Korean cinema saw a major upset this year when the low-budget film "The King and the Clown" toppled the big-budget "Tae Guk Gi" from the throne of South Korea's all-time top box-office hit.

"The King and the Clown" was a Korean film-industry trend breaker, proving that filmmakers don't need a high-caliber hallyu star or a huge budget to make a box-office smash. But don't hold your breath just yet — "The King and the Clown" has been overthrown by another film, "The Host."

A horror film, "The Host" ("Gwoemul") is expected to hit around 14 million viewers by the Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) on Oct. 5. In Korean cinema history, only three other films have passed the 10 million mark in viewership: "The King and the Clown" (2005), "Tae Guk Gi" (2004) and "Silmido" (2004).

"The Host," directed by Bong Joon-ho, is about a mutant monster spawned of toxic waste released by the U.S. military. Lurking in the Han River, the monster kidnaps a girl whose family fights to get her back. No film in this genre has ever been as popular. Distributor Showbox estimates that the $15 million film will make almost $50 million.

The profits could be much more as distribution in international markets are in negotiations. Some project that the film will generate nearly $90 million after all the deals are done. It is expected to be released in the U.S. in March 2007.

Anderson Le, programmer for the Louis Vuitton Hawaii International Film festival, had the chance to view "The Host" at the Cannes Film Festival in July. "I loved the film — it was the best film at Cannes, and it was a roller-coaster ride. It was like 'Jaws' and 'Alien' where it was a theatrical experience."

Le says "The Host" and "The King and Clown" are both confirmed for HIFF, which runs Oct. 19 to 29. To guarantee you get tickets to these films, go to www.hiff.org to become a member.

"The King and the Clown" and The Host" are expected to compete against each other at the Academy Awards' foreign- language film category.

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

'ONE FINE DAY' FILLED WITH SECRETS AND PROMISES

'INFAMOUS CHILL SISTERS'

EPISODES 17 AND 18

Tonight at 7: Soo-han catches Dukchill coming out of a motel with Songook. Dukchill begs him to forgive her, but he demands a divorce. Seolchill suggests abortion to Jongchill. Michill pleads with Ilhan to understand her actions, but he turns her away.

Tonight at 8: Yangpal threatens Chansoon that he'll use Jongchill's baby to ruin Taeja's career in the future if he doesn't marry Jongchill.

'ONE FINE DAY'

EPISODES 13 AND 14

Friday at 7:50 p.m.: Gun is enraged when he learns Ha-neul is Tae-won's real sister. Ha-neul looks for Dong-ha when he fails to show up for work. When she finds Dong-ha, she tells him she'll go with him. Ha-neul is shocked when she hears Gun believes Jin-kwon had killed his parents.

Saturday at 7:50 p.m.: Gun and Ha-neul go away together to a little town by the sea, and spend time by themselves. When she returns to Seoul, Ha-neul apologizes to Dong-ha but asks him not to ask her anything. Gun makes Jin-kwon promise not to tell Ha-neul the truth.

'SOONAE'

EPISODES 5 AND 6

Tomorrow at 7:50 p.m.: Il-seok tries to persuade Soon-ae to switch the bodies, but she finds out what he's up to and refuses. Soon-ae's friend Dae-sook is now in on the secret. When Chan is hospitalized after getting into a fight with another kid, Cho-eun comes up with a plan to lure Soon-ae to switch the bodies.

Tuesday at 7:50 p.m.: The exorcism doesn't work. Il-seok's mother scolds Cho-eun for buying prepared food and tells her that she'd like to see what Cho-eun would make for her birthday. Cho-eun calls Soon-ae and asks her to help cook the birthday dinner.

'LOVE & AMBITION'

EPISODES 45 AND 46

Wednesday at 7:50 p.m.: Tae-joon's attempt to turn Mi-ja around ends in failure. Mi-ja decides to take a role in a movie, if only to be divorced from Tae-joon. Mi-ja catches Tae-joon and Se-mi together at a restaurant.

Thursday at 7:50 p.m.: Tae-joon's mother asks Tae-soo if he'd have a baby and give it to Tae-joon and Mi-ja. Tae-joon sees a tabloid story of Mi-ja's impending comeback. Tae-joon and Hae-joo announce Mi-ja's pregnancy and cancel Mi-ja's comeback in a press conference.