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'My Royal Nemesis' Dominates Buzz Rankings for 3 Consecutive Weeks, Powered by Lim Ji-yeon's Masterclass Performance
등록일2026.06.10
As My Royal Nemesis continues its dominant run at the top of the integrated TV-OTT buzz rankings, lead actress Lim Ji-yeon is garnering rave reviews for her irreplaceable, powerhouse performance. The SBS Friday-Saturday drama My Royal Nemesis (written by Kang Hyun-joo, directed by Han Tae-seop and Kim Hyun-woo) is a high-stakes, war-like romantic comedy about Shin Seo-ri (played by Lim Ji-yeon), an unknown actress possessed by the soul of a notorious Joseon-era villainess, and Cha Se-gye (played by Heo Nam-jun), a ruthless chaebol heir dubbed a monster of capitalism. Currently, My Royal Nemesis has reached a peak viewership rating of 11.3%, securing the absolute No. 1 spot not only in its time slot but also among all weekend and weekly miniseries. Furthermore, according to the buzz rankings for the first week of June released by Good Data Corporation's FUNdex, the series firmly held onto the No. 1 spot in the integrated TV-OTT buzz category for the third consecutive week. In addition, the show's stars swept the performer buzz rankings, with Lim Ji-yeon (playing Shin Seo-ri/Kang Dan-shim), Heo Nam-jun (playing Cha Se-gye), and Jang Seung-jo (playing Choi Mun-do) ranking 2nd, 3rd, and 6th, respectively. This double sweep of both buzz and ratings perfectly proves the drama's undisputed reign over the Friday-Saturday slot. At the center of this sensational success is Lim Ji-yeon's thrilling performance, which captivates viewers in every episode. Director Han Tae-seop previously expressed his deep trust in the actress, stating, Lim Ji-yeon was the absolute top choice for both the writer and myself. The spirit of Shin Seo-ri, who steadfastly believes in and carves out her own path, along with her multifaceted charm, is inherently present in Lim Ji-yeon herself, making her the 'one and only' choice. Proving this, Lim is driving the show's immersive experience with her solid acting skills and unrivaled character digestion, delivering a performance that practically amounts to playing four different roles. Playing Shin Seo-ri, an unknown actress possessed by the soul of Kang Dan-shim―a notorious villainess who once shook the Joseon Dynasty―Lim Ji-yeon seamlessly transitions between multiple personas. She portrays the possessed Seo-ri from Joseon navigating the 21st century, the past villainess Royal Noble Consort Kang (Hui-bin Kang) who once ruled Joseon, the pure 20-year-old court maid Dan-shim, and the original host Seo-ri during her days as an unknown actress. Even while maintaining the same physical appearance, she subtly adjusts her speech, facial expressions, and even her vocal tone depending on the situation and the passage of time, perfectly crafting a multi-dimensional character. Above all, Lim Ji-yeon captivates audiences by seamlessly pulling off the unique fantasy premise of a Joseon villainess transported to the 21st century. She breathes vibrant life into the character, delivering distinct Joseon-style lines with both fiery charisma and lovely charm. In response, viewers are showering her with enthusiastic support and praise, leaving comments such as: It's insane how Lim Ji-yeon feels like completely different people as a court maid, a royal consort, and a modern woman, I can't imagine anyone else but Lim Ji-yeon playing Shin Seo-ri, How does even her voice sound younger? Is she really the same person? , Her acting is so good it makes the plot make sense, Lim Ji-yeon is absolutely flying in this role, Lim Ji-yeon is showing serious drama, comedy, and historical acting all in one show, and Lim Ji-yeon's acting makes me root for Seo-ri. As anticipation builds for Lim Ji-yeon's continued dominance on screen, the preview released right after the broadcast of Episode 10 shocked viewers by showing Shin Seo-ri returning to the Joseon Dynasty following a mysterious truck accident. Whether Seo-ri, now back in Joseon, can overcome her harsh fate and return to 21st-century South Korea remains to be seen. Episode 11 of My Royal Nemesis will air on Friday, June 12, at 9:50 PM. (SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)
Why 'My Royal Nemesis' Is a Global Phenomenon: The Masterful Foreshadowing Demanding Endless Rewatches
등록일2026.06.04
