"Better than the Grand Bell Awards' seasonal system"... SBS's confidence: So Ji-sub as 'Manager Kim' → Lee Je-hoon: 'We have a chance' coming soon [Comprehensive]

*This content was translated by AI.

SBS expressed confidence in its drama lineup for the second half of 2026 and the first half of 2027.

On the 1st, the SBS drama media day for "Next Episode" was held at Hotel Naru Seoul in Mapo-gu, Seoul, at the Seoul M Gallery. Attending the event were SBS Kim Gi-seop, head of the programming division, Studio S Hong Seong-chang (CEO), directors Lee Seung-young and Kwon Da-som, and actors So Ji-sub, Lee Je-hoon, and Ha Young.

On this day, SBS revealed its achievement of ranking first in viewership among all channels for six consecutive years among the 2049 demographic, and unveiled its global content distribution and programming strategies to respond to the rapidly changing media environment.

Since the launch of Studio S, SBS has planned and produced over 60 well-made works in the past six years, presenting hit dramas with viewership ratings exceeding 20%, including "Stove League," "The Penthouse," "Dr. Romantic," "Model Taxi," and "The Priest."

Hong (CEO) said, "I used to envy global OTT platforms whenever they held media days, so I am truly happy and grateful that SBS is finally hosting a media day." He added, "I am grateful that people in the drama market have said, 'SBS Friday-Saturday dramas are as solid as an impregnable fortress.' The drama that started it all was 'Dr. Romantic.' It received immense love, and we worked hard to secure the Friday-Saturday slot. Thanks to the many who enjoyed the refreshing, cathartic experience, we have come this far."

When asked how Hong (CEO) is finding new breakthroughs, he said, "We have jumped on a running horse," and added, "OTT platforms are essential for globalization. We have launched works across multiple platforms. Studio S is working hard to create good works for global audiences."

Kim, the head of the programming division, said about the programming direction for the second half of this year and the first half of next year, "It is both light and heavy. There is also the burden of having to continue achieving top results. We plan to expand the number of weekday dramas starting in November. The keyword is 'series power.' 'Taxi Driver Season 3' swept the living rooms. Before that, there were the entire 'Taxi Driver' series and 'Dr. Romantic' and others. In the future, 'Chaebol X Detective' and 'Judge from Hell' are coming. I believe that attractive characters, a solid worldview, and the realization of justice are the three essential elements," he introduced.

What is the secret behind SBS's season-based system? Hong (CEO) stated, "Basically, the two key conditions are whether viewers want it and whether the worldview can be expanded," and added, "The secret behind SBS's frequent use of the season-based system lies in the trust relationship between the production team and the actors."

Hong (CEO) also shared his thoughts on AI. He explained, "The paradigm has shifted. AI can be a great help in creation. Since it can realize things that creators cannot, we plan to focus on AI."

Kim, the head of programming, responded to the question about SBS's unique differentiators by stating, "We continuously foster the growth of PDs and writers." Regarding profitability, he expressed confidence, saying, "We are securing the capacity to invest in dramas continuously without being overly swayed by the ups and downs of each individual project."

He also urged, "Viewers hold the belief that it is great. We ask for your warm and sharp attention."

Hong (CEO) also stated, "Studio S is sometimes referred to as a drama academy. It is likely that the most drama directors working there come from SBS. I am convinced that the tight apprenticeship system is what differentiates SBS dramas. We will continue to produce dramas that the public desires."

A lineup of upcoming dramas to be broadcast from the second half of 2026 through 2027 was also unveiled. SBS stated, "Building on proven IPs to create a unique world, the network is expected to continue the reputation of the powerful 'Saidah Universe' with a diverse range of genres including follow-up hits, occult, medical noir, sports, and romance, featuring combinations of top-tier actors."

The first drama in LINE's second-half lineup will be the new Friday-Saturday drama "Manager Kim," which has confirmed its premiere on the 26th of this month. This will be followed by "Chaebol X Detective" Season 2, and in October, "Doctor X: The Era of the White Mafia," based on the series originally broadcast on TV Asahi, is scheduled to air. "Good Partner," which caused a sensation last year with a top viewership rating of 18.7 percent, will also return for its second season. Additionally, "Nine to Six" is set to air in the second half of the year.

