Fall into a groove with CJ ENM with the latest refreshing lineup of high-quality dramas, intense reality TV, hilarious variety and international baseball to help get you into the season
CJ ENM’s lineup of new content this October is equally rich and exciting as autumn signals a season of abundance.
On October 11, the drama “Typhoon Family” made its debut, telling a story set during the 1997 IMF financial crisis of rookie businessman Kang Tae-pung, who suddenly becomes the boss of a trading company — with no employees, no money and nothing to sell. Adding to the anticipation is the star-studded pairing of Lee Jun-ho, continuing his streak of global success, and Kim Min-ha, acclaimed for her performance in “Pachinko,” promising to captivate drama fans everywhere.
The birth of a new hip-hop girl group begins with “Unpretty Rapstar: HIP POP Princess,” premiering on October 16. Armed with diverse talents, bold charisma and unstoppable energy, the contestants take part in every aspect of the process — music, choreography, styling and even video production — showcasing their unique artistic colors. Viewers already have their eyes on the journeys of the 40 contestants from South Korea and Japan chasing their dreams of becoming true artists.
After showcasing the beauty of Korea’s four seasons while traveling the country, “House on Wheels” now takes its stage abroad. Generating buzz with the addition of new cast member Jang Na-ra, “House on Wheels: Beyond the Ocean” premiered on October 12.
Unfiltered, raw musicians who will steal viewers’ hearts are on their way! The iconic and global band project “STEAL HEART CLUB” premieres on October 21. All eyes are on the show as music fans anticipate which rising stars will become the next iconic band to carry forward the global K-band boom.
Korea’s conflict-resolving master Kim Chang-ok returns with bold new solutions in “Kim Chang-Ok Show 4.” In an era overwhelmed by hyper-efficiency and endless competition — often resulting in communication breakdowns — Kim, a legendary figure in Korea’s lecture circuit, brought his signature conflict-resolution talk show back for its fourth season on October 7.
Well-loved variety shows are also making a welcome return this season. Set to hit screens on October 17 is the new spinoff, “GBRB: Joy Pops Laugh Pops,” the follow-up to “Green Bean, Red Bean” — a show beloved for the genuine friendship and chemistry between Lee Kwang-soo, Kim Woo-bin and Doh Kyung-soo.
In addition, baseball fans have even more to cheer for as the “KBO Fall League” kicks off this October. Viewers will get a glimpse of the future of Korean baseball, including rising prospects and newly drafted rookies, as well as matchups against international teams from Japan, Australia and China.
The Struggles of a Newbie Boss: ‘Typhoon Family’
Starring: Lee Jun-ho, Kim Min-ha
tvN’s new weekend drama “Typhoon Family” sets the stage for a powerful story of young people rising above the 1997 financial crisis. At its center is a newbie boss suddenly tasked with leading a trading company on the brink of failure. Alongside him is Oh Mi-seon, a brilliant and steadfast accounting ace, and together, the two of them navigate hardships and grow into true professionals in the cutthroat world of business.
The released teaser vividly captures the prevalent atmosphere of 1997, introducing Kang Tae-pung (Lee Jun-ho), a newbie boss who acts before he thinks, and Oh Mi-seon (Kim Min-ha), a gifted accountant who keeps track of every single dime. The two shake hands determinedly under the dazzling sunlight — hinting at their growth amid the turbulent waves of the IMF financial crisis.
“Typhoon Family” is already drawing high expectations from drama fans with its powerhouse lineup: actor Lee Jun-ho, continuing his streak of global K-drama hits, and Kim Min-ha, acclaimed for her breakout performance in “Pachinko.” Adding to the excitement is the lead director, known for works such as “Fight for My Way” and “Love Alarm.” The drama premiered on October 11.
A New Joint Korea-Japan Hip-Hop Girl Group: ‘Unpretty Rapstar: HIP POP Princess’’
Starring: SOYEON (i-dle), Gaeko, RIEHATA, Takanori Iwata
After nine years, Korea’s iconic rapper survival program “Unpretty Rapstar” is back with a bold new reboot. Mnet’s “Unpretty Rapstar: HIP POP Princess” follows contestants from diverse backgrounds — from hip-hop to K-pop and J-pop — as they take part in every stage of the creative process, from songwriting and choreography to styling and video production, on their journey toward debuting as a new global hip-hop girl group.
This season is a Korea-Japan joint production, with top artists from both countries stepping in as main producers to guide the participants in their journeys. SOYEON, leader of i-dle, is returning not as a contestant but as a mentor, bringing her professional expertise after years in the industry; Gaeko, of Korea’s legendary hip-hop duo Dynamic Duo, will show off his rap prowess; RIEHATA, leader of RHTokyo from “World of Street Woman Fighter,” will oversee choreography; and Takanori Iwata, from Japan’s popular group J SOUL BROTHERS from EXILE TRIBE, will bring his expertise as a musician and dancer.
