https://en.fannstar.tf.co.kr FANNSTAR RSS Service - All Articles copyright (c) FANNSTAR fannstar@tf.co.kr First full album 'Chain Reaction' all tracks released on October 6X:IN has sequentially released concept photos for their first full album 'Chain Reaction'. The photos, which capture the visual synergy and contrasting charms of all members, have raised anticipation for their first full album. /BBIE[THE FACT | Reporter Jung Byung-geun] Girl group X:IN has announced their first full album with intense visuals that oscillate between girl crush and SF moods.From the 23rd to the 28th, X:IN (Esha, Niz, Nova, Hanna, Aria) sequentially released concept photos for their first full album 'Chain Reaction' on their official social media. The photos, which capture the visual synergy and contrasting charms of all members, have raised anticipation for their first full album.The first concept highlighted a strong red and chic dark sporty and leather mood. The five members showcased a diverse yet unified girl crush fashion by wearing black bustiers and crop tops with stud and belt details, buckle shorts, and high cowboy boots with flame patterns.The second concept exuded a unique mood set against a mysterious futuristic laboratory. The members added a different feel from the previous concept photos by incorporating various items such as ponytails, caps, and white arm warmers, based on beige and white toned looks adorned with elaborate chains and gold hardware.With the release of two contrasting concept photos, X:IN is set to prove their enhanced musical spectrum and bold concept execution with this first full album. /BBIEThe sensual point makeup and sophisticated styling created a mysterious atmosphere in harmony within a space filled with symbolic objects such as tiered structures, giant SF-like sculptures, and blue lighting.With the release of two contrasting concept photos, X:IN is set to prove their enhanced musical spectrum and bold concept execution with this first full album.X:IN will begin their comeback countdown by sequentially releasing pre-orders on October 1st and the music video teaser for the title track on October 2nd. They will then release the digital version of their first full album 'Chain Reaction' on October 6th, followed by the physical album release on the 20th.kafka@tf.co.kr[Entertainment Department | ssent@tf.co.kr]]]> FANNSTAR Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 "Gyu-jong, congratulations on your 15th solo debut anniversary""Gyu-jong, congratulations on your 15th debut anniversary" On the 28th, a congratulatory advertisement was posted on the Yongsan I'Park Mall media wall to celebrate the 15th solo debut anniversary of SS501 member Kim Kyu-jong. /FANNSTAR[THE FACT | Reporter Choi Ju-bin] Kim Kyu-jong received an unforgettable gift from fans to celebrate their 15th solo debut anniversary.FANNSTAR released photos of the I'Park Mall media wall advertisement on the 28th. Kim Kyu-jong's fans achieved the 'Yongsan I'Park Mall Media Wall' in the FANNSTAR project, which began on September 15th.The advertisement will only be displayed on the Yongsan I'Park Mall media wall advertisement on this day.With the success of Kim Kyu-jong's support, FANNSTAR was flooded with messages of support from fans. Fans left comments such as "Congratulations, Gyu-jong" 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 Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Singer Krystal showcased her sophisticated charm by revealing her appearance with the Italian luxury car brand Maserati’s sports utility vehicle (SUV), the Grecale. Recently, Krystal posted a photo on her social media showing her standing next to the Maserati Grecale wearing a gray t-shirt and jeans. Against the colorful outdoor containers, she also shared calm images of herself sitting in the driver’s seat holding the steering wheel or leaning against the car door, creating a natural yet luxurious atmosphere. The photo included hashtags such as ″me & @maserati @maserati.korea #Maserati #Grecale #Maserati #Grecale,″ suggesting that Krystal has a collaboration or official connection with Maserati Korea. The Maserati Grecale is a luxury SUV equipped with a powerful 330-horsepower engine, dynamic driving performance with a zero to 60 mph acceleration time of 5.3 seconds, and a Sonus Faber sound system, attracting significant attention both domestically and internationally. Recently, as Maserati Korea began officially sponsoring the domestic women’s professional golf (KLPGA) regular tour ″Iceberg Golf·Seoul Shinmun Open″ to expand brand awareness, natural exposure by celebrities like Krystal is expected to create a synergistic effect. Meanwhile, Krystal actively pursues her career as a singer and actress while continuously engaging with fans through her personal social media by showcasing trendy daily life and stylish looks. Her appearance with the Maserati Grecale also captured her sophisticated and free-spirited charm, expressing her unique sensibility.]]> FANNSTAR Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Group ATEEZ members Yoonho and San attended the Diesel SS27 fashion show and the Dolce & Gabbana S/S 2027 women’s fashion show, respectively, in Milan, Italy. Yoonho was invited as a front-row guest to the Diesel SS27 fashion show held in Milan on the 22nd (local time). At the brand’s monumental show and the farewell stage of creative director Glenn Martens, he captured attention with a vintage-inspired green leather jacket paired with a blue knit. Yoonho represented the brand’s trendy and rebellious mood with his stylish styling and unique physique. San attended the Dolce & Gabbana S/S 2027 women’s fashion show on the 26th and was the only Korean celebrity invited. Earlier, on the 22nd, he also participated in the ″Vogue World: Milan″ event, showcasing his presence. San demonstrated both classic and casual styles with a look mixing a navy velvet jacket and grunge-washed denim pants. Additionally, after sitting front row at the show, he exuded masculinity in an all-black outfit at the after-dinner event. Both members were invited to luxury brand shows and attracted attention from influential local media and fashion industry insiders.]]> FANNSTAR Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 VR concerts are emerging as a new option for the way K-POP artists engage with their audiences. Recently, AMAZE has been conducting VR concert projects with various K-POP artists such as Tomorrow X Together (TXT), Enhypen, &TEAM, LE SSERAFIM, TWS, and ATEEZ. The VR concerts presented by AMAZE are characterized by continuing as a series rather than ending with a single event. Tomorrow X Together (TXT) has showcased a total of three VR concerts, starting with ’HYPERFOCUS,’ followed by ’HEART ATTACK,’ and this year, ’ENDLESS RIDE.’ ’ENDLESS RIDE’ features a concept of traveling to various locations by train, with songs arranged against backgrounds like deserts, seas, and cities to complete a single story. Enhypen released its second VR concert ’DESTINY’ this year, following last year’s ’IMMERSION.’ This work incorporates a vampire worldview and tells a story between fans and the artist through the performance. Screenings are ongoing in several cities across Asia, including Seoul, Japan, and North America. VR concerts have established themselves as series content by producing sequels beyond simple technological experiences. While actual concerts face physical constraints such as city, date, and seating, VR concerts can operate for a set period targeting multiple cities in various spaces like movie theaters. AMAZE emphasized that VR headsets allow fans to experience artists up close and watch together. VR concerts do not replace world tours but share roles with live performances, contributing to extending the lifespan of artist content. They provide new content during the waiting period after album activities end or in regions where live concerts are not held. Artists can reconstruct existing songs and performances with new stories and direction, and fans can experience the same music in a different way. Especially in cases like Tomorrow X Together (TXT) and Enhypen, which continuously present VR concerts, VR shows potential to develop from one-time events into series. However, it is still premature to conclude that VR concerts have become an official routine activity across K-POP, as conditions such as production costs, technology, and screening infrastructure are required. In this way, the stage for K-POP artists’ activities is expanding beyond music releases, broadcasts, and live performances to include the new space of VR. While music shows and concerts were the main stages for meeting fans in the past, now another point of contact called VR concerts is being established between albums and world tours.]]> FANNSTAR Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Ha-eum of the group KiiiKii showcased the 26FW season photoshoot and video in collaboration with Rockfish Weatherwear’s ’Rockfish Node.’ This photoshoot was released through the fashion magazine Vogue Korea. Ha-eum participated as the campaign model for the ’Rockfish Node’ line, expressing the freedom and energy of youth against the backdrop of a city night filled with neon signs. In the locker room scene, she combined preppy school looks with sneakers to show a kitsch charm, while in the night view scenes, she emphasized style with striking pink pants. She also presented a hip and cool image by matching a racing jacket with boots. In the accompanying video, Ha-eum vividly recreated the scenes of the photoshoot with natural facial expressions and actions. The addition of a virtual driving scene completed a sophisticated and speedy mood. Meanwhile, KiiiKii, to which Ha-eum belongs, recently concluded activities for their third mini-album ’WhyKiiiKiii.’ KiiiKii consecutively won ’Song of the Year’ and ’Artist of the Year’ awards at music award ceremonies with ’404 (New Era).’ Ha-eum’s latest photoshoot can be found in the October issue of Vogue Korea, and KiiiKii’s own content ’KiiiKii PangPang’ is released every Friday at 7 PM.]]> FANNSTAR Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 The fifth mini-album 'BREAK EVEN' will be released on October 26 at 6 PM.Group ILLIT will release their new album 'BREAK EVEN' on October 26. The photo shows ILLIT on the blue carpet at the '2026 THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS(2026 THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS, TMA)' held at the Busan Asiad Main Stadium on the 19th. /Reporter Kim Sung-ryeol[THE FACT|Reporter Choi Hyun-jung] Group ILLIT will crack down on 'habitual kindness'.On the 28th, their agency Belift Lab posted the tracklist for their fifth mini-album 'BREAK EVEN' on the official social media of ILLIT(YUNAH MINJU MOKA WONHEE IROHA).The new album includes a total of 4 songs, including the title track 'I'll Catch You' and 'Super in Love', 'More', and 'Pop'.The title track 'I'll Catch You' is a song that delivers a bold warning to someone who made them mistake their habitual kindness, heralding a new charm of ILLIT.The album title 'BREAK EVEN' means the break-even point of a relationship with no loss or profit. ILLIT has put a declaration in the album that they will no longer pour their hearts and time into relationships that do not return as much effort as they put in.'I'll Catch You' is the song that most clearly shows this change. Unlike the previous song 'It's Me', which shouted 'Your favorite is me!', they choose the end of the relationship themselves. While ILLIT's unique honest and bold charm remains, it shows a more proactive attitude towards love.'BREAK EVEN' includes a total of 4 songs, including the title track 'I'll Catch You'. / Belift LabThis emotional line becomes clearer as you follow the flow of the tracks. 'Super in Love', where they realize it was unrequited love, 'More', where the embarrassment of misunderstanding the relationship with you turns into annoyance, and 'I'll Catch You', where those who have reached the peak of their emotions decide to end their relationship, follow in order.In the last track 'Pop', the mood is reversed as they are instantly captivated by a new person who appears without notice.ILLIT will release their fifth mini-album 'BREAK EVEN' on various music sites on October 26.laugardagr@tf.co.kr[Entertainment Department | ssent@tf.co.kr]]]> FANNSTAR Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Forced withdrawal from fan club for spreading malicious contentBand Hi-Fi Un!corn draws the line against excessive threats and malicious content distribution. /FNC Entertainment[THE FACT|Reporter Choi Soo-bin] FNC Entertainment has announced strong legal action against excessive threats directed at the band Hi-Fi Un!corn.In an official statement released on the 28th, FNC Entertainment stated, "We have recently confirmed cases of threats being sent to responsible employees regarding Hi-Fi Un!corn(Kim Hyun-yul, Son Ki-yoon, Uhm Tae-min, Fukushima Shuto, Heo Min), and instances of verbal abuse and distribution of slanderous videos targeting artists and staff due to their demands not being met."The company added, "Private threats, personal insults, and malicious dissemination of false information against others are serious matters that violate the Information and Communications Network Act and obstruct business. We plan to take strict measures to protect the minimum human rights and safety of our artists and employees."Furthermore, they warned, "We will continue to carefully review and actively reflect reasonable suggestions and voices from our fans through the official suggestion channel. However, if acts of threatening employees or distributing malicious content towards artists are confirmed, we will not only forcibly withdraw them from the official fan club but also permanently revoke their right to participate in all events organized by our company, including concerts and fan meetings."The agency emphasized, "We are continuously monitoring excessive threats, personal insults, and malicious fake news through our legal representatives and will take strict civil and criminal legal action without any leniency."Finally, they promised, "Communication with our fans can be maintained most valuably within a culture of mutual respect and courtesy. FNC Entertainment will do its best to protect the precious space created by our artists, including Hi-Fi Un!corn, and our fans."Meanwhile, Hi-Fi Un!corn is the winning team of the audition program 'The Idol Band : Boy's Battle,' hosted by FNC in collaboration with SBS M in Korea and TBS in Japan. They debuted in June 2023 with the single album 'Over the Rainbow.' They are actively promoting, having released the ninth new song 'Smile' from their monthly digital single project 'H!dden Color' on the 25th.subin7134@tf.co.kr[Entertainment Department | ssent@tf.co.kr]]]> FANNSTAR Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 After releasing a pre-release song on October 19, the album will be released on October 26.Group IVE will release their new mini-album 'Looks Can Kill' on October 26. The photo shows An Yu-jin Gaeul Rei Leeseo Liz, and Jang Won-young of IVE (from top left, clockwise) posing at the media showcase for their second full album 'REVIVE+' held on February 23. / Reporter Seo Ye-won[THE FACT|Choi Hyun-jung] Group IVE will make a comeback to the music industry immediately after finishing their second world tour.Agency Starship Entertainment announced their comeback by releasing a coming soon video for their new mini-album 'Looks Can Kill' on their official social media on the 28th.The video featured the new album logo along with the phrase 'IVE SPIN-OFF RELEASE 2026.10.19(IVE Spin-off Release)' and captured attention with Seoul's landmarks behind a high-rise building. In particular, the intense IVE logo graphic filling the entire building, combined with the stylish direction, heightened curiosity about the new album.Previously, IVE achieved great success in music charts and music broadcasts in February with their second full-length album 'REVIVE+'. The double title track 'BANG BANG' ranked first on major domestic music charts, achieving the team's sixth perfect all-kill (PAK).Additionally, 'BANG BANG' entered major global charts such as the U.S. Billboard 'Global 200', 'Global (Excl. U.S.)', and 'World Digital Song Sales', and the double title tracks 'BANG BANG' and 'BLACKHOLE' achieved a total of 9 wins on music shows.In addition, IVE continued their global journey with their second world tour 'SHOW WHAT I AM', starting in Seoul and covering major cities across Asia, Oceania, and North America.IVE will release a pre-release song on October 19th and release the new mini-album 'Looks Can Kill' on music sites on October 26th. / Starship EntertainmentThe tour saw IVE perform at major venues in each region, including Kyocera Dome and Tokyo Dome in Japan, and notably, the North American tour expanded to a total of 8 cities, including three Canadian cities: Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver, where they met with local fans.Having connected with fans worldwide through her world tour, further expanding her stage experience and musical spectrum, IVE is set to showcase even newer music and concepts with her new mini-album 'Looks Can Kill'.IVE will release a pre-release song on October 19th and release the new mini-album 'Looks Can Kill' on music sites on October 26th.[Entertainment Department | ssent@tf.co.kr]laugardagr@tf.co.kr]]> FANNSTAR Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Jo Se-ho appeared on the YouTube channel ’DoDriver’ and was seen bowing his head during a conversation with Joo Woo-jae. In the recently released ’DoDriver’ video, Jo Se-ho said to Joo Woo-jae, ″Things really worked out well, Woo-jae brother-in-law,″ and Woo-young added, ″You really married well.″ In response, Joo Woo-jae acknowledged, ″That’s right. Things really worked out well for me,″ and explained the reason for his good fortune as ″There is only one reason why things worked out well for me. I met good friends.″ Then, when he mentioned, ″When I see people who just meet anyone and end up making mistakes like that...″ Jo Se-ho silently bowed his head. Kim Sook also joined the joke, saying, ″Among us, there is even someone without connections.″ Jo Se-ho responded, ″That’s a really important statement,″ and added, ″In life, relationships are important.″ Jo Se-ho was involved in a controversy late last year over his acquaintance with a certain individual. At that time, a photo of Jo Se-ho with Mr. A, who was identified as a key figure in organized crime, was released, sparking rumors of ties to gangsters, along with suspicions of bribery and business connections. Jo Se-ho denied these allegations, stating that Mr. A was just an acquaintance he met while attending local events in the past and that there was no involvement in bribery, financial matters, or business. Furthermore, Jo Se-ho bowed his head, admitting that he had not been cautious enough about his relationships as a public figure. After the controversy, he withdrew from KBS2’s ’2 Days & 1 Night’ and tvN’s ’You Quiz on the Block.’ Later, through ’DoDriver 4,’ he expressed, ″I am sorry for causing concern,″ and ″I will be more careful about my relationships going forward.″ Since then, Jo Se-ho has continued his activities mainly through the ’DoDriver’ series and resumed his SNS activities in August after about eight months.]]> FANNSTAR Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Singer LEE HYO RI shared a video of challenging running on her SNS. On the 26th, LEE HYO RI posted a video of herself running on SNS, updating her recent status. In the video, LEE HYO RI was seen running on the street wearing a hat and comfortable clothes. She was running lightly without any special exercise equipment. LEE HYO RI left the phrase ″First time running″ on the video, revealing that it was her first attempt at running. LEE HYO RI married singer Lee Sang-soon in 2013. The two lived in Jeju for a long time before moving to Seoul last year to continue their daily lives. Meanwhile, news of Fin.K.L’s full group activities resuming was also announced. On the 21st, Gemstone E&M stated that they are preparing for full group activities with LEE HYO RI, Ok Joo-hyun, Lee Jin, and Sung Yu-ri. This marks the first time in about 21 years since 2005’s digital single ″Forever Fin.K.L″ that Fin.K.L is actively promoting as a team name. Although the four members reunited and released a new song through JTBC’s ″Camping Club″ in 2019, that was a project-based activity linked to the program.]]> FANNSTAR Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Kim Da-ye, the wife of Park Soo-hong, revealed the grown-up appearance of their daughter Jae-i, who is about to turn two. On the 24th, Kim Da-ye posted several photos on her account with the caption, ″Jae-i, who has grown up a lot one month before her second birthday.″ In the photos, Jae-i was seen wearing a hat and tracksuit while holding a pink doll during an outing. Jae-i showed a more mature appearance with distinct facial features and long hair. Kim Da-ye shared an update on her daughter following the controversy involving Park Soo-hong’s family last month related to a flight delay. Last month, Park Soo-hong and Kim Da-ye expressed their intention to disembark after their daughter cried on the plane, but later decided to reboard after she stopped crying. During this process, it was revealed that the flight was delayed due to baggage handling procedures. Park Soo-hong apologized, saying, ″This incident occurred entirely due to my ignorance of airline procedures, and there is no excuse for it.″ Park Soo-hong married Kim Da-ye, who is 23 years younger, in 2021, and after undergoing in vitro fertilization, the couple welcomed their daughter Jae-i in 2024.]]> FANNSTAR Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Lee Kyung-kyu expressed his thoughts on the clown son-in-law in episode 14 of JTBC’s variety show ″Love War.″ The episode featured a couple consisting of a clown boyfriend with 11 years of experience and his manager girlfriend who works as a social worker. In response to the recent online question, ″Can you accept a clown son-in-law who has saved 200 million won?″ Lee Kyung-kyu firmly said, ″A clown son-in-law is not acceptable.″ When LEE HYO RI said, ″He makes people around him happy, works hard to earn money, so he doesn’t seem bad,″ Lee Kyung-kyu replied, ″People who make others happy can’t manage their own household. I’m the same,″ which brought laughter. The actual couple revealed realistic conflicts between the girlfriend, who manages the boyfriend’s SNS, schedule, and household chores, and the boyfriend, who is passive about self-development for the future. The boyfriend compared himself to the meme of the ″clown boyfriend who saved 200 million won,″ saying, ″I don’t even have 20 million won, let alone 200 million.″ In response, Seo Jang-hoon criticized, ″What kind of behavior is this?″ He then said, ″The girlfriend can definitely live well with someone else.″ When the boyfriend continued to belittle himself, Seo Jang-hoon sharply said, ″Then leave.″ Regarding the couple’s story, Lee Kyung-kyu showed interest in the scenario, saying, ″The narrative is a typical melodrama, but the content is good,″ and hinted at a twist with the comment, ″It might hit you from behind.″ Episode 14 of ″Love War″ will air at 9:50 PM that night.]]> FANNSTAR Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 The movie ″Assassin(s)″ took first place at the box office during the Chuseok holiday period. According to the Korea Film Council’s integrated ticket sales network, ″Assassin(s)″ attracted 1,119,154 viewers from the 25th to the 27th, reaching the top spot. It surpassed 1 million cumulative viewers within four days of its release and recorded a total of 1,566,220 viewers by the weekend. ″Assassin(s)″ is a crime thriller that traces the hidden suspicions and background of the assassination attempt on the First Lady of South Korea on August 15, 1974, and it was the audience’s choice during this Chuseok holiday. The second place at the box office went to ″Tazza: The Belzebub’s Song,″ which attracted 566,527 viewers and has a cumulative audience of 833,031. This film depicts a revenge drama between Jang Tae-young, who ran an online casino business, and Park Tae-young, who took everything from him, unfolding on a global gambling stage. In third place was ″Odyssey,″ which drew 364,763 viewers. Following were ″Intern″ (206,349 viewers) and ″Possible Love″ (72,022 viewers).]]> FANNSTAR Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 It has been revealed that Park Myung-soo and Han Soo-min’s daughter, Park Min-seo, has been admitted early to the Creative Department at Korea National University of Arts. On the 27th, Han Soo-min shared recent updates on her SNS by posting photos of Min-seo’s dance activities. She wrote, ″Teachers say only old photos of Min-seo come out, so they told me to post recent ones,″ adding, ″They said to post that she is good at creative dance as well as traditional. Love you, teachers.″ Min-seo graduated from Yewon School and majored in Korean dance at Seonhwa Arts High School. She has been steadily active in the field of dance, receiving scholarships during her studies. With this acceptance, she has taken a step closer to her long-held dream of becoming a dancer. Along with the news of Min-seo’s acceptance, the CEO of an aesthetic company who has watched her for a long time sent a congratulatory message through SNS. The CEO revealed that Min-seo has a quiet and calm personality but showed exceptional passion and perseverance for dance. Despite her busy schedule with school and private lessons, she made time to visit the company and carefully managed areas where she needed improvement. The CEO also mentioned that Min-seo never acted in a way that would make others conscious of her famous parents and always remained humble and polite. The CEO congratulated her, saying that this acceptance is not just a simple result but the fruit of the effort and time Min-seo invested while preparing for the entrance exam. Meanwhile, Park Myung-soo and Han Soo-min married in 2008 and have a daughter, Min-seo.]]> FANNSTAR Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 San of the group ATEEZ recently attracted attention by sharing photos taken in Italy on his SNS. On the 27th, San posted several photos showing him relaxing leisurely on a yacht with an exotic lake in the background, accompanied by the greeting ″Ciao.″ The photos captured him standing shirtless on the boat railing, revealing his well-defined back muscles and broad shoulders. Recently, San was embroiled in dating rumors after a video circulated online showing him walking with a woman on the streets of Milan. In response, his agency KQ Entertainment explained, ″The woman is a brand representative, and they were accompanied by local security and managers while going to buy necessary items.