Korean investment monies are flowing into Hawaii as Korean firms are looking to diversify their portfolio. Mirae Asset Global Investment has purchased Fairmont Orchid Hawaii for $220 million last year and recently also acquired Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa for $780 million from Blackstone Group.
Samkoo Pacific, who owns two large parcels of land on 1631 and 1391 Kapiolani, recently announced building an affordable condominium, “The Kapiolani Residence,” on 1631 Kapiolani consisting of 485 units. There are other smaller investment by Korean firms in boutique hotels, golf courses and commercial properties in Hawaii. Hawaii real estate has always been attractive for Korean investors and with the recent news, I believe we will continue to see more growth as media coverage continues to spotlight Hawaii.
Weekly update
‘My Daughter, Sawol’
Episodes 29 & 30
Today, 6:30 p.m.: Chan-bin starts an internal investigation upon hearing rumors of Man-hoo purchasing an antique. Ji-hye sees Min-ho’s DNA test and becomes furious, thinking she’d been fooled by Min-ho and Hyesang. Today, 7:45 p.m.: Chan-bin hears the recording involving the building collapse. Hyesang spews spiteful words to Sawol, saying that Sawol and Chan-bin will never be. Sawol returns the ring to Chan-bin and asks to break up. Man-hoo’s excited at hearing that the Chunbigoong Project is being resurrected.
‘The Royal Gambler’
Episodes 17 & 18
Monday, 7:45 p.m.: Dae-gil is shocked to find Man-geum’s coffin empty, except for his medical records. He heads for the clinic with the records. The physician discovers missing pages and remembers that Man-geum was alive then. Meanwhile, Yi In-jwa awaits his execution. Yi In-jwa appeals to Dae-gil, saying he’s the only lead to finding Man-geum. Dae-gil is conflicted as to rescue Yi In-jwa or not. Tuesday, 7:45 p.m.: Dae-gil and Man-geum have a tearful reunion. Dae-gil asks Man-geum to live together. Man-geum turns him down, saying there’s something he needs to do first. Chae-gun is ordered by King Sukjong to kill Yi In-jwa. Yi realizes this and runs, but can’t escape from Chae-gun. As Chae-gun is about to come down with his sword on Yi, Dam Seo rescues him. Dam Seo pierces herself with Chae-gun’s sword.
‘The Entertainer’
Episodes 13 & 14
Wednesday, 7:45 p.m.: Joo-han ends up behind bars, due to the evidence submitted by Suk-ho. Joo-han and Ji-young go through a trial. Geu-rin is reminded of their past humiliation, at seeing Ji-young’s mom beg Ha-neul for mercy in the court house. Suk-ho signs the band up for a ramen ad campaign. Thursday, 7:45 p.m.: With a high popular vote, the band is invited to perform on the “Legend Again” program. Joon-suk is anxious to find out that singer Choi Joon-ha will be the legendary guest for the show. Ha-neul is excited to go see flowers with Geu-rin. Mango Entertainment members discover that Min-joo is the Chairman of JAEO Group’s daughter.
‘Pretty Ugly’
Episode 7 & 8
Friday, 7:45 p.m.: Dan-tae reprimands the secretaries who spread false rumors about Gong Shim. He also finds a special gift for Gong Shim, as she still has a misconception about him. Jun-soo warns Tae-hee to leave Gong Shim alone, as she tries to fire Gong Shim. Saturday, 7:45 p.m.: Tae-hee has Tae-chul follow Dan-tae, who’s searching for Jun-pyo. He discovers a shocking truth in the process. Thanks to Dae-hwang and Tae-hee’s support, Gong Mi is given a chance at a position in Star Group legal department. Gong Mi is invited to the grand opening of Jun-soo’s restaurant.
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Jeff Chung is general manager of KBFD TV, which televises Korean dramas with English subtitles. This column offers synopses of the dramas playing throughout Hawaii. Chung can be reached at 521-8066 or jeffchung@kbfd.com.
