https://en.fannstar.tf.co.kr FANNSTAR RSS Service - All Articles copyright (c) FANNSTAR fannstar@tf.co.kr 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 Heekyung Kim revealed her admiration for actor Jo In-sung by sharing a photo with him on her SNS. On September 26, Heekyung Kim posted a picture smiling while being embraced by Jo In-sung, along with the caption ″(Im)possible love..♥″. The photo was taken at the premiere and after-party of the movie Possible Love. Heekyung Kim said, ″Thanks to In-sung oppa’s movie being released regularly from the premiere to the after-party these days, I enjoyed almost the only ’free wife’ time,″ adding, ″Thank you for working hard, and I am even more grateful to my husband.″ She also added, ″Even though we have known each other for almost 10 years, my heart still races.″ Heekyung Kim’s husband, Ki-bang Kim, commented on the photo, ″One of the few legal affairs of the year, and I even took the picture myself. Seriously.″ The friendship among Ki-bang Kim, In-sung Jo, and Heekyung Kim is also known through broadcasts. In the past, Ki-bang Kim appeared on MBC’s Radio Star and revealed, ″The three of us often hang out, and Jo In-sung thinks of my wife like a mother-in-law and even seeks dating advice from her.″ Heekyung Kim is the vice president of a cosmetics brand. She married Ki-bang Kim in 2017 and gave birth to a son in December 2020. Heekyung Kim has a history of running a shopping mall with annual sales of 13 billion KRW and an F&B business with sales of about 1.8 billion KRW.]]> FANNSTAR Sun, 27 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 The movie ″Assassin(s)″ surpassed 1 million cumulative viewers within 4 days of its release and ranked number one at the box office for 4 consecutive days. Distributor Hive Media Corp announced on the morning of the 26th that the cumulative number of viewers for ″Assassin(s)″ exceeded 1.05 million. According to the Korea Film Council’s integrated computer network, the cumulative number of viewers as of September 26 was confirmed to be 1,305,666. As of 7 a.m. on September 27, it ranked first in overall reservation rate, maintaining the top spot for 8 consecutive days. ″Assassin(s)″ is a mystery chase thriller based on the assassination attempt on the First Lady that occurred on August 15, 1974, starting from doubts that the known facts might be different. Directed by Hur Jin-ho, Yoo Hae-jin played Detective Cheol-gu, Park Hae-il portrayed newspaper social affairs chief Jae-hwan, and Lee Min-ho took on the role of rookie reporter Young-il. Park Hae-il returned to the screen after 4 years with this work. This film is the new work of director Hur Jin-ho, known for ″Christmas in August,″ ″One Fine Spring Day,″ ″The Last Princess,″ and ″Forbidden Dream.″ At the production briefing, Park Hae-il said, ″This movie informs not only those who remember past events but also young audiences who do not know about major events in modern history.″ He added, ″The pace is very fast, and there is drama among the actors, so it is a movie that people of all ages can enjoy.″ Director Kim Sung-soo of ″Spring in Seoul″ praised, ″An overwhelmingly complete film. Intense immersion! Excellent actors! Perfect direction! Unpredictable developments and tension!″ Director Park Chan-wook said, ″After seeing the results, I repeatedly admired how well planned it was, how clever, how smart,″ and evaluated, ″I was really surprised after watching the movie. It felt like watching scenes from Brian De Palma’s films.″ Audiences also left positive reviews, mentioning the actors’ performances, immersion, and the fact that it is enjoyable to watch with family.]]> FANNSTAR Sun, 27 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Park Seo Jin revealed how he took care of his father, who was hospitalized due to a cerebrovascular disease. The September 26th episode of KBS2 variety show ″Men Who Do Housework 2″ depicted Park Seo Jin’s family’s daily life at the hospital. Park Seo Jin shared that he was worried because his father recently vomited and complained of dizziness, explaining that there was a problem with his cerebrovascular system, so he underwent an inpatient examination on the same day. Park Seo Jin said, ″I was worried because my father suddenly vomited and felt dizzy. He had a history of cerebrovascular problems, so he was admitted for examination. They said same-day inpatient examination was possible.″ In the hospital room, Park Seo Jin’s great-aunt, third aunt, and youngest aunt also visited. The aunts expressed their gratitude for the airplane tickets to Jeju Island that Park Seo Jin sent, saying, ″Thank you for sending the gift certificate; we had a great trip to Jeju. Really, thank you.″ They recalled Park Seo Jin’s early days, saying, ″Our Seojin has grown up to become a singer. It’s nice to see you on the media, but it was heartbreaking to see you cry so much back then.″ They added, ″We are watching you from behind. You grew up well. We’re proud of you.″ Park Seo Jin’s father spoke about the family’s past, sharing the situation when he returned home after hearing that his grandmother was in critical condition while he was working. He recalled, ″I came home in the evening, and as soon as I entered the house, his pupils had changed. After feeding him three times, his breathing became irregular.″ He also said, ″I missed my mother so much that I cried. I wondered why I cried so much when my mother was alive. I miss your older brother and grandmother too.″ In the broadcast, Park Seo Jin also mentioned the family’s difficult past. He revealed, ″Before I was born, my mother had a miscarriage while working on the boat,″ and his mother said, ″When I couldn’t take care of Seojin because of the boat work, grandmother took care of him. She collapsed while carrying Seojin and going to the community center to play cards. I took care of my mother-in-law’s illness all by myself.″ Meanwhile, Park Seo Jin previously revealed on the show that he lost his two older brothers 49 days apart and later disclosed that his mother was diagnosed with stage 3 cervical cancer.]]> FANNSTAR Sun, 27 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 The movie ″The King and the Man Who Lives″ was broadcast on TV for the first time about seven months after its theatrical release. On September 26 at 9:30 PM, SBS scheduled ″The King and the Man Who Lives″ as a Chuseok special film. This broadcast marked the first TV screening since its theatrical release. It recorded a nationwide household rating of 11.0% and a metropolitan area household rating of 11.8% (according to Nielsen Korea), achieving the highest ratings among all terrestrial programs that day. On the same day, KBS1’s ″2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games Women’s Basketball Final (Korea vs. Japan)″ recorded a nationwide rating of 10.0%, and KBS’s ″9 PM News″ had a 7.4% rating. ″The King and the Man Who Lives″ is a historical drama directed by Jang Hang-jun, set in 1457 at Cheongnyeongpo in Yeongwol, Gangwon Province. The story centers on the meeting between Danjong, who was dethroned and exiled, and the village chief who leads the community, focusing on their human connection. Yoo Hae-jin played the village chief of Cheongnyeongpo, PARK JI HOON portrayed the exiled Danjong, and Yoo Ji-tae and Jeon Mi-do also appeared. The film was released in theaters on February 4 and surpassed 10 million cumulative viewers within 31 days. The final cumulative audience reached 16.92 million, ranking second in Korean film box office history after ″The Admiral: Roaring Currents,″ which recorded 17.61 million viewers. The total revenue exceeded 150 billion won, making it the highest-grossing film in history. Yoo Hae-jin was recognized for his acting skills and popularity in the role of the village chief, while PARK JI HOON took on his first leading role in a commercial film, sparking the ″Danjong Oppa″ syndrome. Yoo Ji-tae reinterpreted the character Han Myeong-hoe, delivering a weighty villain performance. SBS attracted attention by scheduling ″The King and the Man Who Lives″ as a Chuseok special film about seven months after its theatrical release. Viewers who missed the chance to watch the film in theaters were able to experience the work through this TV broadcast.]]> FANNSTAR Sun, 27 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Tomorrow X Together (TXT) will take the stage at the U.S. year-end music festival ’2026 iHeartRadio Jingle Ball Tour.’ According to iHeartRadio, Tomorrow X Together (TXT) (Subin, Yeonjun, Beomgyu, Taehyun, HUENING KAI) will participate in the ’2026 iHeartRadio Jingle Ball Tour’ held in December. Yeonjun is also included in the lineup as a solo artist for this tour. The ’Jingle Ball Tour’ is a large-scale music festival hosted annually by iHeartRadio, touring major U.S. cities at the end of the year. This year, alongside Tomorrow X Together (TXT), various pop stars such as Olivia Rodrigo, Jonas Brothers, Sombre, Hilary Duff, Alec Warren, and Charlie Puth will also join. The tour starts on December 1 in Dallas/Fort Worth and continues in Los Angeles, Chicago, Detroit, New York, Boston, Washington D.C., Philadelphia, Nashville, and other cities. Tomorrow X Together (TXT) and Yeonjun’s performances are scheduled for December 11 in New York, December 13 in Boston, and December 14 in Washington D.C.]]> FANNSTAR Sun, 27 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Singer IU revealed that they are considering reducing the types of official merchandise. This concern arose from the possibility that fans might face financial burdens due to various schedules such as albums, concerts, and fan club memberships. In the video titled ″Successful Ultimate Fan IU Invitation″ released on the YouTube channel ’Jindol’ on the 25th, IU talked with Jindol and Heedi about fandom culture, official merchandise, and photocards. During the conversation about the release of official merchandise, the opinion was raised that if merchandise is released in various forms, fans would have to keep spending money. In response, IU expressed that fans could just choose and buy what they want, but then laughed and said, ″I guess that’s not really possible.″ When Heedi said that having more types of merchandise is better, IU mentioned their usual thoughts from the fans’ perspective about having to consume various content. IU explained that when schedules such as album releases, concerts, and joining the 9th fan club continue, fans’ spending naturally increases. They then expressed the hope that instead of buying all products, fans would choose and purchase the items they like. Additionally, IU said they understand fans’ desire to own even one more item related to their favorite artist. At the same time, they suggested the idea of reducing the number of products themselves. In response, Heedi made everyone laugh by saying not to decide on reducing merchandise just yet, and to let fans choose which products to buy themselves.]]> FANNSTAR Sun, 27 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 ATEEZ San recently denied the dating rumors that arose in Milan, Italy. On the 26th, through a fan communication platform, San said, ″I’m telling you because fans might be worried,″ and added, ″The dating rumors are completely untrue.″ Along with this, San also expressed a strong stance against invasion of privacy and illegal filming. He said, ″I am carrying out my schedule, but people follow me everywhere I go, which is very embarrassing. It’s nice to meet by chance, but this is not acceptable,″ and emphasized, ″(Following secretly outside of the schedule) is not okay. Secretly filming is clearly wrong. Let’s not commit crimes before getting caught.″ Earlier, dating rumors arose after photos and videos of San walking with a woman on the streets of downtown Milan circulated on online communities and SNS. In response, the agency KQ Entertainment explained, ″The woman in the photo is a local brand representative in Milan, and the photo was taken while she was going to purchase items needed for the event,″ adding, ″Local security guards and managers were all accompanying them at the time.″ San reassured fans by saying, ″Everyone, please don’t worry. I will finish my schedule well and return.″]]> FANNSTAR Sun, 27 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Hong Kong’s major daily newspaper Oriental Daily extensively reported on the enthusiastic reactions of local and global fans to BTS member V’s stage at the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Festival. Oriental Daily covered the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Festival held at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, USA, detailing V’s passionate performance and the atmosphere at the venue. The media featured a headline saying, ″BTS shakes Las Vegas. V’s fever is intense,″ placing a photo of V prominently and summarizing his stage as ″wind-blown flying kiss.″ According to Oriental Daily, V attracted worldwide attention by reappearing on a major music festival stage after releasing the album Arirang in March this year. Despite intense choreography, V delivered unwavering live vocals and explosive vocal power, elevating the stage atmosphere to its peak. The official Las Vegas account posted a video of V, commenting, ″Tae is lit.″ Additionally, V recorded the highest number of mentions and the best engagement rate among the members on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). On Google Trends worldwide, he achieved a 100% peak in search volume, showing the highest search volume in over 50 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Japan.]]> FANNSTAR Sun, 27 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 BTS Jungkook set a new record on TikTok for the number of uses of official soundtracks. Among Jungkook’s songs, ″Left and Right″ was used in over 23.2 million official soundtrack posts, ″Dreamers″ over 16.9 million, ″Seven″ over 8.5 million, ″Left and Right (Sped Up Ver.)″ over 3.9 million, ″3D″ over 3.2 million, and ″Still With You″ over 3 million. This brings the total number of songs exceeding 3 million uses to six. Additionally, ″3D (Sped Up Ver.)″ was used over 2.1 million times, ″My You″ over 1.5 million, ″Standing Next To You″ over 1.4 million, and ″Yes or No″ over 1 million times, making a total of ten songs surpassing 1 million uses. Jungkook’s personal TikTok hashtag, ″#jungkook,″ recorded 42 million posts and 420 billion views. Also, the hashtag ″#jk″ generated 12.2 million posts, and Jungkook’s personal TikTok account surpassed 34.5 million followers.]]> FANNSTAR Sun, 27 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 In the entertainment industry, there have been ongoing cases of showing filial piety by giving special gifts to parents. Singer KIM JAEJOONG gained attention for gifting a four-story mansion worth about 6 billion won to his adoptive parents. This house, revealed through KBS 2TV’s ″New Product Launch, Pantry Restaurant,″ includes a home elevator and sauna for the parents. KIM JAEJOONG stated, ″When I was young, our home was happy and full of love, but financially it was not like that. So I had the desire that when I grew up, my parents’ house would be big and nice.″ He also shared scenes of preparing health food and cleaning the house for his father’s health. Singer Park Seo Jin also gave various gifts to his parents. On KBS 2TV’s ″Problematic Men in the Rooftop Room,″ he mentioned dropping out of high school and helping his parents by working on a boat. After succeeding as a singer, he provided his parents with a three-story detached house and a dried seafood store. Recently, he also built a new house for them in an area with convenient facilities such as a hospital, supermarket, and police station. One broadcast showed him gifting couple shoes to his parents and helping them wear the shoes himself. TWICE’s Tzuyu purchased a penthouse located in the Wungangxin Art Museum building in Gushan District, Kaohsiung City, in 2023 for about 100 million yuan (approximately 4.1 billion won) and gifted it to her mother. This penthouse is known as the most expensive property in the area, and Tzuyu chose a location across from her mother’s workplace for convenience. The 33-story building features top-class facilities such as a swimming pool and spa room. Singer YENA revealed that she gifted a house in Yangpyeong to her parents, who stayed by her side to help her overcome childhood cancer since she was five years old. On JTBC’s ″Knowing Bros,″ she said she bought the house for her parents after settling her earnings from her singing career, adding, ″What I do for my parents is the most important and makes me happy. I was very sick when I was young, and my parents had a hard time too. Growing up watching that is the real reason I had to succeed and repay them.