The SBS Friday-Saturday drama My Royal Nemesis , which is sparking a global box office sensation, is drawing intense attention for its meticulous details and clever foreshadowing that are driving viewers to rewatch the series over and over again. Written by Kang Hyun-joo and directed by Han Tae-seop and Kim Hyun-woo, the SBS Friday-Saturday drama My Royal Nemesis is a high-stakes, war-like romantic comedy. It follows Shin Seo-ri (played by Lim Ji-yeon), an obscure actress possessed by the soul of a notorious Joseon-era villainess, and Cha Se-gye (played by Heo Nam-jun), a ruthless chaebol heir dubbed the monster of capitalism. According to Nielsen Korea, the drama's viewership ratings soared to a peak of 13.7%, breaking its own record for four consecutive weeks. In its fourth week of broadcast, it not only maintained the No. 1 spot in the integrated TV-OTT buzz rankings but also dominated the cast buzzworthiness chart, with Lim Ji-yeon ranking 1st, Heo Nam-jun 2nd, and Jang Seung-jo 7th, cementing its position as an unrivaled powerhouse on the small screen. Beyond domestic success, the series has also secured the No. 3 spot on Netflix's weekly Global Top 10 Non-English TV Shows chart, continuing its spicy global box office run. At the heart of this phenomenon lies the meticulous directing details that keep viewers completely immersed. Recently, online communities and social media platforms have been buzzing with a passionate wave of analysis, as fans activate their foreshadowing radar to uncover clues that exceed all expectations in every episode. The most talked-about detail is the castle-shaped music box featured in the ending of Episode 7. Prepared by Cha Se-gye as a birthday gift for Shin Seo-ri, the music box is modeled after their own Mont Saint-Michel, which Se-gye had previously mentioned. It also includes the beloved dog of the two characters, evoking deep emotion. Furthermore, the fact that Mont Saint-Michel served as the inspiration for the Disney logo, combined with the ending song When You Wish Upon a Star, completed a perfect, fairy-tale-like mise-en-scene. The mirror-like directing that connects the past and present is also giving viewers goosebumps. In Episode 2, Yeonghwiheon ―the pavilion where pre-life Kang Dan-sim (played by Lim Ji-yeon) and Grand Prince Lee Hyun (played by Heo Nam-jun) first met―means a place that shines forever. This beautifully mirrors Shin Seo-ri's line to Cha Se-gye in Episode 7, Being with you makes me shine, doubling the emotional impact. In addition, viewers are discovering a web of subtle clues: the connection between Cha Se-gye's line in Episode 1, What's wrong with having a bad reputation? and Lee Hyun's line in Episode 7, The more hideous the rumors, the better shield they become to protect me ; the GPS navigation alert You have departed from the route in Episode 3; the handwritten letter on the calendar in Episode 4; and the heart-shaped lighting arrangements. Each time these details are uncovered, viewers respond enthusiastically, saying, If you gathered all the foreshadowing, it would make a whole book, This drama is driving fans crazy, and I get goosebumps every episode―rewatching is an absolute must. In response to this passionate wave of analysis, Director Han Tae-seop, who helmed My Royal Nemesis , expressed his deep gratitude. I am deeply moved by how much domestic and international viewers love the characters―perhaps even more than the creators do―and how they uncover the large and small meanings behind each scene, Director Han said. I feel incredibly proud in every moment, knowing that the audience fully connects with the themes and emotions the production team wanted to convey. I hope you will continue to enjoy this journey with us until the very end, he added, raising expectations for the upcoming episodes. Continuing its sensational run with a solid narrative and nano-level attention to detail, My Royal Nemesis airs every Friday and Saturday at 9:50 PM KST. (SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)
Ahn Hyo Seop & Chae Won-been's Sweet 'Day 1' Romance in 'Sold Out on You' Reveals
등록일2026.05.14