″ San also directly addressed the rumors on a fan communication platform, stating, ″(The dating rumors) are completely untrue.″ Additionally, he warned against unauthorized photography by sasaeng fans, saying, ″It is very embarrassing to be followed everywhere I go. Secretly taking photos is clearly wrong, and do not commit crimes before getting caught.″ San is active as a global ambassador for the Italian luxury brand Dolce & Gabbana and is also the main model for the 2026-27 Fall/Winter campaign featuring Steven Meisel. This visit to Milan was made to attend the Vogue World showcase and collection event. Meanwhile, San debuted in 2018 as the main dancer and lead vocalist of ATEEZ, leading numerous hit albums such as the ’TREASURE,’ ’ZERO : FEVER,’ and ’THE WORLD’ series.]]> FANNSTAR Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Actress Kang Sung-yeon spent her first Chuseok holiday after remarriage with her husband, Director Jang Min-wook. Through her SNS, Kang Sung-yeon shared the process of preparing holiday food and moments with her family. On the 26th, she posted photos and videos of notes filled with recipes, prepared ingredients, and homemade dishes, expressing her feelings about family with the caption, ″The taste of life. This Chuseok makes me realize once again that no matter what, family is truly on my side.″ She also left a holiday greeting, saying, ″Wishing everyone good health. And may today be a little happier than yesterday.″ On the 27th, she shared another family photo along with the message, ″Just like boiling, skimming, and boiling again to make a clear but deep and rich broth, our beloved family also matures and deepens.″ Kang Sung-yeon showed scenes of spending the holiday with her husband, Director Jang Min-wook, and her parents, and on the last day of the holiday, she said, ″Ending the long holiday sweetly and refreshingly with the last sale of red bean shaved ice today, and on the way home, a rainbow appeared, ta-da~.″ Kang Sung-yeon married jazz pianist Kim Ga-on in 2012 and had two sons but divorced in 2023. Later, in May, she announced her remarriage to neurologist Director Jang Min-wook. Director Jang Min-wook is the director of Brain Navigation Neurology Clinic, has appeared on several broadcasts including KBS1’s Morning Yard, and the two appeared together on JTBC’s Doctors’ Talk King Tale.]]> FANNSTAR Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 The MBC variety show ″I Live Alone″ is attempting a new change by announcing actor Kim Min as a cast member amid a recent decline in viewership ratings. ″I Live Alone″ recorded a nationwide viewership rating of 3.5% in its broadcast on the 25th. This is 0.7 percentage points lower than the previous episode’s 4.2%, marking the lowest rating in recent broadcasts. Since recording 6.5% on August 21 last year, the program has shown a downward trend with 5.2% on September 4, 4.8% on the 11th, 4.2% on the 18th, and 3.5% on the 25th. Previously, there was a controversy over directing related to Jun Hyun-moo’s impromptu travel episode, and the production team admitted to some directing in certain scenes last September. Some viewers criticized the production team’s explanation. In this situation, the program will feature actor Kim Min in next week’s broadcast. In the preview released at the end of the broadcast on the 25th, Kim Min revealed, ″I have lived alone for 28 years,″ and it was previewed that he lives in an 80- to 90-year-old old house in Dongducheon, Gyeonggi Province. Kim Min will show a modest daily life, including living alone while repairing his house himself and having breakfast with a baguette and coffee in front of a folding screen. Additionally, Kim Min will be shown riding a bike to a hapkido gym, teaching young students as a hapkido instructor. He is expected to reveal a daily life different from his intense image as an actor. Kim Min has appeared in Disney+’s ″Casino,″ the films ″The Outlaws 3,″ ″Smuggling,″ Netflix’s ″Delivery Man,″ ″The Thief: Sound of the Sword,″ Disney+’s ″Killer’s Shopping Mall,″ and others. Especially in ″Killer’s Shopping Mall,″ he showcased action acting as ″Pashin,″ a colleague of Lee Dong-wook and a martial arts instructor to Kim Hye-jun. Recently, he has continued his activities in Wavve’s ″Reverse″ and tvN’s ″For Hands.″]]> FANNSTAR Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 IVE (IVE, An Yujin, Leeseo, Rei, Jang Wonyoung) is making a comeback with a new mini-album after about eight months. Starship Entertainment, the agency, released a promotion teaser and coming soon video for the mini-album ″Looks Can Kill″ on its official SNS channels on the 28th. The video featured projection mapping on the exterior walls of a high-rise building in the city, displaying the new album logo along with the phrase ″IVE SPIN-OFF RELEASE 2026.10.19,″ and attracted attention with stylish scenes of Seoul’s landscapes and landmarks. IVE will release a pre-release track on October 19, followed by the full mini-album ″Looks Can Kill″ on the 26th. This album is the group’s first new release in about eight months since their second full album ″REVIVE+″ in February. During the promotion of their second full album, IVE achieved a perfect all-kill (PAK) on major domestic music charts with the title track ″BANG BANG,″ marking the team’s sixth all-kill record. In addition, ″BANG BANG″ and the album track ″BLACKHOLE″ won nine music show trophies, bringing their total to 83 wins since debut. ″BANG BANG″ also entered overseas charts such as the US Billboard Global 200 and has remained in the top ranks of major charts even eight months after its release. After the promotion of their second full album, IVE held their second world tour ″SHOW WHAT I AM,″ meeting local fans in eight cities across Asia and North America, including Seoul, Tokyo Dome, and Kyocera Dome. Debuting in 2021, IVE has released numerous hit songs such as ″ELEVEN,″ ″LOVE DIVE,″ ″I AM,″ and ″AFTER LIKE.″ The team name ″IVE″ is an abbreviation of ″I HAVE,″ meaning ″We will confidently show everything we have.″]]> FANNSTAR Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 BTS won the ’Song of the Year’ award at the ’2026 MTV Video Music Awards’ (MTV VMA) held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, USA. At this ceremony, BTS took home the ’Song of the Year’ trophy, a major category, with the title track ″SWIM″ from their fifth full-length album ARIRANG. The ’Song of the Year’ category featured various nominees competing, including Madonna and Sabrina Carpenter’s ″Bring Your Love,″ PinkPantheress and Zara Larsson’s ″Stateside,″ and LE’s ″WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!″ BTS was the first Korean artist to be nominated for ’Song of the Year’ at the MTV VMA in 2021 with ″Dynamite,″ but did not win. They achieved the honor of winning in the same category after five years. In addition, BTS was nominated in a total of three categories at the 2026 MTV VMA, including ’Best K-pop’ and ’Best Group.’]]> FANNSTAR Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Jeonghan and Joshua of Seventeen are launching an active new duo project called ’JxJ’ with the release of their first mini-album, ’DREAMSCAPE.’ The two will release their first mini-album ’DREAMSCAPE’ on various music platforms at 6 PM KST on October 19. The album title track, ’Daydreamers,’ refers to those who dream, and the music and emotions conveyed by Jeonghan and Joshua are expected to deeply resonate with fans. The teaser image released together shows Jeonghan and Joshua dressed in white shirts and pants, sitting side by side against a backdrop of green trees and grass, gazing directly ahead. The natural atmosphere and clear colors highlight their pure charm. Additionally, photos of them lying on the grass in relaxed poses evoke a comfortable yet dreamy mood. Jeonghan and Joshua have demonstrated solid skills and diverse charms as members of Seventeen, and this duo project is anticipated to showcase new musical colors and collaborative synergy. In particular, this album is a work that focuses more on their unique emotions and music, attracting great interest from fans. Meanwhile, Seventeen, to which Jeonghan and Joshua belong, continues to communicate steadily with domestic and international fans by balancing active individual activities, such as member Dino’s successful solo concert tour, with group activities. The release of the ’JxJ’ mini-album is expected to mark a new turning point for unit and solo activities within Seventeen.]]> FANNSTAR Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 The official NCT account shared a congratulatory message celebrating HENDERY’s birthday, sharing joy with fans. The post included the message ″🎂HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO #HENDERY WE💚YOU″ along with the hashtags ″#HAPPYHENDERYDAY #NCT #WayV,″ showing affection for HENDERY. In the released photo, HENDERY is smiling and looking straight ahead in front of a solid gray background, wearing a gray top and a long-sleeved outer garment. His pose, with one hand stretched forward and the other extended to the side, created a bright and lively atmosphere that caught attention. HENDERY continues active musical activities through NCT and WayV, recently receiving great love from fans with the release of a solo single. Along with the warm messages from fans celebrating his birthday, anticipation for his future activities is growing even more.]]> FANNSTAR Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Jeno and Jaemin of NCT DREAM have captured global fans’ attention by sharing photos taken together in Bangkok, Thailand. The two showcased their natural charm wearing white shirts, jeans, and comfortable indoor attire. In various photos set against city parks and restaurants, their V-sign finger poses and friendly hand-holding stood out. These photos were released through NCT DREAM’s official SNS, containing a message that hints at 2026 alongside ’EVERYTHING, ALL AT ONCE, NEO,’ raising fans’ anticipation. Additionally, the hashtags #JENO, #JAEMIN, #NCTDREAM, #DREAMxDREAM, and #NCT_10TH_ANNIVERSARY highlighted the special significance of the team’s 10th debut anniversary. Through this update, Jeno and Jaemin have heightened expectations for their upcoming activities in the near future. The relaxed moments captured in Bangkok have sparked enthusiastic responses among fans, focusing attention on their future endeavors.]]> FANNSTAR Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Global idol group Stray Kids took the stage at Brazil’s Rock in Rio festival, sharing an electrifying connection with local fans. Recently, a member of Stray Kids posted a message on the group’s official SNS saying, ″meus fãs de Stray Kids, talvez eu tenha zerado a vida depois disso no @rockinrio 🥹🇰🇷📍🇧🇷″ (Stray Kids fans, I think I’ve achieved everything in life after this stage), expressing the emotion and joy felt during the performance. This festival stage became an opportunity for Stray Kids to communicate with fans worldwide beyond Korea, further solidifying their position as global artists. In the released photos, the members are styled in white short-sleeve T-shirts paired with black pants, jeans, and blue uniforms, standing on a stage with a black background and green carpet. Four members stand together while one kneels in a unique pose, drawing fans’ attention with various expressions. Stray Kids delivered an unforgettable experience to the festival audience with their outstanding performance and intense stage presence, receiving explosive reactions overseas as well. This event is regarded as a symbolic stage proving the global influence of K-pop artists. Earlier, member Bang Chan shared recent photos with blonde hair, along with Chuseok greetings in hanbok and the release of the new song ″Slow it down″ music video. Stray Kids will continue to engage closely with domestic and international fans through diverse content and music.]]> FANNSTAR Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Girl group ITZY successfully completed their stage at the ’KRAZY Music Festival’ held last week in Taipei, spending a special time with local fans. During the performance with the local fan club ’MIDZY,’ ITZY received a warm response with their dazzling stage manners and powerful performance. Wearing unique outfits that paired yellow tops with short skirts, they took the stage showcasing a variety of expressions and poses, heightening the excitement of the venue. In particular, the stage set featuring a blue container highlighted ITZY’s energy and refreshing charm even more. After the performance, ITZY expressed their gratitude for the enthusiasm and fans through their official SNS, saying, ″What a KRAZY night,″ and ″Another incredible memory in Taipei with MIDZY.″ This experience, shared with fans, reaffirmed the group’s strong teamwork and close bond with their global fandom. Recently, even as member Yuna has temporarily adjusted her activities due to health reasons, ITZY continues to actively participate in various festivals and music shows based on their high-quality teamwork. They consistently receive love for their musical abilities and diverse charms while maintaining ongoing communication with their global fans.]]> FANNSTAR Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 The group NCT WISH has confirmed their comeback with their fourth mini-album, ″I SPY,″ set for October 12 at 6 PM. This album consists of a total of six tracks, including the title track ″I SPY,″ and is their first new release in about six months since their full-length album ″Ode to Love″ released last year. In this new song, NCT WISH delicately expresses the emotions of boys inexperienced in love, previewing a more mature musical color that raises fans’ expectations. Their agency, SM Entertainment, revealed teaser images for ″I SPY″ on their official SNS channels on the 23rd and 24th. Against a calm, monochromatic background, the concept of ″Confused Boy,″ portraying members bewildered by their first encounter with love, was visualized, drawing attention. The members wore white T-shirts and created an intense atmosphere as they appeared deep in thought in front of a bright blue background adorned with star-shaped graphics. Along with this, the group announced the start of their full-scale activities by releasing the ″I SPY″ Trailer Part 2 ″Lover Boy″ video on their official YouTube channel. The video sensually captures the story of boys exploring love using smartphones and colorful cubes. NCT WISH has been actively expanding their global fandom through overseas activities in places like Hong Kong and Japan. In September, they successfully held a fan meeting at AsiaWorld Arena in Hong Kong, and on the 23rd, they met local fans by attending the Rakuten GirlsAward 2026 A/W stage in Tokyo, Japan. Meanwhile, even before the album release, NCT WISH has been intensifying the comeback excitement by conducting various promotions both digitally and offline. They have introduced a new way of communicating with fans by opening the ″WISH LAND″ server on the messenger app Discord, creating a digital world related to the new album. Attention is focused on whether NCT WISH, returning with ″I SPY,″ will continue their consecutive hits and heat up the music scene in 2026 even more.]]> FANNSTAR Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Trot singer Hong Jin Young shared recent updates by sharing small joys from daily life. Recently, Hong Jin Young posted lighthearted everyday photos on her SNS with captions such as ″Just for the mood #Highball,″ ″I’m the one going to #BestSnackPlaces to eat snacks🙋‍♀️,″ and ″They say it’s autumn, but why is it so hottttt💦.″ In the photos, she is wearing a black sleeveless top and pants, striking a pose facing forward with one hand stretched out to the side on a city street. Her long hair paired with a necklace created a neat yet sophisticated atmosphere. Known for her lively and positive energy, Hong Jin Young communicated with fans by showing moments of enjoying small pleasures and relaxation in everyday life through this post. Especially, enjoying a glass of highball and exploring popular eateries despite the hot weather in autumn resonated naturally with fans. Meanwhile, last month, Hong Jin Young revealed photos from a golf course and indoor events, showcasing various charms. She is expected to continue actively communicating with fans along with diverse activities in the future.]]> FANNSTAR Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 American broadcaster Lisa Rina captured attention by appearing at the recently held 2023 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs). Lisa appeared at the official event wearing a white dress with a short blonde hairstyle, striking a pose with one leg forward to emphasize the slit of the dress. Lisa, smiling brightly in front of the stage with a gradient background and the MTV logo, drew enthusiastic reactions from fans. As photos from the event were released, numerous channels including social media praised her sophisticated fashion and confident demeanor. Especially known for showcasing various looks on this stage, Lisa’s white dress outfit attracted much attention. Many reviews noted that it harmonized with the atmosphere of the event, creating a luxurious and modern style. Meanwhile, Lisa’s attendance at this year’s VMAs marks a step in strengthening her ongoing activities as a broadcaster, raising expectations for her active presence in various official events and broadcasts in the future.]]> FANNSTAR Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 The girl group TWICE raised fans’ expectations by releasing the teaser image for their 2027 Season Greeting, ″Spotless.″ In the released teaser image, member Momo is seen comfortably lying on a sofa wearing a white top and blue striped pants. Pink flower petals are scattered around, creating a soft and pure atmosphere, while her arms wearing long gloves and her calm expression drew attention. Momo gazes straight ahead with her lips closed, showcasing a mysterious yet elegant charm. TWICE will hold the official pre-order for the 2027 Season Greeting from 2 PM on October 6 until midnight on October 14. This season greeting is expected to be a special gift for fans, consisting of various content capturing the diverse charms of TWICE members. Meanwhile, TWICE has been actively engaged in music activities as well as individual members pursuing various fields. Jeongyeon has officially started her career as an actress, and Jihyo recently communicated with the public in various ways, including showcasing a new style on the stage of the ″Waterbomb″ event. In 2027, TWICE plans to continue meeting fans through music and various content.]]> FANNSTAR Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 NCT Haechan captivated fans with his intense presence on stage. In recent performances and behind-the-scenes moments, Haechan showcased his passion while wearing black clothing and sporting blonde hair, holding a microphone in his hand. Especially under the stage lights, his gaze directed straight ahead conveyed deep concentration, highlighting his charisma that dominated the stage. Haechan serves as the main vocalist for both NCT 127 and NCT DREAM, primarily handling the introduction and climax parts, earning the nickname ″Introduction Master″ for his unique musical presence. In this performance, he also presented a more diverse stage production by incorporating a gun-shaped prop, capturing the audience’s attention. In his daily life off stage, Haechan displayed various charms, wearing camouflage-patterned clothing and holding hair spray with a calm expression during a photoshoot. The photos he shared on SNS along with the message ″NCT127❤️″ demonstrate his ongoing engagement and communication with fans. Recently, Haechan solidified his position as a solo artist by releasing his first full-length solo album, TASTE. This album reflects the musical tastes he has developed since childhood, showcasing a wide musical spectrum centered on the R&B genre. Actively promoting with the music video for the title track ″CRZY,″ Haechan plans to continue taking on new challenges through his stage performances and music.]]> FANNSTAR Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Singer Jang Wonyoung attracted attention by revealing her recent updates in collaboration with Dior. Jang Wonyoung recently posted various mood photoshoots on her official SNS with the Dior hashtag. She completed a neat yet sophisticated style with a white T-shirt and simple outfit, emphasizing her unique pure beauty with natural makeup and long hair styled attractively. In the photos, Jang Wonyoung showcased various poses in different settings such as a plain white wall, building exteriors, and plant backgrounds, revealing a luxurious atmosphere along with a relaxed charm. The newly released photoshoot is part of a campaign Jang Wonyoung did with Dior, and it is evaluated that her elegant yet modern image harmonizes with the brand’s signature style. Jang Wonyoung has been recognized as a fashion icon and has actively collaborated with global luxury brands. Recently, Jang Wonyoung has been actively communicating with the public through various activities, and with this collaboration with Dior, she is presenting a more mature style, raising fans’ expectations. Much attention continues to be focused on her future endeavors.]]> FANNSTAR Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Tomorrow X Together (TXT) (Soobin, Yeonjun, Beomgyu, Taehyun, HUENING KAI) met with fans through a live broadcast from the practice room after the ’2026 Global Citizen Festival’ scheduled to be held at Central Park in New York, USA, was canceled due to bad weather. At 9 a.m. on the 27th, the day after the festival was canceled, they presented a prepared stage from the practice room via Weverse live streaming. Tomorrow X Together (TXT) was scheduled to perform the opening stage as the only Korean artist and delivered the performance to fans worldwide through quick action. The choreography team, who had prepared the festival stage together, also participated in the practice room live. The members’ fundamentals were revealed through intense choreography and unwavering live performance in front of a fixed camera. They showed the prepared stage setup as it was, without any fancy stage equipment or sound devices. The broadcast featured various stages including ’You and I Found in the Sky at 5:53’, ’0X1=LOVESONG’, and a cover of a Justin Bieber song. They also performed a Korean traditional music version of ’Sugar Rush Ride’ with costumes incorporating hanbok and traditional Korean colors. Yeonjun revealed his solo songs ’Talk to You’, ’Ice Cream’, and a cover of a Post Malone song. Tomorrow X Together (TXT) said, ″We prepared hard, and it was disappointing not to show it, so we rented the practice room. Only the space changed, but everything was properly set up. As long as there is music and a microphone, we can work hard anywhere.″ At the end of the broadcast, a surprise comeback spoiler video containing the phrase ’We need something different from before’ was revealed. Meanwhile, Tomorrow X Together (TXT) will start their world tour ’STEAL THE WIND’ at KSPO DOME, Olympic Park, Seoul, from November 13 to 15, and continue touring in North America, Europe, and other regions. In December, the group and Yeonjun solo will each participate in the US ’2026 iHeartRadio Jingle Ball Tour.’]]> FANNSTAR Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Actress Song Hye-kyo showcased a new charm in her daily life through her social media account. On September 27, Song Hye-kyo posted a photo with the caption ″Good night.″ In the photo, she is seen resting with her eyes closed while leaning on a sofa, dressed comfortably in a zip-up top and glasses. She displayed a natural atmosphere without any flashy makeup or styling. Notably, she caught attention by covering herself with a large packaging bag from the luxury brand Bottega Veneta like a blanket. Unlike the sophisticated and elegant image she usually presents at official events or in photo shoots, the photo released that day emphasized a simple and friendly vibe. Meanwhile, Song Hye-kyo is set to return to the small screen with the Netflix series ″Slowly but Surely,″ scheduled for release in December. The work is set against the backdrop of the Korean entertainment industry from the 1960s to the 1980s and tells the story of those who lived fiercely, dreaming of brilliant success.]]> FANNSTAR Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Singer WOODZ (Cho Seung-yeon) recently addressed rumors about his appearance in a Japanese film featuring the atomic bomb. WOODZ explained that after receiving the script, he carefully reviewed it but ultimately declined to participate. On September 27, during a live broadcast, WOODZ stated, ″The article was incorrect,″ adding that after reading the script and understanding the content, he shared his opinion with his agency and, after careful consideration, decided not to appear. He mentioned that by the time the casting report was released, he had already made the decision not to participate. WOODZ said, ″The reason I did not immediately make an official statement was because I thought the fandom, Mooz, might feel upset for a day,″ and added, ″I also felt uneasy after seeing the posts on social media, but due to my performance schedule, I was late in sharing the news.″ Earlier, there were reports that WOODZ had been cast in the Korea-Japan joint film Damako, but it was confirmed that he declined after reviewing the script. Damako is known to depict the story of a boy who lost his parents to the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima, Japan, in 1945, and who follows Korean residents in Japan to Korea, experiencing the Korean War. The casting rumors led to criticism and malicious comments online, but WOODZ’s side clarified the facts. WOODZ said, ″I did not expect this to escalate so much, but I was aware that many people were worried. Please do not worry,″ and added, ″I also think a lot and try to proceed with everything carefully, considering various factors.″ Meanwhile, WOODZ is set to appear as actor Cho Seung-yeon in the film Nambul. Nambul is a hard-boiled martial arts action film set in early Joseon, depicting nine warriors who embark on a journey to Tsushima Island to rescue prisoners kidnapped by Japanese pirates. WOODZ will play the role of the first archer. As a singer, he is preparing for the world tour encore concert ″2026 WOODZ WORLD TOUR Archive. 1 : Completed,″ with fan club pre-sale starting on October 6 and general ticket sales beginning on October 7. Additionally, he released his first full-length album Archive. 1 and plans to release the Seung Chul Lee 40th debut anniversary single ″Our Story″ on September 30.]]