″ On the YouTube channel ″Funny Things Are Uploaded,″ in the segment ″Eat Breakfast and Go,″ she shared stories about her parents marrying late and missing their honeymoon, the house getting smaller as she grew up, and the financial difficulties caused by childhood cancer. Actor Nam Yoon-su donated a kidney to his father instead of giving material gifts. After his father was diagnosed with end-stage renal failure in 2024, Nam Yoon-su underwent a kidney transplant and appeared on ″New Product Launch, Pantry Restaurant,″ saying, ″It wasn’t something I forced myself to do; it was natural, so the term ’national filial son’ feels burdensome. I’m just grateful.″ Nam Yoon-su added, ″I hesitate when buying things for myself, but when it comes to my parents or brothers, I don’t hesitate at all. I want my dad to get healthy, and I want to do everything I want for my family.″]]> FANNSTAR Sun, 27 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 title track ″Kkeokgeo″ from their third full-length album ″GOGO.″ Music Bank was canceled due to the live broadcast of the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, and the K-Chart rankings were announced through the official website. Through their agency Abyss Company, Young Tak expressed their feelings about ranking first on a music show, saying, ″I never expected to take first place on a music show. Thank you, Youngbles. This is all thanks to Youngbles.″ They added, ″It would have been better to share the joy of winning first place with Youngbles on site and show an encore stage, but although it’s regrettable, I will definitely share this joy through other content, so please wait a little longer.″ The third full-length album ″GOGO″ was released on the 14th, and the title track ″Kkeokgeo″ is an electronic dance song with a message that it’s okay to move differently than expected. Young Tak participated in writing, composing, and arranging 11 out of the 12 tracks on the album. According to Hanteo Chart, the album recorded initial sales of 374,63 copies. It also ranked first on the Hanteo Chart’s weekly album chart for the 3rd week of September and the Circle Chart’s 38th-week retail album chart. The ″Kkeokgeo″ music video and audio ranked on YouTube Korea’s popular music video and Top 100 popular songs charts, and the ″Suit Dance″ video surpassed 500,000 views within a week of its release. Young Tak will hold a solo concert, ″TAK SHOW5,″ in Seoul at Korea University Hwajeong Gymnasium from October 3rd to 5th. They will then continue their nationwide tour in Jeonju, Daegu, Incheon, Busan, and other cities.]]> FANNSTAR Sun, 27 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Stress, frustration, and loneliness from returning to work... Recommended shows by symptomOffice romance → Satisfying revenge to relieve stressWorks starring actors Seo Inguk Kim Mu-yeol PARK JI HOON SO JI SUB (from top left, clockwise) are recommended to help ease post-holiday blues. /THE FACT DB[THE FACT| Reporter Choi Soo-bin] The time has come to return to daily life after a long four-day holiday. As much as the break was welcome, the after-effects vary. Some sigh at the thought of going to work, while others find that the stress accumulated during the holiday doesn't easily disappear. Some feel a sudden sense of loneliness at home after the hustle and bustle of the holidays.What's needed at times like this is a 'drama prescription' tailored to each individual's symptoms. If you dread going to work, an office romance that adds a touch of romance to your work life is in order. If you've accumulated holiday stress, opt for action and "saida" (refreshing, satisfying) content to blow away your frustrations. For the emptiness that follows the bustling holiday, laughter and warm family bonds are perfect. has selected this year's dramas by symptom to help ease post-holiday blues.Netflix original series 'Monthly Boyfriend', tvN Saturday-Sunday drama 'Secret Love', tvN Monday-Tuesday drama 'My Favorite Employee' and 'See You in My First Life' (from top left, clockwise) charge up the romance for office workers facing work with sweet office romances. /Netflix, tvN◆ Symptom 1: Just thinking about going to work makes me sigh... Recharge your romance with office romancesFirst up is the Netflix original series 'Monthly Boyfriend', which garnered attention for its casting of actors JISOO (Black Pink) and Seo Inguk. The drama is a romantic comedy that fulfills the fantasy of webtoon PD Mira (played by Ji Soo), who is tired of real life, by subscribing to and experiencing virtual dating. In 'Monthly Boyfriend', a virtual dating subscription service, Mira enjoys various dates with partners she's always dreamed of, from third-generation chaebol Choi Si-woo (played by Lee Soo-hyuk) to campus senior Seo Eun-ho (played by Seo Kang-joon).The excitement that begins in the virtual world spills over into the real workplace. Mira gradually grows closer to her colleague Park Kyung-nam (played by Seo Inguk) and even enjoys thrilling office dates in the latter half. The charm of 'Monthly Boyfriend' lies in the sequential appearance of actors with different appeals, such as Lee Soo-hyuk and Seo Kang-joon, Seo Inguk, in a fantasy-like romance that makes you forget the harsh reality for a while. It's a 10-episode series available for full viewing on Netflix.tvN Saturday-Sunday drama 'Secret Love' presents a premise where people who used to investigate workplace misconduct fall in love. The charismatic audit team leader Ju In-ah (played by Shin Hye-sun), who harbors a secret, and the audit team ace No Gi-joon (played by Gong Myung), who was demoted to investigate workplace misconduct, develop a relationship from a superior-subordinate dynamic to lovers as they uncover cases together.The two enjoy thrilling situations, like having dates in their car before work and secretly exchanging glances at the office. Enjoying the excitement of a secret romance between a prickly boss and a forward junior employee might add a little romance to your commute. It's a 12-episode series available for viewing on TVING and Wavve.tvN Monday-Tuesday drama 'See You in My First Life' depicts the realistic love and growth of office workers. The drama is an office romance where 7-year veteran office worker Cha Ji-yoon (played by PARK JI HYUN), who suffers from everyday ennui, and her prickly boss Kang Si-woo (played by Seo Inguk) become each other's irreplaceable best and rediscover both work and love. The two grow closer through work and develop into lovers, showing the excitement of a secret office romance by secretly holding hands and exchanging glances while pretending not to know each other at the company.However, the drama also incorporates realistic workplace concerns. Following the stories of Cha Ji-yoon and Kang Si-woo as they search for the work they truly want, those tired of repetitive work life will naturally reflect on their own work and lives. The charm of 'See You in My First Life' lies in its blend of sweet office romance and the realistic growth of office workers. It's a 12-episode series available on TVING and Wavve.tvN Monday-Tuesday drama 'My Favorite Employee' adds "deoksim" (fan passion) to the office worker's fantasy. The drama is an office growth romance of rookie employee Nam Da-reum (played by Kim Hye-jun), who becomes an employee of her "bias" after trying to meet them. Nam Da-reum, a long-time fan of the idol group D.N.X, quits her job at a large corporation to pursue her passion and joins the fashion platform company 'Apelo', founded by Lee Chan (played by Cha Woo-min) and Kang Ha-gi, to work with her "bias."In the process, she opens her heart to Kang Ha-gi (played by Kang Hoon), who has supported her through difficult times, and the two develop a relationship from CEO and employee to lovers. Nam Da-reum's work life, where she does what she loves, works in the same space as her "bias," and has a supportive lover, is truly a collection of fantasies that are difficult to experience in reality. It's a 12-episode series available on TVING and Wavve.SBS Friday-Saturday drama 'Taxi Driver 3', Netflix original series 'The Bequeathed', SBS Friday-Saturday drama 'Flex x Cop 2' and 'Chief Detective 1958' (from top left, clockwise) blow away the stress accumulated during the holidays with thrilling action and "saida" developments. /SBS, Netflix◆ Symptom 2: Marriage? Employment? Frustration from nagging... Relieve indigestion with action and "saida" contentSBS Friday-Saturday drama 'Taxi Driver 3' is a representative "saida drama" that blows away frustration. The drama is a private revenge agency where the mysterious taxi company Rainbow Transport and taxi driver Kim Do-gi (played by Lee Je-hoon) complete revenge on behalf of unfair victims. In its third season, following seasons 1 and 2, it continues to deliver satisfying retribution using crimes that resonate with reality.The drama's charm lies in the catharsis derived from ensuring that villains pay for their crimes. Kim Do-gi's transformation into various "bu-kae" (alter egos) to infiltrate the villains' ranks in each case provides enjoyable entertainment, while the moments when the Rainbow Transport family works together to resolve the victims' grievances offer thrilling pleasure. It's a 16-episode series available for full viewing on SBS and Netflix.Netflix original series 'The Bequeathed' also relieves frustration with its unsparing retribution. Based on a webtoon of the same name, the drama depicts events that unfold as the fictional government agency, the "Teacher's Rights Protection Agency," is deployed to a crumbling educational environment. It directly addresses issues that are difficult to find solutions for in reality, such as school violence and the erosion of teachers' rights, and resolves them without hesitation.The drama provides vicarious satisfaction and catharsis, which are hard to experience in reality, through the actions of supervisors who sometimes confront those who don't communicate with them in more powerful ways. The chemistry between Choi Kang-seok (played by Lee Sung-min), who spares no support for the supervisors to work without burden, and Na Hwa-jin (played by Kim Mu-yeol), who engages in fiery action at the forefront, is also a must-watch point. Following their actions, you'll forget the frustration that has accumulated throughout the holidays. It's a 10-episode series available on Netflix.SBS Friday-Saturday drama 'Chief Detective 1958' blows away stress with overwhelming action. Based on a webtoon of the same name, 'Chief Detective 1958' tells the story of former special agent Chief Kim (played by SO JI SUB), who lived as an ordinary office worker and family man, moving again to find his missing daughter Min-ji (played by Seo Soo-min).The biggest charm of 'Chief Detective 1958' is Chief Kim's unsparing actions as he stops at nothing to get his daughter back. In addition, Sung Han-soo (played by Choi Dae-hoon) and Park Jin-cheol (played by Yoon Kyung-ho) add enjoyable humor to the weighty narrative by bickering but joining forces at crucial moments. The non-stop action, from hand-to-hand combat to gunfights, is also a highlight. It's a 10-episode series available on SBS and Netflix.SBS Friday-Saturday drama 'Flex x Cop 2' provides "saida" through thrilling investigations that only a chaebol detective with everything can deliver. The drama features Jin Yi-soo (played by Ahn Bo-hyun), who went from a spoiled third-generation chaebol to a detective in the violent crimes unit, catching criminals in his own unique way. In season 2, a new violent crimes unit chief, Joo Hye-ra (played by Jung Eun-chae), joins and works with Jin Yi-soo.Jin Yi-soo's method of unhesitatingly using the vast wealth and connections of his chaebol family in investigations remains the biggest weapon of 'Flex x Cop 2'. In addition, the constant clashes between the unpredictable Jin Yi-soo and Joo Hye-ra, who skillfully handles him, create a fun "tiki-taka." The stories of the two solving cases in bizarre ways rarely seen in traditional crime dramas are the biggest charm of 'Flex x Cop 2'. It's a 14-episode series available on SBS and Disney+.Netflix original series 'Wonderful World', TVING original series 'The Legend of the Cooking Soldier', KBS2 weekend drama 'Love Prescription', and ENA Monday-Tuesday drama 'Duty After School 4: Sabotage' (from top left, clockwise) fill the emptiness after the holidays with cheerful laughter and warm family bonds. /Netflix, TVING, KBS2, KT Studio Genie◆ Symptom 3: Feeling empty without laughter... Break the silence with comedy and family dramasNetflix original series 'Wonderful World' fills the silence that follows the holidays with the boisterous activities of unique superpowers. The drama is a superpower comedy adventure where quirky neighborhood residents who accidentally gained superpowers in 1999, at the turn of the century, struggle to protect the world from villains who threaten peace.The biggest charm of 'Wonderful World' is the process of "fumbling" characters, who seem far from being heroes, becoming superheroes by chance and forming a team. Centered around Eun Chae-ni (played by Park Eun-bin), these individuals with distinct personalities clash at every turn but join forces in moments of crisis, creating cheerful laughter. In addition, the retro sensibility of the late 1990s and the stories of warm neighbors add to the heartwarming atmosphere. It's an 8-episode series available on Netflix.TVING original series 'The Legend of the Cooking Soldier' fills the void with delicious food and cheerful military life. Based on a webtoon of the same name, the drama is a military fantasy drama depicting the transformation of Private Kang Sung-jae (played by PARK JI HOON), who wields a chef's knife instead of a gun and an apron instead of a bandolier, into a legendary cook.The drama has been highly praised for faithfully recreating the charm of the original work, which combines the unique military setting with mysterious game fantasy elements. It adds laughter by incorporating familiar game elements such as status windows and quests into various aspects of military life. Despite unpredictable scenes, the actors' serious and skillful performances blend perfectly with the comedy. It's a 12-episode series available for full viewing on TVING.ENA Monday-Tuesday drama 'Duty After School 4: Sabotage' (hereinafter referred to as 'Duty After School 4') is responsible for laughter with its realistic portrayal of military life. The 'Duty After School' series depicts stories unfolding in a military unit where various people, from good to bad and strange, gather. Since its debut in 2022, it has continued to season 4 thanks to its realistic depiction of military life and the performances of its unique characters.In this season as well, characters with strong personalities, including Sergeant Park Min-seok (played by Kim Min-ho), who has become a sergeant, clash and get entangled in even the smallest matters, creating unpredictable situations. The excellent chemistry of the actors, built up over multiple seasons, doubles the laughter. It's a good idea to binge-watch the entire series from season 1 to season 4 and get immersed in the charm of the noisy second company. It's a 12-episode series, with 10 episodes aired, available on TVING.KBS2 weekend drama 'Love Prescription' is expected to warmly fill the void left by the departed family members. The drama depicts the story of two families, who were like enemies, resolving their long-standing grudges, healing each other's wounds, and becoming one family.With families from different generations intertwined, there isn't a single quiet day. Although they sometimes bicker over trivial matters and hurt each other, the image of a family reaching out to each other again offers warm comfort. The romance between Gong Ju-ah (played by Jin Se-yeon) and Yang Hyun-bin (played by Park Ki-woong) that blossoms within it also adds to the enjoyment. It's a 50-episode series available on Wavve.subin7134@tf.co.kr[Entertainment Department | ssent@tf.co.kr]]]> FANNSTAR Sun, 27 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Jin Ki-joo&PARK JI HOON&Lee Hong-nae&Heo Nam-joon... The Center of Attention in 2026With Chuseok greetings and plans for the rest of 2026Actors Jin Ki-joo, PARK JI HOON, Lee Hong-nae, and Heo Nam-joon (from top left, clockwise) had a meaningful first half of 2026 and sent greetings through for the Chuseok holiday. / Respective Agencies[THE FACT| Reporter Kim Saet-byul] The first half of 2026 saw many notable actors on the small and big screens. From actors who led the success of their projects and expanded their presence to those who left a strong impression on the public with new faces and characters, each captivated viewers and audiences in their own way. Some gained attention through consecutive projects, while others became the center of attention through a single work.The first half of 2026 was a more special time than ever for the actors, who had been running tirelessly for a considerable period. After completing their projects, they experienced the reactions of those around them and confirmed their potential as actors through new challenges. After a meaningful first half, they are now taking a moment to catch their breath and welcome the Chuseok holiday.To this end, asked the actors who shined in the first half of 2026 to look back on the past and share their plans for the Chuseok holiday. Furthermore, we heard about the new goals the actors are envisioning for the second half of 2026 and the image they want to show in the future.Actor Jin Ki-joo poses at the production presentation of the Netflix series 'The Bequeathed' held at the Ambassador Seoul Pullman Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul, on the morning of the 5th. / Reporter Park Sang-min◆ 'The Bequeathed' Jin Ki-jooJin Ki-joo once again proved her new side through the Netflix series 'The Bequeathed.' Playing the role of Im Han-lim, a supervisor at the Office for the Protection of Teachers' Rights, she perfectly executed high-level action sequences that matched her rough background as a former special forces soldier. Moving beyond her elegant and determined previous image, she was praised for playing a central role in the drama by exuding intense impact and charisma.Amidst the positive reviews from global viewers, the first half of 2026 was a time for Jin Ki-joo to solidify another significant transformation as an actress. Having consistently undergone limitless transformations in each project, Jin Ki-joo has now secured a powerful action spectrum through 'The Bequeathed,' raising expectations that she will meet the public with more diverse and leading characters in her upcoming projects.