I’m Joanna, and I’m Sung Hee, and this is K Drama Chat where we will take our favorite Korean dramas (also known as K Dramas) and recap and analyze each episode. Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 1 of Our Unwritten Seoul, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Park Bo Young as Yoo Mi Ri and Yoo Mi Rae, and Park Jin Young as Lee Ho Soo. We discuss:

• The songs we featured during the recap: “On Your Side” by Sion and “Pinky Promise” by Park Sang Hee, and how the music reflects loneliness, connection, and emotional undercurrents.
• Joanna’s NYC trip, including visits to Ellis Island, reflections on immigration, and Korean BBQ at New Wonjo.
• Sung Hee’s upcoming Korean American story slam event and the importance of storytelling in the Korean American community.
• Introducing K Drama Bingo with Naa Evans, and how we want to play Bingo with our listeners this season!
• The powerful dual performance by Park Bo Young.
• The character contrast between Mi Rae and Mi Ji, exploring identity, sibling dynamics, and the idea that “the grass is greener” doesn’t capture the full story.
• The meaning behind the show’s title and how language nuances (like “unknown” and “Miji”) shape interpretation.
• Historical context of the IMF crisis and how economic hardship shaped family dynamics and life trajectories.
• Exploration of identity, nature vs. nurture, and how identical twins can develop into very different people despite shared genetics.
• A discussion on hidden struggles, disabilities, and the importance of empathy and not making assumptions about others.
• Cultural practices like jesa (memorial ceremonies) and food-sharing traditions, and how they reflect values around family and remembrance.
• Themes of burnout, workplace bullying, moral dilemmas, and the emotional weight of responsibility and sacrifice.
• The emotional turning point between the sisters and their decision to switch lives, highlighting love, regret, and renewed connection.
• Reflections on contrasting lifestyles (city vs. countryside), including visuals, fashion, and emotional tone.
• What we’re watching and reading now, including Phantom Lawyer, Encounter, Human Acts by Han Kang, and We’ll Prescribe a Cat.

References

• KDramaBingo.com website
• KDramaBingo on Instagram
• ROAR Story Slam 2026 - KoreanAmericanStory.org
• Twin - Wikipedia
• Jesa - Wikipedia
• South Korea Should End Workplace Harassment for All Workers | Human Rights Watch
• Jeon (food) - Wikipedia
• Knife-cut noodle soup with red beans recipe by Maangchi
• How am I supposed to live without you by Laura Branigan
• How am I supposed to live without you by Michael Bolton

Today, we’ll be doing a single, special episode on Dynamite Kiss, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Ahn Eun-jin as Go Da-rim, Jang Ki-young as Gong Ji-hyeok, Kim Mu-jun as Kim Seon-u, Woo Da-vi as Yoo Ha-young, and a fantastic supporting cast. We discuss:

• The songs we featured during the recap: Don’t Give It Up by BBGirls, Love Is by Sondia, and Face to Face by The Stray, plus a shoutout to the instrumental The Moment You Hold by Byung Dong Wook.
• Why this show felt like a “dessert” watch—light, bingeable, and fun after heavier dramas, yet still charming enough to deserve its own episode.
• How the story flips expectations by starting with a kiss early on and then developing the romance.
• The undeniable chemistry between the leads and how their longing, misunderstandings, and obstacles keep viewers hooked.
• Gong Ji-hyeok as a trsundere lead - he starts out cold and uncaring, but we know he’s a softie on the inside, loves his moom deeply, and has deep love for Go Dar-rim.
• Go Da-rim’s journey from self-doubt to confidence and success, making her the emotional center of the story.
• The dynamic (and sometimes frustrating) second leads, including an unconvincing romantic pairing that sparked debate.
• The idea of the “dynamite kiss” as a powerful emotional and possibly even physical connection that drives the entire story.
• Memorable early scenes like the Cinderella-style transformation, the blue dress, the fireworks, and the tangerine moment that reveals Da-rim’s kindness.
• How the middle part of the series was muddled and middling.
• A deeper look at the villains and why their motivations and overlapping schemes felt weak and diluted the tension
• The heartfelt relationships between the mothers and how their kindness shapes the values and love story of the main couple
• The over-the-top but entertaining finale, complete with dramatic twists, memory loss, and a full-circle return to Jeju.
• The joyful, Bollywood-style ending dance sequence and what it reveals about the tone of the show and the cast’s chemistry
• Final recommendations and what we’re watching now, including new dramas and recent favorites

References

• Dynamite Kiss OST on YouTube Music

Today, we’ll be discussing a special episode of K Drama Chat featuring No Other Choice, the hit movie starring Lee Byung Hun as Yoo Man Soo, Son Ye Jin as Yoo Mi Ri, and a host of other incredible Korean actors. We discuss:

• Celebrating K Drama Chat turning four years old 
• Our reactions to watching the BTS concert live on Netflix and its deep connection to Korean culture, including the meaning behind “Arirang”
• Why No Other Choice feels like a movie for our times, especially in light of job loss, automation, and AI-driven disruption
• The fascinating 15+ year journey of the screenplay and how Park Chan-wook adapted a Western novel into a deeply Korean story
• Lee Byung Hun’s portrayal of an “ordinary salaryman” pushed into desperation, and how his emotional range makes Yoo Man Soo both terrifying and sympathetic
• Son Ye Jin’s nuanced performance as Mi Ri—a loving but resilient wife whose loyalty is pushed to its absolute limits
• The symbolism of the paper industry and how work becomes identity, making job loss feel like the loss of self
• The concept of shame (via Brené Brown) and how Yoo Man Soo embodies withdrawal, people-pleasing, and ultimately violence
• The house as the story’s MacGuffin—representing pride, history, identity, and the one thing Man Soo refuses to lose
• The progression of Man Soo’s moral collapse, from humiliation to rationalization to calculated violence
• Mi Ri’s devastating moral dilemma and why she ultimately chooses to stay, raising questions about love, survival, and “no other choice”
• The chilling ending: Man Soo alone in a fully automated factory, symbolizing the triumph of machines over people
• The use of dark humor and absurdity to make an otherwise horrifying story both watchable and unsettlingly funny
• Standout filmmaking choices, including tight framing, distant voyeuristic shots, and the striking final montage with Ri-one’s cello performance
• Our favorite lines, the film’s provocative title, and what we think happens to this family after the story ends.

References

• Park Chan-wook On How ‘No Other Choice’ Became Inherently More “Timely” 15 Years After He Began Writing It
• No Other Choice - Wikipedia
• The Axe (film) - Wikipedia
• The Ax (novel) - Wikipedia
• Top 10 Paper Producing Countries in the World
• What is EFT Tapping?
• Review of No Other Choice on RogerEbert
• Some interesting details from No Other Choice that non-Koreans may have missed : r/movies
• MARAIS: Le badinage, Livre IV - L'Achéron & François Joubert-Caillet
• Park Chan-wook and the Funny Thing About Stomach-Churning Horror - The New York Times
• 'No Other Choice' Ending Explained: What Park Chan-wook Wants To Say About AI

Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 16 of Start-Up, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Bae Suzy as Seo Dal-mi, Nam Joo Hyuk as Nam Do-san, Kim Seon Ho as Han Ji Pyeong, Kang Han Na as Won In-jae, and Kim Hae Sook as Choi Won Deok. We discuss:

• The songs featured during the recap: “To Me” by Jeong Eun Ji, “Care About You” by K.Will, and “Bright Future” by Park Se Jun and Kim Min Ji.
• Joanna’s New York trip, her Korean barbecue dinner with Ernabel at The Kunjip in Koreatown, and why the restaurant is worth visiting.
• Why this finale feels satisfying: the reconciliation of the sisters, the healing of the Seo family, and the sense that nearly every major relationship comes full circle.
• What “scale up” and “R&D” mean in the start-up world, and why Cheongmyeong Company’s future depends on both investment and risk-taking.
• How Nam Do-san traces the ransomware attack to the developer twins, and why their Apollo and Artemis usernames become the key clue.
• The show’s critique of power, revenge, and media manipulation through Morning AI, the corrupt reporter, and Won Du Jeong’s treatment of In-jae.
• The emotional power of the grandmother’s storyline, especially her reunion with Han Ji Pyeong and her reminder that he does not have to face life alone.
• Why Han Ji Pyeong’s ending may actually be a happy one: he gains family, purpose, meaningful work, and a way to pay forward the love he received.
• The Ko Gil Dong foundation, why its mission matters so deeply to Han Ji Pyeong, and how his investment shows his growth from self-protection to generosity.
• The rooftop conversation between Seo Dal-mi and Han Ji Pyeong, where he finally releases her from any guilt and preserves both his dignity and her respect.
• A deeper discussion of Second Lead Syndrome, why so many viewers thought Han Ji Pyeong was the real lead, and why Start-Up sparked such fierce debate.
• The repaired relationship between Seo Dal-mi and Seo In-jae, including the return to their father’s name, the meaning of the music box, and the 10,000 won bet.
• The reconciliation between Nam Do-san and Han Ji Pyeong, culminating in honesty, a handshake, a hug, and an investment deal that signals true mutual respect.
• The final scenes at Cheongmyeong Company, the symbolism of the wish wall and the elevator, plus the real-life filming location: Hankook Technoplex in Pangyo, designed by Foster + Partners.

At the end, we also share what we’re watching now, preview our upcoming single-episode reviews of No Other Choice and Dynamite Kiss, and reveal the show that we will recap and analyze in Season 14 of K Drama Chat – you’ll have to listen to find out!

References

• Apollo & Artemis: Divine Twins With Opposing Aims (Greek Myth) | TheCollector
• South Korea | RSF.
• United States | RSF
• The Rise of Succulents in Korea: How Korea Became the Succulent Capital of the World
• Dooly the Little Dinosaur - Wikipedia
• Team #HanJiPyeong: 5 reasons why most 'Start-Up' fans wanted Dal Mi to choose Ji Pyeong | allkpop
• 'Start-Up' Nam Dosan vs. Han Jipyeong Popularity | Hypebae
• The Power of Nunchi: The Korean Secret to Happiness and Success
• Story about The Kunjip restaurant on Asian American Life

Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 15 of Start-Up, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Bae Suzy as Seo Dal-mi, Nam Joo-hyuk as Nam Do-san, Kim Seon-ho as Han Ji-pyeong, Kang Han-na as Won In-jae, and Kim Hae-sook as Choi Won-deok. We discuss:

• The songs we featured during the recap: “Love Me Like You Used To” by Kassy, “Regret Will Remain the Reason” by Park Sejun and Kim Minji, and “A Story I Couldn’t Tell You” by Lee Nyeom.
• Joanna’s new weekly music spotlight: “We Pray” by Coldplay and TWICE, and why the many versions of the song with artists from around the world feel so moving and distinctive.
• Why Episode 15 feels like the emotional turning point of the love story, with Joanna celebrating that her guy finally got the girl and Sung Hee noting that one final twist may still remain.
• The meaning of “MVP,” or minimum viable product, and a rich discussion of product development, early adopters, speed to market, client validation, and the tension between ambition and practicality in startup life.
• The autonomous driving permit test for Tarzan, including the smart city opportunity in Seonju, the threat posed by Morning AI, and the real-world problem of phantom braking.
• Why the Seonju smart city bid is such a huge decision for Cheong Myeong Company, with Seo Dal-mi torn between caution and ambition, Han Ji-pyeong urging restraint, and Nam Do-san arguing that sometimes you have to sail off without a map.
• The contrast between Ji-pyeong and Do-san’s life experiences, especially how risk, failure, family support, and survival shaped their very different views of success and why Do-san believes you pass failure on the way to success.
• Seo Dal-mi’s growth as a CEO: more seasoned, more measured, more collaborative, and less impulsive after the damage caused by the 2STO deal.
• The drunken and deeply revealing night between Han Ji-pyeong and Nam Do-san, including the truth about the letters, Do-san’s insecurity, Ji-pyeong’s envy of Do-san’s family, and Ji-pyeong’s painful decision to step aside after realizing where Dal-mi’s heart truly lies.
• Why Han Ji-pyeong became such a powerful second lead, including a discussion of second lead syndrome, Kim Seon-ho’s especially expressive performance, and the internet-wide Team Do-san vs. Team Ji-pyeong debate.
• Do-san’s moving confession to Dal-mi that he wanted to be her trophy, pride, dream, comfort, and wings, and why his dream was always tied to becoming the person she believed he could be.
• The looming threat at the end of the episode: Morning AI weaponizing the press around the ransomware attack just as Cheong Myeong prepares its smart city bid, plus the hosts’ conversation about AI’s real-world impact on jobs, recent graduates, automation, and the future of work.

