Koreans in the U.S., and especially Koreans in Hawai'i, are celebrating an auspicious day today: Jan. 13, 2008, marks the 105th anniversary of Korean immigration to America. On that day in 1903, the ship Gaelic, carrying 56 men, 21 women and 25 children from Korea, entered Honolulu Harbor at dawn, bringing them to their new home, Hawai'i.

The contract workers were the first group of Koreans who came to work as laborers in the plantation fields here. Although there were a few Koreans registered in Hawai'i before 1903, the Gaelic brought the first large wave of Koreans here and became a symbol of Koreans arriving in the U.S. From 1903 to 1905, more than 7,000 Koreans would follow. Many settled in the Islands while others moved on to the Mainland via San Francisco, finding other opportunities.

At one time, the Hawai'i Korean community was the largest in the U.S. and played an instrumental role in the Korean independence movement and the later liberation of Korea.

Today, there are an estimated 50,000 people of Korean ancestry in Hawai'i and 2 million in the U.S. With 105 years of history in Hawai'i, Koreans have become an integral part of our community, with leaders in various facets of our society. Some notables are state Chief Justice Ronald Moon (grandparents came to Hawai'i between 1903 and 1905), Big Island Mayor Harry Kim, former Chief of Police Lee Donohue and Danny Kaleikini — all descendants of picture brides or early Korean immigrants.

Of late, another import from Korea, the hallyu or K-drama, has stimulated interest in Korean culture, food and travel.

The Korean American Foundation Hawai'i is having its third annual "Light of the Orient" banquet tonight, honoring contributors to Hawai'i's Korean community. The foundation will honor Dr. Kwan Jay Cho, former president of the National Unification Advisory Council, Hawai'i Chapter; Patricia Hamamoto, superintendent of the state Department of Education; Kathryn Whang Inouye, chief operating officer of the Kobayashi Group LLC; and Chief Justice Moon.

Information: 275-3010 or e-mail kaf@brightlightmarketing.com.

THIS WEEK'S K-DRAMA SYNOPSES

'BRIDE FROM VIETNAM'

Episodes 45 and 46

Tonight at 7: After Ji-young gets the divorce papers from the lawyer, she asks Young-min to give her six months before he files the papers. Then, Ji-young goes persistently back to Bok-ryu and asks to make her the apprentice. Ji-young secretly pledges to take Jin-ju's place. Jin-ju is happy and hopeful about becoming the successor of the rice-cake business.

Tonight at 8: Ok- kyong sees Ji-young and Jun-wu arguing in the parking garage and suspects something between them. She asks both Young-min and Ji-young if there's anything going on. Jun-wu meets Ji-young. He tries to talk to her about the photo misunderstanding, but Ji-young laughs in his face.

'KING & I'

Episodes 25 and 26

Tomorrow at 7:50 p.m.: Chi-gyeom's adopted father orders Chi-gyeom to step down from his post, but he fights back, saying only the king can replace him. Chuh-sun tells Chi-gyeom Eunuch Noh is capable of doing anything to bring honor to his family name, and that he must protect the royal family.

Tuesday at 7:50 p.m.: Jung Han-su searches Chi-gyeom's house, saying he's trying to solve the mysterious death of the late king. Chi-gyeom asks Chuh-sun to help him prove his innocence and to protect the royal family.

'LOBBYIST'

Episodes 19 and 20

Wednesday at 7:50 p.m.: The Chairman comes to Harry with technologies to build nuclear submarines and pleads with him to work with him. Tae-hyuk gets into an argument with his brother about hiring Maria as the lobbyist again. Madam Chae decides to win over Kim Sung-ju, the president's son.

Thursday at 7:50 p.m.: Madam Chae gets anxious when Maria befriends Kim Sung-su, and Harry tells her they should build nuclear submarines. Harry seeks Kim Sung-ju's help on the nuclear sub project.

'SCARY GIRL'

Episodes 5 and 6, 7 and 8

Friday at 7:50 p.m.: Kyung-pyo visits unconscious Young-rim at the hospital, and the nurse tells him Young-rim had a miscarriage. Kyung-pyo moves out of his old place and into a studio. Young-rim's bandages come off, and she finally sees her scar.

Saturday at 7:50 p.m.: Young-rim calls Kyung-pyo only to find out his number is out of service. Chairman Baek receives an anonymous letter that Jung-jin assaulted a female employee.