First, some updates on recent Korean entertainment news:
>> “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.
>> The biggest news so far this year is the viral video success of Korean singer PSY and his “Gangnam Style” song, with close to 72 million views on YouTube and the No. 1 music video on iTunes. It’s a satirical look at the wealthy in the Gangnam neighborhood of Seoul.
PSY’s horse-riding dance move featured in the video has become such a hit that in a recent Los Angeles Dodgers game, the music played at the stadium with PSY in attendance and many in the crowd danced to his song. Also, at a recent NFL preseason game, Baltimore Ravens punt returner Asa Jackson ran in for a touchdown and celebrated with the dance.
PSY has broken through internationally and has achieved what many other Korean entertainers can only dream of. If you’re one of the few who haven’t seen the “Gangnam Style” music video, go to goo.gl/WCPEU.
THIS WEEK’S SYNOPSES
“Tasty Life”
Episodes 15 and 16
Today, 6:45 p.m.: When Sung-joo accuses her father of posting In-chul’s affair on the hospital webpage, he doesn’t deny it. In her anger, she leaves home. The whole family overhears their argument and no one is on Sung-joo’s side. On the outside, it seems that Shin-yong is very supportive of In-chul in his predicament. In-chul calls another hospital that had offered him a job.
Today, 7:45 p.m.: When In-chul hits rock bottom, as Shin-yong had expected, he chooses her over the other woman. Sung-joo, desperate to help In-chul, writes a letter to the director confessing that she was behind the email because she was in love with In-chul. In-chul ends it with Sung-joo.
“The Chaser”
Episodes 15 and 16 (Final Episode)
Monday, 7:45 p.m.: Four hours before the closing of the polls, Hye-ra tells all the campaign volunteers to upload messages on all Internet portals questioning the authenticity of the video file. She also gives Dong-yoon
a victory message for his speech after the election.
Tuesday, 7:45 p.m.: Jung-woo says he’ll reinvestigate Soo-jung’s trial as a defense attorney, not as a prosecutor. He questions Bae Gi-chul about the black box from the car, but he plays dumb. Jung-woo calls Hye-ra to the witness stand and submits call records between Gi-chul and Hye-ra as evidence.
“Phantom”
Episodes 15 and 16
Wednesday, 7:45 p.m.: Gi-young is accused of installing a bug in the police office, but insists he’s innocent. Just as when Gi-young is cornered, Hyuk-joo says he knows who checked out the listening device. When the news of the bug gets out, reporters clamor around the police building.
Thursday, 7:45 p.m.: Gi-young and Hyuk-joo call for backup and go after Dae-hyung’s team. They find that all the evidence has been destroyed.
“A Gentleman’s Dignity”
Episodes 19 and 20 (Final Episode)
Friday, 7:45 p.m.: Do-jin asks Yi-soo to stay with him and Yi-soo finally says yes. The two head to a hotel, but run into Min-sook in the hallway. Realizing the seriousness of Min-sook and Jung-rok’s marital problem, Do-jin leaves Yi-soo with Min-sook and goes to fetch Jung-rok.
Saturday, 7:45 p.m.: Min-sook takes the ladies out for Me-ah-ri’s bachelorette party, but the guys crash their party. Yoon and Me-ah-ri have a small wedding with everyone’s blessings. Se-ra returns from her tournament overseas, but collapses at the airport.
———
Jeff Chung is general manager of KBFD TV, which televises Korean dramas with English subtitles. Reach him at 521-8066 or jeffchung@kbfd.com.
