The Korean Wave, aka Hallyu, has gotten a huge revival this year with KBS megahit “Descendants of the Sun,” which ended last month with nearly 35 percent ratings on its last episode, outperforming the election coverage by a 10 percent margin. The show was pre-sold to 32 countries including China. Among those countries, China took a major role, as the series has been watched on a Chinese site over 2.5 billion times. The main key to the success is, once again, male actor Song Joong-ki, who is now the hottest actor in South Korea. The series was filmed in its entirety before airing, which gave the actors time to travel and promote the program. Commonly, dramas nowadays are filmed and edited near to airdate. Screenwriters will adapt to fans’ demands as the program develops in hopes of keeping ratings as high as possible. Song Hye Gyo and Song Joong-ki made a great couple in the drama and, due to Joong-ki’s role as a military person, men in the South Korean military are more popular than ever among women.
This week’s synopses
“My Daughter, Sawol”
Episodes 17 and 18
Today, 6:30 p.m.: Min-ho suspects Hyesang for the disappearance of Sanho College’s confidential contract and confronts her. Sawol finds out Hyesang is behind the disappearance of her USB.
Today, 7:45 p.m.: Sawol gets hold of the paper crane at a construction site and believes Owel is alive. Hong-do knows Sawol is a friend from the orphanage days.
“The Royal Gambler”
Episodes 5 and 6
Monday, 7:45 p.m.: Dae-gil breaks down in tears when he realizes only he and Namdogaebi escaped, and left Baek Man-geum behind. He seeks out Hong Mae, only to be knocked out by her. Prince Yeoning orders Sang-gil to spare Dae-gil as he faces Yi In-jwa. Upon regaining consciousness, Dae-gil visits Yi In-jwa after visiting Baek Man-geum’s grave.
Tuesday, 7:45 p.m.: Hong Mae finds Dae-gil at a beach. She realizes Dae-gil has lost his memory and sells him as a slave. Dae-gil escapes to a mountain and meets Kim Chae-gun there. Prince Yeoning becomes suspicious of concubine Suk-bin, asking about his late brother’s zodiac sign. He is thrown into confusion when King Suk-jong asks if he wants the throne. Dae-gil wagers a bet against Yi In-jwa.
“The Entertainer”
Episodes 1 and 2
Wednesday, 7:45 p.m.: Shin Suk-ho gives everything and anything to make his wannabe idol girls and boys reach their dreams. Suk-ho plans to separate from idol band group Jackson as he prepares the last event. He plagiarizes an unknown lyrist’s song as Jackson’s, to reach No. 1 on the music chart. Suk-ho is pushed to the edge of a cliff as Jackson’s comeback becomes a success. Ha-neul has to defend himself in court for sexually assaulting a friend.
Thursday, 7:45 p.m.: Suk-ho finds Ha-neul being ranted on at his school, and reaches out. Ha-neul insists on singing with a band. Suk-ho finds Juilliard graduate guitarist Kyle. Green becomes suspicious of Suk-ho and visits KTop company to find out about him.
“Mrs. Cop”
Episodes 15 and 16
Friday, 7:45 p.m.: Lee Ro-joon’s entire assets are confiscated, leaving him penniless. He carries out a dangerous plan to get his hands on money. Yoon-jung pores through surveillance camera footage of EL Capital and Lee Ro-joon’s bank transactions.
Saturday, 7:45 p.m.: Lee Ro-joon is driven to catastrophic fury as Yoon-jung closes in on him. He trashes his office to blow off steam. In the midst of his rage, he remembers Mr. Kim, who has a debt to pay to his father. He reaches out to a loan shark to come up with the $30 million.
Jeff Chung is general manager of KBFD TV, which televises Korean dramas with English subtitles. Reach him at 521-8066 or jeffchung@kbfd.com.
