By Jeff Chung This week's synopses of Korean TV dramas includes: "That Winter, the Wind Blows"; "Jang Ok Jung, Living by Love"; "All About My Romance"; and "Incarnation of Money"
By Jeff Chung Korea's premium liquor, Hwayo soju, is now sold in Hawaii. Kwangjuyo, the country's most prominent pottery company, has created a premium soju that has been winning awards in Korea and is now available in high-end retailers around the world.
By Jeff Chung This marks the eighth anniversary of this column, which started on May 1, 2005. It's meant to give insight to fans on current K-dramas and Korean entertainment in general.
By Jeff Chung South Korean rapper Psy, known for "Gangnam Style," has a new hit that was released in Korea on April 12. While nowhere nearing the record-breaking 1.55 billion (and still counting) YouTube views of "Gangnam Style," "Gentleman" has received more than 226 million.
By Jeff Chung This week's synopses of Korean dramas includes "That Winter, the Wind Blows," "Queen of Ambition," "My Love, Madame Butterfly" and "Incarnation of Money."
By Jeff Chung "Fists of Legend," which was released in Korea last week, was also released in Hawaii last Friday at the Consolidated Pearlridge multiplex. Near-concurrent release dates internationally are something new for Korean films that are also released in the U.S.
By Jeff Chung This week's synopses of Korean dramas • "That Winter, the Wind Blows" • "Queen of Ambition" • "My Love, Madame Butterfly" • "Incarnation of Money"
By Jeff Chung South Korean films will be featured at the Hawaii International Film Festival's upcoming 2013 Spring Showcase. Thirty-three films from 15 countries will be screened at Dole Cannery Stadium 18 from Friday through April 11.
By Jeff Chung KBFD celebrates its 27th anniversary today. To all of our friends, mahalo nui loa for your support. KBFD is the oldest Korean programmed full-power television station in the U.S. and one of only six FCC-licensed terrestrial stations owned by an Asian.
By Jeff Chung This week's synopses of Korean television dramas: "The Great Seer," "Queen of Ambition," "My Love, Madame Butterfly" and "Incarnation of Money."
By Jeff Chung “The Great Seer” • “Queen of Ambition” • “My Love, Madame Butterfly” • “Incarnation of Money”
By Jeff Chung Korean drama star Bae Yong-jun has been in Hawaii for more than a month now but remains elusive to the public as he makes time to relax and go deep-sea fishing.
By Jeff Chung This week's Korean drama synopses include "The Great Seer," "Queen of Ambition," "My Love, Madame Butterfly" and "Cheongdam-dong Alice."
By Jeff Chung The Korean film industry is off to another great start this year with back-to-back hits and no signs of slowing down. • This week's synopses include "The Great Seer," "Queen of Ambition," "My Love, Madame Butterfly" and "Cheongdam-dong Alice."
By Jeff Chung Happy Chinese Lunar New Year! "Seh-heh bok man-hee baduseyo" is what you would say to a Korean person today, wishing them good fortune in the new year.
By Jeff Chung The Korean American Foundation Hawaii is commemorating the 110th anniversary of Korean immigration to the islands with a concert, "Seulgidoong: Korean Rhapsody," at 7 p.m., March 2, at the Hawai‘i Convention Center. An 11-person ensemble will merge traditional Korean music with a contemporary style.
By Jeff Chung "The Great Seer" • "The Lord of the Drama" • "My Love, Madame Butterfly" • "Cheongdam-dong Alice"
By Jeff Chung Today, 6:45 p.m.: Ji-sang asks Lee Sung-gae to include him in his escape plan. Soo-ryun-gae tells Lee In-im that Dong-ryoon's son is alive. Ban-ya asks the king to save Ji-sang's life, and Young-ji decides to reveal all the secrets to save Ji-sang's life.
By Jeff Chung Today, Korean-Americans are celebrating the 110th anniversary of Korean immigration to the U.S. On Jan. 13, 1903, the first Koreans arrived in Hono­lulu aboard the USS Gaelic to work on the plantation fields in Hawaii.