References

• Major companies that announced layoffs
• The impact of AI Technologies on the job market for recent graduates
• Sweet and Salty Soybeans (콩자반 Kongjaban) - Kimchimari
• Tarot Card Meanings List - 78 Cards By Suit, Element, and Zodiac – Labyrinthos
• South Korea's Tarot Scene
• Magic 8 Ball - Wikipedia

We were supposed to publish episode 13.15, an episode recapping and analyzing episode 15 of the hit K Drama Start-Up. We’ve had some technical difficulties, so instead, we are republishing episode 11.18, the episode where we analyze the movie Past Lives by Celine Song. Thanks for your patience. We’ll be back to Start-Up next week! 

Original show notes:

Today, we’ll be discussing Past Lives, the acclaimed 2023 film written and directed by Celine Song and starring Greta Lee as Nora Moon, Teo Yoo as Hae Sung, and John Magaro as Arthur. We discuss:

• How Past Lives explores the Asian diaspora experience, especially the tension and beauty of living between two cultures.
• The significance of Greta Lee’s performance and her fear of speaking Korean, being filmed in 35mm film.
• The childhood relationship between Na Young and Hae Sung and how their sweet bond sets the foundation for the rest of the story.
• The scene of their final childhood goodbye on the stairs—symbolic of diverging life paths and emotional separation.
• The realism of immigration—what is gained and lost when families move to another country, and how that move changes identity and aspirations.
• The film’s exploration of inyeon, the Korean concept of fate or connection, and how it plays out in both romantic and platonic relationships.
• The emotional Skype calls between Nora and Hae Sung in their twenties and how video calls ultimately weren’t enough to keep them together.
• Arthur’s perspective as Nora’s husband and how he navigates feelings of inadequacy, jealousy, and his genuine interest in her Korean identity.
• The triangulated tension during the New York reunion—how Nora, Arthur, and Hae Sung’s interactions reveal different types of love and connection.
• The power of silence and simple gestures, particularly in the final moments between Nora and Hae Sung.
• Why Nora cries at the end—mourning a love that never was, and the layers of her past that she can never reclaim.
• Whether Nora and Arthur’s marriage is built on love, convenience, or shared experience—and how their synchronized steps at the end suggest a kind of unity.
• The cinematography’s role in enhancing the film’s emotional resonance, including scenes of the Brooklyn Bridge, ferry rides, and the iconic closing restaurant sequence.

References

• Go-Stop - Wikipedia
• Yukgaejang - Wikipedia
• Korean Americans - Wikipedia

Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 14 of Start-Up, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Bae Suzy as Seo Dal-mi, Nam Joo Hyuk as Nam Do San, Kim Seon Ho as Han Ji Pyeong, Kang Han Na as Won In Jae, and Kim Hae Sook as Choi Won Deok. We discuss:

• The songs we featured during the recap: My Dear Love by Suzy, Merry Go Round by Kim Dong Hyeok, Tears of Piano by Park Sejun
• Listener Jeff’s comment about Yong San’s revenge arc — was it a red herring, and why the storyline ultimately became more about Han Ji Pyeong’s growth than actual danger.
• Why this episode is titled “Elevator Speech” - the literal and emotional elevator pitches that change minds in under a minute, especially SDM’s desperate appeal to Do San.
• Seo Dal Mi’s humiliation spiral: the hacked company, no back-ups, spilled coffee, pride, and why she couldn’t take Do San’s calls after he saved her company.
• Han Ji Pyeong’s complicated tenderness — hiding Dal Mi under the desk, switching from “Dal-mi-shi” to “Seo 대표님,” threatening Do San in the elevator, then immediately confessing the truth.
• Do San’s breaking point: the returned baseball from Park Chan Ho, his father’s quiet wisdom, the five-hour bike ride to the cabin, and the symbolism of throwing something away that you cannot forget.
• The full-circle moment: Dal Mi once begged to be CEO at the hackathon; now she’s begging the Samsan Tech trio to join CheongMyeong; this time, desperation wins.
• Yong San’s maturity arc — seeking out honest criticism from Ji Pyeong, apologizing for blaming him for his brother’s death, and asking the fundamental question: do we want to code or run a company?
• Chairman Yoon’s sharp reminder that investors who fund companies without business plans are “garbage,” and a discussion of due diligence and startup discipline.
• The sisters’ evolving relationship: Dal Mi accidentally calling In Jae “언니” before correcting herself to “대표님,” and In Jae filing paperwork to change her name back to Seo after realizing her grandmother’s eyesight is failing.
• Words that wound: from Ji Pyeong’s harsh Demo Day critique to Dal Mi’s breakup lines — “You’re not the one I loved” — and how language shapes identity and destiny in this episode.
• The epic piggyback ride across the land bridge, the bandana wrapped around Dal Mi’s scraped knee, the wrist grab, hair touches, and that meaningful head-rest while she sleeps.
• What we’re watching now: Summer Strike, While You Were Sleeping (a mini Start-Up reunion!), The Art of Sarah starring Shin Hye Sun, and narrowing down contenders for Season 14 — including Signal, My Mister, Resident Playbook (or maybe Hospital Playlist!), Our Unwritten Seoul, and more.

References

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yeouido
• Waiting on a Wish by Bae Suzy
• Yes No Maybe Dance Practice with Bae Suzy
• How to play rock✊🏻, paper✋🏻, scissors✌🏻 in Korean🇰🇷 #shorts #bts - YouTube
• Rock paper scissors - Wikipedia
• Nothing says "lucky" like a swine head - Korean Shamanism

Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 13 of Start-Up, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Bae Suzy as Seo Dal-mi, Nam Joo Hyuk as Nam Do San, Kim Seon Ho as Han Ji Pyeong, Kang Han Na as Won In Jae, and Kim Hae Sook as Choi Won Deok. We discuss:

• The songs we featured during the recap: Dream by Jamie, Ransomware by Kim Dong Hyeok, Remind by Park Sejun
• Joanna’s epic night at the TWICE concert at Capital One Arena — 21,000 fans, multi-generational crowds, and how “Takedown” from KPop Demon Hunters is bringing TWICE to new audiences in the U.S.
• The meaning of the episode title “Comfort Zone” and how it perfectly captures Han Ji Pyeong’s three-year stalemate with Seo Dal Mi.
• Ji Pyeong’s awkward confession while making skewers, why saying “I want to be the first person you think of” wasn’t quite enough, and whether jewelry is a bold romantic move or a panicked leap out of the friend zone.
• Yeong Sil’s iconic baseball analogy — “Two outs in the bottom of the ninth and a full count” — and why it may be the motivational speech Ji Pyeong needed to finally swing the bat.
• Nam Do San’s three years in Silicon Valley: success, stock options, Napa wine, yachts on the Bay… and whether coding became his emotional safe haven after heartbreak.
• The ransomware attack on CheongMyeong Company — port 22, SSH vulnerabilities, decryption keys, and whether finding the key was even remotely realistic (thank you to our cybersecurity friends for weighing in!).
• The thrill of problem-solving: why Do San says he hasn’t felt this alive in years — and whether returning to Korea means stepping out of his own comfort zone.
• The complicated dynamic between the sisters as Dal Mi (now CEO of CheongMyeong) and In Jae (대표님) maintain strict professionalism at work while still struggling to reconnect personally — especially around Chuseok.
• Han Ji Pyeong’s heartbreaking timing yet again — arriving just after Do San saves the company — and why Dal Mi hesitated to call him during the crisis.
• The bromance vote over street skewers and tteokbokki outside Sandbox — and the emotional moment when the three friends decide to stay in Korea together.
• Our favorite lines:
  – “Two outs in the bottom of the ninth and a full count.”
  – “Don’t throw a pebble into a calm lake.”
• At the end of the episode, Ji Pyeong confronts Do San in the elevator, gift in pocket, promotion title acknowledged (상무님!), and the rivalry officially reignites.
• Joanna’s interview with real-life venture capitalist Tim McLoughlin of Cofounders Capital — decision-making under uncertainty, making peace with imperfect data, and why looking backward can slow you down.

Next week, we recap and analyze Episode 14 of Start-Up and begin narrowing down our choice for Season 14. Send us your recommendations!

References

• Chuseok - Wikipedia
• Drinkers in Korea Dial for Designated Drivers - The New York Times
• Songpyeon - Wikipedia

Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 12 of Start-Up, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Bae Suzy as Seo Dal-mi, Nam Joo-hyuk as Nam Do-san, Kim Seon-ho as Han Ji-pyeong, Kang Han-na as Won In-jae, and Kim Hae-sook as Choi Won-deok. We discuss:

• The songs featured during the recap: Love Letter by BOL4, In the Same Way or Another by Park Sejun, and Without Your Letter by Lee Nyeom.
• The fallout of the 2STO deal and how Samsan Tech’s lack of legal, financial, and strategic guidance led to a contract that technically worked, but failed them completely.
• Han Ji-pyeong’s crisis of conscience and how his absence at Demo Day changed everything for Dal-mi and Samsan Tech.
• Why Seo Dal-mi didn’t bring the contract to Ji-pyeong for review, and how excitement, pride, and emotional distance all played a role.
• The brutal moment when Dal-mi and Jung Sa-ha are let go, revealing who 2STO actually wanted and how “acquiring a company” doesn’t mean protecting its people.
• The heartbreaking confrontation between Nam Do-san and Han Ji-pyeong, culminating in a physical fight and the devastating reveal about Dal-mi’s grandmother losing her vision.
• Ji-pyeong’s visit to the grandmother at her corn dog stand, the meaning of the word “순딩이” (gentle soul), and why this hug becomes his emotional breaking point.
• The quiet late-night phone call between Dal-mi and Do-san, the recorded confession, and the realization that love alone cannot be a shared dream
• Why Dal-mi breaks up with Do-san on his birthday, and how humiliation, pride, and unequal trajectories force her to let him go.
• Dal-mi’s decision to apply for a Strategic Planning Manager role at In-jae Company, swallowing her pride and reframing what leadership and vision look like after failure.
• The episode’s closing questions: the uncertain future of NoonGil, Do-san’s reluctant departure for Silicon Valley, and whether Ji-pyeong is finally ready to step into the role he’s been avoiding.
• The two unforgettable dads of Start-Up: Kim Won-hae, who plays Nam Do-san’s father,  and Kim Joo-hun, who portrays Seo Dal-mi’s father.
• What we’re watching now, including Pro Bono and Can This Love Be Translated.
• The exciting interview with a real-life venture capitalist next week!

References

• Medication, shape, size, and color – what does it mean?
• Korean housing
• Pill identifier from Drugs.com
• South Korea’s housing crisis explained
• Nanta (theatrical show) - Wikipedia
• Kim Won-hae - Wikipedia
• Kim Joo-hun - Wikipedia

Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 11 of Start-Up, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Bae Suzy as Seo Dal-mi, Nam Joo-hyuk as Nam Do-san, Kim Seon-ho as Han Ji-pyeong, Kang Han-na as Won In-jae, and Kim Hae-sook as Choi Won-deok. We discuss:

• The songs featured during the recap: Two Words by Wendy (of Red Velvet), Swing and Sand by Kim Dong-hyeok, and What Girls Do by Park Se-jun & Song Je-gyom.
• The emotional fallout for Han Ji-pyeong as he confronts the human cost of his words, especially in light of Kim Dong-su’s death.
• The complicated idea of “Plan B” — why Ji-pyeong offers it, why Dal-mi, Do-san, and Yong-san reject it, and how pride, guilt, and independence all collide here.
• Samsan Tech’s Demo Day win and why their decision not to inflate accuracy numbers becomes a defining moment for Do-san’s integrity and leadership.
• The ethical debate sparked by Do-san’s father during In-jae’s presentation: innovation vs. jobs, and how this 2020 storyline feels even more relevant in today’s AI-driven world.
• How Dal-mi reframes technology as something meant to serve people, especially the visually impaired, rather than replace them.
• The uneasy excitement around 2STO’s acquisition offer, including why the lack of legal guidance is alarming and how inexperienced founders can be vulnerable in high-stakes deals.
• Ji-pyeong’s fear that the acquisition is really a high-priced recruiting strategy — and his frantic attempt to stop the contract once it’s already in motion.
• The shifting dynamic between the sisters, as Won In-jae quietly reaches out to Dal-mi with small gestures that suggest reconciliation, even while Dal-mi stays firmly competitive.
• Dal-mi’s unresolved anger toward her mother, the grandmother’s perspective on forgiveness, and the idea that letting go of grudges can be an act of survival.
• Our deep dive into Korean skincare, from the 10-step routine and “glass skin” ideals to realistic approaches, favorite products, and why sunscreen reigns supreme.
• What we’re watching now, including Can This Love Be Translated? and Encounter, and Netflix’s growing catalog of older K dramas.

