Director Park Chan-wook is scheduled to be in Hawai'i this month to help promote his latest film, "Thirst," which just won the Jury Prize this year at the Cannes Film Festival.

In addition, actresses Kim Jung-eun ("Lovers in Paris") and Kim Sun-ah ("My Lovely Sam Soon," "S-Diary" and "City Hall") are both scheduled to arrive in Hawai'i this weekend for a photo shoot expected to last about a week.

Park is one of Korea's top directors, with many film titles such as "Old Boy" and "Joint Security Area" to his credit, as well as awards from top film festivals.

"Thirst" will be released in the U.S. by Focus Features on Aug. 14, but Park will be in town for a special advance screening of "Thirst" for the Hawaii International Film Festival on July 26, exclusively for current Ohana members. Park will offer a question-and-answer period after the film. While here, Park will also receive the HIFF's Vision in Film Award. Past recipients have been Ang Lee and Zhang Yimou.

"We are elated and honored to be hosting this screening with Park Chan-wook in attendance. This is truly a rare treat for Hawai'i audiences, to have a cinema maestro in our presence to present one of the most highly anticipated films of the year," said Chuck Boller, HIFF's executive director.

Anderson Le, HIFF's director of programming added, "2009 is the year of the vampire. With 'Twilight' mania and HBO's 'True Blood' as prime examples, it's very refreshing and cool to see the vampire genre explored in another culture. Park Chan-wook's 'Thirst' is darkly sexy and baroque. Prepare to be visually enticed and accosted at the same time."

For more information, visit www.hiff.org or call 528-3456. "Thirst" is a prelude to the many other Korean films to be featured at the 29th Hawaii International Film Festival in October.

For Korean drama fans, keep an eye out around town for two celebrities: Kim Jung-eun and Kim Sun-ah. Both starred in hit TV series — Kim Jung-eun is well-known for her role in "Lovers In Paris" and the musical show "Chocolate." Kim Sun-ah made her debut in the series "My Lovely Sam Soon" and is currently seen in "City Hall" on KBFD Wednesday and Thursday nights. The actresses are close friends who will spend a few days at a photo shoot, then stay a few extra days for some time off to take in the beauty of Hawai'i. Kim Sun-ah just finished filming the series "City Hall," so this trip fits perfectly into her schedule before she starts on another project. It's unknown whether the photo shoot will take place on this island or a Neighbor Island.

Many celebrities have been known to frequent Korean restaurants to get their fix of Korean food while traveling in Hawai'i so get your digital cameras charged and ready.

THIS WEEK'S K-DRAMA SYNOPSES

'BRILLIANT LEGACY'

EPISODES 11 AND 12

Tonight at 7:45 p.m.: Sung-hee tells Eun-sung's father that Eun-sung has cut contact since she took Eun-woo with her to the United States. Seung-mi is shocked when she overhears their conversation. Hwan spills food on a customer and enrages him with his rude behavior. Eun-sung is transferred to the factory.

Tomorrow at 7:45 p.m.: Eun-sung confronts Sung-hee and accuses her of abandoning Eun-woo, but Sung-hee denies it vehemently. Mr. Pyo tells Grandma they've lost Eun-woo once again. Eun-sung is overcome with feelings of rage and betrayal. Hwan finds himself worrying about Eun-sung.

'DARE TO LOVE'

EPISODES 12 AND 13

Sunday at 6:45 p.m.: Soon-shin tries to avoid Gum-ran, but she just won't let him. Poong-ran confronts Soo-nam about his affair after she goes to see Yanti for herself. Soo-nam keeps on getting into trouble but is touched by Sul-ran. Sul-ran finds out the truth.

Sunday at 7:45 p.m.: The girls' mother manages to offend a couple of people during a conversation with a friend. Gum-ran finds the paternity test results and confronts Soon-shin. Sul-ran finds out about Soo-nam and goes to Yanti's studio with her sisters, only to find Soo-nam there.

'PRINCESS JAMYUNG'

EPISODES 26 AND 27

Monday at 7:45 p.m.: Jamyung introduces herself to Lahee as her new escort but Lahee ignores her. Jamyung suspects Chiso of poisoning Donggobi when she seems too healthy to have shared the same room with a smallpox patient. Choi Li tells Lahee to kill herself rather than being a burden on Nakrang.

Tuesday at 7:45 p.m.: Mo Haso begs Hogok to tell her if Puku is her daughter, Jamyung. Wang Jasil tells Mo Haso she'd never acknowledge Jamyung as princess even if she came back. After learning her identity from Wang Hol, Jamyung decides to go to Nakrang. Lahee makes her escape during Haeaewu's birthday celebration.

'CITY HALL'

EPISODES 9 AND 10

Wednesday at 7:45 p.m.: Guk persuades Mi-rae's friend Boo-mi to register her for the mayoral recall election. Mi-rae gets irate at Boo-mi for doing this, but when she finds out that the $10,000 registration is nonrefundable, she decides to throw her hat into the ring.

Thursday at 7:45 p.m.: Mi-rae faces difficulty raising funds for her mayoral campaign and an unlikely supporter emerges with an offer of unlimited monetary support. Sparks fly and tensions mount as both Guk and Jung-do work for Mi-rae's campaign.