Many are not aware of the importance of the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Honolulu. Established in 1948, the Honolulu office, which covered Hawaii and American Samoa, was one of the first five overseas missions set up by the Korean government.
Today, as much focus is on Asia’s economy and politics, the office, under the leadership of Consul General Walter Paik, keeps stewardship of the ROK-U.S. alliance with the U.S. Pacific Command (USPACOM). USPACOM encompasses Asia, Southeast Asia, India, Australia, New Zealand and Antarctica. This equates to 36 nations and more than half of the world’s population. The recent increase of military activity in North Korea — from long-range missile tests and desired nuclear development — emphasizes Hawaii’s important and much-needed outpost for South Korea.
This week’s synopses
“My Daughter, Sawol”
Episodes 31 and 32
Today, 6:30 p.m.: Sawol is awestruck at seeing the mansion Ki-hwang lives in. Ki-hwang tells her the house was built for Owel. While conversing with Man-hoo at the gallery, Dukyeh video-chats with Heather, leading Man-hoo to believe Dukyeh and Heather are two different people.
Today, 7:45 p.m.: Dukyeh tries to take Ji-sang out of the care home. Hyesang finds out that Sae-hoon is a prosecutor and pushes forward with the relationship. Sawol, with Hong-do at her side, goes to Bogum Group’s anniversary banquet to expose Man-hoo.
“The Royal Gambler”
Episodes 19 and 20
Monday, 7:45 p.m.: Jung Hee-ryang pledges to support Yi In-jwa’s goal. Yi In-jwa cuts his finger and writes the pledge with his blood. He then asks Jung Hee-ryang to sign the letter with his blood if he agrees. Prince Yeoning questions Prince Yeon-ryung’s sudden death and requests the crown prince investigate. The crown prince refuses, insisting Prince Yeon-ryung’s death must be left alone.
Tuesday, 7:45 p.m.: King Gyeong-jong ascends the throne after King Suk-jong. Yi In-jwa seeks the new king’s audience, urging him to appoint Prince Yeoning as the crown prince. Yi In-jwa tells the new king that appointing Prince Yeoning as the new crown prince will surely set apart the allies and the foes. King Gyeong-jong is suspicious of Yi In-jwa. Jung Hee-ryang gives the blood letter to Hong Mae, then Yi In-jwa finds out that she has the letter. Hong Mae gives up the letter at Yi In-jwa’s threat. Moo Myung is ordered by Yi In-jwa to eliminate Hong Mae.
“The Entertainer”
Episodes 15 and 16
Wednesday, 7:45 p.m.: Suk-ho falls into a state of panic when he realizes the truth behind Jo Sung-hyun’s death. The band falls into a dilemma whether to perform at the “Legend Again” program, after hearing Suk-ho’s confession. Suk-ho searches for Choi Joon-ha and comes across surprising information.
Thursday, 7:45 p.m.: Choi Joon-ha prepares to return to Australia. Ha-neul finds out and heads for the airport to meet Choi Joon-ha. Suk-ho realizes Mr. Byun has kept a copy of Sung-hyun’s video.
“Pretty Ugly”
Episodes 9 and 10
Friday, 7:45 p.m.: Gong Shim leaves for Jeju island, which is abundant with flowers. Dan-tae relays his apology to Chairman Nam, unable to find Jun-pyo. Gong Shim is plagued by hallucinations regarding Dan-tae. Through another nightmare, Dan-tae realizes evidence about Jun-pyo.
Saturday, 7:45 p.m.: Dan-tae begs Chairman Nam to give him a job. Gong Mi asks Dan-tae to keep her relationship with Gong Shim a secret. Gong Shim is in hot pursuit of a Jeju branch chief who hasn’t paid her salary, and Dan-tae comes to her rescue.
Jeff Chung is general manager of KBFD TV, which televises Korean dramas with English subtitles. Reach him at 521-8066 or jeffchung@kbfd.com.
