"More than the Grand Bell Awards, it's the season system." SBS's confidence: So Ji-sub as 'Manager Kim' → Lee Je-hoon on 'There's 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 morning of the 1st, SBS's drama media day, "Next Episode," was held at Hotel Naru Seoul M Gallery in Mapo-gu, Seoul. Attending the event were SBS's Kim Ki-seok, Head of Programming, Studio S'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 a total of over 60 high-quality works in the past six years, showcasing hit dramas with viewership ratings exceeding 20%, such as "Stove League," "The Penthouse," "Romantic Doctor Kim Sun-woo," "Model Taxi," and "Priest."

"I used to feel envious whenever global OTT platforms held media days, but I am finally happy and grateful that SBS is also holding a media day," said Hong (CEO), adding, "I am grateful that people say 'SBS's Friday-Saturday dramas are as solid as an impregnable fortress' in the drama market." He continued, "The drama that started it all was 'Priest.' It received great love, and we made many efforts to secure the Friday-Saturday slot. Thanks to the many who loved the refreshing, satisfying stories, we have come this far," he shared his thoughts.

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

Regarding the programming direction for the second half of this year and the first half of next year, Head of Programming Kim said, "It is both light and heavy. There is also the burden of continuing to achieve the best results. We plan to expand the number of weekday dramas starting from November. The keyword is 'series power.' 'Model Taxi 3' swept the living rooms. Before that, there were the entire 'Model Taxi' series and 'Romantic Doctor Kim Sun-woo.' Coming up are 'Chaebol X Detective' and 'Judge from Hell.' I believe that attractive characters, a solid worldview, and the realization of justice are the three essential elements," he introduced.

What is the secret to SBS's season system? Hong (CEO) said, "Basically, the two fundamental conditions are whether viewers want it and whether the worldview can be expanded." He then revealed, "The secret to SBS producing so many season dramas is the trust relationship between the production team and the actors."

"I also shared my thoughts on AI. The paradigm has changed. AI can be a great help in creation. Since AI can realize things that creators cannot, we plan to focus on AI," he explained.

Regarding SBS's unique differentiators, Head of Programming Kim answered, "We continuously develop our PDs and writers." On the aspect of profitability, he expressed confidence, saying, "We are securing the capacity to continue investing in dramas without being overly swayed by the success or failure of each project."

He also added, "Viewers have the perception that we are great. We ask for your warm and sharp attention."

"Studio S is also called a drama academy," said Hong (CEO). "Most drama directors from SBS are working there. I am confident that the strong apprenticeship system is what differentiates SBS dramas. We will continue to create dramas that the public wants," he affirmed his resolve.

The upcoming drama lineup to be broadcast from the second half of 2026 through 2027 was also unveiled. SBS stated, "Based on confident IPs, we will build a unique worldview and continue the reputation of a powerful 'soda' universe with a combination of blockbuster follow-ups, occult, medical noir, sports, romance, and other diverse genres, along with top-tier actors."

The 2026 second-half lineup will be kicked off by the new Friday-Saturday drama "Manager Kim," which confirmed its first broadcast 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 TV Asahi series "Doctor X," is scheduled to air. "Good Partner," which caused a sensation in 2024 with a peak viewership rating of 18.7%, will also return for Season 2. Additionally, "Nine to Six" will be broadcast in the second half of the year.

In 2027, major works with an expanded genre spectrum will be presented. The occult exorcism drama "Awakening" will air, and "There's a Chance," featuring Lee Je-hoon and Ha Young, is also targeting a 2027 broadcast. Viewers can also look forward to "Nightmare," which captures their fantastic realization of justice across the boundary of dreams and reality, and "Full Count," a survival story of those who risked everything on a sports battlefield. Furthermore, Shin Hye-sun's "Dash" and Park Shin-hye's "Judge from Hell 2" will also be revealed.

Along with the lineup reveal, director Lee Seung-young and So Ji-sub, who are directing "Manager Kim," and director Kwon Da-som with Lee Je-hoon and Ha Young, who are directing "There's a Chance," attended the media day event.

Director Lee 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. 'Manager Kim' will be a brisk, fast, and hot drama."

So Ji-sub is participating in an SBS drama for the first time in 13 years since "The Master's Sun." So Ji-sub said, "Since my debut was in an SBS drama, it always feels like home and is warm. The basic premise of the action in 'Manager Kim' is that it is infused with the emotions of Manager Kim and his friends. Various actions will appear in punishing those related to his daughter, and you will feel a sense of satisfaction," he affirmed.

When asked about the charm of "There's a Chance," Lee Je-hoon answered, "People think courtroom dramas are solemn and stiff, but this is a refreshing courtroom drama that never backs down even in the face of huge power."

Lee Je-hoon left a strong impression with the "Model Taxi" series. He said, "I received a lot of love as Kim Do-gi in 'Model Taxi.' The character in this 'There's a Chance' also has interesting differentiators, so I am looking forward to it. The chemistry is great, and the potential for expansion is infinite, so I want to go with this cast to the next season. There is a chance for it to continue as a season system." He expressed his confidence. At this, So Ji-sub, sitting next to him, jokingly said, "It seems like there is a chance," eliciting laughter.

Ha Young said, "Many excellent actors are appearing. You will be able to enjoy even each episode," conveying the cheerful atmosphere on site.

Director Kwon said, "The biggest differentiator is Lee Je-hoon and Ha Young. Please look forward to Lee Je-hoon's transformation into a quirky character. We ask for your expectations as it is a drama that is lovely, cheerful, and refreshing."

So Ji-sub is taking on another genre work after the Netflix series "Square," which is based on a webtoon. Regarding this, So Ji-sub said, "I am playing a father with a second-year high school daughter. Since I have quite a few years of acting experience, I thought viewers might be able to see a new side of me, so I chose 'Manager Kim,'" promising a new performance.

When asked if there were any physical burdens, he joked, "Not yet. I think I can continue 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 this drama with the thought that viewers will feel good if they watch a cheerful drama like 'There's a Chance.' There are also parts that concern me artistically, but the production team and actors are continuously thinking about them. Every day, my anticipation grows, and I believe it will definitely become a beloved SBS hit drama," revealing his affection for the work.

The actors were also asked which they desired more: the Grand Bell Awards or the season system. So Ji-sub answered, "Honestly, I have no desire for awards. I have received enough awards. I think going for the season system would be better."

Lee Je-hoon said, "I hope the moment I win the Grand Prize again doesn't come too soon. While it is an honor to receive awards, I hope this drama becomes an opportunity to share with the people involved. I have a desire for it to continue as a season system," showing a greater desire for the season system than the Grand Bell Awards.

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*This content was translated by AI.