The Hawaii International Film Festival hosts its 20th Spring Showcase presented by Halekulani from March 31 to April 9. The Korean entries in the film festival have always been a strength for HIFF, but since South Korean films have become a regular fixture in local theaters, it’s becoming more of a challenge to get feature films to show at the film festival. But HIFF continues to be a conduit for South Korean documentaries, animation, short films and independent films that normally do not get theatrical distribution. The list of South Korean films for HIFF Spring Showcase this year: “The Prison” (opening-night film), “Bluebeard,” “Confidential Assignment,” “Detour” and “The Master.” Visit hiff.org for more information.
THIS WEEK’S SYNOPSES
‘Perfect Bride’
Episodes 35 and 36
>> Today, 6:30 p.m.: Nae-shim has harsh words for Geum-shik for meeting Jae-soon after the divorce. Geum-shik seriously rethinks the relationship afterward. Gab-dol and Gab-soon make a firm resolve to push forward with their marriage.
>> Today, 7:45 p.m.: Do-geum prepares for Shi-nae and Soo-jo to meet. He also prepares himself to part with Soo-jo. Gab-soon aggressively pushes forward with the wedding. Gab-dol feels guilty thinking of his sick mother.
‘Innocent Defendant’
Episodes 8 and 9
>> Monday, 7:45 p.m.: Desperate, Min-ho runs into Sun-ho’s mistress and seeks Yun-hee’s help. Jung-woo gives up his case and decides to escape to find his daughter.
>> Tuesday, 7:45 p.m.: Jung-woo becomes furious at remembering Min-ho’s action. But he feigns ignorance and continues to observe Min-ho. Min-ho purposely provokes Jung-woo to get a rise out of him, leading to a psychological battle.
‘Saimdang, Memoir of Colors’
Episodes 9 and 10
>> Wednesday, 7:45 p.m.: Yi Gyum feels bitter when Saimdang refuses to support Hyun-ryong. Saimdang decides to make paper to support her family. Whieumdang holds a mother-and-son poem and painting competition, and the subject catches Saimdang by surprise.
>> Thursday, 7:45 p.m.: Saimdang calls Yi Gyum for help to find Hyun-ryong, who’s been coming home late. Yi Gyum discreetly probes into Min Chi-hyung’s past, especially on Woonpyungsa events. Saimdang accepts an unreasonable order of 5,000 colored sheets of paper.
‘Happy Home’
Episode 38 and 39
>> Friday, 7:45 p.m.: Gyeong-ok relays an apology to Hae-ryung on air to try bring her back to Hyun-ki. Mi-soon submits a paternity test for Woo-ri and Man-ho. Meanwhile, Mi-soon asks Se-ri who Woo-ri’s father is.
>> Saturday, 7:45 p.m.: It is revealed that Woo-ri is not Man-ho’s son. Se-ri departs, leaving a note asking for Woo-ri’s welfare. Gyeong-ok goes to see Young-woo, which angers Ji-gun. Ji-gun warns Gyeong-ok to stay away.
Jeff Chung is general manager of KBFD-TV, which televises Korean dramas with English subtitles. Reach him at 521-8066 or jeffchung@kbfd.com.