- You left a strong impression on the public with 'The Bequeathed' in the first half of 2026! Looking back at the past six months, what memories does the first half of 2026 hold for you?▶ It was a very grateful first half, as I met KBS drama 'Sleeping Doctor,' which I've come to love anew and poured my heart into, and 'The Bequeathed,' which was passionately and happily made, received great love upon its release.- With so much attention on your work this year, you must have experienced reactions from those around you and felt changes. What was the most rewarding moment during your activities in the first half of the year?▶ I felt most rewarded when I heard vivid reviews of 'The Bequeathed' on the set of my next project. Hearing good things about my previous work from people who are now pouring their new passion into the current project was much more rewarding, grateful, and energizing than I had imagined.- Chuseok has arrived after a busy first half. How do you plan to spend this Chuseok holiday?▶ My current project is in its final stages of filming, so I plan to spend my time focusing on the project until the end. There are still many important and major scenes left. I plan to rest fully for one day and then diligently prepare for the remaining filming for the other days.- 2026 is nearing its end. What personal goals do you want to achieve or what image do you want to show as an actor in the remaining half of the year?▶ I want to try running. I'm not sure if I can do it, but I definitely want to start before it gets cold. I know my fans want to see me in various ways, so I've gone to schedules dressed up nicely and even tried variety shows. If circumstances allow, I want to try many new and infrequent things.- Lastly, please send warm Chuseok greetings to your fans and readers of .▶ It seems like 2026 will pass by in the blink of an eye again. I hope you stay healthy and peaceful for the remainder of 2026. I hope you have a bountiful Chuseok and a time for recharging. I will greet you again with a good performance. Thank you.Actor PARK JI HOON poses at the production presentation of the TVING original series 'The Legend of the Cooking Soldier' held at the Broadway Hall of Pullman Ambassador Seoul Eastpole in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 6th. / Reporter Song Ho-young◆ 'The King and the Man', 'The Legend of the Cooking Soldier' PARK JI HOONPARK JI HOON had a hotter first half than anyone else. After meeting over 16 million viewers with his first leading role in the film 'The King and the Man' as Prince Danjong, he succeeded in consecutive hits with the TVING original series 'The Legend of the Cooking Soldier.' By portraying diverse genres and characters, he showcased his breadth as an actor, making 2026 a special year for PARK JI HOON.As PARK JI HOON has firmly established himself as an actor with both star power and acting skills, much attention is being paid to whether he will continue his box-office success with bold acting transformations in the second half of 2026.- You left a strong impression on the public with 'The King and the Man' and 'The Legend of the Cooking Soldier' in the first half of 2026! Looking back at the past six months, what memories does the first half of 2026 hold for you?▶ The first half of 2026 was filled with many grateful moments. I was able to show new sides of myself through 'The King and the Man' and 'The Legend of the Cooking Soldier,' and it will be remembered as a particularly meaningful time as many people loved the projects.- With so much attention on your work this year, you must have experienced reactions from those around you and felt changes. What was the most rewarding moment during your activities in the first half of the year?▶ I feel most rewarded when I hear that people enjoyed the projects I participated in. I receive great energy as an actor when I meet people who remember and like the characters in my work.- Chuseok has arrived after a busy first half. How do you plan to spend this Chuseok holiday?▶ This Chuseok, I plan to spend time with my family and rest leisurely. I want to eat delicious food and have comfortable conversations that I haven't had in a while.- 2026 is nearing its end. What personal goals do you want to achieve or what image do you want to show as an actor in the remaining half of the year?▶ My goal for the rest of 2026 is to be an actor who does my best in everything given and continues to strive forward.- Lastly, please send warm Chuseok greetings to your fans and readers of .▶ I hope you have a bountiful and happy Chuseok. Thank you for your continued interest and warm support. I hope you have a warm and enjoyable Chuseok holiday with your families. I will continue to greet you with good performances.Actor Lee Hong-nae attends a wrap-up interview for the TVING original series 'The Legend of the Cooking Soldier' held at the TVING building in Sangam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 19th. / Reporter Park Sang-min◆ 'The Legend of the Cooking Soldier' Lee Hong-naeLee Hong-nae made his mark on viewers through 'The Legend of the Cooking Soldier.' Amidst the success of the project centered around PARK JI HOON, he showcased his presence by embodying his character. Furthermore, through Netflix's 'The King's Affection,' he displayed a completely different side from his previous works, boasting unparalleled character assimilation.Having once again made his mark on domestic and international viewers, the first half of 2026 was a time that raised expectations for Lee Hong-nae's future endeavors, as he actively played the role of a powerful scene-stealer. With his consistent delivery of non-clichéd performances in every project, building trust, anticipation is high for the acting transformations Lee Hong-nae will showcase as he moves between screens and television.- You received much love and left a strong impression on the public through 'The Cooking Soldier' and 'The King's Affection' in the first half of 2026! Looking back at the past six months, what memories does the first half of 2026 hold for you?▶ It was a first half filled with many grateful moments. Through 'The Legend of the Cooking Soldier' and 'The King's Affection,' I was able to show the aspects I wanted to, and both projects were very meaningful to me.By playing different characters, I was able to learn and grow a lot as an actor, and I felt truly happy every time I heard people say they enjoyed the projects after they were released. Therefore, the first half of 2026 remains in my memory as a time of great happiness and growth.- With so much attention on your work this year, you must have experienced reactions from those around you and felt changes. What was the most rewarding moment during your activities in the first half of the year?▶ The most rewarding moment is when people who have seen my work remember and talk about it. Although I spend a long time contemplating and preparing during filming, I never know what kind of reaction the work will receive once it's released.I remember a touching and pleasant comment I received: 'The drama I appeared in is the strength that gets me through the week.'- Chuseok has arrived after a busy first half. How do you plan to spend this Chuseok holiday?▶ This Chuseok, I plan to go down to my hometown, spend time with my family, and rest leisurely. I also plan to recharge my energy for future projects and the new image I want to show.- 2026 is nearing its end. What personal goals do you want to achieve or what image do you want to show as an actor in the remaining half of the year?▶ For the remainder of the year, I want to continue filming my current project well, and personally, I want to maintain good energy by taking care of my body and mind, separate from my work. I plan to participate in the Highrox competition in November. I want to complete it without regrets.Thank you to everyone who has been watching and supporting my work and activities this year. Your support gives me the motivation to show even better performances and is a great source of strength!- Lastly, please send warm Chuseok greetings to your fans and readers of .▶ This Chuseok, I hope you have delicious food and a happy and warm time with your beloved family and precious people. I will work hard to continue greeting you with good projects and good performances. Everyone, have a bountiful and happy Chuseok!Actor Heo Nam-joon poses at the production presentation of JTBC's new Saturday-Sunday drama 'A Hundred Memories' held at The Link Seoul Hotel in Guro-gu, Seoul, on the 11th. / Reporter LEE SAEROM◆ 'Brave New World' Heo Nam-joonHeo Nam-joon became the center of attention in the first half of 2026, not just for his projects but as an actor himself. Playing Cha Se-gye in 'Brave New World' and working with Lim Ji-yeon, he increased his presence, and the drama received positive responses in terms of viewership and buzz. Notably, interest in Heo Nam-joon continued even after the project concluded, solidifying his position as a 'trending actor.'In particular, Heo Nam-joon, who created multidimensional characters with his fresh looks and unique mysterious aura, left a strong impact with his charm of coexisting good and evil. With the momentum of his popularity in the first half of 2026, attention is focused on how far he will soar.- Your interest in actor Heo Nam-joon has been particularly high this year, including with 'Brave New World.' Looking back at the past six months, what memories does the first half of 2026 hold for you?▶ I learned a lot and worked intensely, like someone new to the set. Every moment of that time was enjoyable. Like with every project, I watched 'Brave New World' with a mix of excitement and nervousness, and I was in a daze as many people loved it. (Laughs)- With so much attention on your work this year, you must have experienced reactions from those around you and felt changes. What was the most rewarding moment during your activities in the first half of the year?▶ It was when I received calls from my close friends. Many friends watched the entire drama and contacted me. Usually, friends say it's hard to see their friends acting in dramas, but I felt good when they contacted me saying they enjoyed it and watched it well.- You had a busy first half with a lot of attention. How do you plan to spend this Chuseok holiday?▶ I have a short filming schedule planned for this holiday. For the remaining time, I plan to meet my family and spend time alone to fully rest.- 2026 is nearing its end. What personal goals do you want to achieve or what image do you want to show as an actor in the remaining half of the year?▶ For the rest of 2026, I want to continue working hard as I am now, while also taking good care of myself. I have a strong desire to not only pursue my acting ambitions but also manage my condition well so that I can continue running without getting tired. Therefore, I've been reflecting a lot lately on how to rest properly and what activities bring me the most healing.- Lastly, please send warm Chuseok greetings to your fans and readers of .▶ Everyone, 2026 is already passing by quickly, and we are heading towards the end of the year. Just as you always tell me to be healthy and happy, I hope everyone stays well without getting sick. I hope you have a warm and happy time with your families during this holiday, and I wish you a year-end filled with good things. Have a joyful Chuseok. Thank you.sstar1204@tf.co.kr[Entertainment Department | ssent@tf.co.kr]]]> FANNSTAR Sun, 27 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 From popular IPs reborn as stage musicals to steady sellersA customized performance guide to enjoy with children, parents, lovers, and friendsConsidering limited time and burdensome ticket prices, we looked at works that can be chosen according to age and taste, such as 'Al-satang', 'Elisabeth', 'Frozen', and 'Dracula' (from top left, clockwise). / Work Poster[THE FACT|Reporter Park Ji-yoon] If you want to escape from everyday life even if you haven't planned a trip far away, why not take a step to the theater for just one day during the holiday?Currently, various musicals of diverse genres and scales, from stages that bring popular animations and picture books loved by children to the stage, to spectacular masterpieces encountered in large performance halls, are transforming the familiar daily lives of the audience into special times. Of course, it would be great to enjoy all the performances, but considering the limited time and burdensome ticket prices, we looked at works that can be chosen according to age and taste.'Princess Catch! Teenieping', based on Season 6 of the TV animation 'Catch! Teenieping', is returning to Seoul after touring 21 regions nationwide since its premiere in Seoul last January. / SAMG Entertainment◆ Picture books and animations on stage?... This holiday is your last chance'Princess Catch! Teenieping', based on the TV animation 'Catch! Teenieping' Season 6, and 'Al-satang', based on Baek Hee-na's best-selling picture book, will be performed until the last day of Chuseok holiday, the 27th, at Ticketlink 1957 Theater and Seoul Forest Theater, respectively.First, 'Princess Catch! Teenieping' is returning to Seoul after touring 21 regions nationwide since its premiere in Seoul last January. The work is a family show musical that combines magic, musical, and puppets, with magician Lee Eun-gyeol as the general director and Hong Seung-hee as the director.Previously, the domestic original IP 'Catch! Teenieping' expanded its territory with the movie 'Hatchu-ping of Love' series, drawing existing fandom to theaters. It is now expanding its reach to audiences with a show musical that realizes the world of the animation on a real stage, extending the fun of content from screen to stage and leading to a new viewing experience for fans.The role of general director Lee Eun-gyeol cannot be overlooked. He completes a family show musical that can be enjoyed by children and parents by creating the characters' personalities on stage using puppet objects and the movements of puppeteers, and adding various show elements to the existing musical format. As it is a hit, ranking first in ticket sales by genre at major ticket reservation sites, it is a must-see performance for families who want to enjoy a special viewing experience together.'Al-satang' tells the story that unfolds the moment the protagonist Dong-dong puts a mysterious candy he got at a stationery store into his mouth and can hear the voices of people and things he couldn't hear before. The charm of the original work is the deep empathy and lingering resonance left by delicately portraying the child's inner world with short and simple sentences.And the stage faithfully reproduces the original sensibility with red maple trees, alleyway sets, and charming props, and is configured with a comfortable running time of 60 minutes so that child audiences can focus on the play without getting bored. As a result, the performance touches upon children's boundless imagination and sensitivity and offers adults a time to reflect on the meaning of family once again.'Dracula' and 'Elisabeth' are steady-selling musicals that have been loved for a long time, and 'Frozen' (from left, clockwise) is the first performance to bring the globally loved animation to the Korean stage, attracting much attention. / OD Company, EMK Musical Company, S&Co.