Russian ice princess meets K-pop crush at Olympics

The Pyeongchang Winter Olympics closed last weekend with a festive ceremony that included performances by K-pop group EXO and CL, a former member of the disbanded girl group 2NE1.

CL performed a mix of 2NE1’s well-known songs along with her own single, “The Baddest Female.” Thirteen-year-old rock guitarist Tae-wan Yang electrified the stadium crowd and TV viewers at home with his performance of “Winter” from Vivaldi’s “The Four Seasons.”

But the Olympic K-pop story was the meeting of EXO and Russian figure skater Evgenia Medvedeva. The Russian athlete, who won a silver medal in women’s singles figure skating, is a big fan of EXO.

Her dream came true when she met all eight members of the band for a photo op at the closing ceremony, thanks to the organizing committee and EXO’s management agency. Medvedeva was presented with an autographed EXO album when she arrived at Pyeongchang in early February.

THIS WEEK’S SYNOPSES

“Rebel”

Episodes 23-24

>> Today, 6:30 p.m.: The enraged Ga-ryong enters the palace as a gisaeng to avenge Gildong’s death. The King’s tyrannical ways know no bounds. While taking refuge in a deep mountain, Gildong, still very much alive, takes decisive action.

>> Today, 7:45 p.m.: Seeing the King will rule by suppression, Gildong and Gilhyun lead the people to confront the tyrannical leader. Ga-ryong enters the King’s bed chamber. Noksu schemes to have Okran eliminated.

“Kidnapping”

Two-part series

>> Monday, 7:45 p.m.: A slum-like neighborhood is about to get demolished for redevelopment. A corrupt assemblyman lies about helping out the residents, as he is actually the orchestrator of the demolition.

>> Tuesday, 7:45 p.m.: Gangsters destroy homes and beat people to leave. When pushed to the brink, three ordinary women take matters into their own hands by planning to kidnap the assemblyman.

“I Am After You”

Two-part series

>> Wednesday, 7:45 p.m.: In a harshly competitive society where one’s academic standing determines one’s life, corruption ensues beneath the surface. Hee-tae is president of the Angel Fund, a private loan company where individuals lend to other individuals.

>> Thursday, 7:45 p.m.: Hee-tae set up the Angel Fund after suffering discrimination for being a transfer student to Seoul University. When his company is linked with a student hate-murder case, things get complicated, calling into question the “survival of the fittest” ethic.

“Money Flower”

Episodes 3-4

>> Friday, 7:45 p.m.: A plan gets underway to get Boo Cheon and Mo Hyun together, and their relationship gets on the fast track. Pil Joo schemes to make sure Mo Hyun believes it’s fated love. Boo Cheon, caught off-guard, introduces himself as Pil Joo. Mo Hyun starts to fall for him.

>> Saturday, 7:45 p.m.: Mo Hyun and Boo Cheon start to genuinely fall for each other. Mo Hyun receives an anonymous package with photos and info on Pil Joo, Boo Cheon’s real identity and Cheong A. Pil Joo gathers info on Cheong A and Chairman Jang and Pil Joo can’t help but feel drawn to Mo Hyun. The Chairman continues his ruthless ways.

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