Jun Ji-hyun, also known as Gianna Jun, is back on the small screen in “Legend of the Blue Sea” along with her co-star Lee Min-ho.
She’s proven that she’s got the Midas touch promoting brands with product placement in her shows. In the hit drama “My Love from the Star,” Gianna boosted the fried chicken and beer industry in South Korea and China with a scene in which fried chicken and beer is touted as the best combination.
Now, in “Legends of the Blue Sea,” Gianna plays a mermaid who has human legs while on land, and clients are lining up to get their products placed in the show. In the first week, Manolo Blahnik green Hangisi shoes were highlighted on Gianna’s feet while Lee was sporting a luxury Breguet Tradition model gold watch on his wrist.
Product placement in K-dramas is nothing new, with many products being indirectly promoted in scenes. From the latest mobile phones to cars and clothing, product placement helps producers offset expenses of filming in foreign locations.
THIS WEEK’S SYNOPSES
“Perfect Bride”
Episodes 13 and 14
>> Today, 6:30 p.m.: Gab-dol moves into a temple to concentrate on his studies. His friend visits with news of Gab-soon and he’s furious at Gab-soon’s unbelievable behavior.
Jae-soon keeps her hurt feelings to herself when her stepdaughters meet their mother. Joong-nyun’s concern rises as he sees Jae-soon in that state.
>> Today, 7:45 p.m.: Grandfather Bong feels empty and lonely when Ki-ja stops coming to the house. He decides to visit her, using her cooking as an excuse.
After hearing about Gab-soon, Gab-dol decides to handle the matter himself and returns home.
“Dr. Romantic”
Episodes 5 and 6
>> Monday, 7:45 p.m.: At last, Dong-joo meets Dr. Bu Yong-joo. Dong-joo confirms with Gi-tae that Teacher Kim is actually Bu Yong-joo.
Yoon-wan advised Hyun-chul to use Dong-joo to his advantage and he sets out to visit Doldam Hospital with In-soo and In-bum.
>> Tuesday, 7:45 p.m.: At Doldam Hospital, Dong-joo is visited by staff from the big hospital. Hyun-chul speaks negatively about Teacher Kim, which confuses Dong-joo.
An emergency patient arrives at Doldam Hospital when both Teacher Kim and Dong-joo are absent. After much debate, Seo-jung decides to do the surgery.
“Legend of the Blue Sea”
Episodes 5 and 6
>> Wednesday, 7:45 p.m.: Joon-jae is surprised at his indescribable feelings toward Shim-chung (mermaid’s new name). He warns Shim-chung that unless she tells him what happened in Spain by the next day, she will be kicked out of the house. Shim-chung falls asleep, in hopes tomorrow will never come.
Chi-hyun witnesses Seo-hee talking on the phone, looking awfully suspicious.
>> Thursday, 7:45 p.m.: Joon-jae panics at seeing Shim-chung at the emergency room, looking pale and weak.
Chi-hyun is questioned at the hospital. Chi-hyun tells Joon-jae that it was an accident. Mr. Nam finds a black box in the Chairman’s car.
“Happy Home”
Episode 14 and 15
>> Friday, 7:45 p.m.: Hae-ryung sees Hyun-ki and Young-eun together and heads for Young-eun’s house. Mi-soon goes to the TV station. Man-ho visits Se-ri at the hospital.
>> Saturday, 7:45 p.m.: Hyun-ki’s mother tells Hyun-ki she’ll help with the divorce, but Hyun-ki tells her he’ll be moving out. Ji-gun looks after Hae-ryung, who has collapsed.
Jeff Chung is general manager of KBFD-TV, which televises Korean dramas with English subtitles. Reach him at 521-8066 or jeffchung@kbfd.com.
