South Korea was shaken up by the largest earthquakes to hit the peninsula since measurements began in 1978. The first registered 5.1 on the Richter scale. Just three days earlier, North Korea held its fifth and largest nuclear test, which was estimated at 10 kilotons, equivalent to a 5.3 magnitude earthquake. The Sept. 12 quake hit the city of Gyeongju at 7:44 p.m. It was followed by a 5.8 magnitude earthquake at 8:32 p.m. according to the KMA (Korea Meteorological Administration) and a 4.5 aftershock a week later at 8:33 p.m. on Sept. 19.
Gyeongju is located in the Southeastern part of the peninsula, less than 48 miles from the city of Busan. It is a cultural and historical city that was the capital to the Silla Kingdom, one of the world’s longest dynasties mostly ruled by the Gyeongju Kim family from 57 B.C. to A.D. 935.
The town is home to tombs of royalty; temples; the national museum, Donggung Palace; and the Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple, the first Korean sites to be included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Although the historical monuments were spared serious damage from the recent earthquakes, the government is taking precautions and preparing the sites for future and more powerful earthquakes.
This week’s synopses
“She Was Pretty”
Episodes 5 and 6
Today, 6:30 p.m.: Shin-hyuk and Ha-ri become close enough to tell each other everything. Ha-ri asks Shin-hyuk to pretend to be her fiance. Sung-joon gets worried that Hye-jin is hurt by broken glass, but she misunderstands and thinks he wants reimbursement for the glass.
Today, 7:45 p.m.: Sung-joon and Shin-hyuk spend a night together. Shin-hyuk tags around Sung-joon, wanting to be close friends. Ha-ri tries to tell Hye-jin what’s going on but she’s unable to and promises to tell her later. Sung-joon can’t help but notice Hye-jin as they pull an all-nighter.
“Scarlet Heart”
Episodes 1 and 2
Monday, 7:45 p.m.: Ha-jin jumps in to save a child from drowning, but at that very moment a total solar eclipse happens. She is drawn deeper into the water by an unknown force. The fourth prince, Wang So, who’s been adopted by the Kang clan, heads for Songak to attend a ritual.
Tuesday, 7:45 p.m.: Wang So pays respect to his birth mother, Queen Yoo, but she shows displeasure at his presence. Hae Soo searches for Prince Tang in an effort to get back to the 21st century and runs into Prince Wang So.
“Don’t Dare to Dream”
Episodes 5 and 6
Wednesday, 7:45 p.m.: Na-ri makes it to work in her post-operation state, standing in the studio to do the weather forecast. Hwa-shin nervously watches her on TV from his hospital bed. Na-ri collapses after the recording and Jung-won carries her to the hospital where Hwa-shin is.
Thursday, 7:45 p.m.: As Na-ri gets ready to be discharged, Hwa-shin pesters her out of his sadness to see her go. Jung-won becomes closer to Na-ri as he gets to know her past. Hwa-shin receives a call from his brother.
“Second to Last Love”
Episodes 10 and 11
Friday, 7:45 p.m.: During Sang-hui and Cheon-soo’s wedding anniversary feast, Sang-shik is pre-occupied with thoughts of past events with Min-joo. Joon-woo, who is doing well as a chef, suggests to Min-joo that she should go with him to his congratulatory party.
Saturday, 7:45p.m.: Joon-woo, aware of Sang-shik’s feelings for Min-joo, tells him not to hold back. After Joon-woo’s unexpected kiss, Min-joo is forced to tell him how she really feels. She begins to notice Sang-shik’s awkward behavior in her presence.
Jeff Chung is general manager of KBFD TV, which televises Korean dramas with English subtitles. Reach him at 521-8066 or jeffchung@kbfd.com.
