Two South Korean movies — "Assassination" and "Veteran" — saved the domestic film industry this summer. "Assassination" broke the 10-million-tickets-sold milestone, which has been achieved by only a few other films. The film, currently playing at Pearlridge West, is filled with high-caliber stars: Jeon Ji-hyeon, Lee Jung Jae and Ha Jeong-woo. Ha, whose character’s name is Hawaii Pistol, is known for his many visits to Hawaii where he relaxes and develops his next project.
"Veteran" falls into the crime and comedy genre. In the movie detective Do-cheol is after Tae-oh, a conglomerate son who enjoys stealing high-end autos. Tae-oh eludes the determined detective using his resources of money and power. "Veteran" opens Sept. 19 at Pearlridge West. The film is currently at the 9.5 million mark and is expected to hit 10 million by the end of this month.
This week’s synopses
"Here Comes Jang Bo-ri"
Episodes 39 and 40
Sunday, 6:30 p.m.: Bo-ri is out of her mind with worry when Min-jung’s mother disappears with Bee-dan. Min-jung threatens Bo-ri to live as Do Bo-ri for the rest of her life if she wants to see Bee-dan again. Min-jung’s mother loses Bee-dan at the airport.
Sunday, 7:45 p.m.: In-hwa finds out about Min-jung and her mother. In-hwa confronts Min-jung, but Min-jung retorts back, saying In-hwa has no right to judge her after all she did to become the head seamstress. Jae-hwa thinks it’s odd that Ji-sang is so desperate to find Bee-dan.
"Mrs. Cop"
Episodes 1 and 2
Monday, 7:45 p.m.: Young-jin (Kim Hee-ae) is captain of a violent crimes department. She’s a great detective but a terrible mom and wife. Jong-ho (Kim Min-jong) is Young-jin’s boss and good friend. He’s dedicated his youth to his job and supporting his family. Jin-woo (Son Ho-joon) is a passionate police officer who joins Young-jin’s team.
Tuesday, 7:45 p.m.: Young-jin goes home to her daughter but can’t shake her guilty feeling. She goes to Huh Jung-nam to apologize and ends up baby-sitting his son. But she receives a picture of a serial killer and goes to the scene, leaving Jung-nam’s son alone.
"The Gang Doctor"
Episodes 1 and 2
Wednesday, 7:45 p.m.: Kim Tae-hyun, aka Yong-pal (Joo Won) is a gifted surgical resident with flaws: He’s a shameless jerk who’d do anything for money, and he’s a doctor to criminals who can’t come to the hospital to be treated. Han Yeo-jin (Kim Tae-hee) is an heiress who’s in a deep coma after a car accident. Han Do-jin (Jo Jae-hyun) is Yeo-jin’s stepbrother who doesn’t want Yeo-jin to wake up.
Thursday, 7:45 p.m.: Tae-hyun drops a scalpel while treating a criminal, and the police trace it to the hospital where Tae-hyun works. But Dr. Lee covers for Tae-hyun and gets him out of danger. Yeo-jin wakes up from coma.
"The Time We Were Not in Love"
Episodes 13 and 14
Friday, 7:45 p.m.: Ha-na is confused after reading Won’s script. She wonders if she fell in love again not with Seo-hoo, but with memories of their love. Ha-na tells Won they should stay away from each other for a week. Seo-hoo comes back from his business trip, but he doesn’t tell Ha-na about Ms. Min.
Saturday, 7:45 p.m.: Ha-na wants to follow her heart, but it’s easier said than done. She finally makes her decision and goes to see Won. Dae-bok finds Won’s movie scenario in Ha-na’s room.
Jeff Chung is general manager of KBFD TV, which televises Korean dramas with English subtitles. Reach him at 521-8066 or jeffchung@kbfd.com.
