he provided that bright energy on set as well."Actors Ryu Seung-ryong (left) and Park Hae-joon smile as they answer questions at the open talk event for the film 'Jeonggane' held at the Busan Cinema Center's Loop Theater in Haeundae-gu, Busan, on the afternoon of the 7th. /Busan=Reporter Kim Sung-ryeolLee Sang-hee plays Gyeong-eun, the younger sister of Man-su and Byeong-su, adding vitality between the brothers. She explained their relationship as, "I love my two older brothers, but in different ways. I think our relationship is like a triangle, which is why it doesn't break."Director Kim described Lee Sang-hee as "an actress I can trust and use." He said, "As a director, there are parts where expressing certain lines is difficult, but when I gave those lines to Lee Sang-hee, she returned them with surprising wit and rich texture. I felt like I wanted to work with her again as an actress I can trust."The discussion at the open talk also touched upon the calf seller in the film. Ryu Seung-ryong said, "Aren't there a lot of AIs these days? However, the calf seller in our film is a real baby cow born around the time of filming. We called Jangsu a gift-like child. He's better than most actors."Park Hae-joon also added with a laugh, "The director liked it more when Jangsu appeared than when the actors did. Seeing him caress the monitor, I naturally thought, 'I'm less than a cow.'"Director Kim also shared an update on Jangsu's well-being. He said, "After filming, we went back, and the owner and his son who raised Jangsu came. They said he's living longer than a cow's natural lifespan and is living up to his name, Jangsu (meaning longevity)."Actor Ong Seong-wu (left) and Lee Sang-hee look at the audience at the open talk event for the film 'Jeonggane' held at the Busan Cinema Center's Loop Theater in Haeundae-gu, Busan, on the afternoon of the 7th. /Busan=Reporter Kim Sung-ryeolTalk then moved to memorable scenes in the film. Ryu Seung-ryong said, "There's a scene where Man-su and Byeong-su, who were fighting so much, embrace each other completely naked. That scene is memorable."Park Hae-joon then piqued curiosity by saying, "Besides the scene where the two hug, there's also a scene where the senior actor is naked alone." He added, "The image of steam rising from his body in the cold weather was so cool. Of course, the senior actor must have suffered, but his bold performance of throwing himself into it and splashing water resulted in a visually pleasing scene."When asked what kind of film he hopes 'Jeonggane' will be for the audience, Director Kim replied, "I think it's a film that goes beyond warmth to become fiery. We all live in relationships, don't we? I hope that by watching the film, people will reflect on the meaning of 'companionship' with everyone around them, including their family."Finally, Park Hae-joon urged, "Some might wonder what's interesting about two brothers raising cows in the countryside, but this film is very spectacular and tightly paced. It's a film you can enjoy thoroughly, so please show it a lot of interest. Please come and see it a lot on December 2nd."Ryu Seung-ryong said, "This is a film we've been eagerly anticipating for a long time. I think many people will encounter a precious story where cows resolve conflicts that cannot be expressed in words. I believe it's a beautiful poem and a fairy tale. I hope you will definitely watch the movie and take many precious and beautiful things to heart."Director Kim Ji-hyun stated, "It's a film with various flavors. It contains bromance, cute and precious beings, fun, and meaning. I believe you can experience a variety of experiences that you can get at the cinema. We ask for your love for 'Jeonggane,' which was made with sincerity by good people."'Jeonggane' will be released in theaters on December 2nd.sstar1204@tf.co.kr[Entertainment Desk | ssent@tf.co.kr]]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Asian Cinema Competition Section InvitationDirector: "I want to discuss various forms of happiness through my work."Shuhua, who is making her screen debut with "All We Imagine as Light," said, "It's an honor to be at a major film festival with my first work. I'm curious to see how the audience will watch the film and what their reactions will be." The photo shows her walking the red carpet at the "31st Busan International Film Festival (BIFF)" held at the Busan Cinema Center in Haeundae-gu, Busan, on the afternoon of the 6th. /Busan=Reporter Kim Sung-ryeol[THE FACT|Busan=Reporter Park Ji-yoon] SHUHUA visited the 31st Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) not as a member of the group (G)I-DLE, but as an actress. She is filling pages with unforgettable first moments, discussing happiness with the audience through her screen debut film, "All We Imagine as Light."A press conference for the film "All We Imagine as Light" (Director Pema Tseden), officially invited to the Asian Cinema Competition section of the 31st Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), was held on the afternoon of the 7th at the BIFF Hill of the Busan Cinema Center. Director Pema Tseden, along with (G)I-DLE member and actress SHUHUA, Jin Sun, Chae Beom-hee, producer Clipper de Miu, and Lin Han Zhang, attended the event to answer reporters' questions and share various stories."All We Imagine as Light" is a film that depicts the story of a peaceful daily life being shaken when a stray cat appears one day to two sisters with completely different personalities. Pema Tseden, who received the Best New Director Award, the FIPRESCI Award, and the Audience Award for her first feature film "American Girl" (2021) at the Golden Horse Awards, a Chinese-language film festival, directed the film.Director Pema Tseden, who visited Busan as a tourist three years ago, expressed her unique feelings about returning as a filmmaker. She continued, "The word 'happiness' appears repeatedly in the film. I paid attention when translating it into English, but there was no perfect equivalent, so I used 'joy,' 'happy,' and 'happiness.' I wanted to discuss various forms of happiness. I believe it includes not only positivity but also contemplation, fear, and bewilderment."This is Pema Tseden's second film, released five years after "American Girl." She stated, "Many women around me are contemplating whether to get married or have children. They are intelligent and excel at their jobs, but they falter when faced with important life questions. Therefore, I wanted to portray women through the two sisters." She confidently highlighted the film's unique charm, saying, "While my previous film conveyed emotions directly, this one deals with subtle and indirect emotions.""All We Imagine as Light" is a film that depicts the story of a peaceful daily life being shaken when a stray cat appears one day to two sisters with completely different personalities. The photo shows Director Pema Tseden, actresses Shuhua, Jin Sun, and Chae Beom-hee (from left) posing at an outdoor stage greeting event for the film "All We Imagine as Light" held at the Outdoor Theater of the Busan Cinema Center in Haeundae-gu, Busan, on the afternoon of the 7th. /Busan=Reporter Kim Sung-ryeolThis film is also drawing significant attention as the debut work of (G)I-DLE member SHUHUA. She expressed her excitement, saying, "I was really nervous at first, but I felt more anticipation than nervousness. It's an honor to be at a major film festival with my first work. I'm curious to see how the audience will watch the film and what their reactions will be."In the film, Kitty is the youngest daughter with a bright and innocent personality. After encountering a stray cat, she experiences various emotions in her relationship with her sister and gradually changes. Shuhua, who plays Kitty, explained her acting focus: "I think her brave personality is similar to mine. As she was a character searching for happiness, I contemplated what happiness is, with both anticipation and concern."We were also curious about what charm of Shuhua attracted Director Pema Tseden to cast her as Kitty. She, who has been asked this question frequently, replied, "Actually, Shuhua has been acting for a long time. I believe the time she has spent with cameras is longer than the time we have spent with our families. I think she chose this role herself."Director Pema Tseden added, "Most protagonists are positive, proactive, and driven, but Kitty is not. Therefore, I thought Shuhua's personal charm could offset Kitty's wandering nature." She also mentioned, "The fact that she is actually the second of three sisters also aligns well with the film."The 31st Busan International Film Festival will be held until the 15th at the Busan Cinema Center and various locations in Busan. The photo shows Shuhua delivering remarks at an outdoor stage greeting event for the film "All We Imagine as Light" held at the Outdoor Theater of the Busan Cinema Center in Haeundae-gu, Busan, on the afternoon of the 7th. /Busan=Reporter Kim Sung-ryeolUpon hearing this, Shuhua said, "As the director mentioned, I have been acting for a long time. Therefore, being conscious of the camera is not difficult. However, on stage, I have to show myself, but on screen, I have to convey many emotions through subtle expressions, so I had many concerns."Jin Sun said, "I shed tears in many scenes while reading the script. The character's situation and the problems she faced were similar to my past concerns and challenges, so I could empathize with her situation." She explained her reason for choosing the project.What was her acting chemistry like with Shuhua, with whom she played sisters? Jin Sun commented, "I didn't know much about Shuhua's idol image, so I had no preconceived notions and was able to get to know her anew. We grew closer by sharing our concerns and challenges, and this relationship further developed during rehearsals. I'm grateful that Shuhua trusted me."The 31st Busan International Film Festival, where you can see Shuhua's screen debut film "All We Imagine as Light," will be held until the 15th at the Busan Cinema Center and various locations in Busan.jiyoon-1031@tf.co.kr[Entertainment Department | ssent@tf.co.kr]]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Jungsook from the 20th season of ″I am SOLO″ revealed that she spent over 10 million won on a marriage information company. On the 6th, Jungsook posted a video titled ″Story about spending over 10 million won on a marriage information company″ on her SNS. In the video, she explained the reason for spending over 10 million won by saying, ″It’s because I did it twice. Twice, so 10 million won.″ When asked if there were many decent people, she replied, ″Surprisingly, there are quite a lot. Many people are really busy working and have no place to meet women, so they want to be introduced to women efficiently. Wealthy people find it awkward to be introduced through their acquaintances, so they join. People who have lived abroad for a long time also join a lot because they have no one to be introduced to in Korea anymore.″ Regarding her experience with the marriage information company, Jungsook said, ″The experience itself was okay, but I regret not trying other marriage information companies. (The one I used) was structured so that I had to meet mainly people introduced by the managers. It was hard to be introduced to the kind of person I wanted.″ She added, ″I think I have to use (a marriage information company) now. If this continues, I might get older and not be able to meet men.″ When asked if she had developed the ability to find good men since she had tried it before, she said, ″There are hidden gems who are hard to meet in society. I think I could say, ’Please introduce me to such people.’″ Born in 1987, Jungsook formed a love line with Youngho during her appearance on the 20th season of ″I am SOLO″ in 2024. She earned the nickname ″Kiss Girl″ by showing a kiss without caring about other contestants on the show. She became a couple with Youngho in the final selection and continued as a real-life couple but broke up after appearing together on ″I am SOLO, Love Continues After.″ Afterward, Jungsook quit the large company she had worked at for 13 years and transitioned to being an influencer. She is taking a new path by directly engaging in group purchases and working as an advertising model. In July, she attracted attention by revealing, ″I quit the large company and earned as much as LG’s annual salary in just three days with one group purchase.″]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Jiyeonsoo revealed her daily life with her son Minsu through her channel. On the 7th, Jiyeonsoo posted several photos on her channel along with the captions ″Busy weekend holiday,″ ″Starting a new part-time job,″ ″Minsu’s long-awaited movie viewing,″ and ″Focused even on the ending credit music after everything.″ The released photos showed Jiyeonsoo holding Minsu in her arms and posing in front of a mirror. Also included was a photo of Minsu intently watching the screen at the movie theater. Jiyeonsoo recently announced through her YouTube channel that she quit the beef soup restaurant where she worked to make a living. She said that the muscles in her right arm were completely torn and that she plans to focus on treatment for the time being. Jiyeonsoo married Elly, a former member of the group U-KISS, in 2014 and had a son, Minsu, but they divorced in 2020.]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900 The group ITZY successfully concluded the finale performance of their third world tour, ’TUNNEL VISION,’ expressing special gratitude to their fans. ITZY shared their thoughts on the tour through their official SNS with the message, ″Thank you MIDZY for all the unforgettable memories+·+ ̊♡.″ This world tour was an opportunity to directly communicate with MIDZY (the fandom name) worldwide, showcasing diverse stages and performances. The members of ITZY delivered a highly polished show filled with passionate energy until the very end. In the released stage photos, ITZY delivered a powerful performance amid the enthusiastic cheers of the audience at the concert venue, reflecting on the precious memories made together with their fans. The ’TUNNEL VISION’ tour was composed of stages that confirmed the group’s growth and musical evolution, receiving high praise. Meanwhile, even after concluding this tour, ITZY plans to continue active promotions by consistently communicating with fans through various musical activities and content.]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900 TWICE is opening a pop-up store to celebrate their 11th debut anniversary with fans. The pop-up store, titled ’TWICE THE THRILL,’ will be held from October 17 to 25 at Platz 2 in Seongdong-gu, Seoul. Fans will be able to experience special moments in an exciting atmosphere. TWICE member Tzuyu raised fans’ expectations through social media, saying, ″Every moment with you is a THRILL.″ Wearing a light green off-shoulder top, a white skirt, and a pink hat, Tzuyu smiled brightly and encouraged fans to visit the pop-up store, attracting attention. This pop-up store is a special event marking TWICE’s 11th debut anniversary, aiming to provide memorable experiences through direct communication with fans. Various goods, photo zones, and diverse content from the members are prepared to offer unforgettable memories to fans. Through this event, TWICE expresses gratitude to their fans and plans to continue showcasing music and performances steadily in the future.]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900 TWICE member Momo showcased her chic fashion sense by presenting Miu Miu’s 2027 Spring/Summer collection. Recently, Momo posted styling photos on her SNS featuring a black suit paired with a brown knit and a sky-blue shirt, tagging the brand’s official account to create a sophisticated atmosphere. In the photos, Momo caught attention with her long hair naturally down, standing against a wooden panel wall with a gentle smile. Especially, the overall look harmoniously matched with the bag she was holding, perfectly capturing Miu Miu’s unique sensibility and luxurious mood, drawing attention from the fashion world. Earlier, Momo departed for Paris, France through Incheon International Airport to attend Miu Miu’s luxury fashion show, accelerating her global activities. With this collection participation, she is solidifying her position not just as an idol but as a fashion icon. Additionally, Momo’s neat yet calm makeup and distinct facial features complemented the luxurious styling, highlighting her unique charm even more. The photoshoot released through the official SNS has become a hot topic among the fashion industry and fans. Momo plans to continue showcasing diverse charms through collaborations with various fashion brands. With this Miu Miu collection, she has once again reinforced her position as a trendy style icon, raising expectations for her future endeavors.]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Actress Hwang Shin-hye recently shared updates on her daily life through SNS, sharing small moments of happiness. She revealed several photos dressed comfortably in a gray short-sleeve T-shirt paired with pink pants. Captivating scenes included her checking her reflection in a mirror indoors and leisurely spending time holding items while looking around inside a café. In particular, a scene outdoors where she wore a gray hoodie and black pants while sitting at a table using a laptop conveyed a relaxed atmosphere under the autumn sunlight. She also expressed the feeling that each day passes quickly while watching KBS 1TV’s ″Hwang Shin-hye’s Let’s Live Together.″ Meanwhile, the episode of ″Hwang Shin-hye’s Let’s Live Together″ scheduled to air on the 7th will feature family stories spanning past and present, along with a candid moment where Hwang Shin-hye openly discusses her decision to refuse life-sustaining treatment. She plans to share her feelings of not wanting to burden her family, recalling her mother’s experience undergoing stomach cancer surgery seven years ago. Hwang Shin-hye, who conveys sincere stories both in daily life and through broadcasts, is gaining viewers’ empathy with her warm sincerity.]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900 In episode 638 of KBS 2TV’s ″The Return of Superman,″ actress Han Da-gam’s childbirth process and her first meeting with her daughter, Chaltteok, were revealed. Before giving birth, Han Da-gam said, ″My condition is 70 out of 100,″ expressing concern by saying, ″The fetal movements have decreased yesterday and today.″ Entering the operating room, she endured the pain, saying, ″Wait a moment. My right side hurts.″ A moment later, when she heard her daughter’s cry, she showed a relieved expression, and at the moment she first faced her child, she said, ″I am a mother,″ shedding tears. MC Kim Jong-min and Lalali appeared on the broadcast that day. Kim Jong-min showed signs of nervousness while watching the childbirth process and became anxious during the surgery, saying, ″Oh, this is driving me crazy.″ He became teary-eyed at the scene where Han Da-gam met her daughter for the first time. Han Da-gam was born in September 1980 and is 46 years old. She married a non-celebrity businessman who is one year older than her in 2020, and announced her pregnancy last April, six years after marriage. On ″The Return of Superman,″ she was introduced as ″the oldest celebrity mother in the entertainment industry at 47.″ This program airs every Wednesday afternoon.]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900 G-Dragon (real name Kwon Ji-yong) and Yang Hyun-suk, YG Entertainment’s executive producer, were accused of copyright infringement but the police concluded there was no evidence of wrongdoing. The Mapo Police Station in Seoul announced that on April 7, 2024, it dismissed the case filed by composer A against G-Dragon and executive producer Yang Hyun-suk for copyright law violations, ruling ″no charges.″ After receiving the complaint, the police investigated the parties involved and conducted two raids last year at YG Entertainment’s headquarters as part of the investigation. Composer A claimed that the song ″G-DRAGON,″ which he composed and arranged, was used without permission during G-Dragon’s 2009 solo concert, and that the live performance album released the following year, Shine a Light, included the song under the title ″My Age Thirteen.″ He also stated that his name was not credited when the song title was changed. The album contains a medley titled ″My Age Thirteen + Storm + Stylish Gentleman + G-Dragon,″ where the song composed by A is listed as ″My Age Thirteen,″ and a separate song titled ″G-Dragon,″ released in 2001 by YG producer Perry, is credited separately. In response, YG Entertainment explained that during the 2009 solo concert, to distinguish between two songs with the same title, they labeled A’s ″G-DRAGON″ as ″My Age Thirteen,″ taken from the first line of the lyrics, and there was no intention of unauthorized copying of the sound source. As the investigation prolonged, A filed a complaint in November last year through the National Police Agency’s online portal, alleging that the investigation was delayed due to the involvement of a major agency and a famous singer. The police concluded that it was difficult to see any intent by G-Dragon, Yang Hyun-suk, and others to infringe copyright.]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900 BTS is holding their first concert in Lima, Peru, with various commemorative events taking place locally. BTS, a group consisting of RM, Suga, Jin, V, J-HOPE, Jungkook, and Jimin, will hold ’BTS WORLD TOUR ARIRANG IN LIMA’ at Estadio San Marcos in Lima on the 7th, 9th, and 10th local time. This Lima concert is the first concert held in Peru since BTS’s debut. Various events welcoming them are unfolding in downtown Lima. The Santiago de Surco district temporarily named Sacramento Street ’Avenida BTS’ and installed signs from the 5th to the 11th. At the Arco Morisco in Parque de la Amistad, a purple light show for BTS is held daily from the 5th to the 11th. Additionally, at the Fuente de la Fantasía in Circuito Mágico del Agua, a BTS themed event using music, light, and water screens is held during the same period. The official Peruvian tourism site ’Peru Travel’ introduced this Lima concert as an opportunity to promote the country’s cuisine, culture, and natural scenery, guiding visitors from around the world to travel throughout Peru. Meanwhile, before the Lima concert, BTS started their South American tour at Estadio El Campín in Bogotá, Colombia, on the 2nd and 3rd, meeting about 100,000 spectators over two days. Rolling Stone en Español evaluated the concert, saying, ″BTS met expectations and exceeded them at several moments,″ calling it ″the concert a whole generation has been waiting for.″]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Rep. Bae Hyun-jin "No reason for the state to get involved in an event by four companies"Park Jin Young "I accept the criticism, but it's a sacrifice, not preferential treatment."Park Jin Young, co-chair of the Committee for the Exchange of Popular Culture, has completely denied accusations of preferential treatment for the four major entertainment agencies. Chairman Park is answering questions at the parliamentary audit of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism held at the National Assembly's Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee on the afternoon of the 7th. / National Assembly = Reporter Bae Jeong-han[THE FACT|Reporter Choi Hyun-jung] Park Jin Young, JYP Entertainment's representative producer and co-chair of the Committee for the Exchange of Popular Culture, has directly refuted the controversy over preferential treatment for "Phenomenon."Park Jin Young appeared as a witness at the parliamentary audit of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee at the National Assembly on the afternoon of the 7th and stated his position on the activities of the Committee for the Exchange of Popular Culture and the progress of "Phenomenon."On this day, Rep. Bae Hyun-jin of the People Power Party pointed out, "After JYP Entertainment filed for the trademark for 'Phenomenon' in Korea in October last year, it filed for trademarks in the United States, Japan, and Mexico for six months," adding, "Even if there was urgency at first, JYP Entertainment continued to be in charge for the subsequent five months."Rep. Bae also said, "3.7 billion won was contributed to the Committee for the Exchange of Popular Culture this year, and a budget of 15 billion won is planned for next year. In the future, hundreds of billions of won will be directly and indirectly supported for 'Phenomenon,' but the state will only hold 50% of the domestic shares, while JYP Entertainment will hold all overseas shares," and announced, "It was said that it would be transferred to a dedicated corporation, but that dedicated corporation is also a joint venture composed of HYBE, SM Entertainment, JYP Entertainment, and YG Entertainment."Rep. Bae Hyun-jin of the People Power Party is questioning Park Jin Young, chairman of the Committee for the Exchange of Popular Culture, who appeared as a witness at the parliamentary audit of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism held at the National Assembly's Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee in Yeouido, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 7th. / Reporter Bae Jeong-hanIn response, Chairman Park Jin Young said, "That should not happen. We intend to transfer it to a dedicated corporation," and Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Choi Hyun-young said, "'Phenomenon' is currently in the process of being explored in discussion with the four major agencies. I am well aware of your concerns, but 'Phenomenon' is not a case where the four major agencies have entered into an event organized by the government for their own benefit. It is a project based on the achievements of the four major agencies, and it will not be realized if any one of them lets go. Therefore, the process may differ from the existing one. Please understand this specificity."However, Rep. Bae said that the participation of the four major agencies in "Phenomenon" itself is "preferential treatment." Rep. Bae raised his voice, saying, "In fact, if the four major agencies were to create an event together, they could just do it themselves. There is no need for the government to be involved." "Coachella's revenue is 270 billion won and its economic effect is 550 billion won. 'Phenomenon' has announced an economic effect of 1 trillion won. It is preferential treatment for the state to support this and for four companies to monopolize it."In response to Rep. Bae's criticism, Chairman Park Jin Young said, "I believe all the points you raised are valid. I will check the contract properly," adding, "The four companies participating in 'Phenomenon' can generate twice or three times the immediate profit if they perform separately. However, they participated in this by making sacrifices to create a national event with long-term ripple effects. I do not think it is correct to say that they are receiving preferential treatment."He added, "It would be good to calmly review everything and prepare well, but from the perspective of those working on the ground, the changes over the past year have been too great. Too many things have happened, and I think the trademark was obtained through abnormal methods due to haste. There was no other intention."The Committee for the Exchange of Popular Culture is a presidential committee co-chaired by JYP representative producer Park Jin Young and Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Choi Hyun-young.The Committee for the Exchange of Popular Culture announced the "Phenomenon," a large-scale music festival and awards ceremony to be held in December 2027, and HYBE, SM Entertainment, JYP Entertainment, and YG Entertainment will participate in "Phenomenon" by forming a joint venture.laugardagr@tf.co.kr[Entertainment Department | ssent@tf.co.kr]]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900 KBS will broadcast the live performance of ’KBS Music Bank in Barcelona.’ This stage took place on September 12 at 7:30 PM (local time) at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys in Barcelona, Spain. Approximately 37,000 global fans gathered on-site, filling the venue with enthusiastic cheers and Korean sing-alongs. The ’KBS Music Bank World Tour’ began in 2011 and has established itself as a major K-POP festival that directly connects K-POP artists with fans worldwide. The Barcelona performance carried the theme ″Flood of Light - COLORFUL WORLD OF K-POP,″ symbolizing the spread of K-POP’s diverse colors across the globe. K-POP representative artists such as ATEEZ, Enhypen, NMIXX, xikers, NCT WISH, CORTIS, and ALPHA DRIVE ONE appeared on stage. ALPHA DRIVE ONE reinterpreted aespa’s ″Armageddon″ in their own style, and xikers performed BTS’s ″DNA.″ ATEEZ also held an event where they personally gave signed balls to fans along with a powerful performance. The event was hosted by actor Park Bo-gum. Park Bo-gum hosted ’Music Bank’ from 2015 to 2016 and has consistently participated as an MC in various world tour stages, starting with ’Music Bank in Singapore’ in 2017, including Jakarta, Chile, Berlin, Hong Kong, Paris, Mexico, Belgium, Madrid, Lisbon, and more. In this performance, Park Bo-gum also presented a sweet duet stage with Enhypen Jay. ’KBS Music Bank in Barcelona’ will be broadcast on October 7 at 9:50 PM on KBS 2TV.]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900 TWS will release their second single, ″TO US,″ on November 2nd. Pledis Entertainment announced on the 7th the news of TWS’s new single release. The album shares the same pronunciation as the team name and is said to contain sincere stories that the members want to convey. A trailer video titled ″TWS Being Together: TO US″ was released on the official YouTube channel. This video captures the members’ unfiltered sincerity through textured footage following interviews with the members before going on stage. In the video, TWS described the moment their competitive spirit ignites as ″when I realize someone else has something I don’t.″ When asked about who they rely on the most, they mentioned ″42 (the fandom name), who supports me closest,″ and added, ″I try to believe in myself. It’s still difficult, though.″ Additionally, the members spoke about their fellow performers, saying, ″I hope to see expressions I don’t know. It would be more than just happy expressions.″ Pledis Entertainment stated, ″This new release allows you to meet the sincere stories of TWS, who have become stronger after running tirelessly through 2026,″ and added, ″Please look forward to how the experiences and growth accumulated by the six members are reflected in this single.″ This year, TWS led the ″Angtal Challenge″ craze with the title track ″OVERDRIVE″ from their 4th mini-album, and their 5th mini-album ″NO TRAGEDY″ achieved million-seller status within four days of release. They also continued their overseas activities through their first Asia tour ″24/7:FOR:YOU,″ consisting of 15 shows across 8 cities, as well as various festival stages. Meanwhile, TWS is scheduled to attend ″MMA2026,″ held at Seoul Gocheok Dome on November 14th and 15th.]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Group KiiiKii recently performed the opening stage at the ’2026 Gangnam Festival K-POP Concert’ held on Dosan-daero. Composed of Jiyu, Isol, Sui, Ha-eum, and Kiya, KiiiKii started their performance with ″404 (New Era)″ and followed with various songs including ″Candy Pink Magic Hole Flip Phone (What Should I Do)″ and ″Delulu.″ For the final stage, they elevated the festival atmosphere with ″Pop Off Pop Off.″ As ambassadors of Gangnam-gu, KiiiKii communicated directly with the audience from the protruding stage and introduced Gangnam’s slogan. They stated, ″In line with the slogan, we will show a stage that makes Gangnam more energetic and makes you all have more fun,″ and Kiya shared her determination for the remaining performances with family, residents, and the audience. KiiiKii, under Starship Entertainment, has been steadily engaging in communication activities since being appointed as Gangnam-gu ambassadors last July. At the concert, KiiiKii expressed, ″It is an honor to open the stage of the Gangnam Festival as ambassadors of Gangnam-gu. We sincerely thank Tiki (official fan club name), the residents, and many K-pop fans who came to the venue and cheered for us. This will remain a truly great memory for us. We will continue to show many good sides as ambassadors of Gangnam-gu.″ Meanwhile, KiiiKii’s ″404 (New Era)″ ranked first on Billboard’s ″Top 25 K-pop Songs of 2026 (So Far): Staff Picks,″ and they received ″Artist of the Year″ and ″Song of the Year″ awards at various ceremonies. On the 9th and 11th, they are scheduled to perform at the halftime show of the ″NBA China Game 2026″ at The Venetian Arena in Macau.]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900 7 Production Presentation Held...Kim Ji-won to Son Hyun-ju Attend"Features Weight, Catharsis, and Humor...A 'Complete Gift Set'"Actors Son Hyun-ju, Kim Ji-won, and Lee Jung-eun Kim WooSeok(from left) attended the production presentation of SBS's new Friday-Saturday drama 'Doctor X' at the SBS Hall in Yangcheon-gu, Seoul, on the 7th, sharing various stories. /Reporter Song Ho-young[THE FACT | Reporter Moon Chae-young] Actress Kim Ji-won donned a white doctor's coat. She's not just a doctor who performs surgeries well. She's a dark hero who uncovers the massive corruption hidden behind the hospital. It remains to be seen if Kim Ji-won, returning to the small screen after two years, can steal viewers' hearts.The production presentation for SBS's new Friday-Saturday drama 'Doctor X: Era of the White Mafia' (written by Pyeon Seong-geun, directed by Lee Jung-rim, hereinafter referred to as 'Doctor X') was held on the afternoon of the 7th at the SBS Hall in Yangcheon-gu, Seoul. Director Lee Jung-rim and actors Kim Ji-won, Lee Jung-eun, and Son Hyun-ju Kim WooSeok attended the event, highlighting the unique aspects of 'Doctor X' and encouraging viewership.'Doctor X' is a work that depicts the exploits of 'Doctor X' Gye Soo-jeong (played by Kim Ji-won), who shatters immense injustice with her genius surgical skills, knowing neither failure nor compromise. It is based on the Japanese 'Doctor X' series, which achieved mega-hits when aired on TV Asahi.Director Lee Jung-rim, who is directing the series, stated, "It is a medical noir drama," and added, "Viewers will find it entertaining as they follow the various events unfolding within the vast organization of a hospital and the story of the doctor Gye Soo-jeong, who never fails."Actress Kim Ji-won is coming to viewers with SBS's new Friday-Saturday drama 'Doctor X'. /SBSFirst, Kim Ji-won, who plays the title role in 'Doctor X', transforms into genius surgeon Gye Soo-jeong. Returning to the small screen approximately two years after the tvN drama 'Queen of Tears' in 2024, Kim Ji-won explained, "It's a nervous and exciting return," and added, "I've spared no effort to show a new side in the medical genre."Lee Jung-eun plays Jang Hee-sook, the head of the doctor dispatch agency that sends Gye Soo-jeong to Guseo University Hospital. She described Jang Hee-sook, who shares the same pain as Gye Soo-jeong and is a reliable supporter, as "a character who helps doctors with great surgical skills (doctors' hand talent) to perform good medical practices."Son Hyun-ju takes on the role of Bu Seung-kwon, the hospital director who leads Guseo University Hospital, which is stained with corruption. He is a real-life power broker who manipulates the hospital's landscape with his cool charisma. Son Hyun-ju mentioned that he once played a doctor during the era when nurses were called "nurses." He said with a laugh, "After a minor role in my rookie days, I'm returning to a doctor role after a long time," and added, "I've become a hospital director after decades."Kim WooSeok plays Park Tae-kyung, a surgical intern whose hospital life is turned upside down after meeting Gye Soo-jeong. Kim WooSeok expressed deep affection for Park Tae-kyung, who is kind and ambitious but clumsy in everything. "I experience many things while following Gye Soo-jeong," he said, "and I contemplate the true meaning of being a doctor."SBS's new Friday-Saturday drama 'Doctor X' will premiere on the 9th at 9:50 PM. /SBSThe core of 'Doctor X' is the catharsis that Kim Ji-won, dressed in a doctor's coat, will bring to viewers. In particular, there is great curiosity as to whether SBS, which has consistently presented dramas with the "good triumphs over evil" (saida) genre, such as 'Chief Kim', 'The Fiery Priest', and 'Taxi Driver', will succeed in this new venture.Director Lee Jung-rim was also aware of the high expectations of viewers. He emphasized, "'Doctor X' is ultimately a medical drama," and added, "We wanted to effectively convey the power struggles within the hospital organization that viewers expect, the human stories of life and death, and the catharsis provided by the eccentric doctor."However, he also mentioned efforts to create something unique for 'Doctor X'. Director Lee Jung-rim stated, "We added noir on top of the medical drama," and explained, "We focused on the fact that a hospital is ultimately a place where people gather. We wanted to illustrate the clashes of various individuals pursuing their own beliefs and desires."Finally, they revealed the viewing points of 'Doctor X'. Director Lee Jung-rim said, "It's a medical drama that suits the emotions of Korean viewers," and expressed his expectation for "a viewership rating of 9.21% in the first week." Kim Ji-won stated, "As a medical noir genre, it has weight and catharsis, but it doesn't miss out on humor."Lee Jung-rim continued, "The appearance of the hero and the moments when the game changes will be very entertaining," and confidently declared, "It's a drama that won't fail." Son Hyun-ju also mentioned, "Various actors are appearing," and described 'Doctor X' as "like a complete gift set."SBS's new Friday-Saturday drama 'Doctor X', consisting of a total of 12 episodes, will premiere on the 9th at 9:50 PM.mcy21@tf.co.kr[Entertainment Department | ssent@tf.co.kr]]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Director Kim Jee-hyun and actors Ryu Seung-ryong, Park Hae-joon, Ong Seong-wu, and Lee Sang-hee (from left) pose at the 'Jeong Ga-ne' open talk event held at the Rooftop Cinema of the Busan Cinema Center in Haeundae-gu, Busan on the afternoon of the 7th. /Busan=Reporter Kim Sung-ryeol[THE FACT | Busan=Reporter Kim Sung-ryeol] Director Kim Jee-hyun and actors Ryu Seung-ryong, Park Hae-joon, Ong Seong-wu, and Lee Sang-hee (from left) pose at the 'Jeong Ga-ne' open talk event held at the Rooftop Cinema of the Busan Cinema Center in Haeundae-gu, Busan on the afternoon of the 7th.'Jeong Ga-ne' is a film that depicts the story of brothers Mansu and Byungsu, who have lived as enemies without speaking a word for 30 years, joining forces to protect the calf Jangsu, who was born like fate amidst a crisis that has engulfed the village.The Busan International Film Festival, now in its 31st year, will be held for ten days until the 15th at eight theaters and 31 screens in the Haeundae area, including the Busan Cinema Center.This year's festival will feature a total of 315 diverse films, including 246 official selections invited from 59 countries around the world, meeting with audiences.ksr@tf.co.krphoto@tf.co.kr]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900 "Happy birthday, Jeonghan""Happy birthday, JEONGHAN" On the 4th, a congratulatory advertisement was placed at the Yujin Building in Yeouido to celebrate the birthday of Seventeen member JEONGHAN. /FANNSTAR[THE FACT | Reporter Choi Ju-bin] Jeonghan received an unforgettable gift from his fans for his birthday.FANNSTAR revealed the billboard at the Yujin Building in Yeouido on the 4th. Jeonghan's fans achieved 'Yujin Building billboard in Yeouido' by utilizing a birthday vote in the FANNSTAR project, which has been ongoing since August 21st.The advertisement will only be displayed on the Yujin Building billboard on this day.As Jeonghan's support was successful, congratulatory messages poured in on 'FANNSTAR'. Fans left comments such as "Happy birthday, Jeonghan" and "I love you."Meanwhile, on 'FANNSTAR', fans can directly open billboard support for the artist they want. The materials used for the billboard video can be freely produced by FANNSTAR or the fandom.chlwnqls@tf.co.kr]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900 "Happy birthday, JINGBURGER""Happy birthday, JINGBURGER" On the 5th, a congratulatory advertisement was placed on the AM board at Airport Railroad DMC Station to celebrate the birthday of JINGBURGER, a member of Isegye Idol. /FANNSTAR[THE FACT | Reporter Choi Ju-bin] JINGBURGER received an unforgettable gift from fans to celebrate their birthday.FANNSTAR released photos of the Airport Railroad DMC Station AM board advertisement last month on the 5th. JINGBURGER's fans achieved the 'Airport Railroad DMC Station AM board' in the FANNSTAR project, which began on July 24th.The advertisement will be displayed on the AM board at Airport Railroad DMC Station, as well as on the media wall at Yongsan I'Park Mall on this day.With the success of JINGBURGER's support, 'FANNSTAR' was flooded with messages of support from fans. Fans left comments such as "Happy birthday, JINGBURGER" and "I love you."Meanwhile, on 'FANNSTAR', fans can directly open billboard support for their desired artist. The materials used for the billboard video can be freely produced by FANNSTAR or the fandom.chlwnqls@tf.co.kr]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900 The more Rainbow Stars are collected, the more celebratory advertisements are posted in various locations.At 'FANNSTAR', a playground for idol fandom, a birthday project for KIM SOO CHAN is underway. /FANNSTAR[THE FACT | Reporter Choi Ju-bin] "Happy Su-chan Day!"The idol weekly ranking site 'FANNSTAR' is holding a surprise support event from the 7th to celebrate KIM SOO CHAN's birthday. This is a global fan project where advertisements celebrating his birthday are posted in various locations.The KIM SOO CHAN birthday celebration project's success is confirmed by the number of Rainbow Stars (points that can be collected on the site) donated by fans. If more than 25,000 stars are collected, celebratory advertisements will be displayed.If 55,000 stars are collected, a congratulatory video will be screened on the CM board at Hapjeong Station on the Seoul subway. If 50,000 stars are collected, a congratulatory video will be shown on a large digital billboard in Shinjuku, Shin-Okubo, Tokyo, Japan. In addition, super special gifts such as Hongdae M Screen, Jamsil large digital billboards, and Seoul bus advertisements are prepared.The event runs until November 8th, and participation is available in the 'ADs.' section on the 'FANNSTAR' homepage.chlwnqls@tf.co.kr]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900 From subway electronic billboards to bus advertisements, a wealth of gifts are prepared.The idol fandom's playground, 'FANNSTAR', is running a 22nd debut anniversary project for Kim Yong Bin starting on the 7th. /FANNSTAR[THE FACT | Reporter Choi Ju-bin] "Happy Yongbin Day!"The idol weekly ranking site 'FANNSTAR' has been holding a surprise support event since the 7th to celebrate Kim Yong Bin's 22nd debut anniversary. It is a global fan project where advertisements celebrating his debut are posted in various locations.The success of the Kim Yong Bin solo debut 3rd anniversary celebration project is confirmed by the number of Rainbow Stars (points that can be collected on the site) donated by fans. If over 35,000 stars are collected, congratulatory advertisements will be displayed.If 55,000 stars are collected, a congratulatory video will be shown on the CM board at Hapjeong Station. If 50,000 stars are collected, a congratulatory video will be shown on the electronic billboards in Shinjuku, Shin-Okubo, Tokyo, Japan. In addition, super-special gifts such as Hongdae M Screen, Jamsil large digital billboards, and Seoul bus advertisements are prepared.The event will continue until November 18th and participation is available in the 'ADs.' section on the 'FANNSTAR' homepage.chlwnqls@tf.co.kr]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900 A wealth of gifts prepared, from subway digital billboards to bus advertisements.The idol fandom's playground, 'FANNSTAR', is hosting a 36th debut anniversary project for Yang Joon-il. /FANNSTAR [THE FACT | Reporter Choi Ju-bin] "Happy Jun-il Day!"The idol weekly ranking site 'FANNSTAR' has launched a surprise support event since the 7th to celebrate Yang Joon-il's 36th debut anniversary. This is a global fan project where advertisements celebrating his debut are posted in various locations.The success of the Yang Joon-il 36th debut anniversary project is confirmed by the number of Rainbow Stars (points that can be collected on the site) donated by fans. If over 35,000 stars are collected, congratulatory advertisements will be displayed.If 55,000 stars are collected, a congratulatory video will be shown on the CM board at Hapjeong Station. If 50,000 stars are collected, a congratulatory video will also be shown on the digital billboards in Shinjuku, Shin-Okubo, Tokyo, Japan. In addition, super special gifts such as Hongdae M Screen, Jamsil Large Digital Billboard, and Seoul bus advertisements are prepared.The event will continue until November 22nd and can be participated in through the 'ADs.' corner on the 'FANNSTAR' homepage.chlwnqls@tf.co.kr]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900 A wealth of gifts prepared, from subway electronic boards to bus advertisements.At 'FANNSTAR', a playground for idol fandom, a birthday project for Seventeen member WOOZI is underway. /FANNSTAR [THE FACT | Reporter Choi Ju-bin] 'FANNSTAR' has launched a birthday support for Woozi.On 'FANNSTAR', a site that delivers idol ranking information, a special event is being held for Seventeen member WOOZI on the 7th. This is a large-scale advertising project for him, who celebrates his birthday on November 22nd.The Woozi birthday project's success is confirmed by the number of rainbow stars (points that can be collected on the site) donated by fans. The more stars collected, the more celebratory advertisements will be displayed in various locations.If 55,000 stars are collected, a congratulatory video will be shown on the CM board (square pillar) at Hapjeong Station on the Seoul subway. If 50,000 stars are collected, a congratulatory video will be shown on the electronic board in Shinjuku, Shin-Okubo, Tokyo, Japan. In addition, abundant gifts such as a large digital electronic board in Jamsil, Hongdae M Screen, and Seoul bus advertisements await fans.The event will run until November 8th and can be participated in through the 'ADs.' section on the 'FANNSTAR' homepage.chlwnqls@tf.co.kr]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Actors Kim Ji-won (left) and Lee Jung-eun pose at the production presentation of SBS's new Friday-Saturday drama 'Doctor X: The Era of the White Mafia' held at the SBS building in Yangcheon-gu, Seoul on the afternoon of the 7th. /Reporter Song Ho-young Kim Ji-won and Lee Jung-eun are smiling.[THE FACT | Reporter Song Ho-young] Actors Kim Ji-won (left) and Lee Jung-eun pose at the production presentation of SBS's new Friday-Saturday drama 'Doctor X: The Era of the White Mafia' held at the SBS building in Yangcheon-gu, Seoul on the afternoon of the 7th.'Doctor X: The Era of the White Mafia' is a medical noir that depicts the process of Dr. Gye Soo-jung, who has genius surgical skills, confronting immense absurdity. Director Lee Jung-rim, who directed the dramas 'VIP', 'Revenant', and 'You Killed Me', took on the direction.Actor Kim Ji-won plays Gye Soo-jung, a genius surgeon with no room for failure or compromise, and Lee Jung-eun plays Jang Hee-sook, the director of a mysterious doctor dispatch agency.In addition, actor Son Hyun-joo plays Boo Seung-kwon, the director of Seonam Hospital at Guseo University, who possesses charisma, adding to the tension. 'Doctor X: The Era of the White Mafia' will premiere on the 9th at 9:50 PM.hysong@tf.co.krphoto@tf.co.kr]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Actress Kim Ji-won strikes a pose at the production presentation of SBS's new Friday-Saturday drama 'Doctor X: Era of the White Mafia' held at the SBS building in Yangcheon-gu, Seoul on the afternoon of the 7th. /Reporter Song Ho-young Kim Ji-won enters to attend the production presentation.[THE FACT | Reporter Song Ho-young] Actress Kim Ji-won strikes a pose at the production presentation of SBS's new Friday-Saturday drama 'Doctor X: Era of the White Mafia' held at the SBS building in Yangcheon-gu, Seoul on the afternoon of the 7th.'Doctor X: Era of the White Mafia' is a medical noir depicting the process of surgeon Gye Soo-jung, who possesses genius surgical skills, confronting immense absurdity. Director Lee Jung-rim, known for the dramas 'VIP', 'Revenant', and 'You Killed Me', is in charge of directing.Actress Kim Ji-won plays Gye Soo-jung, a genius surgeon with no room for failure or compromise, while Lee Jung-eun plays Jang Hee-sook, the director of a mysterious doctor dispatch agency. In addition, actor Son Hyun-joo adds tension by playing Goo Seo University's Seonam Hospital Director Boo Seung-kwon, who possesses charisma. 'Doctor X: Era of the White Mafia' will premiere on the 9th at 9:50 PM.hysong@tf.co.krphoto@tf.co.kr]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Actors Son Hyun-ju&Kim Ji-won&Lee Jung-eun&Kim WooSeok (from left) pose at the production presentation of SBS's new Friday-Saturday drama 'Doctor X: The Era of the White Mafia' held at the SBS building in Yangcheon-gu, Seoul on the afternoon of the 7th. /Reporter Song Ho-young Actors Son Hyun-ju&Kim Ji-won&Lee Jung-eun&Kim WooSeok strike an 'X' pose.[THE FACT | Reporter Song Ho-young] Actors Son Hyun-ju&Kim Ji-won&Lee Jung-eun&Kim WooSeok (from left) pose at the production presentation of SBS's new Friday-Saturday drama 'Doctor X: The Era of the White Mafia' held at the SBS building in Yangcheon-gu, Seoul on the afternoon of the 7th.'Doctor X: The Era of the White Mafia' is a medical noir that depicts the process of doctor Gye Soo-jung, who has genius surgical skills, confronting immense absurdity. Director Lee Jung-rim, who directed the dramas 'VIP', 'Revenant', and 'You Killed Me', took on the role of director.Actress Kim Ji-won plays Gye Soo-jung, a genius surgeon who knows no failure or compromise, and Lee Jung-eun plays Jang Hee-sook, the director of a mysterious doctor dispatch agency.In addition, actor Son Hyun-ju plays Boo Seung-kwon, the director of Seonam Hospital at Guseo University, who possesses charisma, adding to the tension. 'Doctor X: The Era of the White Mafia' will premiere on the 9th at 9:50 PM. hysong@tf.co.krphoto&video planning team photo@tf.co.kr]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900 7th 'Doctor X' Production Presentation... First Broadcast on the 9thHer first comeback in two years since 'Queen of Tears'Actress Kim Ji-won attended the production presentation of SBS's new Friday-Saturday drama 'Doctor X' held at SBS Hall in Yangcheon-gu, Seoul on the 7th, and said, "I want to leave behind a beloved medical drama." /Reporter Song Ho-young[THE FACT | Reporter Moon Chae-young] Actress Kim Ji-won revealed her determination to return with 'Doctor X'.Kim Ji-won attended the production presentation of SBS's new Friday-Saturday drama 'Doctor X: Era of the White Mafia' (written by Pyeon Seong-geun, directed by Lee Jung-rim, hereinafter referred to as 'Doctor X') held at SBS Hall in Yangcheon-gu, Seoul on the afternoon of the 7th, and said, "I am meeting viewers after a long time," and "I want to show a new side of myself."'Doctor X' is a work that depicts the activities of 'Doctor X' Gye Soo-jeong (played by Kim Ji-won), who breaks down great absurdity with her genius surgical skills, knowing no failure or compromise, and is based on the Japanese 'Doctor X' series. Kim Ji-won plays the role of Gye Soo-jeong, a genius surgeon.This 'Doctor X' is Kim Ji-won's comeback work, about two years after tvN's 2024 drama 'Queen of Tears'. Kim Ji-won said, "I am excited and nervous to greet viewers after a long time," and "I consider the preparation period to show a new side of myself as a hiatus. There has been a lot of waiting."Regarding the reason for choosing 'Doctor X' as her next project, she said, "As an actress, I thought it would be an honor to leave behind a beloved medical drama. It's a work that will be good to look back on after a long time," and "I did my best more than ever."In particular, the fact that director Lee Jung-rim, who directed SBS dramas 'VIP' and 'The Devil' and Netflix series 'You Killed Them', took the megaphone acted as an attractive point for her. Kim Ji-won explained, "I really enjoyed director Lee Jung-rim's previous works," and "I wanted to trust and go with it."Kim Ji-won also expressed satisfaction with the cast of 'Doctor X'. She said, "As I got to know the actors I'm working with, I felt reassured. I thought I could learn a lot from the good seniors," and "Please watch the chemistry of the actors rather than my personal acting."SBS's new Friday-Saturday drama 'Doctor X', consisting of a total of 12 episodes, will premiere on the 9th at 9:50 PM.mcy21@tf.co.kr[Entertainment Department | ssent@tf.co.kr]]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900 "The generator was used as it is normally used.""There was no separate intervention by the production team for filming."The production team of MBC's entertainment program 'I Live Alone' has denied allegations that the old house in Dongducheon, revealed by actor Kim Min, was staged.