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He’s been called beautiful, pretty and baby faced, but mostly beautiful. Actor Jang Keun Suk is back on the small screen as Dae-gil in “The Royal Gambler.” Born on Aug. 4, 1987, actor and singer Jang has seen tremendous popularity in Asia with his past dramas “Beethoven Virus” and “You’re Beautiful.” Jang has been out of the public eye for about a year after a tax-evasion scandal last year. Hoping to break the pretty-boy image, his role as Dae-gil, an abandoned son born to King Suk Jong and a palace maid, will show more action and romance. I met Jang in Hawaii in January by chance. He was at Ala Moana Center with his entourage, and when I asked for a photo in English, he kindly answered that it was his personal time. I was impressed with his English and understood; he was not dressed for any photo opportunity as he was in very casual clothing. My wife, who was with me, thought he was gorgeous even in sweats, and I just said “he is really pretty.”
This week’s synopses
“My Daughter, Sawol”
Episodes 15 and 16
Today, 6:30 p.m.: With the appearance of Owel, who was thought to be dead, Hyesang is in constant fear of her identity being exposed. A red flag is raised in Min-ho’s mind as unfulfilled contracts continue. Kuk-ja sets out to get to the bottom of Dukyeh’s secret.
Today, 7:45 p.m.: Owel is certain that Hyesang is Geum Hyesang. Hyesang schemes to destroy Sawol’s project plan before a presentation. Sae-hoon finds out that Man-hoo is behind the Chunbigoong contract mishap.
“The Royal Gambler”
Episodes 3 and 4
Monday, 7:45 p.m.: Yi In-jwa puts the child and the black pearl as a wager against Baek Man-geum. Namdogaebi warns Baek Man-geum not to fall for it, but Man-geum ends up accepting the bet. Concubine Suk-won arrives just in time to save the child. Suk-won is locked up by Jang Ok-jung upon her return to the palace. Dae-gil emerges from the gambling house crowd. Prince Yeoning is surrounded by courtesans at a gambling house.
Tuesday, 7:45 p.m.: There is a fateful encounter between Mutt Boy (Dae-gil) and Dam Seo in front of the gambling house. He’s instantly attracted to her. He tries to help Dam Seo, who argues with Gamulchi, only to be humiliated. Prince Yeoning swaggers around, intoxicated in broad daylight. The prince sees Mutt Boy coming from the other side. Baek Man-geum gives Mutt Boy a proper name: Dae-gil. Baek Man-geum and Dae-gil celebrate over drinks, as Hong Mae makes a presence.
“Come Back Alive”
Episodes 15 and 16 (final)
Wednesday, 7:45 p.m.: Da-hye feels a tug at her heart, as an injured Hae-joon comes to meet her. Hae-joon’s time to return is shortened because of Na Suk-chul’s hit-and-run accident. Maya feels badly for Hae-joon and tips off Hong-nan to delay returning. Na Suk-chul’s rash action puts Jae-gook in a bind. Hong-nan feels badly for Yi-yeon, who is guilt-ridden by Gi-tak’s death, and tells Yi-yeon not to blame herself.
Thursday, 7:45 p.m.: Hae-joon and Hong-nan prepare to leave and bid farewell to their loved ones. The two men follow their destiny into the next world, as the real Hae-joon returns to the mall.
“Mrs. Cop”
Episodes 13 and 14
Friday, 7:45 p.m.: Baek Jong-sik undergoes interrogation for Cha Seung-ho’s murder case. Baek gives false statements, as planned with his attorney, and walks out of the holding cell with Lee Ro-joon. As there is no evidence to prove Lee Ro-joon’s involvement in the murder, Team One turns to Plan B to bring Lee down. Everything seems to go Lee Ro-joon’s way until …
Saturday, 7:45 p.m.: Yoon-jung falls into Lee Ro-joon’s trap once again. She is blocked from both sides in a dark alley and is forced to get out of her car. Min Jong-bum drags her farther out into the alley and attacks her.
Jeff Chung is general manager of KBFD TV, which televises Korean dramas with English subtitles. Reach him at 521-8066 or jeffchung@kbfd.com.
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