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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Friday, March 27, 2009

'Chitchat of Beautiful Ladies' is a hit

By Jeff Chung

Some of the new celebrities in Korea are not even Korean.

A new talk show program called "Chitchat of Beautiful Ladies" ("Minyuhdulae suda") on the KBS network is sweeping the country. It features 16 single, non-Korean women who live in Korea and speak in Korean with emcee Nam Hee Seok about their cultural experiences.

Over a million foreigners reside in Korea. This program has been a huge hit as it gives Koreans a chance to learn how foreigners view the Korean culture. Women from the U.S., Japan, China, Canada, U.K., New Zealand, Uzbekistan, Taiwan and other countries have been guests; they are all young, beautiful and have varying levels of proficiency in the Korean language. Most have distinct accents when speaking the Korean language, and that, coupled with their language proficiency, is a recipe for humor as they talk about personal experiences in Korea, including dating, eating, communicating, shopping and social life.

Five male panelists on the show ask questions. At the end of the show, they vote on who becomes the day's Talk Queen.

Several of the women on the show have gone on to become models in TV commercials, or have found acting opportunities. The fact that they can speak Korean creates opportunities in the entertainment industry.

See "Chitchat of Beautiful Ladies" at 7 p.m. Sundays on Channel 80 on Oceanic Cable digital.

THIS WEEK'S K-DRAMA SYNOPSES

'THE FAMILY OF HONOR'

EPISODES 33 AND 34

Tonight at 7:45 p.m.: The Ha family elders oppose the marriage, but promise permission if Gang-suk gets his parents' permission too. Mal-soon's mother walks in on Tae-young and Mal-soon. Dan-ah goes to Lee residence to meet Gang-suk's parents. Tomorrow at 7:45 p.m.: Gang-suk's parents are livid over Gang-suk wanting to marry Dan-ah. Their animosity toward Dan-ah grows deeper. Tae-young accepts Gang-suk as brother-in-law. Soo-young asks Jin-ah to marry him. Chairman Lee finds out Gang-suk opted for joint management without notifying him.

'GLASS CASTLE'

EPISODES 32 AND 33

Sunday at 6:45 p.m.: Suk-jin and Joon-hee take Sul-ki to an amusement park and have a good time. Min-joo keeps trying to get her mother-in-law's approval, to no avail. Yu-ran sets the rules with Hyong-seok. Sunday at 7:45 p.m.: Min-joo leaves her in-law's house and Joon-song follows suit. He finds out what a hard time she's been having and tries to find a solution. However, his mother is unrelenting.

'TERROIR'

EPISODES 19 AND 20

Monday at 7:45 p.m.: Woo-ju is confused to find her baby picture in Sang-jin's wallet. Sang-jin signals Tae-min for help. Mr. Yang is confused when Joy asks for help in getting started in the wine business. Tuesday at 7:45 p.m.: Bottles of Lafite D'Aussie for the launching event arrive damaged, and Tae-min must turn to Mr. Yang. Ji-sun finally gives up on her relationship with Tae-min and decides to leave the country.

'CELEBRITY LOVER'

EPISODES 17 AND 18

Wednesday at 7:45 p.m.: Mari announces that she and President Jung Woo-jin are engaged, to save Chul-su. It's now one year later. Mari and Jung Woo-jin continue to fake romance; Chul-su is publishing his third book. One of Chul-su's books is being made into a movie. Mari takes the leading role, causing the two to meet again. Thursday at 7:45 p.m.: Chul-su tries to resist Mari. Mr. Suh comes back and tries to control Mari again. Mari finds herself in a helpless situation and causes herself to be in a car accident.