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Wednesday, April 29, 2026

'The King's Warden' earns 151.8 billion KRW ... No. 1 highest-grossing film of all time

The film 'The King's Warden' (directed by Jang Hangjun) has become the highest-grossing film in South Korean box office history, earning 151.8 billion KRW.

According to the Korean Film Council on the 29th, 'The King's Warden' topped the box office for the first quarter of 2026, recording 151.8 billion KRW in revenue with 15.73 million viewers. Notably, it surpassed 'Extreme Job' to become the highest-grossing film of all time in terms of revenue.

The film's success also boosted the overall theater industry in the first quarter of this year, with 318 billion KRW in total theater revenue and 31.9 million viewers. This is the highest first-quarter figures since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020. Given that the film alone surpassed 15 million viewers, it is seen as a major factor behind the year-over-year increase of 58.7% in revenue (117.7 billion KRW) and 53.2% in admissions (11.08 million viewers).

Additionally, the first-quarter revenue for Korean films in 2026 reached 233.3 billion KRW with 24.01 million viewers. This is an increase of 117.5% in revenue (126.1 billion KRW) and 115.1% in admissions (12.85 million people) compared to the first quarter of 2025. Compared to the pre-pandemic averages (2017-2019), Korean film revenue has recovered to 94.5% and admissions to 79.7% of previous averages.

In terms of distributor rankings, Showbox, which distributed three films including 'The King's Warden' and 'Once We Were Us,' ranked No.1 in the first quarter of 2026 with 173.6 billion KRW in revenue (55.4% market share). Second place went to Walt Disney Company Korea, which distributed five films including 'Avatar: Fire and Ash' and 'Zootopia 2,' recording 43.1 billion KRW in revenue (13.6% market share).

Released on February 4, 'The King's Warden' tells the story of young King Danjong (played by Park Jihoon), who was exiled to Cheongnyeongpo in Yeongwol after losing his throne to his uncle Grand Prince Suyang in 1457, and Eom Heungdo (played by Yoo Haejin), the village head assigned to watch over him. The film surpassed 1 million viewers in just 5 days, surpassed its break-even point of 2.6 million in 14 days, and reached 10 million viewers on March 6.

Kang Sora

Kang Sora shares the story behind her marriage to Korean medicine doctor: "Received proposal after just 15 days of dating"

11:14:00 PM

SOURCE: 강소라 "사귄 지 15일 만에 청혼받아"…한의사♥ 남편과 초고속 결혼 비하인드('알딸딸한참견')

Actress Kang Sora revealed that her husband proposed to her just 15 days after they started dating.

On the 28th, Kang Sora appeared in a video titled 'Kang Sora reveals the story of her 15-day proposal💍 ' on the Youtube channel 'alddal_cham,' where she chatted with Muzie, Ahn Jaehyun, and Heo Kyunghwan.

While playing a game with the cast, Kang Sora surprised everyone when her turn came by saying, "I've received a proposal 15 days after we started dating."

Muzie remarked, "Your husband must've been a real pro," to which Kang Sora agreed, saying, "I think so too."

Kang Sora added that a man's relaxed and composed behavior is important, recalling that it was her husband's attitude at the time that won her over.

Meanwhile, Kang Sora was born in 1990 and married a Korean medicine doctor 8 years older than her in 2020. At the time, she made headlines by announcing her marriage without any prior dating rumors. She currently has 2 daughters.

BlackPink , Jennie , WOODZ

WOODZ and BLACKPINK Jennie have been friends for 11 years ... "Went to the same elementary school"

11:05:00 PM

SOURCE: 우즈, 블핑 제니와 '11년 지기' 친구였다…"같은 초등학교 출신" [마데핫리뷰]

Singer WOODZ revealed that he has been friends with BLACKPINK Jennie for 11 years.

On the 29th, a video titled 'Why bother date with JENNIE' was posted on WOODZ's Youtube channel.

WOODZ introduced Jennie by saying, "We've actually been friends for a very long time. This is the first time we're greeting everyone in one frame."

He recalled their first meeting, "It's been well over 10 years since we've known each other. Back in high school, Jennie was already very famous as a trainee. I happened to see her at a school festival and said hello. Later, we became trainees at the same company and would run into each other. I think it's been 11 years since we became close."