◆ From spectacular visuals to powerful narratives... Hot popularity for a reasonIf you are planning an outing with friends, lovers, or parents, large-scale musicals such as steady sellers that have been chosen by audiences for a long time or works boasting overwhelming stage scale would be a good choice.First, 'Elisabeth' is a work that depicts the life of Empress Elisabeth, who longed for freedom, and her relationship with the transcendent being Death (Der Tod) who hovers around her, set against the backdrop of the Austrian Empire ruled by the Habsburg dynasty. Since its premiere in Vienna, Austria in 1992, it has been performed in various countries and has been consistently loved in Korea for the past five seasons.This time, you can enjoy a new production that reconfigures the visual elements based on the original narrative and music that has continued since its premiere, including a grand stage set that fully captures the splendor and grandeur of the Habsburg dynasty, and objects symbolizing the characters, such as large picture frames and dresses inspired by Elisabeth's elaborate hairstyles.In addition, with the addition of Rina, Lee Ji-soo, Kai, Seo Kyung-soo, Ko Eun-sung, and Noh Yoon for the first time, they are adding fresh vitality to the work by imbuing the characters with new colors through their own interpretations. Therefore, for those who have seen 'Elisabeth' before, finding the differentiated points of this season and enjoying it from a different perspective can be another viewing point.If you want to enjoy a deeply romantic musical beyond simple fantasy or horror, 'Dracula' is perfect. Based on Bram Stoker's novel, the work is set in Europe at the end of the Victorian era and unfolds the conflicts of love, desire, and destiny surrounding Dracula, Mina, and Jonathan.In particular, the performance captivates the audience with its unique stage devices, such as a quadruple turntable, 20 giant pillars, and Dracula's coffin, which magically disappears once entered, creating variations in space moment by moment. In addition, Frank Wildhorn's addictive numbers fully capture Dracula's intense charisma and his poignant love for Mina, allowing you to fully enjoy the musical resonance that lingers in your ears long after the play ends.If you don't want to miss the first performance to bring the globally loved animation to the Korean stage, you should rush to 'Frozen'. The work, which unfolds around the story of Elsa and Anna, allows you to experience the magical moments you only saw on screen in a real performance hall by recreating the Arandelle Kingdom filled with snow and ice on stage, along with music that can only be heard in the musical, including 'Let It Go'.Moreover, the process of Elsa and Anna, who experienced conflict due to their different personalities and abilities, resolving misunderstandings and understanding each other reawakens the forgotten world of fantasy for adults and firmly protects the precious innocence of children.jiyoon-1031@tf.co.kr[Entertainment Department | ssent@tf.co.kr]]]> FANNSTAR Sun, 27 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 BTS J-HOPE participated in a special tour hosted by fashion icon NIGO. Recently, J-HOPE shared photos from the tour on their social media account with the caption ″Special tour hosted by NIGO 🦁❤️彡👀.″ In the revealed photos, they are seen standing inside a store wearing jeans, a white t-shirt, a blue jacket, and sunglasses. The display shelves and a large lion sculpture in the background caught attention. In another photo, they are sitting on a red sofa wearing brown pants and a denim jacket, looking straight ahead. Holding a bag as a prop also stood out. Their calm yet stylish fashion added to the special event’s atmosphere. The tour was reportedly planned and conducted by NIGO himself, offering a unique experience that combined fashion and music. Since J-HOPE has consistently attracted attention with their unique fashion sense, news of their participation in this tour has drawn interest from fans and fashion industry insiders. Going forward, J-HOPE is expected to continue active activities in various fields, showcasing diverse charms.]]> FANNSTAR Sat, 26 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Jun of Seventeen has released the teaser for the Chinese version of his first solo EP ’9,’ raising expectations among global fans. On the 28th at 11 a.m. (KST), Jun posted the video titled ’JUN 1st EP CHINA Trailer 05 Doubt’ on his official SNS channels. The teaser begins with Jun wearing a black jacket, white shirt, and brown pants, holding a balloon with one hand while staring straight ahead in an indoor space. Against a backdrop of architectural structures and lighting, Jun’s calm yet profound gaze leaves a strong impression. This teaser serves as an important signal announcing the release of the Chinese version of Jun’s first solo EP ’9,’ sparking various interpretations and anticipation among fans regarding the mood and story of the track ’Doubt.’ Jun has been loved within Seventeen for his outstanding vocals and diverse charms, and as a solo artist, he is showcasing his own unique musical color. The agency and Seventeen plan to strengthen communication with Asian fans through this Chinese version release, and much attention is focused on the upcoming prepared content. In particular, there is keen interest in how Jun’s solo activities will contribute to expanding Seventeen’s musical spectrum. Meanwhile, Seventeen is actively continuing various domestic and international activities, demonstrating their presence in many fields. Jun’s solo journey continues to captivate fans’ eyes and ears, raising expectations for the upcoming full release.]]> FANNSTAR Sat, 26 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Singer Momo shared an update by releasing a photo shoot featuring her unique style. Recently, Momo posted photos on her SNS showing her riding a motorcycle indoors while wearing a yellow racing suit. The background combined structures and colorful lighting, creating a sophisticated atmosphere, and Momo struck dynamic poses wearing a helmet. This photo shoot attracted attention with its sporty yet futuristic vibe. Along with this, Momo posted hashtags indicating that the shoot was part of a collaboration campaign with the brand Onitsuka Tiger, signaling her ongoing role as a fashion icon. In particular, this shoot, which complemented the ’SS27’ collection, received positive responses as Momo’s personality and the brand image harmonized well. Meanwhile, Momo, a Japanese singer and member of TWICE, continues her active music career and showcases diverse appearances through collaborations with various brands in the fashion field. Recently, she has been consistently communicating with fans by sharing her daily life and style on SNS.]]> FANNSTAR Sat, 26 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 THE BOYZ Kevin shared an update revealing his relaxed daily life. Kevin recently posted a photo taken at the beach on his SNS with the short phrase ″sand in every crevice.″ In the photo, he is seen wearing a sleeveless top and camouflage shorts, walking his dog while looking at his smartphone. The blue sea and clear sky in the background create an even more refreshing atmosphere. Kevin’s natural styling and comfortable expression conveyed a down-to-earth charm to fans, attracting much attention. In particular, his barefoot walk on the beach reminded many of his recently released solo project, FREECHILD, evoking the free-spirited and unique world of his music. Meanwhile, Kevin was recognized for his musical talent from his school days, receiving an award named after jazz singer Michael Bublé. He is currently focusing on preparing his solo album and continuing his active music career.]]> FANNSTAR Sat, 26 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Singer Eric communicated with fans by sharing photos capturing his relaxed daily life. Recently, Eric posted several photos on his SNS with the caption, ″giddy up! 🤎 here we go 😴 happy Thursday~″. In the revealed photos, he posed naturally wearing a white short-sleeve T-shirt and a brown hat. Notable are the images where he slightly tipped his hat with one hand while lowering his head, and another where he looks sideways and directly at the camera simultaneously. Additionally, the photos show him lying on a bed or leaning on a sofa, enjoying a leisurely moment, conveying a comfortable everyday atmosphere. Using a solid color background, he presented a simple daily life rarely seen before to fans, adding a friendly charm. Eric has been actively engaged in various music activities and TV appearances with fellow singers recently, and through this SNS post, he energetically marked the start of the week while connecting with fans.]]> FANNSTAR Sat, 26 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 The movie ″Assassin(s)″ surpassed 1 million cumulative viewers within four days of its release. Distributor Hive Media Corp announced on the morning of the 26th that the cumulative number of viewers exceeded 1.05 million. According to the Korea Film Council’s integrated ticketing system, as of 7 a.m. on the 26th, the cumulative number of viewers was counted at 1,057,760. ″Assassin(s)″ is a mystery chase film that begins with doubts that the known facts about the assassination of Mrs. Yuk Young-soo on August 15, 1974, may differ from the truth. The movie depicts the investigation into the suspicions and background of the First Lady shooting incident. Park Hae-il returned to the screen after four years, playing Jae-hwan, the head of the social affairs department at a newspaper company. Yoo Hae-jin plays detective Cheol-gu, and Lee Min-ho plays rookie reporter Young-il. Lee Min-ho appears as Jae-hwan’s junior and a social affairs reporter. The film is directed by Heo Jin-ho, known for ″Christmas in August,″ ″One Fine Spring Day,″ ″The Last Princess,″ and ″Forbidden Dream.″ ″Assassin(s)″ was released on the 23rd and ranked first in the domestic box office for three consecutive days from the release date to the day before. At the film production briefing, Park Hae-il said, ″This movie informs not only those who remember past events but also young audiences who are unaware of major events in modern history,″ adding, ″The pacing is very fast, and there is drama among the actors, making it a movie suitable for all ages.″]]> FANNSTAR Sat, 26 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Yoon Hye-jin shared a video with her sister-in-law Uhm Jung-hwa to celebrate Chuseok, conveying a cheerful family atmosphere. On the 25th, Yoon Hye-jin posted a video on her account with the caption, ″Have you ever seen a sister-in-law making her sister-in-law do the dishes?″ The video showed Uhm Jung-hwa washing dishes at the sink, and when Yoon Hye-jin asked, ″Are you doing it thoroughly?″ Uhm Jung-hwa replied, ″Yes. Please don’t come closer.″ Yoon Hye-jin playfully scolded, ″It’s taking quite a while,″ and Uhm Jung-hwa responded, ″Don’t come closer. Go away.″ On the same day, Yoon Hye-jin also posted a photo of a table set with holiday food along with the caption, ″In-laws’ house. Mother-in-law’s meal,″ sharing a warm Chuseok mood. The two are close friends in everyday life and showed a casual role-play in this video as well. Yoon Hye-jin is a former ballet dancer turned influencer. She married actor Uhm Tae-woong in 2013, and they have a daughter named Ji-on. Ji-on recently received congratulations for being accepted into Sunhwa Arts Middle School, majoring in vocal music. Yoon Hye-jin consistently shares her family’s daily life through her personal account and channel. Meanwhile, Uhm Tae-woong was summarily indicted with a fine of 1 million won in 2016 on charges related to prostitution and took a temporary hiatus. Since then, he resumed his acting career through the Wavve series ″I Kill You″ and the film ″The Last Homework.″ Recently, Yoon Hye-jin responded to comments criticizing her appearance by saying, ″Yes, I am thin. So what?″ She added, ″I don’t think it’s necessary to judge people’s bodies as fat or thin. Let’s each take good care of our own health.″]]> FANNSTAR Sat, 26 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Actor Byeon Wooseok shared several photos on Instagram on the 26th with the message ″Happy Holidays.″ In the released photos, Byeon Wooseok was seen wearing a striped t-shirt and jeans against an exotic backdrop. Byeon Wooseok began acting in 2016 with the tvN drama Dear My Friends, and has since appeared in various works including Search: WWW, The Secret Royal Inspector, Youth Record, When Flowers Bloom, I Think of the Moon, Strong Woman Kang Nam-soon, and Run, Sonjae, Run. Currently, Byeon Wooseok is participating in the filming of Netflix’s new series Solo Leveling.]]> FANNSTAR Sat, 26 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Through anonymous multiple voting by 10 insiders in the K-pop industry, the TOP 5 challenges suitable for the Chuseok talent show were selected. This list was created under the concept of ″Challenges that call for pocket money.″ The number one challenge for this year’s Chuseok talent show was ″BAD″ by ATEEZ. According to Hanteo Chart, as of August, there were 83 videos of K-pop artists and celebrities participating in the ″BAD″ challenge, with a cumulative view count of about 300 million. Including participation videos from domestic and international fans, the scale is even larger. The ″BAD″ challenge has also been used in political and business circles. On July 23, Samsung Electronics DX Division President (CEO) No Tae-moon showcased the ″BAD″ challenge at the Galaxy Unpacked event held in London, UK, and on August 4, Lee Dong-seok, mayor of Chungju, posted a promotional video for Chungju peaches on his social media account. Member San also established the ″Northern Great Wall″ meme. One insider said, ″The entire choreography is very difficult, but just the key moves make it clear that it’s the ’BAD’ challenge,″ adding, ″You can either practice properly to show off your style or use it for comedy.″ He added, ″If you want to show it off stylishly, you should also pay attention to a killer expression and body management.″ In second place was ″REDRED″ by CORTIS. This song is well known among all ages and received high support for its cheerful music and easy-to-follow key choreography. One insider described it as ″the best challenge to open adults’ wallets this Chuseok.″ They also shared a tip: ″Since atmosphere and vibe are important for this challenge, it’s good to prepare a three-stripe training jacket in advance.″ Tied for third place were ″Pretty Girl″ by RESCENE and ″It’s Me″ by ILLIT. ″Pretty Girl″ is a remake of KARA’s representative song, praised for being familiar and easy to follow even for middle-aged and older adults. One insider explained, ″For a talent show, cute and familiar is the best.″ ″It’s Me″ attracted many participants with its humorous poses and addictive music, ranking high on major karaoke charts. The recommending insider advised, ″It’s not easy to match the rhythm or moves, so sufficient practice is necessary,″ and added, ″If you really can’t do it, just push through with the attitude of making people laugh.