Networks gear up for the Lunar New Year

Let’s face it: For some, the Lunar New Year can be a drag. Preparations, traffic and other factors can make the holidays a bit burdensome. If you don’t celebrate with family and friends, you will surely end up in front of the tube searching for entertainment.

Fortunately, the networks anticipate this. If you want to catch up on an entire series in one sitting, try the “Primeval Series 2” marathon on Channel CGV. The British science-fiction series involving scientists and dinosaurs, which originally aired on ITV, will be shown in its entirety from noon until 6 p.m. Jan. 25.

In keeping with the Brit theme, a popular BBC series, “Strictly Come Dancing (Series 4),” will air its first episode on Sky Life, BBC Entertainment on Jan. 25 at 8 p.m., with following episodes to air every Sunday.

The latest season features former Spice Girl Emma Bunton and former Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel. The show resulted in a popular American spin-off, “Dancing with the Stars,” on ABC.

A weekend series on SBS called “Star King!” will feature Stella, a Japanese Tarot card reader, yogis, young trot singers and others. The program will air tonight from 6:20 to 8 p.m.

“Challenge: Star Chef” uses an interesting concept in which Korean entertainers show off their culinary skills and compete in a cook-off. Edward Kwon, the head chef at Burj Al Arab-Dubai Hotel will showcase his skills and assist participants. The show is to air on Tuesday from 9:05 to 10:25 a.m. on SBS.

There will also be plenty of films. OCN and Super Action have prepared a variety of movies to be aired according to theme. This simply means that when in doubt, you can always turn to these two reliable channels.

For those who missed out on past domestic box office hits, Super Action will air back-to-back Korean films from Sunday to Wednesday starting at noon.

The channel has also grouped a number of films according to actors who were born in the year of the ox. Four films featuring George Clooney, Morgan Freeman and two others will be shown on Sunday starting at 5 p.m.

OCN is following suit by grouping films that include a new generation of action stars such as Christian Bale and Matt Damon. Viewers can expect films such as “Batman Begins” and the Jason Bourne series.

SBS and other Korean channels will air a mix of new and older flicks of which include “Le Grand Chef” (2007) and “Voice of A Murderer” (2007).

By Jason Kim Staff Reporter [jason@joongang.co.kr]