By Jeff Chung A new S. Korean film, "The Tower," will open here Friday at Pearlridge 16. The action-romance film, released in South Korea on Christmas, kicks into high gear when a helicopter hired to sprinkle snow over the luxury Tower Sky during a holiday party crashes into the building, setting off a fire that spreads rapidly. • Also: The week's synopses of Korean TV dramas
By Jeff Chung As 2012 comes to an end, South Korea has seen many surprises not only in the entertainment industry, but in politics as well. • This week's Korean drama synopses include "The Great Seer," "The Lord of the Drama," "My Love, Madame Butterfly" and "Cheongdam-dong Alice."
By Jeff Chung “The Great Seer” • “The Lord of the Drama” • “My Love, Madame Butterfly” • “Five Fingers”
By Jeff Chung Honolulu is finally seeing the evolution of specialty Korean restaurants. Celebrity Kang Ho-dong has opened a franchise of his famous 678 Restaurant here in Hawaii. • Plus, this week's synopses of Korean dramas
By Jeff Chung One of this year's unexpected Korean film hits, "A Werewolf Boy," with over 6.5 million tickets sold, is now playing at the Ward Stadium 16. • This week's Korean drama synopses include "The Great Seer," "The Lord of the Drama," "My Love, Madame Butterfly," and "Five Fingers."
By Jeff Chung This week's synopses of Korean dramas » "The Great Seer" Episodes 2 and 3 • "Faith" Episodes 23 and 24 • "My Love, Madame Butterfly" Episodes 5 and 6 • "Five Fingers" Episodes 23 and 24
By Jeff Chung If you missed "The Thieves," the closing-night film at last month's Hawaii International Film Festival, you are in luck as the hit heist movie returns to Hawaii this week.
By Jeff Chung Korean rapper Psy of "Gangnam Style" fame has been the Korean entertainment story of the year. The catchy song and music video have done wonders to promote South Korea on a global stage as Psy has topped music charts and toured the world.
By Jeff Chung The Hanguk Drama Hawaii fan club celebrated its 10th anniversary Nov. 3 at the Hale Koa Hotel with 220 Korean drama and K-pop fans in attendance.
By Jeff Chung This week's synopses of Korean television dramas include "Tasty Life," "Faith," "To the Beautiful You" and "Five Fingers."
By Jeff Chung The 32nd Annual Hawaii International Film Festival ended last week with the South Korean film "The Thieves." The film broke a record at HIFF as the most popular closing night film ever.
By Jeff Chung Weekly Korean drama listings • "Tasty Life" • "Faith" • "To the Beautiful You" • "Five Fingers"
By Jeff Chung Korean cinema shows no signs of slowing down if the just-ended 17th Annual Busan International Film Festival is any indication. I attended the festival, and while an enviable celebrity list is a given, the core of Korean commerce was supported in a timely manner.
By Jeff Chung Daniel Henney is a guest of the 32nd Annual Hawaii International Film Festival, which starts Thursday. He is also one of the lead actors in the Korean-Chinese festival entry "Shanghai Calling." • This week's Korean dramas: "Tasty Life," "Faith," "To the Beautiful You," and "Five Fingers"
By Jeff Chung The Hawaii International Film Festival celebrates its 32nd year, and as part of its program, it will be showing 17 films from South Korea, and one romance from North Korea, "The Other Side of the Mountain."
By Jeff Chung Just three weeks ago, I wrote about South Korean rapper Psy and his song "Gangnam Style" going viral on the Internet with 72 million views on YouTube.
By Jeff Chung One of the more successful K-drama stars to have crossed over to Hollywood, Lee Byung-hun, has just released his new Korean film "Masquerade." • Plus synopsis of the week's Korean dramas: "Tasty Life," "Faith," "Phantom," and "Five Fingers"
By Jeff Chung Weekly Korean drama listings • "Tasty Life" 17 & 18 • "The Chaser Special" 1 & 2 • "Phantom" 17 & 18 • "Drama City" (New series)
By Jeff Chung “The Thieves,” the third most successful Korean film of all time with more than 12 million tickets sold, will be shown Oct. 20 as the closing night film for this year’s Hawaii International Film Festival. The popular monster film “The Host” leads the way with 13 million in sales.
