You may have been wondering where your favorite actors are. Some of them have been absent from recent dramas.

Here's the answer: Quite a few male stars are doing their mandatory military service in South Korea — guys such as So Ji Seop ("Something Happened in Bali," "I Am Sorry, I Love You"), and Song Seung Heon ("Summer Scent," "Autumn Story").

All South Korean males age 18 to 35 must serve in the military. Refusing to do mandatory service is punishable by imprisonment. Military service is considered one of the four constitutional duties along with taxes, education and labor. This law applies only to males. Service time is 24 months (Army and Marine Corps) or 28 months (Navy and Air Force).

Dramas often feature characters fresh out of high school or in college going off to the military.

Military service is often seen as a coming-of-age experience. Most prefer to go at a younger age as training is rigorous and, more important, rank supersedes age. Some men have a hard time taking orders from a much younger man; in a Confucian society this may be hard to accept.

Song Seung Heon has been in the service for the past two years and will be released from the military on Wednesday. International TV networks are clamoring for news of his release. The star has booked the Seoul Olympic stadium for Nov. 18 and 19 to greet his fans, who are expected to come from all over Asia.

Other stars who are in military service include Han Jae Suk ("Glass Slippers," "All About Eve"), Ji Sung ("All In," "Conditions of Love"), Yoon Gye Sang (a member of the band GOD), and singers Cho Sung Mo and Mun Hee Jun.

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

THIS WEEK'S K-DRAMA SYNOPSES

'INFAMOUS CHILL SISTERS'

EPISODES 35 AND 36

Tonight at 7: Ilhan tells Mi-chil that he broke up with her because of Seol-chil. Mi-chil confronts Seol-chil. Seol-chil meets Lt. Bang's parents. Ilhan tells Hanam to stop Seol-chil from marrying the man she doesn't love.

Tonight at 8: Mi-chil tells her mother she'd never have a joint wedding with Seol-chil. Taeja prepares a little show for depressed Chansoon on her husband's memorial day. Lt. Bang and Hanam agree to a drinking contest over Seol-chil.

'KOREA SECRET AGENCY'

EPISODES 7 AND 8

Tomorrow at 7:50 p.m.: Choe Kang's old gangster friend Gwang-chul proposes that they go into the illegal casino business together. Kang refuses, but when Gwang-chul tells him that Chung Yun-hee will be at the casino, Kang agrees. Joo-yon is eager to get in on the action.

Tuesday at 7:50 p.m.: Kang, Un-hyok, and Yun-hee have another chance meeting at an illegal casino run by Kang's friend. Once again, Kang has unwittingly prevented a criminal transaction, and Yun-hee becomes more wary of him than ever.

'LOVE & AMBITION'

EPISODES 63 AND 64

Wednesday at 7:50 p.m.: Tae-joon cuts short his reunion with Jae-eun to visit Mi-ja and congratulate her on her hit movie, but Mi-ja leaves to attend a party. Sun-hee and Hong-jo run into Tae-joon and Jae-eun at the restaurant. Tae-soo sees Bong-jin throw a fit at the pool and gives him a good beating.

Thursday at 7:50 p.m.: Tae-soo moves Jung-ja's parents to a new apartment. In the mean-time, Jung-ja starts a private loan business. Tae-joon starts to open up to Jae-eun. Mi-ja is shocked and disappointed when she learns Tae-joon has a girlfriend.

'IRELAND'

EPISODES 15 AND 16

Friday at 7:50 p.m.: Bu-ja takes to bed when she finds out Jae-bok disappeared from the hospital. Joong-ah takes care of sick Bu-ja, but she doesn't tell her where Jae-bok is. Joong-ah gets news of Sung-man's death, and finally calls him dad. On Si-yeon's father's birthday, the whole family goes to dinner at a fancy restaurant, but Si-yeon's father tells the family he misses his old house. Kang-gook brings up divorce with Joong-ah.

Saturday at 7:50 p.m.: Final episode. Synopsis not available.