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Marvel blockbuster “Avengers: Infinity War” is seeing huge success in South Korea with nearly 8.5 million tickets sold at the box office as of May 6 after its April 25 release.
Marvel’s popularity in South Korea makes it a key market for its releases. Quite often, stars of the films visit South Korea for the film opening and have huge press conferences.
“Black Panther” also did very well in South Korea (part of the film was shot in Busan). Marvel even has merchandise stores in Seoul, Busan and Paju. Marvel games are also a big hit in the country.
“Avengers: Age of Ultron,” which was also partly filmed in Seoul, had big box office success in 2015. “Avengers: Infinity War” is expected to surpass 10 million tickets sold, which is a threshold many films struggle to reach.
Another note: This K-drama column celebrates 13 years since its first column was published in May 1, 2005.
THIS WEEK’S SYNOPSES
“The Good Witch”
Episodes 25-26
Today, 6:30 p.m.
Sun-hee and Woo-jin confirm their feelings for each other with a kiss. They start dating. Sun-hee’s double life faces a new chapter as Do-hee regains consciousness. Kang-min puts two and two together and figures out Sun-hee is acting as Do-hee.
Episodes 27-28
Today, 7:45 p.m.
Woo-jin’s love for Sun-hee, who’s posing as Do-hee, is only getting deeper as time passes. Woo-jin finds out Sun-hee is a twin. He praises Do-hee’s good character. The flight attendant who suffered the “ramen incident” comes forth and exposes Tae-ri’s evil ways and Sun-hee’s good deeds.
“Should We Kiss First?”
Episodes 37-38
Monday, 7:45 p.m.
Moo-han makes peace with his imminent death and tries to enjoy life to the fullest. Moo-han and Soon-jin decide to live for today, instead of worrying about the unknown tomorrow. Every moment is precious and warm. It seems their love will continue on.
Episodes 39-40 (Finale)
Tuesday, 7:45 p.m.
Moo-han and Soon-jin’s ordinary days are special because they are sharing them with each other. They are living and dying at the same time. Will they be ready to say their final farewell?
“Switch”
Episodes 15-16
Wednesday, 7:45 p.m.
Tae Woong makes his ambitions known and acts on them. He overthrows Namsan Club’s boss, making himself the new head. Do Chan uses Sung Doo to get closer to Tae Woong.
Episodes 17-18
Thursday, 7:45 p.m.
Geum Tae Woong pledges his allegiance to the chief prosecutor. Ha Ra seeks Do Chan’s help. A heist is scheduled at the gallery. Ha Ra warns Joon Soo to look out for himself. She wishes Joon Soo would return to acting like his old self.
“Money Flower”
Episode 23
Friday, 7:45 p.m.
Assemblyman Na Ki Chul reveals that he’s still alive. Mo Hyun discovers a painful truth. Mal Ran schemes to pull Pil Joo down from his position. Pil Joo threatens that he has evidence of attempted murder. An intense battle between Mal Ran and Pil Joo ensues. Boo Cheon acquires a gun.
Episode 24 (Finale)
Saturday, 7:45 p.m.
A twist of shocking events unfolds, involving poison and a gun. Mal Ran is taken by police. Pil Joo makes two proposals to the Chairman Jang regarding Cheong A’s fate. Pil Joo comes back to the company. With so much violence, greed and lies, will love, redemption and forgiveness ever be possible?
Jeff Chung is general manager of KBFD-TV, which televises Korean dramas with English subtitles. Reach him at 521-8066 or jeffchung@kbfd.com.
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