[THE FACT|Reporter Choi Soo-bin] The production team of 'I Live Alone' denied allegations surrounding actor Kim Min's life in an old house.The production team of MBC's entertainment program 'I Live Alone' told on the 7th, "The house shown on the broadcast is indeed the space where Kim Min actually lives," and added, "The production team did not make any separate arrangements or stage the situation for filming."Regarding the allegations about the use of a generator, they explained, "The house is a place without electricity, so the generator is something that is normally used in daily life," and "It was not prepared or set up separately for filming. There was no separate intervention by the production team for filming."Previously, Kim Min appeared on 'I Live Alone' and revealed his life in an old house in Dongducheon, Gyeonggi Province. On the show, he was seen using a generator to supply electricity and repairing various parts of the old house himself.However, after the broadcast, allegations of staging began to surface on some online communities. Claims were made that the house shown on the broadcast differed from its past appearance registered on portal site maps, and that there were utility poles near the house, suggesting that some situations were set up for the broadcast.In response, Kim Min explained through Maeil Business Newspaper's Star Today, "There was no manipulation or staging at all. This place is truly a special space for me," and "It is a place that holds the precious memories of the brother and sister I consider family."Recently, 'I Live Alone' has been facing a series of controversies surrounding the authenticity of its broadcasts. Previously, allegations of prior preparation arose regarding Jun Hyun-moo's impromptu trip to Kazakhstan, and the production team initially stated that they had not received any filming support. However, they later apologized, explaining that they had received filming cooperation from the Almaty City Tourism Organization for administrative procedures and on-site operations.Meanwhile, Kim Min debuted in 2011 with the drama 'Power Rangers Samurai'. He later became known to the public through the dramas 'Casino' and 'A Shop for Killers', and recently appeared as Manager Kim in 'Four Hands'.subin7134@tf.co.kr[Entertainment Department | ssent@tf.co.kr]]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900 'FANNSTAR' Tops Trot Rankings for First Week of October with 1,236,314 VotesSinger Kim Yong Bin has secured the No. 1 spot on the 'FANNSTAR' trot rankings for four consecutive weeks. /Yoo Sun Soo Entertainment[THE FACT | Reporter Son Hae-ri] Singer Kim Yong Bin has showcased their unwavering popularity by ranking first on the weekly idol ranking site 'FANNSTAR' trot rankings for four consecutive weeks.Kim Yong Bin easily clinched the top position in the trot rankings for the first week of October on 'FANNSTAR', which ran from September 28 to October 5, garnering 1,236,314 votes. Choi Soo-ho came in second, followed by Hwang Young Woong in third place.Along with their consecutive wins in the rankings, Kim Yong Bin's new song "You Are My Only One," released on September 21, is also receiving significant attention. "You Are My Only One" is a song that expresses deep gratitude and devoted love to a person who has silently stood by their side through a busy and arduous daily life. It sincerely portrays the heartfelt emotions one wishes to convey to a cherished person with whom they have shared a long time, with a warm sensibility. The warm piano melody and grand orchestral sound further elevate the song's emotional arc. Adding to this, Kim Yong Bin's signature soulful vocals enrich the lyrical atmosphere. Notably, the lyrics contain unspoken gratitude and apologies, along with an eternal promise to stay by their side until the end of the world. Kim Yong Bin's deep vocal tone and emotional melody harmonize to deliver a profound resonance and deep empathy to listeners.Furthermore, Kim Yong Bin is a leading trot artist who has earned recognition for both their solid vocal abilities and mainstream appeal by winning the final championship in 'Mister Trot 3'. Since releasing the winner's special song "Yesterday Was You, Today Is Also You" in July of last year, they have been actively engaging with fans through various activities including broadcasts, concerts, and music releases.The synergy between the four consecutive weeks of topping the trot rankings and the promotion of their new song is further intensifying fans' love for Kim Yong Bin. Fueled by the strong support of their fandom, Kim Yong Bin is maintaining their top position, and anticipation is high for the diverse musical activities they will present in the future.Meanwhile, following the successful conclusion of '2026 THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS(TMA)' at the Busan Asiad Main Stadium on September 19, 'FANNSTAR' is currently holding a vote for 'TMA Best Stage' until the 19th, allowing fans to choose the best stage in their hearts. Attention is focused on who will ultimately take home the prestigious award. 'FANNSTAR' operates as a participatory platform where fans can directly support artists through various ranking votes, billboard advertising support, and awards ceremony-linked voting.arulhr@tf.co.kr]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900 'FANNSTAR' Tops New Star Ranking with 66,827 Votes in First Week of OctoberCORTIS ranked first on the 'FANNSTAR' New Star Ranking. /Big Hit Music[THE FACT | Reporter Son Hae-ri] Rookie boy group CORTIS is continuing its impressive rise, securing the No. 1 spot on the weekly idol ranking site 'FANNSTAR' New Star Ranking for 11 consecutive weeks.CORTIS comfortably took the top spot in the 'FANNSTAR' October first-week New Star Ranking poll, which ran from September 28 to October 5, garnering a total of 66,827 votes. Whib came in second, followed by EVAN in third place.Previously, CORTIS secured an advertisement on a large billboard as a special reward for achieving 10 consecutive weeks at No. 1 on the New Star Ranking. A congratulatory video for CORTIS's 10 consecutive weeks at No. 1 is scheduled to be broadcast on the M Screen in Hongdae, Mapo-gu, Seoul, a densely populated area.Additional special rewards are also available based on cumulative votes. If CORTIS reaches 10 million cumulative votes, a congratulatory advertisement will be displayed on the billboard at Yujin Building in Yeouido, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul. If it reaches 30 million votes, it will be displayed on the Mirae Plaza billboard in Hongdae, and if it records 50 million votes, it will be displayed on the Express Bus Terminal Triple Panorama billboard.Along with its dazzling ranking achievements, the group has also made a significant comeback on terrestrial music shows. The title track 'REDRED' from CORTIS's second mini-album ranked first on the October Week 1 'K-Chart' announced on the official website of KBS2's 'Music Bank' on the 2nd.'REDRED' had previously achieved a 'Grand Slam' by topping all five major domestic music shows. With this latest win, CORTIS has now collected a total of 12 music show trophies.This win is particularly meaningful as it comes six months after the song's release and approximately four months after its official broadcast activities concluded. The achievement of reaching the top spot solely based on digital music, album sales, social media, and K-pop fan votes, without any broadcast score, once again proves CORTIS's high public popularity and strong fandom power.Meanwhile, the '2026 THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS(TMA)' successfully concluded at the Busan Asiad Main Stadium on September 19. 'FANNSTAR' is currently holding the 'TMA Best Stage' vote until the 19th, allowing fans to choose the best stage performance in their hearts. CORTIS, who heated up the venue with an energetic performance on the day of the awards ceremony, is currently ranked third, showcasing its formidable power. Attention is focused on who will ultimately win the trophy and various special rewards. 'FANNSTAR' operates as a participatory platform where fans can directly support artists through various ranking votes, billboard advertisement support, and awards ceremony-linked voting.arulhr@tf.co.kr]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900 'FANNSTAR' Weekly Music Vote in the First Week of October Receives 480,792 VotesSinger Lim Young Woong ranked first on the 'FANNSTAR' Weekly Music Chart. /Mulgogi Music[THE FACT | Reporter Son Hae-ri] Singer Lim Young Woong has showcased unparalleled digital music power by topping the weekly idol ranking site 'FANNSTAR' Weekly Music Chart for three consecutive weeks with their new song 'TtoTto'.Lim Young Woong easily secured the top spot in the 'FANNSTAR' Weekly Music Chart vote for the first week of October, held from September 28 to October 5, garnering a total of 480,792 votes. Kim Yong Bin came in second, followed by KIM KI TAE in third place. The 'FANNSTAR' Weekly Music Chart is a weekly poll for artists who have released new music, allowing fans to see the response and support for recently released music at a glance, with fierce ranking competition among talented artists every week.Lim Young Woong presented deepened vocals and a broader musical spectrum through their special digital album 'IM HERO 10'. Led by the self-composed title track 'TtoTto', the album harmoniously arranged various B-side tracks, delivering rich emotion and points of appreciation to fans. The response on music charts was also fervent immediately after the album's release. The title track 'TtoTto' and 'Moise' simultaneously ranked high on Melon HOT100, a major domestic music platform, re-proving Lim Young Woong's strong digital music influence, while the B-side tracks also received consistent love and critical acclaim.In particular, the public's interest in Lim Young Woong is growing daily, fueled by the three consecutive weeks of first place on the Weekly Music Chart and the achievements on the digital music charts. Attention is focused on what musical endeavors Lim Young Woong, who has completely captured fans' hearts with the new song 'TtoTto', will surprise us with in the future.Meanwhile, with the '2026 THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS(TMA)' successfully concluding at the Busan Asiad Main Stadium on September 19, 'FANNSTAR' is currently holding a vote for 'TMA Best Stage' until the 19th, where fans choose the best stage in their hearts. Lim Young Woong is currently leading this category with overwhelming support, proving their unrivaled popularity. It remains to be seen who will ultimately win the trophy and various special benefits. 'FANNSTAR' operates as a participatory platform where fans directly support artists through various ranking votes, billboard advertising support, and awards ceremony-linked voting.arulhr@tf.co.kr]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900 'FANNSTAR' ranked first in the first week of October's female star ranking vote with 135,324 votes.Singer Kim Eui Young ranked first on the ' FANNSTAR ' female star ranking. / Kim Eui Young Instagram[THE FACT | Reporter Son Hae-ri] Singer Kim Eui Young has proven her unwavering popularity by topping the female star ranking on the weekly idol ranking site 'FANNSTAR' for four consecutive weeks.Kim Eui Young took the top spot with a total of 135,324 votes in the first week of October female star ranking poll for 'FANNSTAR', which took place from September 28 to October 5. Group NewJeans came in second place, followed by Yoona in third. With this result, Kim Eui Young extended their consecutive first-place streak in the female star rankings to four weeks. Despite fierce competition from strong candidates, they maintained their lead with a stable voting trend, once again confirming the solid support from their fans.Kim Eui Young is showcasing a unique presence on every stage with their distinctive cool tone and profound expressiveness. By combining bright and energetic stage presence with delicate emotional delivery, they are firmly imprinting their unique color onto the public. In particular, with consistent activities coupled with achieving the No. 1 spot in the female star ranking for four consecutive weeks, public interest in Kim Eui Young continues to grow. With the full support of their fans, all eyes are on Kim Eui Young as they maintain their leading momentum, wondering what dazzling moves they will show next.Meanwhile, with the '2026 THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS(TMA)' successfully concluding on September 19th at the Busan Asiad Main Stadium, 'FANNSTAR' is holding a vote for 'TMA Best Stage' until the 19th, where fans select the best stage in their hearts. Attention is focused on who will ultimately take the prestigious first place. 'FANNSTAR' operates as a participatory platform where fans directly support artists through various ranking votes, billboard advertising support, and awards ceremony-linked votes.arulhr@tf.co.kr]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900 BTS, 'FANNSTAR' garnered 2,803,866 votes in the first week of October group ranking pollBTS achieved 74 consecutive weeks of No. 1 in the 'FANNSTAR' group ranking. /Big Hit Music[THE FACT | Reporter Son Hae-ri] Group BTS is continuing its solid long-term reign by taking the No. 1 spot for 74 consecutive weeks in the group ranking on the weekly idol ranking site 'FANNSTAR'.BTS easily secured the top spot in the first week of October group ranking poll for 'FANNSTAR', conducted from September 28 to October 5, by receiving 2,803,866 votes. The popular virtual idol PLAVE ranked second, followed by AHOF in third place.If BTS achieves the remarkable record of '100 consecutive weeks of No. 1' in the future, a large-scale video advertisement celebrating this will be provided on the 9TO9 CUBE billboard located in COEX Mall, Gangnam-gu, Seoul.Along with their dazzling ranking achievements, news of their own variety content has further delighted global fans. The representative self-produced variety content of BTS, 'Run BTS 2.0', has released new episodes in line with their massive world tour.On the 6th, at 8 PM, BTS released the 'BTS in Toronto' episode on the team's official YouTube channel and the global superfan platform Weverse. This is a new video released approximately four months after the episode capturing the BTS members' get-together in San Jose, California, in June.This video features a special autumn picnic of BTS who visited Toronto, Canada, for their world tour schedule. The members gathered in a park on a leisurely afternoon, shared memories of their first picnic, and enjoyed sweet relaxation while tasting sushi pizza with local flavors.In the future, 'Run BTS 2.0' is scheduled to capture various behind-the-scenes stories closely related to the tour of 'BTS WORLD TOUR 'ARIRANG''. The natural and sincere moments of the members outside of their glamorous performances and the behind-the-scenes stories of the intense tour are expected to provide another source of enjoyment for fans worldwide.Meanwhile, with the '2026 THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS(TMA)' successfully concluding at the Busan Asiad Main Stadium on September 19, 'FANNSTAR' is currently holding the 'TMA Best Stage' vote until the 19th, where fans select the best stage in their hearts. Attention is focused on who will ultimately take the prestigious No. 1 spot. 'FANNSTAR' operates as a participatory platform where fans directly support artists through various ranking polls, billboard advertising support, and award ceremony-linked voting.arulhr@tf.co.kr]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Jin, 'FANNSTAR' received 4,211,852 votes in the first week of October solo ranking pollGroup BTS Jin achieved 49 consecutive weeks of first place in the 'FANNSTAR' solo ranking. / Big Hit Music[THE FACT | Reporter Son Hae-ri] Group BTS Jin has secured first place for 49 consecutive weeks in the solo ranking on the weekly idol ranking site 'FANNSTAR', nearing the achievement of a 50-week special reward.Jin easily took the top spot by receiving 4,211,852 votes in the first week of October solo ranking poll on 'FANNSTAR', which was held from September 28 to October 5. BTS V ranked second, followed by singer Lee Chan-won in third place.The streak of special reward records continues. Jin had previously achieved 10 consecutive weeks of first place and 30 consecutive weeks of first place in the solo ranking, earning him a large billboard advertisement reward. If he reaches 50 consecutive weeks of first place in the future, a billboard advertisement at M Screen in Hongdae, Mapo-gu, Seoul will be broadcast.If he achieves 70 consecutive weeks of first place thereafter, a billboard advertisement at Gyeonggi Building in Euljiro, Jung-gu, Seoul will be provided, and if he records 100 consecutive weeks of first place, a 9TO9 CUBE advertisement reward within COEX Mall in Gangnam-gu, Seoul will be given. With only one week left until the coveted 50-week special reward, keen interest from global fans is focused on the results of the next poll.The global chart performance of BTS, the group Jin belongs to, is also remarkable. According to the latest chart released by American music media Billboard on the 6th, BTS's 5th full album 'Arirang' ranked 43rd on the main album chart 'Billboard 200'. This album debuted at number 1 on the chart dated April 4th, stayed at the top for three weeks, and then showed its power by maintaining its position on the chart for 28 consecutive weeks.The title song 'SWIM' is also continuing its long-running popularity. 'SWIM' ranked 27th and 11th on Billboard's 'Global 200' and 'Global (excluding U.S.)' respectively, clearly proving BTS's unwavering global influence.Meanwhile, the '2026 THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS (TMA)', where Jin shone by winning the My Star Award, successfully concluded on September 19th at the Busan Asiad Main Stadium. Amidst the lingering resonance of the awards ceremony, 'FANNSTAR' is currently conducting a poll for 'TMA Best Stage' until October 19th, to select the best stage in the hearts of fans. Attention is focused on who will ultimately take the grand prize. 'FANNSTAR' operates as a participatory platform where fans directly support artists through various ranking polls, billboard advertisement support, and awards ceremony-linked polls.arulhr@tf.co.kr]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900 PLAVE garnered 1,571,714 votes in the first week of October Global Hot Star Ranking poll.Group PLAVE ranked first in the 'FANNSTAR' Global Hot Star Ranking. /Blast[THE FACT | Reporter Son Hae-ri] Group PLAVE has proven its strong global influence by ranking first on the weekly idol ranking site 'FANNSTAR' Global Hot Star Ranking for 103 consecutive weeks.PLAVE easily secured the top spot in the 'FANNSTAR' first week of October Global Hot Star Ranking poll, held from September 28 to October 5, with 1,571,714 votes. Stray Kids came in second, followed by Nexz in third place.Previously, PLAVE secured an advertisement special on the 9TO9 CUBE billboard at COEX Mall in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, by achieving 100 consecutive weeks of first place in the Global Hot Star Ranking.Along with their remarkable ranking achievements, news of their new album is also capturing the attention of fans worldwide. On the 6th, PLAVE officially revealed the tracklist image for their 5th mini-album 'HYPERDRIVE' through their official SNS channels.The revealed image was sensuously designed in a billboard format, continuing the dynamic racing mood of the previously released concept photos and visual sampler. The billboard was densely filled with song titles from the new album, further heating up the comeback atmosphere.According to the tracklist, this album will feature a total of five songs, including the title track 'Star Trace,' as well as 'The Deceiver,' 'A Timely Rain in the Blue Sky,' 'The Answer Is Yes,' and 'Rewind.'With the record of 103 consecutive weeks of first place in the Global Hot Star Ranking and the release of the new album's tracklist, interest in PLAVE is reaching its peak daily. Attention is focused on what kind of musical evolution and charming concepts PLAVE will present with this new album, as they continue their unwavering solo dominance.Meanwhile, the '2026 THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS (TMA),' where PLAVE shone by winning the Global Hot Star Award, successfully concluded on September 19 at the Busan Asiad Main Stadium. Amidst the lingering resonance of the awards ceremony, 'FANNSTAR' is currently conducting a vote for 'TMA Best Stage' until the 19th, where fans select the best stage in their hearts. It remains to be seen who will ultimately take the prestigious first place. 'FANNSTAR' operates as a participatory platform where fans directly support artists through various ranking polls, billboard advertising support, and awards ceremony-linked voting.arulhr@tf.co.kr]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Director Pema Tseden and actors Shuhua, Jin Sun, and Cai Fanxi (from left) pose at the outdoor stage greeting event for the movie 'Happily Ever After' held at the Rooftop Cinema of the Busan Cinema Center in Haeundae-gu, Busan on the afternoon of the 7th. /Busan=Reporter Kim Sung-ryeol[THE FACT | Busan=Reporter Kim Sung-ryeol] Director Pema Tseden and actors Shuhua, Jin Sun, and Cai Fanxi (from left) pose at the outdoor stage greeting event for the movie 'Happily Ever After' held at the Rooftop Cinema of the Busan Cinema Center in Haeundae-gu, Busan on the afternoon of the 7th.The Busan International Film Festival, now in its 31st year, will be held for ten days until the 15th at eight theaters and 31 screens in the Haeundae area, including the Busan Cinema Center.This year's festival will feature a total of 315 diverse films, including 246 official selections invited from 59 countries around the world. ksr@tf.co.krphoto@tf.co.kr]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Jeon Do-yeon, Sol Kyung-gu, Jo In-sung, Cho Yeo-jeong Heat Up Busan50 Minutes of Jokes and Compliments Highlight Strong TeamworkDirector Lee Chang-dong and actors Jeon Do-yeon, Sol Kyung-gu, Cho Yeo-jeong, and Jo In-sung (from left) pose at the "Love Without a Cause" open talk event held at the Busan Cinema Center's Loop Theater in Haeundae-gu, Busan, on the afternoon of the 7th. /Busan=Kim Sung-ryeol, Reporter[THE FACT|Busan=Kim Saet-byeol, Reporter] The outdoor stage of the Busan International Film Festival was filled with enthusiastic cheers as director Lee Chang-dong, along with actors Jeon Do-yeon, Sol Kyung-gu, Jo In-sung, and Cho Yeo-jeong, appeared. It was a moment that proved the great interest in "Love Without a Cause."An open talk for the Netflix film "Love Without a Cause" (directed by Lee Chang-dong), which will be unveiled in the 'Icon' section at the 31st Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), was held on the outdoor stage of the Busan Cinema Center in Haeundae-gu, Busan, on the afternoon of the 7th. Director Lee Chang-dong and actors Jeon Do-yeon, Sol Kyung-gu, Jo In-sung, and Cho Yeo-jeong attended and shared various stories."Love Without a Cause" tells the story of two couples—a laid-off worker and his wife, and a documentary director and his husband—who meet to produce a documentary and confront their different lives and hidden desires.The film has received critical acclaim from domestic and international media, winning the Grand Jury Prize at the Venice International Film Festival and the TIFF Ebert Director's Award at the Toronto International Film Festival, among other accolades, making it the first Korean film to achieve such recognition.Fan interest was also high. In fact, when the "Love Without a Cause" team appeared, they were met with tremendous cheers and applause. Notably, many fans who had seen the film and sought them out were present, despite the film having been released for only two weeks.In response, Jo In-sung joked, "There must have been about 30,000 people," drawing laughter. Jeon Do-yeon said, "Thank you to everyone who came to hear our story.""Love Without a Cause" was actually a project conceived quite some time ago. Director Lee Chang-dong explained, "As the era shifted towards prioritizing profitability, the frustration of workers grew. A deep chasm formed between remaining and laid-off workers, to the point where they viewed each other as the living and the dead. Even among those who were laid off together, there was a collective psychological trauma where they disliked and hated each other." He added, "Witnessing this, I felt it wasn't just their problem, but a turning point in the very nature of the lives we live, and I wanted to make it into a film."However, the project fell through during pre-production, and over a decade passed. Director Lee stated, "I did research, wrote the script, and even had the casting of Jeon Do-yeon and Sol Kyung-gu mostly finalized. But I couldn't be sure if I had the right to tell this story, or what the meaning of presenting it as a feature film rather than a documentary would be. Ultimately, I abandoned the film, and a lot of time passed."Since then, the meaning of labor has rapidly diminished, and now, with the advent of the AI era, we are in a time where we don't even know if we will be able to work. Director Lee said, "Then, Oh Jeong-mi, who I work with, suggested we try telling the story of a documentary director. It was then that I realized the suffering of the workers might not be someone else's pain, but potentially my own story as a filmmaker. I thought that by examining the ethics and attitude with which we view them, I could ultimately tell my own story, and that's why I decided to make this film."Director Lee Chang-dong speaks at the "Love Without a Cause" open talk event held at the Busan Cinema Center's Loop Theater in Haeundae-gu, Busan, on the afternoon of the 7th. /Busan=Kim Sung-ryeol, ReporterJeon Do-yeon plays Mi-ok, the wife of laid-off worker Ho-seok, who works at a mask factory.When asked about her character development, Jeon Do-yeon said, "When I work with Director Lee, I don't try to overthink things. However, I believe we all live with anxiety, and Mi-ok is no different. Mi-ok, in particular, carries anxiety about protecting her family and her husband, and I felt a connection to that aspect of her character."Sol Kyung-gu plays Ho-seok, a laid-off worker who suffers from long-term aftereffects due to his experiences during a general strike and forced suppression.He recalled, "I acted thinking of myself as just me. When I first talked about the character with the director, he asked, 'What kind of person do you think Ho-seok is?' I replied, 'He's like me,' because I felt that both Ho-seok and I symbolized ordinary men, not special individuals. So, I started from the question, 'What if it were me?'"The "Love Without a Cause" open talk event, held at the Busan Cinema Center's Loop Theater in Haeundae-gu, Busan, on the afternoon of the 7th, saw the surrounding area bustling with attendees. /Busan=Kim Sung-ryeol, ReporterJo In-sung plays Sang-woo, Yeji's husband, who interacts with the couple Mi-ok and Ho-seok, treating them warmly while remaining enigmatic.Jo In-sung shared, "It was a character that made me think a lot, so I had many concerns about how to portray him. I thought Sang-woo's approach of trying to connect with people kindly but not getting too close resembled the relationship between an actor and the audience. From that perspective, I tried to understand the character deeply."He added, "The director's films do not present characters in a binary of good and evil. I also tried not to be prejudiced. I believe that as the audience watches the film, they will gradually come to accept why Sang-woo made certain choices and the life he has lived."Cho Yeo-jeong plays Yeji, a director filming a documentary that sheds light on the lives of laid-off workers.In fact, Yeji's perspective was also Director Lee's perspective. Therefore, it must have been a burden for the actress to convey and persuade the audience with Director Lee's viewpoint. Cho Yeo-jeong said, "Even before I knew the story, it was a burdensome and difficult character. However, from the moment I read the script, I was certain that as a director filming a documentary, Yeji should remain like a shadow, only looking at Mi-ok in this film."Director Lee Chang-dong and actors Jeon Do-yeon, Sol Kyung-gu, Jo In-sung, and Cho Yeo-jeong (from left) answer questions at the "Love Without a Cause" open talk event held at the Busan Cinema Center's Loop Theater in Haeundae-gu, Busan, on the afternoon of the 7th. /Busan=Kim Sung-ryeol, ReporterThe four actors had emphasized the warm atmosphere on set since the previous production presentation. Indeed, on this day as well, they showcased their strong teamwork through 50 minutes of jokes and compliments.Jeon Do-yeon remarked, "Sol Kyung-gu is a very selfish and gruff person. On the other hand, Jo In-sung and Cho Yeo-jeong are genuinely warm people. When the two of them finish filming and head back to Seoul, I used to say, 'Two warm people are leaving, and two gruff people are staying.'"Sol Kyung-gu, overhearing this, chimed in, "I really disliked Jo In-sung and Cho Yeo-jeong. Because of them, Jeon Do-yeon scolded me even more," humorously justifying his own selfishness.Finally, Director Lee confessed, "This is not a film that people typically find entertaining. Nevertheless, I'm worried that today's open talk might feel like the kind of conversation you have after making a fun movie."In response, Jeon Do-yeon quipped, "It's a fun movie among the ones directed by you. There are many comments saying, 'Director Lee Chang-dong is good at comedy.' We ask for your love for our fun movie, 'Love Without a Cause.'"Sol Kyung-gu announced, "It will be released in Korea on November 6th. It will also premiere worldwide on the 23rd, so if you want to see it in theaters, please go abroad. I'm confident that 2 hours and 43 minutes will fly by."Jo In-sung shared, "Yesterday, the actors were talking about how we hope the director releases another film soon, regardless of whether we're in it. But Kyung-gu hyung said, 'I'll do it again.' So now I'll say it: I want to do it too," confessing his true feelings and bringing laughter to the end."Love Without a Cause" will be released worldwide on Netflix on November 6th.sstar1204@tf.co.kr[Entertainment Desk | ssent@tf.co.kr]]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Tracing the operational status and non-settlement of Cha Ga-won's entertainment businessINSC "Faithfully fulfilling the media's inherent surveillance function"THE FACT Jung Byung-geun (far left) and Choi Hyun-jung reporters received the Excellence Award at the 'Reporter of the Month' awards ceremony held at the Korea Internet Press Association in the Press Center, Jung-gu, Seoul on the afternoon of the 7th. /Reporter Lim Young-moo[THE FACT|Reporter Choi Soo-bin] THE FACT Reporters Jung Byung-geun and Choi Hyun-jung won the 'Reporter of the Month' award from the Korea Internet Press Association (INSC) for their exclusive report tracking the operational status of Cha Ga-won's entertainment business.THE FACT Reporters Jung Byung-geun and Choi Hyun-jung received the Excellence Award at the August 'Reporter of the Month' awards ceremony held at the Korea Internet Press Association meeting room on the 10th floor of the Korea Press Center, Jung-gu, Seoul on the afternoon of the 7th. They received the award for their report <[TF Focus] Cha Ga-won, arrested on fraud charges, what about the countless blood, sweat, and tears?