I've had several conversations with entertainment executives and directors about filming a Korean drama series or even a movie here in Hawai'i.

There are scripts being developed for these projects, but it's still a long shot as there are many obstacles to overcome.

Whether it is a TV series or a movie, production budgets are a challenge today, with increased fees for hallyu stars and rising costs in general. One positive note is that the weaker dollar means South Korean currency may have a little more value, making the projects more appealing.

There hasn't been a Korean TV series or a feature film filmed here yet. Several movies have presented their locations as Hawai'i but were shot on Guam or Saipan, where costs are lower. Visas for the filming crew are always an issue as well.

Koreans production teams are not too familiar with labor unions, filming permits or the kinds of laws with which they would have to comply in the Islands. The cost of living here — from meals and lodging to transportation — is much higher than in Asian countries that neighbor South Korea, and these places are throwing out the red carpet for Korean production companies.

Production companies in South Korea do know that many Hollywood films are shot here and that Hawai'i offers many types of locations, including looks other than a tropical background.

I believe the benefits will outweigh the difficulties. The obvious economic benefits for us are that production money will be brought into the state. Hallyu fans likely would be hired as extras. The biggest benefit would be using the film or TV series to promote global tourism to our state.

Hawai'i isn't the only place that has gone crazy for hallyu. Korean dramas are even more popular in Japan, China, Thailand, the Philippines and Taiwan. The popular TV series "Winter Ballad" has made it to Arab countries, and even Kazakhstan. South Korean films have gotten a lot of attention worldwide, winning awards at many international film festivals including Cannes, Venice, Berlin and in Shanghai.

Korean dramas filmed in places such as Bali, Prague and Paris helped dramatically increase the tourism to the filming locations. Hit TV series such as "Lovers in Paris," "Lovers in Prague," and "Hearts in Bali" were successful in bringing visitors to those places from locations where the series were shown, which included not just South Korea but many Asian countries.

So if the state of Hawai'i and the private sector here could help in getting a Korea TV series or a Korean film shot in Hawai'i, that end product will get into many other countries. The advertising value alone is worth millions of dollars.

THIS WEEK'S K-DRAMA SYNOPSES

'BRIDE FROM VIETNAM,'

EPISODES 29 and 30

Tonight at 7: Bok-ryu confronts Sung-il with the cassette tape and the coaster Jin-ju brought. Sung-il confesses to being Jin-ju's father but begs her not to tell his wife. However, Ok-kyong walks in on them and begins to question about the secret they're hiding from her.

Tonight at 8: Ji-young is shocked to find Jun-wu at a meeting with the investment company people. She runs out in shock, but In-kyong tells her to keep her cool so that Young-min won't find out about her past. On her first day of rice making class, Jin-ju is taken to a rice paddy.

'KING & I,'

EPISODES 9 AND 10

Tomorrow at 7:50 p.m.: Chu-seon delivers king's jewel to So-hwa, and tells her the king hasn't forgotten her. Chu-seon is torn between his love for So-hwa and his loyalty to the king.

Tuesday at 7:50 p.m.: King Sungjong throws a banquet, and Moon So-wun makes fun of eunuchs and escorts. The banquet is interrupted when Yoon Ho barges in and stops the festivities.

'LOBBYIST,'

EPISODES 3 AND 4

Wednesday at 7:50 p.m.: So-young's family arrives in New York to find that they've been conned by Sung-sik's friend. With no money and no place to live, the family takes on all kinds of odd jobs to make a living. Harry and Susie's lives are unbearable, living with their abusive uncle.

Thursday at 7:50 p.m.: All grown up, Maria (So-young) now drives the bus she used to drive, and Eva, her older sister, has become an intelligence officer with the U.S. Navy. Harry, after running away from his abusive uncle with Susie, barely makes a living and is on the run from the mafia because of his debt.

'TIME BETWEEN DOG & WOLF,'

EPISODES 3 AND 4

Friday at 7:50 p.m.: Ji-woo gives a painting to Soo-hyun and Min-ki. Min-ki gives the painting to Soo-hyun and tells him that Ji-woo likes him. Young-kil runs into Mao, and Mao tells him Hye-sun is dead. Soo-hyun tells Ji-woo that he only wants to remain friends with her. Saturday at

7:50 p.m.: Soo-hyun arrives at Bangkok, and Ji-woo follows him. Soo-hyun is surprised to find Ji-woo in Bangkok, and Soo-hyun tells Ji-woo he's in Bangkok to look someone up. Soo-hyun and Ji-woo have a good time at the beach, and they decide to visit their old neighborhood.