References

• An Expert Guide to Your 10-Step Korean Skincare Routine
• 34 Korean Beauty Products
• Medicube Collagen Jelly Cream
• COSRX Snail Mucin

Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 10 of Start-Up, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Bae Suzy as Seo Dal-mi, Nam Joo Hyuk as Nam Do-san, Kim Seon Ho as Han Ji Pyeong, Kang Han Na as Won In Jae, and Kim Hae Sook as Choi Won Deok. We discuss:

• The songs featured during the recap: Lonesome Diary by Sandeul, We Want To Be Like You by Park Sejun, and Without Your Letter by Lee Nyeom.
• The many confessions in this episode, especially by Han Ji Pyeong and Nam Do San, and how they each deal with rejection.
• The depth of Seo Dal Mi’s devastation as she discovers the truth behind the letters and struggles with shattered confidence before Demo Day.
• The beautiful and layered bus station scene between Nam Do San and Seo Dal Mi, including her heartbreaking question, “Was it fun?”
• Han Ji Pyeong’s emotional confession over lunch and the debate between us about whether it was character assassination or honesty.
• The emotional and philosophical discussion between Nam Do San and his father about shedding expectations and just being themselves.
• Chul San’s confession to Jung Sa Ha and how she unexpectedly seems touched by his sincerity.
• The symbolism of the suit and the decision by Nam Do San to present his authentic self, not a version dressed up for someone else.
• How the theme of “white lies” echoes across multiple storylines—grandmother, Nam Do San, Han Ji Pyeong, and Won In Jae—and the consequences of those lies.
• The offer by Alex Kwon of a job at 2STO and the golden handcuffs of stock options; Joanna explains the financial implications in USD.
• The haunting storyline about Yong San’s brother and his desire for revenge against Han Ji Pyeong, whom he blames for his brother’s death.
• The significance of “Plan B,” and how both Joanna and Sung Hee interpret its double meaning in different ways.
• Filming locations from Start-Up, including Oil Tank Culture Park (Sandbox exterior), Yeouido Hangang Park (corndog stand), Uijeongu Cathedral (church), and the Conrad Hotel in Seoul (HJP's apartment).

References

• Filming Locations for Start-Up
• Caught in the Act: Practical and Legal Considerations When Executives’ Office Love Affair Exposed
• Lee Nyeom on Spotify

Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 9 of Start-Up, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Bae Suzy as Seo Dal-mi, Nam Joo Hyuk as Nam Do-san, Kim Seon Ho as Han Ji-pyeong, Kang Han Na as Won In-jae, and Kim Hae Sook as Choi Won-deok. We discuss:

• The songs featured during the recap: “Bluebird” by Ailee, “Love Designer” by Park Se-jun, and “Cupcake” by Park Se-jun and Kim Min Ji.
• The heartbreaking story behind Nam Do-san’s Math Olympiad win and how it defined his identity and self-worth.
• Seo Dal-mi’s slow realization that something is off. Why do Han Ji Pyeong and Nam Do San have the same birthday and handwriting?
• The powerful metaphor of the wind: how it brings both luck and storms into Nam Do-san’s life.
• Han Ji-pyeong's explosive confrontation with Choi Won-deok, his declaration of love for Dal-mi, and the emotional fallout.
• The idea that risk is measurable, while danger is unpredictable, as articulated by Chairwoman Yoon in her evaluation of Won In-jae.
• Nam Do-san’s confession to his parents that he cheated in the Math Olympiad, and their crushing disappointment.
• The beautiful and emotional beach trip where Nam Do San gifts a moment of beauty to Seo Dal Mi’s grandmother.
• The escalating love triangle, with both Nam Do San and Han Ji Pyeong vying for Seo Dal Mi’s heart.
• The AI-related layoffs and protests surrounding In-jae Company and the broader implications for the workforce.
• A tense and cinematic ending where Dal-mi uncovers the truth, leaving both Nam Do San and Han Ji Pyeong speechless and in emotional disarray.
• The incredible performance of Seo Yi Sook, who plays Chairwoman Yoon, and her long and fascinating journey to stardom.
• What we’re watching now, including Dynamite Kiss, Made in Korea, Can This Love Be Translated, Pro Bono, and more.

References

• The top 15 K dramas ever made
• The best 30 K dramas of all time, ranked
• Oxford English Dictionary Adds Eight Korean Words.”
• StartUp Complete List of Filming Locations
• You're just staring at yourself': Job seekers lament AI interview process
• Endoscopist deskilling risk after exposure to artificial intelligence in colonoscopy: a multicentre, observational study - The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology
• Seo Yi Sook on Wikipedia
• ​​Where To Buy The Dooly And Gildong Shirts From ‘Start-Up’
• Dooly the Little Dinosaur - Wikipedia

Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 8 of Start-Up, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Bae Suzy as Seo Dal-mi, Nam Joo Hyuk as Nam Do-san, Kim Seon Ho as Han Ji Pyeong, Kang Han Na as Won In Jae, and Kim Hae Sook as Choi Won Deok. We also discuss Yoo Su Bin, the actor who plays Lee Chul San, and Kim Do Wan, the actor who plays Kim Yong San. We discuss:

• The songs featured during the recap: “Even for a Moment” by CHEEZE, “My Past” by Park Sejun and Kim Min Ji, and “Heart Signal” by Kim Dong Hyeok, plus a fun mention of IU’s “Good Day.”
• The theme of backups—literal and metaphorical—including cloud, device, and hard drive backups and what they signify about risk management and emotional safety.
• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): what it is, its key components, and how Samsan Tech uses CSR to fund their app for the visually impaired.
• The evolving nature of NoonGil and how Seo Dal-mi and Nam Do-san combine image recognition and AI voice tech to empower visually impaired users.
• Han Ji Pyeong’s initial rejection of the idea, and how storytelling plays a crucial role in business, as Seo Dal-mi’s pitch emotionally resonates with Han Ji Pyeong despite his pragmatic stance.
• The concept of Daily Active Users (DAUs), viral marketing, and how NoonGil’s downloads explode after a social post from baseball star Park Chan Ho.
• The powerful reveal of Choi Won Deok’s feedback notebook, and how this leads to Seo Dal-mi finally learning about her grandmother’s deteriorating eyesight.
• The emotional gravity of the grandmother using NoonGil to hear a Bible passage, and the symbolism of her regaining a sense of independence.
• The rivalry between Han Ji Pyeong and Nam Do-san intensifies, with two alternate endings showing different dynamics around the scrunchie.
• Important language and etiquette notes: how Seo Dal-mi calls HJP “Han Jang-nim” and how he respectfully calls her “Seo Daepyonim.”
• The storyline of Seo Dal-mi’s mother and her complicated motivations around reuniting with Won In Jae.
• A deep dive into Silicon Valley’s Pay It Forward culture and the “five-minute favor.”
• We spotlight Yoo Su Bin and Kim Do Wan—the quirky best friends in Samsan Tech—and discuss their careers, recent works, and breakout roles.

References

• No Other Choice on IMDB
• Good Day by IU
• Jat-guksu - Wikipedia
• Gapyeong County - Wikipedia
• Pay It Forward is Silicon Valley’s Open Secret to Success
• The Power of the Five Minute Favor by Adam Grant

Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 7 of Start-Up, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Bae Suzy as Seo Dal-mi, Nam Joo-hyuk as Nam Do-san, Kim Seon-ho as Han Ji-pyeong, Kang Han-na as Won In-jae, and Kim Hae-sook as Choi Won-deok. We discuss:

• The songs featured during the recap: My Love by Davichi, Maybe You Know It by Park Se-jun, and Alchemist by Park Se-jun.
• The startup terms "burn rate," "nut," and "valuation" and how they relate to Samsan Tech’s financial situation.
• How Dal-mi bombards Ji-pyeong with 400 questions, revealing her inexperience and eagerness, and how Ji-pyeong answers them all.
• The intensifying love triangle and growing tension between Ji-pyeong and Do-san, especially as Ji-pyeong begins to realize his feelings for Dal-mi.
• The hilarious but symbolic scene where Ji-pyeong tries to throw out the money plant and gets scolded by the building manager.
• The heartbreaking moment when Choi Won-deok begs Do-san not to reveal her deteriorating eyesight to Dal-mi.
• Do-san's touching realization that all the "miracles" began with the grandmother’s kindness, deepening his respect and resolve.
• How Do-san’s concern for the grandmother inspires the idea for Samsan Tech’s new business model: an app for the visually impaired.
• The pitch meeting with Morning Group, where Dal-mi and Do-san realize they are being offered an exploitative contract.
• Dal-mi’s kiss, sparked by Do-san defending her and standing up for their dignity, despite their financial precarity.
• How the sisters, Dal-mi and In-jae, each struggle to be recognized on their own merits: one without credentials, one despite connections.
• Stephanie Lee, who plays Jung Sa-ha, her Korean-American background, her shift from dramas to movies, and her award-winning fashion.

References

• Google Options Make Masseuse a Multimillionaire - The New York Times
• Stroke of luck for masseuse who found millions at Google | The Independent
• MIcrosoft and OpenAI reach a deal valuing OpenAI at $500B
• Actress Stephanie Lee is preparing for a new leap forward
• Moon Se-yoon - Wikipedia
• Faces of wealth, intellect and longevity, as revealed by veteran face reader
•  

Today, we take a quick break from Start-Up, the K Drama we're recapping and analyzing in Season 13 of K Drama Chat, to reflect on the best K Dramas of 2025. We share our top 5 shows, actors, actresses, scenes, and songs of the year—and we hear from YOU, our amazing listeners! We discuss:

• The listener-favorite and TIME Magazine’s top K Drama of 2025: When Life Gives You Tangerines
• Songs we loved in 2025
• The top shows of our listeners. We hear from:
  • MrsDJQ
  • Irma
  • Christine
  • Malcolm
  • Shine
  • Sue
  • Ernabel
• Our personal top 5 shows and honorable mentions
• A special treat: audio clips from listeners sharing their top shows!
• The actresses who blew us away in 2025
• The standout male performances
• The most memorable scenes from K Dramas we watched
• K Dramas we’re looking forward to in 2026
• Korean films from 2025 we recommend watching
• A reminder to join us next week when we return to Start-Up and discuss Episode 7 and Stephanie Lee, the actress who plays Jeong Sa-ha

References

• 60+ K Dramas from the first half of 2025
• TIME Magazine’s Top 10 K Dramas from 2025
• New KOREAN Drama 2025
• KDramas of 2025 (complete, on-going, and upcoming) (156 shows) - MyDramaList
• Day and Night by Jung Seung Hwan
• I Find You by Do Young
• Woojooin by Seo Young Joo
• I’ll Be Your Idol from KPop Demon Hunters

Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 6 of Start-Up, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Bae Suzy as Seo Dal-mi, Nam Joo Hyuk as Nam Do-san, Kim Seon Ho as Han Ji Pyeong, Kang Han Na as Won In Jae, and Kim Hae Sook as Choi Won Deok. We discuss:

• The songs we featured during the recap: Where Is Dream by 10CM, Maybe You Know It by Park Sejun, and Game Room by Park Sejun. We also shared insights into 10CM’s music career and unique vocal style.
• The concept of the “key man,” and how Nam Do-san, as the brilliant coder, is the true key person behind Samsan Tech’s success, not Seo Dal-mi.
• An in-depth conversation about equity and ownership, with Han Ji Pyeong insisting that a CEO must have majority equity to lead effectively — a controversial claim that causes major friction in the team.
• The fallout among the Samsan Tech founders when Chul San and Yong San feel betrayed by Nam Do-san’s proposed equity structure, prompting a near breakup.
• Seo Dal-mi’s growth as a CEO, including how she proposes a new equity split and confronts Jeong Sa Ha with strength and confidence, signaling her rising leadership.
• The tension between being a good person and being an effective CEO, and how Seo Dal-mi learns to make hard decisions without trying to please everyone.
• The emotional weight of keeping the truth about the letters hidden from Seo Dal-mi, especially now that Nam Do-san learns the grandmother is losing her eyesight.
• The deepening love triangle between Seo Dal-mi, Nam Do-san, and Han Ji Pyeong, as seen in the nuanced facial expressions, especially during their scene on the bleachers.
• A sobering look at Won In Jae’s fraught relationship with her stepfather and mother, and how her need to “win” is rooted in betrayal and guilt.
• The dark twist at the end of the episode, where a hooded figure leaves a message about revenge on the Sandbox wall — suggesting deeper intrigue ahead.
• A spotlight on the incredible Kim Hae Sook, who plays the grandmother, Choi Won Deok. We discuss her prolific career, her range as an actress, and her importance to Korean cinema and TV.