> FANNSTAR Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 TWICE member Sana revealed photos from the filming site in Milan. On the 27th, Sana posted several photos on her account with the caption ″During the shoot.″ In the photos, Sana showed behind-the-scenes moments from a pictorial shoot with the luxury brand P, wearing a black sleeveless dress and styled with thick wavy hair. She gazed at the camera, exuding a captivating and elegant atmosphere. Striking various poses in Milan, Sana displayed a goddess-like visual and a slender figure. Fans left various comments such as ″Oh my,″ ″Really so pretty,″ ″Looks like an actress,″ and ″Dazzling.″ Sana was recently cast in the Japanese film Nyan: May It Reach Your World. This work is a Korea-Japan co-production project, starring Japanese actor Sato Takeru. Meanwhile, TWICE completed contract renewals with all former members and JYP Entertainment in July 2022. Recently, as the second contract renewal season approached, news emerged that some members had meetings with other agencies, drawing attention to the members’ future plans.]]> FANNSTAR Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 All tracks from the special digital album ’IM HERO 10,’ released to celebrate Lim Young Woong’s 10th anniversary since debut, have surpassed 1 million views on YouTube. The last track from the album, the ’A Bientot RE’ video, exceeded 1 million views on September 27 on Lim Young Woong’s official YouTube channel, making all 10 songs achieve million-view status. This song is a remake version featuring newly arranged existing hit songs and was released along with the album on the 8th. ’IM HERO 10’ includes six new songs such as the title track ’Again Again,’ ’Moise,’ ’Baila,’ ’Please Be Happy,’ ’To Us Who Have Lived,’ and ’New York,’ as well as four newly interpreted existing tracks: ’I Hate You RE,’ ’Love Always Runs Away RE,’ ’Grains of Sand RE,’ and ’A Bientot RE.’ The tracks entered the top ranks of major music charts immediately after the album’s release, with ’Again Again’ reaching the top positions on the Melon Artist Chart and music charts. It is notable that the views were evenly distributed across both new and remake songs, rather than concentrated on specific tracks. ’Again Again’ was the first to surpass 1 million views, followed by other songs such as ’Baila,’ ’New York,’ and ’Grains of Sand RE,’ which also achieved million views in turn. This album by Lim Young Woong was released to commemorate the 10th anniversary of their debut, and the music videos for each track have consistently attracted attention and set records.]]> FANNSTAR Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 In JTBC’s new Saturday-Sunday drama ″Final Table,″ Ahn Hyo-seop and Hong Hwa-yeon appear as genius chef Kang Han and Familia’s hall manager Choi Song-yi, respectively, challenging themselves in a cooking survival competition. ″Final Table″ is set against the backdrop of the ″The Table: K Chef 2026″ competition, depicting the process of Korean chefs from around the world competing for the top spot. In the drama, Kang Han, who travels the world every year searching for new restaurants, visits Familia, a restaurant filled with memories of his father, and ends up becoming the head chef and participating in the competition. Choi Song-yi, aiming to restore the honor of her chef father, enters the cooking survival competition. Although she has no cooking experience, she grows into an assistant chef under Kang Han’s training, relying on her dexterity. The two form a team with the shared goal of protecting Familia and compete against top chefs. The combination of mentor Kang Han’s aesthetic sense and cooking skills with disciple Choi Song-yi’s dexterity highlights the changes in their relationship and teamwork as key points of interest. Released still cuts show their first meeting at the restaurant and scenes of training together in the kitchen, capturing the process of their relationship gradually growing closer. ″Final Table″ will premiere on October 24 at 10:40 PM.]]> FANNSTAR Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Young Tak took first place on KBS 2TV’s ’Music Bank’ K-Chart for the 4th week of September with the new song ’Kkeokgeo.’ On that day, ’Music Bank’ was canceled due to the live broadcast of the ’2026 Aichi Nagoya Asian Games,’ and the rankings were announced through the official website. Young Tak shared the news of the first-place win with fans by reposting producer Ji Gwangmin’s SNS post on the official account. Through the agency Abyss Company, Young Tak expressed gratitude, saying, ″I never expected to win first place on a music show. Thank you, Youngbls. It’s all thanks to Youngbls.″ He continued, ″It would have been better to share the joy of winning first place with Youngbls on site and show an encore stage, but although it’s regrettable, I will definitely convey this joy through other content, so please wait a little longer.″ ’Kkeokgeo’ is the title track of the full-length third album ’GOGO,’ released on online music sites on the 14th. It is an electronic dance song that cheerfully conveys the courage to be okay with moving differently than expected. Young Tak will continue activities with the solo concert ’TAK SHOW5.’ ’TAK SHOW5’ will start from October 3 to 5 at Korea University Hwajeong Gymnasium in Seoul, then be held in Jeonju on October 24–25, Daegu on November 28–29, Incheon on December 19–20, and Busan on January 16–17 next year. Additionally, Young Tak is also active in acting in various works such as ’Kkondae Intern,’ ’Surviving as a Celebrity Manager,’ ’Strong Woman Kang Nam-soon,’ and ’Fine: Country Bumpkins.’]]> FANNSTAR Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Singer IU recently revealed a new look with a short bob haircut. On the 25th, he posted several photos on his SNS with the caption ″A horizontal shot of a bob person.″ In the photos, IU was lying on a bed, gazing at the camera. His dark-colored bob haircut, gray-toned top, and white patterned pajamas caught attention. Some of his face was covered by hair, exposing his jawline and neck. IU recently changed his style to a straight bob without layers for the first time in about 10 years. This change was showcased during the release of his new digital single ″From This Star″ and the preparation for his 6th full album comeback. He released the digital single ″From This Star″ on the 10th. Additionally, on the 20th, he attended the stage greetings for the movies ″IU Concert: The Golden Hour″ and ″IU Concert: The Winning″ held at CGV Yongsan I’Park Mall, sporting the bob haircut. At that time, IU said, ″Isn’t short bob Lee Ji-eun even prettier in person? It was a truly happy Sunday filled with fun and love spent with Uaena.″ IU announced his breakup after four years of public dating with actor Lee Jong-suk in July. Afterwards, he temporarily paused activities by postponing scheduled performances and new album plans due to worsening symptoms of vocal cord nodules. At that time, he personally informed fans, saying, ″I think I have been pushing myself too hard without properly taking care of my condition.″]]> FANNSTAR Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 All the tracks from the special digital album ’IM HERO 10,’ released to celebrate Lim Young Woong’s 10th debut anniversary, have surpassed 1 million views on YouTube. As of the 27th, the video for ’A Bientot RE’ posted on Lim Young Woong’s official YouTube channel exceeded 1 million views, making all 10 songs on this album reach 1 million views. ’A Bientot RE’ is a newly arranged version of an existing hit song and was the last track on the album to join the million-view club. ’IM HERO 10’ is a special digital album released on the 8th to commemorate Lim Young Woong’s 10th debut anniversary. This album includes six new songs such as the title track ’Again Again,’ ’Moise,’ ’Baila,’ ’Please Be Happy,’ ’To Us Who Have Lived,’ and ’New York,’ as well as four RE versions of existing songs newly interpreted: ’I Hate You RE,’ ’Love Always Runs Away RE,’ ’Grains of Sand RE,’ and ’A Bientot RE.’ The tracks on the album ranked high not only in YouTube views but also on music charts. The title track ’Again Again’ topped the Melon Artist Chart and digital music charts and also won first place on music broadcast programs. After ’Again Again’ was the first to surpass 1 million views, the new songs and RE version tracks sequentially reached million views. Recently, ’Grains of Sand RE,’ a reinterpretation of a self-composed song from three years ago, also exceeded 1 million views.]]> FANNSTAR Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Tomorrow X Together (TXT) (Subin, Yeonjun, Beomgyu, Taehyun, HUENING KAI) will release their 9th mini album, ″Perfect Storm,″ on November 16. This album will include a total of six tracks, and detailed information such as the tracklist will be announced later through Weverse. Tomorrow X Together (TXT) revealed a comeback spoiler video during a live stream on the global fan platform Weverse the day before, which included the phrase ″We need something different from before,″ sparking fans’ curiosity. The album title and release date were also first disclosed in this broadcast. The new album ″Perfect Storm″ is the first release in seven months since their 8th mini album, ″7TH YEAR: When the Thorns Momentarily Stopped the Wind,″ released last April. While the previous work featured ″wind,″ this album centers around the keyword ″storm.″ Further details about the album will be sequentially shared through Weverse. Before the album release, the fifth world tour ″Still the Wind″ will begin from November 13 to 15 at KSPO DOME in Songpa-gu, Seoul. Additionally, starting at 1 PM on the 28th, pre-saving for the new album will be available on the global music streaming platform Spotify. Tomorrow X Together (TXT) is a five-member boy group under Big Hit Music that debuted in 2019. The team name signifies ″different you and I coming together with one dream to create tomorrow together.″]]> FANNSTAR Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 CLOSE YOUR EYES(JEON MINWOOK, MA JINGXIANG, JANG YEOJUN, KIM SUNGMIN, SONG SEUNGHO, Kenshin, SEO KYOUNGBAE) held a special cinema session with fans ahead of the comeback of their fourth mini-album ’256th Note.’ The event, held at 7:30 PM on September 27 at CGV Yeongdeungpo in Seoul, was organized to celebrate the release of the interlude film ’OPEN YOUR EYES’ from ’256th Note.’ On this day, the members watched the interlude film on the big screen with fans and shared various stories firsthand, including their impressions of their first group acting challenge, the acting lessons process, and behind-the-scenes of the filming. ’OPEN YOUR EYES’ tells the coming-of-age story of seven boys who have lived their entire lives inside a botanical garden and meet a being called ’Odin,’ through whom they experience and dream of a wider world. The members shared with fans the message on the poster, ″Only those who have seen a wider world can dream of a wider world when they close their eyes,″ and the meaning of the work. At the venue, various programs showcasing the members’ acting challenges were held, including a scene acting challenge where participants guessed lines from random scenes in the interlude film and a corner where they directly attempted famous scenes from the drama. Additionally, the members greeted fans while walking through the audience, and a celebration was held for JANG YEOJUN, who had a birthday that day, and SEO KYOUNGBAE, whose birthday is on the 29th. They sang birthday songs with fans and took group photos and photo time, creating precious memories. The event concluded with a stage performance of the pre-release track ’OPEN YOUR EYES’ from the fourth mini-album ’256th Note.’ The members performed the pre-release song, which shares the same name as the interlude film, in front of the fans. CLOSE YOUR EYES will release their fourth mini-album ’256th Note’ on various online music sites at 6 PM on the 30th and will hold a comeback live at 8 PM on the same day.]]> FANNSTAR Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Stray Kids attracted 270,000 spectators with their self-branded festival ″Stray City″ held in Latin America. ″Stray City″ is a new festival planned by JYP Entertainment and the American concert planning company Live Nation, featuring Stray Kids as the headliner. It is the first festival presented under the group’s name in Latin America. This tour started on the 9th in Bogotá, Colombia, continued with performances on the 14th and 15th in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and concluded with two shows on the 25th and 26th in Mexico City, Mexico, covering three regions with a total of five performances. At the Mexico City concert, the setlist included representative songs such as ″MANIAC″ and ″Sori-Kkun,″ and the stage was filled with large-scale sing-alongs and cheers from the local audience. The performance began with dazzling fireworks, and the members maintained their energy until the end, finishing the stage with full enthusiasm. Previously, Stray Kids became the first K-pop artist to headline at Brazil’s ″Rock in Rio,″ meeting an audience of 100,000. Last year, their world tour ″DOMINATE″ gathered about 400,000 people across eight stadium shows in five Latin American cities. Including this ″Stray City,″ they have met a total of 370,000 spectators in Latin America over the course of a month. The producing team 3RACHA (Bang Chan, Changbin, Han) has been directly creating the group’s music. According to the Korea Music Copyright Association, Bang Chan holds copyrights for 245 songs, Changbin for 210 songs, and Han for 207 songs. Stray Kids plans to continue showcasing various stages and music through ″Stray City″ in the future.]]> FANNSTAR Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Super Junior Yesung will pre-release the new song ″Winds of Time″ included in the 10th anniversary album on the 28th. The first track ″Winds of Time″ from this album, prepared to celebrate Yesung’s 10th solo debut anniversary, is known as an alternative pop song characterized by acoustic-centered instrumentation and a calm atmosphere. Yesung personally participated in writing the lyrics, which combine self-confessional words reflecting on the past and efforts to live in the present, along with sweet vocals. The song will be released on various music sites from 6 PM that day, and the music video will be simultaneously uploaded on the SMTOWN YouTube channel. The music video depicts the passage of time and changing scenery through a moving vehicle and shows scenes of Yesung recalling various memories from his past. Meanwhile, Yesung’s second full-length album ″Where We Are,″ commemorating his 10th solo debut anniversary, will be released on October 6.]]> FANNSTAR Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 The Busan travel video from the Korea visit campaign ’BIAS (Be In Artists’ Scenes)’, a collaboration between Stray Kids, JYP Entertainment, and the Korea Tourism Organization, has surpassed 10 million cumulative views. The ’BIAS’ campaign, inspired by the word meaning ’favorite’ in K-pop fandoms, was designed to encourage fans to visit places that artists have been to. The Busan edition video features major tourist attractions such as Songdo Beach, Bupyeong Kkangtong Market, and Gamcheon Culture Village, set against the hometown of member I.N. Stray Kids members completed various missions to promote Busan’s food and local landmarks. The Korea Tourism Organization is operating the ’BIAS Campaign Special Exhibition’ in partnership with the global online travel agency KLOOK. They offer experience products and discount benefits linked to the tourist sites featured in the video, enabling foreign tourists to directly enjoy ’Busan as experienced by Stray Kids.’ Additionally, the integrated Korean tourism platform VISITKOREA introduces the landmarks appearing in the video in multiple languages and conducts online and offline marketing by broadcasting Stray Kids’ Busan travel messages on major overseas city billboards and SNS channels. In August, a BIAS campaign promotional booth was set up at the Stray Kids world tour ’RUN IT’ Seoul concert venue, providing foreign fans with an opportunity to learn about Busan tourist spots firsthand. Baek Man-seong, head of the Hallyu Content Team at the Korea Tourism Organization, stated, ″Among the foreign fans we met at the concert venue, we confirmed many cases of people traveling to Busan after watching the campaign video,″ and added, ″We will continue to expand collaborations with K-pop artists to strengthen local tourism marketing so that global fans can discover Korea’s hidden regional attractions in a familiar and enjoyable way.″]]> FANNSTAR Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Seventeen’s agency, Pledis Entertainment, is continuing measures to protect the rights of the artists along with legal actions against ticket scalpers. On September 28, Pledis Entertainment announced through Seventeen’s official account that they are continuously taking legal action against malicious acts such as spreading false information, insults, and sexual slander against the artists. The agency stated that they have filed lawsuits against authors of malicious posts based on their own monitoring data and reports from fans, and that many cases are undergoing judicial procedures. A defendant charged with defamation of the artist was fined 2 million KRW in the first trial, and the defendant appealed the decision, with the appeal trial currently underway. The agency emphasized that they will respond strictly until the end in the appeal trial as well. Regarding illegal ticket transactions, Pledis Entertainment revealed that they have been cooperating with investigative agencies to catch and punish professional scalpers. Some recently arrested scalpers were sentenced to prison terms of 1 year and 8 months, and 1 year and 4 months respectively, along with confiscations totaling over 1 billion KRW. Investigations into overseas-based scalpers are ongoing, and the agency stated that they are actively cooperating with investigative agencies’ requests. They also conveyed their intention to continue responding strictly without leniency toward illegal ticket transactions. Regarding malicious posts related to Seventeen, the agency explained that they are collecting evidence of rights violations against the artists across domestic and international online channels using a real-time monitoring system. They stated that even if posts are deleted, it is possible to trace the authors and secure evidence. The agency added that they will respond strongly with a zero-tolerance policy toward acts such as spreading false information, insults, disparagement based on appearance or nationality, mocking and hateful expressions, sexual harassment, and sexual objectification. Meanwhile, Seventeen is currently on a temporary hiatus for military service. About half of the members are fulfilling their military duties, with Jeonghan having been discharged in September 2024. Wonwoo enlisted in April last year and is serving alternative military service, Woozi has been serving as an active-duty soldier in the army since September 15 last year, and Hoshi since September 16 last year. Vernon began alternative service on August 20, and Mingyu started alternative service on September 10. Dokyeom enlisted as an active-duty soldier in the army on September 8, and Seungkwan and Dino are scheduled to enlist in the army band on October 26. Before the military hiatus began, the Seventeen members signed their second contract renewal with Pledis Entertainment. The members said, ″We are happy to share good news with CARATs. With the belief that there is nothing we cannot achieve together as members and the shared desire to go further as a team, all 13 of us have decided to stay together. We ask our fans to join us in our promise to challenge eternity as members of ’TEAM SVT.’″ While group activities are temporarily paused, the members are continuing solo and unit activities. Jeonghan and Joshua will release their first mini-album as the new unit JeonghanXJoshua, titled ’DREAMSCAPE,’ on October 19, and Jun will release his first EP ’9’ in China on September 28.]]> FANNSTAR Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 BTS won the ’Song of the Year’ award at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, USA, for the title track ″SWIM″ from their fifth full-length album ″ARIRANG.″ With this win, BTS took home the trophy competing against ″Bring Your Love″ by Madonna and Sabrina Carpenter, ″Stateside″ by PinkPantheress and Zara Larsson, and ″WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!″ by Ray. In addition to ’Song of the Year,’ BTS won a total of three awards, including ’Best K-pop’ and ’Best Group.’ This marks their fifth consecutive win for ’Best Group’ from 2019 to 2022. The award was won by Black Pink in 2023, Seventeen in 2024, and Black Pink again in 2025. In March, BTS ended their full-group military hiatus and released their fifth full-length album ″ARIRANG,″ and they are currently on a large-scale world tour following the album release. They did not attend the awards ceremony. Last year, Black Pink Rosé won ’Song of the Year’ for ″APT.″ featuring Bruno Mars, and this year BTS continued the streak, making K-pop the recipient of the grand prize for two consecutive years.]]> FANNSTAR Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 The production presentation for the new Disney+ original entertainment program 'Surae Game' was held at 11 AM on the 28th."Different from existing survival shows"Creator Lee Jun-su, singer Ji Won-ji, Yang Da-il, announcer Park Ji-min, sports creator Malwang, former professional baseball player and broadcaster Hwang Jae-gyun, PD Hyun Jeong-wan, travel creator Pani Bottle, former national wrestling team member Jang Eun-sil, creator Kim Ddol-ddol, UDT veteran Yuk Jun-seo, and actor Yoon Sang-hyun (from left) attended the production presentation for Disney+'s new original entertainment program 'Surae Game' held at The Saint Grand Ballroom in Shindorim, Guro-gu, Seoul on the 28th, and shared various stories about the program. /Reporter Park Sang-min[THE FACT|Reporter Choi Soo-bin] 'Surae Game' is set to shake up the survival entertainment landscape. It transforms the game of tag, which everyone has likely played at least once, into a survival game, adding intense psychological warfare. Expectations are high for a "raw survival" experience that combines familiar games with unpredictable variables.The production presentation for Disney+'s new original entertainment program 'Surae Game' took place at 11 AM on the 28th at the 6th-floor Grand Ballroom of The Saint in Shindorim, Guro-gu, Seoul. PD Hyun Jeong-wan, who directed the show, and participants Hwang Jae-gyun, Pani Bottle, Malwang, Jang Eun-sil, Park Ji-min, Kim Ddol-ddol, Yang Da-il, Yuk Jun-seo, Ji Won-ji, Yoon Sang-hyun, and Lee Jun-su attended and shared various stories related to the program.'Surae Game' is an extreme experience-based chase survival entertainment program that combines dopamine-inducing chase sequences with the psychological warfare of a hidden "surae" (it). Thirteen players with diverse and fresh charms, from Hwang Jae-gyun to Lee Jun-su, will compete for the single title of "all-rounder player."In particular, the show is garnering significant attention as the latest work from PD Hyun Jeong-wan, who was praised for transcending the conventions of existing survival shows through the 'Bloody Game' series. This time, he moves beyond complex brain games to prominently feature the familiar "chase" element.Former professional baseball player and broadcaster Hwang Jae-gyun stated, "Baseball and 'Surae Game' have many similarities." /Reporter Park Sang-minPD Hyun explained, "It's a game survival, but you can think of the game as a bit different. It's fundamentally a survival game based on a chase, with the existence of a 'surae' within it." He added, "The 'surae' is like the 'mafia' we commonly know. The 'surae' has different missions, and the players engage in other games within that."The integration of 'tag' into a survival format stemmed from PD Hyun's desire to introduce the genre's fun to a wider audience. He said, "I really love survival shows and wanted many viewers to watch them, but some people found the genre difficult due to its nature." He emphasized, "To make it more intuitive and easier for them to understand, I created a game based on the chase scenes I experienced as an assistant director for 'Infinite Challenge,' thus giving birth to a new format of survival."As a familiar game with new rules, the players are also diverse. From athletes to creators, actors, singers, and announcers, individuals who have excelled in different fields have gathered. They will dive into the survival competition in their own unique ways.In particular, former professional baseball player and broadcaster Hwang Jae-gyun leverages his speed and competitive spirit as his weapons. He said, "In baseball, psychological warfare, where you deceive and are deceived by the opposing team, is very important. I thought 'Surae Game' was similar to baseball." He continued, "It requires physical prowess, and there was a lot of psychological play involved in how to deceive each other and how I would survive in the situation. In those aspects, baseball and 'Surae Game' had many similarities."Travel creator Pani Bottle, despite having experienced various survival shows like 'Bloody Game' and 'The Influencer,' found 'Surae Game' particularly challenging. He recalled, "After deciding to appear, I wondered, 'How should I prepare for a game of tag?'" He added, "Now, when I watch the videos, I understand 'what kind of game it is,' but when I was first offered the proposal, it was very difficult."Creator Lee Jun-su, the son of actor Lee Jong-hyuk, makes his first survival entertainment challenge through 'Surae Game.' /Reporter Park Sang-minSports creator Malwang showcased his "clumsy charm," while former national wrestling team member Jang Eun-sil relied on her powerful physique and unwavering persistence. Announcer Park Ji-min actively utilized her "experienced professional" status from participating in numerous survival programs, and creator Kim Ddol-ddol opted for a strategy of disarming opponents with his unique sociability.Singer Yang Da-il presented his honesty, unconstrained by his image, as his weapon, while UDT veteran Yuk Jun-seo cited his strong immersion and competitive spirit as his strengths. Singer Ji Won-ji hinted at her ability to adapt freely to situations.Creator Lee Jun-su, the son of actor Lee Jong-hyuk, is embarking on his first variety show and first survival challenge without his father through 'Surae Game.' He said, "Since this is my first variety show appearing alone without my father, I was determined to stand out and show my performance." He added, "That's why I put in even more effort. I worked hard with the mindset of giving my all."Finally, Hwang Jae-gyun expressed his confidence, stating, "It's a chase, different from existing survival shows, with the tension of pursuing and being pursued." He concluded, "If you enjoy active elements, tension, and psychological warfare, not just brain games, and if you miss the 'Infinite Challenge' chase, you will be able to enjoy 'Surae Game' until the end."'Surae Game,' consisting of a total of 10 episodes, will release four episodes on the 30th. Subsequently, two episodes will be aired every Wednesday.subin7134@tf.co.kr[Entertainment Department | ssent@tf.co.kr]]]> FANNSTAR Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Won the award for the title track 'SWIM' from their 5th full-length albumBTS won three awards, including 'Song of the Year,' the grand prize at the '2026 MTV Video Music Awards,' America's representative popular music awards ceremony. / Big Hit Music[THE FACT | Reporter Jung Byung-geun] Group BTS took home the 'Song of the Year' trophy at the '2026 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs),' America's representative popular music awards ceremony.BTS (RM Jin SUGA J-HOPE JIMIN V JUNG KOOK) won 'Song of the Year' for the title track 'SWIM' from their 5th full-length album 'ARIRANG' at the '2026 MTV Video Music Awards' held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, USA on the 27th (local time).BTS won the award, beating out nominees such as Madonna & Sabrina Carpenter's 'Bring Your Love,' PinkPantheress and Zara Larsson's 'Stateside,' and RAYE's 'WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!'