Actors Ahn Hyo Seop and Chae Won-been are painting Deokpung Village pink as they officially embark on their 'Day 1' of dating in the drama 'Sold Out on You'. On the 14th, the production team of the SBS Wednesday-Thursday drama 'Sold Out on You' (written by Jin Seung-hee, directed by Ahn Jong-yeon) released photos of a sweet date between Matthew Lee (played by Ahn Hyo Seop) and Dam Ye-jin (played by Chae Won-been) ahead of the 8th episode, showing the two confirming their feelings for each other. Having confirmed their true feelings with a deep kiss in the previous episode, Matthew Lee and Dam Ye-jin no longer feel the need to hide their hearts. Having transformed from 'enemies' who clashed at every turn into 'lovers,' the two are set to captivate viewers with a much softer and more affectionate atmosphere than before. In the released stills, the two are at the peak of their romantic chemistry while spending time together at a mushroom farm. In particular, the sight of Matthew Lee gazing at Ye-jin with honey-dripping eyes while holding a mushroom, along with a super-close moment just before a kiss, is sending viewers' heart rates soaring. Their fresh display of affection seems impossible to hide, no matter how hard they try. They are radiating such a strong romantic vibe that it is being noticed not only by the sharp-eyed work foreman Park Gwang-mo (played by Jo Bok-rae) but even by the village dogs. The sudden romantic turn of the two, who used to bicker constantly, is expected to draw the attention of the entire village and add to the fun of the show. The 8th episode of 'Sold Out on You,' which will tickle viewers' hearts as Matthew Lee and Dam Ye-jin openly express the feelings they once kept hidden, airs tonight (the 14th) at 9 PM. (SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)
'Sold Out on You' Ahn Hyo Seop & Chae Won-been Take on the Corn Sell-Out Challenge in Live Commerce Debut
등록일2026.04.30
Ahn Hyo Seop, the prickly young farmer from Sold Out on You, is throwing his hat into the ring for live commerce. In the 4th episode of the SBS Wednesday-Thursday drama Sold Out on You (written by Jin Seung-hee, directed by Ahn Jong-yeon), airing tonight, April 30, at 9 PM, the unpredictable scene of Matthew Lee (played by Ahn Hyo Seop) attempting to sell corn in real-time alongside top show host Dam Ye-jin (played by Chae Won-been) will be revealed. In the previous episode, Dam Ye-jin discovered that the representative of the raw material company she was so desperate to sign a contract with was none other than the farmer she had been constantly bickering with, Matthew Lee. With Dam Ye-jin's relentless pursuit to secure the contract now in full swing, curiosity is piqued as the two find themselves linked together in a live broadcast right in the middle of a cornfield. In the photos released ahead of the broadcast, Matthew Lee wears a more serious expression than usual in the cornfield, hinting that something unusual has happened in the village. On the other hand, Dam Ye-jin shows off her professional side―fitting for a show host who has achieved the legendary feat of 1 trillion won in cumulative sales ―as she sets up a makeshift sales booth in the middle of the field with a look of determination. Village foreman Park Gwang-mo (played by Jo Bok-rae) also joins in to provide support with a camera, raising expectations for their chaotic live show. Due to an unexpected situation in Deokpung Village, Dam Ye-jin ends up conducting an impromptu live commerce broadcast. How the master of her craft Dam Ye-jin will break down the iron-clad defenses of the strict perfectionist Matthew Lee, and how Matthew Lee will react to her unexpected actions, will be the key points to watch in episode 4. The tumultuous corn sell-out challenge between young farmer Ahn Hyo Seop and top show host Chae Won-been will be unveiled on Sold Out on You, airing tonight, April 30, at 9 PM. (SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)
EXO CHANYEOL Hits The Court As a Basketball Player: 'Rising Eagles 2' Hosts Second Live Game April 18
등록일2026.04.17
EXO's CHANYEOL is suiting up to play on the court. On Saturday, April 18, at Hwaseong Sports Town, CHANYEOL will officially take the floor for the second live game of SBS's variety show Rising Eagles 2 , drawing major buzz from fans. Rising Eagles follows Head Coach Seo Janghoon and Coach Jeon Taepung as they handpick the entertainment industry's powerhouse squad, Rising Eagles, and chase Asian basketball glory. Season 1 sparked big conversation with a game against the Philippines. In Season 2, the team continues its run against Taiwan and also launches a domestic amateur league, the National Championship. New members this season include EXO's CHANYEOL, broadcaster Julien Kang, comedian Jo Jin-se, and JINHYUK of group NOWZ. CHANYEOL's team, Rising Eagles, will face Setup, a top-tier squad from