References

• Could Malcolm Gladwell's Theory of Cockpit Culture Apply to Asiana Crash?
• Malcolm Gladwell’s Outliers and Aircraft Dispatchers
• Thinking Beyond Cultural Legacy: The Case of Korean Air
• Malcolm Gladwell Theory Debunked - Hacker News

Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 5 of Start-Up, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Bae Suzy as Seo Dal-mi, Nam Joo Hyuk as Nam Do-san, Kim Seon Ho as Han Ji Pyeong, Kang Han Na as Won In Jae, and Kim Hae Sook as Choi Won Deok. We discuss:

• The songs featured during the recap: "Running" by Gaho and "Shake Shake."
• The intense and emotional hackathon that tests our characters’ ambition, determination, and self-worth.
• Seo Dal-mi’s rising ambition and her impressive performance as the new CEO of Samsan Tech.
• Nam Do-san’s growing confidence, his romantic development, and his beautiful metaphor involving Tarzan.
• The theme of imposter syndrome and how both Dal-mi and Do-san feel they’re not worthy — but believe in each other.
• The critical role APIs, GPUs, data sets, and artificial neural networks play in tech — and how they’re introduced in the show.
• Han Ji Pyeong’s internal turmoil, guilt, and shift from dismissive investor to personal mentor and backer of Samsan Tech.
• The heartbreaking reveal that Dal-mi didn’t go to college because she wanted to buy a corn dog truck for her grandmother.
• Dal-mi’s smart and humble recruitment of Jeong Sa Ha, a designer with top-tier credentials, by literally going down on her knees.
• The competitive and cold dynamic between the sisters, especially in the brutal bathroom scene.
• The sly arrival of stylish twins to In Jae Company and the challenge they pose to Samsan Tech.
• Alex Kwon’s savvy evaluation of Samsan Tech’s potential, not just performance — and his pivotal vote that secures their place in Sandbox.
• The ethics and motivations behind Han Ji Pyeong’s involvement in the letters, and Seo Dal-mi’s growing suspicions.
• Our reflections on the character of Han Ji Pyeong and whether redemption is possible.
• The amazing career of Kang Han Na, the actress who plays Won In Jae, including her roles in Moon Lovers, Bon Appetit, and her stint as a top DJ for KBS.

References

• Kang Han Na on Wikipedia
• GUI Steakhouse in New York City
• Data.gov, the home of the US Government’s Open Data
• Running by Gaho

Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 4 of Start-Up, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Bae Suzy as Seo Dal-mi, Nam Joo-hyuk as Nam Do-san, Kim Seon-ho as Han Ji-pyeong, Kang Han-na as Won In-jae, and Kim Hae-sook as Choi Won-deok. We discuss:

• The songs featured during the recap: “I Know” by Seunghui, Jiho, and Yubin, and “Let’s Go To Sandbox” by Kim Dong Hyuk.
• The history and meaning behind Korea's first snow superstition and how it shows up in K Dramas and real life.
• Netflix’s evolution and its global strategy as it reportedly acquires Warner Brothers.
• The symbolism behind the money plant that Dal-mi gives Do-san and the Joseon-era significance of In-jae cutting her hair.
• How Sandbox reflects the early 2000s .com startup culture — including casual offices and office dogs.
• The origin of the word “bug” in computing and its metaphorical meaning for Do-san’s emotional crash.
• How all three leads — Dal-mi, Do-san, and In-jae — are sailing without a map, trying to prove themselves independently.
• The parallel journeys of the sisters, and their complicated relationships with their mother.
• The growing love triangle tension and the deepening emotional complexity between Dal-mi, Do-san, and Ji-pyeong.
• The Go-Stop card game birthday celebration — a wish from Ji-pyeong’s past that’s now come true — and the bittersweet memories it revives.
• The pivotal moment where Do-san asks Dal-mi what she likes about him and struggles with the weight of living a lie.
• Ji-pyeong’s bold promise to the grandmother that Dal-mi won’t get hurt — and the emotional and logistical risks behind it.
• The drama and stakes of the Sandbox hackathon selection process, including the surprise that Do-san isn’t chosen as a CEO.
• Nam Do-san’s decision to choose Seo Dal-mi as CEO, based on both heart and logic, and the critical contrast between Dal-mi and In-jae as leaders.
• Nam Joo-hyuk’s acting journey, from modeling to his acclaimed roles in Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo, Start-Up, and Twenty-Five Twenty-One.

References

• This is Nodeul Island
• Go-Stop - Wikipedia
• Korean Blood Type Personality - Traits & Compatibility

Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 3 of Start-Up, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Bae Suzy as Seo Dal-mi, Nam Joo Hyuk as Nam Do-san, Kim Seon Ho as Han Ji Pyeong, Kang Han Na as Won In Jae, and Kim Hae Sook as Choi Won Deok. We discuss:

• The songs featured during the recap: One Day by Kim Feel and Dream a Dream by Park Sejun. Kim Feel’s music is soulful and widely featured in K Drama OSTs.
• Joanna’s trip to Europe, highlights from Nice and Monaco, and her growing confidence speaking French thanks to Duolingo Max.
• The hilarious and emotional interactions between Nam Do-san and Han Ji Pyeong, including reciting the South Korean national anthem to cover a fake business discussion.
• The poetic metaphor of the music box, representing Nam Do-san as someone full of potential and how Seo Dal-mi’s belief in him gives him the courage to grow.
• The layered sibling rivalry and estrangement between Seo Dal-mi and Won In Jae, and the complex emotions tied to their mother.
• An in-depth explanation of startup funding terms like angel investor, pre-series A, series A, mezzanine financing, and term sheets.
• The theme of equity and control in business, illustrated by how Won In Jae is ousted as CEO due to lack of shares, despite holding the title.
• The metaphorical and literal meaning of taking the elevator to the top—used by Seo Dal-mi as a symbol of her ambition.
• Seo Dal-mi’s bold bet that she’ll be more successful than her sister in three years, likening herself to a future Steve Jobs or Mark Zuckerberg.
• Samsan Tech’s win at the CODA competition, their failed video presentation, and the intrigue by the Korean American judge.
• Sandbox as a metaphorical and literal safe space for entrepreneurs, inspired by the “sandbox” described by Dal-mi’s father.
• The motivations behind each character’s application to Sandbox: Seo Dal-mi wants to take the upper floor elevator, Nam Do-san wants to turn a misunderstanding into reality, and Won In Jae wants to shed her image as “chewed-up gum.”
• A profile of actor Kim Seon Ho, including his traumatic childhood experience, strong theater background, rise through Strongest Deliveryman, and breakout role in Start-Up.

References

• What is a sandbox?
• Venture capital terms you need to know

Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 2 of Start-Up, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Bae Suzy as Seo Dal-mi, Nam Joo-hyuk as Nam Do-san, Kim Seon-ho as Han Ji-pyeong, Kang Han-na as Won In-jae, and Kim Hae-sook as Choi Won-deok. We discuss:

• The songs featured during the recap: “Day and Night” by Jung Seung Hwan and “Start-Up” by Kim Dong Hyeok.
• The parallels between this episode and Cyrano de Bergerac, with a mysterious letter-writer and mistaken identity.
• The warmth and complexity of the relationship between Choi Won-deok and Han Ji-pyeong, and how their past connects them to Dal-mi’s present.
• Seo Dal-mi’s struggle to prove her life choices were valid, especially when compared to her sister’s seemingly perfect life.
• Dal-mi’s determination to attend the networking event and show off a successful partner, despite the nonexistence of Nam Do-san as she imagines him.
• The brutal and unfair treatment Dal-mi receives at her job, and how her lack of a college degree limits her opportunities.
• The curated social media life of Won In-jae, which masks a dysfunctional and lonely reality.
• The complicated dynamics between Dal-mi, In-jae, and their estranged mother, especially the painful lack of contact over the years.
• The reveal that Han Ji-pyeong has been receiving business plans from the real Nam Do-san, who’s been living in obscurity with his quirky tech partners.
• Nam Do-san’s surprising and bold move to ask for a spot in Sandbox instead of money, showing a steely ambition behind his awkward exterior.
• The moment Nam Do-san reads the heartfelt letters from Dal-mi, realizing how much he unknowingly meant to her during a difficult time.
• Choi Won-deok’s panic as she realizes Dal-mi might meet the real Nam Do-san, threatening to unravel their entire ruse.
• The transformation of Nam Do-san from a rumpled, unknown developer into the stylish man who shows up at the networking event.
• The emotional significance of the unopened music box, and how it symbolizes Dal-mi’s feelings for Nam Do-san.
• The episode ends with Samsan Tech posting the highest score in an AI competition and being selected by CODA, just as Nam Do-san steps into Dal-mi’s life.

References

• TIME: Marriages tick up in Asian, but long-term demographic challenges persist
• Chan Ho Park - Wikipedia
• Cosmos (plant) - Wikipedia

Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 1 of Start-Up, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Bae Suzy as Seo Dal-mi, Nam Joo-hyuk as Nam Do-san, Kim Seon-ho as Han Ji-pyeong, Kang Han-na as Won In-jae, and Kim Hae-sook as Choi Won-deok. We discuss:

• The songs we featured during the recap: “Future” by Red Velvet and “A Small Post Box of Hope” by Park Se-jun.
• The heartbreaking and hopeful relationship between Han Ji-pyeong and Choi Won-deok, who gives him a place to stay and helps launch his future.
• The idea that sometimes, people don’t fall on soft sand—they fall on concrete—and what that means for those who risk everything to start a business.
• The many business concepts introduced in this episode: startups, angel investors, venture capitalists, incubators, and accelerators.
• The heartbreaking story of Seo Dal-mi’s father, who dies just as he achieves the first step in scaling his business.
• The metaphor and origin of the name “Sandbox” and what it means for entrepreneurs.
• The painful separation of sisters Seo Dal-mi and Won In-jae, who make opposite choices after their parents’ divorce.
• How letters from a fictional Nam Do-san helped a lonely Dal-mi through the darkest period of her life.
• Why Han Ji-pyeong’s role in writing those letters may have brought healing to him as much as it did to Dal-mi.
• A powerful early reveal: Han Ji-pyeong is now a wealthy VC who may hold the future of many young entrepreneurs in his hands.
• The moving reunion between Choi Won Deok and Han Ji-pyeong after 15 years.
• The harsh confrontation between Dal-mi and her sister, where In-jae mocks Dal-mi’s struggles and claims she has no regrets about choosing to stay with their mother.
• Dal-mi’s bold lie that she’s in business with Nam Do-san—and the fallout as she must now find him and make the story real.
• The cliffhanger introduction of the real Nam Do-san, who’s quietly working on groundbreaking AI recognition software.
• What we’re watching now, including The Uncanny Counter, Under the Queen’s Umbrella, Typhoon Family, and more!