″ In fifth place was the ″Catch Catch″ challenge by YENA. Released in March this year as the title track of ″LOVE CATCHER,″ it features a retro sound, addictive chorus, and easy-to-follow key choreography. Over 100,000 challenge videos were uploaded on YouTube Shorts within about a month, and on China’s Douyin (TikTok), it recorded a cumulative 1.15 billion views by August. Male stars such as singer and actor Lee Joon, Woozi, Kim Jong-min, ZEROBASEONE ZHANG HAO, and Enhypen Jungwon also took on the challenge. One insider said, ″If you want to prepare a decent Chuseok talent show quickly and easily, practice ’Catch Catch.’″ Additionally, six other challenges that each received one vote were introduced by type. For retro style, T-ARA’s ″Bo Peep Bo Peep″ and BESTie’s ″Conditions of Love″ were recommended; for free style, TUIDE’s ″SUN KISS″ and ″GRLS″; for aegyo style, TWS’s ″OVERDRIVE″; and for high difficulty, ALPHA DRIVE ONE’s ″BORN DIRE.″ The reasons for each type’s recommendation were also shared.]]> FANNSTAR Sat, 26 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Super Junior member Shindong recently revealed that he lost 37kg. On September 24, Shindong posted a video on his social media with the caption, ″The cake is a bit big, so I can’t eat it alone. Let’s eat it together on Shindong Daengdong Live at 5 PM (KST) on Monday, September 28.″ The video, created using AI, shows Shindong dressed in black and gray, eating cake with a large spoon. Shindong plans to hold a live broadcast to celebrate his birthday on September 28. Born in 1985, he is 42 years old this year. Shindong revealed that he reduced his weight from 116kg to 79kg. Last year, he tried dieting using Wegovy but stopped due to little change. Afterwards, he succeeded in dieting by reducing food intake and changing his lifestyle patterns. He practiced fasting after 10 PM, regular meals, and no late-night snacks, losing 37kg in about five months and has maintained it since. Shindong debuted as a member of Super Junior in 2005.]]> FANNSTAR Sat, 26 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Lim Young Woong ranked second in the singer brand reputation rankings for September 2026, announced by the Korea Corporate Reputation Research Institute on the 26th. In this survey, Lim Young Woong’s brand reputation index was 6,089,571, securing a top position alongside first place RESCENE and third place BTS. The singer brand big data decreased by 2.91%, from 129,484,511 in August to 125,722,522 in September. Although the overall brand big data declined, Lim Young Woong’s brand reputation index rose by 14.96%, from 5,297,180 last month to 6,089,571 in September. This is an increase of about 790,000 points. There were also changes in rankings. In August, RESCENE was first, BTS second, and Lim Young Woong third, but in September, Lim Young Woong surpassed BTS to take second place. Lim Young Woong’s brand reputation index in August was 5,297,180, down 31.80% from the previous month, but it showed an upward trend again in September. To celebrate their 10th debut anniversary, Lim Young Woong held the ’IM HERO - THE STADIUM 2’ concert at Goyang Sports Complex Main Stadium from the 4th to the 6th. Approximately 95,000 spectators attended over the three days, bringing the total cumulative audience for solo concerts to over 1 million. After the concert, Lim Young Woong expressed, ″The 10 years spent with HERO Era have been truly precious and grateful,″ and added, ″I want to continue together for the next 10 years and will keep singing diligently for a long time.″]]> FANNSTAR Sat, 26 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Son Ye-jin shared Chuseok greetings by revealing photos taken by her son himself. On September 25, Son Ye-jin posted several photos on her SNS with the caption, ″Spending Chuseok separately with family... Watch ’Scandal.’ Have a bountiful Chuseok.″ In the photos, Son Ye-jin smiled wearing brown-colored clothes and sunglasses, showing off her charm with a V sign pose. She added the phrase ″Captured by my little angel,″ indicating that her 4-year-old son Woo-jin took the photos himself. Son Ye-jin married actor Hyun Bin in March 2022 and gave birth to their first son Woo-jin in November of the same year. At last year’s Blue Dragon Film Awards, Son Ye-jin and Hyun Bin each won Best Actress and Best Actor for the films Harbin and Nothing to Lose, respectively, and expressed gratitude to each other. According to recent entertainment reports, the two are spending the Chuseok holiday with their family. Although their son Woo-jin’s face has not been revealed publicly yet, he is attracting attention just from mentions by his parents and colleagues. Son Ye-jin appeared on JTBC’s Refrigerator Please and showed affection for her son, saying, ″If he looks like this, it might be hard not to become an actor?″ which drew attention. She added, ″I should pay to brag, sorry,″ and ″He looks like me. Actually, my husband and I both want him to look like himself.″ Meanwhile, the Netflix series Scandal, starring Son Ye-jin, was released on September 18 and is rated for viewers 19 and older.]]> FANNSTAR Sat, 26 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Monsta X will release a special digital album to celebrate the official fan club MONBEBE’s birthday. Starship Entertainment announced that Monsta X will unveil ’NOW PROJECT vol.2’ at 6 PM on the 26th. This album includes a total of eight tracks, such as the debut song ″Trespass (Rerecorded),″ ″HERO (Broadcasting Ver.),″ ″Beautiful,″ ″DRAMARAMA,″ ″Jealousy,″ ″Shoot Out,″ ″Alligator,″ and ″Follow.″ These songs capture Monsta X’s growth narrative. The ″NOW″ in ″NOW PROJECT″ means ″now″ and is also the word ″MON″ reversed, expressing Monsta X’s determination to move forward from the past without merely dwelling on memories. Previously, Monsta X released ″NOW PROJECT vol.1″ on May 14 last year to mark their 10th debut anniversary. ″NOW PROJECT vol.1″ was a project that connected songs released between 2021 and 2023, during which member Shownu was unable to participate due to military service, into a complete group work. This ″NOW PROJECT vol.2″ reinterprets representative title tracks released from debut until 2019 with the group’s current style, capturing moments of beginning, growth, and transition. In particular, by featuring ″Trespass″ as the title track, Monsta X newly expands their starting point from the present perspective. To celebrate MONBEBE’s birthday, Monsta X will release special content along with the digital album. At 10 PM on the same day, the official YouTube channel will stream the Seoul performance of the ″2026 Monsta X World Tour [THE X : NEXUS]″ held earlier this year.]]> FANNSTAR Sat, 26 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 BTS member Jin shared an update with fans while spending Chuseok with his family. On the 25th, Jin revealed his daily life through the fan community platform, greeting, ″How is everyone doing? It’s Chuseok in Korea. Enjoy Chuseok~ (meaning Happy Chuseok).″ On that day, Jin said, ″I changed my phone and had to recover my Weverse password, so it’s been a while since I greeted you,″ and mentioned that he is recovering his condition after the North America second tour and preparing for the South America tour. Jin, who spent time having a meal with his family for Chuseok, said, ″I’m holding my father and forcibly teaching him the game I play, but it’s really enjoyable. My father says he’s enjoying it too. I hope you all have a great time!″ The photo released together showed Jin’s father concentrating on playing the online game MapleStory. BTS is scheduled to hold a total of 14 performances in five South American cities, starting on the 2nd of next month in Bogotá, Colombia, followed by Santiago, Chile; São Paulo, Brazil; Lima, Peru; and Buenos Aires, Argentina.]]> FANNSTAR Sat, 26 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 ATEEZ San’s recent video walking with a woman in Milan, Italy, has spread through online communities and social media. In the video, San is seen walking side by side and talking with a woman wearing a denim jacket, a hat, and sunglasses. Some speculated that the woman might be San’s girlfriend, but on the 26th, the agency KQ Entertainment stated through various media outlets, ″The person is a Milan brand representative, and the footage was taken while they were going to purchase necessary items.″ An agency representative also explained, ″Although the photo appears to show only the two of them, the uploaded video shows a manager behind local security wearing brown clothes.″ San had departed for Milan on the 21st to attend Fashion Week and was carrying out official schedules. The agency’s clarification ended the dating rumors as a misunderstanding. Meanwhile, ATEEZ San has recently been receiving great love through the group’s song ’BAD’ challenge on SNS.]]> FANNSTAR Sat, 26 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Tomorrow X Together (TXT) will make its first appearance at the ″2026 iHeartRadio Jingle Ball Tour,″ hosted by the largest media group in the United States, iHeartRadio. On the 25th (local time), iHeartRadio announced that Tomorrow X Together (TXT) and Yeonjun have been included in the lineup as a group and solo artist, respectively. The Jingle Ball Tour is a large-scale music festival held annually at the end of the year, touring major cities across the United States. This year, alongside Tomorrow X Together (TXT), several pop stars such as Olivia Rodrigo, Jonas Brothers, Sombre, Hilary Duff, Alec Warren, and Charlie Puth will participate. The tour will begin on December 1 in Dallas/Fort Worth and continue to Los Angeles, Chicago, Detroit, New York, Boston, Washington D.C., Philadelphia, and Nashville. Tomorrow X Together (TXT) and Yeonjun are scheduled to perform on December 11 in New York, December 13 in Boston, and December 14 in Washington D.C. Additionally, Tomorrow X Together (TXT) will start its fifth world tour, the ″Tomorrow X Together (TXT) World Tour ’Steal the Wind,’″ in Seoul from November 13 to 15, with a performance in Macau planned for November 20 to 22. Originally scheduled for two shows in Macau, all tickets sold out, leading to the addition of a third show, which also sold out. Furthermore, Tomorrow X Together (TXT) will be the only Korean artist in this year’s lineup to perform at the ″2026 Global Citizen Festival″ held in New York’s Central Park on the 26th.]]> FANNSTAR Sat, 26 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 U2 is set to release their 16th studio album, ″Carnaval De Luz,″ on November 13. This album marks their first studio release in nine years since 2017’s ″Songs of Experience.″ Earlier this year, the band released two EPs, ″Days of Ash″ and ″Easter Lily.″ Through the EPs, they paid tribute to Rene Good, who was shot by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), with the track ″American Obituary,″ and showed solidarity with citizens by singing about massacres and conflicts in Iran, Ukraine, and the Gaza Strip. ″Carnaval De Luz″ includes a total of 12 tracks, featuring pre-released songs such as ″Street Of Dreams″ and ″Silencio.″ The album’s executive producer is Jacknife Lee, with contributions from musicians including Brian Eno, Martin Garrix, and Daniel Lanois. Additionally, Dolly Parton, who passed away last August, performed a duet with Bono on the track ″Torn.″ Guitarist The Edge described this album as ″a collection of chaotic, provocative, and sacred songs.″ Bono stated, ″The melodies are sweeter, and the songs shine brighter. If the world is in darkness, we must not remain in the darkness.″ U2 was formed in 1976 at Mount Temple Comprehensive School and debuted in 1979 with the EP ″Three.″ They established themselves as a global band with the 1987 release ″The Joshua Tree″ and have won 22 Grammy Awards to date. In 2019, they visited South Korea for the first time during ″The Joshua Tree Tour.″ Bono has also been recognized for his social activism, including poverty relief and AIDS eradication efforts, and was the first musician nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. Recently, U2 visited Dublin, Ireland, to pay tribute to Glen Hansard by performing ″Falling Slowly,″ and held a concert at Mount Temple Comprehensive School, the band’s starting point, for the first time in 50 years.]]> FANNSTAR Sat, 26 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Attorney Yang Narae revealed her wedding ceremony and shared her thoughts. On June 25, a wedding video titled ″I got married!″ was posted on the YouTube channel ″Attorney Yang Narae.″ In the video, Yang Narae was seen looking at the groom while taking pre-ceremony photos. When asked about her feelings on getting married, she smiled and said, ″I’m bright even when I get married.″ At the wedding, the groom entered first, followed by Yang Narae walking down the aisle with her father. After bowing to each other, the bride and groom exchanged rings, and Yang Narae made the guests laugh by showing her ring to them directly. Expressing gratitude to the guests, Yang Narae said, ″Everyone, I am finally getting married,″ receiving applause and cheers. She continued, ″There was one unresolved question for someone like me who has many blessings in life: why didn’t those blessings come to this man’s side? Just when I thought it was time to give up, I met my current husband.″ She also expressed her affection for her husband, saying, ″And not long after, I thought, ’Ah, my blessings are truly amazing.’″ Yang Narae addressed the guests who attended the wedding, saying, ″Each and every one of you here today has shared precious moments in our lives and will continue to do so in the future. I am deeply grateful and overwhelmed that those who have celebrated with me when I did well, stood by me when I struggled, and sometimes silently stayed by my side are all gathered here today.″ Regarding their future married life, she said, ″There probably won’t be only good days for the two of us after today,″ but added, ″Whenever that happens, I will remember your faces looking at us here today and the heartfelt congratulations you have given us.″ She pledged, ″We will love each other well and live our lives truly well so that your congratulations today will not be in vain by being the best support for each other.″ When greeting her parents, Yang Narae held back tears, showing her overwhelming emotions. As she exited the ceremony, she cheerfully shouted to the camera, ″I’m getting married!″ Yang Narae held her wedding ceremony on June 13 at the Shilla Hotel in Seoul and is currently appearing on JTBC’s variety show ″Divorce Deliberation Camp.″]]> FANNSTAR Sat, 26 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Actor Go Younjung has recently showcased a clearer image through a change in eyebrow style. In the past, during the 2019 tvN drama ″Psychometric Guy,″ Go Younjung emphasized a sharp impression with dark and well-defined eyebrows. The eyebrows were filled in clearly from the front to the tail, highlighting the shape of the brow arch and tail. From 2022 to 2023, the density and edges of the eyebrows gradually softened, and recently, a color lighter than the hair was used to reduce the prominence of the eyebrows. The brow arch also changed from having sharp angles to being gently shaped along the eye line. These soft and rounded eyebrows harmonize with Go Younjung’s oval face, accentuating the smooth contours from the forehead to the chin. By reducing the dark eyebrow lines, the natural curves and spaces of the face are emphasized, revealing a refined charm. For faces with distinct features like Go Younjung, it is advised to style the eyebrows naturally rather than giving them a strong emphasis. To create soft eyebrows, choosing a color lighter than the hair and gently shaping the brow arch are key. A method using IVE brow to enhance the natural texture of the eyebrows was also introduced. It was emphasized that even a small change from dark and sharp eyebrows to soft and rounded ones can significantly alter the overall image.]]> FANNSTAR Sat, 26 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Actor Byeon Wooseok sent warm greetings for the holiday. Byeon Wooseok recently posted several photos on their SNS along with a short message saying, ″Happy holidays☺️.