We take an in-depth look at trending issues in entertainment, broadcasting, film, OTT, performances, and sports, focusing on the latest verified facts and official schedules and viewing information.
After releasing the EP “Velvet Summer,” Red Velvet earned its first music show win with the title track “Surfin’ Boy” on MBC M’s “Show Champion” on August 12, 2026.
ENHYPEN’s eighth mini album, ‘THE SIN : BLISS,’ debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 dated September 5, 2026. It marks the group’s first chart-topping result since debut, surpassing their previous best of No. 2.
Policy Chief Kim Yong-beom signaled his resignation on August 31, and President Lee Jae-myung accepted it on September 1. Some reports raised questions about the background to the resignation and possible accountability, but the official reason for the resignation and the appointment of a successor were not confirmed in the available materials.
Kim Yong-beom, head of the Policy Office of the Presidential Office, announced his resignation on August 31, and President Lee Jae-myung accepted it on September 1. The resignation was reported as the first replacement of a senior Presidential Office chief since the Lee Jae-myung administration began, but the specific reasons for the resignation and plans to appoint a successor had not been officially announced as of the time of review.
Kim Yong-beom, policy chief at the Office of the President, tendered his resignation to President Lee Jae-myung on August 31, and the president accepted it on September 1. The specific reason for the resignation and the appointment of a successor have not been officially confirmed in the materials reviewed. The next point to watch is the follow-up policy coordination system.
Kim Yong-beom, chief policy secretary at the Presidential Office, offered his resignation to President Lee Jae-myung on August 31, and the president accepted it on September 1. The Presidential Office has not separately explained the specific reason for his resignation or announced a successor.
Doh Kyung-soo’s fourth solo mini-album, ‘DOPAMINE,’ will be released at 6 PM KST on September 8, 2026. The album versions and some promotional content have been confirmed, but the tracklist and album introduction have not yet been released. His ‘DAY OFF’ performances in Seoul from October 2 to 4 are also scheduled.
Girls’ Generation-HRS, a unit consisting of Hyoyeon, Yuri, and Sooyoung, released the digital single ‘Skibidi’ on August 31, 2026. The single contains two tracks, ‘Skibidi’ and ‘Lowkey In Love,’ and an official ‘Skibidi’ performance video has also been released.
Applications have opened for THEBLACKLABEL’s 2026 Global Audition Tour PART 2. The Fukuoka date in Japan is listed differently across announcements, and the September 12 Fukuoka event may be a separate FANCY walk-in audition. The two events should be checked separately.
Anne Hathaway is joining the ‘Days of Thunder’ follow-up starring Tom Cruise as Cole Trickle, playing a racing team owner and engineer. Paramount Pictures has set June 2, 2028, as the planned U.S. theatrical release date, with premium formats including IMAX, Dolby Cinema, and 4DX also planned.
Fontaines D.C.’s fifth studio album, ‘Dopamine Chamber,’ is scheduled for release through XL Recordings on October 16, 2026. The band has announced a 20-date European and UK arena tour running from Lisbon on October 21 to London on November 27. The UK tour presale begins at 10 a.m. on September 1, followed by general sales at 10 a.m. on September 3.
On August 31, 2026, the dollar traded at 159.75 yen, nearing the 160-yen mark. Japan’s Ministry of Finance had announced that it carried out a joint yen-buying intervention with the U.S. Treasury, but renewed yen weakness is drawing attention. The Bank of Japan’s next monetary policy meeting is scheduled for September 17–18, and a rate hike has not been confirmed.
Reports on August 31, 2026, said the yen had weakened to around ¥160 per dollar. The U.S. Treasury secretary’s remarks, the Bank of Japan’s September 17–18 policy meeting, and the Japanese Ministry of Finance’s publication on foreign-exchange market intervention should be checked separately.
The Gyeongbuk Provincial Police Agency has decided to release the identity of Jung, a Chinese university lecturer detained on suspicion of murder and other offenses. The suspect’s name, age, and facial photograph are scheduled to be posted on the agency’s website for 30 days from 9 a.m. on September 1. Police plan to forward the case to prosecutors by September 5 after additional investigative work.
The National Health Insurance Service announced that it will refund excess out-of-pocket medical expenses totaling ₩3.076 trillion to 2.26 million people. A simple calculation puts the average at approximately ₩1.36 million per person, but individual refund amounts may vary. Semiconductors and interest rates were cited as variables for September’s stock market, while Shinhan Investment & Securities forecast a KOSPI range of 6,600–8,000 points.
In July 2026, subcontracted workers were killed in separate crushing accidents at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries’ Ulsan and Gunsan shipyards. On August 18, the Ministry of Employment and Labor began a high-intensity inspection involving 62 personnel. The causes of the accidents and legal responsibility have not yet been determined.
James Harden has reportedly agreed to a three-year, $97 million contract to remain with the Cleveland Cavaliers. The deal is said to include a player option for the 2028-29 season and a 15% trade kicker. Harden reportedly declined his existing $42.3 million player option before pursuing the long-term agreement.
After completing his buyout with the Dallas Mavericks and clearing waivers, Klay Thompson signed a two-year contract worth approximately $11.5 million with the Miami Heat. The second season is a player option, and the NBA’s official transaction records reflect the procedures involving both teams.
On August 29, 2026, a Cessna 172 light aircraft took off without authorization from Kalocsa Airport in Hungary and flew toward the Paks Nuclear Power Plant. The Hungarian Defence Forces scrambled two fighter jets, and the aircraft made an emergency landing in a sunflower field near Gerjen. No casualties were reported in official statements, and a 24-year-old man was arrested and is under police investigation.
Mariano Navone defeated Novak Djokovic 7-6(5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 in the first round of the 2026 US Open men’s singles draw. The match lasted approximately 4 hours and 36 minutes, and Djokovic was eliminated in the first round of the US Open for the first time. Navone advanced to the second round.