>, which persistently tracked and reported on the abnormal management practices of the entertainment agency and the resulting damages for eight months. exclusively reported on the 12 billion won financial transaction between Chairman Cha and MC Mong in December last year ([Exclusive] "Pay 12 billion to Cha Ga-won"... MC Mong, was money the reason for leaving), and then raised suspicions that the One Hundred group of companies was operating with an abnormal financial structure, such as spending 10.8 billion won on clothing expenses while relying on advance payments of up to 72 billion won ([Exclusive] '10.8 billion won for clothing, 72 billion won in advance payments'... Cha Ga-won's 'Deformed Company Operation').Subsequently, issues arose from the process of Lee Seung-gi and Baekhyun moving into the luxury villa 'La Nuovo Hannam' owned by Chairman Cha as high-priced tenants ([Exclusive] Did Lee Seung-gi&Baekhyun move into Cha Ga-won's La Nuovo with a 'shell lease'?), and it was also exclusively reported that approximately 5 billion won in settlement money was not paid to artists including Baekhyun&Taemin&THE BOYZ ([Exclusive] Baekhyun&Taemin&THE BOYZ 1 billion won each... Cha Ga-won squeezes artists and '5 billion won unsettled').THE FACT Reporters Choi Hyun-jung (far left) and Jung Byung-geun attended the 'Reporter of the Month' awards ceremony held at the Korea Internet Press Association in the Press Center, Jung-gu, Seoul on the afternoon of the 7th and received a plaque from Kim Ki-jung, President of the Korea Internet Press Association. /Reporter Lim Young-mooBeyond affiliated celebrities, the damages to employees and partner companies were also revealed. reported that the 4 major insurance premiums for employees of the One Hundred group of companies were not paid and that there were disruptions in salary payments, and also reported that various companies that had worked with affiliated artists had not received payments. ([Exclusive] Cha Ga-won threatens employees' livelihoods... unpaid 4 major insurance premiums and precarious salaries).Later, on August 3rd, the presiding judge of the Seoul Central District Court, who handles arrest warrants, conducted a suspect interrogation (arrest warrant review) for CEO Cha Ga-won, who was accused of fraud under the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Specific Economic Crimes, and issued an arrest warrant, stating "there is a risk of evidence destruction." This came seven months after reported in January that Cha Ga-won had been sued for fraud under the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Specific Economic Crimes ([Exclusive] Cha Ga-won sued for alleged fraud of over 10 billion won... received advance payments and 'ran away'?).Their persistent investigative reporting was evaluated as faithfully fulfilling the media's inherent social surveillance function by not only serving as a simple accusation but also leading to practical judicial and administrative follow-up measures, including the indictment of the suspect and a comprehensive investigation into wage arrears by the Ministry of Employment and Labor.INSC stated, "We persistently tracked the unfair management practices within the entertainment industry, revealing the reality of labor and settlement damages hidden behind the glamour," and "We faithfully fulfilled the media's inherent surveillance function by leading to judicial and administrative follow-up measures through persistent reporting."Meanwhile, at the awards ceremony that day, △News Works reporter Cha Jin-hyung △Newspost reporter Lee Byeol-nim <"It's a trend, so I can't help but buy it"... Children fallen for 'Malli'> △Biz Hankook reporter Park Hyung-min <'House in the provinces, money in Seoul'... Re-examining the performance of innovative cities ahead of the second relocation of public institutions> △Yaksak Gongron reporter Kim Hong-jin, 3rd consecutive series △Insight Korea reporters Kim Dong-soo and Yoon Chan-woo's also received the honor of winning.subin7134@tf.co.kr[Entertainment Department | ssent@tf.co.kr]]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Director Lee Chang-dong and actors Jeon Do-yeon, Sol Kyung-gu, Jo Yeo-jeong, and Jo In-sung (from left) pose at the 'Possible Love' open talk event held at the Cinema Center's Loop Theater in Haeundae-gu, Busan on the afternoon of the 7th. /Busan=Reporter Kim Sung-ryeol[THE FACT | Busan=Reporter Kim Sung-ryeol] Director Lee Chang-dong and actors Jeon Do-yeon, Sol Kyung-gu, Jo Yeo-jeong, and Jo In-sung (from left) pose at the 'Possible Love' open talk event held at the Cinema Center's Loop Theater in Haeundae-gu, Busan on the afternoon of the 7th.'Possible Love' is a film that depicts the story of a laid-off worker Hoseok and his wife Miok, and documentary director Yejji and her husband Sangwoo, who meet to produce a documentary and confront their different lives and hidden desires.The film has received critical acclaim from domestic and international media, winning the Grand Jury Prize at the Venice International Film Festival and the Ebert Director's Award at the Toronto International Film Festival, among other accolades, marking a first for Korean cinema.Meanwhile, the Busan International Film Festival, now in its 31st year, will be held for ten days until the 15th at eight theaters and 31 screens in the Haeundae area, including the Cinema Center.This year's festival will feature a total of 315 diverse films, including 246 official selections invited from 59 countries worldwide, meeting with audiences. ksr@tf.co.krPhoto Video Planning Department photo@tf.co.kr]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900 BTS is holding a concert in Lima, Peru for the first time since their debut, and various commemorative events are taking place locally. From the 5th to the 11th, the Santiago de Surco district of Lima temporarily renamed Sacramento Street as ″Avenida BTS″ and installed signs. The Arco Morisco, a landmark structure of Surco Friendship Park, has been illuminated with purple lights since the 5th, and a light show themed around BTS is held daily until the 11th. Additionally, the Fuente de la Fantasía at the Circuito Mágico del Agua fountain park is hosting a BTS themed event featuring music, lighting, and water screens during the same period. On the 7th, 9th, and 10th local time, BTS will hold the ″BTS WORLD TOUR ARIRANG IN LIMA″ at Estadio San Marcos in Lima. Peru’s official tourism site, Peru Travel, introduced this concert as an opportunity to promote the country’s cuisine, culture, and natural scenery. Previously, BTS began their South American tour on the 2nd and 3rd at Estadio El Campín in Bogotá, Colombia, attracting about 100,000 spectators over two days. Rolling Stone en Español evaluated the concert, saying, ″BTS met expectations and exceeded them at several moments,″ and called it ″the concert an entire generation has been waiting for the most.″]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900 &TEAM achieved the highest ranking ever for a Japanese boy group on the main Billboard album chart in the United States. According to the latest chart released by Billboard on the 6th (local time), &TEAM’s second Korean mini-album ’Mark on Me’ ranked 20th on the ’Billboard 200’. This is a 32-spot jump from 52nd place, which was recorded with the Japanese mini-album ’We on Fire’ last May, marking the highest achievement ever by a Japanese boy group on this chart. This chart entry is also &TEAM’s second time entering the main Billboard album chart. On the ’World Albums’ chart, ’Mark on Me’ took first place, ranking third on ’Top Album Sales’ and 18th on the ’Artist 100’. &TEAM released ’Mark on Me’ on the 8th of last month, setting a personal best with 1,357,357 copies sold in the first week of release, achieving four consecutive million-selling albums. They also ranked first on both the Japanese Oricon weekly album chart and the Hanteo weekly album chart. Their overseas activities continued as well. In August, &TEAM appeared at ’KCON LA 2026’ and the Grammy Museum’s ’Global Spin Live’ in the United States, showcasing their presence on the global stage. They also ranked fourth on the UK Official Physical Singles Chart (October 2–8). &TEAM is a group formed in Japan in 2022 and is scheduled to hold a new tour with a total of 41 performances across 18 cities in Japan starting from the 15th.]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Actress Fan Bingbing answers reporters' questions at a press conference for 'Diary of a Mad Old Man & She Said' held at the BIFF Hill of Busan Cinema Center in Haeundae-gu, Busan on the afternoon of the 7th. /Busan=Reporter Kim Sung-ryeol[THE FACT | Busan=Reporter Kim Sung-ryeol] Actress Fan Bingbing answers reporters' questions at a press conference for 'Diary of a Mad Old Man & She Said' held at the BIFF Hill of Busan Cinema Center in Haeundae-gu, Busan on the afternoon of the 7th.The Busan International Film Festival, now in its 31st year, will be held for ten days until the 15th at eight theaters in the Haeundae area, including the Busan Cinema Center, on 31 screens.This year's festival will feature a total of 315 diverse films, including 246 official selections invited from 59 countries around the world.ksr@tf.co.krPhoto & Video Planning Department photo@tf.co.kr]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Caught coughing and being helped on the Busan International Film Festival red carpet"There's absolutely nothing wrong with your health."Actress Kim Hye-ja's cough on the Busan International Film Festival red carpet raised concerns among fans, but a film official stated, "There are no health issues." The photo shows her attending the opening ceremony of the 31st Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) held at the Busan Cinema Center in Haeundae-gu, Busan, on the afternoon of October 6. / Busan=Reporter Kim Sung-ryeol[THE FACT|Choi Soo-bin Reporter] Amidst rumors of actress Kim Hye-ja's health issues, an official dismissed concerns, stating it was merely a common cold.An official from the movie "Still Shining" (directed by Song Il-gon), starring Kim Hye-ja, stated on the 7th, " 'Teacher Kim Hye-ja has no health issues, just a simple cold.'""We adjusted this year's Busan International Film Festival schedule considering the teacher's age and condition, and the currently set schedule will be carried out as planned," he explained.Kim Hye-ja attended the opening ceremony of the 31st Busan International Film Festival held at the Busan Cinema Center in Haeundae, Busan on the 6th. On this day, she walked the red carpet with director Song Il-gon, who directed her comeback film after 9 years, 'Still Shining'.In the process, Kim Hye-ja was seen being helped by director Song Il-gon and coughing several times with her hand covering her mouth, leading to concerns about her health. However, a film official dismissed the rumors of ill health, stating it was merely a cold.Meanwhile, 'Still Shining' is a film about Sun-ok (played by Kim Hye-ja), who reunites with her best friend, with whom she shared the most brilliant moments of her life, after 60 years. It will be released in theaters on the 21st.[Entertainment Department | ssent@tf.co.kr]subin7134@tf.co.kr]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900 [THE FACT | Busan=Reporter Kim Seong-ryeol] Actor Choi Hee-seo attends the outdoor stage greeting event for the movie 'Bedford Park' held at the Cinema Center's Roof Cinema in Haeundae-gu, Busan on the morning of the 7th.ksr@tf.co.krphoto@tf.co.kr]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Director Stephanie Ahn and actors Choi Hee-seo and Son Seok-gu (from left) pose at the outdoor stage greeting event for the movie 'Bedford Park' held at the Roof Cinema of the Busan Cinema Center in Haeundae-gu, Busan on the morning of the 7th. /Busan=Reporter Kim Seong-ryeol[THE FACT | Busan=Reporter Kim Seong-ryeol] Director Stephanie Ahn and actors Choi Hee-seo and Son Seok-gu (from left) pose at the outdoor stage greeting event for the movie 'Bedford Park' held at the Roof Cinema of the Busan Cinema Center in Haeundae-gu, Busan on the morning of the 7th.'Bedford Park' tells the story of 'Audrey' (Choi Hee-seo), who has experienced isolation and identity confusion as an immigrant family in New Jersey, meeting 'Eli' (Son Seok-gu), a former wrestler, after her mother's car accident, and healing the wounds of her life.The Busan International Film Festival, now in its 31st year, will be held for ten days until the 15th at eight theaters and 31 screens in the Haeundae area, including the Busan Cinema Center.This year's festival will feature a total of 315 diverse films, including 246 official selections invited from 59 countries around the world, meeting with audiences.ksr@tf.co.krphoto@tf.co.kr]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Restaurants for Haeparang-gil trekkersFirst broadcast on the 23rd at 8:35 PMtvN's new variety show 'Mat-ttara Gil-ttara Daemyeong-ittara' has confirmed its first broadcast and released its first teaser video. /tvN[THE FACT | Reporter Moon Chae-young] Actors Kim Dae-myung, Park Ji-hwan, and Gong Myung will open a restaurant along the East Sea coastal trekking course.tvN production staff announced on the 7th, "The new variety show 'Mat-ttara Gil-ttara Daemyeong-ittara' (hereinafter referred to as 'Mat-gil-dae') will premiere on the 23rd," and released the first teaser video showing Kim Dae-myung, Park Ji-hwan, and Gong Myung heading to 'Haeparang Sanghoe'.'Mat-gil-dae' depicts the process of Kim Dae-myung, who traveled all over the country looking for delicious restaurants in the web variety show 'Mat-ttara Meot-ttara Daemyeong-ittara', operating the restaurant 'Haeparang Sanghoe' for trekkers on the East Sea coastal trekking course, Haeparang-gil. Kim Dae-myung will provide taste and rest to the trekkers.Kim Dae-myung, Park Ji-hwan, and Gong Myung transform into employees of 'Haeparang Sanghoe'. Kim Dae-myung is the 'one meal in charge' boss who fills the hungry stomachs of trekkers with his ambitiously prepared recipes. Park Ji-hwan is the 'one drink in charge' barista who brews fragrant coffee, and the youngest, Gong Myung, is the 'one photo in charge' photographer who captures memories.In the first teaser video, Kim Dae-myung and Park Ji-hwan walk the trekking course towards 'Haeparang Sanghoe' and express their excitement, saying, "If they arrive after walking this far, they must be hungry," and "It would be great if we could make coffee for them." Gong Myung is waiting for someone to go to 'Haeparang Sanghoe'.'Mat-gil-dae', featuring the trio of novice self-employed individuals Kim Dae-myung, Park Ji-hwan, and Gong Myung, will premiere on the 23rd at 8:35 PM.[Entertainment Department | ssent@tf.co.kr]mcy21@tf.co.kr]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Jang Hanbyul, Solo Concert Additional Dates Sell Out in Under a MinuteWednesday, October 7, Military Exemption/ BTS/ Jang Hanbyul/ Assassin(s)/ Park Wi The controversy over military exemptions for the Asian Games football team has ultimately led to a national petition to abolish military exemptions for arts and sports. The controversy began when some players made remarks emphasizing military benefits immediately after winning the gold medal, and one player even posted a photo on social media wearing a "discharge cap." Photo: Park Seung-su SNS[THE FACT|Reporter Kang Il-hong] "Aren't BTS more deserving?" The controversy over military exemptions for the Asian Games football team has ultimately led to a national petition to abolish military exemptions for arts and sports.The football team set a record of four consecutive Asian Games championships by defeating Japan. However, the excitement of the gold medal did not last long. The controversy began when some players made remarks emphasizing military benefits immediately after winning the gold medal, and one player even posted a photo on social media wearing a "discharge cap."In particular, player Yang Min-hyuk made remarks suggesting that military exemption was an important motivation for the game, and captain Lee Ki-hyuk also said, "I'm not going to the military" while holding the gold medal. Coupled with the photo of Park Seung-su, who played only 16 minutes in the tournament, wearing a discharge cap, an uncomfortable question arose: "Did the national team play for the country, or did they play for military benefits?"Of course, it is impossible for outsiders to definitively determine what the players were truly thinking when they competed. The problem was the expression and attitude towards military benefits. This is because it can give the impression that the youth and time of those who have completed their military service are being treated as a trivial reward.In the end, the players apologized one after another, and the Korea Football Association also apologized, stating that they had disappointed and hurt active military personnel and the public. BTS was also brought up in this context. A national petition was filed in the National Assembly for the "abolition of the military exemption system for entertainers and athletes."The petitioner raised the issue of whether granting military benefits to winners of certain competitions for enhancing national prestige still holds public persuasion, and questioned why young people like BTS, who have contributed to the global spread of Hallyu, were not eligible for military exemptions.This petition received 100 pre-agreements on the day of registration and is currently under review for public disclosure. However, what is important here is not to argue who is more deserving between BTS and the football players.The core issue is whether the current system, which allows exceptions to military service based on "enhancing national prestige," is fair and persuasive enough in this era. And this controversy is unlikely to end as a mere online public opinion battle.On the 6th, the Ministry of National Defense announced that it would reflect and pursue the reduction or abolition of supplementary service personnel, including arts and sports personnel, in the basic plan for defense reform. This is to comprehensively consider factors such as the decrease in military manpower, fairness and equity among those subject to military service, and public consensus.Currently, policy research services on the arts and sports personnel system are underway, and once the results are released, the direction of system reform is expected to be discussed in earnest. Ultimately, the essence of this controversy is not the gold medal itself.It is the relative sense of deprivation that arises when some people accept military service as a natural duty, while others are exempted from that duty with a single medal, and the question of whether military exemptions based on "enhancing national prestige" should be redesigned as times have changed.It remains to be seen whether this Asian Games controversy will be a one-time happening or a decisive turning point that changes the arts and sports military exemption system itself. Attention is now shifting from the players' apologies to the government's discussions on system reform."A Concert a Generation Has Waited For"... Peru Erupts as BTS ArrivesAmidst comparisons with BTS, the fervor of BTS sweeping South America is beyond our imagination. Peru's capital, Lima, is heating up with BTS fever. A so-called 'BTS Street' has even appeared in downtown Lima.BTS will hold their world tour 'Arirang' concerts at Estadio San Marcos in Lima, Peru, on October 7, 9, and 10. This is the first time BTS is visiting Peru since their debut in 2013.Special welcome events are continuing in Lima ahead of the concerts. From the 5th to the 11th of the month, the district of Santiago de Surco has temporarily named Sacramento Street in the Surco area 'BTS Street' and installed signs to announce it.Various parts of the city have also been dyed purple. The Arco Morisco, a representative architectural structure in Surco Friendship Park, is brightly lit in purple, symbolizing BTS, and a light show for BTS is held daily. At the Fantasia Fountain in Fountain Park, another famous spot, a BTS-themed event using music, lights, and water screens is taking place.Peru's official tourism website has also recognized this concert as an opportunity to boost tourism. It is expected that fans visiting Lima to see BTS will experience Peru's gastronomy, history, and nature, and continue their travels to other regions such as Paracas and Machu Picchu.The start of the South American tour was also hot. BTS previously kicked off their concert in Bogota, Colombia, drawing an audience of about 100,000 people. Local media described the concert as "the most anticipated concert of a generation."BTS, which has become a cultural phenomenon beyond K-pop, is now heating up the streets, tourist attractions, and fans' hearts in South America with its fervor in Lima.First Concert Additional Performance Sells Out at Lightning Speed, What's the Secret to Their Popularity?Yesterday, the 6th, tickets for the additional dates of singer Jang Hanbyul's first solo concert were on sale. As expected, they all sold out in under a minute. Following the initial two performances that sold out immediately upon ticket opening, the additional performance tickets, prepared due to fan requests, also sold out instantly.Notably, with all seats sold out in less than a minute from the start of sales, Jang Hanbyul's immense popularity was once again confirmed. Jang Hanbyul's first solo concert, 'THE STAR IS BORN,' was originally scheduled for two performances on October 31st at 1 PM and 6 PM.However, all seats were sold out in just 2 minutes after tickets opened, and premium tickets were being traded for as much as 900,000 won on online resale sites, indicating the intense fan demand.Consequently, the agency decided to add one more performance on November 1st at 3 PM in response to fan requests. And the ticket sales for the additional performance, which began at 7 PM on the 6th, also resulted in a sell-out.This time, with tickets selling out in less than a minute, it demonstrated that fans' interest in Jang Hanbyul is translating into actual ticket power beyond mere anticipation. This brings the total number of performances for Jang Hanbyul's first solo concert to three.So, what is Jang Hanbyul's charm? The first thing that comes to mind is their broad stage presence that transcends genres.At this concert, Jang Hanbyul is scheduled to perform a variety of music genres, from ballads to trot and pop, with a live band. Their solid recognition built through broadcasting is also a significant factor.After ranking in the TOP3 on the MBM entertainment show 'Myeongjeon,' they recently won first place on KBS 2TV's 'Immortal Songs,' showcasing both their talent and presence. They are also making their presence felt by competing for top spots on various charts.In particular, the analysis suggests that the anticipation of fans wanting to directly experience the image they showed on broadcast and the live performances they will deliver on stage has led to this ticket frenzy.With Jang Hanbyul's first solo concert expanding to three performances, and consecutive sell-out records, fans' attention is naturally shifting to what kind of stage they will present at the concert.With a diverse stage with a live band, and special communication and unreleased stages exclusively for the fandom 'Eunhasu' (Milky Way), it is expected to see what new star Jang Hanbyul will reveal through this performance, true to the concert title 'THE STAR IS BORN.'Historical Distortion Controversy: Actor's Life Threatened, BIFF AffectedThe repercussions of the historical distortion controversy surrounding the film 'Assassin(s)' have extended to the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF). The film 'Assassin(s),' released on the 23rd of last month, continues to be debated regarding the boundary between historical fact and cinematic imagination, with its fictional settings based on actual events.The controversy has spread beyond the film itself to the political sphere, and eventually affected the actors involved. In particular, actor Yoo Hae-jin faced protests in front of his home, and threatening messages appeared online, raising concerns about his personal safety.The Seoul Seongbuk