the Seoul metro area. As part of a league to crown the nation's best amateur team, this matchup could set the early tone―expect a fierce, no-give battle from both sides. Rising Eagles 2 is more than a hoops show―it blends sports with K-pop performances. About 3,000 fans packed the April 11 opener, hinting at breakout momentum, with LIGHTSUM and BBGIRLS firing up the crowd with celebratory stages. Game 2 promises another spectacle. LIGHTSUM will open once again, and H1-KEY will take the halftime stage to keep the energy high between the action. The production team shared, “We've prepared even stronger performances and an adrenaline-pumping game for the second matchup. We hope many fans come out to feel the players' passion and their true charm up close.” Tickets for the second game―marking CHANYEOL's debut as a basketball player―are available via YES24. The program is slated to air in the second half of this year on SBS and OTT platforms. (SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)
People Didn't Recognize Me : The Secret Behind Lee Kwang-soo's Gold Tooth Gem Unravels in 'Goldland'
등록일2026.04.07
The mystery behind actor Lee Kwang-soo's gold tooth gem is finally coming to light. Disney+ original series Goldland (written by Hwang Jo-yoon, directed by Kim Seong-hun) premieres on April 29. Goldland is a survival thriller about Hee-ju (Park Bo-young), who gets her hands on a smuggling ring's 150 billion won in gold bars and fights to keep it for herself amid a whirlwind of greed and betrayal. Lee Kwang-soo makes a radical transformation as “Director Park,” a man consumed by desire, returning with a vicious edge we haven't seen from him before. Relentlessly hunting down Hee-ju to recover the missing gold, “Director Park” barrels forward like an out-of-control freight train. The higher the stakes, the more brutal he becomes. His obsession with the gold devours everything in its path, stripping away his humanity. He's set to drive the plot as the key figure who turns a fugitive-versus-chaser standoff into a breathless game of survival. Lee went all-in to build this character. Newly released stills on the 7th spotlight a shockingly unfamiliar side of him that dominates the frame. Wild eyes, a deep scar carved into his cheek, chunky gold chains and a gold watch, plus tattoos on his arm ― the look radiates menace. Lee's much-discussed gold tooth gem, which he showed off on several shows, turned out to be for “Director Park.” A tooth gem is a decorative accessory attached to the surface of a tooth. Lee worked closely with director Kim Seong-hun on every detail ― from the tooth gem and other gold accessories to hair, and even scar makeup ― to build a fully dimensional character. “I wore so much makeup that you wouldn't even recognize me,” Lee said. “As the story heads into the latter half and the incidents pile up, I wanted my look to reflect the character's massive ambition and greed.” He added, “The tight storytelling and nonstop twists had me hooked ― I knew I had to be part of it.” “I wanted to show Lee Kwang-soo exactly as he is as an actor,” said director Kim Seong-hun. “Once desire takes over, he becomes a runaway train with no brakes.” Kim continued, “With his distinctive physicality and no-holds-barred action, he brings a truly threatening presence and delivers peak-level villainy as the series' top antagonist.” Goldland will drop Episodes 1-2 on April 29 (Wednesday), then release two episodes weekly for a total of 10 episodes. [Photo= Disney+, Tving GBRB: Joy Pops Laugh Pops] (SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)
From EXO CHANYEOL to Julien Kang: 'Rising Eagles' Season 2 Unveils Star-Studded Lineup
등록일2026.03.30
SBS' Rising Eagles is back for Season 2 with head coach Seo Jang-hoon at the helm. The show follows “coach” Seo Jang-hoon and “assistant coach” Jeon Taepung as they assemble the entertainment industry's powerhouse squad, the Rising Eagles, to chase Asian basketball glory. Season 1 aired last year and delivered a thrilling win over basketball-strong Philippines. In Season 2, the Rising Eagles keep that momentum against Taiwan while also launching a fiery domestic league against top amateur teams across Korea―promising an upgraded sports-variety spectacle. Season 2's in-house league, the National Strongest Championship, pits elite amateur teams representing regions nationwide against each other for the “strongest team” title. Eight teams total―including Seo Jang-hoon's