Hawaii references in Korean movies reflect previous difficulties

Hawaii has often been referenced in Korean cinema almost as if it’s an unreachable paradise. This is partly because before the implementation of Visa Waiver Program for South Koreans in November 2008, traveling to the United States was difficult and costly.

One notable reference to Hawaii was in the 2001 film “Friend,” in which iconic actor Dong Gun Jang tells his fellow gangster, “Ni ga gara … Hawaii,” meaning “You go to Hawaii,” as he tried to protect his friend from oncoming danger in the gangster world.

In the 2016 film “Train to Busan,” a zombie outbreak affects all of Korea, with the city of Busan as the last haven for humans. Spoiler alert: At the end of the movie, a girl and a pregnant mother survive the carnage but are about to be shot by a sniper when the girl starts singing “Aloha Oe” in Korean. Satisfied that the two are unaffected, the sniper lets them live.

“Train to Busan” has made more than $87 million in worldwide box office returns and is available on DVD and Blu-ray.

THIS WEEK’S SYNOPSES

“2016 SBS Drama Awards”

>> Today, 5 p.m.: Actors and actresses of 2016 SBS dramas gather to celebrate and receive recognition at this annual event. Cheer on your favorite celebrities as they vie for the most coveted titles of the year.

“Dr. Romantic”

Episodes 19 and 20

>> Monday, 7:45 p.m.: Chief Do spreads false rumors that Chairman Shin’s successful heart surgery was done at Geodae Hospital. He tries to recruit the surgery team to the main hospital. Reporter Oh pays a visit to Nurse Noh’s restaurant for the truth.

>> Tuesday, 7:45 p.m.: Chief Do is humiliated in front of all. In a fury he punches Teacher Kim. The two fight at Geodae Hospital’s reception area. A huge ice sculpture falls on Teacher Kim. Chief Do pleads that he is innocent.

“Legend of the Blue Sea”

Episodes 19 and 20 (Final)

>> Wednesday, 7:45 p.m.: Shim Chung is shot while saving Joon-jae from a bullet and is rendered unconscious. Joon-jae is tormented. Ma Dae-young seeks out Professor Jin to try to bring his memory back.

>> Thursday, 7:45 p.m.: Shim Chung is to return to the sea and says goodbye to people around her. People are surprised by Joon-jae’s behavior after Chung’s departure.

“Happy Home”

Episode 28 and 29

>> Friday, 7:45 p.m.: Hyun-ki tells Ji-gun to take Hae-ryung and leave before she finds out. Mi-soon goes to see Sam-bong after hearing about Man-ho and Se-ri’s wedding. Ji-gun asks Hae-ryung to leave with him.

>> Saturday, 7:45 p.m.: Sam-bong urges Hae-won and Kang-min to get married, but Hae-won refuses. Ji-gun prepares for a breakup with Hae-ryung. Jin-hwa draws on Se-ri’s face while she naps.

Jeff Chung is general manager of KBFD-TV, which televises Korean dramas with English subtitles. Reach him at 521-8066 or jeffchung@kbfd.com.