Police Station, at the request of Yoo Hae-jin's agency, has strengthened patrols around his residence and implemented safety measures. As a result, scheduled events at the Busan International Film Festival were successively canceled. The 'Actor's House,' which actor Lee Min-ho was scheduled to attend, was canceled, followed by the cancellation of the opening ceremony red carpet and outdoor stage greetings, which director Hur Jin-ho and the actors were to attend.The production company stated that the schedule was canceled considering the recent situation surrounding the film and the safety of the audience and attendees. Furthermore, Yoo Hae-jin also did not attend the Buil Film Awards ceremony held on the 7th, making it difficult to meet the director and main actors of 'Assassin(s)' at the official events of the Busan International Film Festival.The film festival also expressed its regret. Jeong Han-seok, the executive programmer of the Busan International Film Festival, stated that the cancellation of these events was "regrettable for the film festival."However, he explained that the decision was made to respect the requests of the production company and guests for the safety of the audience and guests, and for the smooth progress of the event. He also drew a line, stating that this controversy is not causing major disruptions to the overall operation of the film festival.The question left by this situation is clear. In films dealing with actual history, what is the realm of creation, and where does historical distortion begin? And is it justifiable for criticism of a work to extend to the invasion of privacy and threats to the personal safety of the creative team and actors?While evaluating a film is the audience's prerogative, a balance must be maintained between safety, freedom of expression, and responsibility for historical facts in that process. As the controversy surrounding 'Assassin(s)' affects not only a single film but also the film festival and actors, attention is focused on what discussions and social debates this situation will leave behind in the future.A Single Word Caused Trouble?" On-Screen Candor Leads to Controversy... Who is TPOP7?"Which star is known for causing controversy with every word they speak?" In a unique survey that posed this somewhat provocative question, the top spot was taken by Park Wi. A total of 29,962 people participated in this poll conducted by DC Inside. Park Wi received 4,961 votes, about 17%, to secure first place.Park Wi, who has been honestly showing his life with a disability through YouTube and communicating with the public with a positive and uninhibited attitude, recently faced controversy over his decision to release CCTV footage of the KTX wheelchair fall accident. He eventually deleted the video and apologized, admitting that he did not fully consider the position of the social service worker who helped him.However, he was only one vote ahead of the second-place finisher. Second place went to Baek Jong-won, who received 4,960 votes. On television, he has built an image as an "expert who knows business well" with his characteristic direct speaking style and realistic advice. However, following various controversies related to Theborn Korea, he suspended his broadcasting activities and focused on his business, resuming YouTube activities in June of this year.Third place went to Jeon Hyun-moo with 3,764 votes. He is a representative MC beloved for his witty remarks and quick thinking on various entertainment shows.However, he caused controversy in the past for using inappropriate language when mentioning the cause of death of a fallen police officer. More recently, suspicions of broadcast manipulation surrounding the Kazakhstan trip on 'I Live Alone' led to the production team issuing explanations and apologies.Following them, Kian84, Han So-hee, NewJeans MINJI, and others were listed. Notably, Kian84 is known for his uninhibited expressions on broadcast, and Han So-hee became a topic of discussion when a video of her telling people around her to "Please be quiet" at an overseas event was released.Minji also experienced her past remarks about 'kal-guksu' (knife-cut noodles) unexpectedly turning into a controversy. Ultimately, what this survey shows is not simply "stars who make many verbal mistakes," but rather that the honest and uninhibited image often portrayed on broadcast can sometimes lead to controversy.eel@tf.co.kr]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Today (7th), a press conference for the gala presentation of 'Everything Everywhere All at Once' was held.Actress Michelle Yeoh visited the Busan International Film Festival for the first time in 15 years and received the Asian Filmmaker of the Year award. The photo shows her walking the red carpet at the '31st Busan International Film Festival (BIFF)' held at the Busan Cinema Center in Haeundae-gu, Busan on the afternoon of the 6th. /Busan=Park Heon-woo Reporter[THE FACT|Busan=Park Ji-yoon Reporter] Hong Kong actress Michelle Yeoh, who visited Busan after a long time, looked back on her steadfast acting career and expressed her special love for Korea. She also revealed her enduring passion for acting. This is why her future endeavors are even more anticipated.The gala presentation press conference for 'Everything Everywhere All at Once' (Director Daniels), starring Michelle Yeoh, who received the Asian Filmmaker of the Year award, was held at the BIFF Hill of the Cinema Center on the morning of the 7th. Arriving in Busan for the first time in 15 years since 'The Lady' (2011), she began by saying, "It's a really wonderful city. I arrived three days ago, and a double rainbow appeared. It's a good omen," and then answered questions from reporters.First, Michelle Yeoh once again shared her feelings about receiving the Asian Filmmaker of the Year award at the opening ceremony the previous day.She said, "Thank you for this award. It means a great deal. Like the Busan International Film Festival, I have walked this path for a long time," and expressed her overwhelming emotions, "I had the goal of starting in Asia and going global, sharing our culture with the world, and I am grateful that I was able to achieve this."Regarding 'Everything Everywhere All at Once,' Michelle Yeoh said, "It contains a message of never giving up. It also allows us to think about family love, unwavering support, and friendship." The photo shows her walking the red carpet at the opening ceremony of the '31st Busan International Film Festival (BIFF)' held at the Busan Cinema Center in Haeundae-gu, Busan on the afternoon of the 6th. /Busan=Kim Sung-ryeol Reporter'Everything Everywhere All at Once' is a story about an elderly woman living in a nursing home after losing her home due to fraud charges, who learns to solve a magic cube from a young former world champion.Michelle Yeoh honestly shared, "The character I play is 80 years old. It was difficult because it's a role older than me," but added, "It contains a message of never giving up. It also allows us to think about family love, unwavering support, and friendship."Born in 1962, Michelle Yeoh began her acting career in earnest with the film 'Yes, Madam' (1985). Through films like 'Police Story 3: Supercop' and 'Wing Chun,' she broke the mold of male-dominated genres and emerged as a unique presence in Asian cinema.She continued to build a solid filmography with active works such as 'Tomorrow Never Dies,' 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,' 'Crazy Rich Asians,' and 'Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.'Michelle Yeoh, who graced Busan with her presence after a long time, expressed her special affection, saying, "Korean films are doing really well. I think they are a good role model for us to learn from. I hope Asian cinema continues to move forward with pride."She mentioned Korean directors Lee Chang-dong, Park Chan-wook, and Bong Joon-ho as directors she would like to work with, adding, "I also love K-pop, K-dramas, and Korean food. Most of all, I love Korean people."The 31st Busan International Film Festival, which Michelle Yeoh attended, will be held until the 15th at the Cinema Center and various locations in Busan. The photo shows her walking the red carpet at the opening ceremony of the '31st Busan International Film Festival (BIFF)' held at the Busan Cinema Center in Haeundae-gu, Busan on the afternoon of the 6th. /Busan=Kim Sung-ryeol ReporterBuilding on this success, she swept the Best Actress awards at major North American film awards such as the Oscars, SAG Awards, and Golden Globe Awards for 'Everything Everywhere All at Once' (2022). In 2026, she became the first Asian woman to receive an Honorary Golden Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival, once again cementing her great achievements in the film industry on the world stage.Reflecting on this, Michelle Yeoh said, "Youn Yuh-jung showed the status of Asian actors by becoming the first Asian to win the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in 2021. It was a great fortune for me to be able to participate in the Oscar race," and added, "At the time, it felt like a dream. Such achievements can inspire many people to think 'I can do it too,' and I gained the strength to continue moving forward."Despite achieving numerous accomplishments and proving her wide acting spectrum by showcasing new faces in every project throughout her long career, Michelle Yeoh's passion for acting still burns brightly.Michelle Yeoh stated, "I have love and passion for my work. I dream of new challenges every day and enjoy things that make my heart beat faster. I am very curious and like new experiences. You can see this from my filmography," and emphasized, "Every role I play is different, and these things excite me. I want to make not just the audience, but everyone feel that."She also expressed her dream of venturing into Europe, saying, "Thank you for the warm welcome. I hope to be able to come again before another 15 years have passed."Meanwhile, the 31st Busan International Film Festival will be held until the 15th at the Cinema Center and various locations in Busan.[Entertainment Department | ssent@tf.co.kr]jiyoon-1031@tf.co.kr]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Two people entangled by electricity... stills revealedFirst released on the 9th at 5 PMNetflix's new original series 'Charge Me Up', starring actors Kim Young-kwang (above) and Chae Soo-bin, will be released for the first time on the 9th. /Netflix[THE FACT | Reporter Moon Chae-young] Actors Kim Young-kwang and Chae Soo-bin are getting closer through 'electric charging'.On the 7th, the production team of Netflix's new original series 'Charge Me Up' (written by Song Yu-chae, directed by Park Soo-won) released stills capturing the thrilling chemistry between Kim Young-kwang and Chae Soo-bin.'Charge Me Up' is a romantic comedy drama that depicts the romance between Baek Ho-rang (played by Kim Young-kwang), whose artificial heart battery is drained, and Na Bo-bae (played by Chae Soo-bin), who has electric abilities.The 'Romance Charge' stills capture the electrifying moments of Baek Ho-rang and Na Bo-bae. The sight of Baek Ho-rang and Na Bo-bae, both wearing patient gowns side by side, signals the beginning of an unusual relationship. In particular, curiosity is drawn to what story is hidden when Na Bo-bae stares intently at Baek Ho-rang and then blocks his approaching lips.Netflix's new original series 'Charge Me Up' has released stills containing the romance and excitement of actors Kim Young-kwang and Chae Soo-bin. /NetflixThere is a 'charging contract' between Baek Ho-rang, who is trying to charge his depleted artificial heart, and Na Bo-bae, who is trying to complete a romance script. As they get closer, the 'romance gauge' between the two rises, just like the battery gets charged. Baek Ho-rang's gaze towards Na Bo-bae deepens, and her expression and smile as she looks at him are filled with fluttering excitement.Stills capturing the couple's sweet date scenes also catch the eye. Baek Ho-rang, who is holding Na Bo-bae in his arms, and their birthday party and amusement park date, where they fulfill their desires, are captured, foreshadowing excitement.Director Park Soo-won said, "The key point to watch in 'Charge Me Up' is the emotional line of Baek Ho-rang and Na Bo-bae, who go through a severe period of denial of their feelings for each other," adding, "It will be a romantic comedy that rapidly charges the viewers' enjoyment by deliciously oscillating between sweetness and thrill."'Charge Me Up', consisting of a total of 10 episodes, will be released on the 9th at 5 PM.mcy21@tf.co.kr[Entertainment Department | ssent@tf.co.kr]]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900 First Lineup of 12 Teams AnnouncedTo be held at KINTEX on December 31The year-end festival 'Countdown Fantasy 2026~2027' has announced its first lineup of 12 teams. / Mint Paper[THE FACT|Reporter Choi Hyun-jung] The festival 'Countdown Fantasy,' which marks the end and beginning of the year, has confirmed its holding this year.The organizer, Mint Paper, announced the news of 'Countdown Fantasy 2026~2027' and its first lineup of 12 teams on the 7th.The first lineup includes Hyukoh, who released their new song 'Godspeed!' for the first time in about six years, and Silica Gel, who successfully concluded their first solo concert at KSPO Dome, along with FTISLAND, The Solutions, ONEWE, Kardi, Far East Tiger, Idiotape, Low High Low, AxMxP, Oysters, and Forgers.Notably, Silica Gel continues their special connection by participating in 'Countdown Fantasy' again this year, following last year.A Mint Paper official said, "In addition to the performances, on-site content and programs that can only be found at 'Countdown Fantasy' will also be prepared," and added, "As it will be held for only one day this year, we plan to bring together artists and programs so that you can enjoy every moment without worry/dilemma."'Countdown Fantasy 2026~2027' will be held at KINTEX Halls 7 and 8 in Ilsan on December 31. More details can be found on the official social media.laugardagr@tf.co.kr[Entertainment Department | ssent@tf.co.kr]]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900 A Detective's Observation of a Murder SuspectFirst broadcast on the 19th at 8:50 PMStill images of actors Seol In-ah (top) and Im Si-wan, who are appearing in tvN's new Monday-Tuesday drama 'My Guilty Person,' have been released. /tvN[THE FACT|Reporter Choi Soo-bin] Actor Seol In-ah breaks into a cold sweat over Im Si-wan's true nature.The production team of tvN's new Monday-Tuesday drama 'My Guilty Person' (written by Moon Soo-jung, directed by Park Dan-hee) released stills of Yoon Yi-joon (played by Im Si-wan) and Kang Jae-hee (played by Seol In-ah), who are entangled in the drama.'My Guilty Person' is a close-thriller romance about Yoon Yi-joon, an arrogant third-generation chaebol accused of murder, and Kang Jae-hee, a former special forces detective who infiltrates his life as his personal assistant.Yoon Yi-joon is a person who is meticulous about managing his public image. As the likely heir to the Taekang Group, he cannot afford to show even the slightest flaw. Therefore, he always maintains a neat appearance and a poker face, and consistently upholds a proper image with an unwavering attitude even in official settings where numerous eyes are on him.His personal assistant, Kang Jae-hee, also cannot let her guard down for a moment. Even a minor mistake could tarnish her employer's image, so she needs to be extremely careful with every word and action around Yoon Yi-joon.However, in private, Yoon Yi-joon shows a completely different side. While he maintained a dignified demeanor outside, he relaxes considerably and reveals his demanding and sensitive nature without filter. Furthermore, he emphasizes to Kang Jae-hee, who must protect him, that he should always be his top priority, causing his personal assistant to break into a cold sweat.As such, Kang Jae-hee's life as a personal assistant is expected to be far from smooth due to Yoon Yi-joon's contrasting personalities, clearly distinguishing between his public and private lives. It remains to be seen whether Kang Jae-hee can successfully assist the demanding employer Yoon Yi-joon while also completing her original mission of investigation.'My Guilty Person,' consisting of a total of 12 episodes, will premiere on the 19th at 8:50 PM.subin7134@tf.co.kr[Entertainment Department | ssent@tf.co.kr]]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Today (7th), a press conference for the competition jury was held.The 'Busan Award' will be presented in five categories for 13 Asian films.Director Zhang Yimou, who served as the head of the competition jury for the 31st Busan International Film Festival, said, "I hope that all Asian film festivals, including Busan, Tokyo, and Beijing, will continue to develop and succeed so that the world can recognize our excellence." / Busan International Film Festival Secretariat[THE FACT|Reporter Park Ji-yoon] A jury of seven, led by director Zhang Yimou, is ready to discover great films at the 31st Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), Asia's largest film festival.The press conference for the competition jury of the 31st Busan International Film Festival was held on the morning of the 7th at the BIFF Hill of the Busan Cinema Center. The jury, consisting of director Zhang Yimou, who attended the event as the jury president, director Byun Sung-hyun, director Ishikawa Kei, director Jung Ju-ri, and Kazakh actress Samal Yeslyamova and Choi Hee-seo, answered questions from reporters and shared various stories.This year, the Busan International Film Festival achieved a remarkable feat by being selected as an 'A-list film festival' by the International Federation of Film Producers Associations (FIAPF), placing it alongside world-renowned festivals such as Cannes, Berlin, and Venice.Meanwhile, the competition section of the Busan International Film Festival, now in its second year, boasts an even more robust lineup based on its first year's success. This year, they will present the 'Busan Award' in five categories for 13 Asian films that exhibit both completeness and individuality. The winner of the 'Busan Award Grand Prize' will be eligible to submit for the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film, drawing significant attention to the results.Regarding this, Director Zhang Yimou stated, "The Busan International Film Festival is already an important film festival in Asia, and I believe it is becoming increasingly important. The international influence of Korean cinema is growing, and films from various Asian countries are also making strides. Therefore, I hope that all Asian film festivals, including Busan, Tokyo, and Beijing, will continue to develop and succeed so that the world can recognize our excellence."The 31st Busan International Film Festival will be held until the 15th at the Busan Cinema Center and various locations in Busan. / Busan = Reporter Park Heon-wooDirector Jung Ju-ri, who also became a jury member, shared her thoughts, saying, "Around this time last year, I was filming and hoping I could attend the Busan International Film Festival next year, and now I get to judge the competition section. It is an honor to watch films with such distinguished individuals."She added, "I believe the Busan International Film Festival is already a world-class festival. It is a unique festival for introducing Asian cinema to the world and discovering talent." She expressed her curiosity, "It is already world-class, but I wonder how it will develop and advance in the future."Choi Hee-seo, who will be presenting her film 'Bad Fork Park,' co-starring Son Suk-ku, and is now a jury member, has a particularly special meaning for this Busan International Film Festival.She confessed, "I wondered if I could even do it, but I felt that even if it were difficult, I could gain great learning experiences by working with the competition jury members." She expressed her firm determination, "I will approach this with a sense of responsibility, engage in active and in-depth discussions, and conduct a thorough evaluation."The jury members, who pledged to "find good films" at the opening ceremony held the previous day, are now ready to share their insights. So, what exactly do they consider a good film?Director Byun Sung-hyun explained, "There are various kinds of good films, and you can intuitively feel a bad film. Based on my experience, I will focus on films that are guaranteed to be impactful. I believe films that make it into the competition have overcome something that was blocking them, express themselves without reservation, and broaden human emotions."Choi Hee-seo stated, "A good film is one that doesn't provide answers but poses questions, and becomes another beginning when the audience leaves the theater. Recently, after watching 'Love Without a Cause,' I talked with my father for about five minutes in front of the theater. Through this, I learned about myself and my father, and what we think love is. While there are many aesthetically and technically excellent films, I believe a good film is one that helps you understand yourself and inspires a desire to become a better person."Director Jung Ju-ri, Tran Thi Bich Ngoc, Choi Hee-seo, Ishikawa Kei, Samal Yeslyamova, and Byun Sung-hyun (from top left, clockwise) will serve as jury members for the competition section along with director Zhang Yimou. / Busan International Film Festival SecretariatA question also arose regarding 'The Assassins.' This film traces the suspicions and behind-the-scenes of the assassination of the First Lady that shocked South Korea on August 15, 1974.'The Assassins' dominated the Chuseok holiday box office upon its release. However, some later raised concerns about historical distortion, citing scenes suggesting the involvement of former President Park Chung-hee or the Central Intelligence Agency in the incident. The film became the center of various controversies, with allegations of Chinese capital involvement also surfacing.As the controversy surrounding the film intensified, the production company eventually canceled its stage greetings and official schedule at the 31st Busan International Film Festival. They added that this decision was made after careful consideration of the potential impact not only on the film's participants but also on the audience and theater staff.Regarding this, Director Zhang Yimou commented, "It is difficult to find a definitive answer regarding the relationship between historical truth and creation in a short period. Creation is creation, and sometimes it is not based on truth or facts." He added, "In the film industry, we often say, 'Be based on life, but go beyond life.'"He continued, "However, I think we need to consider it from the audience's perspective. The question of whether historical truth itself is truly true is something to ponder. In a way, this might be the most interesting and attractive aspect of cinema."Director Jung Ju-ri, who has solidified her unique directorial style with films like 'A Girl at My Door' and 'Next Sohee,' also shared her thoughts. She said, "I have also met audiences with films based on real events, and films are made with fictional stories and characters, and this has never wavered for me. However, I feel intimidated even though it's not a film I made." She frankly admitted, "Even knowing that people can be hurt by films, I wonder what to do when such reactions occur."Director Jung emphasized, "Nevertheless, filmmakers must take full responsibility. We make films expecting criticism and seeking empathy from the audience, so I believe it is important to continue this work."The 31st Busan International Film Festival will be held until the 15th at the Busan Cinema Center and various locations in Busan.jiyoon-1031@tf.co.kr[Entertainment Desk | ssent@tf.co.kr]]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Includes 6 songs, including the title track 'All Of My Life'Released on the 19th at 6 PMSinger MAX released teaser content for their third mini-album 'All Of My Life.' / SM Entertainment[THE FACT|Reporter Choi Hyun-jung] MAX of group TVXQ! transforms into an energetic rocker.Agency SM Entertainment released teaser content for MAX's third mini-album 'All Of My Life' on TVXQ!'s official social media on the 7th.The teaser content features MAX enjoying a sense of liberation on a rooftop against a blue sky. MAX's third mini-album 'All Of My Life' includes 6 songs with diverse charms, including the title track 'All Of My Life,' 'Hot Blood,' and 'Yeah We Go.'The included song 'Hot Blood' is a powerful pop-rock song centered around intense distortion guitar and driving stadium drums, delivering excitement with MAX's strong vocals and chants. The lyrics depict the process of breaking through the impossible and surpassing a new self.Another included song, 'Yeah We Go,' is an energetic rock song featuring impressive rough drums and distortion guitar sounds, and MAX solely wrote the lyrics. It conveys the will to push through to the end and move forward with a refreshing vocal style.With this 'All Of My Life,' filled with rock genre songs, MAX is determined to more clearly show their unique musical color and authenticity.MAX will release 'All Of My Life' on various music sites on the 19th at 6 PM.laugardagr@tf.co.kr[Entertainment Department | ssent@tf.co.kr]]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900 A mother and son reunite after 9 years... chilling tensionScheduled for theatrical release on October 21Actors Kim Hyun-joo (left) and Bae Hyun-sung will appear in the film 'Paradise' directed by Yeon Sang-ho. /CJ ENM[THE FACT | Reporter Moon Chae-young] Actors Kim Hyun-joo and Bae Hyun-sung reveal the depths of their characters.Distributor CJ ENM released two character posters on the 7th, featuring the mother and son duo Ryu So-young (played by Kim Hyun-joo) and Ryu Seon-woo (played by Bae Hyun-sung), who lead the story of the film 'Paradise' (directed by Yeon Sang-ho).'Paradise' is a psychological thriller that begins when Ryu Seon-woo, who was presumed dead, miraculously returns to his mother Ryu So-young, who lost her son in a camping school bus disappearance incident 9 years ago. It is the new film from director Yeon Sang-ho, who directed 'Train to Busan' and 'The Host'.Ryu So-young's poster features an intense gaze that evokes a chilling tension. The 9 years Ryu So-young has lived after losing her beloved son are condensed into a single expression. The caption, "Whatever you've done, you're my son," reveals a maternal instinct that refuses to give up on her son.Ryu Seon-woo's poster shows an expressionless face that is difficult to read. Behind his disheveled hair and weary appearance, his unrevealed emotions hint at the 9 years he has endured. The caption, "You wouldn't accept a son who's become a monster like this, would you?" heightens curiosity about his story, which has led him to call himself a monster.The two lines spoken by the mother, who tries to hold on but wavers, and the unfamiliar son who returns after 9 years, hint at the desperate truth they will face.'Paradise,' a collaboration between Kim Hyun-joo, Bae Hyun-sung, and director Yeon Sang-ho, will be released on October 21.mcy21@tf.co.kr[Entertainment Department | ssent@tf.co.kr]]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Singer SUNG HANBIN released the third concept photo of their first solo EP ’DEAD:ALIVE’ on the afternoon of the 6th through their official SNS. In this concept photo, SUNG HANBIN attracted attention with black clothing, bandaged hands, and makeup depicting wounds on various parts of the face. The black-and-white photo created a heavy atmosphere with a clear profile line, while the close-up shot of the eyes featured small red flowers blooming along the wounds, creating a unique contrast. In front of a red background, SUNG HANBIN raised a bandaged hand close to their head, emphasizing a sharp gaze and stylish poses in various shots that highlighted their captivating visuals. Additionally, photos featuring both bandaged hands close together, a back view with wing-shaped objects on the back, and small white flowers placed on soil with footprints were also revealed, utilizing unique objects and compositions. SUNG HANBIN showcased concept photos with three different atmospheres, revealing various charms through changes in gaze, facial expressions, and poses that matched the clothing and objects. According to The Live Label, SUNG HANBIN’s first solo EP ’DEAD:ALIVE’ is an album that captures the process of ’self-transcendence,’ growing into a new self by breaking through the limits that once confined them without stopping in the face of fear. The album is scheduled to be released on various music platforms at 6 PM on the 12th.]