The first laboratory-confirmed case of Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) was on May 20 in South Korea. MERS is a viral respiratory illness that includes symptoms of fever, cough and shortness of breath. The disease has devastated the country’s tourism market with restaurants, department stores, theaters and basically anywhere people would normally gather turning into ghost towns as people fear the spread of MERS. The first case started in Seoul and has reached surrounding provinces. While it seems the government has the illness under control, on July 2 two new cases of MERS were found after four days of no new cases. As of July 5, 33 people have died from MERS in South Korea while 2,467 people have been placed in isolation.
THIS WEEK’S SYNOPSES
"Here Comes Jang Bori"
Episodes 25 and 26
Sunday, 6:30 p.m.: Completely unaware that the people looking for Bo-ri are In-hwa and Soo-bong, Min-jung’s mom goes to Beeseulchae and finds Min-jung there. Min-jung’s mom is shocked to find out that In-hwa and Soo-bong sponsored Min-jung, and she raised their daughter Bo-ri.
Sunday, 7:45 p.m.: Bo-ri has a deja vu moment with Jae-hwa at the Beeseulchae. When In-hwa and Soo-bong tell Sumi that they decided to adopt Min-jung, she tearfully tells them not to give up on finding Eun-bee. Oak-soo begins to think that Bo-ri could actually be Eun-bee.
"The Privileged"
Episodes 3 and 4
Monday, 7:45 p.m.: Yoon-ha gets her job back at the Food Market with Kyung-joon’s help, and starts to develop special feelings for Joon-gi. Yoon-ha also runs into Joon-gi’s mom at work and finds Joon-gi even more endearing. Chang-soo starts to take interest in Ji-yi, who’s been indifferent to him.
Tuesday, 7:45 p.m.: Ji-yi is taken aback by Chang-soo’s kindness, but she finds herself being attracted to him. Yoon-ha asks Joon-gi out. Kyung-joon plans a two-week trip with Yoon-ha, but when she tells him she’s in love, he drops her off and leaves alone on the trip.
"The Mask"
Episodes 7 and 8
Wednesday, 7:45 p.m.: Seok-hoon is confused by his own feelings when he sees Ji-sook. He gives her a boxful of cash and tells her he will no longer help her. Min-woo suggests that Ji-sook and he sleep in the same bed, saying people might start to talk if they find out they’re sleeping separately.
Thursday, 7:45 p.m.: Seok-hoon stops Ji-sook just in time before she tells Min-woo the truth. Min-woo starts to suspect the relationship between Ji-sook and Seok-hoon. Min-woo finds out Eun-ha (Ji-sook) has been sponsoring an orphanage and tracks her to Ji-sook’s family’s restaurant.
"Divorce Lawyer in Love"
Episodes 17 and 18
Friday, 7:45 p.m.: Jung-woo’s fantasy of his dream wedding with Cheok-hee is shattered by none other than Cheok-hee herself. Cheok-hee comes up with a prenup, and Jung-woo is dumbfounded. The truth behind Ma Dong-gu’s death starts to come to light.
Saturday, 7:45 p.m.: Jo Yoo-sang disappears on the day of Woo-ram’s surgery. But he calls Cheok-hee and tries to make a deal. When Han Mi-ri finds out the truth behind Ma Dong-gu’s death, she confesses everything. Cheok-hee and Jung-woo decide on their own happy ending.
Jeff Chung is general manager of KBFD TV, which televises Korean dramas with English subtitles. Reach him at 521-8066 or jeffchung@kbfd.com.
