Didn't know there was an Epi model of the name, you live and learn. Did it at least look faintly like it?
I think the idea behind the name is just so to make sure this is a Epiphone developed and designed model, and not a budget Gibson counterpart, so they went back to the time before Gibson bought Epiphone and picked up a name that was associated with a Epiphone original model.
Are they making Epis in Korea anymore? All the ones I've seen recently are Chinese.
At least here in Brazil, the local Epiphone dealer told me that all the semi-hollow line available to us here (dot, joe pass emperor, sheraton, cassino and the viola bass) are korean made. All the rest of the line is chinese.