″ In the revealed photos, Byeon Wooseok is seen smiling while leaning against a wall decorated with green plants, dressed comfortably in a long-sleeve shirt featuring brown and black stripes paired with jeans. Against the backdrop of nature within the city, they tilted their body to one side, creating a relaxed atmosphere. In another photo where they are walking, Byeon Wooseok looked down with lips closed, showing a calm expression. In yet another photo, they raised a smartphone to take a selfie or looked at the screen while touching their hair with their hand, offering a glimpse into a simple yet friendly daily life. Having sent holiday greetings, Byeon Wooseok continues warm communication with fans by sharing a healthy and comfortable daily life. Meanwhile, Byeon Wooseok is busy preparing for their next project and continues to meet the public through various activities.]]> FANNSTAR Sat, 26 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Singer Kim Yeon-ji shared an update on her recent activities and engaged with her fans. She recently posted on social media participating in the ″Acting Challenge,″ showcasing her unique charm. Kim Yeon-ji wore a white shirt and a black top, taking a selfie indoors while looking straight at the camera, creating a natural atmosphere. Yoon-hoo joined the ″Acting Challenge″ as the reaction partner, displaying warm chemistry. Kim Yeon-ji caught attention by writing, ″So.. has everyone listened to my ’song’???″ revealing her characteristic cheerfulness and confidence. Recently, Kim Yeon-ji has been receiving love from fans with her sincere messages supporting the younger generation of vocalists and her unwavering bright smile. She is attracting attention for actively engaging in various fields through not only her music but also diverse content. Earlier, Kim Yeon-ji reunited with senior singer Bada from SES at the Gangnam Picnic Concert, sharing the warm atmosphere of the performance venue. With her consistent stage activities and communication with fans, Kim Yeon-ji leaves a deep impression on music fans and raises expectations for her future endeavors in various fields.]]> FANNSTAR Sat, 26 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 ALLDAY PROJECT has pre-released the music video for the track ″DO IT LIKE THIS″ ahead of the release of their second EP, ″CRASH.″ On the 24th, The Black Label uploaded the music video for ALLDAY PROJECT’s (Annie, Tarzan, Bailey, Woochan, Youngseo) new song ″DO IT LIKE THIS″ on their official SNS channels. The music video is also available on their official YouTube channel. In the released video, the members exuded a chic and rough atmosphere with all-black styling, showcasing the group’s charm through intense hip-hop swag combined with rapping, vocals, and heavy beats. ″DO IT LIKE THIS″ is a minimal bass hip-hop track characterized by rhythmic kick patterns, a weighty bassline, and freely varied vocal tones, revealing ALLDAY PROJECT’s unique vibe and confidence. Following the release of their first EP, ″ALLDAY PROJECT,″ in December last year, ALLDAY PROJECT is set to release their second EP, ″CRASH,″ on the 28th at 6 PM.]]> FANNSTAR Sat, 26 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Super Junior Shindong recently revealed his changed appearance after losing weight. On the 24th, Shindong posted a video on his SNS announcing a YouTube live broadcast, showcasing his slimmer face and more defined jawline. In the video, Shindong appeared wearing a gray T-shirt and announced that he would hold a ’Shindongdaengdong’ YouTube live on Monday, September 28th at 5 PM to share a large birthday cake he received, as it was difficult to eat alone with fans. He said, ″The cake is a bit big, so I can’t eat it alone. Let’s eat together on the ’Shindongdaengdong’ YouTube live on Monday, September 28th at 5 PM (KST).″ In the video, Shindong opened the door and looked at the sky, saying, ″I went out because the cake arrived, I ordered number 1 but number 100 came,″ and added, ″It’s too much to eat alone, so I’m doing a live. Let’s eat together.″ Meanwhile, Shindong once revealed that his weight had increased to 116 kg but he lost weight down to 79 kg through dieting. Having lost a total of 37 kg, he has managed his weight through lifestyle changes without obesity injections such as Wegovy or Mounjaro, and currently maintains a slim figure without yo-yo effects. Since his debut in 2005 with Super Junior, Shindong has attracted attention for his distinctive physique, and although he experienced several yo-yo effects, he has recently drawn attention for his healthy weight loss.]]> FANNSTAR Sat, 26 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Minseo, the daughter of the couple Park Myung-soo and Han Soo-min, has been accepted through the university early admission process. On the 25th, Han Soo-min posted a photo of a dessert plate with the phrase ″Congratulations on your acceptance. Let’s be happy″ on her SNS, announcing her daughter’s acceptance news. On the same day, a party celebrating their daughter’s university acceptance was also revealed at a hotel buffet. In the video released that day on the YouTube channel ’Halmyungsoo,’ Park Myung-soo is shown nervously waiting for his daughter’s early admission results. Before the Daewoon Myeongdang tour, when the production team asked, ″Is there one wish you want to come true?″ he replied, ″I hope our daughter gets into university. Today is the day our daughter’s early admission results are announced.″ He wrote a wish on a prayer paper and bowed at the Myeongdang, praying for her acceptance. As the announcement time approached, Park Myung-soo appeared tense and had difficulty checking his phone, and the preview ended just before he checked the results. Minseo is currently attending the Korean Dance Department of the Dance Club at Seonhwa Arts High School and was selected as a scholarship student for three consecutive years while attending Yewon School. After graduation, she entered Seonhwa Arts High School and gained attention as a dance elite. Park Myung-soo debuted in 1993 as a comedian in MBC’s 4th public recruitment class and has been active in various entertainment programs such as ’Infinite Challenge,’ ’Myungmul Heojeon,’ ’Happy Together,’ and ’The Manager Has Donkey Ears.’ He is currently active in various fields, including as the DJ of the radio show ’Park Myung-soo’s Radio Show’ and on YouTube with ’Halmyungsoo.’ He married dermatologist Han Soo-min in 2008 and has a daughter, Minseo.]]> FANNSTAR Sat, 26 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Lee Sun-min explained on the broadcast how he and RESCENE Woni gained attention, experiencing an unexpected situation. On the 25th episode 13 of MBN·Channel S’s ″Jeon Hyun-moo Plan 4,″ Jeon Hyun-moo and Lee Sun-min visited a beef soup restaurant in Gyeongsangnam-do with an 80-year tradition. At this event, Lee Sun-min shared the story of how he became known through YouTube content such as the YouTube channel ″Psick University″ and how he gained attention as the ″online uncle″ in content helping RESCENE Woni with driving. Jeon Hyun-moo asked Lee Sun-min, ″I know Sun-min is trending, but some people don’t know from what point he gained attention,″ inquiring about the secret to his popularity. In response, Lee Sun-min expressed his affection for soup rice by saying, ″If I could only eat one food on Earth, I have always said it would be ’soup rice.’″ Lee Sun-min explained the connection with RESCENE Woni, saying, ″As Woni rapidly rose through content helping with driving, I also did well at the same time.″ When Jeon Hyun-moo asked, ″Did Lee Sun-min do well thanks to RESCENE, or did RESCENE do well thanks to Lee Sun-min?″ Lee Sun-min replied, ″It’s awkward to say myself, but the program we did together came first.″ When Jeon Hyun-moo pressed, ″Thanks to Lee Sun-min?″ Lee Sun-min clarified, ″It’s not thanks to me,″ and Jeon Hyun-moo told the production team, ″Make this into an article!″ causing laughter. Additionally, Lee Sun-min added, ″Yesterday, I even had such a polite phone call with the CEO of RESCENE,″ seriously explaining the situation and adding humor to the scene. Meanwhile, Lee Sun-min and RESCENE Woni formed a connection through the web variety show ″My Yeonsu Uncle,″ receiving much love for their chemistry reminiscent of a real uncle and nephew. Lee Sun-min and Jeon Hyun-moo’s ″Gyeongsangnam-do Soup Rice Expedition″ aired on the 25th at 9:10 PM in episode 13 of ″Jeon Hyun-moo Plan 4.″]]> FANNSTAR Sat, 26 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Son Ye-jin shared an update on her SNS to celebrate Chuseok. On the 25th, Son Ye-jin posted several photos along with the message, ″Watch ’Scandal’ separately with your family during Chuseok. Have a bountiful Hangawi.″ The photos showed Son Ye-jin sitting on a chair, wearing a brown jacket and pants, sneakers, and sunglasses, striking various poses. She added the phrase ″Captured by my little angel,″ indicating that the photos were taken by her son. In the photos, Son Ye-jin displayed natural charm by making a V sign with her fingers or smiling brightly. Her cheerful expression as she looked at her son’s camera also caught attention. Unlike the glamorous styles she has shown at award ceremonies, she appeared in comfortable everyday attire. Son Ye-jin recently appeared in the Netflix series ″Scandal.″ ″Scandal″ is a work depicting the story of Jo Si-buin (played by Son Ye-jin), a talented woman from the Joseon Dynasty, Jo Won (played by Ji Chang-wook), Joseon’s greatest playboy, and Hee-yeon (played by Nana), who is involved in a wager. Meanwhile, Son Ye-jin married actor Hyun Bin in March 2022 and gave birth to a son in November of the same year. Recently, it was revealed that Son Ye-jin’s SNS account liked a post addressing negative reactions to the ending of ″Made in Korea 2,″ which starred Hyun Bin, drawing attention. The reason why Son Ye-jin liked the post has not been disclosed.]]> FANNSTAR Sat, 26 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Singer and actor IU has revealed photos capturing various daily life moments and stage appearances after transforming into a short hairstyle. On the 25th, IU posted a total of 63 photos on their SNS with captions such as ″On&off of a short-haired person″ and ″Life of a short-haired person.″ The released photos showcase both IU’s daily life and stage presence with the new short hairstyle. In the pictures, IU displayed a range of charms from natural looks to sophisticated styling. Notably, the relaxed moments without makeup and the focused expressions during stage greetings and the filming of the ’Night Letter’ challenge drew attention. IU also shared that showering became easier after switching to a short hairstyle. Additionally, through various posts like ″Horizontal shot of a short-haired person″ and ″Business of a long-haired person,″ IU updated fans on their recent status. Fans who saw IU’s photos left diverse comments such as ″Let’s meet long-haired IU again,″ ″The holiday is nice,″ and ″I’m going crazy. What’s that sense?″ Meanwhile, on the 10th, IU released new digital singles ″From This Star″ and ″Dear my crazy soulmate.″ Both songs ranked high on major music charts after their release.]]> FANNSTAR Sat, 26 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 The band Hi-Fi Un!corn released the ninth track of the monthly digital single project ’H!dden Color,’ titled ’Smiles,’ at midnight on the 25th through various music platforms. ’H!dden Color’ is a project that releases a new Korean song every month centered around a hidden beautiful color, characterized by the integration of visuals, music, and emotions. The hidden color of the new song ’Smiles’ is Glass Smile Silver, a color that reflects light and maintains its surface but does not reveal the emotions within. The new song ’Smiles’ captures moments when one has to pretend to be okay and smile even when not feeling well. Through lyrics such as ″I’m smiling again today, even if my tears blur.″ (″I am smiling today too, even if tears spread″), it expresses the repeated days of hiding a breaking heart and the true feelings hidden behind the smile. Hi-Fi Un!corn continues activities between Korea and Japan. Recently, they completed performances in three Japanese cities with the live house tour ’TELESCOPE,’ and in Korea, they are scheduled to perform at ’XMF 2026’ on October 4 and ’Grand Mint Festival 2026’ on October 17.]]> FANNSTAR Sat, 26 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Group ATEEZ member Choi San revealed a suit style that exudes classic charm. On the 26th, Choi San posted several photos on his SNS with the caption, ″I tend to cherish things that never change.″ The photos showed him posing while seated in a box seat of a large opera theater, characterized by red velvet seats. He showcased a restrained dandy look by matching an all-black suit with a black scarf and horn-rimmed glasses. Additionally, in a selfie taken using a wardrobe mirror, he displayed a boyish charm with a playful expression. Choi San debuted with ATEEZ in 2018 and has been active as the team’s main dancer and lead vocalist. He is loved by the global fandom for his performance and stage presence. Recently, ATEEZ proved their strength by winning awards at major domestic and international ceremonies. On the 19th, at the ’2026 The Fact Music Awards (TMA)’ held at Busan Asiad Main Stadium, they won two awards including ’Icon of the Year’ and ’Artist of the Year.’]]> FANNSTAR Sat, 26 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Jimin appeared in a global infographic introducing newly added words in the American representative dictionary. Spanish-language visual information media Pictoline recently created visual content about the addition of 1,400 new words to the Merriam-Webster dictionary. Pictoline is known as a medium that easily conveys social and cultural trends and neologisms. In this content, Pictoline explained the word ″PARASOCIAL,″ describing the psychological phenomenon of feeling intimacy as if in a real relationship with someone you have never met in person. In the process, a scene was shown as an example where a character resembling Jimin, with long blonde hair and a black jacket labeled ″JIMIN,″ was getting married during Paris Fashion Week. This expressed the psychological intimacy between celebrities and fans. Pictoline added the explanation, ″The bond you feel with that celebrity, but he doesn’t even know you exist,″ conveying the meaning of parasocial. Life-sized cutouts of Jimin have become a hot topic for appearing at fans’ birthday parties and weddings. Meanwhile, BTS’s ″BTS WORLD TOUR ARIRANG″ has attracted 2,314,140 attendees over 38 performances since April, recording the highest revenue among global tours during that period. BTS is scheduled to start its South American tour in Bogotá, Colombia, on October 2.]]> FANNSTAR Sat, 26 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Chuseok Animated Film IntroductionsFrom Toddlers to Adults: Recommended Films by Age GroupA variety of animated films will meet audiences in theaters this Chuseok in 2026. The rich lineup is drawing attention, promising to satisfy audiences of all ages, from young children to adults. / Each Production Company[THE FACT | Reporter Moon Chae-young] Going to the movies with the whole family during the Chuseok holiday leaves lasting memories. However, when young children are involved, there are inevitably limitations in choosing a film. In such cases, 'animated films' are presented as a great option. They offer not only cute visuals but also touching stories and valuable lessons through cheerful and heartwarming narratives.It's not just films for young children. Animated works that adults can fully enjoy have secured their place in theaters this Chuseok in 2026. In particular, theatrical films that evoke memories for adult audiences have also confirmed their Chuseok screenings, completing a rich lineup. Therefore, has highlighted animated films that are perfect for all family members to watch during this year's Chuseok holiday.Animated films for young audiences, 'PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie,' 'Ghost Band,' 'Papa Zola the Movie,' and 'Little Dragon: Secret of Monster Island' (from top left, clockwise) will be screened in theaters this Chuseok. They offer joy to audiences with heartwarming stories that stimulate their imagination. / Each Production Company◆ Capturing the Hearts of Young Audiences... 'All-Ages' Film LineupAll-ages animated films that are sure to capture the attention of young audiences will be shown in theaters this Chuseok. Protagonists with warm narratives will appear, delivering deep emotion and laughter to the audience.First, there is a film that will stimulate the sense of justice in young Chuseok audiences. 'PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie' (Director Cal Brunker), released on the 13th of last month, is the third theatrical film in the Canadian animated series 'PAW Patrol.' It conveys the importance of courage and perseverance to young audiences through the story of the PAW Patrol, who, after crash-landing on an unknown island, do not give up even in the face of great danger and rescue the dinosaurs.'Ghost Band' (Director Geum Dong-ho), released in theaters on the 26th of last month, is recommended for young audiences who enjoy K-pop. The film tells the story of Mita, a singer-songwriter who can see ghosts, becoming friends with four unique ghosts to form the 'Ghost Band,' sparking the interest of young audiences interested in K-pop or aspiring to be K-pop singers. Notably, the music featured in the film was composed by singer Yoon Sang, who has composed many K-pop songs.There is also a film that will pique the interest of young audiences who enjoy games. 'Papa Zola the Movie' (Director Nizam Razak), released in theaters on the 2nd, is a Malaysian film that tells the story of Zola, a former secret agent who has become an ordinary father after losing his memory and abilities, awakening as the hero 'Papa Zola' after his daughter is kidnapped by villains targeting Earth. Its unique setting, which moves between reality and the game world, provides entertainment.Finally, there is a film that will stimulate the sensitivity of young audiences with a protagonist who is a 'sea dragon that cannot swim.' 'Little Dragon: Secret of Monster Island' (Director Endre Skandfer), released on the 9th of last month, depicts the adventure of a little sea dragon, Lupy, who sets out to save Monster Island, escaping a giant zoo with new friends and embarking on a mission to determine the island's fate. Its warm and cheerful development leaves a deep impression on the hearts of young audiences.Animated films that will satisfy both adults and children are also available. This Chuseok, the films 'David,' 'Hatchi and the Golem: The Legend of the Whale Jewel,' and 'ParaNorman' (from left) will meet audiences in theaters. / Each Production Company◆ Animated Films Great for the Whole Family... 'OK' for Both Adults and ChildrenNext, there are films that can be enjoyed by both adults and children, catering to a slightly older age group. While the previous films primarily focused on the perspectives of young children, these films are designed to captivate adult audiences as well.First, there is an animated film based on a biblical story. 'David' (Directors Phil Cunningham&Brent Dooley), released on July 10th, is an animated film depicting the story of David, an ordinary shepherd, facing his destiny as king. It is a film that introduces biblical content in a fun and easy way to children and allows adult audiences to reflect on the meaning of the Bible.Next is a film with a touching story that can bring tears to the eyes of adults, not just children. 'Hatchi and the Golem: The Legend of the Whale Jewel' (Director Kim Soo-hoon), released on the 5th of last month, is the second theatrical film of the animated series 'Catch! Teenieping,' focusing on the deep maternal love of Princess Romi and Queen Belita. Like the first theatrical film, its sophisticated music, direction, and well-structured plot are moving adult audiences.A film featuring zombies, witches, and ghosts will also appear in theaters this Chuseok. 'ParaNorman' (Directors Sam Fell&Chris Butler), released on the 26th of last month, tells the story of Norman, a boy with the special ability to talk to ghosts, who struggles to protect his town from reanimated zombies and the curse of a powerful witch. This film, from the production team behind 'Coraline,' a groundbreaking horror animation, is being re-released in Korea for the first time in 13 years since 2013.Animated films that will draw adult audiences to theaters will also be screened this Chuseok in 2026. 'Doraemon the Movie: Nobita's Sky Utopia,' 'Detective Conan: The Bride of Halloween,' 'Agami,' and 'Inuyasha the Movie: Affections Touching Across Time' (from top left, clockwise) will meet audiences. / Each Production Company◆ Animated Films Tailored for Adults... From 'Nostalgia' to 'Emotional Stimulation'Finally, there are films that are even more perfect for adults than for children. Theatrical films that evoke memories of classic animations and works that create a profound resonance with their deep narratives await audiences in theaters this Chuseok.First, 'Doraemon the Movie: Nobita's Sky Utopia' (Director Tetsuo Yajima), which premiered in July, is still playing in theaters. This film, which tells the story of Nobita and his friends enjoying a camp in the middle of the sea during their summer vacation, is the 45th theatrical film in the 'Doraemon' animation series. It brings joy to adult audiences who have loved 'Doraemon' for a long time.'Detective Conan: The Bride of Halloween' (Director Takahiro Hasui), released on the 12th of last month, can also be seen in theaters this Chuseok. The film depicts the story of Conan and his friends encountering a speeding 'black bike' while visiting the 'Motorcycle Festival.' This is the 29th theatrical film in the 'Detective Conan' animation series, and like 'Doraemon,' it is a work that can evoke nostalgia in adult fans.'Inuyasha the Movie: Affections Touching Across Time' is being screened in Korean theaters for the first time this year, approximately 25 years after its production in Japan in 2001. On the 9th, the first of the four existing 'Inuyasha' theatrical films was released in Korea. It depicts Inuyasha and his companions fighting against Menomaru and his group, who have set a trap to avenge their father. As the first theatrical film of the popular animation 'Inuyasha,' it is a very meaningful work for fans.Additionally, the film 'Agami' (Director Ahn Jae-hoon), featuring voice acting by actors Jung Hae-in and Kang Ha-neul and a heartbreaking story of its protagonists, is also worth noting for its profound lingering impact. 'Agami,' released on the 9th, is a film that tells the dazzling story of Gon, a boy who develops gills after being thrown into deep water, and the beings who were everything in his world. The film touches the audience's hearts with Gon's tragic fate and his intertwined relationship with Kang Ha, who reached out to him.mcy21@tf.co.kr[Entertainment Department | ssent@tf.co.kr]]]> FANNSTAR Sat, 26 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Yeonjun Named to Lineup as Solo Artist and Group MemberTomorrow X Together (TXT) will perform at the '2026 iHeartRadio Jingle Ball Tour,' America's largest music festival, in December. / Big Hit Music[THE FACT | Reporter Jung Byung-geun] Boy group Tomorrow X Together (TXT) will take the stage at a representative American year-end music festival.According to an announcement by iHeartRadio, America's largest media group, on the 25th (local time), Tomorrow X Together (TXT) (SOOBIN YEONJUN BEOMGYU TAEHYUN HUENING KAI) will perform at the '2026 iHeartRadio Jingle Ball Tour' (hereinafter referred to as 'Jingle Ball Tour'), which will be held in December. Yeonjun has also been named to the lineup as a solo artist.The 'Jingle Ball Tour' is a large-scale music festival hosted by iHeartRadio annually at the end of the year, touring major U.S. cities. This marks Tomorrow X Together (TXT)'s first participation in the 'Jingle Ball Tour.'This year, famous pop stars such as Olivia Rodrigo, Jonas Brothers, SOMBR, Hilary Duff, Alex Warren, and Charlie Puth will join Tomorrow X Together (TXT).The tour will kick off on December 1st in Dallas/Fort Worth and continue in Los Angeles, Chicago, Detroit, New York, Boston, Washington D.C., Philadelphia, and Nashville. Among these, Tomorrow X Together (TXT) and YEONJUN's performances can be seen on December 11th in New York, December 13th in Boston, and December 14th in Washington D.C.Tomorrow X Together (TXT) will embark on their fifth world tour, 'STEAL THE WIND,' starting on November 13-15 in Seoul. They will then perform in Macau from November 20-22. The initially scheduled two performances were completely sold out, leading to the decision for an additional show, which also sold out, proving their immense popularity in the region.kafka@tf.co.kr[Entertainment Department | ssent@tf.co.kr]]]> FANNSTAR Sat, 26 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 10 K-Pop Insiders Recommend Chuseok Talent Show ChallengesTOP 5 'Allowance-Calling Challenges' SelectedTo celebrate Chuseok, we asked industry insiders to recommend K-pop challenges perfect for showcasing at family talent shows. The photo shows ATEEZ San YEOSANG striking a 'BAD' pose on the blue carpet of the '2026 THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS(2026 THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS, TMA)' held on the 19th. / Reporter Kim Sung-ryeol[THE FACT|Reporter Choi Hyun-jung] It is truly the 'era of the great challenge.'The explosive growth of short-form platforms has spread increasingly diverse challenges throughout daily life, making them accessible to people of all ages and genders.And at the center of this 'challenge craze' is K-pop. The popularity of 'dance challenges,' sparked by Zico's 'Any Song,' has now become a massive cultural phenomenon and an indispensable element of K-pop.Of course, there are criticisms that the flood of various challenges is causing artist fatigue and other side effects, and has also addressed this. However, this is a call to be wary of excessive competition or overheating, not a denial of the cultural phenomenon itself, which has already taken root.Furthermore, as 'challenge culture' has entered the realm of daily life, it is also easing the burden of preparing for 'talent shows.' For example, songs like CORTIS's 'REDRED' or ILLIT's 'It's Me' are gaining popularity as 'songs to enjoy music and dance together,' even ranking on actual karaoke charts.So, we prepared this. Through anonymous voting (multiple votes allowed) by 10 K-pop industry insiders, we selected the 'TOP 5 Challenges That Will Definitely Earn You Allowance Money at Your Chuseok Talent Show.'◆ 5th Place - YENA 'CATCHY GELL' Challenge (2 votes)YENA's 'CATCHY GELL' was chosen as the 5th place 'Chuseok Talent Show Challenge.' The 'CATCHY GELL' challenge is advantageous because it is relatively easy and quick to learn, and suitable for both men and women. The photo shows singer and actor Lee Joon performing the 'CATCHY GELL' challenge. / YouTube 'Workman' channel captureThe title track 'CATCHY GELL' from the fifth mini-album 'LOVE CATCHER,' released in March, has become one of the most popular challenges of 2026 due to its retro sound, addictive chorus, and easy-to-follow point choreography.In fact, within about a month of its release, over 100,000 challenge videos were posted on YouTube Shorts for 'CATCHY GELL,' and on China's Douyin (TikTok), the cumulative views of related videos exceeded 1.15 billion by August, continuing its explosive popularity.The strength of 'CATCHY GELL' lies in its cheerful and exciting atmosphere, easy dance moves, and its appeal to both men and women. For example, the 'CATCHY GELL' dance performed by singer and actor Lee Joon was called the 'Owner-Stripping Challenge' and gained immense popularity, with many male stars like Woojoo, Kim Jong-min, ZEROBASEONE ZHANG HAO, and Enhypen JUNGWON taking on the 'CATCHY GELL' challenge.With its high recognition and its ability to instantly liven up the mood, 'CATCHY GELL' is considered perfect for Chuseok talent shows.One insider commented, "If you want to prepare a plausible Chuseok talent show quickly and easily, start practicing 'CATCHY GELL' right now."◆ Tied for 3rd Place - RESCENE 'Pretty Girl' (3 votes)RESCENE's new song 'Pretty Girl,' which emerged as the hottest group of 2026, also made it into the recommended challenge rankings. The photo shows EUNSEOK, a member of group RIIZE, performing the 'Pretty Girl' challenge. / RIIZE Official YouTube Channel captureRESCENE, the hottest group of 2026, is a case of a song that succeeded in reverse through a YouTube entertainment show. As such, they have popularized many memes and challenges, with the 'Parapara Dance' challenge and the 'Geoje Yahoo' meme achieving unprecedented hits, even being used by public institutions and private companies.Despite having many challenges and memes, the reason for choosing the 'Pretty Girl' challenge is clear: it is familiar and easy.As is well known, 'Pretty Girl' is not a new song but a remake of a representative song by the group KARA, meaning that people over 40 are likely to know the song itself. Furthermore, since the original song was released in 2008, the choreography itself is not as complex or flashy as current K-pop.One insider who selected 'Pretty Girl' stated, "For a talent show, cute and familiar is always the best."◆ Tied for 3rd Place - ILLIT 'It's Me' (3 votes)The 'It's Me' challenge by group ILLIT includes many addictive and characteristic poses. It is advised that even if you don't do it perfectly, you can still create fun by pushing through with sheer energy. The photo shows WONHEE of ILLIT (right) and Kim Chaewon of group LE SSERAFIM performing the 'It's Me' challenge. / ILLIT Official YouTube Channel capture'It's Me,' which could be considered ILLIT's biggest hit challenge after their debut song 'Magnetic,' was recommended by many.The strength of 'It's Me' is its 'humor.' Along with the exquisite addictiveness of the music itself, the somewhat comical and humorous poses naturally evoke a desire to 'imitate' in people, leading to numerous participations.As a prime example, 'It's Me' has ranked high on major karaoke charts despite being a style of song not typically suited for singing, confirming it as a 'song to enjoy dance and sound together.'Moreover, 'It's Me' has not only achieved high view counts or participation from celebrities but has also spawned numerous parody videos, establishing itself as a form of entertainment in itself.The humor and wit of 'It's Me' are expected to be highly effective even at a Chuseok gathering with the whole family.An insider who recommended 'It's Me' said, "The challenge is harder than it looks to match the rhythm and movements, so sufficient practice is essential. If you absolutely can't do it, just push through with the intention of being funny."◆ 2nd Place - CORTIS 'REDRED' (4 votes)The 'REDRED' challenge by group CORTIS requires not only the choreography but also its unique atmosphere and outfits. The photo shows Ryujin of group ITZY performing 'REDRED' at a fan meeting. / ITZY Official YouTube Channel captureBy all conditions, it is the optimal challenge. Thanks to its immense popularity, the music is well-known across all ages and genders, and the music itself is cheerful and witty. Additionally, there is clear point choreography that can be imitated similarly with a little practice, and for the other parts, you can dance freely as long as you capture the right vibe, and it won't be too noticeable.As a 'hexagon challenge' that excels in recognition, difficulty, and fun, it naturally received strong support from many industry insiders."I believe it's the best challenge to open the wallets of elders this Chuseok," said one insider, explaining why 'REDRED' ranked high in the Chuseok challenge.Furthermore, the insider added, "'REDRED' is a challenge where atmosphere and vibe are crucial. Practice is important, but I recommend preparing a three-striped training jacket beforehand," sharing a tip.