Today marks the 56th anniversary of the Korean War. The "Forgotten War" began June 25, 1950, when the North Korean army crossed the 38th parallel and attacked South Korea.

Although the Korean War is not officially over — the demilitarized zone at the 38th parallel is still one of the most fortified borders in the world today — an armistice was signed between North and South Korea on July 27, 1953.

The civil war split the country into the Democratic People's Republic of Korea in the north and the Republic of Korea in the south.

The North Korean army was backed by China and the Soviet Union while South Korea was supported by the United States and the United Nations. South Korea nearly lost the war when the North Korean army had pushed the South Koreans to the port city of Busan in September 1950. But Gen. Douglas MacArthur's daring Incheon landing turned the war around, and the U.N. forces retook most of the peninsula by November 1950.

It was then that the Chinese army entered the war, pushing the U.N. forces back and retaking Pyongyang and Seoul.

One of the war's most infamous battles took place at Chosin Reservoir (also known as Changjin Reservoir) in North Korean territory. About 15,000 U.N. ground troops, mostly from the 7th Infantry Division, went up against 70,000 Chinese. With the harsh North Korean winter temperature at 30 below zero, 3,000 were killed, 6,000 wounded and thousands suffered frostbite.

The men who fought in this battle are known as the Chosin Few. They successfully held the Chinese back, and for their valor, the military awarded 17 Medals of Honor and 70 Navy Crosses — the most awards for a single battle in U.S. military history.

Because of the heroic Chosin Few, nearly 100,000 North Korean men, women and children were able to flee communism.

Hawai'i played its part — 16,594 men from the Islands went to Korea. Many Hawai'i soldiers spread their aloha by sharing rice and rations with children and refugees.

The Forgotten War divided not only Korea. Many Korean families were separated by the split.

Now showing on KBFD on Mondays and Tuesdays at 9:30 p.m. is "Seoul 1945," which deals with the happenings right before the start of the Korean War. In the drama, the character Choi Oon-hyuk becomes a North Korean commander. Although there has been some criticism about the drama's historical accuracy, you will still get a general idea of events that led up to the war.

To the brave soldiers who gave their lives in the Korean War and rest peacefully at Punchbowl, and the veterans who will be paying their respects at the memorial this morning, you are heroes who will not be forgotten.

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

'LIFE' GOES ON WITH HELP FROM FRIENDS

'THANK YOU, LIFE'

EPISODES 19 AND 20

Tonight at 7 p.m.: In-seok begs Yeon-kyong to let him help her, but Yeon-kyong refuses to accept his help. Yoon-ho leaves for China to look for his missing brother. Yoon-ho gets a call from In-seok on his return.

Tonight at 8 p.m.: Yoon-ho is stunned when In-seok tells him Yeon-kyong has given up on treatment. He is overcome with guilt when Yeon-kyong won't go to the hospital. Kyong-sook hands Yeon-kyong a large sum of money, telling her she collected on her loan.

'DRAMA CITY'

Monday and Tuesday at 7:50 p.m.: Synopsis not available.

'LOVE & AMBITION'

EPISODES 23 AND 24

Wednesday at 7:50 p.m.: Tae-soo's mom is upset when Tae-soo comes home beaten to a pulp. Tae-soo refuses to tell Tae-joon the assailants' names. Eun-hwan goes on a blind date.

Thursday at 7:50 p.m.: Mi-ja confesses her feelings to Tae-joon, and he accepts readily. Mi-ja's father passes away. Tae-soo decides to help with his mother's new restaurant, but Jung-ja is unhappy about her husband working at a restaurant.

'ALONE IN LOVE'

EPISODES 7 AND 8

Friday at 7:50 p.m.: Eun-ho gathers everyone to make an announcement. Afraid Eun-ho will say she'll go steady with Hyun-joong, Dong-jin says he's decided to make it official with Mi-yon.

Saturday at 7:50 p.m.: Dong-jin and Eun-ho continue their meaningless encounters. Joon-pyo and Ji-ho plan a trip in an attempt to get Dong-jin and Eun-ho back together.