KBFD TV is one of the first Federal Communications Commission-licensed TV stations in the U.S. broadcasting Korean programming in full high definition at 1080i.
Summer cleaning of the office reminds me of the many changes in TV broadcasting in the last 30-some years. When I was a child I remember carrying around 1-inch helical videotapes, which were being phased out.
Then came U-matic (3/4-inch) tapes in the ’80s. The ’90s brought U-matic SP, then came Hi8 videotapes, then beta tapes, beta SP tapes, DV cam tapes and digital betacam tapes.
Today we are tapeless! It’s hard to imagine a TV station without videotapes other than archival material from past years.
Yet technology has helped stations like KBFD even the playing field with major networks as far as quality of broadcast.
What’s next in the TV industry? Ultra High Definition TV, also known as 4K. Currently HD is called 2K, so basically 4K would have twice the clarity of video.
THIS WEEK’S SYNOPSES
"Here Comes Jang Bori"
Episodes 19 and 20
Sunday, 6:30 p.m.: Oak-soo tries to get Bo-ri to apprentice under Sumi, but In-hwa doesn’t want her to take her in. Sumi and Soo-bong suggest giving a test to everyone who wants to study at Beeseulchae to see if they’re qualified.
Sunday, 7:45 p.m.: Bo-ri finds the prize-winning painting in Min-jung’s room and confronts her. Soo-bong overhears their argument and decides to look for Eun-bee again. Min-jung’s mom decides to work at Hwa-yeon’s house as a housekeeper.
"Heard It Through the Grapevine"
Episodes 27 and 28
Monday, 7:45 p.m.: Ms. Yang goes to see Min Joo-hwan per Jung-ho’s order, and gives an envelope to Joo-young. Joo-young is enraged and goes to confirm it with her brother. Yeon-hee and Young-ra’s plan to get Hyun-soo and In-sang married backfires on them.
Tuesday, 7:45 p.m: Jung-ho tries to build an indestructible shield against a "Supernova" rumor started by Yoo Shin-young and Yoon Je-hoon. In-sang goes to see Bom after much pondering.
"The Mask"
Episodes 1 and 2
Wednesday, 7:45 p.m.: Eun-ha (Soo Ae) is the daughter of a presidential candidate who’s about to enter into a marriage of convenience with Min-woo (Joo Ji-hoon). Ji-sook, who looks exactly like Eun-ha, is a saleswoman at a department store barely making ends meet. Their paths cross when Eun-ha sees Ji-sook working at a department store.
Thursday, 7:45 p.m.: Eun-ha falls into a coma and Seok-hoon falls into despair. He tells his assistant to find Ji-sook, who looks exactly like Eun-ha. Ji-sook and Min-woo arrange to meet regarding an incident at a hotel, but Seok-hoon interferes.
"Divorce Lawyer in Love"
Episodes 11 and 12
Friday, 7:45 p.m.: Jung-woo’s mother is dead set against Jung-woo dating Cheok-hee. She tells Jung-woo that Soo-ah sold her house to put Jung-woo through law school. Cheok-hee goes to see Jung-woo’s mother to apologize for the incident three years ago, but she won’t even let Cheok-hee in.
Saturday, 7:45 p.m.: Jung-hee and Cheok-hee have a new client who’s trying to divorce her husband of 40 years after having to cook a feast for every meal. Dong-san runs into Min-gyu as he rushes out after getting a call from the police regarding Mi-hee. Min-gyu helps Mi-hee out of a tight spot.
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Jeff Chung is general manager of KBFD TV, which televises Korean dramas with English subtitles. Reach him at 521-8066 or jeffchung@kbfd.com.
