Divine Hero is the star of an apparently endless series of comic books in Korea, with hundreds of issues published. Take that, Spider-man! But Mr. Hero has yet to be set in film.

Until next month, that is, and Korea's coming to Hawaii to do it.

The back story of Divine Hero is rather Batman-like. He's orphaned at an early age and grows up to be zillionaire industrialist Michael King by day, revenge-minded do-gooder by night.

Batman lives in gloomy, grimy Gotham City, whilst Divine Hero calls sunny Hawaii home, and the “;aloha spirit”; colors his actions as he beats the snot out of baddies.

Actually, Hawaii didn't figure in the original comics, but when Korean television channel MBC committed to a 24-part miniseries based on Divine Hero, the decision was made to film the first episode outside of Korea. The production company had filmed before in Japan and Thailand—been there, done that—and Hawaii seemed to be just the ticket.

The first major Korean TV production ever filmed in the islands, “;Divine Hero”; shoots for a week here in late February, with the production company expecting to spend at least $400,000.

Assistant Director Chang-Jin Park, director Hyung-sun Lee and producer Dong-Sam Kim were on hand last week to answer questions, assisted by Hawaii producer David Lim.

The production stars Korean miniseries king Il-Kook Song, with former K-pop singer Ryu-Won Jung as the “;ordinary girl”; who steals Divine Hero's heart. “;Just like a movie, but with love involved,”; said Lee, adding that the star really pushed for Hawaii. (Last year the Hawaii Legislature proclaimed March 21 as Il-Kook Song Day.)

The decision to showcase Hawaii, said Lee, helps sell the show throughout Asia. “;We may not be Hollywood but we hit the Asian market. Hawaii is the ideal place.”;

Kim thanked Hawaii in general and said the crew wants to make sure the islands get the right exposure and promotion. Scenes will be shot at beaches, parks and scenic areas and include sky diving, jet-skiing and horseback riding. “;Very destination-oriented!”;

The producer said that 50,000 Koreans already visit Hawaii yearly, and the publicity surrounding the opening episode of “;Divine Hero”; might goose those numbers.

The entire miniseries is budgeted at $8 million, with each of the 24 episodes clocking in at a bit more than 50 minutes and filmed in high-definition video. MBC has no American outlet, so there are no plans to air the miniseries here. After the Korea run, K-pop fans can buy the series on Region Three DVDs.

Filming begins on Feb. 16, and the completed episode airs on March 6, a quick post-production schedule.

“;That's the way Koreans work!”; laughed Lee. “;We get it done!”;