One of the most popular dramas on KBFD these days is the Monday- and Tuesday-night series "The King and I," produced by the SBS network in South Korea. This period piece has all the qualities that make a successful series: a great cast, colorful costumes (reflecting the Joseon dynasty), a love story and many plots between characters.

The main character is not King Sungjong but a palace eunuch, Kim Chuh-sun, whose birth is unknown. Chuh-sun was abandoned as an infant by the king's nurse and the father has not been revealed. Kim Chuh-sun was raised by a shaman mother and worked as a low-class castrator before castrating himself to become a eunuch himself to protect his love, So-hwa, who had entered the palace as a royal concubine.

Fans of "King and I" are sending me e-mail and calling about further explanation of the eunuchs' role in the old- palace period of Korea. The eunuchs in the series play a very powerful role in palace life, which has many fans confused and interested.

Eunuchs in Korea were called nae-si and existed from the Koryo dynasty until they were dismissed in the Kabo reform of 1894. Eunuchs were the closest servants to the royal family, performing many personal functions. Eunuchs were bodyguards for the king and his harem. They also performed the simple tasks of running errands, cleaning, washing and security. Eunuchs were usually born to low-class households, though some were from official families.

Eunuchs in Korea were allowed to marry and adopt sons, who also became eunuchs. In the series "King and I," castrator Chun-dong is adopted by the captain of the eunuchs who then re-names him Kim Chuh-sun. Eunuchs watched over the king every moment of the day, serving his needs, and because of this had the king's ear. Eunuchs were the king's eyes and ears to the world, therefore had much influence and power. Other government officials despised the eunuchs for their influence over the ruler.

Eunuchs had access to information from all levels of the government and could often filter information to the king, unduly influencing him. Because they were usually from poor backgrounds and uneducated, they often had a greed for power and status, spreading corruption in the palace.

THIS WEEK'S K-DRAMA SYNOPSES

'BRIDE FROM VIETNAM'

Episodes 35 and 36

Tonight at 7: Offended by Inkyong's message to Jun-wu, Jin-ju confronts In-kyong only to be humiliated by her yet again. In-kyong tells Jun-wu that Jin-ju returned her birthday gift to him, and Jun-wu apologizes to her.

Tonight at 8: Se-mi goes back to school, but Ok-kyong comes to take her to the hospital when Young-su collapses from starvation. Ji-young tries to convince Young-su to enroll in a school in Philadelphia, but Young-su won't hear of it. Ji-young's fear grows when she sees Se-mi.

'THE KING & I'

Episodes 15 and 16

Tomorrow at 7:50 p.m.: King Sungjong takes out his anger and frustration on So-hwa and asks her who the man she loves is. The queen mother and great queen mother ask Chi-gyeom who the man was that So-hwa loved before she entered the palace, but Chi-gyeom denies knowing.

Tuesday at 7:50 p.m.: Rumors about So-hwa rapidly spread in the palace, and he volunteers to leave. The queen tells the king of So-hwa's innocence. So-hwa begs for the king's forgiveness.

'LOBBYIST'

Episodes 9 and 10

Wednesday at 7:50 p.m.: When James asks Maria about her relationship with Harry, she shrugs it off. Chairman Kang supports Tae-hyuk's decision to go to Ginystan. Pablo, suspicious of Madam Chae's relationship with Harry, orders his men to beat up Harry. Madam Chae suggests Harry go to Ginystan to sell her weapons.

Thursday at 7:50 p.m.: Tae-hyuk is shocked when he sees Maria in Ginystan. When Maria finds out Tae-hyuk is her rival, she bows to win the contract. Harry is taken by Viktor, Ginystan's rebel army leader, and his men. Maria goes on a hunting trip with the son of Ginystan's president and is attacked by the rebel.

'THE TIME BETWEEN DOG & WOLF'

Episodes 9 and 10

Friday at 7:50 p.m.: Joong-ho finds Ji-woo's picture while listening to a recorded file, and realizes the relationship between Ji-woo, Young-gil and Mao. Kay takes Shaoming's present to Ji-woo to Thailand. Ji-woo is shocked when she sees Kay. Saturday at 7:50 p.m.: Min-gi tells Ji-woo that Joong-ho died because of Kay. Mao asks Chief Jung to release Kay, but he refuses. After his release, Kay goes to see Mao. Young-gil and Ji-woo are surprised to see Mao and Kay together. Mao asks Young-gil for a ship to smuggle in his goods.