He added, "We even went to the same elementary school. Everyone was curious about how we became friends." Jennie agreed, saying, "We have a deep connection."

The two also had a fashion battle, styling each other with outfits they picked. Jennie ended up winning.

Jennie said, "I'm really happy we got to meet like this. Thanks to you, I got to go out on such a beautiful day and do some shopping. It put me in a great mood. I feel like I'm leaving with good energy." WOODZ replied, "I asked you on such a short notice. Thank you for agreeing to come," and Jennie jokingly responded, "Next time I call you, you'd better come running immediately," creating a warm and friendly atmosphere.

ioi , Jeon Somi

Jeon Somi: "Chungha led the IOI's reunion ... Private schedules and events are forbidden"

10:52:00 PM

SOURCE: 전소미 "아이오아이 재결합, 청하가 주도...개인 일정 및 행사 금지" (라스)

On the latest episode of 'Radio Star,' Jeon Somi discussed the IOI's reunion.

The episode of MBC's 'Radio Star' aired on the 29th featured a special titled 'The ones who reunited, Naya Na! Together we rise!' featuring guests Lee Jonghyuk, Yoo Sun, Jeon Somi, and Lee Daehwi.

On this episode, Jeon Somi shared updates on the reunion, saying, "We have finished the jacket album shoot, the music video filming, and the recording. We are practicing six hours a day and just waiting for the 'seal to be broken.' We are making our comeback on May 19," expressing her excitement.

She added, "We tried to reunite for our 5th and 7th anniversaries, but it didn't work out. So this time, we made a promise from the start that once IOI's practices are scheduled, no personal schedules or even good event offers are allowed."

She continued, "After writing up our own contract, we all went to CJ ENM together hand-in-hand," adding, "Chungha Unnie was the one who led the whole thing. We were basically summoned by her call."

Lee Jonghyuk , Lee Taksu

Lee Jonghyuk's son, Taksu, was a former Starship trainee ... "He quit because they called him in even on weekends"

10:44:00 PM

SOURCE: 이종혁子 탁수, 스타쉽 연습생 출신이었다..“주말에도 불러내 관둬” (‘라스’)[종합]

On the latest episode of 'Radio Star,' Lee Jonghyuk shared an update on his second son and revealed that his eldest son, Taksu, nearly became an idol.

On this episode, Lee Jonghyuk shared an update on his second son, Junsu, saying, "He was recently accepted into several universities: Sejong University, Seoul Institute of Arts, and Chung-Ang University."

When asked, "Did he go to Seoul Institute of Arts like you?" Lee Jonghyuk replied, "He wanted to, but I told him to go wherever he wanted. He chose the Department of Theater and Film at Chung-Ang University. It's interesting that both father and son are theater majors."

He also shared that the three of them took a photo together wearing their respective school jackets. Lee Jonghyuk bragged, "That was when Junsu got his varsity jacket. It feels amazing, doesn't it? He was taking pictures with his brother, and I joined in. They asked me, 'Dad, don't you have your jacket?' and we took pictures together." He proudly added, "The competition rate for admission was very fierce. I'm really proud of him."

Meanwhile, Lee Jonghyuk's eldest son, Taksu, drew attention by naming BTS' V as both his rival and role model. Kim Gura remarked, "Aren't you friends with V's father?" Lee Jonghyuk replied, "I drink beer and play billiards with his father in the neighborhood."

He added that they even go to karaoke together, saying, "If I ask 'Hyung, what song should we sing today?' he will say 'Let's go with Cho Yongpil,' and we would sing 30 songs. He suggests we should sing Lee Moonse's songs next."

Lee Jonghyuk added, "Since we've become close, Taksu tells me, 'You never know what I'll become, so don't be jealous,' which gives me confidence. He even set his messenger profile to 'I will be a filial son.' I'm grateful that he has that mindset."

In particular, Lee Jonghyuk surprised everyone by revealing that Taksu almost debuted as an idol, saying, "When he was in high school, he suddenly said he wanted to take dance classes. I said I'd look into it. Within a week, Starship Entertainment contacted us asking if he had any interest in becoming an idol."