.Previously, last year, Black Pink ROSÉ won 'Song of the Year' at the same awards ceremony for 'APT.' in collaboration with Bruno Mars. This year, with BTS's win, K-pop has taken home the grand prize trophy for two consecutive years.BTS won a total of three awards, including 'Song of the Year,' the equivalent of the grand prize, as well as 'Best K-Pop' and 'Best Group.' This is the fifth time BTS has won 'Best Group' at this awards ceremony, following four consecutive wins from 2019 to 2022. In this category, Black Pink won in 2023, Seventeen in 2024, and Black Pink in 2025.BTS broke their long hiatus due to military service and released their 5th full-length album 'ARIRANG' in March, receiving explosive love. They are currently on a world tour of unprecedented scale following the album's release. They did not attend the awards ceremony on this day.kafka@tf.co.kr[Entertainment Department | ssent@tf.co.kr]]]> FANNSTAR Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Creator Lee Jun-su poses at the production presentation of Disney+ original entertainment show 'Hide and Seek' held at The Saint Grand Ballroom in Shindorim, Guro-gu, Seoul on the morning of the 28th. /Reporter Park Sang-min [THE FACT | Reporter Park Sang-min] Creator Lee Jun-su poses at the production presentation of Disney+ original entertainment show 'Hide and Seek' held at The Saint Grand Ballroom in Shindorim, Guro-gu, Seoul on the morning of the 28th. 'Hide and Seek' is an experiential chase survival entertainment show that combines a dopamine-stimulating chase with the psychological warfare of a hidden "it." A total of 13 players will engage in fierce competition, using their physicality and strategy to determine the final survivor. PD Hyun Jung-wan, who directed the survival entertainment series 'Bloody Game,' is in charge of directing.PD Hyun Jung-wan of 'Hide and Seek' has stated, referring to Lee Jun-su, "All contestants are memorable, but if I had to pick just two who surprised me, they would be Lee Jun-su and Pani Bottle." Lee Jun-su appeared on MBC's entertainment program 'Dad! Where Are We Going?' as the second son of actor Lee Jong-hyuk. psm27@tf.co.krPhoto&Video Planning Department photo@tf.co.kr]]> FANNSTAR Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Kim Ji-won confronts the doctors of Guseo University HospitalScheduled to premiere on October 9 at 9:50 PMActress Kim Ji-won will return to the small screen with SBS's new Friday-Saturday drama 'Doctor X: Age of the White Mafia'. /SBS[THE FACT | Reporter Moon Chae-young] Actress Kim Ji-won delivers a powerful truth bomb to corrupt doctors.The production team of SBS's new Friday-Saturday drama 'Doctor X: Age of the White Mafia' (written by Pyeon Seong-geun, directed by Lee Jeong-rim, hereinafter referred to as 'Doctor X') released a preview video of the first episode on the 28th, featuring the refreshing wit of genius doctor Gye Soo-jeong (played by Kim Ji-won).'Doctor X' is a "cider" medical noir that depicts the activities of 'Doctor X' Gye Soo-jeong, who shatters immense absurdity with her genius surgical skills, knowing neither failure nor compromise. It is based on the Japanese 'Doctor X' series, which was a mega-hit on TV Asahi.Gye Soo-jeong, who is obsessed only with surgery and is nicknamed 'Crazy Gye of the Operating Room,' is a freelance surgeon dispatched from a doctor staffing agency to fill the void in the surgery department at Guseo University Hospital. She is a character who cuts away at corrupt medical power in the corrupt Guseo University Hospital solely with her skills.The preview video of the first episode begins with Gye Soo-jeong unhesitatingly pointing out the flaws of the doctors at Guseo University Hospital. Gye Soo-jeong directly tells surgery professor Bae Heung-gon (played by Lee Seong-wook) and resident doctor Ma Seong-gyu (played by Kwon Seung-woo), "I don't like you."SBS's new Friday-Saturday drama 'Doctor X: Age of the White Mafia' has released a preview video of its first episode. /SBSWithout changing her expression, Gye Soo-jeong sharply criticizes the true nature of the Guseo University Hospital doctors, saying, "People who only studied to make money and get promoted. People who are just stupidly smart without any regard for ethics or principles."She continues, "People who only think about how to get away with it, even when they know how much the patient will suffer and their life is at stake," pointing out the absurdities one by one, and then says, "People who are just doctors. Hey, you guys are really pathetic," instantly deflating the pride of the haughty doctors.The doctors' anger explodes at the terrifying venom, escalating the tension to a breaking point. However, Gye Soo-jeong packs her bag precisely at 6 o'clock and leaves without looking back, providing a refreshing twist of humor.'Doctor X,' consisting of a total of 12 episodes, will premiere on October 9 at 9:50 PM.mcy21@tf.co.kr[Entertainment Department | ssent@tf.co.kr]]]> FANNSTAR Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Creator Lee Jun-su, Latency member Ji Won, singer Yang Da-il, announcer Park Ji-min, fitness creator Malwang, former professional baseball player and broadcaster Hwang Jae-gyun, PD Hyun Jeong-wan, travel creator Pani Bottle, former wrestling national team member Jang Eun-sil, creator Kim Ttol-ttol, UDT alumnus Yuk Jun-seo, and actor Yoon Sang-hyun (from left) pose at the press conference for Disney+ original entertainment show 'The Escape' held at The Saint Grand Ballroom in Shindorim, Guro-gu, Seoul on the morning of the 28th. /Reporter Park Sang-min [THE FACT | Reporter Park Sang-min] Creator Lee Jun-su, Latency member Ji Won, singer Yang Da-il, announcer Park Ji-min, fitness creator Malwang, former professional baseball player and broadcaster Hwang Jae-gyun, PD Hyun Jeong-wan, travel creator Pani Bottle, former wrestling national team member Jang Eun-sil, creator Kim Ttol-ttol, UDT alumnus Yuk Jun-seo, and actor Yoon Sang-hyun pose at the press conference for Disney+ original entertainment show 'The Escape' held at The Saint Grand Ballroom in Shindorim, Guro-gu, Seoul on the morning of the 28th. 'The Escape' is an experiential chase survival entertainment show that combines a dopamine-stimulating chase with the psychological warfare of a hidden "it." A total of 13 players will engage in fierce competition, using their physicality and strategy to determine the final survivor. PD Hyun Jeong-wan, who directed the survival entertainment series 'Bloody Game,' will be directing the show. The cast includes former professional baseball player and broadcaster Hwang Jae-gyun, travel creator Pani Bottle, actor Kyung Soo-jin, fitness creator Malwang, former wrestling national team member Jang Eun-sil, announcer Park Ji-min, creator Kim Ttol-ttol, singer Yang Da-il, UDT alumnus Yuk Jun-seo, Latency member Ji Won, beach volleyball player Shin Ji-eun, actor Yoon Sang-hyun, and creator Lee Jun-su.'The Escape' will be released worldwide on Disney+ starting on the 30th. psm27@tf.co.krphoto@tf.co.kr]]> FANNSTAR Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Gong Yeon-su, the eldest daughter of a traditional familyHired as an adult product marketerActress Nam Ji-hyun will appear in TVING's new original series 'My Lovely Liar'. /TVING[THE FACT | Reporter Moon Chae-young] Actress Nam Ji-hyun will play the eldest daughter of a traditional family who breaks away from old values and jumps into a new environment.The production team of TVING's new original series 'My Lovely Liar' (written by Ahn Sae-bom, directed by Kim Ye-ji) released a written interview with Nam Ji-hyun, who plays Gong Yeon-su, the eldest daughter of a traditional family who ends up working as an adult product marketer.'My Lovely Liar' is a romantic comedy that depicts the growth of a woman who doesn't do anything without love and a man who is good at it even without love. Nam Ji-hyun and Kim Jae-young transform into Gong Yeon-su and Dok Go-dal, respectively, and show off a different kind of romantic chemistry.Gong Yeon-su is the eldest daughter of a traditional family who grew up in a conservative and traditional environment, and she is a marketer who needs to be more sensitive to trends than anyone else. She possesses both a Confucian mindset ingrained in her since childhood and the sense of a marketer who quickly reads the flow of the times.Nam Ji-hyun expressed her affection for the character, saying, "Gong Yeon-su has various charms based on her loveliness." She also revealed the reason for her participation, saying, "She is wary of unfamiliar things but also contemplates why she thinks that way. This aspect was realistic. I was impressed by the character's growth through conflict and struggle, so I decided to participate."In particular, she said that she played Gong Yeon-su with 'sincerity' as the core. "I thought Gong Yeon-su experiences various worries and conflicts because she approaches everything with sincerity. So, I tried to express her as someone who gives her all in any situation. Since she is a character who meets various types of people at home and in society, I tried to differentiate her demeanor when dealing with each person," she explained.Gong Yeon-su gradually changes as she takes on adult product marketing, which is quite different from her values, and meets CEO Dok Go-dal. Nam Ji-hyun said, "Gong Yeon-su chose marketing as her profession because she was afraid of living in a small world. Applying for Dok Go-dal's company's marketing is a bold challenge, perhaps Gong Yeon-su's first rebellion in her life."Nam Ji-hyun predicted her growth, saying that Gong Yeon-su is "a character who makes many mistakes and gets discouraged easily, but absorbs and understands many things while trying to get them done somehow. She will become braver and gain more confidence by getting the opportunity to change her deeply rooted values."Finally, she said, "I would be grateful if you watch how Gong Yeon-su and Dok Go-dal, who fought and clashed a lot, come to understand and fill each other and melt into one another. I would be proud if you recall if you had such a relationship or person in your own life while watching," she said.'My Lovely Liar', consisting of a total of 10 episodes, will be released for the first time on October 15th at 6 PM.mcy21@tf.co.kr[Entertainment Department | ssent@tf.co.kr]]]> FANNSTAR Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Tour from January to May next year after album releaseMAX will release their third mini-album 'All Of My Life' on October 19. This is their first solo release in 4 years and 9 months. /THE FACT DB[THE FACT | Reporter Jeong Byung-geun] TVXQ! MAX has confirmed their solo comeback date as October 19.According to their agency SM Entertainment on the 28th, MAX will release their third mini-album 'All Of My Life' on October 19. This is their first release in approximately 4 years and 9 months since their second mini-album 'Devil', released in January 2022.The album consists of a total of 6 songs, including the title track 'All Of My Life'. MAX plans to evoke deep empathy from global listeners with a message of moving forward without stopping amidst the various emotions and moments encountered in life.MAX has been actively engaged in group activities both domestically and internationally, including a recent performance at Nissan Stadium in Japan, as well as diverse activities in entertainment, sports, and MCing. Attention is focused on the new image they will show as a solo artist after a long time.MAX plans to evoke deep empathy from global listeners with a message of moving forward without stopping amidst the various emotions and moments encountered in life. The photo is an image from the new album. /SM EntertainmentIn addition, following the release of their new album, MAX will embark on 'LIVE SESSION : RESONANCE', starting with a concert in Seoul held for three days from November 6-8 at Yes24 Live Hall. They will continue with performances in Macau on January 9, 2027, and Taipei on January 23, and will also hold an original local tour in 12 regions of Japan from February to May.MAX's third mini-album 'All Of My Life' will be available for pre-order through various online and offline music stores starting from the 28th.kafka@tf.co.kr[Entertainment Department | ssent@tf.co.kr]]]> FANNSTAR Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Why is only Lim Young Woong consistent? 69 consecutive months at No. 1, YouTube surpasses 2 millionMonday, September 28, Kim Da-hyun/ Lim Young Woong/ RESCENE/ Haru/ 'Assassins'[THE FACT| Reporter Kang Il-hong] Trot singer Kim Da-hyun made her first official appearance and revealed her feelings after controversy erupted over senior singer Shim Soo-bong's public remarks. At the '2026 Gyeongnam Goseong Dinosaur World Expo' busking stage held in Goseong, Gyeongnam on the 26th, Kim Da-hyun first expressed her gratitude to her fans.Kim Da-hyun said that she filmed a video with her older sister Jin Sori in a bright mood before Chuseok, but couldn't release it due to a sudden incident. She then thanked her fans for worrying about her and cheering her on, saying she would listen carefully to their words of encouragement and consider them carefully in the future.In particular, Kim Da-hyun, who visited her hometown Cheonghak-dong with her parents during the Chuseok holiday, revealed that she made a new resolution while looking at the full moon. "Like the bright and clear full moon, I firmly decided that I must study more and challenge myself vigorously to become a great singer in the future." This was Kim Da-hyun's message, directly conveyed for the first time since the controversy.Shim Soo-bong, who was embroiled in controversy for her gaffe, which was close to a blasphemous remark, the incident began at a trot festival held in Jinan, Jeonbuk on the 20th. At the time, Shim Soo-bong mentioned Kim Da-hyun, who performed on stage before her, and used strong expressions, and the controversy grew as the video spread online.Shim Soo-bong apologized the next day through her agency, saying, "I literally made a slip of the tongue." She stated that she did not intend to shame anyone in particular, but it was wrong for her to say something that hurt the feelings of a junior singer as an adult.Afterward, Shim Soo-bong called Kim Da-hyun directly to apologize, and Kim Da-hyun also shared on social media that she received her teacher's apology and warm comfort through a direct phone call.However, this controversy has also brought Shim Soo-bong's turbulent past back into the spotlight. Shim Soo-bong revealed in a past broadcast that she was diagnosed with a rare disease at the age of 16 and lived in a sanatorium as advised by her doctor to avoid using her voice. She also recalled experiencing great difficulties after being present at the scene of the October 26th incident in 1979.In particular, in a past broadcast, Shim Soo-bong claimed that she was forcibly admitted to a mental hospital after the incident and was given drug injections despite her pleas that she was not mentally ill. She also recalled that her husband was dragged away and tortured at the time, and she had to listen to the painful sounds from the next room.Shim Soo-bong, who was then restricted from broadcasting activities, made a comeback by performing at night clubs, and in 1984, 'Man is a Ship, Woman is a Port' became a great hit, laying the foundation for her comeback. While some are cheering for Kim Da-hyun's new beginning, others are looking back at the past hardships Shim Soo-bong experienced, and fans are paying attention to what this controversy will mean for both singers.69 consecutive months at No. 1, YouTube surpasses 2 million... The secret to enduring popularity?Lim Young Woong's popularity has once again been confirmed by numbers. In September, Lim Young Woong ranked first in the trot singer brand reputation. This is the 69th consecutive month at No. 1. What's more noteworthy is the trend compared to the overall market.According to the Korea Corporate Reputation Research Institute, the trot singer brand big data in September decreased by more than 3% compared to the previous month. However, Lim Young Woong's brand reputation index actually increased by 14.94%. In other words, even though overall interest in trot singers has somewhat decreased, interest in Lim Young Woong has conversely increased.This is analyzed to be influenced by the continuous creation of public touchpoints through the release of the new song 'TtoTto', winning No. 1 on music shows, large-scale concerts, and winning the large-scale music awards TMA.However, there is another number that can explain Lim Young Woong's sustained popularity. It is the YouTube views of 'May You Be Happy', which surpassed 2 million views. The reason this song is special is not just because it's a new song.'May You Be Happy' is a song created by Lim Young Woong inspired by fans' messages. The phrases and stories directly conveyed by fans at concerts became the basis for the lyrics, and Kim Da-hyun also participated in the songwriting.Ultimately, this song not only contains the singer's message to the fans, but also has a structure where the fans' stories return as music. Lim Young Woong's secret to sustained popularity can also be found at this point.Connecting music, fandom, and public touchpoints continuously. In the 10th anniversary special album, like 'May You Be Happy', songs that capture the relationship with fans, as well as music with various colors such as 'TtoTto', 'Moise', 'Baila', and 'New York', were presented.In addition, opportunities to meet fans through platforms such as concerts, broadcasts, and YouTube are continuously being created.Ultimately, Lim Young Woong's record does not end with simply 'being No. 1 for a long time'. While continuously releasing new content, it does not lose the emotional connection with fans who have been together for a long time. The 69 consecutive months of brand reputation No. 1 and the 2 million views of 'May You Be Happy' can be seen as different results created by that consistency.Lim Young Woong, who celebrated her 10th debut anniversary, is drawing attention to what kind of music and records her time spent with fans will lead to in the future.RESCENE proudly took first place in the September 2026 girl group brand reputation announced by the Korea Corporate Reputation Research Institute. The photo shows RESCENE posing before the TMA interview held at the Busan Asiad Main Stadium on the 19th. /Busan Asiad Main Stadium=Reporter Park Sang-min'LOVE ATTACK' reverse run → Brand reputation No. 1 → TMA 2 wins... Unstoppable sprintFrom a reverse run on the music charts to No. 1 in girl group brand reputation, and then winning two major awards at a large awards ceremony, one of the hottest names in the music industry these days is RESCENE.RESCENE's upward trend is unusual. RESCENE proudly took first place in the September 2026 girl group brand reputation announced by the Korea Corporate Reputation Research Institute. The brand reputation index was a whopping 8,491,288 points, with Black Pink in second place at 5,313,288 points and IVE in third place at 4,041,874 points.In particular, RESCENE ranked first in September following August, marking two consecutive months at the top. This survey was conducted by analyzing participation, media, communication, and community indices for approximately 56.78 million pieces of girl group-related big data from August 13 to September 13.In addition, they set a remarkable record on the music charts. 'LOVE ATTACK', released in 2024, achieved No. 1 on Melon TOP100 about two years after its release, writing a reverse run legend, and recently, 'Pretty Girl' also reached the top ranks, continuing RESCENE's upward trend.And at the 2026 THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS, TMA, held on September 19th, they took home as many as two trophies.The first was the major award category 'Artist of the Year', and the second was 'Today's Choice', selected by real-time votes from the on-site audience. In other words, they achieved two wins by receiving awards for their achievements in judging and awards, as well as the choice of on-site fans.Interest that started from online memes led to a reverse run on the music charts, and now it is connected to two consecutive months of No. 1 in brand reputation and two TMA awards. RESCENE has announced a comeback with their 4th mini-album 'PULSE' on November 3rd.It remains to be seen how far RESCENE will continue its current upward trend with this comeback, and fans are paying close attention."The First Story I'm Telling" First Fan Concert → Full-scale Japanese DebutThe protagonist who became a sensational singer through the trot audition 'Nameless Legend'. Singer Haru will hold her first solo fan concert since her debut and spend special time with her fans.Haru will hold the '2026 Haru First Fan Concert - Today, Haru: The Story I'm Telling for the First Time' at 5 PM on October 10th at the Daehan Hall, Sejong University, Seoul, and at 5 PM on October 17th at the Bexco Auditorium, Busan.This concert is Haru's first solo fan concert under her own name since her debut. It will feature live performances of her hit songs, as well as behind-the-scenes talks sharing stories that have not been revealed before, such as her trainee days, debut process, and behind-the-scenes episodes.What is particularly attracting fans' attention is the first public performance of a new song. The new song will be revealed to fans first before its official release, making it an opportunity to witness Haru's new musical transformation.Ahead of this concert, Haru conveyed her special feelings to her fans, saying, "This time, I wanted to tell my story from beginning to end." However, Haru's activities are not limited to the domestic stage. While currently pursuing expansion into Asian markets such as Taiwan and Hong Kong, concrete plans for entering Japan are also emerging.In Japan, the strategy is to expand her activities beyond the image of a 'Korean trot singer' to become a next-generation vocalist 'HARU' that can attract the younger generation. They are pursuing cooperation with Japanese local operating companies, labels, and distributors, and plan to expand touchpoints with local fans through digital single releases, social media, and concerts.In particular, it is known that they are preparing step-by-step for Japanese debut songs, local promotions, and activities in Tokyo and Osaka under the name 'HARU JAPAN PROJECT 2026-2027'.In addition, about 40 Taiwanese reporters are scheduled to visit Korea for the Busan concert on October 17th, indicating high local interest in Haru's overseas expansion. Haru, who will unveil her new song for the first time at her debut fan concert and is expanding her activities beyond Korea to the Asian and Japanese markets,Fans are already paying attention to whether this Seoul and Busan concert will become a new starting point for Haru.As of the 28th, the cumulative audience was 1.56 million according to the integrated computer network for movie theater admissions of the Korean Film Council, and 1,407,634 people watched the movie during the four-day Chuseok holiday from the 24th to the 27th. Netizens who watched the movie are debating historical distortion controversy, which has even escalated into a political issue, sparking heated debate. /Hive Media CorpThe assassination of Yuk Young-soo, the doubts cast by the movie... 'The Boundary Between History and Imagination'A work that created a stir in theaters during the Chuseok holiday. Today's last news, the movie Assassins. As of the 28th, the cumulative audience was 1.56 million according to the integrated computer network for movie theater admissions of the Korean Film Council, and 1,407,634 people watched the movie during the four-day Chuseok holiday from the 24th to the 27th.The movie attracted a large audience with word-of-mouth that it was 'fun', but it was embroiled in a historical distortion controversy. 'Assassins' is a mystery thriller based on the assassination of First Lady Yuk Young-soo at the Liberation Day ceremony in 1974. A detective, a reporter, and a social affairs editor, who harbor doubts about the official investigation results and the actual circumstances, uncover the mastermind.However, netizens who watched the movie are debating historical distortion controversy, which has even escalated into a political issue, sparking heated debate.On August 15, 1974, gunshots rang out at the National Theater in Seoul while President Park Chung-hee was giving his Liberation Day address, and First Lady Yuk Young-soo was shot and died. The special investigation headquarters at the time announced that Korean-Japanese Moon Se-kwang attempted to assassinate President Park Chung-hee, and First Lady Yuk Young-soo was hit by a bullet in the process. Moon Se-kwang was executed the same year.The movie poses a question here. 