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900 TWS will release their second single album, ’TO US,’ on November 2nd at 6 PM. Producer Han Seong-su and MYAMYA were in charge of production for this album, with direction by DAEHEE HAN. Assistant directors MYUNGGWON CHOI and MINJE JIN, and post assistant director EUNJI RYU participated. Producer HEEYEON HONG, line producer GYEONGNYEON KIM, and post producer DAHYEON KWON also contributed to the production. The filming team included ANDY IERE KIM as director of photography, 1st JUYOUNG AN, 2nd YOUNJI CHOI, DIT YUSUN YUN, and 3rd JONGHWAN JEON. The grip team had SANGJUN LEE as key grip, JUNHEE LEE as best boy, and BAEWON JEON and DONGROK HAN worked together on FPV drone shooting. Lighting was led by JUNSEOK OH, and show lights were managed by J SHOW COMPANY. Sound mixing was handled by MINCHEOL KIM. The stunt team BIBEOM included director Shin Yusik and stunt crew Park Gapjin and Park Jincheol. Art direction was by YOONU LEE, with SUMIN HA as art team PD. Editing was done by DAEHEE HAN and EUNJI RYU, with collaboration from experts in mixed media art, typography, color, sound design, and 2D/AI VFX. TWS members mentioned their routine of tying their shoelaces tightly before going on stage, saying that the most nerve-wracking moment is when they reveal something for the first time. They also expressed that being able to feel emotions means being alive. To gain energy before the stage, members shared their own methods such as taking supplements or talking with each other. Some expressed that it doesn’t have to be perfect in the practice room, which actually makes it feel more beautiful. One member spoke about the feelings when others have what they do not, saying, ″I think when it comes to axes, I can beat all five of them combined.″ Another member honestly shared, ″I just try to believe in myself. It’s still a bit difficult though.″ They also expressed a desire to see more than just happy expressions from the members. Fans can connect with TWS through various channels including their official website, YouTube, X (Twitter), Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and Weverse.]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Teaming up with Park Myung-soo&Kang So-raUnpredictable trip announcedActors Chun Woo-hee, broadcaster Park Myung-soo, and EXO SEHUN KAI (from top left, clockwise) will appear on ENA's new variety show 'The Great Escape World Tour 4'. /THE FACT DB[THE FACT|Reporter Choi Soo-bin] Actors Chun Woo-hee&Kang So-ra, broadcaster Park Myung-soo, and EXO KAI&SEHUN will join 'The Great Escape World Tour 4'.ENA announced on the 7th, "The new variety show 'The Great Escape World Tour' Season 4 (hereinafter referred to as 'The Great Escape 4') will premiere on the 17th at 7:50 PM."'The Great Escape', which started with Season 1 in 2023, is a program where travel creators Pani Bottle, Kwak Tube, and Wonji participate in a world travel game designed by PD Kim Tae-ho. Season 4 returns with an expanded scale, adding a new concept called 'The Great Escape Travel Film Festival' set across the globe.New travel partners will also join this season. Chun Woo-hee, Kang So-ra, EXO KAI&SEHUN, and veteran entertainer Park Myung-soo, all active in different fields, will embark on a journey with Pani Bottle, Kwak Tube, and Wonji.In addition, travel partners from other fields are expected to be revealed. Attention is focused on who the still-veiled partners will be and what new chemistry they will show when they meet the members.'The Great Escape 4' will premiere on the 17th at 7:50 PM.subin7134@tf.co.kr[Entertainment Department | ssent@tf.co.kr]]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Officially released on November 2ndGroup TWS will release their second single 'TO US' on November 2nd. / Pledis Entertainment[THE FACT|Reporter Choi Hyun-jung] Group TWS is back with 'the most honest music right now.'Pledis Entertainment announced on the 7th, " TWS (SHINYU DOHOON YOUNGJAE HANJIN JIHOON KYUNGMIN) will release their second single 'TO US' on November 2nd."The new single 'TO US,' which shares the same name and pronunciation as the group's name, contains the honest stories that TWS wants to tell right now. The six members will share their various emotions and concerns, offering courage and comfort to those living in the same era.On the 7th, TWS also released 'TWS Being Together : TO US' on their official YouTube channel. The video captured interviews with the members before going on stage with a raw, textured visual style.When asked about a moment of intense competitiveness, TWS replied, "When I realize someone else has something I don't," and regarding their biggest source of support, they shared, "The '42 (fandom name)' who cheer me on from up close," and "I try to believe in myself. It's still difficult," revealing their inner thoughts.At the end of the video, TWS is shown throwing themselves into bright lights, heightening anticipation for their new leap forward and energy to be showcased through the new release.This year, TWS has had a dazzling run. They led the 'angtal challenge' trend with the title track 'OVERDRIVE' from their fourth mini-album, and their fifth mini-album 'NO TRAGEDY' became a 'million-seller' just four days after its release.Regarding the single 'TO US,' which is expected to continue this momentum, Pledis Entertainment stated, "This new work allows you to experience the sincere stories of TWS, who have become even stronger by running non-stop since 2026," and requested, "We ask for your great anticipation to see how the experiences and growth accumulated by the six members are reflected in this single."laugardagr@tf.co.kr[Entertainment Department | ssent@tf.co.kr]]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Joining as MC for Season 3, following Season 2First released on October 9th at 7 PMActor Lee Yi-kyung has been selected as the MC for Season 3 of E Channel's web variety show 'Hyung-suda'. /THE FACT DB[THE FACT | Reporter Moon Chae-young] Actor Lee Yi-kyung will join 'Hyung-suda 3' as MC.The production team of E Channel's web variety show 'Hyung-suda' Season 3 (hereinafter referred to as 'Hyung-suda 3') announced on the 7th that "Lee Yi-kyung is scheduled to be active as the MC for 'Hyung-suda 3', which will be released on the 9th following Season 2," and added, "Based on a long-standing trust, the production team made the offer first."'Hyung-suda' is a spin-off program of E Channel's entertainment show 'Brave Detectives', and it is a web variety show that unravels the behind-the-scenes stories of criminal cases through free talk. It started in April 2025 with Season 1 and has confirmed Season 3 due to its steady popularity.Lee Yi-kyung, who was active as an MC in the previous Season 2, will be joining for Season 3 as well. With his witty speaking skills and quick wit, he will lead 'Hyung-suda 3' along with profiler Kwon Il-yong.In particular, this Season 3 is expected to feature experts from various fields to discuss in-depth crime stories. This raises anticipation for Lee Yi-kyung's performance.'Hyung-suda 3' will be released every Friday at 7 PM starting from the 9th on the YouTube channel 'Hyungsa-deul-ui Suda'.mcy21@tf.co.kr[Entertainment Department | ssent@tf.co.kr]]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Concerts in Lima, Peru on the 7th, 9th, and 10thVarious commemorative events to be heldVarious events are underway in Lima, Peru, ahead of the concert by group BTS. The photo shows BTS performing in Bogota, Colombia. / Big Hit Music[THE FACT|Reporter Choi Hyun-jung] Group BTS is painting Lima, Peru purple.According to agency Big Hit Music on the 7th, BTS (RM SUGA Jin V J-HOPE JUNG KOOK JIMIN) will hold 'BTS WORLD TOUR ARIRANG IN LIMA' at Estadio San Marcos in Lima, Peru on the 7th, 9th, and 10th local time.This is the first time BTS is holding a concert in Lima, Peru since their debut. As a result, Lima is buzzing with 'Welcome BTS' across the entire city.First, 'Avenida BTS' appeared in Lima. The district of Santiago de Surco has decided to temporarily call Calle Sacramento in the Surco area 'Avenida BTS' from the 5th to the 11th for one week and has installed signs to announce this.Various attractions to welcome them have also been prepared throughout the city. The Arco Morisco, a representative landmark of Parque de la Amistad in Surco, was lit up in purple on the 5th and will have a light show for BTS every day until the 11th.At the Fuente de la Fantasía in the Circuito Mágico del Agua, another representative tourist attraction in Lima, a BTS themed event using music, light, and water screens will be held during the same period.BTS's visit is also being highlighted on 'Peru Travel,' Peru's official tourism website. 'Peru Travel' is spotlighting the Lima concert as an opportunity to introduce the country's gastronomy, culture, and natural landscapes, and is encouraging visitors from all over the world to explore various regions of Peru.Prior to the Lima concert, BTS kicked off their South American tour at Estadio El Campín in Bogota, Colombia on the 2nd and 3rd, performing for approximately 100,000 fans over two days.Rolling Stone en Español commented on the concert, stating, "BTS met expectations and delivered more than expected at many moments," and called it "the concert an entire generation has been waiting for."laugardagr@tf.co.kr[Entertainment Department | ssent@tf.co.kr]]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900 'Sky Land Star Land' Achieves Group's Best PerformanceCited as an example of the difficult K-pop production environmentGroup UNIS's 'Sky Land Star Land,' released on September 8, is achieving higher results after announcing its disbandment./F&F Entertainment[THE FACT|Reporter Choi Hyun-jung] Group UNIS is causing much regret with its 'late achievement.'UNIS (JIN HYEONJU NANA GEHLEE KOTOKO BANG YUNHA ELISIA OH YOONA LIM SEOWON)'s single 'Sky Land Star Land,' released on September 8, is receiving a positive response on major music charts, including Melon HOT 100 (30 days) at 20th place and HOT 100 (100 days) at 33rd place, as well as YouTube Music Weekly Popular Songs Chart at 33rd place and Weekly Shorts Popular Songs Chart at 20th place.While direct comparison is difficult as it is a digital single without a physical album release, in terms of digital sales alone, this is a 'career-high' achievement for UNIS.While this is a situation that should clearly bring joy based on performance alone, the reality is the opposite. This is because UNIS concluded their project and all activities on September 26.The halt of UNIS's activities leaves significant regret in two main aspects. The first is that it was 'too sudden.'Of course, UNIS was formed through the SBS survival audition 'Universe Ticket,' and it is true that a 2-year and 6-month activity period was set from the time of their debut. However, the termination of UNIS's activities was a shock because it occurred without prior notice while they were actively engaged in promotions right up until then.In fact, UNIS released their first Japanese mini-album 'UNI☆Sparkle!' in July and was actively promoting in Japan until September. Furthermore, they released 'Sky Land Star Land' on September 8, engaged in domestic music show promotions, and even released a new single 'Milky Way' on September 23.Given this, announcing the end of their activities just three days later was enough for fans to feel like the group was suddenly disbanding.The second aspect is, of course, the success of 'Sky Land Star Land.' As explained earlier, 'Sky Land Star Land' is the song that recorded the best start among all the songs UNIS has released so far, and it also received praise for 'finally finding their fitting color.''Sky Land Star Land' was already generating a lot of buzz before the disbandment announcement. Analysis suggests that the announcement of disbandment, combined with its original popularity, led to even greater popularity./F&F EntertainmentJust as they seemed to be truly shining, their wings were clipped before they could fully spread, leaving no choice but to feel regret.Some analyze the success of 'Sky Land Star Land' as a kind of 'scarcity effect.' The argument is that interest surged due to the psychology that they could no longer be seen after disbandment. The 'scarcity effect' is an analysis that is gaining considerable traction in the industry.However, even taking that into account, the popularity of 'Sky Land Star Land' was undeniably at a level that could not be easily overlooked. Even before the announcement of the end of activities, the song had already reached 28th place on Melon HOT 100 (30 days) on September 12, and videos comparing the original artist Bibi's stage with UNIS's stage were also gaining significant traction on short-form platforms.The performance industry was the most direct recipient of the increased interest in UNIS. A representative from the performance industry told , "After the release of 'Sky Land Star Land,' inquiries for UNIS significantly increased, but we could not proceed with bookings due to the end of their activities. It is truly regrettable."While regret is unavoidable, what is now intriguing is the future whereabouts of the UNIS members. As of now, the only member whose future whereabouts have been precisely revealed is GEHLEE. GEHLEE announced a contract with a local management company in her home country of the Philippines on September 29 and has already begun her solo activities.For others, there are speculations about re-debuts for members like Kotoko, who enjoyed relatively high popularity in Japan, and LIM SEOWON, who, at 12 years old, still possesses significant age competitiveness. However, nothing has been officially confirmed yet. Furthermore, with members like Jin Hyun-ju and BANG YUNHA no longer having agencies, their future whereabouts are even more uncertain.A music industry official, identified as A, stated, "From what I hear, it seems like they will be fending for themselves." He added, "It hasn't been a long time since the end of activities was announced, and the individual members' recognition or popularity is not so high that there would be intense recruitment competition immediately after the announcement. Therefore, their final whereabouts will likely become clear after some more time has passed."Currently, GEHLEE is the only member of UNIS whose future whereabouts have been confirmed. The activity status of the other members remains uncertain./F&F EntertainmentAdditionally, A pointed to the case of UNIS as an example illustrating the increasingly difficult reality of the K-pop industry.A commented, "Recently, there are more cases of teams formed through audition programs extending their contracts or activities. However, UNIS chose to end their activities despite having the opportunity. Ultimately, I believe they judged that it would be difficult to cover production costs no matter what." He added, "It feels bitter, like a case showing the reality of the K-pop industry where production costs are constantly increasing, while achieving results is becoming even more difficult."laugardagr@tf.co.kr[Entertainment Department | ssent@tf.co.kr]]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Singer Hwasa shared a photo capturing her relaxed daily life, updating fans on her recent status. Recently, Hwasa posted a photo on her SNS showing her leaning against a door wearing a white t-shirt and jeans. Her natural pose and direct gaze created a simple yet sophisticated atmosphere. In another photo, she wore a black sleeveless t-shirt paired with a skirt, wearing sunglasses under dim indoor lighting, looking straight ahead with a moody expression. A photo with a beautiful riverside night view also caught attention. Hwasa, dressed in a white t-shirt and jeans, leaned on a railing looking at the city lights, adding a sense of calmness. The post included a brief phrase, ″月亮代表我的心 (The moon represents my heart),″ drawing fans’ interest. Hwasa has been actively engaged in winter season campaigns and continues to share small moments from her daily life with fans, showcasing her approachable charm. She plans to communicate with fans through various music and activities in the future.]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Today (7th), a press conference for the Gala Presentation was held.The film, based on the popular manga of the same name,Director Hirokazu Kore-eda's "After the Storm" was selected for the Gala Presentation at the 31st Busan International Film Festival. The photo shows Ruka Okada, Furi Nanase, Natsuki Deguchi, and Aju Makita, and director Hirokazu Kore-eda (from left) walking the red carpet at the opening ceremony of the "31st Busan International Film Festival (BIFF)" held at the Busan Cinema Center in Haeundae-gu, Busan on the 6th. /Busan=Reporter Kim Sung-ryeol[THE FACT|Busan=Reporter Park Ji-yoon] Director Hirokazu Kore-eda has returned to Busan with "After the Storm." He, who cannot forget the shock he felt when he first read the original work, unravels a beautiful story with his unique sensibility, posing another question to the audience.The Gala Presentation of the film "After the Storm" (directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda) was held at the BIFF Hill of the Cinema Center on the morning of the 7th. Director Hirokazu Kore-eda, who directed the film, along with actors Natsuki Deguchi, Aju Makita, Furi Nanase, and Ruka Okada, attended the event and had various conversations with reporters."After the Storm," based on the manga of the same name by Japanese genius manga artist Tatsuki Fujimoto, is a story about the beautiful friendship between two girls connected by their passion for drawing. Following its animation adaptation, which grossed 2.04 billion yen worldwide, it is now meeting audiences again as a live-action film.The Gala Presentation, where "After the Storm" was featured, is a representative section of the film festival that carefully selects and introduces new works by world-renowned directors or the most talked-about films of the year, and allows directors and lead actors to meet the audience directly.Director Hirokazu Kore-eda, who visited Korea for this event, said, "I am happy to be able to come to the film festival with the actors with whom I have shared my work for a long time. The opening ceremony was spectacular, and I was happy that they even made a song with my name." He added, "I have always been invited to the Busan International Film Festival since my debut, so I have a special affection for it, and I am very happy to be able to come back with my work.""After the Storm," which opens on the 8th, is a story about the beautiful friendship between two girls connected by their passion for drawing. /Megabox JoongAng(주)Furi Nanase, who plays the young Fujino, said, "I walked the red carpet at the Venice International Film Festival, but the atmosphere of the Busan International Film Festival red carpet was different. I was nervous because so many people gathered, but it was fun because people waved their hands. It was also nice to see famous people."Aju Makita, who plays Kyomoto, added, "This is my first time at the Busan International Film Festival, and so many people came to the opening ceremony. I had a valuable experience attending the opening ceremony."Director Hirokazu Kore-eda recalled the reason for adapting the popular manga "After the Storm" into a film, drawing attention.He explained, "I can't forget the shock I felt when I accidentally found and read it at a bookstore. It made me question why people write stories, create, and make films, and I thought it was a story about what creators bear." He added, "Through the original work, I was able to face cinema again, and I wanted to express the shock I received at that time through the film."In particular, Director Hirokazu Kore-eda filmed on location for a year in Nikaho City, Akita Prefecture, the hometown of the original author Tatsuki Fujimoto, and beautifully captured the beloved story with his unique sensibility.Regarding this, he recalled, "The four actors were like my daughters, and the atmosphere on set was comfortable and peaceful." He continued, "Rather than directing in detail, I wanted to carefully capture the moments of the four seasons and the changes in light. I spent happy times living like the people who live in that town."The 31st Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), which opened on the 6th, will be held until the 15th at the Cinema Center and various locations in Busan. /Busan=Reporter Park Heon-wooHe then explained why he filmed the story of the two girls with a film camera. Director Hirokazu Kore-eda said, "Because it allows me to focus my consciousness on the moment that is happening only here and now." He added, "Although it may increase the tension for the actors, I believe that the tension that is only possible in this moment, when gathered, creates something on set. I believe this is captured in the work and conveyed to the audience. I am making the film with the thought that this is what cinema is."So, what about the actors who participated in the film? Natsuki Deguchi, who plays Fujino, explained the focus of her performance: "As the title of the movie 'After the Storm' suggests, there were many scenes where backs were shown, and emotions had to be expressed solely through the back. At the end, I was told to feel Kyomoto." She continued, "I filmed a lot with Aju Makita, but when I was alone, I felt lonely and desolate. It felt empty, as if we were together but not. I filmed while feeling those emotions."Finally, Director Hirokazu Kore-eda mentioned that he is still writing new works and expressed his special affection for Korea by saying, "I want to come back to the Busan International Film Festival with this.""After the Storm," which was officially invited to the competition section of the 83rd Venice International Film Festival and the Gala Presentation section of the 31st Busan International Film Festival, will be released nationwide in theaters on the 8th.Meanwhile, the 31st Busan International Film Festival will be held until the 15th at the Cinema Center and various locations in Busan.jiyoon-1031@tf.co.kr[Entertainment Department | ssent@tf.co.kr]]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900 'Solo Leveling' Additional Casting Lineup RevealedActors Han So-hee, Kang Yoo-seok, Jung Ji-hoon, Lee Sung-min, and Sung Joon (from top left, clockwise) will appear in Netflix's new original series, 'Solo Leveling.' /THE FACT DB[THE FACT | Reporter Moon Chae-young] Actors Han So-hee, Kang Yoo-seok, Sung Joon, Lee Sung-min, and Jung Ji-hoon have confirmed their participation in 'Solo Leveling.'On the 7th, Netflix released the additional casting lineup for its new original series 'Solo Leveling' (written by Kang San&Lee Hae-jun, directed by Lee Hae-jun&Han Dong-wook), which includes Han So-hee, Kang Yoo-seok, Sung Joon, Lee Sung-min, and Jung Ji-hoon. They will enrich the story of the work alongside another lead actor, Byeon Wooseok, whose casting was previously announced.'Solo Leveling' tells the story of Sung Jin-woo (Byeon Wooseok), who is called the weakest among the hunters protecting the real world from monsters beyond the gates, an 'E-class hunter.' He awakens in the face of death and levels up to become the 'strongest hunter' who will save the world. It is based on a popular web novel.Han So-hee will play Cha Hae-in, Korea's 9th S-class hunter and the only female S-class hunter. Her trademark is a long sword, and she protects the real world from monsters. Kang Yoo-seok will portray Yoo Jin-ho, the second son of Yoo Jin Group, who follows and helps Sung Jin-woo like an older brother after participating in a dungeon quest with him.Sung Joon will play Woo Jin-cheol, the head of the Hunter Association's surveillance department, who monitors and tracks the movements of hunters. He is also an A-class hunter and the first person to suspect Sung Jin-woo's reawakening.Lee Sung-min and Jung Ji-hoon will make special appearances in 'Solo Leveling.' Lee Sung-min will transform into Go Gun-hee, the chairman of the Hunter Association, who manages all hunters in Korea and can activate the hunter mobilization order in emergencies. Jung Ji-hoon will play Baek Yoon-ho, the head of the Baekho Guild, an S-class hunter who can transform into a beast.Director Han Dong-wook has joined as a co-director. Known for his stylish noir direction in the film 'For Love or Money' and the Disney+ series 'The Worst of Evil,' he is expected to further enhance the action and story completion of 'Solo Leveling.'The release date for 'Solo Leveling' has not yet been confirmed.mcy21@tf.co.kr[Entertainment Department | ssent@tf.co.kr]]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900 'The Silla Army Itself' Kim Yu-sin Role... Stills RevealedFirst Broadcast on November 14Character stills of actor Park Sung-woong, who appears in KBS2's new historical drama 'Moomoo', have been released. /KBS2[THE FACT|Reporter Choi Soo-bin] Actor Park Sung-woong will protect Silla with the spirit of a general burning fiercely on the brutal battlefield.The production team of KBS2's new historical drama 'Moomoo' (written by Kim Ri-heon&Hong Jin-yi, directed by Kim Young-jo&Gu Seong-jun) released character stills of actor Park Sung-woong, who plays Kim Yu-sin, on the 7th.'Moomoo' is a work that depicts the desperate and lonely epic of leaders who risked everything for a single victory amidst 600 years of continuous warfare and internal upheavals in the Three Kingdoms.In the drama, Park Sung-woong plays Kim Yu-sin, 'the Silla Army itself,' who defends the battlefield without wavering through numerous crises. He is a humble individual who mingles freely with anyone regardless of their status, but the moment he answers the call of his country and dons his armor, he becomes Silla's greatest general, advancing only towards victory.He is also a loyal figure who, while sometimes exchanging sharp opinions with his family and political allies Kim Beop-min (played by Lee Hyun-wook) and Kim Chun-chu (played by Kim Kang-woo), is the first to step forward when they are in danger. Joining forces with them to rectify a world devastated by war, he boldly advances towards the grand task of unifying the Three Kingdoms.The stills capture Kim Yu-sin's demeanor, oscillating between the majesty of a great general roaming the battlefield and his human charm. Clad in armor, he overwhelms the battlefield with his firm gaze and unwavering presence, revealing the dignity of a general.In contrast, in his civilian attire, he displays a softer side with his hearty laughter and gentle smile, exuding humble humanity. Attention is focused on how Park Sung-woong will complete Kim Yu-sin, oscillating between the charisma of a strong general and approachable humanity.'Moomoo', consisting of a total of 28 episodes, will premiere on November 14.subin7134@tf.co.kr[Entertainment Department | ssent@tf.co.kr]]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Tomorrow X Together (TXT) Yeonjun continued his fashion journey by attending the Miu Miu 2027 Spring/Summer fashion show held in Paris. Yeonjun completed a sophisticated look by pairing an olive jacket with checkered pants and a white shirt, drawing attention with a pose facing forward in front of a solid purple background while holding a bag in one hand. In early October, Yeonjun received consistent attention in the fashion world by participating in a luxury brand event in Seoul. In particular, this attendance at the Miu Miu fashion show is regarded as an opportunity to continue his connection with global luxury brands. Yeonjun has established himself as a versatile entertainer, actively working not only in music but also as an MC, in variety shows, and in fashion. At this event, Yeonjun captured the attention of local fans and industry insiders with his sharp gaze and sophisticated styling, and he also shared attendance verification photos through Miu Miu’s official SNS, receiving a warm response. Yeonjun plans to expand his unique style by collaborating with various fashion brands in the future.]