Lee Soo Hyuk has been confirmed as the official host of JTBC’s much-anticipated survival show, PROJECT 7 .

The news was announced by YG Entertainment on September 15, exciting fans of both the actor and the upcoming series. Known for his versatility, Lee Soo Hyuk is set to bring his charismatic presence to the new idol audition program.

PROJECT 7 is not your typical survival show. Unlike other competition series, this show gives viewers a hands-on role.

Instead of just voting for their favourite contestants, audiences will get to assemble new teams in each round, directly influencing the group dynamics. The goal is to debut a brand-new boy group consisting of the final seven winners.

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Lee Soo Hyuk becomes the face of PROJECT 7.

The first episode of PROJECT 7 is scheduled to premiere on October 18 at 8:50 p.m. KST. Fans are eagerly awaiting the debut, especially with the unique format that puts power in the viewers’ hands.

It’s shaping up to be a fresh and engaging addition to the world of idol survival shows.

As for Lee Soo Hyuk, his involvement in PROJECT 7 adds another exciting chapter to his career. Originally starting as a model in 2006, he quickly transitioned to acting.

After featuring in music videos for Gavy NJ and 2NE1, Lee Soo Hyuk made his film debut in The Boy From Ipanema in 2010. Since then, he has appeared in a wide range of successful dramas and films, gaining recognition for his deep voice and compelling screen presence.

With Lee Soo Hyuk at the helm of PROJECT 7 , fans are excited to see how he guides the show and interacts with the contestants. His magnetic presence is sure to bring a unique flair to the competition, making it a must-watch for K-pop fans everywhere.

About Lee Soo Hyuk

Lee Soo Hyuk is a model-turned-actor known for his roles in popular K-dramas and films. His career spans over a decade, with standout performances in both modelling and acting. Now stepping into the world of survival shows, his future looks as bright as ever.

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Lee Soo Hyuk still from Queen Woo (Credits: TVING)

Some of his notable roles include parts in dramas like White Christmas (2011), King of High School (2014), and Valid Love (2014). He’s also been part of hit projects like Neighborhood Hero (2016) and Lucky Romance (2016), Doom at Your Service (2021) and Queen Woo (2024).

His continued success in both modelling and acting has made him a beloved figure in the Korean entertainment industry.

Baekhyun, a prominent member of the K-pop group EXO, has recently faced controversy due to an indoor smoking incident.

The issue came to light on September 16, when a video surfaced showing Baekhyun vaping inside a restaurant in Macau. This footage quickly caught the attention of fans and the public, sparking a debate about the appropriateness of his actions.

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Baekhyun solo comeback concept photo

In response to the backlash, Baekhyun’s agency, INB100, has issued a formal apology addressing the incident. According to their statement:

Hello. This is INB100. We sincerely apologize to everyone who experienced discomfort due to the recent indoor smoking controversy involving our artist Baekhyun. At the time, Baekhyun and our staff were completely unaware that electronic cigarettes were prohibited in Macau. During a meal with the staff after performing in Macau, Baekhyun unconsciously used an electronic cigarette as the conversation deepened. Baekhyun feels deeply sorry for disappointing many fans due to his careless actions. Both Baekhyun and our company will be more vigilant to ensure that such incidents do not occur again, and we promise not to disappoint our fans in the future. We will also strive to act more maturely. Once again, we sincerely apologize for causing concern and discomfort. We are truly sorry.

The agency’s apology emphasizes that Baekhyun and his team were unaware of the local regulations regarding electronic cigarettes. They acknowledged that the situation was handled poorly and expressed regret for any inconvenience caused to fans.

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BAEKHYUN 4th Mini Album concept photo.

Baekhyun, who has made a significant impact in the K-pop industry with his exceptional vocal talent and stage presence, has been a key member of EXO since its debut. Known for his charismatic performances and strong fanbase, this incident has been a notable deviation from his otherwise stellar public image.

In response to the incident, Koreans in online communities have shared their reactions. Some emphasized the importance of addressing such issues openly, saying, “It’s better to apologize instead of staying quiet.”

Others urged Baekhyun to avoid indoor smoking in the future, noting, “Please don’t smoke indoors from now on… smoke in designated smoking areas. What are non-smokers guilty of?”

Baekhyun’s apology and the subsequent public reaction highlight the importance of respecting local regulations and maintaining a positive public image