'Is it true that the bullet came from Moon Se-kwang's gun?' And through the detective and reporter who investigate the incident, it delves into doubts about the investigation results at the time.The core of the controversy is not simply that 'a real event was made into a movie'. It reconstructs the doubts that existed in the actual event with cinematic imagination, strongly suggesting to the audience a possibility different from the existing official investigation results.Although the movie has an open ending, some scenes have been criticized by politicians for suggesting that 'there was another mastermind behind the shooting of First Lady Yuk Young-soo' and even the possibility of President Park Chung-hee's involvement.Some members of the People Power Party criticize that the movie can make people accept content different from historical facts as if it were true.On the other hand, the film side maintains that it is a factional work that shows various doubts surrounding the incident in the form of 'hypotheses' rather than confirming one conclusion. Director Hur Jin-ho also stated that he tried to maintain balance by referring to various materials and documentaries during the production process without setting one specific hypothesis as the answer.What about the actual historical records? The official conclusion from the investigation results and related materials at the time is that the bullet fired by Moon Se-kwang hit First Lady Yuk Young-soo. Analysis suggests that the sequence of Moon Se-kwang's shots, the impact point, and the positions of the guards are consistent with the conclusion that it was Moon Se-kwang's bullet.Of course, there were not no doubts surrounding the incident. Various suspicions were raised for a long time regarding the number of gunshots and the whereabouts of the bullets, and the incident gained attention again after the release of related diplomatic documents in 2005.However, it is crucial to distinguish here. 'Doubts were raised about the investigation results' and 'it has been confirmed as historical fact that there was a third sniper' or 'President Park Chung-hee was the mastermind' are entirely different stories.Ultimately, the historical distortion controversy surrounding 'Assassins' arises precisely at this point. The movie can freely imagine using historical doubts as material. However, when dealing with real people and real events, there is a possibility that the audience may confuse what is recorded and what is fictional.Especially for events in modern history that are politically sensitive, the boundary is bound to be more delicate. Therefore, this controversy cannot be simply viewed as 'it's a movie, so it's okay to imagine' or 'it's history, so it must never be changed'.What is important is to distinguish between the doubts raised by the movie and the historical facts confirmed to date. 'Assassins', which brought back an event from 52 years ago to the screen, has left its questions to the audience. And what is now needed is to confirm one by one through materials, whether the answers to those questions are cinematic imagination or based on historical facts.eel@tf.co.kr]]> FANNSTAR Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Unpredictable story and hard-hitting action includedThe movie 'Resurrected Man: The Red,' starring actor Koo Kyo-hwan, has taken the top spot in pre-sale ticket reservations among Korean films released concurrently. The photo shows Koo Kyo-hwan posing at a press conference for the movie 'Resurrected Man: The Red' held at Lotte Cinema World Tower in Songpa-gu, Seoul, on September 16. /Reporter Song Ho-young[THE FACT|Reporter Park Ji-yoon] 'Resurrected Man,' led by actor Koo Kyo-hwan, is showing high pre-sale reservation records.According to the Korean Film Council's Integrated Network of Computerized Networks for Film Admissions on the 28th, the movie 'Resurrected Man: The Red' (Director Baek, hereinafter 'Resurrected Man') ranked first in pre-sale ticket reservations for Korean films released concurrently, with 24.7% (41,803 people) as of 7 a.m. on the day, two days before its release, raising expectations for its future box office success.'Resurrected Man' is a work that depicts the story of Seok-hwan (played by Koo Kyo-hwan), a job seeker whose only spec is unfounded confidence, who is pursued by an unknown force after discovering his ability to be resurrected 72 hours after death. It is based on the webtoon 'Resurrected Man' serialized on Naver in 2016.The movie unfolds the story of Seok-hwan, who has the resurrection ability to come back to life 72 hours after death, getting caught up in unpredictable events while being chased by a mysterious group led by Black (played by Shin Seung-ho), who can control others' minds.In addition, with diverse entertainment elements such as action with a powerful impact and thrilling car chases, it received rave reviews from audiences who attended the pre-release screening.With its unbridled development and exhilarating action, 'Resurrected Man' is expected to captivate a wider audience as it will be screened in special theaters such as SCREENX, 4DX, and MX4D, which allow for a more vivid movie experience.While Yoo Hae-jin, Park Hae-il, and Lee Min-ho's 'Assassins' previously seized victory at the Chuseok holiday box office, attention is focused on whether Koo Kyo-hwan's 'Resurrected Man' can become the winner of the holiday extending through National Foundation Day and Hangeul Day.'Resurrected Man' is set to be released on the 30th.jiyoon-1031@tf.co.kr[Entertainment Department | ssent@tf.co.kr]]]> FANNSTAR Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 The Imperial Family Begins to Crack... Lee Jong-suk&Lee Se-young's Appearance Causes Mixed EmotionsA Total of 10 Episodes... First Released on November 4Disney+'s New Original Series 'The Remarried Empress,' starring Shin Min-a, Ju Ji-hoon, Lee Jong-suk, and Lee Se-young, has released stills depicting the intertwined relationships of the four main characters. / Walt Disney Company Korea[THE FACT|Reporter Kim Saet-byeol] As Lee Jong-suk and Lee Se-young enter the picture, the imperial romance faces a new turning point with the relationship between Shin Min-a and Ju Ji-hoon.The production team of Disney+'s new original series 'The Remarried Empress' (written by Yeo Ji-na&Hyun Choong-yeol, directed by Jo Soo-won) released romance signal stills on the 28th, capturing the conflicting emotions of the main characters.'The Remarried Empress' is a romance fantasy that tells the story of Empress Navier (Shin Min-a) of the Eastern Empire, who, after being notified of a divorce by Emperor So-Eshu (Ju Ji-hoon), demands approval for remarriage with Prince Heinrey (Lee Jong-suk) of the Western Kingdom.The stills show the beginning of change as new characters appear in the relationship between Navier and So-Eshu, who seemed perfect. From the affectionate moments of the Empress and Emperor who have been together for a long time to the moments they cast their gazes on different people, the emotional lines of the four characters are contrasted.First, Navier and So-Eshu show a strong relationship by affectionately embracing each other. However, the atmosphere changes when Prince Heinrey of the Western Kingdom visits the palace as part of the New Year's envoy. Heinrey politely kisses Navier's hand, and Navier cannot take her eyes off him as she watches him.An unexpected encounter also awaits So-Eshu. So-Eshu, after rescuing Rasta (Lee Se-young) who was in trouble at the hunting grounds, is drawn to her honest and dazzling charm. Rasta, who enters the palace, also receives the Emperor's special attention and faces a different life than before.The changes in the relationships of the four people are even more clearly revealed at the ball. So-Eshu, disregarding the eyes of others, holds Rasta's hand instead of Empress Navier. At that moment, Heinrey extends his hand to Navier, showing the contrasting relationships of the two.Cracks appear between the seemingly perfect Empress and Emperor, and as new emotions seep into the gaps, the relationships of the four are expected to become more complexly intertwined. Attention is focused on how their individual choices will change the fate of the imperial family.'The Remarried Empress,' planned for a total of 10 episodes, will be first released on November 4th, exclusively on Disney+.sstar1204@tf.co.kr[Entertainment Department | ssent@tf.co.kr]]]> FANNSTAR Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 The repackage album 'HOME: DELUXE' will be released on the 28th at 6 PM.Includes 14 songs, including the title track 'ANIMAL'.Group BOYNEXTDOOR will release their first full-length repackage album 'HOME: DELUXE' on the 28th at 6 PM. / KOZ Entertainment[THE FACT|Reporter Choi Hyun-jung] Group BOYNEXTDOOR is back with a new song to 'enjoy with your instincts.'According to their agency KOZ Entertainment on the 28th, BOYNEXTDOOR (SUNGHO RIWOO Myung Jae-hyun TAESAN LEEHAN WOONHAK) will release their first full-length repackage album 'HOME: DELUXE' at 6 PM on the same day.'HOME: DELUXE' is an album that captures BOYNEXTDOOR's ambition to move towards a wider world. It includes 9 songs from their first full-length album 'HOME,' as well as new songs 'ANIMAL' and 'CLICHE,' the Korean version of 'Count To Love' released in Japan, 'Boom Boom Boom,' and their first fan song '400 Years' previously released on their official YouTube channel, totaling 14 tracks.The title track 'ANIMAL' is an electro-funk song, a first for the six members, and it sings of the spirit of challenge and ambition to constantly surpass oneself and move towards a better tomorrow. It likens the mindset of relentlessly pursuing what one desires to the dynamic movements of an animal.BOYNEXTDOOR is determined to show a new charm with 'animalistic senses and energy' in their new song.Here is the full Q&A with BOYNEXTDOOR.Q. What are your thoughts on the release of your first full-length repackage album 'HOME: DELUXE'?BOYNEXTDOOR "I'm happy to be making a comeback so soon. I had a strong desire to make another comeback this year, so I prepared for repackage promotions along with the full-length album. I hope you'll show a lot of love for this song, which has a different charm from our previous title track. We've built our own home with our first full-length album, and now we want to have a party with everyone."Q. What is the difference from the previous album 'HOME'?Myung Jae-hyun "The album's direction is very different. 'HOME' had a clear theme, so there was a serious aspect to express it more preciously and coolly. If the previous album revealed aspects of us that people didn't know well, this time we worked in a way that is familiar to BOYNEXTDOOR. The newly added songs will make you think, 'This is exactly BOYNEXTDOOR.' I think it's a perfect album, combining the serious side of our team that we want to show and the free-spiritedness that people feel. I'm also looking forward to touring with the new songs."Seongho "I felt less pressure this time compared to the full-length album. With the full-length album, there was a weight and mindset of it being our story, so I was serious from the recording stage and worried about conveying it incorrectly. However, this time, the title track 'ANIMAL' is a track where its charm comes alive when you don't overthink it, so I tried to record it more comfortably."'HOME: DELUXE' includes a total of 14 tracks, including the electro-funk title track 'ANIMAL.' / THE FACT DBQ. What were your thoughts while working on the title track 'ANIMAL'?Myung Jae-hyun "It was an electro-funk genre that we tried for the first time, so we put in a lot of effort. Taesan and Yunhak and I spent time just playing the beat and couldn't write any songs, wasting time. After finishing the first day's work, we talked about needing to study this genre. After listening to and studying various songs, we created a demo version and played it for the members, and their reactions were extremely divided, which was fun."Taesan "When we were performing in the US, I really liked the 'Hoop! Hoop!' sound that the fans made as cheers. I wanted to incorporate this 'animal sound' into the music. I had the idea that the song's theme would be good as 'ANIMAL,' and I worked on it with the members and the producer. At first, I thought of it as 'chaotic music' in a good way, and I'm really looking forward to the stage because of it. I want to jump around with everyone while singing this song."Yunhak "I wanted to capture the instinctive feeling well. The repeated phrase 'Move like animal' in the song literally means to move freely and instinctively like a beast. I wanted to incorporate a melody that stimulates instincts, with the wish that people would move as they please without worrying about anything else. While working on it, the thought that came to mind the most was 'I want to perform on stage quickly.' It's a song that energizes you and gets you excited just by listening to it, like receiving an IV drip."Q. What was your first impression of the title track 'ANIMAL'?Leehan "As soon as I heard it, I felt like we could do it well and have fun. I want to approach this promotion by showing our energy as it is and having fun."Riwoo "As the title 'ANIMAL' suggests, it had a strong and wild feel, and I remember naturally getting into the rhythm. It's a song where you can go crazy without thinking. I hope listeners will let their heads and bodies be taken by the music, just like I did."Q. What are the points to appreciate in the title track?BOYNEXTDOOR "I hope you can just let go of your inhibitions for a moment and feel the music, rather than overthinking it. I believe this energy is BOYNEXTDOOR. I hope everyone can jump around together while listening to 'ANIMAL.' When you watch our performance, you'll naturally want to jump. Rather than us trying hard to show something, we want to see the audience enjoying themselves."Q. What did you pay special attention to while preparing the title track's performance?Riwoo "Thanks to the intense deliberation, I was able to get my name on the choreography credits for the first time. I had participated in choreography creation before, but this is the first time it's been credited, so I'm really proud and happy. Because the song is intense, I thought that if the performance was also intense, it would be difficult for the audience to enjoy it together. So, for the chorus choreography, I created a contrasting point that actually gives a sense of ease. I added a bit of wit to the easy-to-follow moves. I hope the chorus choreography I created becomes a trending challenge."Q. Are there any behind-the-scenes stories from the recording and music video filming?Myung Jae-hyun "Before and after the recording schedule, Yunhak and Leehan recorded with more intensity, so I also sang with more intensity to match them. Then, the next member would also sing with intensity, and we adjusted the balance among ourselves. Also, this time, I took on the ultra-low part, so you'll be able to hear a different feel. While working, we played the track and danced freestyle with Yunhak, and the members saw that and said, 'You look like an animal.'"Seongho "While filming the music video, we kept running and filming in various locations such as Daejeon, Paju, and Incheon to capture the dynamism. There are scenes where we weave through crowds or walk among citizens in a market, and I wanted to express a sense of liberation in those moments."Q. What kind of reaction do you want to hear for your repackage album promotions?BOYNEXTDOOR "I want to hear people say that just looking at us makes them want to jump around. I'd like to be called a 'performance idol.' I also want to try playing like animals on stage. I want people to see us as a team that plays well, and I want to show that we are crazy about music and performances. We'll show you an intense yet free-spirited vibe, so please look forward to it."Q. A message to the Woon-doers who have been waiting for your comeback.BOYNEXTDOOR "It's always a grateful and exciting thing when someone is waiting for us. Thanks to Woon-doers (fandom name) always welcoming us, we strive harder every day. We'll show you a good performance this time as well, so please look forward to it. Thank you. Let's meet soon."laugardagr@tf.co.kr[Entertainment Department | ssent@tf.co.kr]]]> FANNSTAR Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 [THE FACT | Incheon International Airport=Reporter Kim Sung-ryeol] Singer Rosé arrived at Incheon International Airport on the morning of the 28th to attend the '27S/S Paris Fashion Week' and is departing for Paris, France.ksr@tf.co.krphoto@tf.co.kr]]> FANNSTAR Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Group Black Pink ROSÉ arrived at Incheon International Airport on the morning of the 28th to attend the '27S/S Paris Fashion Week' and departed for Paris, France. /Incheon International Airport=Kim Sung-ryeol, Reporter[THE FACT | Incheon International Airport=Kim Sung-ryeol, Reporter] Black Pink's ROSÉ arrived at Incheon International Airport on the morning of the 28th to attend the '27S/S Paris Fashion Week' and departed for Paris, France.ksr@tf.co.krPhoto Video Planning Department photo@tf.co.kr]]> FANNSTAR Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Group NCT's Johnny arrived at Incheon International Airport on the morning of the 28th to attend the 'Acne Studios SS27 Paris Show' and posed for reporters and fans before departing for Paris, France. /Incheon International Airport=Kim Sung-ryeol, Reporter[THE FACT | Incheon International Airport=Kim Sung-ryeol, Reporter] Group NCT's Johnny arrived at Incheon International Airport on the morning of the 28th to attend the 'Acne Studios SS27 Paris Show' and posed for reporters and fans before departing for Paris, France.ksr@tf.co.krphoto@tf.co.kr]]> FANNSTAR Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Entertainment CEO Kwon Do-hyukThe cold and aloof only son of a chaebolActor Sung Hoon to star in MBN's new drama 'Boss's Overt Taste'. /MBN[THE FACT | Reporter Moon Chae-young] Actor Sung Hoon transforms into a perfect chaebol CEO with no room for flaws.The production team of MBN's new drama 'Boss's Overt Taste' (written by Nam Ji-yeon, directed by Kang Sol) released stills of Sung Hoon, who plays Kwon Do-hyuk, the only son of a top 1% chaebol family, on the 28th.'Boss's Overt Taste' is a 'taste-driven' romance that unfolds between chaebol boss Kwon Do-hyuk (played by Sung Hoon), who embarks on a search for 'Her' from a single album, and indie band vocalist Lee Eun-chae (played by Oh Se-young), who appears as the only variable in his perfect life. It is based on a web novel and webtoon of the same name.Oh Yes Entertainment CEO Kwon Do-hyuk is a character with a coldness more akin to AI than artificial intelligence, and with a picky musical taste, insisting only on classical music and disliking music with vocals. Kwon Do-hyuk takes on the task of reviving the entertainment business at the suggestion of his father, Kwon Tae-woong (played by Park Jung-hak).In the stills, Sung Hoon exudes an extraordinary aura, transitioning between intellectual suits and casual looks with a relaxed atmosphere. He reveals diverse charms with his cold gaze, restrained charisma, and relaxed expression.Sung Hoon is sparing no effort to portray not only the external aspects of Kwon Do-hyuk but also his flawless demeanor and his personality that values reason and logic. Curiosity grows about what changes Kwon Do-hyuk, who has maintained his firm tastes, will undergo as he becomes entangled with Lee Eun-chae.The production team said, "Sung Hoon is solidifying the character of Kwon Do-hyuk with his own delicate interpretation," and added, "Please look forward to the diverse charms of Kwon Do-hyuk, enhanced by Sung Hoon's color."'Boss's Overt Taste', consisting of a total of 12 episodes, will premiere on November 11th at 10:20 PM.[Entertainment Department | ssent@tf.co.kr]mcy21@tf.co.kr]]> FANNSTAR Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Actress Jun Ji-hyun arrived at Incheon International Airport on the morning of the 28th to attend an overseas schedule and is departing for Paris, France. /Incheon International Airport=Reporter Kim Sung-ryeol[THE FACT | Incheon International Airport=Reporter Kim Sung-ryeol] Actress Jun Ji-hyun arrived at Incheon International Airport on the morning of the 28th to attend an overseas schedule and is departing for Paris, France.ksr@tf.co.krphoto@tf.co.kr]]> FANNSTAR Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Lee Jun Young Fake Amnesia ExposedOngoing Misunderstandings → Grueling Practice SessionstvN's weekend drama 'Four Hands' recorded a viewership rating of 7.2% with its 10th episode, which aired on the 27th. /tvN[THE FACT | Reporter Moon Chae-young] Actor Lee Jun Young's long-held anger finally exploded.In the 10th episode of tvN's weekend drama 'Four Hands' (written by Shin Yi-won, directed by Park Hyun-seok), which aired on the 27th, the relationship between Kang Bi-oh (played by Song Kang) and Choi Jung-yo (Lee Jun Young) was depicted as heading towards ruin. The viewership rating remained at 7.2%, the same as the 9th episode. (Based on Nielsen Korea's national paid household ratings)Upon realizing that Choi Jung-yo had not lost her memory, Kang Bi-oh immediately apprehended and interrogated her. Under Kang Bi-oh's persistent pressure, Choi Jung-yo admitted that her amnesia was a lie and that she had pretended to have lost her memory to prepare for the possibility that Kang Bi-oh might try to kill her again.Learning of Choi Jung-yo's misunderstanding, Kang Bi-oh admitted that he had committed all the acts himself, instead of blaming his mother, Kang Ji-hye (played by Yoon Se-ah), and stated that he would accept his punishment even now. With his anger at its peak, Choi Jung-yo left Kang Bi-oh with a chilling warning to "look forward to the hell I will show you."Afterward, Choi Jung-yo's revenge began in earnest. Kang Bi-oh, tasked with the premiere of a piece composed by Choi Jung-yo, silently signed a contract with unfavorable terms and repeatedly practiced the piece until Choi Jung-yo was satisfied, even during his personal practice time.Choi Jung-yo revealed that the cadenza contained the terror of nine years ago when she had to desperately escape from an armed kidnapper, and sharply criticized Kang Bi-oh's performance, stating that it lacked the fear of that moment. Kang Bi-oh's intense criticism fueled his guilt and desperation.tvN's weekend drama 'Four Hands' meets viewers every Saturday and Sunday at 9:10 PM. /tvNHowever, even on the day of the recording for the music release, Kang Bi-oh's performance did not meet Choi Jung-yo's demands, and she repeatedly stopped him, pushing him to his limits. Kang Bi-oh eventually showed symptoms of his fingers not moving as intended and was ultimately fired by Choi Jung-yo.Overwhelmed with frustration, Kang Bi-oh unleashed his anger on Choi Jung-yo, but was met only with cold words that attacked his pride. Choi Jung-yo sarcastically asked if he hadn't expected her ruthless attitude and shattered Kang Bi-oh's fragile heart by saying that her disappointment was as great as her expectations for him to overcome his limits.The one who unexpectedly offered Kang Bi-oh a direction to get back up after hitting a wall was his grandfather, Kang Seung-woon (played by Jung Jin-young). After hearing Kang Bi-oh's sincere desire to be happiest when playing the piano, Kang Seung-woon advised him to break free from established norms and pour his heart and life entirely into his music.Finding a solution in Kang Seung-woon's words, Kang Bi-oh sought out Choi Jung-yo, who had dismissed him, and asked for another chance. He confidently asserted that he, and only he, could best express the hatred towards him contained in Choi Jung-yo's music, foreshadowing a more hardened Kang Bi-oh.'Four Hands,' consisting of a total of 12 episodes, airs every Saturday and Sunday at 9:10 PM.mcy21@tf.co.kr[Entertainment Department | ssent@tf.co.kr]]]> FANNSTAR Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 A contract cohabitation born from special abilitiesA love triangle forms with the appearance of Cha Woo-min10 episodes released on October 9Netflix's new series 'Doona!', starring Kim Young-kwang and Chae Soo-bin, has released its main poster and trailer. /Netflix[THE FACT|Reporter Kim Saet-byul] Actors Kim Young-kwang and Chae Soo-bin become entangled in a special charging contract.The production team of Netflix's new original series 'Doona!' (written by Song Yu-chae, directed by Park Soo-won) released the main poster and trailer on the 28th, announcing the beginning of a sweet and thrilling romance between Kim Young-kwang and Chae Soo-bin.'Doona!' is a romantic comedy that depicts the romance between Cha Woo-min (played by Kim Young-kwang), the third-generation chaebol whose artificial heart battery has run out, and Na Bo-bae (played by Chae Soo-bin), who has electric abilities.The main poster shows the unique relationship between the two at a glance. It features Cha Woo-min, who is unaffected even when Na Bo-bae, whose electric abilities have manifested and are flowing with pink currents, is nearby. On the other hand, Na Bo-bae looks at Cha Woo-min, the 'person who doesn't conduct electricity,' whom she encounters for the first time, with curiosity.The captions describing the two also catch the eye. Cha Woo-min is described as a 'human rubber glove with discharged power,' and Na Bo-bae as a 'romance-discharged human power bank.' This hints at their special connection, where they will fill each other's deficiencies.The main trailer shows how the two met. Na Bo-bae, who had difficulty living a normal life due to her ability to electrocute others, encounters Cha Woo-min, who doesn't conduct electricity, one day. After an unexpected collision leads to a kiss, Na Bo-bae notices Cha Woo-min's abilities, which are different from hers, and approaches him.Afterward, their relationship enters a new phase. As Cha Woo-min's battery, who has an artificial heart, runs out, Na Bo-bae becomes essential to him. In particular, as his heart battery charges faster when Na Bo-bae is nearby, Cha Woo-min proposes cohabitation, saying, "Just for 3 months, please save me," to avoid any disruption in his succession to the TS Group.Na Bo-bae also has a reason to accept Cha Woo-min's proposal. Having no experience with physical contact, she enters into a 'charging contract' with Cha Woo-min to fulfill her 'romance bucket list,' which is necessary to complete her drama script.As excitement grows between the two while living together, Ji Eun-ho (played by Cha Woo-min), Na Bo-bae's number one fan and a top star, appears. With the addition of TS Group's troublemaker Choi Do-yun (played by Jeong Jae-gwang) and strategist Han Seol-hee (played by Shin Do-hyun), curiosity is raised about what changes will occur in their relationships.'Doona!', which depicts the special romance between Kim Young-kwang and Chae Soo-bin, consists of a total of 10 episodes and will be released on Netflix on October 9.sstar1204@tf.co.kr[Entertainment Department | ssent@tf.co.kr]]]> FANNSTAR Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 28th 'CALLING' Release.. Comeback after 4 years and 9 monthsGong Minzy will release her new single 'CALLING' on the 28th. This is her comeback after 4 years and 9 months since 'Giggle' released in December 2021. / Gong Minzy's social media[THE