References

• Wikipedia: Chang Yŏngsil

Today, we’re doing a special episode on Bon Appétit, Your Majesty, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Lee Chae Min as King Yi Heon and Im Yoon A as Yeon Ji Yeong. We are joined by the amazing Ernabel Demillo to discuss:

• The featured song during the recap: I Find You by Do Young.
• How Bon Appétit, Your Majesty is a light-hearted, romantic, and food-filled drama inspired by the dark reign of King Yeonsangun.
• The show’s unique blend of historical fiction, time travel, romance, and culinary arts — with food as a central character and storytelling device.
• The story of King Yeonsangun, the real tyrant who inspired the fictional King Yi Heon, and how the drama reimagines his story.
• A comparison to Mr. Queen and why this show, though similar on the surface, is more about food, love, and redemption than gender-bending comedy.
• Im Yoon A and Lee Chae Min’s incredible chemistry, with Lee Chae Min’s breakout performance being especially notable given his short preparation time.
• The standout supporting characters, including Gil Geum, Gong Gil, Kang Mok Ju, and the Chinese chefs — each representing different cultural and culinary dynamics.
• The symbolic power of food in the drama, showing how it connects people, heals trauma, and even saves nations.
• The use of the Mangunrok as the show’s MacGuffin — both a literal time travel portal and a symbolic love letter from the king.
• The drama’s conclusion, including how the king travels to the modern day, and the emotional payoff of their reunion through food.
• A discussion of Michelin-starred restaurants in Asia, the rise of Korean cuisine globally, and personal dining experiences from Ernabel.
• Gong Gil’s deeper role and edited-out storyline — including a potential love triangle that was ultimately minimized.
• The theme of finding your destined love across time, emphasized through the OST lyrics and repeated motifs of reunion and promise.
• What we’re watching now — from Because This Is My First Life to Would You Marry Me and The Uncanny Counter — and a preview of Season 13 of K Drama Chat, where we will recap and analyze Startup.

References

• From The Tatler: The true story about the fictional king in ‘Bon Appétit, Your Majesty’
• From TIME: The Real History Behind the Time Travel K-Drama Bon Appetit, Your Majesty
• From Reddit: Summary of the ending of the book “Surviving as Yeonsangun’s Cher”
• Asian American Life website 

and recent episodes

Today, we have a special episode of K Drama Chat where we’re joined by longtime listener, friend, and screenwriter, Ellen Sullivan. We talk about the art and science of screenwriting and how the best K Dramas follow—or creatively depart from—dramatic structure to deliver compelling, emotional stories. In this episode, we discuss:

• The shows that are heavily spoiled in this episode: Crash Landing On You, Mr. Queen, Mr. Sunshine, When the Phone Rings, and Captivating the King.
• Ellen’s background as a screenwriter and technical writer, and how her passion for K Dramas began with My Mister.
• The Western three-act structure versus the Korean four-act structure (gi-seung-jeon-gyeol), and how each style approaches storytelling and character development.
• Detailed examples of setup, midpoint, and conclusion in Crash Landing On You, Mr. Queen, and Mr. Sunshine.
• What makes these shows work: believable character arcs, clear motivations, strong midpoint turns, and emotional payoffs.
• The redemption arc as a dramatic formula, especially in characters like Gu Seung-jun (CLOY) and Jang Bong-hwan (Mr. Queen).
• Why humor breaks are essential in Korean dramas and how they add richness to character and story.
• Foreshadowing and payoffs (or lack thereof) in When the Phone Rings, and why the “Argan” plot twist derailed the show.
  The pacing and structural missteps in Captivating the King, including over-explaining, weak female lead development, and a lack of trust in the audience.
• The importance of a “MacGuffin” in each drama—a central object or goal everyone is chasing.
• How K Dramas “trust the audience” by skipping mundane scenes and using implication rather than exposition.
• The emotional power of music in K Dramas, especially in Mr. Queen, CLOY, and Mr. Sunshine, and how it enhances tone and viewer engagement.
• Why well-crafted character interaction reveals motivation better than exposition.
• The writing mantra: “Make me care.” How the best dramas engage our emotions without making us think about structure until the end.
• What we’re watching now, including Bon Appetit, Heavenly Ever After, Typhoon Family, Because This is My First Life, Signal, and Will You Marry Me.
• A big reveal: the next K Drama we’ll be recapping in Season 13! You have to listen to find out!

Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 16, the finale, of Extraordinary Attorney Woo, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Park Eun-bin as Woo Young-woo, Kang Tae-oh as Lee Jun-ho, Ha Yoon-kyung as Choi Soo-yeon, Ju Hyun-young as Dong Geurami, Kang Ki-young as Jung Myung-seok, and Joo Jong-hyuk as Kwon Min-woo. We discuss:

• The songs featured during the recap: Dance with a Best Friend by Roh Young Sim and Beyond My Dreams by Sunwoojunga.
• The Wall Street Journal article that explores the wide spectrum of autism and how the medical community thinks we need better and different diagnoses for the different presentations of autism.
• Woo Young-woo and Choi Sang-hyeon’s similarities, including their autistic traits, intelligence, and love of gimbap and Rubik’s cubes.
• Tae Su-mi’s response to her son’s confession of hacking and how it reflects both ambition and maternal instinct.
• The ethical and legal complexities of the Raon hacking case, including Woo Young-woo’s dilemma between social justice and client interests.
• The pivotal moment where Attorney Jung tells Woo Young-woo, “You’re not an ordinary attorney,” marking her growth and moral clarity.
• Hanbada’s legal strategy to submit the hacker’s confession and differentiate between a data breach and a security breach.
• The class action lawsuit’s dismissal due to lack of actual data disclosure, and Tae Su-mi’s decision to withdraw from her Minister of Justice candidacy.
• The nuanced portrayal of Attorney Jung’s health crisis and his potential path to a life with better balance and renewed love.
• Kwon Min-woo’s redemption arc: quitting his vendetta against Woo Young Woo, re-evaluating his ambition, and trying to live “like a fool.”
• The scene where Woo Young-woo asks Tae Su-mi to let her brother testify—framing it as a moment of maternal reckoning.
• Lee Jun-ho’s heartfelt confession comparing his love to that of a cat owner—unrequired, quirky, patient, and unwavering.
• The beautiful ending that shows Woo Young-woo achieving fulfillment—being hired full-time at Hanbada and sharing a quiet, joyful moment with Lee Jun-ho.
• Commentary on the show's themes of fulfillment, living with values, and caring for your loved ones.
• Final reflections on the series and the growth of Woo Young-woo, Attorney Jung, and Kwon Min Woo.

References

• Soonpoong Clinic - MyDramaList
• A mother and her son share an autism diagnosis. But their worlds couldn’t be more different. 
• Is Autism Genetic? | UCLA Medical School.
• ​​Cyanide poisoning - Wikipedia
• The Hidden Cultural Secrets Behind Korean Surnames and Names

Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 15 of Extraordinary Attorney Woo, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Park Eun-bin as Woo Young Woo, Kang Tae-oh as Lee Jun-ho, Ha Yoon-kyung as Choi Soo-yeon, Ju Hyun-young as Dong Geu-ra-mi, Kang Ki-young as Jung Myung-seok, and Joo Jong-hyuk as Kwon Min-woo. We discuss:

• The songs featured during the recap: Prom Dance by Roh Young Sim and Brave by Kim Jong Wan.
• How this episode is a cautionary tale about phishing and spear phishing, with a detailed breakdown of cyberattacks and how they work.
• Attorney Jang's arrogance and failure as a leader, and how he nearly ruins the Raon case due to his insecurity and inexperience.
• Choi Soo-yeon and Kwon Min-woo taking bold risks in court to argue Woo Young Woo’s theory, saving the case.
• The disturbing courtroom suicide attempt by CEO Bae In-cheol and what drove him to such a public act of despair.
• Woo Young Woo’s heartbreak and the poignant conversation where she reveals to Jun-ho that she’s afraid she’ll make him lonely.
• Choi Soo-yeon’s confession to Kwon Min-woo, asking him to act with heart instead of strategy: “Because I like guys who are like that.”
• The courtroom drama and the judge's precise nature, possibly reflecting traits similar to Woo Young Woo’s.
• The revelation that Tae Su-mi’s son—Woo Young Woo’s half-brother—is the hacker behind the Raon breach.
• CEO Han’s manipulative move to “protect” Woo Young Woo by orchestrating her temporary disappearance when the news breaks about her parentage.
• The emotional significance of Attorney Jung’s surgery and his relationship with Woo Young Woo, who visits him in the hospital in her own awkward yet heartfelt way.
• The shifting relationship between Choi Soo-yeon and Kwon Min-woo as they navigate tension, politics, and potential romance.
• The societal and legal implications of holding corporations accountable for data breaches, including evolving privacy laws in Korea.
• Korean surnames, pronunciation, and cultural insights into name origins, including the now-repealed law banning marriage between people with the same surname and ancestral origin.
• The wonderful recommendations for season 13 of our K Drama Chat from our listeners!

References

• Personal Information Protection Act of South Korea
• Bibimbap - Wikipedia

• The songs we featured during the recap: Blue Night of Jeju Island (instrumental version) and Whale Is by Roh Young Sim.
• How this episode focuses more on the personal journeys of Woo Young-woo and Attorney Jung, rather than the legal case itself.
• The powerful contrast between the Hanbada legal team’s adversarial view of justice and the abbot’s serene, non-materialistic Buddhist philosophy.
• Attorney Jung’s emotional and physical crisis, as he reveals he has stage 3 stomach cancer, and what that diagnosis means.
• The heartbreaking breakup between Woo Young-woo and Lee Jun-ho, and her running away mid-conversation after receiving legal inspiration, leaving him devastated.
• The parallel between Lee Jun-ho’s heartbreak and Attorney Jung’s failed marriage—both men feel neglected by the women they loved.
• The impact of the abbot’s wisdom and presence on Attorney Jung, who is inspired to propose a foundation to help the temple become financially self-sustaining.
• The discovery of Haengbok Noodles' original owner and the delicious soup that he made for the Hanbada team.
• The ongoing transformation of Kwon Min-woo, who shows restraint and surprising kindness toward Choi Soo-yeon.
• A possible romance brewing between Choi Soo-yeon and Kwon Min-woo, with awkward but sweet tension and a Noraebang interruption.
• The deepening mystery surrounding CEO Han and her Machiavellian use of Woo Young-woo’s identity to potentially destroy Tae Su-mi.
• The shows we’re considering for Season 13 of K Drama Chat.

References

• Korean Family Terms - How to address your relatives
• Public Law 6656
• BTS Suga's 5 Billion Won Donation Opens Autism Center
• Gimbap - Wikipedia
• What Is Stomach Cancer? - NCI
• Stomach cancer hits Asian populations harder.
• Confucianism - Wikipedia
• Daeden-Zzi: the Game | USC Digital Folklore Archives

Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 13 of Extraordinary Attorney Woo, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Park Eun-bin as Woo Young Woo, Kang Tae-oh as Lee Jun-ho, Ha Yoon-kyung as Choi Soo-yeon, Ju Hyun-young as Dong Geu-ra-mi, Kang Ki-young as Jung Myung-seok, and Joo Jong-hyuk as Kwon Min-woo. We discuss:

• The songs featured during the recap: The Blue Night of Jeju Island by Park Eun-bin and Unanswered Questions by KOOW.
• The legal case centered around a 3,000 won admission fee to Hwangjisa Temple, and how it raises questions about cultural heritage law and public access.
• The real-life filming location of the fictional Hwangjisa Temple: Gwaneumsa Temple on Jeju Island, including its architecture, templestay program, and serene atmosphere.
• The blurred gwaebultaeng painting of Avalokiteśvara (Guanyin) and how it symbolizes the unseen spiritual essence in Korean Buddhist traditions.
• Attorney Jung’s health deterioration and emotional unravelling, including his poignant reflections about his failed marriage and the impact of overwork.
• How Jeju Island acts as a backdrop for both a court case and an emotional retreat for the Hanbada team, revealing character backstories and personal struggles.
• Lee Jun-ho's awkward attempt to introduce Woo Young-woo to his sister and brother-in-law, leading to a painful confrontation overheard by WYW.
• The layered misunderstandings and hurtful comments about WYW’s relationship with Lee Jun-ho, especially from his skeptical sister.
• Kwon Min-woo’s unexpectedly supportive behavior toward Choi Soo-yeon and what we learn about his family obligations and financial pressures.
• More insight into language and social dynamics, including the respectful and familiar terms used between family members and toward WYW.
• The filming locations of Extraordinary Attorney Woo, including Deoksugung Stone-wall Road, the real-life gimbap restaurant in Suwon, and the hackberry tree in Changwon.