By Jeff Chung Pop star-actor Rain released a new action movie, "R2B: Return to Base," in Korea on Aug. 15 and it just opened Friday at the Consolidated Pearlridge multiplex, making for one of the quickest releases in Hawaii for a major Korean film.
By Jeff Chung "Tasty Life" • "The Chaser" • "Phantom" • "A Gentleman's Dignity"
By Jeff Chung This week's Korean drama synopses for KBFD TV include "Tasty Life," "The Chaser," "Phantom," and "A Gentleman's Dignity."
By Jeff Chung Hawaii has a new Korean channel: Korea Travel Network, which launched Wednesday. KTN is a statewide hotel-only channel that serves the fast-growing Korean tourism market in Hawaii.
By Jeff Chung Foodie Tour 2012 is coming Oct. 24 to Nov. 2, with visits to different regions in Korea to discover Korean food at its source. Panda Travel along with Korea's largest travel company, Hana Tour, is organizing the tour.
By Jeff Chung This week's Korean drama synopses » "Tasty Life" • "The Chaser" • "Phantom" • "A Gentleman's Dignity"
By Jeff Chung K-pop sensation Sistar will be releasing its new summer album and has a music video on YouTube titled "Loving U" that was filmed on Oahu, with the island's beautiful beaches and tropical scenery as a backdrop for dancers.
By Jeff Chung This week's Korean drama synopses • "If Tomorrow Comes" • "Fashion King" • "Rooftop Prince" • "A Gentleman's Dignity"
By Jeff Chung The "Kimchi Chronicles," one of the best shows on Korean food, culture and cooking, starts its weekly run Monday at 7 p.m. on KBFD. Chef Vongerichten and wife Marja travel through Korea discovering cuisine.
By Jeff Chung This week's synopses of Korean dramas • "If Tomorrow Comes" • "Fashion King" • "Rooftop Prince" • "Dummy Mommy"
By Jeff Chung This week's Korean drama synopses • "If Tomorrow Comes" • "Fashion King" • "Rooftop Prince" • "Dummy Mommy"
By Jeff Chung This week's synopses of Korean dramas • "If Tomorrow Comes" • "Fashion King" • "Rooftop Prince" • "Dummy Mommy"
By Jeff Chung This week's Korean dramas synopses • "If Tomorrow Comes" • "Fashion King" • "Rooftop Prince" • "Dummy Mommy"
By Jeff Chung Soon-jung winds up in the hospital after overdosing on sleeping pills, but Jung-in isn't buying it. Yoo-jin persuades her father to let her stay in Korea. Un-chae saves a computer file and finds the evidence against Soon-jung that her mother needed.
By Jeff Chung "If Tomorrow Comes" • "Fashion King" • "Rooftop Prince" • And more
By Jeff Chung Pamela Young has turned her recent trip to Korea into a video travelogue, airing as part of KITV's newscasts at 5 and 10 p.m. The series started April 28 and will go for four weeks with a special telecast June 14 at 7:30 p.m. on KITV.
By Jeff Chung This Week's Synopses. • "If Tomorrow Comes" • "Fashion King" • "Rooftop Romance" • "Dummy Mommy"
By Jeff Chung The "K-Drama" column celebrates its seventh anniversary this week. In celebration, many new music videos have been launched for viewing on KLIFE Oceanic Cable channel 81.
By Jeff Chung This week's synopses: "If Tomorrow Comes" • "History of the Salaryman" • "Live in Style" • "Dummy Mommy"
By Jeff Chung The Ladies Professional Golf Association returns to Hawaii today with the qualifying round of the Lotte Championship Presented by J Golf at Ko Olina Golf Club.
By Jeff Chung When Professor Suh finds himself with a flat tire, Il-bong comes to the rescue. The professor is so impressed that he decides to hire Il-bong as his assistant. Ji-ho tells Un-chae something suspicious about her mother’s case: that the copy of the plane ticket sent to the prosecutor’s office might be fake.
By Jeff Chung KBFD marked its 26th anniversary March 24. In celebration and commitment to Hawaii, KBFD has started a second digital channel, channel 32.2, programmed with Arirang TV from Korea.
