Korean film and TV drama star Shin Hyun Joon will be coming to the 26th Louis Vuitton Hawaii International Film Festival next month. Shin is also a star in other Asian countries such as Japan and China. Not many hallyu stars have this kind of exposure or experience.

Shin will be in town for the Oct. 23 U.S. premiere of his latest film, "Marrying the Mafia 3: The Resurrection of Family" ("Gamun Eh Boo Hwal"). The film is the third chapter in a popular Korean family gangster-comedy series.

Visit www.gamun2006.co.kr for film information; www.hiff .org for more on the premiere.

Born in 1968, Shin Hyun Joon studied at Yonsei University, often referred to as the Yale of Korea, with a major in athletics. He enjoys travel, swimming, tennis, scuba diving and golf. His site is at www.olive9.com.

Hawai'i hallyu fans have seen Shin most recently in the Korean film "Barefoot Kibong," which was a sellout at K-Fest 2 a few weeks ago at Dole Cannery theaters. He was also in the 2004 SBS TV drama hit "Stairway to Heaven," as the artist character Han Tae-hwa. Shin also appeared in the Japanese TV series "Rondo," which aired this year. After starring in the joint China-Korea cinema production "Bichunmoo," Shin is now a celebrity in China.

"Marrying the Mafia 3," directed by Jeong Yong Gi, was released yesterday in Korea to take advantage of Chuseok, the holiday in early October.

Here's the synopsis:

After lawyer Jin-Kyoung marries In-Jae, the oldest child of the gangster family, Mrs. Hong Deok-Ja and her family trade in their lives as the Baekhopa gang to run a food company. In-Jae's social-welfare foundation and Mrs. Hong's food company grow quickly. However, a former prosecutor puts a wrench in the works.

Can Mrs. Hong Deok-Ja, her three sons and Baekhopa take back the family's glory?

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

NEW SERIES 'IRELAND' ON ADOPTED GIRL

'INFAMOUS CHILL SISTERS'

EPISODES 21 AND 22

Tonight at 7: Chansoon tells Jongchill she could never marry Taeja unless she prepares everything on the dowry list. Myongja begs Chansoon to give in. Seolchill is disappointed when Ilhan tells her Hanam is just having fun with her.

Tonight at 8: Ilhan runs into Michill at a nightclub where she works. Yangpal collapses at work. Taeja finds him and carries him home. Taeja tells his mother he'd like to take responsibility for what he did and marry Jongchill.

'PLEASE COME BACK, SOONAE'

EPISODES 9 AND 10

Tomorrow at 7:50 p.m.: Il-seok barges into Hyun-woo's apartment to drag Soon-ae out just as Soon-ae and Hyun-woo are about to kiss. Cho-eun is upset with the life she has to live at Il-seok's place.

Tuesday at 7:50 p.m.: Cho-eun leaves home and tries to find a job. Dae-sook goes to get money from Hyun-jong and is surprised when she finds Soon-ae living there as Cho-eun. Soon-ae goes to Hyun-woo's golf course for a photo shoot and asks Cho-eun to tag along to coach her.

'LOVE & AMBITION'

EPISODES 49 AND 50

Wednesday at 7:50 p.m.: Jung-ja asks Tae-soo for money to set up a new business. Mother finds out Eun-hwan has been letting the children meet their mother. Tae-joon is worried when Mi-ja doesn't come home until late. Mi-ja is alone in the cabin, calling Hong-jo in tears.

Thursday at 7:50 p.m.: Mother finds out Tae-joon has moved out of the house, and storms into his place. Mi-ja pursues her acting career again. Reporters come to Mother's restaurant to get the scoop on Mi-ja. A few months later, Tae-joon visits Mi-ja on her movie set.

'IRELAND'

EPISODES 1 AND 2

Friday at 7:50 p.m.: Joong-ah (Yi Na-young, "Ruler of Your Own World") was adopted by an Irish family and grows up in Ireland. She witnesses her family's death, and is riddled with guilt. She returns to Korea and meets Kang Gook (Hyun Bin, "My Lovely Samsoon"), a bodyguard, on the flight.

Saturday at 7:50 p.m.: Jae-bok (Kim Min-joon, "Damo") is a bum who lives off of his mother and stepfather. Former child star Si-yeon (Kim Min-jung, "Fashion 70's") now works as a soft-porn actress. The two meet on a movie set, and find themselves drawn to each other.