It was predicted earlier this year that this summer was going to be a hot one for South Korea and full of record high temperatures. The South Korean film industry was just as hot with one of the best-performing summers of all time for domestic films. The industry boasted four major box office hits this summer: “The Tunnel,” with about 7 million tickets sold; “The Last Princess,” with over 5.5 million tickets sold; “Train to Busan,” with over 11.5 million tickets sold; and “Operation Chromite,” with over 7 million tickets sold. The air-conditioned theaters offered relief for many who were trying to avoid the summer heat.
This week’s synopses
“She Was Pretty”
Episodes 1 & 2
Today, 6:30 p.m.: Hye-jin is asked to meet her first love, Sung-jun, who came back to Korea. Hye-jin is self-conscious about meeting Sung-jun, as she has changed for the worse over the years. She asks her best friend, Ha-ri, to meet Sung-jun in her place. After many attempts at job hunting, she lands an internship at Jin-sung Magazine.
Today, 7:45 p.m.: Hye-jin is sent out to work at the Most magazine, where Sung-jun was scouted to work as editor-in-chief. The Sung-jun she knew is no more, as he has returned an intimidating, finicky man. Hiding her identity from him daily is a daunting task.
“Doctors”
Episodes 17 & 18
Monday, 7:45 p.m.: Hye-jung makes her case in front of the disciplinary committee. Myung-hoon insists on Hye-jung’s resignation. Kang-soo has a seizure at the hospital and ends up having surgery.
Tuesday, 7:45 p.m: Yoon-do accepts the director’s position to help Hye-jung. He finds out about Myung-hoon’s involvement in the hospital subcontracting company. Seo-woo senses something is amiss between Hye-jung and Myung-hoon.
“Don’t Dare to Dream”
Episodes 1 & 2
Wednesday, 7:45 p.m.: Pyo Na-ri is a weather forecaster at SBC who goes out of her way for others. She joins the staff in Bangkok to shoot the station’s job recruitment spot. In Bangkok she faces the object of her unrequited love, Lee Hwa-shin, the Bangkok correspondent.
Thursday, 7:45 p.m.: Hwa-shin is dumbfounded at Na-ri’s remark that he should have his breast examined for cancer. Jung-won can’t stop thinking about Na-ri, whom he sat next to on his flight to Bangkok. Jung-won makes a visit to the TV station to see her.
“Second to Last Love”
Episodes 7 & 8
Friday, 7:45 p.m.: Min-joo and Sang-shik spend the night having a heart-to-heart talk. Concerned for Mi-rye’s future, the family decides to let her work with Min-joo.
Saturday, 7:45 p.m.: Min-joo asks Sang-shik directly about his actions toward her, but Sang-shik is flustered and gives an uncertain reply. Ji-sun becomes a part-timer at Joon-woo’s cafe and acts very smooth toward Min-joo.
Jeff Chung is general manager of KBFD TV, which televises Korean dramas with English subtitles. Reach him at 521-8066 or jeffchung@kbfd.com.