By Jeff Chung One of Korea's hottest programs, "K-Pop Star," begins airing today, at 5:30 p.m. "K-Pop Star" is a reality show in which singers are eliminated weekly.
By Jeff Chung Who would have thought Hawaii had such strong ties to a successful Korean drama star? Ricky Kim ("On Air," "Jejungwon," "Athena: Goddess of War," "Midas" and "Perfect Spy") was recently caught on camera at Big Island Candies in Hilo.
By Jeff Chung This week's synopses • "If Tomorrow Comes" • "History of the Salaryman" • "Live in Style" • "Take Care of Us, Captain"
By Jeff Chung The week's Korean drama synopses • "If Tomorrow Comes" • "History of the Salaryman" • "Live in Style" • "Take Care of Us, Captain"
By Jeff Chung This week's synopses: "If Tomorrow Comes" Episodes 13 and 14 • "History of the Salaryman" Episodes 3 and 4 • "Live in Style" Episodes 33 and 34 • "Take Care of Us, Captain" Episodes 5 and 6
By Jeff Chung Today, 6:45 p.m.: Jung-in crosses a line when she meets Young-gyun’s family. Bo-bae decides that Young-gyun will never marry Un-chae. However, Young-gyun and Un-chae won’t give up. Jung-in recognizes Bo-bae. Soon-jung suggests that Won-seob should apologize to Young-gyun’s family. Someone tries to stab Jung-in, but Young-gyun comes to the rescue.
By Jeff Chung The Center for Korean Studies at the University of Hawaii at Manoa is showing classic, black-and-white Korean films with English subtitles. Showings are free.
By Jeff Chung Tonight, 6:45 p.m.: Soon-jung has kept all the dirt on Jung-in. She means to use it to keep her son. Il-bong and Jimi want to open a cafe together. Jung-in shows Won-seob how business is really done, but he doesn't appreciate the little show she puts on for him.
By Jeff Chung Synopses of this week's Korean drama shows. • "2011 SBS Drama Awards" • "Thousand Days' Promise" • "Live in Style" • "Tree with Deep Roots"
By Jeff Chung K.J. Choi didn't win the Sony Open this year, but he has the heart of a winner. Choi donated $20,000 to Hawaii's Korean Cultural Immigration building fund.
By Jeff Chung Korean megastar Bae Yong Joon, also known as Yonsama by his Japanese fans, will launch his first U.S. business venture in Hawaii in April, Gorilla in the Café Hawaii. "Winter Sonata (Winter Ballad)" was the drama that launched Bae to fame.
By Jeff Chung Synopses of this week's Korean drama shows. • "If Tomorrow Comes" • "Thousand Days' Promise" • "Live in Style" • "Tree with Deep Roots"
By Jeff Chung Synopses of this week's Korean drama shows. • "My Love by My Side" • "Thousand Days' Promise" • "Live in Style" • "Tree with Deep Roots"
By Jeff Chung Synopses of the week's Korean drama shows. • "My Love by My Side" • "Thousand Days' Promise" • "Live in Style" • "Tree with Deep Roots"
By Jeff Chung Synopses of this week's Korean drama shows: "My Love by My Side," "Thousand Days' Promise," "Live in Style" and "Tree with Deep Roots."
By Jeff Chung Synopses of this week's shows. • "My Love by My Side" • "Thousand Days' Promise" • "Live in Style" • and "Tree with Deep Roots"
By Jeff Chung A synopses of this week's Korean drama shows. "My Love by My Side" • "Warrior Baek Dong Su" • "Drama City" • "Live in Style" • "Tree with Deep Roots"
By Jeff Chung Here are the synopses of this week’s Korean drama shows:
By Jeff Chung Synopses of this week's Korean drama shows. • "My Love by My Side" • "Warrior Baek Dong Su" • "Live in Style" • "Tree with Deep Roots"
By Jeff Chung Synopses of this week's Korean drama shows • "My Love by My Side" • "Warrior Baek Dong Su" • "Live in Style" • "Tree with Deep Roots"
By Jeff Chung Actor Jun Ho Jung is hosting the 2011 APEC Summit Celebrity Performance at 6 p.