References

• Gwaneumsa Temple on Jeju Island
• Visit Korea website about Gwaneumsa Temple
• Kajaguruma restaurant in Suwon
• Hackberry tree from Extraordinary Attorney Woo received natural monument status
• Hanbok - Wikipedia.
• Religion in South Korea - Wikipedia
• Internal Investigations in Korea: If You Want To Win, Record All Interviews - Lexology

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Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 12 of Extraordinary Attorney Woo, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Park Eun-bin as Woo Young Woo, Kang Tae-oh as Lee Jun-ho, Ha Yoon-kyung as Choi Soo-yeon, Ju Hyun-young as Dong Geurami, Kang Ki-young as Jung Myung-seok, and Joo Jong-hyuk as Kwon Min-woo. We discuss:

• The songs featured during the recap: “One Two Three Young Woo” by Jo Byeong Hyeon and “H” by Roh Young Sim. The first is quirky, while the second is melancholy.
• The political and ethical complexity of Hanbada’s involvement in drafting a policy that led to mass layoffs of married women.
• The fierce and principled attorney Ryu Jae Sook, who champions women’s and labor rights, and who offers a thought-provoking contrast to Hanbada's corporate approach.
• The idea of generation names in Korean clans, and how these were used to explore the relationship between Judge Ryu Myeong Ha and Attorney Ryu Jae Sook.
• Attorney Jung’s jarring statement that attorneys are not meant to make the world a better place, but to defend their clients, no matter who they are.
• Woo Young Woo’s internal conflict as she receives a job offer from Attorney Ryu and wrestles with what kind of attorney she wants to be.
• The damaging but clever tactics of Kwon Min-woo, who secretly mails a legal memo to the opposing counsel in an attempt to frame Woo Young Woo.
• The brutal emotional toll of litigation, as personal and irrelevant information (such as fertility treatment) is dragged into court to discredit the plaintiffs.
• The bittersweet conclusion to the case: the women lose in court but win in the court of public opinion and in moral conviction.
• The evolving relationship between Woo Young Woo and Lee Jun-ho as they try to navigate differing perceptions of what it means to be a couple.
• The quiet decline of Attorney Jung, whose stress and physical deterioration hint at serious underlying health issues.
• A linguistic and cultural deep dive into the Korean pronunciation of family names such as Choi, Park, and Yun, and the surprising differences when romanized.

References

• Generation name - Wikipedia
• Pro bono practices and opportunities in South Korea
• Glass ceiling - Wikipedia

Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 11 of Extraordinary Attorney Woo, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Park Eun-bin as Woo Young Woo, Kang Tae-oh as Lee Jun-ho, Ha Yoon-kyung as Choi Soo-yeon, Joo Hyun-young as Dong Geu-ra-mi, Kang Ki-young as Jung Myung-seok, and Joo Jong-hyuk as Kwon Min-woo. We discuss:

• The songs featured during the recap: Overture and Junho Being Brave (Let me be your hug chair) by Roh Young Sim
• The legal case about three gambling friends and a disputed lottery ticket—and the moral, ethical, and legal dilemmas it raises.
• Attorney Jung’s surprising soft side, as he takes on a questionable case swayed by a couple’s sob story and a broken heel.
• Article 103 of Korean civil law that states that contracts that violate social order are null and void.
• The twist when the plaintiff, Shin Il-su, asks about keeping lottery winnings in a divorce and how Korean law defines marital vs. non-marital property.
• Woo Young Woo's internal conflict about helping a client who may have lied and cheated, echoing the ATM case and her evolving stance on ethics.
• The white truck of doom strikes again, killing Shin Il-su and transferring his lottery winnings (and insurance payout) to his unsuspecting wife.
• A key moment in Woo Young Woo and Lee Jun-ho’s relationship: a traumatic accident, sensory overload, and Jun-ho calming her with a deep pressure back hug.
• A major turning point in their romance: the sweet kiss in front of her house, witnessed (shockingly!) by her dad, Woo Gwang-ho.
• Choi Soo-yeon’s brush with a scammer who targets professional women. Thankfully, she’s warned off just in time by another victim.
• Kwon Min-woo's shocking betrayal: he tells Tae Su-mi her secret is out and offers to get Woo Young Woo fired in exchange for a job at Taesan.
• A cameo appearance by Kang Myung Joo as the judge—she also played Ban Ji Eum’s mom in See You in My 19th Life.
• The amazing comedic timing of Joo Hyun-young, who plays Dong Geu-ra-mi, and her background in Saturday Night Live Korea and other variety shows.

References

• KAHI multi-balm
• Procedure of Arrest in Korea: Do I Hear a Miranda Warning?
• Miranda warning - Wikipedia.
• Deep Pressure for Autism: What Are the Benefits?
• OTO, The Hugging Chair

Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 10 of Extraordinary Attorney Woo, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Park Eun-bin as Woo Young Woo, Kang Tae-oh as Lee Jun-ho, Ha Yoon-kyung as Choi Soo-yeon, Ju Hyun-young as Dong Geu-rami, Kang Ki-young as Jung Myung-seok, and Joo Jong-hyuk as Kwon Min-woo. We discuss:

• The songs we featured during the recap: “Young Woo’s Heart (Hard to Read Your Mind)” by Roh Young Shim and “Spring Love” by Jo Nam Wook.
• The complex legal and ethical dimensions of a quasi-rape case involving a woman with an intellectual disability and her romantic partner.
• How the case parallels Woo Young Woo’s own fears about her budding relationship with Lee Jun-ho.
• The difficult legal distinction between consent and coercion, especially when someone has cognitive disabilities.
• How the Korean legal system allows judges to overrule jury verdicts and what this means for justice.
• The tender but awkward growth of the romance between Woo Young Woo and Lee Jun-ho, culminating in a sweet and respectful first kiss.
• Choi Soo-yeon’s disastrous blind date with Min-sik.
• The increasing tension around Kwon Min-woo’s investigation into Woo Young Woo’s true parentage and his possible motivations.
• Tae Su-mi’s shocking offer to send Woo Young Woo and her father to Boston, with implications of removing her from the political scene.
• The devastating confrontation between Tae Su-mi and Woo Gwang-ho, and the emotional manipulation she attempts.
• The recurring theme of adults with disabilities seeking agency in their lives despite overprotective parents.
• The actor Joo Jong-hyuk, who plays Kwon Min-woo, his recent roles and upcoming appearance in The Confidence Man KR with Park Min-young.

References

• Rape, Imitative Rape and Quasi Rape Laws in South Korea
• American Tree Swallow Breeding Behaviors | Nest Box Live.
• Reflections on the Korean Jury Trial
• The Judiciary > Introduction

Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 9 of Extraordinary Attorney Woo, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Park Eun-bin as Woo Young Woo, Kang Tae-oh as Lee Jun-ho, Ha Yoon-kyung as Choi Soo-yeon, Ju Hyun-young as Dong Geu-rami, Kang Ki-young as Jung Myung-seok, and Joo Jong-hyuk as Kwon Min-woo. We discuss:

• The songs featured during the recap: “Young Woo Baragi Junho” by Jo Nam Wook and “A Whale in a Frame” by Roh Young Sim.
• The Pied Piper case, which critiques Korea’s intense academic pressure on children and the hagwon (private academy) system.
• Bang Gu Ppong’s philosophies: children must play, be healthy, and be happy immediately - and how he becomes a folk hero to the kids.
• The courtroom scenes where Woo Young Woo defends BGP, arguing he is a political offender, not a criminal—a bold and passionate argument.
• The deep moment of apology and humility when the Mujin Hagwon’s director bows before the parents to ask for leniency.
• The kids’ dramatic and touching show of support for BGP in court—while ethically questionable, it reflects how deeply he moved them.
• Dong Geu-rami and Min-sik's hilariously misguided advice to Woo Young Woo about how to show affection to Jun-ho.
• The gendered expectations embedded in traditional dating behaviors and how Woo Young Woo’s literal interpretation leads to awkward moments.
• Lee Jun-ho finally confessing his feelings to Woo Young Woo after episodes of inner conflict and hesitation.
• The clash with Kwon Min-woo and how Attorney Jung once again defends Woo Young Woo, showing his deep principles and mentorship.
• The mysterious nighttime visit from CEO Tae Su Mi to Woo Gwang Ho and its potential implications, especially with a journalist watching.

References

• Pied Piper of Hamelin - Wikipedia
• Misugaru - Korean Multi-Grain Powder Drink - Kimchimari
• Squid Games Games Explained
• Cram or crime? Demand for illegal late-night hagwon classes persists despite gov't crackdowns
• Jajangmyeon - Wikipedia
• Korean “Noonchi” and Its Chinese Equivalent Demystified | by Charlene Xiaolan K. | Medium
• Understanding Noonchi in Korean Culture and Language | TikTok
• Noonchi (Nunchi) Primer for Teachers in Korea | EFL Magazine.
• How to Properly Harness the Power of Nunchi

Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 8 of Extraordinary Attorney Woo, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Park Eun Bin as Woo Young Woo, Kang Tae Oh as Lee Jun Ho, Ha Yoon Kyung as Choi Soo Yeon, Ju Hyung Young as Dong Geu Rami, Kang Ki Young as Jung Myung Seok, and Joo Jong Hyuk as Kwon Min Woo. We discuss:

• The songs we featured during the recap: Cunning Min Woo by Daniel Ri, From Whale by Roh Young Shim.
• How this is the pivotal episode where all major characters and relationships are revealed and transformed.
• Woo Young Woo’s growing independence, her romantic awakening, and her evolution from a naive attorney to a confident professional.
• The ethical and legal complexity of the Sodeok-dong case, especially around petitions, manipulation, and conflict of interest.
• Kwon Min Woo’s underhanded tactics and increasing resentment, which now verge on outright sabotage.
• Tae Su Mi’s job offer to Woo Young Woo — made without knowledge of their biological connection — and what it says about WYW’s abilities.
• The emotional reveal that Tae Su Mi is Woo Young Woo’s mother, and Woo Young Woo’s confrontation with her.
• Woo Gwang Ho’s heartbreaking backstory, his sacrifices, and what it means to be a loyal parent.
• The philosophical question of whether protecting someone from disappointment is an act of love or a limitation of growth.
• Whale facts! Including their intelligence, communication, and how warming oceans are impacting blue whale songs.
• What we’re watching now: Good Boy, Heavenly Ever After, Beyond the Bar, Bon Appétit, KPop Demon Hunters, and Hometown Cha Cha Cha.

References

• Whale - Wikipedia
• What have the blue whales stopped singing?
• Beluga whales at Shedd Aquarium in Chicago
• KPop Demon Hunters OST on YouTube

Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 7 of Extraordinary Attorney Woo, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Park Eun Bin as Woo Young Woo, Kang Tae Oh as Lee Jun Ho, Ha Yoon Kyung as Choi Soo Yeon, Ju Hyun Young as Dong Geu Ra Mi, Kang Ki Young as Jung Myung Seok, and Joo Jong Hyuk as Kwon Min Woo. We discuss:

• The songs featured during the recap: the instrumental version of “Inevitable” by Suzy and “We Are the Hanbada Crew” by Daniel Ri.
• Our special guest, attorney and longtime listener Malcolm, joins us to provide legal insight and commentary. We call it Extraordinary Attorney Malcolm!
• The legal case involving the town of Sodeok-dong, a new road project, and the government’s use of eminent domain in both Korea and the U.S.
• The town’s head, Choi Han Su, and his struggle with anomic aphasia—a real neurological condition—and how his assistant helps him communicate.
• The significance of Sodeok-dong being a greenbelt area, which impacts compensation and development.
• The attorneys’ field visit to Sodeok-dong and how the town, the residents, and their culture deeply move them, especially Attorney Jung.
• The Hackberry tree as a central, emotional symbol for the town’s identity and unity.
• The dramatic court scenes, especially the entrance and argument strategy of Tae Su Mi, and the use of video game-style graphics in court.
• The escalating romance between Woo Young Woo and Lee Jun Ho, including the touching moment when she asks for permission to touch him.
• The evolving relationship between Choi Soo Yeon and Woo Young Woo, from rivalry to heartfelt support and guidance.
• Kwon Min Woo’s bitterness and his anonymous post on the Hanbada bulletin board accusing Woo Young Woo of nepotism.
• Woo Young Woo’s realization that she may have gotten her job due to personal connections—and her confrontation with her father about it.
• The tense exchange between Woo Gwang Ho and CEO Han, and the possibility that Woo Young Woo is being used in a power play involving her biological mother, Tae Su Mi.
• Cultural and linguistic elements, including sikhye, jjimjilbangs, hwamunseok mats, and the use of formal Korean speech and honorifics.
• What we’re watching now!

