since u hv a korean wii, the only way for u to play those games in US version are with those channels (yes, even the ori games u have to use that channel). I think there's problem with ur neogamma (or its settings).

(mod: I'm allowed to say that right coz there really is no other way to play US ver games on the korean wii)

so what u gotta to do now is google: how to run wii sports resort on neogamma (or whatever brew u're using) since if u have a legit disc, u have to use that method too (unless u're running a koren ver of course).

Phoenix, I leave this to you.

the neogamma settings bro. (before u start a game there's a bunch of menus and setting in neogamma right?)

search for it on youtube if u need visual guide

cannot explain so much in the forum (it's easy to find the explanation if u just google it)

if u hv followed those guide and still have problem, then maybe ur neogamma needs reinstallation.

sakae, u have a modded wii, so to solve your issues u need
1. to NOT be ignorant and DIY fix
2. get a shop to help u, with a fee
3. buy another wii to replace your korean.

there is only 3 solutions. solution 2 and 3 u can remain ignorant about everything u discussed here.

my korean wii needs to modded so that it can play 'common games', else its korean games which are a rarity here.
1. yes, korean wii must be modded. a korean wii is pretty useles if it is not modded.

a modded korean wii can play both original & pirate games but cannot go online. (btw, why do i need to go online?)
2. korean wii can play both original & pirate. put it this way, if an original can't play, the pirate version also can't play. can go online, but with some thinkering. u go online so that u don't just play with the white box only, but with real humans. now, the humans u encounter here are thougher to play with coz they r not so predictable, and seem to be super human when playing with them.

thus there is no need to unmod the korean wii.
3. as in point 1, u can't unmod a korean wii. but if u want to buy another new unmodded US wii, only your financial controller and yourself can stop u.

however, since its modded, it may have settings issues. 
4. yes, modded have setting and non-setting issues. nearly nothing that can't be solve. but its a hassle to solve it. like what u are experiencing now. hassle isn't it?

now this part i don't understand.. the settings issue, is it confined to both original and pirated games or just to pirated games?
5. as in point 2. it doesn't matter if u buy original or pirate, u will encounter the same issues just the same if your wii is modded.

i read there are future software upgrades, how do i upgrade these? 
6. yes, there are future upgrades, but don't upgrade it through nintendo (which is the standard way of updating). instead u must use the non-standard way, but since u not a diy guy, ask the shop to do it.

lastly, what am i missing using a modded korean wii compared to a virgin US wii running original software?
7. think its obvious what u missing. to put it simple, u play with modded, it comes with hassles. u play original, no hassle - as in none at all.

i tot i would be having fun receiving a wii but it ain't a bed of roses thus far.
8. that is why i am piss of with the wii scenario nowadays. coz to own a wii, u practically have to be a software engineer. and the market out there don't give u much of a choice. not everybody likes to be hassled, and there are many many people like u and me that prefer to be original than to be hassled. now, there r issues too with original wii - coz u will have some problems getting games from brick and mortar shops, u need to source it here in lyn instead. small problem but still a problem.

9. the choice is yours actually. i don't try to influence u to support original. but i like u to be informed, coz many out there are not informed to make a choice before buying.