South Korea’s singles account for more than a third of all households in the country, totaling just over 21 million households. The result is a boom in businesses catering to singles.
The number of convenience stores selling single-serve prepared meals is on the rise. The trend in home appliances is to make them smaller and more energy-efficient to fit smaller living spaces. Catering to singles is a fast-growing segment of the travel market as well.
THIS WEEK’S SYNOPSES
“Perfect Bride”
Episodes 7 and 8
>> Today, 6:30 p.m.: Nam Ki-ja’s unexpected visit to Gab-soon and Gab-dol’s place catches them off guard. Unable to handle living in fear, Gab-dol sets out to tell their parents and deal with the consequences.
>> Today, 7:45 p.m.: Gab-soon’s family finds out that she and Gab-dol have been living together. Gab-soon and Gab-dol ask for their understanding. Gab-soon’s parents are enraged at the news and set out to meet Gab-dol’s parents.
“Scarlet Heart”
Episodes 19 and 20 (final)
>> Monday, 7:45 p.m.: Shaken to the core by Chae-ryung’s death, Hae Soo begs King Gwangjong to let her leave the palace. Wang Wook and Wang Won plot to separate Baek-ah from King Gwangjong.
>> Tuesday, 7:45 p.m.: Hae Soo moves into Prince Jung’s private residence. She is consumed by sadness at being apart from King Gwangjong. King Gwangjong visits Prince Jung’s residence discreetly to see her. He decides to give up on Hae Soo after seeing her happy with Jung.
“Don’t Dare to Dream”
Episodes 23 and 24 (final)
>> Wednesday, 7:45 p.m.: The newsroom is buzzing about the cancer news. Hwa-shin gives Na-ri a big hug and disappears. Agonizing over what to do, Hwa-shin decides to break up with Na-ri but lacks the courage to tell her.
>> Thursday, 7:45 p.m.: Hwa-shin is anxious to get married after he spends the night with Na-ri. But he is faced with unexpected opposition from Chi-yul. He is at the verge of demotion after voicing his opinion and is ready to turn in his resignation.
“Happy Home”
Episodes 8 and 9
>> Friday, 7:45 p.m.: Se-ri discovers Man-ho took out a loan from a loan shark and decides Mi-soon is the only person who can help them. Gyeong-ok asks Hae-ryung to look after the children in the orphanage awaiting surgery, and she visits them at the hospital. Hyun-ki sees this.
>> Saturday, 7:45 p.m.: Hyun-ki refuses to divorce, prompting Gyeong-ok and Young-eun to press harder for the divorce. Hae-ryung gives support and courage to Ji-gun, who’s anxious over Yoon-ho’s surgery.
Jeff Chung is general manager of KBFD-TV, which televises Korean dramas with English subtitles. Reach him at 521-8066 or jeffchung@kbfd.com.
