There has been much concern over the KBS America channel on Oceanic digital cable channel 80.

The severe weather in the past few weeks has caused intermittent loss of signal or video pixilation from our satellite feed for KBS America. The severe weather caused much damage around the Islands from thunderstorms, heavy rain, flash floods and strong winds, and left many fans angry and confused. To complicate the matter, KBS America enacted a major programming change last weekend, skipping episodes of popular series (and flooding my computer with complaint e-mails).

KBS is one of the largest broadcast networks in South Korea, comparable to NHK in Japan and the BBC in Britain. KBS took a global initiative, launching KBS World, a satellite channel reaching many countries worldwide. KBS World is then sub-categorized into regions, including KBS America for the U.S. market. KBS in South Korea carried out a fall-season programming change at the end of November, and KBS America's schedule changed as a result.

KBS America offers Korean video stores in the United States the first option to access the network programming, then provides the shows to broadcast affiliates like ours in Hawai'i a few weeks later. This hold-back period results in out-of-date programming at times. For example, Thanksgiving specials are seen in Hawai'i around Christmas time, and Christmas specials are seen in February. The hold-back method is to give the Korean video stores a chance and an advantage in their rental business.

But the real problem today, as I've mentioned in previous columns, is the rampant piracy available on the Internet, which is killing the business model of Korean video stores. Korean programming is illegally available on many Web sites almost immediately after broadcast in South Korea. KBS America and affiliates like KBFD are trying their best to enhance competitiveness, which resulted in the recent programming adjustment. In the long run, updated programming is a way to combat piracy and maintain competitiveness in a market where there are many Asian cable channels. This move also benefits the fans as they are now more current with the broadcasts in Korea.

Last weekend, KBS America changed the programming on Dec. 9. Many fans were confused as "Dae Jo Young" episode 116 aired on Dec. 8. Then on Dec. 9, the network skipped to episode 120. Another series, "Daughters in Law," skipped from 13 to 30 in a day, jumping past episodes 14 through 29.

Although in the long term we are closer to current programming and not too out of date, the short-term issue is that many fans missed valuable episodes of their favorite shows because of the new programming change last weekend. Being more current with programming also hinders the rampant piracy that hurts Korean video stores, affiliates and networks.

The short-term solution: KBS America and partner KBFD, in response to the suggestions and opinions of fans, will be doing our best to get the missed episodes. E-mail me (jeffchung@kbfd.com), specifying the episodes that you most want to see, and we will do our best to make them available on KLIFE Oceanic digital cable channel 81 on demand, so that you can watch at your convenience free of charge. We can accommodate only the most-demanded shows, however, so vote for the ones you missed most.

THIS WEEK'S K-DRAMA SYNOPSES

'BRIDE FROM VIETNAM'

Episodes 37 and 38

Tonight at 7: When Han-suk finds out Se-mi hasn't been going to school, she goes to the hospital, where Young-su is staying, to find Se-mi. In-kyong urges Jin-ju to convince Jun-wu to apologize to Director Min. Young-su begs Se-mi's parents to allow him to marry Se-mi.

Tonight at 8: Sung-il and Han-suk meet after 30 years. Sung-il apologizes to Han-suk for what happened 30 years ago, but firmly says his son and her daughter could never marry. Won-mi decides to tell her mother-in-law that she's not pregnant.

'KING & I'

Episodes 17 and 18

Tomorrow at 7:50 p.m.: Queen Mother orders Jung Han-su to investigate Chi-gyeom's corruption. Chi-gyeom, on the other hand, tells eunuchs that he'll punish those who take bribes and taint the image of the royal household. Chi-gyeom is disappointed when he finds out the queen is pregnant.

Tuesday at 7:50 p.m.: Queen Mother questions So-hwa's intention to save Chuh-sun and Chi-gyeom. So-hwa defends Chuh-sun and begs for his forgiveness. Queen Mother asks So-hwa if she's willing to leave the palace if Chuh-sun and Chi-gyeom turn out to be guilty after an investigation.

'LOBBYIST'

Episodes 11 and 12

Wednesday at 7:50 p.m.: Harry and Maria escapes with Mikhail's help, but Harry is shot in the shoulder. While tending to Harry's wounds, Maria sees Harry's necklace and realizes Harry is Joo-ho.

Thursday at 7:50 p.m.: Tae-hyuk and Maria are reunited at an air show in Korea. Han Sung is in competition with Sejong to win the submarine contract, and Maria shows interest in working with Han Sung. Madam Chae returns to Korea and asks Assemblyman Jang to help her win the submarine contract for Sejong.

'TIME BETWEEN DOG & WOLF'

Episodes 11 and 12

Friday at 7:50 p.m.: Min-ki tells Ji-woo not to see Kay again, but Ji-woo ignores him. Min-ki asks her if she's showing interest in Kay because he reminds her of Su-hyun. Min-ki finds out Ji-woo is Mao's daughter and confronts Ji-woo.

Saturday at 7:50 p.m.: Kay is thrown into confusion when he sees Lee Su-hyun's file. Ji-woo notices the elephant statue is missing and goes to meet Kay. Kay is surprised when Ji-woo tells him that the name of the man who looked like him was Su-hyun. Kay asks Byun to find out about Su-hyun.

Make a difference. Donate to The Advertiser Christmas Fund.