It was an honor for me to meet fellow Roosevelt High School alumni Roy Sakuma, founder of the Ukulele Festival and teacher. When we both found out about our Rough Rider connection, Roy immediately opened up, telling me of his youth and hardships. He is a highly desired public speaker and has touched the hearts of many local students who were troubled and contemplated suicide. Roy’s real-life story helps him connect with the students, many of whom show appreciation through hugs or letters. Roy’s mother was mentally ill and fellow students made fun of him. Roy dropped out of school when he was 16, but never forgot the impact words could have on a person.

Roy also mentioned that there are so many things in life now that are about “I,” such as the iPhone and iPad. I had to mention, to his astonishment, that the Korean language and culture emphasize the collective versus the individual. For example, Koreans will say our country versus my country, our mother versus my mother, our teacher versus my teacher. The Korean word is “woori,” which means our, we, us.

Roy hopes to visit Korea soon and try the many Korean foods. I am certain the ukulele master will be more than welcome as the instrument is quickly becoming popular in South Korea.

This week’s synopses

“The Legendary Witches”

Episodes 21 and 22

Today, 6:30 p.m.: After the opening of Magic Bakery, the staff happily carries out its tasks. Suspicious of Woo-seok, Chairwoman Ma looks into Woo-seok’s background.

Today, 7:45 p.m.: Ang-ran takes to bed when she finds out Bo-kyung is the mom of the baby. Joo-ran tells people that the Magic Bakery workers are fellow former inmates. Chairman Ma panics when he finds out Woo-seok is actually Jin-woo and tries to send him on an overseas business trip.

“Root of the Throne”

Episodes 17 and 18

Monday, 7:45 p.m.: Juk-ryong decides to side with Hong In-Bang, and Yeon-hee convinces Cho Young to stand with Yi Sung-Gye. Hong In-Bang tries to run away by boat but is captured when Dae-Geun betrays him. Gil Tae-mi tries to leave Gaegyung but Yi Bang-ji finds him first.

Tuesday, 7:45 p.m.: Yi Ban-ji and Gil Tae-mi have a showdown in the middle of a busy street. Gil Sun-mi witnesses his brother’s last moments. Hong In-bang and Gil Tae-mi’s associates are arrested. But Boon-Yi is surprised to see Dae-geun alive. Juk-ryong makes a deal with General Choi Young and hands him the secret ledger.

“Run for Tomorrow”

Episodes 1 and 2 of 2

Wednesday, 7:45 p.m.: It’s year 2005. Moon-jae (Lee Hyun-woo) and Yoo-jung decide to run away together. But the two get into an auto accident and Yoo-jung suddenly disappears. And Moon-jae suddenly finds himself in year 2015.

Thursday, 7:45 p.m.: Moon-jae is thrown into more confusion when he meets a boy who calls him “Dad.” He also meets Yoo-jung, but she’s so much older. He also finds his father Ga-deuk in a vegetative state. To turn back time, Moon-jae must find Ga-deuk’s book.

“Life Chaser”

Episodes 1 and 2 of 2

Friday, 7:45 p.m.: Lee Jae-gu (Park Yong-woo) is a labor law specialist who barely ekes out a living taking care of small cases. He befriends Tae-soo during one of the cases, but suddenly Tae-soo gets involved in a suspicious auto accident and falls into a coma.

Saturday, 7:45 p.m.: Jae-gu finds out Tae-soo was treated unfairly at work and decides to investigate Tae-soo’s accident. Yeon-hee (Yoo Sun), Tae-soo’s wife, also helps with Jae-gu’s investigation.

Jeff Chung is general manager of KBFD TV, which televises Korean dramas with English subtitles. Reach him at 521-8066 or jeffchung@kbfd.com.