On Feb. 9, the 2018 Winter Olympics at Pyeongchang, South Korea, will kick off with its opening ceremony.
In a sudden change of events, North Korea will be sending not only their athletes but a 230-member cheering squad, the 140-member Samjiyon Orchestra and possibly the Moranbong Band, the North Korean K-pop group, to perform in South Korea.
The Moranbong Band, comprised of female military members, was created by Kim Jong Un in 2012. North Korea’s involvement in this Winter Olympics will give ease to many hesitant travelers who had been wary of their safety.
Now, on the contrary, the 2018 Winter Olympics will be a showcase of peace between two Koreas, as both countries’ athletes will enter the opening ceremony as a unified team under a single flag.
However, the sudden news of North Korea’s attendance at the Olympics is posing a logistical challenge, as the games are less than three weeks away.
THIS WEEK’S SYNOPSES
“Rebel”
Episodes 11-12
>> Today, 6:30 p.m.: Just as Amogae captured Lord Cho, Gildong opens up Hwalbinjung to lure Prince Chungwon. Gildong approaches Prince Chungwon as he holds a grand feast, and spreads negative rumors for the King’s ears.
>> Today, 7:45 p.m.: The King is enraged at hearing of his father’s evil endeavors from Noksu. Royal historian Gilhyun discovers a record questioning King Sejo’s legitimacy, leading to bloodshed in the court. Gildong uses this opportunity to work against Prince Chungwon.
“Oh, The Mysterious”
Episodes 21-22
>> Monday, 7:45 p.m.: Jong-sam is engulfed in guilt at Jin-young getting stabbed, and blames himself. Pil-seong is agitated by Jong-sam’s probing and knowledge that he’s getting closer to his past. Jong-sam realizes Pil-seong knows who he really is.
Episodes 23-24
>> Tuesday, 7:45 p.m.: Jong-sam and Soo-chil learn the truth about Jin Jung-gil’s death, and push forward to reveal Pil-seong’s guilt. Pil-seong taunts Jong-sam and Soo-chil to arrest him, but they hesitate because of Cheol-ki’s involvement. Jin-young is shocked at hearing Cheol-ki’s confession.
“Judge vs. Judge”
Episodes 29-30
>> Wednesday, 7:45 p.m.: Jung-joo is faced with the painful aftermath of all that’s happened. The verdict for Choi Kyung-ho’s case is given. Han-joon says he is leaving. Assemblyman Do Jin-myung is arrested. Ui-hyun and Jung-joo become closer, as Ui-hyun continues to care for her.
Episodes 31-32 (FINALE)
>> Thursday, 7:45 p.m.: Jung-joo and Ui-hyun confess and spend time with each other. Will it be a happy ending, even after all that’s happened?
“Bravo My Life”
Episodes 37-38
>> Friday, 7:45 p.m.: RaRa wants to work with Do-na on her new drama with the time she’s left, giving up on the treatment. When Young-woong can’t convince RaRa to get treatment, he turns to Dong-woo. He hopes that Dong-woo can persuade her. Bum-woo opens up his heart again, after Do-na’s sincere confession.
Episodes 39-40
>> Saturday, 7:45 p.m.: Do-na and Bum-woo start dating in secret, trying to avoid scandals. Dong-woo tries to persuade RaRa to get treatment. RaRa becomes anxious when Do-na’s new project gets delayed.
Jeff Chung is general manager of KBFD TV, which televises Korean dramas with English subtitles. Reach him at 521-8066 or jeffchung@kbfd.com.