References

• Anomic Aphasia
• Addresses in South Korea
• Kim Jang Hoon
• Son Heung-Min
• Lee Kun Hee
• Jang Dong-gun - Wikipedia
• Traumerei Schumann
• Administrative divisions of South Korea - Wikipedia
• Hwamunseok mat (화문석 花紋席) | British Museum

Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 6 of Extraordinary Attorney Woo, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Park Eun-bin as Woo Young-woo, Kang Tae-oh as Lee Jun-ho, Ha Yoon-kyung as Choi Soo-yeon, Ju Hyung-young as Dong Geu-rami, Kang Ki-young as Jung Myung-seok, and Joo Jong-hyuk as Kwon Min-woo. We discuss:

• The songs we featured during the recap: Overture and Girl Dad (It Takes Such a Long Time) by Roh Young Sim.
• Our delightful Zoom meet and greet with listeners, where many shared their love of Extraordinary Attorney Woo as their gateway into K Dramas.
• The varied opinions on Lee Jun-ho, from the fantasy of a perfect green-flag partner to the critique that he’s bland or too idealized.
• The heartbreaking case of a North Korean defector, Gye Hyang-sim, and how it highlights issues of motherhood, justice, and societal prejudice.
• The dangerous and emotionally devastating journey of North Korean defectors and how the South Korean government processes and supports them.
• The emotionally raw parallels between Gye Hang-sim's pain and Woo Young Woo’s deep empathy for Gye Hyang-sim, especially Woo Young Woo’s moving whale metaphor, where she likens Gye Hyang-sim to a mother whale who refuses to abandon her child even at the cost of her life.
• The shocking moment when CSY and WYW barge into the judge’s chambers, and how their family pedigrees become unexpectedly relevant to the judge’s view of them.
• The meaning of bongwan (ancestral clan origin), and how it reflects deeply ingrained class and social cues in Korean legal and elite circles.
• The surprise ending of the case, where the judge suspends Gye Hyang-sim’s prison sentence due to her confession, lack of a criminal record, and unfamiliarity with South Korean law.
• The subtly developing triangle between Woo Young Woo, Lee Jun Ho, and Choi Soo Yeon, fueled by Kwon Min-woo’s manipulative suggestion that Lee Jun Ho likes Choi Soo Yeon.
• The emotional theme of mothers throughout the episode, culminating in the poignant department store scene where Tae Soo-mi almost crosses paths with her daughter WYW. 
• Our admiration for Attorney Jung, who quietly supports his junior attorneys and upholds justice, even at the cost of corporate clients.

References

• Andong - Wikipedia
• Andong Kim clan - Wikipedia
• Baby Boxes on South Korea: A Controversial But Effective Way To Save Lives
• The story of Tahlequah, the orca 
• North Korean defectors - Wikipedia

Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 5 of Extraordinary Attorney Woo, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Park Eun-bin as Woo Young-woo, Kang Tae-oh as Lee Jun-ho, Ha Yoon-kyung as Choi Soo-yeon, Ju Hyung-young as Dong Geu-ra-mi, Kang Ki-young as Jung Myung-seok, and Joo Jong-hyuk as Kwon Min-woo. We also discuss Kang Ki-young, the versatile actor who plays Attorney Jung. We discuss:

• The songs featured during the recap: Inevitable by Suzy and Spring Sunshine by Roh Young Shim.
• The ethical dilemmas at the heart of this episode’s case and Woo Young Woo’s heartbreak over winning the legal battle but enabling injustice.
• What open source technology is, how utility models work in Korea, and how these were central to the ATM cassette lawsuit.
• Kwon Min-woo’s underhanded tactics, including excluding Woo Young Woo from meetings and trying to sabotage her standing.
• The symbolic moment when Woo Young Woo’s framed Bar Code of Ethics is replaced by a sunflower painting.
• Military bonding among men, especially over training locations, and how that dynamic excluded Woo Young Woo in the meeting.
• The heartwarming moment when Woo Young Woo calls Choi Soo-yeon “Spring Sunshine,” bringing Soo-yeon to tears.
• The adorable Cham Cham Cham scene where Woo Young Woo asks Lee Jun Ho if he likes her—and his stunned, but telling reaction.
• Woo Young Woo’s explanation of how people with autism live in a world of “me” rather than “me and you,” making deception hard to detect.
• The final scene with Tae Su-mi, hinting heavily that she is Woo Young Woo’s mother and hiding a past pregnancy.
• Our featured actor of the week: Kang Ki-young, his background in musical theatre, and standout roles in hit K Dramas.

References

• “Autistic People” vs. “People with Autism”: A Deeper Dive into Disability Language
• Identity First Language
• How to Play Cham Cham Cham from Extraordinary Attorney Woo 😜 #koreangame - YouTube
• What do Sunflowers Mean?
• The Korean Bar Association’s Code of Ethics
• Korean Intellectual Property Office Patents & UtilityModels > Korean IP System > Utility Models;
• Episode 7.6 - Podcast Review of Episodes 11 and 12 of Queen of Tears With Guest Naa Evans

Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 4 of Extraordinary Attorney Woo, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Park Eun-bin as Woo Young-woo, Kang Tae-oh as Lee Jun-ho, Ha Yoon-kyung as Choi Soo-yeon, Ju Hyung-young as Dong Geu-ra-mi, Kang Ki-young as Jung Myung-seok, and Joo Jong-hyuk as Kwon Min-woo. We discuss:

• The songs featured during the recap: Tuning Into You by Wonstein and Growing Pains by Roh Young Shim.
• The emotional flashback of how Woo Young-woo and Dong Geu-ra-mi became best friends after a bullying incident at school.
• Korean inheritance law, including the now-abolished hojuje system and how remnants of male primogeniture persist, especially in chaebol families.
• The legal and cultural significance of the dojang (personal seal) used by Dong Dong Sam when signing over his land.
• The brilliant legal strategy Woo Young-woo employs to invalidate the “gift” of land to Dong Dong Sam’s brothers.
• The jesa (ancestral rites) ceremony and why Dong Geu-ra-mi’s behavior was considered scandalous during the ritual.
• The visit to Ganghwa-do, its historical and cultural significance, and its connection to real-life Korean history and even the show Mr. Queen.
• The flashback scene between CEO Han and Woo Young-woo’s father, Gwang-ho, that explains how Woo Young Woo got hired at Hanbada.
• The return of Woo Young-woo to her position at Hanbada, and Attorney Jung’s clever way of convincing her to return.
• The growing tension with Kwon Min-woo, who sees WYW as a top competitor.
• The budding romance between Woo Young-woo and Lee Jun-ho, culminating in a tender moment at Nakjo Beach and his “confession” that he wants to be on her side.
• Our featured actor of the week: Kang Tae-oh, who plays Lee Jun-ho: his career trajectory, military service, and his fascinating habit of describing people in colors.

References

• Family Split at LG, a South Korean Giant, Tests Corporate Succession - The New York Times
• Kang Tae-oh - Wikipedia
• How is the term 깍두기 used in Korean slang? | HiNative
• October 2022 Interview of Kang Tae Oh with Vogue Singapore

Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 3 of Extraordinary Attorney Woo, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Park Eun-bin as Woo Young Woo, Kang Tae-oh as Lee Jun-ho, Ha Yoon-kyung as Choi Soo-yeon, Ju Hyung-young as Dong Geu-rami, Kang Ki-young as Jung Myung-seok, and Joo Jong-hyuk as Kwon Min-woo. We discuss:

• The songs featured during the recap: “Better than Birthday” by O3ohn, both the lyrical and instrumental versions.
• Joanna and Sung-Hee share highlights from their recent trips to Vancouver/Victoria and Chicago.
• The Korean expression “속도위반 결혼” which literally means “speeding marriage” and refers to a shotgun wedding.
• Woo Young Woo’s internal and external struggles as someone on the autism spectrum defending a client with a different manifestation of the condition.
• The complex and emotional case involving brothers Sang Hun and Jeong Hun, and the sad truths revealed through Sang Hun’s diary.
• The attorneys’ use of Pengsoo, a beloved Korean character, to connect with the defendant Jeong Hun.
• The misinterpretation of Jeong Hun’s words during the incident: “죽는다, 하지마” – “Die, don’t do it!”
• The shocking reveal that Sang Hun likely died by suicide and Jeong Hun was trying to save him.
• The damaging societal pressures on Korean students, and the toll it takes on mental health.
• Chairman Kim’s devastating reaction to learning of his elder son’s depression and suicide attempts—and his harsh treatment of Woo Young Woo.
• Attorney Jung’s growth in how he values and defends Woo Young Woo, including risking his role in the case to support her.
• Woo Young Woo’s decision to resign from Hanbada, believing her autism made her a liability in court.
• The cultural impact of Hans Asperger’s legacy and why many now use the term ASD instead of Asperger syndrome.
• Reactions from the autism community in Korea and abroad to the show’s portrayal of neurodiverse individuals.
• What Joanna and Sung-Hee are watching now, including Resident Playbook, Our Unwritten Seoul, Squid Game, Kpop Demon Hunters, and Lost in Starlight.

References

• Pengsoo - Wikipedia
• A Review of the Netflix Series Extraordinary Attorney Woo - Autism Spectrum News
• Giant Peng TV on YouTube
• In South Korea, a Hit Show Brings Autism Into the Spotlight - The New York Times
• Is 'Extraordinary Attorney Woo' helping or hurting the autism community?

Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 2 of Extraordinary Attorney Woo, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Park Eun-bin as Woo Young Woo, Kang Tae-oh as Lee Jun-ho, Ha Yoon-kyung as Choi Soo-yeon, Ju Hyun-young as Dong Geu Rami, Kang Ki-young as Jung Myung Seok, and Joo Jong-hyuk as Kwon Min-woo. We discuss:

• The songs featured during the recap: Revolving Door Invites You to Dance and Ordinary Attorney by Roh Young-shim.
• The elaborate, non-religious wedding that opens the episode, and the cultural trends around luxury weddings in Korea.
• The groom’s grandfather’s disapproval due to the bride’s Buddhist tattoo, showing the intersection of religion and family expectations.
• The flawed dress switch and how it led to a lawsuit that revealed deep issues in the bride’s family.
• The complex dynamics of chaebol marriages, often treated like business mergers.
• The legal strategy led by Woo Young Woo and how she calculates damages based on the bride’s potential lost inheritance.
• How the bride’s emotional plea to Woo Young Woo led to her dramatic courtroom decision to request the court to withdraw the lawsuit.
• The use of online bulletin boards in Korea and how anonymous gossip and speculation can affect legal outcomes.
• Jun-ho’s growing admiration for Woo Young Woo, especially after witnessing her win another case and seeing her in a beautiful wedding dress.
• Woo Young Woo’s evolving understanding of independence, adulthood, and her relationship with her father.
• The introduction of the rival law firm Taesan and its powerful CEO, setting up future.
• Our appreciation of Park Eun-bin’s portrayal of Woo Young Woo and her careful, research-based approach to the role.