◆ Honorable Mentions - 6 Challenges with 1 Vote EachFrom top left, clockwise: T-ara 'Bo Peep Bo Peep' (IVE), BESTie 'Love Condition' (STAYC), TUIDE 'SUN KISS' (TWICE Jihyo, Tuis Seo-yeon), 'GRLS' (TUIDE), TWS 'OVERDRIVE' (TWS), ALPHA DRIVE ONE 'BORN DIRE' (ALPHA DRIVE ONE Junseo, ATEEZ YUNHO) performing the challenge. / Each YouTube channel captureBefore revealing the 1st place, we introduce challenges that received votes but did not make the top rankings, categorized by type along with the reasons for recommendation.Reason for Recommendation: "Surviving for a long time means it's a masterpiece that has received much love. In fact, there's an increasing trend of old songs gaining attention again."Recommended Songs: T-ara 'Bo Peep Bo Peep', BESTie 'Love Condition'Reason for Recommendation: "It's hard to tell if you're doing it right when you dance somewhat freely."Recommended Songs: TUIDE 'SUN KISS', 'GRLS'Reason for Recommendation: "Cuteness always works on elders. However, if someone who doesn't suit it tries too hard, it can backfire."Recommended Song: TWS 'OVERDRIVE'Reason for Recommendation: "If you're going to do it, practice thoroughly and show a truly admirable performance."Recommended Song: ALPHA DRIVE ONE 'BORN DIRE'◆ 1st Place - ATEEZ 'BAD' (6 votes)The 'BAD' challenge by group ATEEZ is arguably the best challenge of 2026, gaining immense popularity. Therefore, many opinions suggested it would definitely work for Chuseok talent shows. The photo shows San of ATEEZ and MOMO of group TWICE performing the 'BAD' challenge. This video recorded 20.3 million views. / ATEEZ Official YouTube Channel captureThe grand prize winner is 'BAD' by ATEEZ. This result is somewhat surprising. While the 'BAD' challenge was indeed a massive hit, it was difficult to predict it would rank first for 'Chuseok talent shows.'In fact, all the songs in the TOP 5 were challenges that received great love this year, making it hard to say who would win first place. Before conducting the vote, we thought that a brighter and more cheerful song might have an advantage, given the image associated with 'Chuseok.'However, the 'BAD' challenge defied these expectations and received the most support from industry insiders.First, the 'BAD' challenge possesses most of the strengths of the previously mentioned challenges. According to Hanteo Chart, as of August, there were 83 videos of K-pop artists and celebrities participating in the 'BAD' challenge, with a cumulative view count of approximately 300 million. Naturally, when including videos from domestic and international fans, the scale expands exponentially.The best example of how popular the 'BAD' challenge is can be seen in its expansion into politics and business. Roh Tae-moon, President of Samsung Electronics' DX Division, performed the 'BAD' challenge at the Galaxy Unpacked event in London on July 23rd, and Lee Dong-seok, Mayor of Chungju, posted a promotional video for Chungju peaches using the 'BAD' challenge on his social media account on August 4th. This demonstrates that the 'BAD' challenge has moved beyond just being a trend among celebrities and fans to enter the realm of everyday life.Furthermore, San, a member who performed the highlight part of 'BAD,' successfully established the meme of the 'Northern Duke (a cliché of a man who is cold and strong but warm inside),' leaving a distinct impression.The outstanding recognition and versatility of the 'BAD' challenge are also cited as its strengths.One insider commented, "Looking at the entire choreography, 'BAD' is a very difficult challenge. However, if you look at the point choreography part where you stand sideways and wave your arms, anyone can recognize it as the 'BAD' challenge, it's that clear," adding, "You can practice thoroughly to show 'coolness,' or you can use it for 'comedy' by doing it casually. Either way, it's suitable for a talent show."He continued, "If you want to show 'coolness' rather than 'comedy,' practicing the choreography along with maintaining a captivating expression and managing your physique is important. Be careful not to become the 'Northern Pig Duke'," warning of potential pitfalls.laugardagr@tf.co.kr[Entertainment Department | ssent@tf.co.kr]]]> FANNSTAR Sat, 26 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Memories of Chuseok and Holiday Plans Ahead of ComebackA Three-Line Poem for 'Hangawi' Befitting the "Literary Boy" MonikerMini 4th Album '256th Note' to be Released on the 30thCLOSE YOUR EYES (from left: KENSHIN SONG SEUNGHO JEON MINWOOK MA JINGXIANG KIM SUNGMIN JANG YEOJUN SEO KYOUNGBAE) sent a special greeting to fans with a three-line poem for 'Hangawi' to celebrate Chuseok. The photo shows them attending the pre-event Blue Carpet at the '2026 THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS' held on the 19th. / Reporter Kim Sung-ryeol[THE FACT | Reporter Jung Byung-geun] Boy group CLOSE YOUR EYES is celebrating their second Chuseok holiday since their debut. While last year was a time of excitement and thrill, rushing through their debut album and mini 2nd album promotions, this year is a time of confidence, looking towards greater heights with a remarkably grown presence.CLOSE YOUR EYES has showcased diverse transformations and expanded their musical spectrum through their past three mini-albums, but 'emotion' has always been at the core, earning them the moniker "literary boy."Ahead of Chuseok, the members wrote a three-line poem for 'Hangawi,' and even within these short sentences, their "literary boy" sensibility, wit, and affection for Closers (fandom name) are fully conveyed. Their capabilities, which have steadily increased their involvement in albums, including lyric writing, shone through once again in these brief phrases.(Han) If there's a moment of sadness (Ga) I'll give you comfort that warms your heart (Wi) (Minwook)(Han) Debuted in Korea and spent time together, isn't CLOSE YOUR EYES (Ga) so cool? I love you so much, our Closers, and let's go up together for (Wi)n! (Xiang)(Han) I'll only say this once. (Ga) You are the most precious, and you will always (Wi)th me in my heart. (Yeojun)(Han) Every single moment, for our Closers who have cheered and waited with the (Ga)me's hottest support, I prepared this, so don't miss out on this '256th Note' and wait with your eyes wide open!! (Sungmin)(Han) What are you doing on Chuseok? (Ga)zing around and taking a nap while looking at the sky is the best~ (Seungho)(Han) Meeting my family-like ClUa and Closers in Korea gives me (Wi)nspiration. Have a joyful Chuseok! (Kenshin)(Han) It's Chuseok. Have a (Ga)inful holiday. The moon will be beautiful (Wi)th you. (Kyungbae)CLOSE YOUR EYES has truly captured their "literary boy" sensibility, wit, and affection for Closers (fandom name) even in short three-line poems. The photo shows them performing at the '2026 THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS'. / Reporter Bae Jeong-hanIn their first album 'ETERNALT,' released in April last year, CLOSE YOUR EYES opted for literary titles and lyrics like 'My lyrics become subtitles in this movie that captures you,' 'How to Dance in the Rain,' and 'The Day Apples Fell Upwards,' centering around the title track 'All the Poetry and Novels Within Me,' instead of strong beats and direct hooks. Their restrained vocals and lyrical melodies stood out.That color expanded with a different face in each album. In their mini 2nd album 'Snowy Summer,' they combined contrasting images of midsummer and snow, transforming trivial everyday subjects like 'ᅲ' and 'Bubble Tea in My Left Hand' into fresh emotions. In their mini 3rd album 'blackout,' they broadened their scope from boyish lyricism to mature performances while keeping emotions at the center of their stories.The power that runs through CLOSE YOUR EYES's music is capturing fleeting emotions and translating them into images and stories, regardless of genre changes. Based on this, their first album's initial sales of approximately 310,000 copies in the first week nearly doubled to about 570,000 copies with their mini 3rd album. Looking at that journey, the upcoming mini 4th album '256th Note,' to be released on the 30th, makes us anticipate another growth.CLOSE YOUR EYES gained momentum by winning the Global Hot Trend award at the '2026 THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS' held at the Busan Asiad Main Stadium on the 19th, and their explosive performance made us look forward to their next step.Having completed preparations for their new album with solid teamwork, musical talent, and passion, CLOSE YOUR EYES will take a brief breather during the Chuseok holiday. It's a moment of calm before the explosion. The members, along with their 'Hangawi' three-line poems, reminisced about their Chuseok memories and greeted fans once again. As their comeback approaches, they also expressed their determination for their new album promotions.CLOSE YOUR EYES will release their mini 4th album '256th Note' on the 30th. The members stated, "Having had a break (during the Chuseok holiday), we want to work even harder during promotions to show Closers an even better side of ourselves." The photo shows them receiving the Global Hot Trend award at the '2026 THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS'. / Reporter Park Heon-woo"I remember talking with my mom while looking at the cars on the highway during the trip back home when I was young. There was a car my mom liked, so I promised her I'd buy it for her someday. I haven't kept that promise yet, but I still haven't forgotten! I gain a lot of strength from my family during Chuseok, and I want to show a great performance with this comeback." (Minwook)"When I was in China, during the holidays, I used to eat home-cooked meals with my family, watch TV together, and spend time. If I have free time, I want to eat hot pot with my family! I also want to rest well, recharge my energy, and present a great stage to Closers as a gift!" (Xiang)"When I gathered with my cousins for Chuseok in elementary school, I remember playing soccer on my grandfather's truck! This Chuseok holiday, since the comeback is right after, I plan to focus on managing my condition and preparing for promotions, and I think I'll visit my parents!" (Yeojun)"I vividly remember drawing a Yut Nori board on the back of a calendar with a magic marker and playing Yut Nori with my relatives gathered in the living room. This Chuseok holiday, I think I'll spend enjoyable time with my family after a long time, and I'll use that energy to show you all a truly wonderful performance with this new album!" (Sungmin)"When I go to my grandmother's house during Chuseok, she makes braised short ribs, which is one of my favorite dishes, so I really want to eat it this Chuseok. I plan to spend time with my family during this Chuseok holiday, rest, and work hard during this promotion!!" (Seungho)"The first Chuseok holiday I spent in Korea, I couldn't go to Japan and was worried about what to do alone in Korea when all the members asked me if I wanted to come to their houses, which made me really happy. This Chuseok, I plan to spend time with my family. I'll gain a lot of strength by spending time together after a long time, and I plan to work hard until the end of the promotions!" (Kenshin)"I was very busy preparing for the comeback, but I think I'll rest and heal in my hometown. And as much as I've rested, I want to work harder during promotions to show Closers an even better side of myself. If I get the chance, I want to go to the very end of the land with my family and see the sea!" (Kyungbae)kafka@tf.co.kr[Entertainment Department | ssent@tf.co.kr]]]> FANNSTAR Sat, 26 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Yoo Jae-suk and Lee Kwang-soo revealed an episode they shared on the YouTube channel ’DdeunDdeun.’ The video titled ″Chuseok Family Gathering Is Just an Excuse,″ released on the 25th, featured guests Ji Seok-jin, Nam Chang-hee, Yang Se-chan, and Lee Kwang-soo. Yoo Jae-suk mentioned a recent experience of meeting Lee Kwang-soo while exercising. He said, ″Kwang-soo was working out in a sleeveless shirt, but that day he wore an even shorter character sleeveless shirt with a T-shirt that rode up to his stomach, which surprised me.″ In response, Lee Kwang-soo explained that he had accidentally shrunk the T-shirt by using the dryer incorrectly, and Ji Seok-jin pointed out, ″Then you shouldn’t wear it.″ Yoo Jae-suk revealed, ″There were four or five people, but after hearing my story, they all started looking only at him,″ and Lee Kwang-soo added, ″Jae-suk hyung loudly said, ’Why are you working out wearing kids’ clothes?’ which made everyone laugh.″ Additionally, Yoo Jae-suk referred to the English phrase on Lee Kwang-soo’s T-shirt, advising, ″You have to know what you’re wearing. Sometimes there are curse words. You have to read carefully.″ Lee Kwang-soo said, ″I like these lettering T-shirts, so I often ask hyung about them,″ and Yoo Jae-suk said, ″He calls me a lot when he’s having a hard time deciding.″ Lee Kwang-soo revealed, ″I really rely on hyung a lot. He makes decisions decisively. I contact him when I’m worried or need confidence.″ He added that he also called Yoo Jae-suk for advice after a recent minor car accident. Yang Se-chan joked, ″He’s almost like a dad. Definitely a mama’s boy,″ and Yoo Jae-suk laughed, saying, ″I’m almost like a father.″]]> FANNSTAR Fri, 25 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Japanese dancer Ria Yamada passed away at the age of 16. She became known to domestic viewers through her appearance on ″Street Dance Girls Fighter 2″ and was reported to have been battling illness for over a year. On the 24th, her family announced on Instagram that Ria Yamada had passed away on the 18th. The family stated, ″Ria endured bravely until the very end during her battle with illness that lasted over a year,″ and expressed, ″We sincerely thank everyone who supported Ria.″ They added, ″Ria truly loved dancing. We are grateful to everyone who met Ria and danced with her. If Ria’s dance and smile remain in your hearts, there is nothing happier for our family.″ Born in 2009, Ria Yamada had been active as a dancer since childhood and stood out in various competitions. In Mnet’s ″Street Dance Girls Fighter 2,″ which aired in 2023, she performed as an individual Japanese contestant, was chosen by the masters, later joined Jam Republic, and ultimately won first place. In March of last year, Ria revealed on social media that she was suffering from a severe illness, including an autoimmune disease. She explained that due to immune system problems, she needed chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant to recover. In July of last year, she shared images of herself cutting her hair and beginning treatment. Afterward, she stopped activities to focus on treatment, but news of her passing was shared about a year and a half later.]]> FANNSTAR Fri, 25 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Fin.K.L is resuming full-group activities for the first time in about 21 years to celebrate their 30th anniversary since debut. Gemstone E&M recently announced that they are preparing for Fin.K.L’s full-group activities together with the four members LEE HYO RI, Ok Joo-hyun, Lee Jin, and Sung Yu-ri. Fin.K.L is a four-member girl group that debuted in 1998 and released numerous hit songs such as ″Blue Rain,″ ″To My Boyfriend,″ ″Eternal Love,″ and ″Now.″ On September 25, Ok Joo-hyun shared a video of LEE HYO RI’s appearance on MBC’s ″Radio Star″ on her social media and expressed her gratitude toward LEE HYO RI. In the video, LEE HYO RI said, ″If I had done a little better, we could have lasted longer and looked cooler as a girl group. It’s a regret. I think it would be really cool if we got together.″ She also said, ″Whenever Joo-hyun does musicals, I go to watch, and every time I watch, I feel like she really grew up well to the point of tears. Let’s do it once. Let’s do it once more before we get older,″ revealing her wish for full-group activities to the members. In response, Ok Joo-hyun wrote, ″Thanks to our Hyol leader, Fin.K.L shines even more now.″ Ok Joo-hyun also released her own ″Radio Star″ appearance video. She said, ″There are people who want to recall memories from that era. I really want to hold a concert together once. The members have talked about a concert before. To make it happen, someone proactive has to take the lead. The proactive ones are me and Hyori unnie. Our wish is to hold a Fin.K.L concert that makes both fans and us happy.″ Ok Joo-hyun added, ″Whatever we do, as long as it’s with the four of us, whatever it is. What kind of memories do you have with our songs from that time?″ Fin.K.L is starting full-group activities for the first time in about 21 years since their 2005 digital single album ’Forever Fin.K.L.’ Although the four members reunited and released a new song through JTBC’s ’Camping Club’ in 2019, that was a project through a broadcast program. Gemstone E&M stated that they plan to gradually present various activities over about two years centered on Fin.K.L’s new music and performances, including documentaries, variety shows, exhibitions, official merchandise, brand collaborations, advertisements, and fan projects. This full-group activity of Fin.K.L is being promoted with Gemstone E&M collaborating with the four members and related parties, taking charge of overall planning and operation.]]> FANNSTAR Fri, 25 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900