Among the 40 aspiring artists are university students from prestigious schools, award-winning cheer-dance performers, former class presidents and teenage girls with multiple self-produced tracks. With such diverse backgrounds and untapped potential, the show has already sparked high anticipation for the discovery of hidden gems destined to shine on the global stage.
Taking My Home Around the World: ‘House on Wheels: Beyond the Ocean’
Starring: Sung Dong-il, Kim Hee-won, Jang Na-ra
After traveling across Korea and capturing the beauty of its four seasons, the beloved “House on Wheels” series makes a global return after three years. Original cast members Sung Dong-il and Kim Hee-won are joined by new member Jang Na-ra, raising anticipation for the sibling-like chemistry among the trio. This season follows their serene and healing journey as they set off to Hokkaido, Japan.
What kinds of everyday moments will unfold for “House on Wheels” against such beautiful scenery? The new adventures of Sung Dong-il, Kim Hee-won and Jang Na-ra begin with “House on Wheels: Beyond the Ocean.” The show premiered on October 12.
Building a Legendary Global Band: ‘STEAL HEART CLUB’
Starring: Mun Ka-young, Lee Jang-won, JUNG YONG HWA, sunwoojunga, HA SUNG WOON
Unfiltered, raw musicians who will steal viewers’ hearts are on their way! The global band-making survival show “STEAL HEART CLUB,” set to shake up the international band scene, premieres on October 21. CJ ENM is leading the production of the program, while Kakao Entertainment is handling music distribution as well as the production and management of the band’s debut album.
The recently revealed profiles of the 50 contestants have already drawn attention, showcasing their diverse backgrounds as former school band members, idol group performers, indie musicians and global influencers — all exuding a fresh and unrestrained “raw” energy. In particular, the promise of 100% live band performances in every episode is already setting viewers’ hearts racing with anticipation.
Joining actress Mun Ka-young, who is serving as the MC, will be global band music icon JUNG YONG HWA, versatile musician Lee Jang-won, genre-crossing singer-songwriter sunwoojunga and the one-of-a-kind vocalist HA SUNG WOON, who will serve as mentors to guide the contestants’ growth. Anticipation is building over who will join the next iconic band to carry forward the global K-band boom.
Resolving Conflicts Big and Small: ‘Kim Chang-Ok Show 4’
Starring: Kim Chang-ok, Hwang Je-sung, Oh Na-ra
The master of witty banter, clear resolutions and heartfelt communication, Kim Chang-ok, is back! Since its debut in 2020, tvN’s “Kim Chang-Ok Show” has grown with each season, with the host delivering refreshing solutions that have brought laughter and empathy to countless viewers. The long-awaited fourth season began on October 7.
This season, responding to requests from Koreans abroad, Kim Chang-ok will hold his first lecture in Tokyo, Japan, sharing stories and emotions that cross borders. Sharp-tongued comedian Hwang Je-sung and actress Oh Na-ra also join the lineup, with Oh taking on the role of the “empathetic listener.”
In a fast-paced technological era in which true communication is often difficult to achieve, audiences are eager to hear what stories Kim Chang-ok will share this season.
A Comedic Docu-Adventure of True Friends Exploring Mexican Culture: ‘GBRB: Joy Pops Laugh Pops’
Starring: Lee Kwang-soo, Kim Woo-bin, Doh Kyung-soo
Following the beloved previous seasons“Green Bean, Red Bean” and “GBRB Spinoff: Cafeteria Operation,” the genuine friendship and chemistry between Lee Kwang-soo, Kim Woo-bin and Doh Kyung-soo now continues with tvN’s “GBRB: Joy Pops Laugh Pops.” In this new spinoff, the trio — having earned a vacation abroad by completing last season’s restaurant mission — will embark on a 100% unfiltered adventure in Mexico.
The teaser shows the three friends chatting during their trip to Mexico. In the clip, Lee Kwang-soo bursts out, “I can’t broaden my horizons! I don’t have any money right now!” unleashing pent-up frustration that sparks laughter. The fact that they don’t even know the program’s title even after arriving in Mexico hints that their journey may be anything but smooth.
The third variety show featuring Lee Kwang-soo, Kim Woo-bin and Doh Kyung-soo together, “GBRB: Joy Pops Laugh Pops,” will premiere on October 17.
The Never-Ending Baseball Season: ‘KBO Fall League’
The baseball fever that has swept across South Korea continues with the “KBO Fall League.”
Launched in 2023, the “KBO Fall League” is a project designed to “level up” the competitiveness of Korean baseball. Unlike traditional training leagues held primarily with domestic teams, this league features international teams from Japan, Australia, China and more as they compete fiercely over two weeks. The show is a special opportunity to see KBO’s rising talents — from developing players to newly drafted rookies — drawing the attention of baseball fans nationwide.