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900 MAX, a member of TVXQ! and a solo artist, is making a comeback with a new mini album after about 4 years and 9 months. On October 19 at 6 PM, he will release his third mini album, ″All Of My Life,″ showcasing a new side of himself as a solo singer. This album, ″All Of My Life,″ is composed of pop tracks that blend emotional electric guitar sounds with powerful drums to deliver rich energy. Featuring a total of six songs, this work is expected to expand MAX’s musical spectrum even further. Additionally, MAX will hold his first solo concert in Korea titled ″MAX CHANGMIN LIVE SESSION: RESONANCE″ at Yes24 Live Hall from November 6 to 8. The concert has received a warm response, selling out all three shows. Following this, he plans to continue his Asia tour in Macau and Taipei in January 2027. Since debuting as a member of TVXQ!, MAX has been recognized for his outstanding vocal skills and stage presence through his solo activities. Recently, he has been actively engaging with fans by sharing his daily life and musical communication on social media. In the photoshoot, wearing a yellow jacket, black T-shirt, and shorts, he caught attention with his diverse charms, posing naturally by jumping or waving a paper airplane against a clear blue sky background. Moving forward, MAX is expected to continue his active promotions centered on the album release and concerts. ″All Of My Life,″ which will be released on October 19, will be available at music stores and various online music platforms. Fans have high expectations for the new songs he will present after a long time through this comeback.]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Broadcaster Baek Jong-won revealed an ultra-simple way to eat radish rice. Recently, Baek Jong-won posted a photo on his SNS showing a bowl of radish and rice on a wooden table, accompanied by the short phrase, ″Eat ultra-simple ’radish’ rice like this.″ The neatly presented radish rice in the photo caught the viewers’ attention. Baek Jong-won introduced a radish rice recipe that can be enjoyed easily without any complicated cooking process, emphasizing a cooking method that can be easily followed in daily life. He is well-known for presenting simple yet delicious dishes that highlight the natural flavors of the ingredients, earning great responses from many people. Meanwhile, Baek Jong-won has recently reduced his broadcasting activities and is focusing on overseas expansion through The Born Korea. Nevertheless, he continues to engage with fans by sharing cooking tips and simple recipes regularly via SNS.]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Comedian Park Myung-soo expressed his affection for his family through SNS, sharing heartwarming news. Along with a post marking the stroke of midnight, Park Myung-soo revealed messages saying, ″First of all, happy birthday to my father,″ and ″Congratulations Park Myung-soo! Stay healthy Park Myung-soo! I love you Park Myung-soo!″ Unlike his usual cheerful image, this post caught attention with a photo of him looking seriously straight at the camera and wearing a pink crown. Park Myung-soo stood in front of a plain dark background wearing a gray long-sleeve T-shirt and jeans, sharing encouragement for his family and himself with his fans. Meanwhile, Park Myung-soo was recently selected as the model for GS Shop’s biggest shopping event of the second half of the year, ’Fantasy S,’ and has been actively promoting it. Based on his friendly and cheerful image as a comedian, he continues to engage in various activities by presenting content that announces brand discounts and events. His sincere feelings for his family and efforts to strengthen communication with the public stand out.]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900 IVE member Ahn Yujin posted several photos on her social media (SNS) account on the 6th with the caption ″I love Paris.″ The released photos show Ahn Yujin posing with the night view of the Eiffel Tower in the background while attending Paris Fashion Week. Ahn Yujin wore a brown leather jumper and denim hot pants, showcasing a sophisticated and trendy style, and also posed as if pinching the Eiffel Tower with her fingers using perspective. Ahn Yujin attracted attention with her tall height of 173cm and slender legs, smiling with dimples. Fans left various comments such as ″Parisian,″ ″What’s up with those long legs?″, ″Yujin capturing romance,″ and ″As beautiful as the view from Sein Gang.″ Meanwhile, IVE is set to release a new mini-album titled Looks Can Kill on the 26th. This album includes a total of six tracks: the title track ″Looks Can Kill,″ ″Mirror Mirror,″ ″SNAKESKIN,″ ″CRUMBS,″ ″Girls Girls Girls,″ and ″Glow Motion.″]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Sunja, a contestant from the 31st season of ″I Am Solo,″ revealed plans to go on dates every Friday after finishing filming ″Senior’s Interference″ with Kyungsoo. On October 5th, Sunja shared multiple photos on her social media along with the message, ″The 6 weeks of filming are all done.″ The photos showed Sunja and Kyungsoo together. Sunja stated, ″Every Friday, I went to work at 8 a.m., finished my morning shift, went to the shop, and continued filming late into the night. It was a kind of relentless schedule, but the excitement of meeting the 33rd season’s single special a week early, the kind looks from the SPLS production team who always laughed and responded behind the camera, and the warm comments supporting us in every video filled me with gratitude instead of fatigue.″ She added, ″Watching and supporting someone’s heart through the screen was much more immersive than I expected, and sometimes it made me reflect on my past. My interference might have been lacking, but I sincerely thank everyone who empathized and stood by me. Now, I will enjoy the dates I couldn’t have on Fridays!″ Sunja and Kyungsoo became the final couple on ENA and SBS Plus variety show ″I Am SOLO″ Season 31 and revealed their real-life relationship through a live broadcast on ″Chonjang Entertainment TV″ after the show. Currently, they share their dating life on social media. The two appeared together on SBS Plus’s official YouTube content ″Senior’s Interference,″ reviewing the ″I Am Solo″ Season 33 single special and having a conversation. Sunja revealed that she filmed late into the night every Friday after finishing her morning shift for six weeks. The photos she shared included moments of the two taking close-up selfies outdoors and posing side by side. Sunja and Kyungsoo styled themselves in similar looks, with a transparent box containing flowers placed between them. Previously, Sunja disclosed that due to heavy work responsibilities, she stepped down from her team leader position, voluntarily cut her salary by nearly half, and started working shortened hours, leaving work two hours early. After finishing filming ″Senior’s Interference,″ the two plan to go on dates every Friday.]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Koyote member Kim Jong-min is going to become a father. On the 6th, his agency JG Star announced, ″Kim Jong-min and his wife are preparing to have their second child.″ Specific details such as the gender of the second child will be revealed on the KBS 2TV variety show ″The Return of Superman,″ which airs on the 7th. Kim Jong-min recently shared the pregnancy news during the recording of ″The Return of Superman,″ saying, ″My wife is 17 weeks pregnant.″ He also said, ″I abstained from alcohol and took care of my health for a year to have a child,″ adding, ″Thanks to that, the baby came quickly.″ He spoke about the gender of the baby in the womb, the pregnancy dream, and the moment he first learned about the pregnancy, sharing his feelings as an expectant father. Kim Jong-min married a businesswoman 11 years his junior in April last year and started a family. He has expressed his desire for children several times on various variety shows. Koyote member Shin Ji shared on her personal account, ″One day in July. The pregnancy news that was first told to us!″ along with photos and videos taken with Kim Jong-min and Baekga. Shin Ji said, ″Now that the news is out, I’m taking out the videos and photos I had carefully kept. Congratulations, Leader Kim and new sister-in-law.″]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Seventeen Jeonghan and Joshua appeared on episode 158 of the web variety show TEO ’Salon Drip’ and talked about member Mingyu’s live broadcast mistake and the couple Ferrari news of unit V8 (Vernon, THE 8). During the broadcast, Jang Do-yeon asked if there was anything to be careful about among the Seventeen members. Jeonghan replied, ″When we were young, we had to be careful about this and that, but 12 years have passed. If we still have to talk about that now, isn’t that wrong? They’ll handle it well on their own,″ showing trust in the members. When Jang Do-yeon mentioned Mingyu’s live broadcast accident, Jeonghan explained the situation to Joshua, saying, ″He was eating, and the house was fully reflected in the bowl.″ Joshua said, ″If it’s that much, maybe he wanted to show off. You shouldn’t make it too obvious. You should do it with the bowl.″ Jeonghan added, ″Mingyu is smart, so that could be it. He might want some compliments on the interior, right?″ Meanwhile, Jang Do-yeon expressed surprise about the couple Ferrari news of Seventeen unit V8 (Vernon, THE 8). Jeonghan also showed surprise, saying, ″How much money did they make?″ and Joshua agreed. Then Jang Do-yeon suggested that Jeonghan and Joshua also get matching couple items. Jeonghan said, ″Joshua said he would give me a watch when the album comes out. To make up for the day we fought.″ Joshua shared an anecdote about giving Jeonghan a sofa when he moved, explaining, ″When Jeonghan moved, I asked, ’What should I give you? Give me the sofa. Today? Tell me your day off.’″ Jeonghan clarified, ″No, you sent it saying you would give it as a military service gift,″ and added, ″You said it was an unused sofa, so I accepted it.″ Joshua expressed frustration, saying Jeonghan has more watches than he does. Jeonghan argued, ″If we do a couple watch for the album, there’s a reason for it,″ and when Joshua suggested, ″Then let’s trade your watch with mine,″ Jeonghan replied, ″That’s trading, not giving. I just want to receive, not give.″ Later, Jeonghan revealed that he mainly asks for products that Joshua is promoting as an ambassador and said, ″If Joshua gives it, the fans like it too.″ When Joshua mentioned the issue of paying for meals, Jang Do-yeon suggested to the two, ″Make a date fund.″]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Various welcoming events were held in downtown Lima ahead of BTS’s first concert in Peru. From October 5 to 11, the Santiago de Surco district installed a temporary sign named ″BTS Avenue″ on Sacramento Street in the Surco area. Additionally, at the Arco Morisco in Surco Friendship Park, a purple light and light show will be held daily during the same period. At the Fountain Park’s Fantasy Fountain, a music, light, and water screen show themed around BTS is also scheduled. BTS will meet Peruvian fans through the ″BTS WORLD TOUR ’ARIRANG’ IN LIMA″ concerts at Estadio San Marcos in Lima on October 7, 9, and 10. This concert marks BTS’s debut stage in Peru. The official Peruvian tourism site, Peru Travel, stated that the Lima concert presents an opportunity to introduce Peru’s food, culture, and natural scenery. Meanwhile, BTS began their South American tour on October 2 and 3 at Estadio El Campín in Bogotá, Colombia, attracting about 100,000 attendees over two days. In Rolling Stone, aespan described the concert as ″the concert an entire generation has been waiting for,″ saying ″BTS met expectations and exceeded them in many moments.″]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900 BTS Jungkook continued his record as the Asian solo artist with the longest consecutive entries on Spotify’s Weekly Top Albums Global chart, entering for 151 consecutive weeks with his first solo album ’GOLDEN.’ Jungkook’s ’GOLDEN’ ranked 187th on the chart compiled from September 25 to October 1. Since its release in 2023, this album has surpassed 7.5 billion cumulative streams among Asian artists’ full-length albums. Streaming records for individual tracks were also revealed. ’Seven’ exceeded 3.1 billion streams, ’Standing Next to You’ surpassed 1.53 billion, and ’3D’ went beyond 1.21 billion streams. ’Yes or No’ reached 390 million, ’Please Don’t Change’ hit 253 million, ’Hate You’ recorded 237 million, and ’Closer to You’ exceeded 210 million streams. Additionally, ’Somebody’ achieved 200 million, ’Shot Glass of Tears’ 183 million, and ’Too Sad To Dance’ 178 million streams. ’Seven’ entered the top 10 of Korea’s Spotify Daily Top Songs for 1,000 days. Meanwhile, Jungkook’s personal Spotify account has achieved a total of 11.578 billion streams across all credits.]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900 ATEEZ member San recently addressed the dating rumors that arose in Milan, Italy. On the 6th, San shared an update in the preview of the web variety show ″Salon Drip″ on the YouTube channel ″TEO Teo,″ saying, ″I just got back from Milan today.″ When host Jang Do-yeon mentioned the recent news headline ″Direct clarification on dating rumors″ and brought up the Milan dating rumors, San calmly replied, ″If it happens, then so be it.″ Wooyoung teased San, saying, ″Now he goes around saying, ’Don’t you know me?’″ to which San responded, ″Even if Wooyoung mocks me like this, I don’t feel bad.″ Earlier, on the 26th of last month, photos and videos showing San walking with a woman on the streets of Milan during Fashion Week circulated online, sparking dating rumors. In response, San clarified on his fan communication platform, ″There are dating rumors going around, but they are not true.″ He added, ″Anyway, thank you for the interest. (Someone secretly following me outside of schedule) That’s not the case. Secretly filming is wrong too. Let’s not commit crimes. Before getting caught.″ His agency, KQ Entertainment, also released an official statement explaining that the woman is a local brand representative in Milan and was moving to purchase items needed for the schedule. They also stated that a manager and local security personnel were accompanying them. Meanwhile, the full episode of ″Salon Drip,″ featuring San and Wooyoung, will be released at a later date.]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900 xikers has revealed the tracklist for their mini 8th album ’ROUTE ZERO : The CALLING.’ This album includes a total of six songs: ’DIENAMITE,’ ’Go,’ ’Mask off,’ ’One,’ ’DUMB,’ and ’Sanctuary.’ The tracklist image released on the official SNS featured unique objects and staging, such as a bone guitar placed on a hospital bed and an electrocardiogram monitor screen. Each song title was expressed in a different font, and the ’HR 10’ displayed on the ECG monitor represented the number of members, ’EtCO2 26’ indicated the release year 2026, while ’PR 11’ and ’PI 02’ signified the release month and date, hinting at the new album’s release date of November 2. Additionally, the graphic passing beneath the logo was reportedly created using an actual Morse code marker. Various elements such as the ECG waveform, numbers, Morse code, and bone guitar heightened curiosity about the concept and story of the new release. xikers previously released a comeback trailer featuring a mysterious narration, continuing the enigmatic atmosphere with this tracklist. xikers’s mini 8th album ’ROUTE ZERO : The CALLING’ will be released on November 2 at 6 PM on various online music platforms.]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900 &TEAM(&TEAM) achieved its highest-ever position at number 20 on the US Billboard main album chart, the Billboard 200. According to the latest chart dated October 10, released by Billboard on the 7th, &TEAM’s new Korean mini-album ″Mark on Me″ achieved this result. This marks &TEAM’s second entry on the Billboard 200 and a significant rise from the previous EP ″We on Fire,″ which peaked at number 52. ″Mark on Me″ topped the World Albums chart, earning &TEAM its first number one on that chart. It also ranked third on the Top Album Sales chart and 18th on the Artist 100. Meanwhile, on the main singles chart Hot 100, Jennie collaborated with Tame Impala on ″Dracula,″ which ranked 10th this week. ″Dracula″ has remained in the Hot 100 top 10 for 19 consecutive weeks, continuing the longest record for a K-pop artist. On the US all-genre radio songs chart, it recorded 62.5 million listeners, holding the number one spot for two consecutive weeks. ″Dracula″ has maintained number one for 39 weeks on the Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart and 21 weeks on the Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart. HYBE global girl group KATSEYE’s single ″Animal″ ranked 31st on the Hot 100. Black Pink member ROSÉ’s solo track ″newtrick″ placed 25th on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart. On the Billboard 200, Stray Kids’ ″THIS AND THAT″ held steady at number 34 for eight consecutive weeks. KATSEYE’s mini-album ″WILD″ ranked 39th, and the Netflix animation ″K-Pop Demon Hunters″ OST ranked 40th. BTS’s ″ARIRANG″ charted at number 43, marking 28 consecutive weeks on the chart, while Enhypen (ENHYPEN)’s mini 8th album ″THE SIN : BLISS″ remained on the chart for six weeks at number 161.]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900 A ’BTS Forest’ has been established at Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Peru. BTS (BTS: RM, Jin, Suga, J-HOPE, Jimin, V, Jungkook) is preparing for their first concert in Peru, and local fans have organized various welcoming events, including planting 2,000 trees. Peruvian ARMY participated in the ″One Million Trees for the Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary″ campaign held in Cusco on March 31, planting about 2,000 native trees such as Aliso, Queñua, and Chachacomo. This forest was named the ″BTS Forest,″ and the National Natural Protected Areas Service introduced their activities in a press release titled ″From Fans to Guardians of Machu Picchu.″ José Carlos Nieto Navarrete, the director, stated, ″We are seeing new participants joining conservation efforts.″ Dayana Cordova, the representative of the Peruvian fan club, said that BTS is a group that has shown commitment to environmental protection, adding, ″As Peruvian ARMY, we wanted to put that message into action. We want to show that together we can create positive change.″ The tree-planting video received over 174,000 likes on TikTok. BTS will hold their world tour ″Arirang″ concerts on the 7th, 9th, and 10th (local time) at Estadio San Marcos in Lima, Peru. This is their first full seven-member concert in Peru, and all three shows are sold out. The members arrived at Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima on the afternoon of the 5th after finishing their concert in Bogotá, Colombia. Peruvian ARMY will host a free drone show for BTS at 8 p.m. on the 8th over Costa Verde, the coastal area of Lima, between the first and second concerts. 150 drones will create images including the BTS logo, and on the same day, paragliders will be flown to send messages to the members. This is the first time a BTS drone show has been held in Latin America. The city of Lima is also creating a welcoming atmosphere. From the 5th to the 11th, the Surco district temporarily renamed Sacramento Street to ″Avenida BTS,″ and the district’s landmark, Arco Morisco, was illuminated in purple, the symbolic color of BTS. Carlos Bruce, mayor of Surco, stated, ″We will declare BTS as honored guests of our district. We will welcome them with open arms.″ Video screenings and workshops themed around BTS are also being held at the Fountain Park and the Museum of Contemporary Art in Lima. At the concert venue, fans plan to use their phone lights to create the red and white colors of the Peruvian flag for each song. Banners with phrases such as ″Peru will follow BTS into the sun″ will be distributed at the entrance. On the last concert day, the 10th, 30,000 hearts will be distributed in celebration of Jimin’s birthday on the 13th. The Peruvian fan club also conducted the ″ROAD TO 7″ program with local governments and museums before the concerts. Machu Picchu, an ancient Inca city located at an altitude of 2,400 meters, holds special meaning for the BTS members. V has expressed his wish to visit Machu Picchu since 2020, and recently responded on Weverse that ″the place I most want to see is Machu Picchu.″ Jimin has also mentioned Machu Picchu several times.]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900 The stage video of ″Beautiful″ performed by Lim Young Woong has surpassed 12 million views. The video, released on Lim Young Woong’s official YouTube channel on November 13, 2020, recorded 12 million views as of October 6. This video features Lim Young Woong’s performance of ″Beautiful″ on TV Chosun’s ″Sing the Requested Song - Love Call Center.″ Lim Young Woong reinterpreted ″Beautiful,″ the OST of the drama ″Goblin″ originally sung by Crush, with their own sensibility and vocals. At the time of the broadcast, Lim Young Woong received a strong response from viewers for their clear and emotional tone and delicate expression. Lim Young Woong is recognized for showing presence not only in trot but also on emotional ballad stages.]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900 TXT (Soobin, Yeonjun, Beomgyu, Taehyun, Hueningkai) proved their ticket power by selling out all seats for the fifth world tour’s Seoul concert. BigHit Music announced on the 7th that tickets for ’TOMORROW X TOGETHER WORLD TOUR IN SEOUL’ sold out quickly during the general sale on October 6. The concert will be held for three days from November 13 to 15 at the KSPO DOME in Olympic Park, Songpa-gu, Seoul. Online live streaming will also be provided along with the on-site performance. The world tour will continue from Seoul to Asia, Japan, North America, and Europe. After the Seoul concert, TXT will meet local audiences at the Galaxy Arena in Macau from November 20 to 22. The Macau shows also sold out the initially scheduled two performances, leading to the addition of a first show, which also sold out. The tour name ’STEAL THE WIND’ means ’to make the flow one’s own,’ expressing the members’ determination to lead the flow and move forward in any situation. Meanwhile, TXT will release their 9th mini-album ’PERFECT STORM’ on November 16.]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Group TWS will release their second single album, ″TO US,″ on November 2nd. This new release comes about six months after their previous work, ″NO TRAGEDY.″ Their agency, Pledis Entertainment, stated, ″This new album showcases the more solid and sincere stories of TWS, who have been running tirelessly through 2026,″ and added, ″Please look forward to how the experiences and growth accumulated by the six members are reflected in this single.″ ″TO US,″ which shares the same pronunciation as the team name, contains honest stories that the six members want to convey to their fans now. The members express various emotions and concerns, offering courage and comfort to those living in the same era. TWS named fandom 42 as their most relied-upon presence and said, ″I try to believe in myself. It’s still difficult.″ Regarding the members who jumped on stage together, they said, ″I hope it’s an expression I don’t know. It will be more than a happy expression.″ Along with the comeback news, on October 7th, the ″TWS Being Together: TO US″ video was released on TWS’s official YouTube channel. The video includes interviews with the members before their performance and their unfiltered sincerity. In the latter part of the video, the members are shown throwing themselves into the stage under bright lights. Last year, TWS led the ″Angtal Challenge″ craze with the title track ″OVERDRIVE″ from their fourth mini-album ″play hard,″ and this year, their fifth mini-album ″NO TRAGEDY″ became a million-seller within four days of its release. They also expanded their overseas activities through their first Asia tour ″24/7:FOR:YOU,″ which covered 15 shows in 8 cities, as well as various festival stages.]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900 The new unit Jeonghan X Joshua of Seventeen is making a comeback with their first mini-album ″DREAMSCAPE.″ On the 7th, Pledis Entertainment revealed the tracklist for Jeonghan X Joshua’s first unit album through the official Seventeen channels and official SNS. This album includes a total of seven tracks: the title track ″12 o’clock,″ ″Like you,″ ″Outside,″ ″One plus one,″ ″Not personal (JOSHUA Solo),″ ″Coloring (JEONGHAN Solo),″ and ″No looking back.″ The title track ″12 o’clock″ tells a story of chasing a figure in a dream, crossing between noon and midnight. Producer BUMZU, who has worked closely with Seventeen for a long time, participated in writing and composing the song. The previously released album trailer repeatedly featured a clock pointing to 12, hinting at the connection to the new song. Jeonghan and Joshua each have solo tracks on the album. Jeonghan personally participated in writing the lyrics for ″Coloring (JEONGHAN Solo),″ and Joshua took charge of writing and composing ″Not personal (JOSHUA Solo).″ Both members are also credited on the final track, ″No looking back.