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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Sunday, July 30, 2006

KBS America launches TV channel in Isles

By Jeff Chung

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Hawai'i's Korean community unofficially totals around 50,000, with another 40,000 who are part-Korean. For such a small advertising base, there are a lot of Korean-language media — two newspapers, two AM radio stations and KBFD.

So what's next for those who just can't get enough Korean entertainment?

KBFD and KBS America are proud to announce the start of KBS America on Oceanic Time Warner Cable in Hawai'i. The digital Channel 80 had a soft launch in April. We have been testing new equipment and working out bugs in the system.

The official launch date is Aug. 1. KBS America will kick off with special programming. You will be able to watch the KBS drama classics such as "Full House" and "Emperor of the Sea."

Most of the programming on KBS America is subtitled.

Besides producing hit K-dramas such as "Winter Sonata" and "Conditions of Love," KBS also is known for its reputable news, documentaries and educational programming — all of which is now available on Oceanic digital cable.

Established on July 16, 2004, Los Angeles-based KBS America is dedicated to providing top-quality broadcast services in North America and promoting cultural ties between South Korea and the United States.

KBS America's scheduling policy will be based on geography and season. As an initial step, KBS America will deliver its broadcasting signal to the subscribers of regional MSOs (multi-service operators) in Los Angeles, Seattle, Atlanta, Washington, D.C., New York and New Jersey and increase its platforms for broader access. To achieve this, KBS America has been attempting to speed up the negotiation process with the regional MSOs.

Jeff Chung is general manager of KBFD, which televises Korean dramas. For K-drama questions or comments, call KBFD at 521-8066 or write Chung at jeffchung@kbfd.com.



SIBLINGS REUNITE IN NEW SERIES 'ONE FINE DAY'

'INFAMOUS CHILL SISTERS'

EPISODES 5 AND 6

Tonight at 7: Myong-ja urges Mi-chill to get married. Mi-chill finds out Seol-chill has a blind date with an officer. Il-han sees Mi-chill with another man at a nightclub. Seol-chil tells Il-han about her blind date.

Tonight at 8: Il-han goes to find Mi-chill at her favorite night club. Yang-pal tells Seol-chill to marry the officer, but she is tormented by her feelings for Il-han.

'SMILE AGAIN'

EPISODES 9 AND 10

Tomorrow at 7:50 p.m.: Ha-jin carries a drunk Dan-hee home, and Joong-man tells Ha-jin not to break Dan-he's heart. Chairman Yoon sees Ha-jin and Yong-ki together.

Tuesday at 7:50 p.m.: Yu-kang hides when she sees Kang-doo with Chairman Yoon. Ha-jin finds out Yu-kang used her father to tie him down. Joong-man visits Sarah Jung at her house.

'LOVE & AMBITION'

EPISODES 33 AND 34

Wednesday at 7:50 p.m.: Sun-hee lives a new life after her surgery. Tae-joon runs into Koh Dong-chul and he reminds him of his past dalliance with Mi-ja. Tae-joon's mother refuses to attend Tae-joon's wedding.

Thursday at 7:50 p.m.: Tae-joon goes on a month-and-a-half-long business trip right after the wedding. Mi-ja gives up on any hope of a honeymoon. Tae-soo catches Jung-ja as she leaves an inn.

'ONE FINE DAY'

EPISODES 1 AND 2

In this new K-drama, brother and sister Gun and Ha-neul were inseparable. But they were forced to separate when their parents died. When he left for Australia, Gun promised Ha-neul he'd come back for her. But 15 years later, Ha-neul is living as Hae-won, a daughter of a rich businessman with an adopted brother who hates her. Just as she's preparing to leave her adopted family, Gun comes back unexpectedly into her life.

It stars Sung Yuri, Gong Yoo and Nam Goong-min.

It airs Fridays and Saturdays at 7:50 p.m. and re-airs Saturdays and Sundays at noon.

Friday at 7:50 p.m.: Separated from his baby sister against his will, Gun promises to return for his sister Ha-neul when he was taken to Australia by Kyong-taek. But years pass, and Gun is still in Australia living as a bum when he gets a call from Sung-chan, his friend from Korea.

Saturday at 7:50 p.m.: Ha-neul has been living as Park Hae-won for 15 years ever since her brother left her. Although her adopted family loves her, she has been planning to leave them.