By Jeff Chung Korea's best box-office hit this year, "War of the Arrows," opened at the Pearlridge theaters Friday. This historical action film takes place during the Manchu War of 1636 when nearly a half-million people in the Joseon Dynasty are taken captive by the Qing Dynasty of China.
By Jeff Chung Tune in for "The Last Tundra," a special four-part documentary that begins Thursday at 6:50 p.m. The documentary follows the Nenets, the last reindeer-herding nomads living in the Siberian tundra.
By Jeff Chung The biggest news in Korean entertainment last week was musician and actor Rain entering Korean military service for the next two years. Korean men are required by law to serve in the military. Most men start their military duties right after high school or college.
By Jeff Chung Chinese tourists are flocking to Korea in droves, taking in Korean culture, cuisine and shopping.
By Jeff Chung The 31st Hawaii International Film Festival presented by Halekulani runs Oct. 13 to 23. There are 11 Korean films this year, starting with the Korean war film, "Front Line," on opening night.
By Jeff Chung If you are a fan of Oh Ji Ho or Ha Ji Won, get ready to see the 3-D action movie "Sector 7," which will open on Oct. 14 at Ward theaters. "Sector 7" sold more than 2.2 million box office tickets this summer in Korea.
By Jeff Chung The Korean box office hit "Quick" started showing Friday at Ward 16 Theatre. The romantic comedy has sold more than 3 million tickets in South Korea this summer.
By Jeff Chung Nong Shim, the largest and one of the most popular Korean ramen manufacturers, recently announced a new product — Shin Ramen Black, a healthier version of the traditional comfort food that sells for twice as much as other ramen varieties.
By Jeff Chung We have had a short drought of historical dramas the last few months but now with the start of "Warrior Baek Dong-su" and "Dong Yi," K-Drama fans can get their fix of historical dramas.
By Jeff Chung The Korean American Women's Club of Hawaii just celebrated its 20th anniversary Friday with a concert at Mamiya Theatre. The concert featured Park Sang Min and the group Yurisangja, both of whom have had their music used on Korean dramas.
By Jeff Chung Here's your chance to watch the best Korean film of 2011. "Sunny" opens Friday at the Consolidated Pearlridge theaters. Seven girls vow to be friends forever until a terrible event tears them apart. Twenty-five years later they meet up and reflect.
By Jeff Chung Korean cinema has hit another milestone with the release of the first 3-D Korean film, "Sector 7," which opened in Korea Aug. 4. Box office numbers for the opening weekend were just under 1.5 million viewers.
By Jeff Chung Due to the heat and humidity, the first two weeks of August are the peak summer travel season for South Koreans. In July the country was pummeled by torrential rain, leaving many parts of Seoul in chest-deep water.
By Jeff Chung Director Kim Ji Woon will make his English-language film directorial debut with "The Last Stand," starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. • This Week: 'My Love by My Side' -- 'Lie to Me' -- 'City Hunter' -- 'New Tales of Gisaeng'
By Jeff Chung A delegation from Maui, including Mayor Alan Arakawa and Maui County Council Chairman Danny Mateo, just returned from a weeklong trip to South Korea to encourage tourism and cultural exchange.
By Jeff Chung Pyeongchang, South Korea, took the international spotlight on July 6 when the International Olympic Committee announced that the 2018 Winter Olympic Games will be held there.
By Jeff Chung "Dancing with the Stars" and "Korea's Got Talent" are getting a lot of attention nowadays. The Korean versions of the hit American programs have the same structure and style as their counterparts.
By Jeff Chung The Korean Chamber of Commerce will hold the 10th Korean Festival Friday and Saturday at Kapiolani Park. The event kicks off Friday with a 7:30 p.m. Sunset on the Beach showing of a Korean film at Queen's Surf Beach.
By Jeff Chung Hit TV series "Athena: Goddess of War," which was partly filmed in Hawaii, is now available on demand at KLIFE Oceanic Cable Channel 81. "Athena," a sequel to "IRIS," was shot in October soon after the Hawaii International Film Festival. Cha Seung Won, star of "Athena," was a guest at HIFF last year.