On Sept. 12, South Korea was shaken up by the largest earthquake to hit the peninsula since measurements began in 1978. Just three days before, North Korea tested its fifth and largest nuclear test which was estimated at 10 kilotons,
On Sept. 12, South Korea was shaken up by the largest earthquake to hit the peninsula since measurements began in 1978. Just three days before, North Korea tested its fifth and largest nuclear test which was estimated at 10 kilotons, also equivalent to a 5.3 magnitude earthquake.
On Sept. 12 at 7:44 p.m., a 5.1 earthquake had hit Gyeongju which is located in the southeastern part of the peninsula. Then at 8:32 p.m., a 5.8 magnitude earthquake followed, according to the KMA, Korea Meteorological Administration. A week later, on Sept. 19 at 8:33 p.m., a 4.5 magnitude aftershock shook hit the same area.
Gyeonju is a cultural and historical capital of South Korea, where tombs of royalty, temples, Dongung Palace, a national museum, and the grotto of Seokguram and Bulguksa — the first Korean sites to be included on the UNESCO World Heritage List — are located.
Damages to these historical monuments have been spared serious damage from the recent earthquakes but now the government is preparing them for future and more powerful earthquakes. Gyeongju was the capital of the Silla Kingdom, one of the world’s longest dynasties mostly ruled by the Gyeonju Kim family for 992 years from 57BC-935 AD. Gyeonju is less than 48 miles from the city of Busan.
Weekly updates:
‘She Was Pretty’
Episodes 5 & 6
Today, 6:30 p.m.: Shin-hyuk and Ha-ri become close enough to tell each other everything. Ha-ri asks Shin-hyuk to pretend to be her fiancé. Sung-joon gets worried that Hye-jin is hurt by broken glass, but she misunderstands and thinks he wants reimbursement for the glass.
Today, 7:45p.m.: Sung-joon and Shin-hyuk spend a night together. Shin-hyuk tags around Sung-joon, wanting to be close friends. Ha-ri tries to tell Hye-jin what’s going on but she’s unable to, and promises to tell her later. Sung-joon can’t help but notice Hye-jin as they pull an all-nighter.
‘Scarlet Heart’
Episodes 1 & 2
Monday, 7:45 p.m.: Ha-jin jumps in to save a child from drowning, but at that very moment, a total solar eclipse happens. She is drawn deeper into the water by an unknown force. The 4th prince Wang So, who’s been adopted by the Kang clan, heads for Songak to attend a ritual.
Tuesday, 7:45p.m.: Wang So pays respect to his birth mother, Queen Yoo, but she shows displeasure at his presence. Hae Soo searches for Prince Tang in an effort to get back to the 21st century and runs into Prince Wang So.
‘Second To Last Love’
Episode 10 & 11
Friday, 7:45 p.m.: During Sang-hui and Cheon-soo’s wedding anniversary feast, Sang-shik is pre-occupied with thoughts of past events with Min-joo. Joon-woo, who is doing well as a chef, suggests to Min-joo that she should go with him to his congratulatory party.
Saturday, 7:45 p.m.: Joon-woo, aware of Sang-shik’s feelings for Min-joo, tells him not to hold back. After Joon-woo’s unexpected kiss, Min-joo is forced to tell him how she really feels. She begins to notice Sang-shik’s awkward behavior in her presence.
‘Don’t Dare To Dream’
Episodes 5 & 6
Wednesday, 7:45p.m.: Na-ri makes it to work, in her post-operation state, standing in the studio to do the weather forecast. Hwa-shin nervously watches her on TV from his hospital bed. Na-ri collapses after the recording and Jung-won carries her to the hospital where Hwa-shin is.
Thursday, 7:45p.m.: As Na-ri gets ready to be discharged, Hwa-shin pesters her, out of his sadness to see her go. Jung-won becomes closer to Na-ri as he gets to know her past. Hwa-shin receives a call from his brother.
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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.
