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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Sunday, May 20, 2007

For hallyu stars, Seoul is a big free lunch

K-Drama
By Jeff Chung

Manipulative subterfuge and unsubtle machinations stir things up on "Witch Ma."

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Everyone knows the Korean Peninsula is divided between North Korea and South Korea. But did you know Seoul, the capital of South Korea, has its own division? The Han River splits the city —north of the river is the older Kang book area, and south of the river is the newer Kang nam.

Kang book is more conservative and retains more traditions whereas Kang nam has new buildings, pricey high-end shops, and a more liberal veneer.

Hallyu stars are also split between the two areas.

I met with an entertainment industry person recently and learned some interesting celebrity trends in Korea in our discussion.

Being a hallyu star has its perks. We're not just talking about swag — in Korea, hallyu personalities have been getting free weddings. Sponsors line up to provide anything the stars need. The networks line up to film stars' weddings, to capture the celebrity guests. Marketing executives are in a frenzy over what to provide the star to get national TV coverage and endorsements. Hotels, clothing, entertainment and even honeymoons can be all sponsored. Travel agencies couldn't ask for a better endorsement than a honeymooning hallyu star using their services and going to a specific destination.

In Kang book, the place the celebrities are booking is the Shilla Hotel. Rumor has it that Shilla is the only hotel that will not sponsor a hallyu star wedding — which is exactly why the famous want the venue. It's for the famous to show off their success. In Kang nam, the hotel of choice is the Marriott. A newer building, the Marriott draws a younger, affluent crowd. Many hallyu stars have been married at the Marriott as well.

Korean broadcasters make money filming the weddings by having sponsors pay to have their logos appear as mosaics on the hotels' floors.

THIS WEEK'S K-DRAMA SYNOPSES

'DEAR LOVER'

EPISODES 3 AND 4

Tonight at 7: Dong-woo is shocked to see Ae-young move next door. Jae-in and Hyun-suk are shocked to see each other. Ae-young tells Dong-woo that she moved in next door to be close to him.

Tonight at 8: Ae-young comes up with the idea to get postoffice boxes for her and Dong-woo to send letters to each other. She hangs a yellow handkerchief outside on the clothesline as a signal to Dong-woo to check his mailbox. Dong-woo looks for a student who is in trouble with the law.

'WITCH MA'

EPISODES 7 AND 8

Tomorrow at 7:50 p.m.: To disrupt Yu-hee's date with Joon-ha, Mu-ryong tells Yu-hee that Johnny is ill, and Yu-hee rushes over to Johnny's.

Tuesday at 7:50 p.m.: Yu-hee punches Johnny when he surprises her with a kiss. Mu-ryong tells Johnny to fill a void in Yu-hee's heart left by Joon-ha. Yu-hee tells a lie to get out of an arranged date.

'TO MY LOVE'

EPISODES 15 AND 16

Wednesday at 7:50 p.m.: Chang-hun tries to file for marriage, but Hyun-ju stops him out of loyalty to Chang-hun's mother, who disapproves. Suk-ju and Jung-min's wedding plans are derailed when Jung-min demands that she raise the child.

Thursday at 7:50 p.m.: Ignoring Suh-young's wishes and his family's vehement objections, Suk-ju takes the baby and brings her to Jung-min's home.

'CRAZY FOR LOVE'

EPISODES 15 AND 16

Friday at 7:50 p.m.: Jin-young leaves her parents' house and goes over to Chae-joon's. Oh-joon refuses to accept Jin-young and Chae-joon, and tells Jin-young never to come back home. Chung-ho and Chae-joon get into another scuffle — and someone is hurt.

Saturday at 7:50 p.m.: In this final episode, Hyeon-cheol and Jin-young are shocked when they hear about Chae-joon from Chung-ho. Min-hee blames everything on Jin-young. Chae-joon wants to keep his condition a secret, but Min-hee spills the beans.