In 2027, major productions with an expanded genre spectrum will be unveiled. The occult EXO-syndrome drama "Awakening" will air, and "There Is a Chance," featuring a collaboration between Lee Jung-hyun and Ha Young, also aims for a 2027 broadcast. Viewers will also see "Nightmare," which captures the fantastic realization of justice by those who cross the boundary between dreams and reality, and "Full Count," a survival story of individuals who stake everything on the sports battlefield. Additionally, Shin Hye-sun's "Dash" and Park Shin-hye's "Judge from Hell 2" will be released.

Along with the unveiling of LINE Up, director Lee Seung-young, who directed "Manager Kim," and So Ji-sub, as well as director Kwon Da-som, who directed "There's a Chance," and Lee Je-hoon and Ha Young, attended the Media Day event.

The director said, "It is very difficult for a father who has lost his daughter to be cheerful, but actors Choi Tae-hoon and Yoon Kyung-ho turned the solemnity into cheerfulness. He will become a lively, fast, and passionate 'Manager Kim'."

So Ji-sub will return to SBS dramas for the first time in 13 years since "Sun of the Master." So Ji-sub said, "Since I debuted with an SBS drama, it always feels like home and warm." He added, "The foundation of 'Manager Kim's' action lies in the emotions shared between Manager Kim and his friends. Viewers will feel a sense of satisfaction as various action sequences appear in the process of punishing those connected to his daughter."

When asked about the charm of "There is a chance," Lee Ji-hoon replied, "I thought legal dramas would be serious and stiff, but what makes it a refreshing legal drama is that it never cowers even in the face of immense power."

Lee Je-hoon left a strong impression with the " Taxi" series. Lee Je-hoon was widely loved for his role as Kim Do-gi in " Taxi." He expressed confidence, saying, "The character in 'There's a Chance' also has interesting distinctions, so I'm looking forward to it. The chemistry is limitless, and I want to continue with these members into the next season. There is a chance it will become a seasonal series." Sitting beside him, So Ji-sub jokingly added, "It seems there is a chance," eliciting laughter.

Ha Young-geun conveyed the cheerful atmosphere on set, saying, "Many excellent actors are appearing. Each episode will be enjoyable as well."

Director Kwon said, "The biggest difference is Lee Je-hoon and Ha Young," adding, "Please look forward to Lee Je-hoon's transformation into a quirky character. We ask for your support as this is a drama that is lovely, cheerful, and full of 'soda' moments."

So Ji-sub will take on another genre project following the Netflix series "Square," which is based on a webtoon. Regarding this, So Ji-sub said, "I will appear as a father with a daughter in her second year of high school. Given my considerable acting experience, I thought viewers might be able to see a new side of me, which is why I chose to play 'Manager Kim'."

When asked if he was feeling any physical strain, he joked, "Not yet. I think I can keep going for another 10 years."

Lee Je-hoon won the Grand Prize at last year's Acting Awards for the second time. Regarding this, Lee Je-hoon said, "It is an infinite honor to be working with SBS and Studio S again. I chose to appear in the drama with the thought that viewers would feel good if they watched a cheerful drama like 'There is a Chance.' Although there are parts that give me pause as an actor, the production team and fellow actors are continuously reflecting and striving. With each passing day, my anticipation grows, and I believe this will certainly become a beloved SBS family drama." He expressed his deep affection for the project.

The actors were also asked which they would prefer more: Yeon Gi-dae-sang (수상) or a season-based system. So Ji-seob replied, "Honestly, I have no desire for awards. I have received as many awards as I deserve. I think it would be better to move toward a season-based system."

Lee Now-hoon said, "I hope the moment I receive another award comes soon. While receiving the award is an immense honor, I hope it becomes an opportunity to share with the people involved in this drama. I have a strong desire for the drama to continue in a seasonal format," revealing a greater ambition for a seasonal series than for the award itself.

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*This content was translated by AI.