This K-drama column celebrates its second year this month. The first K-drama column ran on May 1, 2005, when the hot drama of the moment was "Emperor of the Sea."

The column's purpose is to promote the Korean culture and to build a better understanding of Koreans. I have tried my best to put a personal touch to the column on a weekly basis through my experiences as a Korean-American also learning about Korean culture.

By no means do I consider myself an expert on Korean culture, but I do believe that having been able to immerse myself in American and Korean cultures, I've been able to make insightful comparisons.

It has been a rewarding experience, as many strangers have randomly come up to me to say that they read this column and have learned many things about Korean culture.

Koreans have told me that they find themselves talking more frequently to non-Koreans in their lives about dramas. In most cases, the non-Koreans know more about dramas than they do about the Korean community in Hawai'i. Koreans here are flattered that people in Hawai'i have taken an interest in Korean culture, which results in a healthier relationship among communities.

When I was a student at Roosevelt High School, being Korean generated a mixed bag of feelings. There were very recent Korean immigrants with whom I couldn't communicate, and Koreans who have been here so long that they forgot they were Korean. Some friends didn't even know where Korea was on the map. Basically, there was little knowledge about or interest in anything Korean. Fast forward 20 years, and now it's hip to be Korean. Korean language classes are full, tours to South Korea are booked, Korean films sell out at film festivals, and dramas are more popular than ever. Koreans who have been here for generations are proud to be Korean.

This column will continue to be your source of information for hallyu events in Hawai'i, interviews with hallyu stars who visit the Islands, South Korean trends, Korean culture, the Korean films that screen at the Hawaii International Film Festival's Korean film lineup, and, of course, dramas.

The big news for the week: Turn to KLIFE, on Oceanic Cable digital channel 81. The Korean Lifestyle channel is part of the KBFD family and our third channel to service Hawai'i. You will find music videos, dramas, movies and specials all on demand. Details to follow in next week's column.

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

THIS WEEK'S K-DRAMA SYNOPSES

'MY DARLING CLEMENTINE'

Tonight at 7: Parts 1 and 2 of this two-part story about a young single father who develops Alzheimer's disease.

'WITCH MA'

Episodes 3 and 4

Tomorrow at 7:50 p.m.: Yu-hee demands that Mu-ryong leave her place, but Mu-ryong stands his ground, saying he's done nothing to breach their contract. Mu-ryong goes to the restaurant to meet Seung-mi and runs into Johnny.

Tuesday at 7:50 p.m.: Chairman Ma tries to set up a date for Yu-hee, but she refuses. Johnny is caught in a bind when a cook calls in sick. Being at the right place and right time, Mu-ryong fills in.

'TO MY LOVE'

Episodes 11 and 12

Wednesday at 7:50 p.m.: Suh-young is lost for what to do when her baby is feverish. But Sang-min takes her and the baby to a hospital. Aunt Min-ja is bedridden, but Seok-ju announces his wedding to Jung-min to the family nonetheless.

Thursday at 7:50 p.m.: Suh-young collapses in front of her office. Sang-min tries to work up the courage to confess his feelings for Suh-young. Seok-ju can't believe his ears when Jung-min tells him Sang-min and Suh-young may be getting married.

'CRAZY FOR LOVE'

Episodes 11 and 12

Friday at 7:50 p.m.: Chae-jun steps into a ring and lets himself get beaten up. After witnessing the brutality, Min-hee goes back to Chae-jun, but his reaction isn't what she expected.

Saturday at 7:50 p.m.: Chae-jun becomes seriously ill, and his friend calls Jin-young. After some hesitation, she goes to see him. Hyeon-cheol decides to formally propose to Jin-young.