What to Watch This Chuseok: TV Premieres and Blockbusters

The 2026 Chuseok holiday will offer a rich array of entertainment options for viewers, featuring blockbuster films, Hollywood hits, and national sports broadcasts. SBS leads the charge by showcasing the second highest-grossing Korean film, while major K-content channels tvN and OCN aim to capture audiences with exclusive movie premieres and a variety of sports and entertainment programming.

On Saturday, September 26, at 9:30 PM, SBS will air the television premiere of 'The King and the Man,' directed by Jang Hang-jun, which attracted 16 million viewers in the first half of the year, making it the highest-grossing Korean film of all time. The film tells the poignant story of the young King Danjong (played by Park Ji-hoon), who is exiled to Cheongnyeongpo after the Gyeongyu Jeongnan incident, and his human connection with the village chief Eom Heung-do (played by Yoo Hae-jin). Key highlights include Yoo's award-winning performance and Park's nuanced portrayal of Danjong's tragedy, complemented by cinematographer Choi Young-hwan's visual artistry and Dalparan's music.

Prior to this, on Friday, September 25, at 10:30 PM, SBS will broadcast 'THE Lee Eung-gyeol - Chuseok Special Magic Concert,' featuring a dazzling array of performances. However, the prime-time schedule may be adjusted due to the ongoing coverage of the 2026 Nagoya Asian Games, depending on the results and schedules of the day's matches.

tvN will transform the living room into a theater and stadium. On Thursday, September 24, at 10 PM, the extended version of Park Chan-wook's 'Can't Help It' will kick off the lineup, followed by the television premiere of 'Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness' on Friday, September 25, at 10:10 PM, and 'Guardians of the Galaxy: Volume 3' on Saturday, September 26, at 6 PM, captivating movie fans with these major Disney and Marvel releases.

For sports enthusiasts, a special lineup is also in place. tvN will exclusively broadcast friendly matches featuring the national soccer team, with Ecuador on Thursday, September 24, at 8 PM, and Uruguay on Monday, September 28, at 8 PM, adding to the holiday excitement. Afternoon slots will feature binge-watching of popular Tving original series such as 'Lotto First Place Goes to Work' on Thursday, September 24, at 12:10 PM, 'Four Hands' on Friday, September 25, at 12:40 PM, and 'Space Rice Cake Shop' on Sunday, September 27, at 1:20 PM.

OCN, a movie-focused channel, will target genre enthusiasts with a lineup of 'TV premieres.' On Thursday, September 24, the crime blockbuster 'Police Story' starring Jackie Chan will air at 4:20 PM, followed by 'Informant' featuring Heo Sung-tae and Jo Bok-rae at 7 PM, delivering thrilling action.

On Friday, September 25, at 6 PM, 'Kraven the Hunter,' featuring a powerful villain from Marvel Comics, will premiere, and on Saturday, September 26, at 11:10 PM, 'The Neighbors' with a star-studded cast including Ha Jung-woo, Gong Hyo-jin, Kim Dong-wook, and Lee Ha-nee will grace the screen. Additionally, the new film 'Can't Help It' will be shown on Friday, September 25, at 10 PM, along with a lineup of Marvel Cinematic Universe hits like 'Avengers: Infinity War' throughout the holiday period, ensuring action-packed entertainment for viewers.