FACT | Reporter Jeong Byung-geun] Singer Gong Minzy (MINZY) continues her journey as a solo artist after a whopping 4 years and 9 months.Gong Minzy will release her new single 'CALLING' at 6 PM on the 28th through various online music sites and unveil the music video for the title track. This marks her comeback after 4 years and 9 months since her digital single 'Giggle', released in December 2021.The new single includes a total of three songs: the title track 'CALLING' in Korean and English versions, and the B-side track 'We Almost Were'.The title track 'CALLING' is a song that combines soulful R&B sounds with a rich choir. It sings about rediscovering oneself lost in darkness and rising up by following one's inner calling. The lyrics, "My extinguished heart revives and bursts out," convey a revived heart and the will to move forward.Gong Minzy leads the song's overwhelming emotions, oscillating between delicate emotional expression and powerful vocals. Additionally, she visually conveys the song's message through a point choreography that expresses the meaning of "I can hear it" in sign language.Gong Minzy stated, "I wanted to express music that everyone listens to not just with their ears, but also with their eyes and hearts." This point choreography can be seen in the music video for 'CALLING', which will be released along with the music.The B-side track 'We Almost Were' is an R&B song with a touch of rock sound. It tells the story of a relationship and possibilities that seemed like they would work out but ultimately didn't, with the intensifying rock sound and Gong Minzy's emotional vocals in the latter half adding to the lingering feeling.Gong Minzy, who debuted as a member of 2NE1 in 2009, made her solo debut with her first mini-album 'MINZY WORK 01 UNO' in 2017. She has since released digital singles 'ALL OF YOU SAY', 'LOVELY', 'TEAMO', and 'Giggle'.Recently, after meeting global fans once again through 2NE1's full group activities, she is now embarking on a new journey as a solo artist with 'CALLING'.kafka@tf.co.kr[Entertainment Department | ssent@tf.co.kr]]]> FANNSTAR Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 King Kim Beop-min of Silla... Stills RevealedFirst Broadcast in NovemberCharacter stills of actor Lee Hyun-wook, who will appear in KBS2's new historical drama 'Moomoo', have been released. /KBS2[THE FACT|Reporter Choi Soo-bin] Actor Lee Hyun-wook embarks on the journey of great unification of the Three Kingdoms.The production team of KBS2's new historical drama 'Moomoo' (written by Kim Ri-heon&Hong Jin-i, directed by Kim Young-jo&Gu Seong-jun) released character stills of actor Lee Hyun-wook, who plays the role of Moomoo (Kim Beop-min) on the 28th.'Moomoo' is a work that deals with the desperate and lonely epic of leaders who risked everything for a single victory amidst 600 years of war and internal turmoil within the Three Kingdoms.Lee Hyun-wook plays King Munmu, the 30th king of Silla, and the monarch Kim Beop-min of Silla. Kim Beop-min achieves the great task of unifying the Three Kingdoms with his cool-headed strategy and fiery spirit in a chaotic era of bloody wars.Kim Beop-min possesses a magnanimity that overwhelms his opponents, but like the saying 'bend but never break,' he is a three-dimensional character who knows how to exercise flexibility for the sake of the country at times. Raised with the playful guidance of his father, Kim Chun-chu (King Taejong Muyeol, the 29th king of Silla, played by Kim Kang-woo), he learned diplomacy and how to navigate social situations, and from his maternal uncle Kim Yu-shin (played by Park Sung-woong), he learned combat and leadership. Emulating their teachings, he brings an end to the long war and ushers in an era of peace.The stills show Kim Beop-min possessing both literary (文) and martial (武) skills. His gentle smile and bright eyes convey the inner passion and warm humanity Kim Beop-min harbored before ascending the throne.In contrast, another photo reveals a more mature king. The responsibility and firm will to protect the country amidst endless war make the weight of the lonely throne that Kim Beop-min must bear alone palpable.The production team said, "Lee Hyun-wook has perfectly embodied the character of Kim Beop-min we imagined with his immersive acting and excellent character interpretation," and added, "We ask for your great anticipation to see what trials and choices Kim Beop-min will face at the center of a grand history as he is reborn as a true monarch."'Moomoo', consisting of a total of 28 episodes, will premiere in November.subin7134@tf.co.kr[Entertainment Department | ssent@tf.co.kr]]]> FANNSTAR Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Debut KSPO Dome Concert Successfully ConcludedConcerts in Major Asian Cities Through NovemberBand Silica Gel successfully concluded their solo concert 'Silica Gel Asia Tour SynTHESize: Ballad of You in Seoul' at KSPO Dome (Olympic Gymnastics Arena) in Songpa-gu, Seoul, on the 26th and 27th. /CAM[THE FACT|Reporter Choi Hyun-jung] Band Silica Gel filled the KSPO Dome with their music.CAM, their agency, announced on the 28th, "Silica Gel (Kim Han-ju, Kim Chun-sil, Kim Geon-jae, Choi Woong-hee) successfully concluded their solo concert 'Silica Gel Asia Tour SynTHESize: Ballad of You in Seoul' at KSPO Dome (Olympic Gymnastics Arena) in Songpa-gu, Seoul, on the 26th and 27th."This concert marks the opening of Silica Gel's first Asia tour. Silica Gel added significance to the Asia tour with their first and largest solo concert at KSPO Dome since their debut.Silica Gel performed all 12 songs from 'Ballad of You' live, while also weaving in songs representing their decade-long career since debut to complete a rich setlist.Notably, during the middle of the concert, as the song 'Dr. BOB' from 'Ballad of You' began, 'Bulsaeman,' who appeared in the music video and concert guide video, made a real-life appearance on stage, drawing huge cheers from the audience.The performance of 'Manphasickzuck' also stood out. By incorporating scenes from the music video into the VJ footage and adding lighting effects that matched the song's flow, the audience was given an immersive experience as if they had stepped into the music video itself.For their final encore song, Silica Gel performed '9,' the title track from their first full-length album 'Silica Gel,' further clarifying the messages of 'Reincarnation' and 'Shedding Skin.'After touring major Asian cities, Silica Gel will conclude the tour in Tokyo on November 21st. /CAMAt the end of the concert, member Kim Han-ju said, "I am proud of the members who have overcome one limit after another," adding, "It brings back memories of performing in front of just one audience member, and it's a very moving moment. I ask for your continued interest in artists who are silently continuing their creative work in unseen places even at this moment."Having successfully completed their Seoul concert, Silica Gel will tour major Asian cities before concluding the tour in Tokyo on November 21st.laugardagr@tf.co.kr[Entertainment Desk | ssent@tf.co.kr]]]> FANNSTAR Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Unconventional Final Interview Rules Revealed... Shin Seung-ho, Kang Yu-seok, Kwak Dong-yeon, Bae Kang-hee Also Appear"The Final Interview," invited to the Panorama section of the 31st Busan International Film Festival, has set its release date for November 4. /NEW[THE FACT|Reporter Park Ji-yoon] Actors Jo Yi-hyun and Kim Jaewon will meet audiences in November with "The Final Interview."Distributor NEW announced on the 28th, "The movie 'The Final Interview' (directed by Kim Jeong-hoon), featuring actors Jo Yi-hyun, Kim Jaewon, Shin Seung-ho, Kang Yu-seok, Kwak Dong-yeon, and Bae Kang-hee, has confirmed its release date for November 4," and revealed the extreme final interview rules within the film."The Final Interview" is a story about six applicants gathered for a final interview who discover mysterious envelopes containing their personal revelations, leading them to suspect each other and fall into confusion. It is based on the novel "Six Liars' University Students" by Asakura Akinari and directed by Kim Jeong-hoon, who also directed films such as "The Pirates: The Last Royal Treasure" and "Detective: The Beginning."Amidst severe job market difficulties, numerous job seekers flock to the open recruitment for the global IT company 'Spira Links,' with only six applicants making it to the final stage, breaking through a competition ratio of 5000:1. Having built strong camaraderie while preparing for a month-long team discussion mission with the dream of everyone passing, their relationships begin to crack on the day of the final interview when they face unexpected tasks.What's peculiar is that the interviewers who evaluate and decide the successful candidate are nowhere to be found in the interview room. In a space equipped only with surveillance cameras on all sides, the six applicants must directly select only one final successful candidate. Becoming both applicants and evaluators, they are thrown into a brutal deathmatch where they must eliminate their colleagues with their own hands to survive.The time allotted to select one successful candidate is only 2 hours. The rapidly decreasing time limit, accompanied by the timer alarm and the red lights of the surveillance cameras, pushes the applicants' psychological pressure to the extreme. They can leave the room at any time, but doing so means forfeiting their chance of success, making the interview room a voluntary confinement chosen by the six individuals.The applicants agree to conduct a total of five public votes at 30-minute intervals to select one successful candidate within the time limit. In particular, the voting method, where votes are revealed by name rather than anonymously, continuously triggers intense mind games, alliances, and ruthless betrayals among the applicants. Thus, a tense psychological battle is expected, where one cannot let their guard down for a moment in the face of being forced to make a choice with each vote. Meanwhile, as the voting progresses, a mysterious envelope of unknown origin is discovered, escalating the situation into a worst-case scenario of revelations. With each envelope opened, secrets hidden behind resumes are revealed, and truths stripped of context act as sharp weapons to dismantle each other.Ultimately, one revelation breeds another suspicion, shattering the trust among the six individuals, and the interview room transforms into a brutal stage where truth and lies intertwine. Attention is focused on what kind of fresh acting ensemble Jo Yi-hyun, Kim Jaewon, Shin Seung-ho, Kang Yu-seok, Kwak Dong-yeon, and Bae Kang-hee will form within these unconventional final interview rules.Officially invited to the Panorama section of the 31st Busan International Film Festival, "The Final Interview" will be released on November 4.jiyoon-1031@tf.co.kr[Entertainment Department | ssent@tf.co.kr]]]> FANNSTAR Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Played the role of rookie detective Choi Kyung-jin in 'The Atypical Family 2'"I want to be an actor that people continue to look forward to."Actor Kim Shin-bi recently met with reporters at the building in Sangam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, to discuss SBS's Friday-Saturday drama 'The Atypical Family' Season 2. / Reporter Park Heon-wooWhat does an unrefined star look like? The entertainment industry is full of stars who receive public attention, and there are many media outlets that follow them. Even when an interview is scheduled, it is rare to have a one-on-one meeting. Since many reporters interview together, the content is often similar. In fact, photos and videos are often produced and distributed by the agency. Even in this reality, conveys the pure feelings seen through the eyes of a reporter without any processing. [THE FACT|Reporter Choi Soo-bin] The two years have seen actor Kim Shin-bi and 'The Atypical Family's Choi Kyung-jin grow side by side. Choi Kyung-jin, who was simply bright and lovely in Season 1, has become a more solid detective in Season 2, and Kim Shin-bi, who plays her, has also grown as an actor through various works and characters. Kim Shin-bi, who vowed not to forget the excitement she felt when she first started acting 10 years ago, is continuing on her own path.Kim Shin-bi recently held a wrap-up interview for SBS's Friday-Saturday drama 'The Atypical Family' Season 2 (written by Kim Ba-da, directed by Kim Jae-hong, hereinafter referred to as 'The Atypical Family 2') at the building in Sangam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul. Playing the role of Choi Kyung-jin, the rookie detective in Violent Crimes Unit 1, she shared various stories related to the drama.Kim Shin-bi and Choi Kyung-jin's connection began in 2024. In 'The Atypical Family' Season 1, which aired at the time, Kim Shin-bi also met viewers as Choi Kyung-jin, the rookie detective of the Gangha Police Station's Violent Crimes Unit 1. She welcomed the chaebol detective Jin Yi-soo, who suddenly joined the team, more than anyone else and added vitality to the Violent Crimes Unit 1 with her bright energy, playfully teasing her seniors.Two years later, Kim Shin-bi returned as Choi Kyung-jin. The rookie, who used to blindly follow her seniors, has now grown into a detective who finds key clues to cases and trusts her colleagues even when everyone else doubts them. She even performed action scenes herself. However, Choi Kyung-jin's unique loveliness has not disappeared. She still likes people, follows them well, and adds laughter to the Violent Crimes Unit 1. Kim Shin-bi maintained Choi Kyung-jin's original charming appeal while steadily building upon it with the growth she experienced over the past years.And those two years were not just time that passed for Choi Kyung-jin. Kim Shin-bi also gained experience as an actor through various works and characters. Having debuted in the play 'History of the Room' in 2016, she has become an actor with 10 years of experience, broadening her acting spectrum through works like 'Revenant,' 'The Roundup: Punishment,' 'Thank You,' and 'The Male Lead's First Night.' Just as Choi Kyung-jin, whom she met again after two years, had become a more solid detective, Kim Shin-bi, who played her, had also grown.'The Atypical Family 2,' in which Kim Shin-bi delivered a powerful performance, is a co-investigation drama between Jin Yi-soo (played by Ahn Bo-hyun), who turns the tables with his wealth when investigations stall, and the new team leader Joo Hye-ri (played by Jung Eun-chae). The 14-episode series concluded on the 19th.The drama, which aired in 2024, followed in the footsteps of Season 1, which started with a viewership rating of 5.7% for its first episode (Nielsen Korea, nationwide household basis) and reached a peak of 11.0%. Season 2 also concluded successfully, recording its own highest viewership rating of 11.8%. Kim Shin-bi, who played the role of rookie detective Choi Kyung-jin in both seasons, shared her thoughts, saying, "It was my first time experiencing a season-based drama, so I was really happy."Kim Shin-bi led the drama as rookie detective Choi Kyung-jin in 'The Atypical Family 2.' / SBSChoi Kyung-jin, played by Kim Shin-bi, is the mascot rookie detective of the Gangha Police Station's Violent Crimes Unit 1, and she is the hidden ace of the unit, uncovering the truth of cases with her sharp deduction skills. In Season 1, she welcomed Jin Yi-soo, who suddenly appeared, and acted as a "sunbae-lover," but in this season, she caught the eye with her growth as a detective.Kim Shin-bi also focused on the changes between the two seasons. She explained, "In Season 1, I showed a lot of lovely and cute aspects, but in Season 2, I focused on preparing by emphasizing her growth as a detective.""Even though she grew, I thought I shouldn't lose her lovely and cute charm. (Laughs) I tried to maintain a serious attitude when investigating cases, and when cases were resolved or the team had a dinner party, I tried to show her playing pranks and acting cute towards her seniors. Also, I wanted to show her growth through her more serious expressions during investigations."In Season 2, Choi Kyung-jin stood by Jin Yi-soo's side at the moment everyone else doubted him. She believed him when he was framed for the murder of Kim Young-hwan and persistently analyzed the recording of his confession to reveal that it was a manipulated voice. This was the moment when the "sunbae-lover" who admired Jin Yi-soo's flashy exterior in Season 1 grew into someone who trusted her colleagues more than anyone else.Kim Shin-bi said, "I thought Choi Kyung-jin might be the only character who could say 'yes' when everyone else said 'no'," adding, "Even when Jin Yi-soo was framed, Kyung-jin believed he wasn't guilty. At the same time, I think she also had the thought, 'I really hope he's not guilty.'""In Season 1, Choi Kyung-jin liked and admired Jin Yi-soo's outward appearance at first. But as we moved to Season 2, Kyung-jin also grew and had various experiences. During that time, I think she naturally developed trust and faith by seeing Jin Yi-soo's inner self rather than just his outward appearance. Although it's not explicitly shown in the drama, I prepared by thinking about that narrative myself."As Choi Kyung-jin took a step forward as a detective, Kim Shin-bi also ventured into a new area: action. This season, Kim Shin-bi performed action scenes herself to apprehend a prime suspect, showing a different side from her previous bubbly rookie image."I didn't have much action experience, so I learned a lot by attending stunt school with my seniors. I always had a desire for action. But this time, doing long-form action scenes, I felt even more enjoyment. So, my desire to challenge action genres in the future has grown even stronger."Kim Shin-bi expressed her determination, "I want to become an actor that people continue to look forward to." / SBSThus, Kim Shin-bi lived as Choi Kyung-jin through two seasons. While she was the team's lovely rookie in Season 1, in Season 2, she grew into a detective who finds crucial clues and throws herself into chasing criminals, without losing her characteristic bright energy. Kim Shin-bi expressed her affection, saying, "Every drama and every character is grateful and remains in my memory for a long time, but I think Choi Kyung-jin from 'The Atypical Family' holds the most significant meaning."Just as Choi Kyung-jin grew little by little over the two seasons, Kim Shin-bi has also filled 10 years as an actor. Since her debut in the play 'History of the Room' in 2016, she has met viewers through various works such as 'Revenant,' the 'The Atypical Family' series, 'The Roundup: Punishment,' and 'The Male Lead's First Night.'However, the beginning of her acting career was not a grand plan. At its starting point was a tremor that came by chance. Kim Shin-bi recalled, "When I was a private first class, I first encountered theater through a performance for visiting troops, and for a month and a half after that performance, I couldn't sleep. I felt an indescribable emotion. I kept wondering, 'What is this?'""When I was a college student, I enlisted early, so the only event I participated in was the freshman welcoming party. I sang a song then, and there were about 1,000 audience members. It was my first time standing in front of so many people, so I stumbled when I went on stage and my breathing was unstable. But after performing on stage for visiting troops, I felt so comfortable. I truly lost track of time."Kim Shin-bi entered the path of acting to understand the nature of that unfamiliar emotion. He said, "After the performance ended and I came down, the thought 'What is this feeling?' was the strongest. It started as vague curiosity at first. Later, I developed the desire to work diligently, and through that process, I wanted to put on a play and have many people see it and gain positive thoughts and energy.""Every time I do a project, I constantly remind myself of something. 'Let's not forget the tremor I felt when I first encountered acting.' 'Let's not forget the attitude and posture from the beginning.' I think I will continue to live with this resolve. I want to be an actor that many people continue to look forward to."The tremor she felt on stage by chance continues to be the force that moves Kim Shin-bi. Just as Choi Kyung-jin grew from a lovely rookie detective to a more solid detective, Kim Shin-bi is also steadily expanding her territory as an actor without losing her initial resolve."I want to express my sincere gratitude to the viewers and fans who have shown so much love for Season 2 following Season 1. I still can't quite believe it and it's hard to let go. But I will appear again with other good performances. Please look forward to it, and I hope you always stay healthy. I love you. (Laughs)"subin7134@tf.co.kr[Entertainment Department | ssent@tf.co.kr]]]> FANNSTAR Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Group ALLDAY PROJECT's ANNIE and TARZZAN, Bailey, WOOCHAN, and YOUNGSEO (from left) pose at the Musinsa pop-up store opening event celebrating the release of their second EP 'CRASH' at the Musinsa Store Myeongdong branch in Jung-gu, Seoul on the morning of the 28th. /Reporter Seo Ye-won [THE FACT|Reporter Seo Ye-won] Group ALLDAY PROJECT's ANNIE and TARZZAN, Bailey, WOOCHAN, and YOUNGSEO (from left) pose at the Musinsa pop-up store opening event celebrating the release of their second EP 'CRASH' at the Musinsa Store Myeongdong branch in Jung-gu, Seoul on the morning of the 28th. yennie@tf.co.krphoto&video planning department photo@tf.co.kr]]> FANNSTAR Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Group ALLDAY PROJECT's YOUNGSEO poses at the Musinsa pop-up store opening event celebrating the release of their EP 2nd album 'CRASH' held at the Musinsa Store Myeongdong branch in Jung-gu, Seoul on the morning of the 28th. / Reporter Seo Ye-won [THE FACT|Reporter Seo Ye-won] Group ALLDAY PROJECT's YOUNGSEO poses at the Musinsa pop-up store opening event celebrating the release of their EP 2nd album 'CRASH' held at the Musinsa Store Myeongdong branch in Jung-gu, Seoul on the morning of the 28th. yennie@tf.co.krphoto@tf.co.kr]]> FANNSTAR Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Group ALLDAY PROJECT's ANNIE poses at the Musinsa pop-up store opening event celebrating the release of their EP 2nd album 'CRASH' held at the Musinsa Store Myeongdong branch in Jung-gu, Seoul on the morning of the 28th. / Reporter Seo Ye-won [THE FACT|Reporter Seo Ye-won] Group ALLDAY PROJECT's ANNIE poses at the Musinsa pop-up store opening event celebrating the release of their EP 2nd album 'CRASH' held at the Musinsa Store Myeongdong branch in Jung-gu, Seoul on the morning of the 28th. yennie@tf.co.krphoto@tf.co.kr]]> FANNSTAR Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 6 songs, including the title track 'Stay', are included.Released on October 8 at 6 PM.The group (G)I-DLE's YUQI will release their second mini-album '二十七(27)', filled with self-composed songs, on October 8. The photo shows YUQI attending the showcase for (G)I-DLE's ninth mini-album 'We Made' held at Yes24 Live Hall in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul on July 6. /LEE SAEROM Reporter[THE FACT|Reporter Choi Hyun-jung] (G)I-DLE's YUQI is returning with an album full of self-composed songs.Cube Entertainment announced on the 27th that the tracklist for YUQI's second mini-album '二十七(27)' was released on the official social media of (G)I-DLE (MIYEON MINNIE SOYEON YUQI SHUHUA).'二十七(27)' includes 6 songs: the title track 'Stay', '快乐(Happy)', 'Chamomile Tea', 'I Like You', 'Feels Right', and '银河之舞(Galaxy Dance)'.Among these, '银河之舞' was first performed at (G)I-DLE's world tour 'Syncopation' concert in Macau.In addition, the tracklist image featured photos reminiscent of each track, such as a swing on paper, chamomile, sunlight through leaves, and sunflowers, raising curiosity.Yuqi demonstrated her capabilities as a singer-songwriter by participating in the lyrics and composition of all songs on the new album. Producers Siixk Jun and BOYTOY, who have worked with Yuqi on her first solo mini-album 'YUQ1' and numerous self-composed songs, have teamed up again.In addition, Italian composer Val Del Prete@NUMBER K, who has worked with aespa, TWICE, and ZEROBASEONE, participated to add strength.'