Rising Eagles―will battle with regional pride and team honor on the line. The Rising Eagles roster gets a shake-up, too. Joining are EXO's CHANYEOL, a fierce competitor; center Julien Kang, known for his dominant physical presence; comedian Jo Jin-se, a P.E. major with second-division basketball experience; and JINHYUK of idol group NOWZ. JINHYUK enters as a year-zero trainee taking on basketball for the first time, leaning on stamina built through childhood taekwondo―and the passion and grit honed over eight years as an idol trainee―as he dreams of a court debut as the team's “baby eagle.” There are changes on the bench as well. KBL legend and “Magic Kid” guard Kim Tae-sul joins the staff, completing a national-team-caliber brain trust with head coach Seo Jang-hoon and coach Jeon Taepung. With Kim's arrival, expectations for the Rising Eagles' performance are even higher. Manager DARA―who stepped in late last season―also returns, bringing her trademark bright energy to boost team morale and momentum. The Rising Eagles' quest for Asian supremacy continues. After facing the Philippines first, their next opponent is Taiwan―one of Asia's basketball hubs. The matchup is set for Taipei Arena, which seats roughly 15,000 fans. How the team performs in this second international showdown is a key storyline for Season 2. Having redefined sports-variety in its first run, Rising Eagles levels up in Season 2 with bigger scale, a stronger roster, and even tighter games. With both a domestic league and the push for Asian dominance, fans can look forward to highlight-worthy moments and compelling narratives. All domestic league games will be held with in-person attendance. Fans can feel every heated moment up close as the Rising Eagles charge toward the championship. Tickets for domestic games open at 8 p.m. on the 31st (Tue) via YES24. Rising Eagles Season 2 will air in the second half of this year on SBS and Netflix. (SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)
Park Bo-young Leads Disney+ Thriller 'Goldland,' Premieres April 29-
등록일2026.03.26
Disney+ has set the premiere date for its new original series Goldland and dropped a striking launch motion poster. Starring Park Bo-young, Kim Sung-cheol, Lee Hyun-wook, Kim Hee-won, Moon Jung-hee, and Lee Kwang-soo, Goldland premieres April 29. The “golden” ensemble showcases bold transformations and intense chemistry. The series follows Hee-ju (Park Bo-young), who stumbles upon 150 billion won in gold bars belonging to a smuggling ring. In a chaos of greed and betrayal, she fights to claim the treasure for herself in this survival thriller about gilded desire. The newly released motion poster teases raw, instinctive desire and an unpredictable ride. A gold logo cuts through the dark, then a stash of gold hidden deep in a mine begins to glow―signaling the moment greed awakens. The stark contrast between blinding gold and pitch-black darkness demands attention, while the line “A Dazzling Desire Blooming in the Dark” hints at split-second choices in extreme situations. Tapping into today's surge in gold prices and growing interest in assets, the series poses a timely question: If someone suddenly gets unimaginable wealth, how far could they change? With tight, genre-focused direction from Kim Sung-hoon ( Confidential Assignment, Chief Detective 1958 ) and meticulous storytelling by writer Hwang Jo-yoon ( Oldboy, Masquerade ), Goldland explores real-world desire and the choices people make under pressure―promising an intense, absorbing watch. What choices will people make when 150 billion won in gold lands in their lap? Anticipation is high for what unfolds at the edge of desire and survival. Goldland premieres Wednesday, April 29 on Disney+ with Episodes 1-2, followed by two new episodes every week. The season runs 10 episodes total. [Photo=Disney+] (SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)
'Whenever Possible' Hits Series High as Jo In-sung·Park Jung-min·Park Hae-joon Fuel Ratings Surge
등록일2026.02.04
