Yunjin Kim ("Lost") released her South Korean film "Ode to My Father" last week to great reviews and box office ticket sales. Kim is one of the first crossover Korean actresses who has seen success in South Korea and the United States.
"Ode to My Father" is a touching film that follows a family from the end of the Korean War to modern day. The original title "Kuk-je shi-jang" literally means "International Market," a real location in Busan where many Koreans retreated after nearly losing the peninsula to North Koreans.
Kim plays Youngja, wife to Deok-soo (Jeong-min Hwang), a North Korean refugee who loses his father and younger sister while fleeing the north.
The film pays homage to many famous Koreans of the time and those who started post-war companies, such as Chairman Chung of Hyundai Group, who dreamt of building a shipyard and ships; fashion icon Andre Kim; wrestler Lee Man-Ki; and Korean singers Na Hoon-a and Nam Jin.
After watching the film I emailed Yunjin Kim to congratulate her and she replied, noting that she was busy visiting theaters with the movie team as it was opening week in South Korea.
THIS WEEK’S SYNOPSES
"Modern Farmer"
Episodes 9 and 10
Sunday, 6:30 p.m.: After Illy’s transformation, Ki-jun’s heart starts racing every time he’s around her. He tries to explain his feelings, but can’t. Yun-hui makes spaghetti for Min-ki, but he takes off to meet with Yuna instead. The boys battle with the weeds in the cabbage field, but it’s a losing battle. Min-ki sells his car to Man-gu to get enough money, but it’s still not enough. They end up taking an unexpected part-time job in order to get the rest of the money needed for the vinyl.
Sunday, 7:45 p.m.: After Han-cheol helps Su-yeon get away from some goons, she decides he’s not such a bad guy after all. Min-ki and Yun-hui can’t stop bickering. Min-ki finds out during a protest relay that she’s been angry with him because he left without eating the spaghetti she made for him. Sang-deuk finds out how dire Mi-yeong’s financial situation is when he watches her daughter and father for a day.
"Secret Door"
Episodes 21 and 22
Monday, 7:45 p.m.: Na Cheol-ju orders Ji-dam to find out the exact route of the royal procession. But Ji-dam is caught by Chae Je-gong while going over some documents. Yi Sun is shocked when he finds out Na Cheol-ju is planning to assassinate the king. Hong Gye-hee keeps an even closer watch on the crown prince when he finds out the king has no plans to have another child.
Tuesday, 7:45 p.m.: The king finds out Hong Gye-hee had stashed national budget money for political funds and orders him to make sure the crown prince’s son is appointed as the next successor, but Hong Gye-hee objects, saying the crown prince misused his personal funds. The crown prince is pleased when Min Baek-sang agrees to oversee his library.
"Pinocchio"
Episodes 7 and 8
Wednesday, 7:45 p.m.: Dal-po and In-ha both believe they have the exclusive on the health club death, and anxiously watch the news. In-ha keeps avoiding Dal-po, and Dal-po feels hurt. In-ha meets Beom-jo’s mom when she visits Beom-jo at work.
Thursday, 7:45 p.m.: Dal-po meets Jae-myeong, his brother, when he goes out to get a clue about Moon Deok-su, the person who framed his father 13 years ago. But he gets a bad feeling and can’t reveal himself to his brother. In-ha is hurt and disappointed when Cha-ok still disregards her even after her story on the health club death.
"Birth of a Beauty"
Episode 9 and 10
Friday, 7:45 p.m.: Kang-joon is summoned for questioning regarding Geum-ran’s death. Sara is reborn with a new identity and makes her TV debut with Tae-hee’s help. Chae-yeon vows revenge on Sara when she sees Sara getting all the attention at the TV station.
Saturday, 7:45 p.m.: Tae-hee plans a night of elegance for Sara’s birthday, but Sara disappoints him with her behavior. Sara asks Tae-hee whether he likes Sara or Sa Geum-ran. Chae-yeon confirms that Tae-hee is the original successor to the Winner Group.
Jeff Chung is general manager of KBFD TV, which televises Korean dramas with English subtitles. Reach him at 521-8066 or jeffchung@kbfd.com.