″ ″DREAMSCAPE″ is an album that captures the moment when unconscious fantasies that arise while sleeping meet the ideals one wants to achieve in reality. Inspired by the Ouroboros from ancient mythology, it musically expresses the process of two dreams intersecting and colliding. Jeonghan X Joshua’s first mini-album ″DREAMSCAPE″ will be officially released on the 19th. After the album release, they will begin their solo tour ″JEONGHAN X JOSHUA JOURNEY INTO [DREAMING]″ visiting six cities. The tour will start on the 31st and the 1st of next month at Incheon Inspire Arena and continue to Saitama, Macau, Taipei, Busan, and Hong Kong.]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Lee Kwang-soo's paid communication platform messages spark controversyActor Lee Kwang-soo received rude messages, leading fans to express concern for him. The photo shows him attending the press conference for the Disney+ series 'Gridland' in April. /Reporter Kim Sung-ryeol[THE FACT | Reporter Moon Chae-young] Some messages received by actor Lee Kwang-soo on the paid communication platform Bubble are causing concern.Recently, some of the messages Lee Kwang-soo received from fans on Bubble were shared on social media and online communities. The chat logs included messages such as "Do you know me? Why are you messaging me?" and "You're disturbing me while I'm looking at my phone. I'm turning off the alarm."Lee Kwang-soo responded wittily to these messages. He replied with phrases like "I mistook you for someone I know" and "I'm addicted to my phone."However, voices of concern emerged among fans. Opinions such as "Just because Lee Kwang-soo takes it well doesn't mean you can say rude things" and "You should draw the line, even if it's a joke" followed.Bubble is a platform where users pay a monthly subscription fee to select their desired celebrity and exchange messages. It is characterized by providing an experience akin to conversing with a celebrity via personal messenger.Lee Kwang-soo launched his Bubble account on the first of this month. From day one, he garnered attention for his witty profile and background image changes, as well as his exceptional communication skills, creating a cheerful atmosphere that became a daily topic of conversation.Lee Kwang-soo, who debuted in the 2008 MBC sitcom 'That Person Is Coming', has been active in both acting and variety shows. After gaining recognition for his roles in the MBC sitcom 'High Kick Through the Roof' and the SBS variety show 'Running Man', he appeared in the Disney+ series 'Gridland', the Netflix variety show 'Yoo Jae-suk Camp', and the tvN variety show 'Where the Beans Are Sown, Melons Grow: Animal Farm' this year.mcy21@tf.co.kr[Entertainment Department | ssent@tf.co.kr]]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Key figure who led the twist in 'The Rat'... Driving force behind No. 1 box office hit in non-English speaking countries"I like the saying that good and evil coexist... I want to show new sides of myself step by step."Actor Park Yoon-ho poses for a photo before an interview at the building in Sangam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, on the 30th. /Reporter Park Heon-woo[THE FACT|Reporter Kim Saet-byul] 'The Rat' is definitely special for actor Park Yoon-ho. He broke away from playing a student in a school uniform and, for the first time, portrayed an adult character, appearing as a pivotal figure in the work's major twist. Although his screen time was short, the burden was significant as he had to overturn the narrative. However, Park Yoon-ho did not shy away from this pressure and confronted it head-on. Through 'The Rat,' he gained confidence in his growth.Park Yoon-ho recently met with reporters at the building in Sangam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, for an interview regarding the release of the Netflix original series 'The Rat' (written by Lee Jae-gon, directed by Kim Hong-sun). He played Seo Yu-min, a college friend of Moon-jae (played by Ryu Jun-yeol) and the central figure of the incident, and shared various stories about the work and his character.'The Rat,' which released all 10 episodes on August 10th, tells the story of novelist Moon-jae, whose name, face, and life were stolen by a mysterious entity known as 'The Rat.' He teams up with loan shark No-ja (played by Sol Kyung-gu) and detective Sun-yong (played by Lee Kyu-hyung) to track down the identity of 'The Rat' as he tries to recover the stolen money.Speaking at an interview held some time after the work's release, he shared his thoughts, "Filming ended much earlier, didn't it? Perhaps because of that, memories I had forgotten were brought back, giving me a chance to reflect."Park Yoon-ho is still amazed by the attention he has received since the work's release. He found it particularly meaningful to play an important role in the work, despite his short appearance. "I didn't expect to receive so much attention," he said, adding, "I heard it ranked No. 1 in non-English speaking countries, which feels very special."A particularly memorable reaction was the assessment that he had matured significantly compared to his previous works. Park Yoon-ho said, "People who saw me in my previous works told me I had become more adult-like, that I seemed to have shed my youthful image." In this work, unlike his previous roles where he wore a school uniform, he showed the face of an adult character. When asked about this, Park Yoon-ho chuckled, saying, "I was a college student when I wore a school uniform, and I'm still a college student now. So, I finally got to play a role at my actual age."Yu-min was more than just an adult character challenge for Park Yoon-ho. Above all, he played a crucial role that connected to the identity of 'The Rat' in the latter half of the drama. Recalling when he first received the scripts for episodes 9 and 10, Park Yoon-ho confessed, "I realized I had to play such an important role. I ended up leaving class, saying I was going to the restroom. I was consumed by worry and contemplation alone and couldn't escape it for a while."The first emotion he grasped while portraying Yu-min was 'sadness.' He believed that the sadness of losing a loved one led to anger and revenge. Park Yoon-ho explained, "Because he lost everything, that sadness seemed to be the beginning of all his emotions. While carrying that sadness, he suppressed it and harbored a wicked anger to retaliate, and he also had the composure to plan it all out."Therefore, he did not view Yu-min's revenge as an unconditionally righteous act. Park Yoon-ho pointed out, "In the end, I don't think he truly overcame anything. 'The Rat' didn't have a happy ending. I think it led him down a path of further destruction, making one question whether that revenge was the right course of action."Actor Park Yoon-ho poses for a photo before an interview at the building in Sangam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, on the 30th. /Reporter Park Heon-wooWhile Yu-min's revenge is extreme, Park Yoon-ho's process of understanding the character started from realistic relationships. He particularly imagined Yu-min's relationship with his girlfriend. Since they had no one else to rely on, Yu-min's girlfriend was his sole existence, and thus, the void he felt upon losing her must have been immense. Park Yoon-ho recalled, "I tried to build Yu-min's emotions by imagining the details of their relationship."Another important task was to differentiate the tone of his performance in the early and later parts of the drama, rather than revealing Yu-min's emotions all at once. Park Yoon-ho said, "There were times when I had to appear as a bad person for the sake of the plot, and times when I didn't. There were many elements that required ambiguity. Personally, I felt that showing too much emotion would be disadvantageous." To achieve this, he expressed only what was written in the script but added subtle clues by putting effort into even passing lines.The scene where he finally reveals the truth was a valuable experience for Park Yoon-ho. Initially, he thought Yu-min's lines would be delivered as narration, but before filming, he was told that the scene would be shot live, capturing both his face and voice. Ultimately, he had to deliver the approximately 5-6 minute scene in one breath."For a rookie like me, getting an opportunity to carry a long scene with my own breath isn't easy. Through this experience, I felt the pressure, but I believe I'll be able to do well if another opportunity arises, based on the experience from 'The Rat.'"Actor Park Yoon-ho poses for a photo before an interview at the building in Sangam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, on the 30th. /Reporter Park Heon-wooUpon seeing the completed scene, he understood the director's choice. As past scenes were intercut with a montage, Park Yoon-ho's present self carried the emotional continuity. He remarked, "If it had been just narration, I don't think the same level of emotion would have come through. Because it was my voice, delivered with actual breathing and expressions, it seemed to connect well with the scenes. I was surprised myself."However, the pressure was natural, given it was his first and most significant opportunity, and the support from the set was crucial in overcoming it. Director Kim Hong-sun and Ryu Jun-yeol revisited the emotional intensity Yu-min needed to convey after rehearsals, and Ryu Jun-yeol further explained it in a way that Park Yoon-ho could easily understand.Ryu Jun-yeol's advice, as well as his mere presence, helped ease Park Yoon-ho's tension. Park Yoon-ho expressed his gratitude, saying, "The senior actor made me feel very comfortable and often initiated playful interactions. He also gave me many small tips. As someone who gets very nervous, I was stiff, but he showed me various ways to approach it and told me, 'You can do whatever you want comfortably.'"How will 'The Rat,' a work that left such a strong impression and presented a new challenge, be remembered by Park Yoon-ho? He described it as "a work that served as a running start to move on to the next stage.""It was a good turning point, like gathering momentum on a staircase before taking the next step. It was my first adult role, and I was able to handle difficult scenes based on my past experiences. These experiences feel like I've fought the first round for what's to come. (Laughs)"Actor Park Yoon-ho poses for a photo before an interview at the building in Sangam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, on the 30th. /Reporter Park Heon-wooNow, Park Yoon-ho is heading towards new faces. In his next project, 'Proxy College Entrance Exam,' he will wear a school uniform again, but it's not the same uniform for him. He plans to show different sides of himself through various other works, including 'Great Bang Ok-sook' and 'Promoter.'Park Yoon-ho is preparing for another step up after 'The Rat.' He said, "I feel that my upcoming projects all have diverse aspects. As those works will be released one by one, I hope you will watch them with anticipation for my new transformations. There are still many sides of me that I haven't shown, so I will work hard to present them to you in a good light.""I want to continue showing new sides of myself, step by step, for a long time, without rushing. Rather than envisioning a distant future, my priority right now is to quietly fulfill my role within the given projects. There are still many aspects of myself that I haven't revealed, so I hope you will watch with anticipation for Park Yoon-ho's new transformations as I reveal them one by one."sstar1204@tf.co.kr[Entertainment Department | ssent@tf.co.kr]]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Producer Baek Kyung-sook and actors Kim Dong-hwi, Jeon So-young, Lee Hee-joon, Shim Eun-kyung, Jang Ryul, Han Sun-hwa, Joo Jong-hyuk, Kim Min-ha, and director Kim Jong-kwan (from left) of the film 'Day and Night for Each Other' walk the red carpet at the opening ceremony of the '31st Busan International Film Festival (BIFF)' held at the Busan Cinema Center in Haeundae-gu, Busan on the afternoon of the 6th. /Busan=Reporter Kim Sung-ryeol[THE FACT | Busan=Reporter Kim Sung-ryeol] Producer Baek Kyung-sook and actors Kim Dong-hwi, Jeon So-young, Lee Hee-joon, Shim Eun-kyung, Jang Ryul, Han Sun-hwa, Joo Jong-hyuk, Kim Min-ha, and director Kim Jong-kwan (from left) of the film 'Day and Night for Each Other' walk the red carpet at the opening ceremony of the '31st Busan International Film Festival (BIFF)' held at the Busan Cinema Center in Haeundae-gu, Busan on the afternoon of the 6th. ksr@tf.co.krphoto@tf.co.kr]]> FANNSTAR Tue, 06 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Director Lee Chang-dong and actors Jo Yeo-jeong, Jeon Do-yeon, and Sol Kyung-gu (from left) walk the red carpet at the '31st Busan International Film Festival (BIFF)' held at the Busan Cinema Center in Haeundae-gu, Busan on the afternoon of the 6th. /Busan=Reporter Park Heon-woo[THE FACT|Busan=Reporter Park Heon-woo] Director Lee Chang-dong of Netflix film 'Love and Other Drugs' and actors Jo Yeo-jeong, Jeon Do-yeon, and Sol Kyung-gu (from left) walk the red carpet at the '31st Busan International Film Festival (BIFF)' held at the Busan Cinema Center in Haeundae-gu, Busan on the afternoon of the 6th.The '31st Busan International Film Festival (BIFF)' will be held from today until the 15th for ten days at the Busan Cinema Center and various locations in Busan.A total of 315 films, including 246 official invitations from 59 countries, will be screened on 31 screens in 8 theaters in the Haeundae area.The opening film, Director Kim Jong-kwan's 'Day and Night Are for Each Other,' will be shown for the first time, and 14 films have been invited to compete in the competition section. cjg05023@tf.co.krPhoto Video Planning Department photo@tf.co.kr]]> FANNSTAR Tue, 06 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Director Hirokazu Kore-eda (right) and the lead actors of the film "After the Storm" walk the red carpet at the opening ceremony of the 31st Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) held at the Busan Cinema Center in Haeundae-gu, Busan on the afternoon of the 6th. /Busan=Kim Sung-ryeol, Reporter[THE FACT | Busan=Kim Sung-ryeol, Reporter] Director Hirokazu Kore-eda (right) and the lead actors of the film "After the Storm" walk the red carpet at the opening ceremony of the 31st Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) held at the Busan Cinema Center in Haeundae-gu, Busan on the afternoon of the 6th. ksr@tf.co.krphoto@tf.co.kr]]> FANNSTAR Tue, 06 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Actress Michelle Yeoh walks the red carpet at the '31st Busan International Film Festival (BIFF)' held at the Busan Cinema Center in Haeundae-gu, Busan on the afternoon of the 6th. /Busan=Reporter Park Heon-woo[THE FACT|Busan=Reporter Park Heon-woo] Actress Michelle Yeoh walks the red carpet at the '31st Busan International Film Festival (BIFF)' held at the Busan Cinema Center in Haeundae-gu, Busan on the afternoon of the 6th.The '31st Busan International Film Festival (BIFF)' will be held from today until the 15th for ten days at the Busan Cinema Center and various locations in Busan.A total of 315 films, including 246 official selections from 59 countries, will be screened on 31 screens across 8 theaters in the Haeundae area.The opening film, Director Kim Jong-kwan's 'Night and Day', will be shown for the first time, and 14 films have been invited to compete for awards in the competition section. cjg05023@tf.co.krPhoto Video Planning Department photo@tf.co.kr]]> FANNSTAR Tue, 06 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Actors Zo In-sung&Eum Moon-suk, director Na Hong-jin, and actor Hwang Jung-min (from left) walk the red carpet at the '31st Busan International Film Festival (BIFF)' held at the Busan Cinema Center in Haeundae-gu, Busan on the afternoon of the 6th. /Busan=Park Heon-woo reporter[THE FACT|Busan=Park Heon-woo reporter] Actors Zo In-sung&Eum Moon-suk, director Na Hong-jin, and actor Hwang Jung-min (from left) walk the red carpet at the '31st Busan International Film Festival (BIFF)' held at the Busan Cinema Center in Haeundae-gu, Busan on the afternoon of the 6th.The '31st Busan International Film Festival (BIFF)' will be held for ten days from today until the 15th at various locations in Busan, including the Busan Cinema Center.A total of 315 films, including 246 official invitations from 59 countries, will be screened on 31 screens in 8 theaters in the Haeundae area.The opening film, 'Day and Night for Each Other' by director Kim Jong-kwan, will be shown for the first time, and 14 films have been invited to compete for awards. cjg05023@tf.co.krPhoto Video Planning Department photo@tf.co.kr]]> FANNSTAR Tue, 06 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Actors Moon Sung-hyun&Choi Ju-eun, Kim Hye-ja, Park Seo-kyung, and director Song Il-gon (from left) walk the red carpet at the opening ceremony of the '31st Busan International Film Festival (BIFF)' held at the Busan Cinema Center in Haeundae-gu, Busan on the afternoon of the 6th. /Busan=Kim Sung-ryeol reporter[THE FACT | Busan=Kim Sung-ryeol reporter] Actors Moon Sung-hyun&Choi Ju-eun, Kim Hye-ja, Park Seo-kyung, and director Song Il-gon (from left) walk the red carpet at the opening ceremony of the '31st Busan International Film Festival (BIFF)' held at the Busan Cinema Center in Haeundae-gu, Busan on the afternoon of the 6th. ksr@tf.co.krphoto@tf.co.kr]]> FANNSTAR Tue, 06 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Kim Min-ha's solo hosting as it opens today (6th)Stars including Kim Hye-ja, Jeon Do-yeon, Sol Kyung-gu, and Yang Ja-kyung all appeared.Actors Kim Hye-ja, Fan Bingbing, Hwang Jung-min, Hyun Bin, Jung Woo-sung, Woo Do-hwan, Hsieh Yu-chieh, and Son Suk-ku (from top left, clockwise) graced the red carpet at the '31st Busan International Film Festival (BIFF)' held at the Busan Cinema Center in Haeundae-gu, Busan on the afternoon of October 6. /Busan=Reporter Park Heon-woo, Reporter Kim Sung-ryeol[THE FACT|Busan=Park Ji-yoon Reporter] The 31st Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) kicked off on a Tuesday for the first time in its history. Having successfully established its international standing by introducing a competition section last year, the festival is now ready to welcome more audiences along with numerous film industry stars.The opening ceremony of the 31st Busan International Film Festival was held on the evening of October 6 at the Outdoor Theater of the Busan Cinema Center in U-dong, Haeundae-gu, Busan. The event was broadcast live through Naver Chiizik, and Korean actors including Kim Min-ha, who was the sole host, and actors Kim Hye-ja, Jeon Do-yeon, Sol Kyung-gu, Jo In-sung, Jo Yeo-jeong, Hwang Jung-min, Hyun Bin, Jung Woo-sung, Woo Do-hwan, and Son Suk-ku, as well as Asian stars such as Fan Bingbing and Michelle Yeoh, graced the red carpet, heating up the atmosphere.The Busan International Film Festival has become a major global film festival, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Cannes, Berlin, and Venice, after being selected as an 'A-list film festival' by the International Federation of Film Producers Associations (FIAPF). Among these, this year's event is expected to allow the public to choose and enjoy a wider variety of films, as the opening day, originally a Wednesday, has been moved up one day, taking into account the concentration of audience visits and viewings in the first week of the festival.Kim Min-ha, who hosted the event, said powerfully, "Last year, the Busan International Film Festival turned thirty and became stronger, and this year, we are not staying put but taking a step forward towards the world." The photo shows attendees walking the red carpet at the '31st Busan International Film Festival (BIFF)' held at the Busan Cinema Center in Haeundae-gu, Busan on the afternoon of October 6. /Busan=Park Heon-woo reporterActor Kim Min-ha, who took the stage as the sole host for the meaningful occasion, mentioned her acting projects "Pachinko" and "Gyeongseong Creature," saying, "I was really scared to be on this stage today, but I suddenly thought, 'The protagonists of those two works must have been just as scared of the path they were taking for the first time.' However, they walked, and their stories remained. When I think about it, making a movie is like venturing down an unknown path, so I don't think it's any different for everyone here today," she began.He then declared, "This time last year, on this very stage, senior Lee Byung-hun said, 'Every story has a beginning,' and ten days later, at the closing ceremony, Su-hyun replied, 'This is not the end, but another beginning.' Today, I pick up the story from that other beginning. Last year, the Busan International Film Festival turned thirty and became stronger, and this year, we are not staying put but taking a step forward into the world."The Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) has achieved a remarkable feat by being selected as an 'A-list film festival' by the International Federation of Film Producers Associations (FIAPF) this year, placing it alongside major world film festivals such as Cannes, Berlin, and Venice. The photo shows actors Jo In-sung, Jo Yeo-jeong, Sol Kyung-gu, and Jeon Do-yeon, and director Lee Chang-dong walking the red carpet at the opening ceremony of the '31st Busan International Film Festival (BIFF)' held at the Busan Cinema Center in Haeundae-gu, Busan on the afternoon of October 6. /Busan=Reporter Kim Sung-ryeolThe Busan International Film Festival's competition section, now in its second year, boasts an even more robust lineup based on its inaugural success. This year, they will present the 'Busan Award' in five categories to 13 Asian films that demonstrate both high quality and unique individuality. As the winner of the 'Busan Award Grand Prize' will be eligible to submit for the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film, the results are highly anticipated.In this atmosphere, the seven-member jury, including jury president director Zhang Yimou, director Vigano, director Ishikawa Kei, director Jung Ju-ri, and Kazakh actress Samal Yeslyamova and Choi Hee-seo, took the stage and captured attention.Director Jung July said, "I felt the weight of responsibility and a sense of frustration as a jury member, but as I came down today, I thought, 'Let's judge with the anticipation and excitement that there will be films that shake me.' I will be moved by each film, just like the passionate and serious audience of Busan, the most enthusiastic and serious in the world."Additionally, Maggie Gyllenhaal, an actress and director who will serve as the jury president for the competition section of this year's Venice International Film Festival, will visit Korea for the first time. Academy Award-winning director Alfonso Cuarón, and French actresses Isabelle Huppert and Charlotte Gainsbourg will also visit Busan. Furthermore, prominent filmmakers from Korea and abroad who have been active in the global film industry, such as Lee Chang-dong, Na Hong-jin, Kim Jee-woon, and Hirokazu Kore-eda, will grace the film festival.Michelle Yeoh, who became the recipient of this year's Asian Filmmaker of the Year award, said, "It is very meaningful to return to Busan after so many years. Looking back on my film career, one thing is clear: no one can do this job alone." The photo shows her walking the red carpet at the '31st Busan International Film Festival (BIFF)' held at the Busan Cinema Center in Haeundae-gu, Busan on the afternoon of October 6. /Busan=Reporter Kim Sung-ryeolThis year's Asian Film Maker of the Year award goes to Hong Kong actress Michelle Yeoh. This award is presented annually to an Asian filmmaker or organization that has demonstrated the most outstanding achievements in the development of the Asian film industry and culture.After 15 years since "The Lady" (2011), Michelle Yeoh, who visited Busan, began by saying "Thank you" in Korean. She continued, "It is very meaningful to return to Busan after so many years. Looking back at my film career, one thing is clear: no one can do this alone," she said, attributing the success to "the people behind every film who believe in you, encourage you to take on challenges, and stand by you."Kim Dong-ho, former chairman of the Busan International Film Festival, who laid the foundation for the festival, received the Korean Cinema Award. He revealed his unwavering passion, stating, "I plan to continue working to promote Korean cinema," and the audience, including Korean actors, stood up and gave a standing ovation to express their respect. Ann Hui, a Chinese director, screenwriter, and producer, lifted the Camellia Award.In addition to "Beautiful Days, Ahn Sung-ki," which commemorates the legacy of the late Ahn Sung-ki, who passed away last January, in Korean cinema, and "Japanese Animation Special Exhibition: Masterpieces of Madness, 12+1 Anticipated Works of Thrills," which covers the past and present of Japanese animation, and "Michelle Yeoh: All the Time, Everywhere," which highlights the cinematic world of Michelle Yeoh, various special programs are set to enrich the film festival.The finale of the opening ceremony was decorated by the team of the opening film 'Day and Night' (Director Kim Jong-kwan). Director Kim Jong-kwan, who took the megaphone, along with actors Kim Min-ha&Joo Jong-hyuk&Han Sun-hwa&Jang Ryul&Lee Hee-joon&Shim Eun-kyung&Jeon So-young&Kim Dong-hwi, took the stage to greet the audience.Director Kim expressed his excitement, saying, "I'm very excited to stand before the audience who will see the film I worked hard on for the first time, and before the lovely and respected filmmakers who create a wonderful welcome based on many realities. 'Day and Night to Each Other' is a work that aims to talk about the beauty of small and trivial things. As it deals with various aspects of life with a fleeting cross-section, I hope that as the audience discusses the story on their way home after watching the movie, it will lead to another movie."The 31st Busan International Film Festival, which kicked off today, will be held at the Busan Cinema Center and various locations in Busan until October 15. This year's festival will screen a total of 316 diverse films from 59 countries, including 69 films from Community BIFF, across 31 screens in 8 theaters, including the Busan Cinema Center, throughout Busan.[Entertainment Department | ssent@tf.co.kr]jiyoon-1031@tf.co.kr]]> FANNSTAR Tue, 06 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Actress Kim Hye-ja walks the red carpet at the '31st Busan International Film Festival (BIFF)' held at the Busan Cinema Center in Haeundae-gu, Busan on the afternoon of the 6th. /Busan=Reporter Park Heon-woo[THE FACT|Busan=Reporter Park Heon-woo] Actress Kim Hye-ja walks the red carpet at the '31st Busan International Film Festival (BIFF)' held at the Busan Cinema Center in Haeundae-gu, Busan on the afternoon of the 6th.The '31st Busan International Film Festival (BIFF)' will be held from today until the 15th for ten days at the Busan Cinema Center and various locations in Busan.A total of 315 films, including 246 official invited films from 59 countries, will be screened on 31 screens at 8 theaters in the Haeundae area.Director Kim Jong-kwan's 'Day and Night Are For Each Other' will be premiered as the opening film, and 14 films have been invited to compete for awards.cjg05023@tf.co.krPhoto&Video Planning Department photo@tf.co.kr]]> FANNSTAR Tue, 06 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900