SBS's Whenever Possible just notched a major win. The Feb. 3 episode surged to a peak rating of 6.1%, with household ratings at 5.8% and a 2.2% share in the coveted 20-49 demo―marking a best-ever across all seasons and No. 1 in its time slot. The show also led all Tuesday programs among 20-49 viewers, according to Nielsen Korea (Seoul metro). The episode teamed MCs Yoo Jae-suk and Yoo Yeon-seok with their star “Gap friends” Jo In-sung, Park Jung-min, and Park Hae-joon, who brought big 2026 energy from a leathercraft studio in Gangdong-gu to a buzzy Gen Z hangout. From the jump, the five traded life updates―and plenty of smack talk. Jo joked about losing his competitive edge, quipping, “If Jae-suk's in a gaming slump, I've got full-on yips. These days I just say, 'You win.'” Park Hae-joon confessed he's no gamer either, which drew laughs, while Park Jung-min planted his flag: “I'm a born competitor. Watch me.” Suddenly, expectations were sky-high. First stop: a neighborhood leather workshop run by a social butterfly of an owner who instantly won the room. The mission was a precision “button flick” challenge along a leatherworking ruler. Park Jung-min and Park Hae-joon cleared Level 1 on their first try, prompting Jo to cheer, “We've got talent!” When Yoo Jae-suk stumbled during a relay, Jo ribbed him―“What's wrong with him?!”―before Park Jung-min lived up to his “closer” reputation, sealing a miracle Level 3 finish. Jo yelled that his adrenaline was spiking, while Park Jung-min was so hyped he tossed aside his beloved scarf. By lunch, local native Jo In-sung was rattling off hidden-gem eateries―and even checking in on his favorite owners―earning a nod from Yoo Yeon-seok for “conquering the neighborhood.” Another friendly wager crowned Park Jung-min the “game king” of the day, with Jo's proud thumbs-up and Yoo Jae-suk's “Today is your day” sending the gang into giggles. Round two unfolded at a trendy solo-drinking bar opened by four travel-loving owners who discovered the “honsool” scene on the road and turned it into a business. The mission: “Bottle Pong,” bouncing a ping-pong ball to knock a target off a bottle. Thanks to Yoo Jae-suk, Yoo Yeon-seok, and Jo In-sung, the team breezed through Levels 1 and 2 in just three tries. Despite calling himself game-illiterate, Park Hae-joon dove in―“Give me two hours to practice!”―cracking everyone up. On the ninth attempt, Jo landed a laser shot and Park Jung-min closed it out, sending dopamine levels through the roof. “I won't be able to sleep―this is going to replay in my head,” Park said after the clutch finish. With seamless chemistry and back-to-back mission wins, the quintet delivered a giddy, high-stakes romp. Viewers flooded forums and social feeds with reactions like, “That was insane―how did they pull that off?” and “Pure secondhand triumph. My dopamine is off the charts.” Whenever Possible , a feel-good variety show where Yoo Jae-suk and Yoo Yeon-seok turn everyday in-between moments into mini adventures and lucky breaks, airs Tuesdays at 9 p.m. on SBS. (SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)
'The King's Warden' vs. 'HUMINT': A Tight 2-Point Advance Ticketing Race
등록일2026.01.30
Two Korean films aiming for the Lunar New Year box office are already neck-and-neck in advance ticketing. As of Jan. 30, per the Korean Film Council's ticketing chart, The King's Warden leads with a 16.8% share, with HUMINT close behind at 14.9%. Despite opening in different weeks, both titles are sitting at the top of pre-sales and signaling strong interest. The King's Warden is four days out from release, while HUMINT is 11 days away. Set in 1457 at Cheongnyeongpo, The King's Warden follows a village head who volunteers for exile to revive his community and crosses paths with a deposed, exiled young monarch. Directed by Jang Hang-jun and starring Yoo Hae-jin, Park Ji-hoon, Jeon Mi-do, and Yoo Ji-tae, the film blends history and imagination to reframe the exile and tragic fate of Danjong with emotional resonance. After drawing strong notices at press screenings, it opens Feb. 4. HUMINT is a spy action thriller set in the icy waters off Vladivostok, where players with clashing agendas collide as secrets and truths sink to the bottom of the sea. Directed by Ryoo Seung-wan and led by Jo In-sung, Park Jung-min, Park Hae-joon, and Shin Se-kyung, the film evokes the kinetic intrigue of Ryoo's The Berlin File. With a reported 23.5 billion won production budget, it promises large-scale action and spectacle. Both films are targeting the holiday corridor. The King's Warden arrives a week earlier, with a head-to-head showdown starting Feb. 11 when HUMINT bows. Even with days to go, their No. 1 and No. 2 pre-sale standings point to surging audience anticipation. With two high-profile releases landing back-to-back, theaters are poised for a lively Lunar New Year frame. (SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)