As the schedule for the 2026 Chuseok holiday special movies enters its finalization phase, viewer attention is intensifying. This year’s Chuseok runs from September 24 to 27, with each broadcaster unveiling a differentiated lineup of films. In particular, the popular drama “The Man Who Lives with the King” is airing on SBS, generating significant buzz, while Marvel series and family films are also plentiful. Rather than just checking movie titles, it is essential to carefully verify broadcast times and channels, as schedules may change due to sports broadcasts and other events during the holiday period. This article provides a comprehensive, date-by-date breakdown of the schedules for major channels, including MBC, SBS, KBS, tvN, OCN, JTBC, and EBS.
The 2026 Chuseok holiday officially lasts four days, from Thursday, September 24, to Sunday, September 27. During this period, broadcasters replace their regular programs with movies and special programming. On Chuseok Day itself, Friday, September 25, family-oriented films are concentrated in the afternoon slots. Additionally, because some schedules overlap with Asian Games events, there is a possibility that movie broadcasts on certain channels may be delayed. Therefore, it is crucial to check specific time slots rather than just remembering the dates. Below, we will review the most essential information through the schedule for each date.
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2026 Chuseok Special Movie Schedule: Complete Guide with Date-Specific Time Tips
1. Thursday, September 24: Films to Light Up the Night Sky on the First Day of the Holiday
On the first day of the Chuseok holiday, September 24, movie schedules are centered around late-night time slots. tvN will air “No Way Out (Extended Version)” at 10:05 PM, capturing viewers’ attention. This film is an extended version that is 19 minutes longer than the theatrical release, offering a chance to revisit scenes that were previously cut. JTBC will broadcast “Hunt” at midnight (00:00), appealing to fans of spy action. EBS1 will air “Subject” at 12:50 AM in the same time slot, broadening the options for family viewers.
A notable feature of this day is the active scheduling by cable and pay-TV channels compared to terrestrial broadcasters. While terrestrial broadcasters typically schedule news and special programs, tvN, JTBC, and EBS adopt a strategy of filling the first night of the holiday with movies. To avoid missing your preferred film, it is advisable to check the time listings for each channel in advance. For example, if you prefer a tense thriller over a comedy to watch with family, JTBC’s “Hunt” might be a suitable choice. The first night of the holiday is relatively relaxed, making it ideal for late-night movie viewing.
2. Friday, September 25: Masterpieces to Watch with Family on Chuseok Day
On Chuseok Day, September 25, family-friendly films are prominently scheduled in the morning and afternoon slots. KBS1 will air “The Eldest Son” at 12:40 AM, but the daytime schedules hold more significant importance. JTBC will broadcast “Victory” at 1:40 PM, while EBS1 will air “The Sound of Music” at 2:10 PM, providing diverse options. In particular, “The Sound of Music” is a musical film loved by all generations, making it a perfect choice to watch with grandparents.
In the evening and night slots, action and fantasy genres follow to alleviate boredom. OCN will air “Kraven the Hunter” at 6:00 PM, and tvN will broadcast “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” at 10:10 PM. Marvel films tend to become holiday hits due to their high support among younger demographics, from teens to those in their 20s. It is a unique phenomenon that a classic masterpiece and the latest Marvel superhero film are scheduled on the same day. Since preferences may vary by age group, it is wise to choose channels that suit the composition of your household.
3. Saturday, September 26: Premiere of the Buzzed-About “The Man Who Lives with the King”
Saturday, September 26, is considered the day for the most anticipated film of the 2026 Chuseok special movies. The film in question is “The Man Who Lives with the King,” scheduled to air on SBS at 9:30 PM. Starring Yoo Hae-jin and Park Ji-hoon and directed by Jang Hang-jun, this historical drama generated significant buzz and high expectations from its release. If you missed seeing it in theaters or want to watch it again, do not miss this broadcast. It is scheduled for around 9:00 PM, the prime time for family viewers, creating a natural viewing flow.
tvN has announced a continuous movie schedule from 10:10 AM to the night hours on this day. “The Devil Moved In” will air in the morning, and “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” will broadcast at 6:00 PM, showcasing diversity. In particular, “Guardians of the Galaxy” is a work that appeals to tastes with its unique grandeur and humor as a space epic. EBS1 will air “The Bourne Supremacy” at 11:05 PM, while OCN will schedule “The People Above” in the same time slot, catering to late-night movie enthusiasts. Since Saturday night is when the holiday atmosphere peaks, it would be good to prepare topics for family conversation in advance.
4. Sunday, September 27: EBS’s Choice to Conclude the Holiday
Sunday, September 27, the last day of the Chuseok holiday, sees a concentration of movie schedules that could be called EBS1’s solo stage. “A Way Home,” airing at 1:30 PM, is an emotional drama that leaves a warm aftertaste. Scheduled for the bright daytime hours, it is suitable for viewers who stayed up late the previous night or are taking a leisurely rest. It is also an easy time slot to watch while sitting on the sofa after finishing lunch with family.
At 11:10 PM, the Shin Do series “The Great Detective: The Secret of the Lady’s Helmet Flower” will be broadcast. This work has a large fan base for its appropriate blend of Korean mystery and comedy. On the last night of the holiday, family guests may be leaving, or you may need to prepare for work or school the next day. Therefore, it is necessary to make good use of the schedule divided into morning and night slots. In particular, viewers who cherish the “The Great Detective” series are recommended to set a reminder for this time slot.
5. Possibility of Broadcast Time Changes and Smart Viewing Strategies
The most important point to note when checking the Chuseok special movie schedule is the possibility of “broadcast time changes.” During the holiday period, news, sports broadcasts, and special programming can disrupt the existing schedule. For example, if a major Asian Games match is scheduled, broadcasters may choose to delay the movie start time or insert the game in the middle. As a result, broadcasts may start 10 minutes to an hour later than expected.
If you have an important movie scheduled, it is safe to lock in the channel one hour before the start time. Additionally, it is necessary to develop the habit of checking real-time schedule announcements on each broadcaster’s official website or app. Since information about cancellations or delays spreads quickly on SNS, monitoring community trends can also be helpful. Many schedules are set to specific minutes rather than round hours, which can be confusing. To grasp this without confusion, it is best to organize the schedule in a table format and save it on your refrigerator or phone screen.
6. Conclusion and Practical Action Guide for Readers
The 2026 Chuseok special movie schedule features 2 to 4 different films each day from September 24 to 27. SBS’s “The Man Who Lives with the King” and tvN’s Marvel films are expected to be the highlights of the holiday. EBS has built a lineup centered on family films that all age groups can watch together. OCN and JTBC have strengthened their action and thriller genres to increase satisfaction among adult viewers.
Now, readers should choose movies that fit their schedules based on this article. Prioritize time with loved ones or plan an immersive experience tailored to your personal tastes. Since broadcast times may change, be meticulous in checking right up until the start. The small effort of setting a phone alarm leads to a comfortable holiday viewing experience without regrets. Going through this preparation process will make the Chuseok holiday even more fulfilling. Check the schedule now and discuss it with your family.
Frequently Asked Questions
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