二十七(27)' includes a total of 6 songs, including the title track 'Stay'. / Cube Entertainment'二十七(27)' is a title inspired by Yuqi's age, and it captures the emotions and everyday moments of 27-year-old Yuqi in each track.Yuqi will release her second mini-album '二十七(27)' on October 8 at 6 PM on various music sites.laugardagr@tf.co.kr[Entertainment Department | ssent@tf.co.kr]]]> FANNSTAR Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 "Album Featuring a Sharpened Musical World"Oh My Girl HYOJUNG will release their first solo mini-album 'Lost&Found' on October 15th. /RBW, DSP Media[THE FACT | Reporter Jeong Byeong-geun] Girl group Oh My Girl(OH MY GIRL) member HYOJUNG will showcase their unique musical color with their first solo mini-album.Their agency DSP Media announced on the 28th, "Hyo-jung will make a solo comeback by releasing her first mini-album 'Lost&Found' on October 15th. We plan to present a high-quality album that captures Hyo-jung's sharpened musical world, so we ask for your support and anticipation."Hyo-jung's solo comeback comes about five months after the release of the single 'Purple Note' in May. At the time, Hyo-jung proved her musical capabilities by directly participating in the lyrics and composition of the title track 'To My Little Youth' and the B-side track 'Look Around,' raising expectations for the music she will present through 'Lost&Found.'Along with the album release, Hyo-jung will hold a small theater concert 'Lost & Found' at Xscala in Jung-gu, Seoul, on October 17-18. Attendees can experience Hyo-jung's new song performances and witness her growth up close.HYOJUNG, who debuted as Oh My Girl in 2015, took her first step as a soloist by releasing the special single 'Christmas Night Train' in December 2024. Following the single 'Purple Note' in May, she is set to embark on a full-fledged solo career with this first mini-album.Hyo-jung's first mini-album 'Lost&Found' will be released on October 15th at 6 PM.kafka@tf.co.kr[Entertainment Department | ssent@tf.co.kr]]]> FANNSTAR Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Group IVE's Jang Won-young arrived at Incheon International Airport on the morning of the 28th to attend the 'Dior 2027 Spring-Summer Collection Show' and posed for reporters and fans before departing for Paris, France. /Incheon International Airport=Reporter Kim Sung-ryeol[THE FACT | Incheon International Airport=Reporter Kim Sung-ryeol] Group IVE's Jang Won-young arrived at Incheon International Airport on the morning of the 28th to attend the 'Dior 2027 Spring-Summer Collection Show' and posed for reporters and fans before departing for Paris, France. ksr@tf.co.krphoto@tf.co.kr]]> FANNSTAR Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Following up on the previous 'Wind,' this time it's 'STORM'Group Tomorrow X Together (TXT)(TOMORROW X TOGETHER) is returning with a new album on November 16. The photo shows Soobin HUENING KAI Beomgyu, Yeonjun, and Taehyun (from left) attending a showcase for the release of their 8th mini-album '7TH YEAR: When the Wind Stopped for a Moment in the Thicket' on April 13 at Hwajeong Gymnasium, Korea University, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul. / Reporter Park Sang-min[THE FACT|Reporter Choi Soo-bin] Group Tomorrow X Together (TXT)(TOMORROW X TOGETHER) will be making their comeback in the music industry in November.Big Hit Music announced on the 28th, " Tomorrow X Together (TXT)(SOOBIN YEONJUN BEOMGYU TAEHYUN HUENING KAI) will release their 9th mini-album 'PERFECT STORM' on November 16."Previously, the five members surprised fans by releasing a comeback spoiler video through a live stream on the global fan platform Weverse the day before, the 27th. After piquing curiosity with the meaningful phrase 'We need something different from before,' they announced the new album title and release date just one day later, firing the starting gun for their full-fledged comeback.The album title also draws attention. Following the appearance of 'Wind' in their 8th mini-album '7TH YEAR: When the Wind Stopped for a Moment in the Thicket' released in April, the new album features a more intense 'STORM.' Curiosity is mounting about the meaning behind this keyword connecting the two albums and the new music the five members will present.Tomorrow X Together (TXT)'s new album 'PERFECT STORM' will contain a total of 6 songs. / Big Hit MusicThe new album will include a total of 6 songs, and more detailed information will be released later through Weverse. Prior to this, pre-saves for the new album will begin today (28th) at 1 PM on the global audio and music streaming platform Spotify.Ahead of their comeback, Tomorrow X Together (TXT) will kick off their fifth world tour 'TOMORROW X TOGETHER WORLD TOUR 'STEAL THE WIND'' for three days from November 13 to 15 at KSPO DOME in Songpa-gu, Seoul.subin7134@tf.co.kr[Entertainment Department | ssent@tf.co.kr]]]> FANNSTAR Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 [THE FACT | Incheon International Airport=Reporter Kim Sung-ryeol] Group IVE's Jang Won-young poses for reporters and fans at Incheon International Airport on the morning of the 28th before departing for Paris, France, to attend the 'Dior 2027 Spring-Summer Collection Show'.ksr@tf.co.krphoto@tf.co.kr]]> FANNSTAR Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 1.11 Million Viewers Mobilized During the Holiday'Tazza: The Hidden Card' Ranked 2nd, 'Oppenheimer' 3rdDirector Hur Jin-ho and actors Yoo Hae-jin, Park Hae-il, and Lee Min-ho (from left) collaborated on the film 'Assassination(s)', which captured the hearts of audiences during the Chuseok holiday. The photo shows them attending the press preview and conference for 'Assassination(s)' held at Megabox COEX in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 8th. / Reporter Seo Ye-won[THE FACT|Reporter Choi Soo-bin] The audience's choice during the Chuseok holiday was 'Assassination(s)'.According to the Korean Film Council's integrated computer network for movie theater ticket sales, the film 'Assassination(s)' (directed by Hur Jin-ho) captivated 1,119,156 viewers from the 25th to the 27th, securing the No. 1 spot at the box office. The cumulative audience count reached 1,566,222.Released on the 23rd, 'Assassination(s)' tells the story of the investigation into the suspicions and masterminds behind the assassination of the First Lady that shocked South Korea on August 15, 1974. Actors Yoo Hae-jin, Park Hae-il, and Lee Min-ho starred in the film.'Tazza: The Hidden Card' (directed by Choi Dong-hoon) mobilized 566,526 viewers, ranking second. The cumulative audience count is 833,030.The film is a crime movie about Jang Tae-young (played by Byun Yo-han), who thought he had the world in his hands with his online casino business, and his friend of the same name, Park Tae-young (played by Noh Jae-won), who took everything from him, meeting again in the global gambling scene for a revenge match. It is the fourth and final installment of the 'Tazza' film series, based on Huh Young-man's comic of the same name.'Oppenheimer' (directed by Christopher Nolan) ranked third with 364,763 viewers, 'The Intern' (directed by Kim Do-young) ranked fourth with 206,347 viewers, and 'Burning' (directed by Lee Chang-dong) ranked fifth with 72,022 viewers.subin7134@tf.co.kr[Entertainment Desk | ssent@tf.co.kr]]]> FANNSTAR Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Group MEOVV ANNA arrived at Incheon International Airport on the morning of the 28th to attend the 'Chloe 27SS Paris Fashion Week' and posed for reporters and fans before departing for Paris, France. /Incheon International Airport=Kim Sung-ryeol, Reporter[THE FACT | Incheon International Airport=Kim Sung-ryeol, Reporter] Group MEOVV ANNA arrived at Incheon International Airport on the morning of the 28th to attend the 'Chloe 27SS Paris Fashion Week' and posed for reporters and fans before departing for Paris, France. ksr@tf.co.krPhoto&Video Planning Department photo@tf.co.kr]]> FANNSTAR Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 'Forever Has Always Been' Achieves a Comeback with the Power of Music and PerformancesIndustry's Attention on New Key Players to Lead the Band BoomRedoor's representative song 'Forever Has Always Been' is continuing its comeback by gaining steady popularity on the global music platform Spotify. The photo shows the performance of Redoor and 'Forever Has Always Been' on Spotify's latest weekly and daily charts. / Spotify[THE FACT|Reporter Choi Hyun-jung] The popularity surrounding the band Redoor is unusual.On Spotify's Korean Weekly Top Songs chart for the week of September 11-17, Redoor's 'Forever Has Always Been' rose 7 spots from the previous week to rank 6th.This is not only the highest ranking for a band song on Spotify but also higher than other currently popular songs in the K-pop scene such as aespa ATEEZ IU.Furthermore, Redoor also rose 14 spots to 41st on the Weekly Top Artists chart during the same period, and ranked 7th and 31st on the Daily Top Songs and Top Artists charts, respectively, showing that this is not just a temporary surge in popularity.Rather, 'Forever Has Always Been' is drawing an ideal comeback pattern that any musician would wish for. Released in January 2021, the song entered the Spotify charts at 172nd place in May 2025, four years and four months later. It gradually climbed the charts to 92nd in June, 56th in September, and 29th in November. In 2026, it hovered in the 20-30 range before entering the Top 10 for the first time in September. It truly exemplified a "stair-step comeback."What makes this upward trend even more encouraging is that the power of the music itself played a significant role in the comeback. Generally, comebacks often have clear triggers such as being featured in a broadcast, recommended or covered by a popular star, or used as background music or in a challenge on short-form video platforms.However, 'Forever Has Always Been' reached its current position by steadily increasing its listener base through consistent performances and word-of-mouth, without any distinct external trigger for its comeback. In essence, the music and performances themselves became the biggest driving force behind the comeback, which is why it was described as an "ideal comeback."As 'Forever Has Always Been' continues to receive steady love, a virtuous cycle is naturally forming where interest extends to Redoor's other music. 'Ageha,' the title track of Redoor's fourth EP 'Memory,' released on the 16th, quickly appeared on various charts, including 90th on Melon HOT100 (30 days) and 19th on YouTube Music's Trending chart as of the 22nd, proving the growing interest in them.The popularity of 'Forever Has Always Been' is creating a virtuous cycle where interest extends to Redoor's other music. The photo shows the performance of Redoor's fourth EP title track 'Ageha' and its B-side 'Habit' on the YouTube Music chart. / YouTube MusicAs Redoor gradually expands its presence beyond the band scene to the entire music industry, there are expectations from the field that they will emerge as key players to lead the band boom, following in the footsteps of bands like Day6 and Jannabi Silica Gel.An industry insider, Mr. A, told , "Redoor is considered one of the bands that has grown the most in the past one to two years. They are already very popular, but there is a very high possibility they will reach even greater heights."He particularly noted Redoor's significant popularity among the younger generation. Mr. A said, "The number of university festivals inviting Redoor has recently increased significantly. This is evidence of their immense popularity among people in their 20s. Bands that resonate with young audiences gain the strength to go far and last long. This is why we predict Redoor will be even more active in the future."In addition, Mr. A cited Redoor's steady growth through album releases and performances as one of their strengths. He commented, "Of course, it's not that they haven't done any basic marketing or promotional activities. However, Redoor is a clear case where their fandom has visibly grown after appearing at festivals and concerts. This can be interpreted as many people becoming fans after hearing their music live."Indeed, according to Kworb, a site that compiles Spotify chart data, Redoor's weekly streams for 'Forever Has Always Been' increased by approximately 10.9% from 202,550 the week before their performance at the '2026 Jeonju Ultimate Music Festival' held at Jeonju University's artificial turf field on August 15th, to 244,583 during the week of the performance.Similarly, during their performance at 'Madly Medley 2026' held at the Seoul Culture Bunker on September 6th, the weekly streams increased by 16.1% from 278,417 the week before to 323,202 during the week of the performance. This demonstrates Redoor's ability to captivate the hearts of live audiences.This raises the question of where Redoor's power to attract new listeners and turn them into fans comes from. In response, Redoor directly answered in writing.Redoor stated, "We believe the strength of Redoor's music lies in capturing and preserving things that are only seen after they are gone. When listening to our songs, a forgotten scene might suddenly come to mind. We feel our music serves as a small gateway to memories for someone."Redoor identified 'music that becomes a gateway to recalling forgotten memories' as their strength. / At AreaFurthermore, they expressed their gratitude to the fans who listen to their music.Redoor said, "While perhaps nothing is eternal like the song 'Forever Has Always Been,' the feelings and memories from the moments we listen to a song seem to last longer than expected. We hope that even after a long time, when someone rediscovers our song, they can reconnect with their past selves. We are truly grateful for keeping our music in a corner of your memories."laugardagr@tf.co.kr[Entertainment Department | ssent@tf.co.kr]]]> FANNSTAR Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Kim Da-hyun's 'Public Denunciation' Aftermath... Flood of Criticism Over Terms 'Girl,' 'Young Lady,' 'Athlete'Apologized "Speechless Even With Ten Mouths" Late, But the Wounds RemainSinger Shim Soo-bong's remarks, made on stage at the '10th Jinan Plateau Trot Festival' in Jinan-gun, Jeollabuk-do on the 20th, publicly mentioning junior singer Kim Da-hyun, have been causing ripples for a week. / THE FACT DB, AI Image[THE FACT|Reporter Kang Il-hong] Those who hold a microphone on stage bear a special responsibility. This is especially true for 'legends' who have been loved by the public for decades. The weight of their words is different from that of a rookie, and the ripple effect on juniors and colleagues is on another level.However, singer Shim Soo-bong herself cast aside that weight. Shim Soo-bong received intense public criticism for her remarks made on stage at the 'Jinan Plateau Trot Festival' in Jinan-gun, Jeollabuk-do, just before the Chuseok holiday, where she publicly mentioned junior singer Kim Da-hyun. She became a topic of interest throughout the holiday. Shim Soo-bong, who took the stage immediately after Kim Da-hyun, said the following:"You've made my head spin like this. She seems like a young lady who doesn't know what singing is or what life is. Please, don't send out someone who is like an athlete, an athlete, an athlete in front of me, from now on. You don't just do singing like this (repeats the same phrase twice). It's not easy to make music that comforts everyone who has come here after experiencing life and hardship."The issue is not simply a matter of musical preference. A senior singer can have a different opinion on a junior's singing style or musical direction. That in itself is not wrong. However, publicly demeaning a junior, who is a full 54 years younger, on a public festival stage, in front of countless audience members, is an entirely different matter."You've made my head spin like this. She seems like a young lady who doesn't know what singing is or what life is. Please, don't send out someone who is like an athlete, an athlete, an athlete in front of me, from now on." / YouTube Capture◆ Disparaging Behavior Using Terms 'Girl,' 'Young Lady,' 'Athlete' Instead of NameFurthermore, by ignoring her name with terms like 'girl,' 'young lady,' and 'athlete,' it appeared to be an act of thorough disparagement, leaving the impression of erasing not only her existence as a singer but also her as a human being. It's understandable why it was perceived as a public reprimand of a person rather than criticism of her music.As the public well knows, Kim Da-hyun is not simply a rookie who has just stepped onto the stage. She is a singer who has made her name known to the public by achieving top rankings in MBN's 'Voice Trot' (runner-up), TV Chosun's 'Miss Trot 2,' and MBN's 'Hyunyeok-ga-wang.' Although she is still a teenager, she has already secured a considerable fandom and established a foundation for her activities.Is it truly advice from a senior to say to such a singer in public, "You shouldn't do singing carelessly"? Or is it unilaterally imposing her own musical standards on the other person? What's important is not whether you agree with Shim Soo-bong's musical philosophy. Musical opinions can differ, but there is a clear line between criticism of music and publicly belittling a person.As criticism poured in, Shim Soo-bong eventually had to issue a formal apology. She stated, "I have nothing to say, even with ten mouths, for uttering words that went against common sense at an inappropriate moment during a trot festival where everyone should be laughing and enjoying themselves." She added an explanation, "I was under a lot of stress due to the noise on the day of the event."◆ Public Condemnation, Narrow-Mindedness Towards a Young Singer Receiving ApplauseDespite these explanations, the doubts remain. Can 'stress' be a reason to justify such words? Of course, anyone can become emotionally agitated at times. However, from the moment one holds a microphone on stage, those words are not a private monologue. Countless people are listening, filming, and sharing them online. It should have been even more cautious, especially when the other person is a 17-year-old junior singer.Shim Soo-bong herself admitted in her apology that her words were "against common sense." The issue of common sense, what exactly was wrong? It is already contained within Shim Soo-bong's own words. While Shim Soo-bong may not have liked Kim Da-hyun's performance based on her musical standards, it does not grant her the right to judge her character in public.If she wanted to give advice to her junior, she could have spoken quietly backstage, or if their musical views differed, she could have demonstrated it through her own music. Saying to a specific junior in front of the public, "Don't send her out in front of me anymore," is not advice but rather public pressure, and can only be seen as narrow-mindedness towards a young singer receiving applause.As a result, a single emotional remark by a singer instantly ignited the online world, placing Jinan-gun and its officials, who prepared the festival, in the center of the controversy. It's an unavoidable and difficult situation for local officials who scouted performers and prepared the stage. It can only be remembered as an unsightly scene for the audience who attended the festival.◆ For a Legend Who Has Been on Stage for Nearly 50 Years, the Weight of a Mistake Should Also Be DifferentWhat is most heartbreaking is that the person in question, Kim Da-hyun, is still a teenager. For a 17-year-old singer, the stage should be a dream. It should be a process of making her own music while making mistakes and growing. However, instead of embracing and encouraging her as a senior singer, she created a wound that will be unforgettable for a lifetime.As it turns out, Shim Soo-bong herself did not have a smooth musical career. After attending a dinner hosted by former President Park Chung-hee during the October 26th incident in 1979, she faced significant restrictions on her broadcast activities, experiencing long hiatuses and psychological difficulties. She recently revealed on a broadcast that she "couldn't hold a guitar at all after the October 26th incident, but recently picked it up again," indicating it remained a scar on her musical life for a long time.Past suffering cannot be a get-out-of-jail-free card to justify present rudeness. That's why this incident is even more regrettable. If one considers their own past suffering as deep and precious, while thinking lightly of the wounds a junior might receive, it can be said that the balance of empathy is lost. Shim Soo-bong stated, "It was not said to humiliate a specific person," but ultimately, if she hurt the other person, she cannot escape that responsibility.The most bitter scene left by this controversy is that the person who told her junior, "Don't do singing carelessly," never considered how much pain and ripple effect her own words could create. Anyone can make a mistake on stage, but for a legend who has been on stage for nearly 50 years, the weight of a mistake should be different. Is this something that can be easily resolved with a few words of apology? This is the most ironic self-contradiction shown by this situation.eel@tf.co.kr]]> FANNSTAR Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Kim Gura mentioned Park Yoochun’s comeback on his YouTube channel ’GriGura.’ In the video released on the 26th, comedian Miky Kwangsoo appeared as a guest and shared his past experience of entrusting stock investments to his ex-girlfriend, which resulted in 30 million won shrinking to 3 million won. After their breakup, Miky Kwangsoo started studying investments and added 15 million won to the remaining 3 million won to invest in semiconductor stocks. He said, ″As I studied, I realized that I have a tendency not to be afraid when stock prices fall and, conversely, not to get arrogant when they rise.″ Listening to the story, Kim Gura mentioned Park Yoochun, saying, ″I think not many people watching this broadcast, but maybe fans of Mikki Yoochun might think that he too should overcome his crisis like Miky Kwangsoo.″ He continued, ″Isn’t that right? Everyone has ups and downs. It is important in life to get back up when that happens.″ The production team captioned Kim Gura’s comment as ’overreach.’ Park Yoochun debuted in 2003 with TVXQ! and filed a lawsuit in 2009 to confirm the invalidity of his exclusive contract, withdrawing from the team. He later performed as a member of JYJ and was involved in a sexual scandal in 2016. In 2018, he was arrested on charges of methamphetamine use and was sentenced to 10 months in prison with a 2-year probation the following year. Park Yoochun has also been embroiled in controversies over legal disputes with his former agency and high tax arrears, and he has currently resumed activities mainly in Japan.]]> FANNSTAR Sun, 27 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Jessica and her sister Krystal shared photos together to celebrate Chuseok. On the 26th, Jessica posted several photos on her Instagram with the caption, ″Family for Chuseok, sisters for Chuseok. Happy Chuseok to everyone.″ In the revealed photos, the two were seen touching faces and looking at the camera, with Jessica gently holding Krystal’s chin. They also posed side by side with their hands extended in the same gesture, and playfully pointed fingers at each other. Meanwhile, Jessica performed the ″Naengmyeon″ stage with Park Myungsoo at the ’2026 Infinite Challenge Run in Gyeongju’ held on the 19th. Krystal appeared in the drama ″How to Become a Building Owner in Korea,″ which ended in April.]]> FANNSTAR Sun, 27 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Girl’s Day Yura shared her thoughts on the reunion date with Hong Jong-hyun from ’We Got Married.’ On the 18th, Yura took time to answer subscribers’ questions in a video released on the ’YuraYuraHae’ YouTube channel to celebrate the channel’s first anniversary. When asked, ″What was the most impressive content you created over the past year?″ Yura mentioned various contents and said that filming the ’We Got Married’ content was especially refreshing. She recalled the feeling at the time, saying, ″Only time passed for us. Jong-hyun oppa and I felt very strange. While filming, we kept saying, ’When did we become people in our early to mid-30s like this?’″ Yura appeared as a virtual couple with actor Hong Jong-hyun on MBC’s variety show ’We Got Married’ in 2014. The two were loved under the nickname ’Jjonga Couple,’ and they attracted attention by meeting again after 12 years through content on the ’YuraYuraHae’ channel this January. The reunited pair went on a date following mission cards prepared by the production team, reminiscing about memories from the ’We Got Married’ filming days.]]> FANNSTAR Sun, 27 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 In the second episode of MBN variety show ’This is Hyunmoo Road,’ Jeon Hyunmoo and Lee Joon are shown exploring local spots in Da Nang, Vietnam. In this episode, the two set out to find a massage shop in Da Nang that Jeon Hyunmoo had wanted to visit since before the trip, but they were surprised to find many Korean tourists and signs in Hangul wherever they went. Jeon Hyunmoo said, ″This place is too Korean. It’s like Myeongdong,″ breaking into a sweat. Eventually, they found a massage shop without Korean signs and went inside, but when they heard Koreans inside greeting with ″Annyeonghaseyo,″ Jeon Hyunmoo declared he would stop filming. Later, while walking through rural alleys, the two spontaneously played a soccer match with local children. They also visited a seafood restaurant recommended by a local massage shop employee, where they tasted seafood such as crayfish and tiger shrimp. Jeon Hyunmoo revealed his drinking capacity, saying, ″I get completely drunk after two drinks,″ while drinking cola instead of alcohol. When Lee Joon asked, ″Don’t you drink even on truly happy days like when you won the ’Entertainment Awards’?″ Jeon Hyunmoo replied, ″On those days, I just pretend to be drunk.″ While enjoying the trip, Lee Joon said, ″I’m worried because while filming ’Hyunmoo Road,’ we don’t think about the broadcast and just have fun,″ to which Jeon Hyunmoo responded, ″These days, viewers don’t watch if you force yourself to do something for the show,″ sharing his thoughts. He continued, ″Isn’t this place itself amazing? I’m throwing myself into an environment most different from Korea. That’s how you heal.″ Jeon Hyunmoo and Lee Joon’s travel story will air on MBN’s ’This is Hyunmoo Road’ at 10:30 PM on the 27th.]]> FANNSTAR Sun, 27 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Actor Kwon Sang-woo’s son, Kwon Luk-hee, recently revealed his growth through social media. On the 27th, Kwon Luk-hee posted several photos on his SNS with the caption ″Kwon Chopa Kwon Bella.″ The photos showed him standing side by side with Kwon Sang-woo and a friend. Wearing a gray hoodie, Kwon Luk-hee attracted attention with a height and broad shoulders similar to his father. Daily photos with their pet dog ″Chopa″ and pet cat ″Bella″ were also shared. Currently, Kwon Luk-hee is continuing his studies in the United States while also participating in his school soccer team. Since opening his SNS recently, he has been gaining attention every time he shares his daily life, with his resemblance to Kwon Sang-woo, tall height, and physique being highlighted. Kwon Sang-woo mentioned his son’s popularity on YouTube. At the time, he said, ″I heard Luk-hee got a number in Gangnam,″ and added, ″A girl asked him, ’How old are you?’″ Meanwhile, Kwon Sang-woo and Son Tae-young married in 2008 and have one son and one daughter. Son Tae-young is living in New Jersey, USA, for their children’s education.]]> FANNSTAR Sun, 27 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 ENA Monday-Tuesday drama ’Rookie 4: Sabotage’ is approaching its finale, and the lead actors Kim Min-ho, Kim Dong-jun, Oh Dae-hwan, Lee Hyun-kyun, Lee Won-jung, and Nam Tae-woo shared their thoughts on the ending with viewers. ’Rookie 4: Sabotage’ received great love from viewers by depicting the camaraderie of the ’Rookies’ who grew stronger amid a desperate crisis. The 10th episode aired on the 22nd recorded a nationwide viewership rating of 4.8%, setting a new personal best and ranking first among Monday-Tuesday dramas and in the same time slot. Additionally, it maintained second place for four consecutive weeks in the Good Data Corporation Fundex integrated TV-OTT topicality survey for the third week of September. Kim Min-ho, who plays Park Min-seok, said, ″Thanks to the great love from viewers, we were able to come this far,″ expressing that he always feels a sense of regret and sadness when a season ends. Kim Min-ho added, ″Rookie will definitely return, so please continue to look forward to and support us.″ Kim Dong-jun, who plays Jeon Segye, said, ″I sincerely thank everyone who loved ’Rookie 4.’ We have created another memorable experience,″ and promised, ″We will be back soon with Rookie Season 5.″ Oh Dae-hwan, who plays Jo Baek-ho, shared, ″Since this work involved a lot of thought and affection while portraying Jo Baek-ho, it will remain memorable for a long time,″ and expressed his gratitude, ″I sincerely thank the viewers who loved and supported us until the end.