Korean cinema took the global stage at the 92nd Academy Awards last Sunday when director Bong Joon Ho was awarded best director. His film “Parasite,” shown at the Hawai‘i International Film Festival in 2019, was the first foreign film to win best picture, making history. Director Bong and Han Jin-won also won original screenplay. The evening started with the first Oscar for South Korea to Bong for best international film.
“Parasite” in 2019 won Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival and best foreign language film at the Golden Globes. Bong was quoted, “Once you overcome the one-inch tall barrier of subtitles, you will be introduced to so many more amazing films.” Congratulations to director Bong Joon Ho and cheers to South Korean cinema.
Following are this week’s synopses of shows on KBFD TV, which televises Korean dramas with English subtitles:
Weekly Update
‘Flower in Prison’
Episode 21;
Episode 22 (Sun.)
Today, 6:45 p.m.: Jaemyong agrees to work under Nanjeong in order to save Taewon. The King gets furious when orders are carried out by Queen Mother without his permission. Oknyo is put in danger of becoming a government slave.
Today, 7:45 p.m.: Taewon visits Wonhyeong, who’s been attacked by assassins and now in grave state. Nanjeong chases him out in a rage. The Queen Mother pledges to find the one responsible for Wonhyeong’s attack.
‘Romantic Doctor 2’
Episodes 5 (Mon.);
Episode 6 (Tues.)
Monday, 7:45 p.m: As Eun-jae and Woo-jin get ready to take their leisurely weekend, a barrage of patients rush in, much to their dismay. The Doldam Hospital staff is enraged at dismissal notice received for their director.
Tuesday, 7:45 p.m: Master Kim orders Eun-jae to do a surgery when he’s short-handed. Woo-jin is reminded of his past, when a new patient is admitted. Min-guk devises a plan to earn Doldam staff’s full support.
‘Stove League’
Episode 13 (Wed.);
Episode 14 (Thurs.)
Wednesday, 7:45 p.m: Professional baseball is in chaos over drug issues. Seung Su tries to save Dreams and Jong Mu tries the same with his Vikings team. But the rumors snowball uncontrollably against Du Ki and Dong Kyu, as they are caught in the middle of it all. Seung Su’s bold decision and shocks everyone.
Thursday, 7:45 p.m: Dong Kyu is in the midst of returning back to the team. Conditions such as high salary and less business trips, all hinder Seung Su’s trade decision.
‘Return of Bok Dan-ji’
Episode 1 &2 (Fri.);
Episode 3 &4 (Sat.)
Friday, 7:45 p.m: Two couples’ lives become intertwined as they search for the truth and true love. Bok Dan-ji supports her family by driving a bus for a private institute. She believes that she is blessed because she got to marry the man of her dreams, Oh Min-kyu. Han Jung-wook was born poor, but through hard work and sheer determination, he is now a prosecutor for the elite class. Dan-ji and Jung-wook meet on one fateful day, and find their lives spiraling downward.
Saturday, 7:45 p.m: Seo-jin calls Min-kyu, catching him off guard as Dan-ji looks on. Seo-jin cries out asking to save Min-kyu.
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Jeff Chung is general manager of KBFD TV, which televises Korean dramas with English subtitles. This column offers synopses of the dramas playing throughout Hawaii. Chung can be reached at 521-8066 or jeffchung@kbfd.com.