He added, "I thought it would be good for him to learn professionally. We'd save on academy fees, and if it worked out, he could debut as an idol and even start acting later. So he accepted the offer. However, the distance between Ilsan and Gangnam was too far, and whenever he tried to rest on weekends, his seniors would call him in to prepare for monthly evaluations. It became hard for him to keep up with his studies, so he quit."

ioi , Jeon Somi , Lee Daehwi , Wanna One

Lee Daehwi: "Juniors these days don't greet ... I go up to them first"

10:23:00 PM

SOURCE: 이대휘 "요즘 후배들 인사 안 해...내가 먼저 찾아가"(라스)[종합]

Lee Daehwi mentioned the etiquette of junior artists these days on 'Radio Star.'

The episode of MBC's 'Radio Star' aired on the 29th featured a special titled 'The ones who reunited, Naya Na! Together we rise!' featuring guests Lee Jonghyuk, Yoo Sun, Jeon Somi, and Lee Daehwi.

On this episode, Lee Daehwi sparked curiosity by saying that he learned 'old-school senior behavior' from the older members during his time in Wanna One.

Lee Daehwi shared, "I debuted at the age of 17. I was very young. Back then, I promoted while only getting about seven hours of sleep a week."

He recalled, "I was exhausted during a pre-recording for a music show and said 'I wish this was the last recording.' The older members heard that and called me over. They told me, 'You shouldn't have that kind of mindset. You need to be more grateful.'"

Lee Daehwi added, "That's why I always tell my juniors, 'Make sure to greet properly.' When it comes to greeting, the younger artists these days are..." and trailed off.

He went on, "I want to get closer to my juniors, but not a single person comes to my waiting room. In the past, we would personally visit seniors to greet them and give them our CDs, but now I'm actually the one who goes to the juniors first to say hello."

He drew attention by adding, "That part makes me a bit disappointed. The culture of greeting the PDs after the music show ends has also disappeared."

Meanwhile, Jeon Somi talked about IOI's reunion after 10 years, saying, "The preparations are almost finished. We are practicing six hours a day while waiting for the comeback," announcing their return on May 19.

She added with a laugh, "Things have changed now that 10 years have passed. Back then, things felt easy no matter how much we practiced, but now our stamina isn't what it used to be."

She continued, "Even though I'm the youngest, my knees are already giving out. The older members are still going strong, though. Ten years really makes a difference. In the past, we used to monitor our styling after performances, but these days, we mostly share hospital reviews and talk about health."

She concluded, "The older members are still the same, but they tell me I've changed a lot over the past 10 years. Especially Sejeong Unnie, she tells me I've become 'a true women among women,' which touched me," bringing laughter as she imitated Kim Sejeong.

ioi , Jeon Somi

Jeon Somi reveals the harsh reality behind IOI's reunion: "Our stamina isn't what it used to be"

3:32:00 PM

SOURCE: "체력이 예전 같지 않아"… 전소미가 폭로한 I.O.I 재결합 잔혹사 [라스]

Singer Jeon Somi is set to appear on MBC's 'Radio Star,' armed with spoilers for her new song and memories from her 'Produce 101' days.

The episode of MBC's 'Radio Star' airing today (29th) at 10.30 PM (KST) will be a special episode titled 'The ones who reunited, Naya Na! Together we rise!' featuring guests Lee Jonghyuk, Yoo Sun, Jeon Somi, and Lee Daehwi.

The biggest highlight of this episode is behind-the-scenes stories of IOI's 10th anniversary reunion. In this episode, Jeon Somi, who debuted as the center after topping the audition program in 2016, will share the full story behind the reunion project.

In particular, she sparks curiosity by naming Chungha as the driving force who practically led the reunion. She also shows an unexpected side when talking about their practice routine.

Jeon Somi reveals that she has been practicing intensely for 4 to 6 hours everyday, but adds, "Reuniting with the members after such a long time made me realize the difference in our stamina compared to 10 years ago," drawing laughter.

Jeon Somi will also share a memorable episode from their past form life. During their monthly dorm meetings, she once secretly fell asleep and got scolded by Kim Sejeong, sharing the strict yet close chemistry among the members.

In addition, Jeon Somi updates fans on her global activities beyond her career as an idol. She reveals that she has recently been cast as the lead in a Hollywood film and has already completed filming, raising anticipation for her new challenge as an actress.

The episode, which features spoilers for IOI's new song and Jeon Somi's spectacular Hollywood debut story, will air on the 29th at 10.30 PM (KST) on MBC.