″ The newly joined actors this season also shared their greetings. Lee Hyun-kyun, who plays Byeon Hyuk-jin, said, ″As a newly introduced character, I felt some pressure, but I am grateful to have been able to finish well with good people.″ Lee Won-jung, who plays Kim Hyun-wook, said, ″Thanks to the director and seniors who guided me well, the character’s story was well expressed. I thank the viewers who watched with interest.″ Nam Tae-woo, who plays Choi Il-gu, said, ″Thank you for the great interest and love this season as well, and thank you for loving our ’Rookies’ and Choi Il-gu a lot.″ Meanwhile, after completing the national defense training, the discharge of Kang Chan-seok (played by LEE JEONGHYEON) and Choi Byung-nam (played by Kim Hee-soo), and the promotion of Jo Baek-ho continued in the Shinwha Unit, where Major Kim Ha-na (played by Gong Min-jung) made a surprise appearance, foreshadowing an unpredictable development until the very end. ’Rookie 4: Sabotage’ airs every Monday and Tuesday at 10 PM on ENA and can also be watched through KT Genie TV and TVING.]]> FANNSTAR Sun, 27 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Singer Kim Da-hyun recently expressed gratitude to fans amid controversy following Shim Soo-bong’s public remarks. On the 26th, Kim Da-hyun performed as a guest singer at the ’2026 Gyeongnam Goseong Dinosaur Busking Festival Yunsulhaji.’ On stage, he mentioned that he had prepared a Chuseok greeting but was unable to upload the video, saying, ″Many people who care for and love me supported and worried about me due to the sudden incident, which gave me great strength.″ He also stated that he would listen carefully to the advice from those around him and think more deeply going forward. Additionally, Kim Da-hyun vowed to study and challenge himself further to become a greater singer while looking at the full moon, asking the audience for their continued support. Earlier, on the 20th, Shim Soo-bong publicly criticized Kim Da-hyun’s performance at a trot festival held in Jin’an, Jeonbuk, causing controversy. Shim Soo-bong acknowledged the remarks as a slip of the tongue and apologized the following day. Kim Da-hyun received an apology and comfort through a direct phone call with Shim Soo-bong and told fans that he would compose himself well.]]> FANNSTAR Sun, 27 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Aori was seen enjoying a hotel staycation with her boyfriend Kim Hyung-bae to celebrate her birthday. On the 20th, a video titled ″Happy Aori Day, Birthday Vlog″ was uploaded to the YouTube channel ″Aori.″ In the video, Aori unboxed a custom-made cake ordered by her boyfriend and a computer monitor she received as a gift, expressing satisfaction by saying, ″It’s so pretty. I like practical gifts that I can use every day.″ Kim Hyung-bae showed thoughtfulness by saying, ″You said your neck hurts from only using a laptop. Use this well and don’t get hurt.″ Aori expressed gratitude, saying, ″I think my turtle neck will get better thanks to the gift from my healthy oriental medicine doctor boyfriend.″ Then Kim Hyung-bae revealed, ″The second birthday celebration will be in Yeouido. I worked hard to click and make the reservation,″ and the two enjoyed a hotel staycation at a famous hotel known as a prime spot for the fireworks festival. The hotel is known to charge over 2 million won per night on the day of the fireworks festival. After dining at a high-end restaurant, the couple moved to Yeouido to enjoy the view of the Han River. Aori expressed her excitement, saying, ″This must be the perfect spot for fireworks. I hope it gets dark soon.″ When the fireworks festival began, Aori blew out the candles on the cake while making a wish against the backdrop of exploding fireworks. Kim Hyung-bae said, ″This is so great, honey, I have no regrets even if I die like this,″ and Aori said, ″It really feels like people are celebrating my birthday,″ adding, ″I was so happy. It was the best birthday gift. Thank you.″ Kim Hyung-bae added, ″Look forward to next year and the year after.″ Aori was born in 1991 and married racer Seo Joo-won, who appeared on Channel A’s ″Heart Signal,″ but they divorced in 2022. She currently runs the channel ″Aori,″ which has about 780,000 subscribers, communicating with the public. She first revealed her relationship through her account last July, and then last month posted a photo with oriental medicine doctor Kim Hyung-bae, revealing the identity of her boyfriend.]]> FANNSTAR Sun, 27 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Actress Ra Mi-ran recently revealed that she has gained 10kg. Ra Mi-ran appeared in the video titled ″Trusting Sister Ra Mi-ran, I Came to the Island with Just a Backpack – Backpacking Trip to Daeijakdo Island,″ which was released on Ryu Hye-young’s YouTube channel ’Ryu Hye-young Lemon and Milchi Meeting,’ where she shared this information. In the video, Ra Mi-ran, Ryu Hye-young, and others went backpacking to Daeijakdo Island and enjoyed various foods such as rice with side dishes, crab, and sashimi. During the meal, the two talked about their eating amounts, exercise, and stamina. When Ryu Hye-young mentioned that she now eats more than before, Ra Mi-ran noted that while Ryu used to eat only a quarter of a ramen serving, she now eats about half. In the conversation about exercise, Ra Mi-ran said that her stamina improved after doing Pilates and admitted that she used to dislike walking. When the topic of weight management came up, Ra Mi-ran shared her experience, saying, ″(Since I succeeded in dieting) I kept thinking ’I can do it’ but kept postponing it. This has been going on for a year, and this is how it turned out.″ She also added, ″You can see my transformation on your YouTube channel.″ Ryu Hye-young said, ″It’s not noticeable on you. Unless you gain or lose 10kg, it’s hard to tell,″ and Ra Mi-ran replied, ″I’ve gained 10kg now.″ Surprised, Ryu Hye-young said, ″If you gained 10kg and it looks like this, it really isn’t noticeable,″ to which Ra Mi-ran responded, ″Stop it. You keep emphasizing it.″ Also, when Ryu Hye-young said, ″You’re not someone who eats a lot. Definitely not. It’s because you don’t move much,″ Ra Mi-ran corrected her by saying, ″I ate a lot.″]]> FANNSTAR Sun, 27 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Recently, in music video production, the technique of deliberately interrupting or repeating movements has been used as a kitschy directing style. This method adds humor to the seriousness of characters or gives rhythm to ordinary scenes. The music video for the title track ″Blingy″ from NCT 127’s 7th full-length album, released on the 24th of last month, recorded approximately 22.93 million views on YouTube as of the 27th. The video depicts the members appearing as troubleshooters, roaming various locations in Seoul to find the lost ″Blingy.″ The production team introduced a stop-motion technique by shooting search scenes one shot at a time and quickly stitching them together, creating a cheerful atmosphere. An SM Entertainment representative stated, ″By quickly connecting shots taken one by one, we created an effect of rapid movement as if teleporting, and since the impact of each sequence is important, we aimed to express unique movements that catch the eye even in a short time.″ Stop-motion is a method of creating movement by photographing a subject frame by frame while slightly changing its position or posture. When this technique is applied to people, recording changes in posture and position is called ″pixilation.″ In the ″Blingy″ music video, the members dressed in suits move through various locations on their search, but their steps are interrupted like a series of photos stitched together. Compared to the noir film-style costumes and settings, the movements jump from one pose to the next, creating a playful feeling. Similarly, the music video for ″Candy Pink Magic Hole Flip Phone (What Should I Do)″ released by KiiiKii (KiiiKiii) on July 30 features a collage style combining stop-motion with photos, text, and decorations. The members appear in photos enhanced with filters and embellishments, and as the photos change continuously, it gives the impression of a decorated photo album moving to the music. The ″Magic Hole″ is a flip phone released by Samsung Electronics in 2009, and the video captures the sensibility of the era when people decorated their phones and left images of themselves. Decorations and text are added over photos of members wearing colorful wigs and tights, and scenes of taking pictures with feature phones are included. This direction evokes the late 2000s to early 2010s sensibility of adding effects to photos and uploading them to Cyworld photo albums. Each photo change emphasizes poses and decorations, and the breaks between photos feel like they were pasted one by one. KiiiKii went beyond retro costumes and device recreations to translate the very way of taking, decorating, and sharing photos into the video format. The stop-motion interruptions effectively highlight the photo medium, and combined with the song’s fast beat and electronic sounds, the nostalgic photo album blends with the current music. An industry insider analyzed, ″As trends repeat, the Y2K flow that appeared in costumes, concepts, and hairstyles over the past few years is now influencing music video editing techniques.″ While the method of stitching photos together evokes a nostalgic sensibility, editing that repeats short movements adds new rhythm to everyday life. The music video for ″HEADLOCK″ by Luci Gang, released on July 31, demonstrates this effect on a basketball court and the street. Alongside Luci Gang rapping in front of the camera, the movements of himself and surrounding people are arranged to match the beat of the song. Early on, Luci Gang nods his head while a basketball throw is repeated in the background. This repetition is explained by loop editing, which repeats short video segments. Ordinary actions that might be overlooked at first catch attention through repetition, and movements timed to the beat feel like part of the music. Even as the background changes from the basketball court to the street, Luci Gang remains the focal point, and the contrast between smooth rapping and repeated gestures enhances the song’s liveliness. The addition of repeated movements to everyday spaces transforms the street scenery into a stage that expresses the song’s attitude. In this way, directing that deliberately interrupts or repeats movement adds new expressions to characters and scenes and serves as a device to reveal the personality of the music.]]> FANNSTAR Sun, 27 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Tomorrow X Together (TXT) (Soobin, Yeonjun, Beomgyu, Taehyun, HUENING KAI) performed a live show from the practice room to replace their stage at the New York ’2026 Global Citizen Festival,’ which was canceled due to severe local weather conditions. The group was scheduled to be the only Korean artists to open the ’2026 Global Citizen Festival’ in Central Park, New York, on the 26th (local time), with member Yeonjun also preparing a solo performance. However, when the event was canceled due to weather issues, Tomorrow X Together (TXT) rented a local practice room and met fans through a Weverse live stream at 9 a.m. on the 27th. Dancers who had prepared the festival stage joined the performance, presenting the originally planned choreography as it was. Yeonjun also performed his prepared solo stage, and a total of five songs were revealed, including ″You and I Found in the Sky at 5:53,″ ″0X1=LOVESONG (I Know I Love You) feat. Seori,″ and a cover of Justin Bieber’s ″Beauty And A Beat.″ Notably, the performance included a hanbok-inspired outfit and a Korean traditional music version of ″Sugar Rush Ride″ featuring traditional Korean colors. Yeonjun also showcased his solo songs ″Talk to You,″ ″Ice Cream,″ and a cover of a Post Malone song. Tomorrow X Together (TXT) stated, ″We worked hard preparing, and it was disappointing not to show it, so we rented a practice room. Only the space changed, but everything was properly set up. As long as there is music and a microphone, we can work hard anywhere.″ Big Hit Music said, ″The venue without flashy lights or LEDs actually highlighted Tomorrow X Together (TXT)’s skills,″ adding, ″Despite not having an optimal sound environment, their resonant voices and tightly harmonized vocals captivated the ears.″ At the end of the broadcast, a comeback spoiler video containing the phrase ″Something different from before is needed″ was revealed. Meanwhile, Tomorrow X Together (TXT) will start their world tour ″STEAL THE WIND″ at KSPO DOME, Olympic Park, Seoul, from November 13 to 15, and will meet audiences across Asia, Japan, North America, and Europe. In December, the group and Yeonjun solo plan to participate separately in the U.S. ″2026 iHeartRadio Jingle Ball Tour.″]]> FANNSTAR Sun, 27 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 In episode 1 of the drama ″Dive into You,″ a tragedy unfolds as Jung Woo-jae, played by Seo Ham Park, loses his life in an attack targeting actress Kim Ji-yeon. Yoon Ha-na (played by Kim Ji-yeon) and Jung Woo-jae (Seo Ham Park) have been close since high school and were each other’s first love. They currently work together as an actress and bodyguard but have maintained their relationship without confessing their true feelings for a long time. During an awards ceremony, an intruder attacks targeting Yoon Ha-na, and Jung Woo-jae, acting as her bodyguard, is stabbed and ultimately dies protecting her. Yoon Ha-na, who wins the Best Actress award at the ceremony, enjoys her moment of joy but soon faces the tragic death of Jung Woo-jae. Jung Woo-jae collapses after being stabbed while guarding Yoon Ha-na’s waiting room, and Yoon Ha-na embraces him, crying uncontrollably. This incident leaves a deep scar on Yoon Ha-na’s life and affects her career as an actress. ″Dive into You″ tells the story of twin siblings Yoon Ha-na and Yoon Ha-ru discovering that they can travel back in time through a camcorder and racing against time to bring Jung Woo-jae back to life. The drama premieres on the 26th on Disney Plus and Channel A.]]> FANNSTAR Sun, 27 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 On the broadcast of KBS 1TV’s ’Back to the Music Season 2’ on the 26th, Jisun, formerly of Loveholic, appeared and revealed her musical life and recent updates. During the broadcast, Jisun mentioned a period when she took a break from music, saying, ″There was a time when I stepped back from music.″ She shared that she lived as a university professor and a mother, and started releasing new songs from May this year. She has been working as a professor in the Practical Music Department at Yongin University since 2018 and is also dedicated to nurturing future talents. She also shared anecdotes with students who remember her from the Loveholic days. Jisun said, ″There were friends who came to school because of me,″ and told a story about a student who took the exam six times just to meet her. She introduced her experience of being nicknamed the ″Purple Witch″ because she often wore purple while performing with the band Wizard in Hongdae. She recalled a time when her father, who opposed her music activities, urged her to go to the countryside to take nun training. Later, Jisun applied for a vocal audition led by Lee Jae-hak and Kang Hyun-min, beating a competition ratio of 600 to 1, and was selected as the vocalist of Loveholic. Near the end of the first album production, she expressed to Lee Jae-hak her desire to sing songs that revealed more of the band’s color, which led to the creation of their signature song ″Loveholic.″ Loveholic gained popularity with several songs such as ″Flowerpot,″ ″If Only You Were Here,″ and ″Doll’s Dream.″ Regarding the vocal style required in Loveholic, Jisun explained, ″I was scolded if I sang like that. They told me to relax and put more air into my voice,″ which resulted in a restrained vocal style. As for why she left the team after five years and the third album, she said, ″Since the team was like a combination of two teachers and one student, there was always struggle,″ and expressed frustration at not meeting expectations despite doing her best. She also shared her feelings, saying, ″I started music because I liked it, but it was hard to be troubled by music.″ Lee Jae-hak said, ″I thought supporting her future was the cool thing to do,″ and added, ″Looking back now, it would have been better if I had strongly told her that I wanted to continue together.″ After leaving the team, Jisun regained her pure love for music in Okinawa and continued her activities with a solo album. She got married in 2014 and has one daughter.]]> FANNSTAR Sun, 27 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Kwak Beom reveals his secrets to appearance and self-care management on MBC’s ″The Manager″ episode 417. Kwak Beom has recently gained attention for his changed look after successfully losing weight. He disclosed that he invested tens of millions of won not only in dieting but also in facial care such as dental treatments, skin laser procedures, and Botox. Kwak Beom shared his belief that appearing with a more comfortable face for viewers is a sincerity of a comedian working in the ″laughter service industry.″ Due to his busy schedule, Kwak Beom, who cannot frequently visit professional shops, demonstrates how he completes his styling in just three minutes using only water, hairspray, and sunscreen. He revealed, ″One day, a close writer saw me and said, ’Aren’t you going to be on air?’ I had gained up to 93 kg. I thought, ’This is real advice,’ so I started spending money from then on, but as I continued, I became addicted to treatments.″ Majoring in fashion design, Kwak Beom consistently uploads self-styled OOTD videos on SNS, gaining attention for his fashion as well. Recently, he received a collaboration proposal from a shoe brand, and footage shows him trying on shoe samples he personally helped design and providing feedback. The broadcast also introduces the filming site of Kwak Beom’s new content. Showing passion to the extent that his shirt was soaked while performing action scenes in the heat, he starts his day at 6:20 a.m. and spends it with consecutive schedules, ending with swimming practice as his last appointment. Kwak Beom revealed that he is preparing for a triathlon program he will appear on. He shared his comedy philosophy, saying, ″Comedians have to run and suffer outside.″ Meanwhile, Kwak Beom debuted in 2012 as part of KBS’s 29th public recruitment and continues to be active with as many as eight regular programs recently. He is active in various shows such as the terrestrial variety programs ″Hangout with Yoo,″ ″The Manager,″ and ″Radio Star.″]]> FANNSTAR Sun, 27 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Park Seri revealed her newly moved townhouse and daily life through MBC variety show ’The Manager’. Park Seri stated that she moved to the townhouse for a comfortable life with her pets. The new house was decorated with a white-toned living room and kitchen, a big-sized sofa, luxurious interior, and artworks reminiscent of an exhibition. On the second floor, there was a spacious terrace with an electric awning, a study, a dressing room, and a guest room, while the first-floor terrace was designed as a walking space, boasting an environment ideal for living with pets. The basement included a workspace for painting, a large screen, and a separate area for storing alcoholic beverages. In the broadcast, Park Seri carefully gave supplements to her pet Mochi’s meal and blew on the food herself to check if it was too hot. The manager explained that Park Seri decided to move because she judged that a house was more comfortable for living with dogs. She also mentioned the gifts she shared with neighbors after moving. Park Seri said, ″I thought it would be nice to give what I like, so I gave out soy sauce marinated crab and cutlassfish kimchi,″ and corrected the rumor that she gave out pizza, stating it was not true. Park Seri was invited to a brand launch event of a company organizing the fireworks festival and enjoyed the Seoul International Fireworks Festival from the rooftop of 63 Building with her managers. She told her managers, ″Don’t work today, just enjoy,″ and took photos for them herself. She also shared that when she lived in Orlando, USA, she could watch the Disney World fireworks every day from her home. There were changes in the management team as well. No Jua, the general manager who worked with her for over six years, resigned, and it was introduced that Team Leader Kim Hyerin and General Manager Kim Sunwoo are currently working with Park Seri.]]> FANNSTAR Sun, 27 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Attorney Yang Narae released a video capturing her wedding ceremony on her YouTube channel ″Attorney Yang Narae″ on the 25th. The video included various moments from the wedding preparations, the ceremony itself, meetings with guests, and expressions of gratitude. Before the wedding, Yang Narae greeted the camera brightly at the filming site. She said, ″I’m a pro again, aren’t I?″ and shared, ″I’m this cheerful even when I get married. I’m worried I might not cry at all.″ After finishing the photo shoot, she laughed and said, ″I’m done with the wedding today. I really made the most of the photos.″ She also remarked, ″I didn’t realize it would be this hectic. I guess it’s going to be done in a rush.″ During the ceremony, she walked down the aisle holding her father’s hand, bowed to the groom, exchanged rings, and proudly showed her ring to the guests. Standing on the aisle with her groom, Yang Narae exclaimed, ″Everyone, I’m finally getting married!″ Throughout the ceremony, she maintained a bright demeanor, taking photos and greeting the guests. There was also a moment when she took the microphone herself to express her gratitude. Yang Narae revealed her affection for her husband, saying, ″There was one unresolved question for someone as blessed with good relationships as I am: why does this blessing not come to the men? Just when I was thinking it might be time to give up, I met my husband.″ She continued, ″And not long after, I thought, ’Ah, my blessings really are amazing.’″ She also expressed thanks to the guests, saying, ″Each and every one of you here today has shared precious moments in our lives and will continue to be special and important people to us.″ While acknowledging, ″There probably won’t be only good days for us after today,″ she added, ″But whenever that happens, I will remember your faces here today and the heartfelt congratulations you have sent us.″ She held back tears when greeting her parents. Yang Narae held her wedding ceremony on the 13th at the Shilla Hotel in Seoul. Born in 1990 and 36 years old this year, Yang Narae is active as a divorce specialist attorney, appearing on various TV programs including JTBC’s ″Divorce Deliberation Camp.″ The groom’s identity has not been disclosed.]]> FANNSTAR Sun, 27 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 SBS audition program ″Our Ballad″ returns to viewers with season 2. This season will maintain the existing format without a prize for the winner, and participants will present stages where they reinterpret classic ballads that transcend generations in their own styles. Season 1 recorded ratings in the 5-6% range during the broadcast period but dropped to the 2% range in the final episode. Nevertheless, season 2 production was confirmed, and participants’ performances are being released in advance ahead of the first broadcast. Recently, following the stage of a 16-year-old participant singing ″About That Loneliness Called Love,″ the stage of a 15-year-old participant performing ″Can’t I?″ was pre-released. Upon seeing the 15-year-old on stage, Roy Kim said, ″15 years old? The youngest so far.″ After the song started, representatives including Moon Geun-young, Joo Woo-jae, Roy Kim, Jeon Hyun-moo, and Jung Jae-hyung admired the performance, and after the song ended, everyone stood up and applauded. The average age of participants this season is 17.9 years old, and people with diverse backgrounds such as foreigners and soldiers will appear. ″Our Ballad 2″ will premiere on October 5 at 10 PM.]]> FANNSTAR Sun, 27 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 KIM KI TAE, Hwang Garam, Lee Ji-hoon, and Jeremy Ochuba appeared on MBN’s ’Kim Ju-ha’s Day & Night’ to share their personal stories. KIM KI TAE mentioned vocal cord nodules as the reason for his husky voice, explaining that although his vocal cords themselves are clean, a congenital issue with the back of his vocal cords caused the husky tone. He said, ″You could say it’s more damaged than perfected,″ and when asked if singing could harm his voice, he replied, ″Sometimes it does.″ Additionally, KIM KI TAE cited his son as the reason for auditioning. He explained that he wanted to show his son at least once that his father appeared on TV, which led him to participate in ’Sing Again 2.’ KIM KI TAE won the JTBC audition program ’Sing Again 2,’ which aired from 2021 to 2022, and received a prize of 100 million won. Hwang Garam shared the situation when he had to give up his activities due to COVID-19 while preparing as a singer after passing the audition for the band ’Pinocchio.’ Approaching his 40s, he decided to challenge himself by appearing on ’Oppa Era,’ achieving good results. Hwang Garam also revealed that he came to Seoul with 2 million won to pursue his dream of becoming a singer but experienced 147 days of homelessness. He also disclosed that he was tone-deaf in the past. Lee Ji-hoon and Jeremy Ochuba were active together in a multicultural children’s choir during elementary school and reunited after eight years on ’Our Ballad.’ They shared that while advancing through the revival round, they received malicious comments calling them a ″special multicultural admission.″ KIM KI TAE also mentioned receiving comments like ″Quit smoking″ due to his husky voice. Jeremy revealed that he had not met his father for eight years. Jeremy’s father is Nigerian and currently lives apart from the family. He has never visited Nigeria, his father’s country, and does not speak English well, but said he gained fans thanks to his father. Recently, he has been studying English through phone calls with his father. When asked if he receives DMs, Jeremy said, ″My father told me I already have 100 fans.″ Lee Ji-hoon said he got to know Kim Ju-ha through Reels and vowed, ″If I work in the future, I want to have a program like that.″ Kim Ju-ha explained a past video where he was sweating cold sweat while hosting the news, saying he had indigestion after eating cup noodles. He shared that a search term ″Kim Ju-ha urgent diarrhea″ appeared on portal sites, and he personally requested its removal but was surprised when the search term reappeared.]]> FANNSTAR Sun, 27 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900