A year ago, on May 1, The Honolulu Advertiser and KBFD launched this Korean-drama and culture column in the Sunday Island Life section.

Today, when I run into people, they often ask if I really write all the columns myself. The answer is yes.

I must admit the first few months were easy because topics on the television shows were abundant. But over time, as people have become increasingly familiar with K-dramas, I've expanded to explaining cultural differences between South Korea and the United States, taking into account the social, economic and political issues portrayed in the current dramas.

I would like to thank The Advertiser for taking interest in the social phenomenon of Korean dramas and their impact on the Hawai'i community. Hawai'i is at the forefront of the Korean-drama craze in the U.S. — it's three to five years ahead of the Mainland, with non-Koreans taking to heart Korean dramas and cinema.

The local Korean-drama fan base is probably the best versed in Korean actors' and actresses' names, marital status and upcoming appearances. Hawai'i fans are making their mark as they visit South Korea to see drama locations and meet their favorite stars.

The Korean-drama column has become an online portal where fans can log on to the message board to discuss dramas and related topics. This column has become the source for almost all things Korean, with local community events, celebrity news and visits, Korean cultural trends and drama updates and news, as well as Hawaii International Film Festival news as South Korean cinema has become an integral part of hallyu, the Korean wave.

We at KBFD, in partnership with The Advertiser, will continue to bring more value to K-drama fans with more promotions in months to come. This February and March, the column gave away eight K-drama DVD sets to lucky winners. We will hold more contests and give away new DVD releases and tickets to the film festival in October.

There is no doubt that Korean culture has gained visibility via television and the film festival. K-drama fan clubs count more than 700 active members, and several hundred have visited drama location sites in South Korea. Koreans in Hawai'i also have benefited from Hallyu. Koreans have never been more proud of their heritage. The more we share our culture, the more non-Koreans can understand who we are.

CROWN PRINCE HOPING FOR LOYAL PARTNER IN 'PALACE'

'THE PALACE'

EPISODES 17 AND 18

Friday at 7:50 p.m.: Shin asks Chae-kyong to stay by his side even when he's not the crown prince. The empress offers to sponsor Hyo-rin. Yool asks permission to have Shin and Chae-kyong go away with him for his birthday party.

Saturday at 7:50 p.m.: The emperor begins to wonder if Shin is the right man to succeed him. Chae-kyong is heartbroken when she finds out Shin and Hyo-rin planned to study abroad together. Yool confesses his feelings to Chae-kyong.

'LOVE & AMBITION'

EPISODES 9 AND 10

Wednesday at 7:50 p.m.: Mi-ja's father fails to take Mi-ja home. Mi-ja's first movie is a hit, and she's on a road to success with director Kim's help. Tae-joon refuses to see Mi-ja's movie, and Hong-jo goes alone to meet Mi-ja.

Thursday at 7:50 p.m.: Tae-joon and Mi-ja realize they still love each other. Tae-joon proposes to Mi-ja. Mi-ja tells Hae-joo she's getting married in three years, and Hae-joo tells director Kim to give up on Mi-ja.

'WHAT'S YOUR STAR'

EPISODES 3 AND 4

Tomorrow at 7:50 p.m.: Bok-shil starts working for Seung-hee. Jung-hoon finds a scar on Bok-shil's arm and finds out where it's from. Suspicious of her identity, Jung-hoon calls Mr. Park to find out.

Tuesday at 7:50 p.m.: Bok-shil resigns from work and returns her phone and money to Seung-hee. She finds out her mother is ill. Mr. Jo asks Seung-hee to give a lecture to his class.

'THANK YOU, LIFE'

EPISODES 5 AND 6

Tonight at 7: Yoon-ho is heartbroken as he watches Yeonkyong go through one test after another. But In-seok has mixed feelings when he sees Yeonkyong and Yoon-ho together. Yeon-kyong's condition requires immediate surgery.

Tonight at 8: Yeon-kyong is busy wrapping things up at home and work before her surgery. Yoon-ho is called into the operating room.

Jeff Chung is general manager of KBFD, which televises K-dramas. If you have a K-drama question or comment, call KBFD at 521-8066 or reach him at jeffchung@kbfd.com.