References

• Park Eun Bin Interview with TV Guide
• The Lavish Allure of Seoul’s Luxury Hotel Weddings

Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 1 of Extraordinary Attorney Woo, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Park Eun Bin as Woo Young Woo, Kang Tae Oh as Lee Jun Ho, Ha Yoon Kyung as Choi Soo Yeon, Ju Hyun Young as Dong Geu Rami, Kang Ki Young as Jung Myung Seok, and Joo Jong Hyuk as Kwon Min Woo. We discuss:

• The songs featured during the recap: “Brave” by Kim Jong Wan and “Beyond My Dreams” by Sunwoo Jung-a. Kim Jong Wan is the lead of alternative rock band Nell; Sunwoo Jung-a is a prolific indie artist and producer in South Korea.
• The episode title in Korean, 이상한 변호사 우영우 (“Strange Attorney Woo Young Woo”), and how the English title "Extraordinary" reflects her character more positively.
• Woo Young Woo’s first words: quoting the Korean criminal code after her father is attacked, marking both her autism diagnosis and her path toward becoming a lawyer.
• The careful, touching portrayal of autism spectrum disorder through Woo Young Woo’s sensitivity to stimuli, love of order, and her difficulty reading emotions.
• Her father’s deep support, including the emotion-photo wall and her daily Woo Young Woo gimbap.
• The charming and gentle "meet cute" between Woo Young Woo and Lee Jun Ho at the revolving door and how this connection grows throughout the episode.
• Her love of whales as a comforting and symbolic presence, with whales appearing when she is inspired or stressed.
• The courtroom debut of Woo Young Woo—initially frozen, but ultimately brilliant in her defense of her childhood babysitter.
• Attorney Jung’s skepticism turning to respect as Woo Young Woo wins her first case with logic, persistence, and empathy.
• The mysterious visit by CEO Han to Woo Young Woo’s father late at night, hinting at a deeper backstory.
• The joyfully eccentric best friend Dong Geu Rami and her role in helping Woo Young Woo navigate life.

References

• Role of parental occupation in autism spectrum disorder diagnosis and severity
• Lancet MMR autism fraud - Wikipedia
• Gimbap - Wikipedia

Today, we’ll be discussing Past Lives, the acclaimed 2023 film written and directed by Celine Song and starring Greta Lee as Nora Moon, Teo Yoo as Hae Sung, and John Magaro as Arthur. We discuss:

• How Past Lives explores the Asian diaspora experience, especially the tension and beauty of living between two cultures.
• The significance of Greta Lee’s performance and her fear of speaking Korean, being filmed in 35mm film.
• The childhood relationship between Na Young and Hae Sung and how their sweet bond sets the foundation for the rest of the story.
• The scene of their final childhood goodbye on the stairs—symbolic of diverging life paths and emotional separation.
• The realism of immigration—what is gained and lost when families move to another country, and how that move changes identity and aspirations.
• The film’s exploration of inyeon, the Korean concept of fate or connection, and how it plays out in both romantic and platonic relationships.
• The emotional Skype calls between Nora and Hae Sung in their twenties and how video calls ultimately weren’t enough to keep them together.
• Arthur’s perspective as Nora’s husband and how he navigates feelings of inadequacy, jealousy, and his genuine interest in her Korean identity.
• The triangulated tension during the New York reunion—how Nora, Arthur, and Hae Sung’s interactions reveal different types of love and connection.
• The power of silence and simple gestures, particularly in the final moments between Nora and Hae Sung.
• Why Nora cries at the end—mourning a love that never was, and the layers of her past that she can never reclaim.
• Whether Nora and Arthur’s marriage is built on love, convenience, or shared experience—and how their synchronized steps at the end suggest a kind of unity.
• The cinematography’s role in enhancing the film’s emotional resonance, including scenes of the Brooklyn Bridge, ferry rides, and the iconic closing restaurant sequence.

References

• Go-Stop - Wikipedia
• Yukgaejang - Wikipedia
• Korean Americans - Wikipedia

Today, we’ll be discussing the movie Miss Granny, the hit Korean film starring Shim Eun-kyung as Oh Doo-ri, Na Moon-hee as the older Oh Mal-soon, Park In-hwan as Mr. Park, Sung Dong-il as Ban Hyun-chul, and Lee Jin-wook as Han Seung-woo. We discuss:

• The songs featured during the recap, including One More Time and Raindrop, both performed by Shim Eun-kyung, as well as If You Go to Los Angeles by Rose Motel and Shim Eun-kyung, and nostalgic covers like White Butterfly and Crying in the Night.
• How the movie blends humor and poignancy, diving into themes of aging, regret, family sacrifice, and how older women become invisible in society.
• The magical photo studio where Oh Mal-soon transforms back into her 20-year-old self, adopting the name Oh Doo-ri after her favorite star, Audrey Hepburn.
• The generational conflicts and multigenerational living arrangements, especially the tension between Oh Mal-soon and her long-suffering daughter-in-law Ae-ja.
• The cultural commentary on Korean society’s reverence for elders, contrasted with the modern obsession with youth and beauty.
• The hilarious and touching portrayal by Shim Eun-kyung, whose physical comedy, mannerisms, and singing won her multiple Best Actress awards, including a Baeksang.
• How Oh Doo-ri's youthful appearance sparks new attention—from young men on the bus to a budding flirtation with the charming music producer Han Seung-woo.
• The layered dynamics between Oh Mal-soon, her son Ban Hyun-chul, her grandson Ban Ji-ha, and Grandpa Park, who has loved her since childhood.
• The memorable musical performances, especially Raindrop, filled with longing and life experience, and how Shim Eun-kyung did her own singing in the film.
• How the movie reflects on women’s worth across the decades, through metaphors comparing women to different types of balls—and the critique of society's gaze.
• The heartfelt scene when Oh Mal-soon sacrifices her youth to save her grandson by donating blood, embracing her true self and familial love.
• How Miss Granny touches on themes of parental sacrifice, fulfillment of dreams, and the bittersweet opportunity to "start over"—even if only temporarily.

References

• Shim Eun-kyung - Wikipedia
• https://koreancuisinerecipes.com/sengseon-jorim-생선조림/
• Bingsu - Wikipedia
• https://www.koreanbapsang.com/la-galbi-gui-grilled-la-style-short-ribs/
• Roman Holiday - Wikipedia
• Cheongsimhwan - Wikipedia
• Korean Media Age at First Marriage

Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 16 of When Life Gives You Tangerines, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring IU as Oh Ae-sun, Park Bo-gum as Yang Gwan-sik, Moon So-ri as older Oh Ae-sun, and Park Hae-joon as older Yang Gwan-sik. We’ll also announce the show that we will recap and analyze in Season 12 of K Drama Chat. We discuss:

• The songs featured during the recap: Theme of Gwan-sik, Looking Back, It Was a Paradise, and It Was Just Sometimes Winter, Sometimes Spring, all by the incredible Park Seong Il.
• The devastating yet beautiful farewell between Ae-sun and Gwan-sik, as they reflect on their extraordinary life together.
• How Ae-sun’s poem, To the Heart That Leaves Me Behind, encapsulates her enduring love and strength, and how poetry weaves through the show as a symbol of love, regret, and hope.
• The emotional family moments, including Geum-myeong and Eun-myeong’s tearful goodbyes to their father, filled with regret, gratitude, and newfound understanding.
• How Ae-sun and Gwan-sik finally share their grief over their son Dong-myeong’s death, a sorrow that divided them for decades.
• The heartbreaking yet realistic depiction of aging, illness, and how families rally around each other during difficult times.
• The surprising reveal that Gwan-sik saved all of Geum-myeong’s money, telling us that he cherished the gift of the money, more than the money itself.
• Geum-myeong’s business venture, Ever Study, inspired by her mother’s unrealized dreams, and how it speaks to Korea’s competitive education system and rural limitations.
• The beautiful connections that suggest Gwang-rye was reincarnated as Chloe Lee, the editor who publishes Ae-sun’s book of poetry, tying together fate and family legacy.
• How Ae-sun, even after losing Gwan-sik, finds new meaning in life as a teacher at the senior center and as a published poet.
• Reflections on aging, with Ae-sun’s profound observation that you feel the same inside but see an older person in the mirror.
• Bu Sang-gil’s late-in-life flirtations with Yeong-ran and the notion that it’s never too late for first love.
• Our announcement of the show that we will recap and analyze in Season 12 of K Drama Chat.

References

• Multiple myeloma - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic
• Rheumatoid arthritis - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic
• Social Support and the Perception of Geographical Slant
• Ttukbaegi - Wikipedia
• Kim Kwang Seok on Wikipedia
• Asian American Life TV Show

Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 15 of When Life Gives You Tangerines, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring IU as Oh Ae-sun and Park Bo-gum as Yang Gwan-sik as young adults, then Moon So-ri as Oh Ae-sun and Park Hae-joon as Yang Gwan-sik as older adults. We discuss:

• The song featured during the recap: A daughter becoming a mother like her own by Kim Hyun Do.
• The powerful opening scene of Gwan-sik panicking during Ae-sun’s childbirth and the touching portrayal of new parent fears.
• Ae-sun’s remarkable emotional radar when she realizes Geum-myeong is struggling just by how she packs fruit.
• The dramatic family argument over Geum-myeong quitting her job and her business aspirations, revealing generational and emotional rifts.
• Gwan-sik risking everything to start a seafood restaurant and Ae-sun’s unwavering support despite her doubts.
• The emotional note and ultrasound photo reveal: Geum-myeong is pregnant, offering a beautiful full-circle moment between mother and daughter.
• An intense childbirth for Geum-myeong, mirroring her mother’s experiences and bringing them closer.
• The brilliant character arc of Gwan-sik and Ae-sun, whose hard work and diligence transform their struggling restaurant into a success.
• The surprising reveal that Gwan-sik once saved a suicidal actress, Jeong Mi-in, who later helps boost their restaurant with a promotional video.
• Geum-myeong starting her own business, named after her mother’s selfless mantra: Whoever, Wherever, Whenever.
• Yeong-ran’s empowerment journey: she starts a real estate business and leaves her cruel husband, backed by financial and emotional support from her mother-in-law.
• A cultural moment: Korea repays its IMF loans early, reflecting national pride and resilience paralleled in the Yang family’s journey.

References

• Park Ji-sung - Wikipedia
• Guus Hiddink - Wikipedia
• All In (TV series) - Wikipedia
• Choi Bool-am - Wikipedia

Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 14 of When Life Gives You Tangerines, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring IU as Oh Ae-sun and Park Bo-gum as Yang Gwan-sik as young adults, then Moon So-ri as Oh Ae-sun and Park Hae-joon as Yang Gwan-sik as older adults. We discuss:

• The songs featured during the recap: “A Rock that never erodes in the sea of my heart” and “Just be a good son, that’s all,” both by Park Seong-il, whose work captures the sad, wistful tone of the episode.
• Our guest Kim Soomin from Virginialicious shares her passion for Korean food and the stories behind her food tours.
• How Eun Myeong’s storyline takes center stage, highlighting the painful dynamics of favoritism, ambition, and parental regret.
• The cultural and historical context of buncheong stoneware, how Eun Myeong’s life was turned upside by a single buncheon statue.
• Pawnshops, especially during the IMF crisis in Korea.
• The heartbreaking reasons Eun Myeong started his business, and his desperate need to be seen and loved by his parents.
• The shocking confrontation between Ae Sun and Cheol Yong’s mom, culminating in a dramatic takedown and a contribution toward bail.
• Gwan Sik’s emotional decision to sell his beloved fishing boat to save his son—an act that strips him of pride but is rich in sacrifice.
• The importance of Gwan Sik’s fishing logbooks as both historical records and personal mementos.
• Ae Sun’s rediscovery of her poetic voice, inspired by the poem she once wrote to Gwan Sik.
• Eun Myeong’s silent struggle as he tries to earn money by selling buckwheat jelly and rice cakes, with his father secretly helping behind the scenes.
• Bu Sang Gil’s evolving character arc, revealing regrets, realizations, and attempts at redemption through quiet acts of support.
• Yeong Ran’s announcement that she passed her real estate exam, signaling a new chapter of independence and purpose.

References

• Buncheong - Wikipedia
• Ssireum - Wikipedia
• Muk (food) - Wikipedia
• Virginialicious Food Tours Website

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Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 13 of When Life Gives You Tangerines, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring IU as Oh Ae-sun and Park Bo-gum as Yang Gwan-sik as young adults, then Moon So-ri as Oh Ae-sun and Park Hae-joon as Yang Gwan-sik as older adults. We discuss:

• The songs featured during the recap: “Twenty Years of One Side Love” by Yoon Hyun Kyum and “Third Time’s the Charm” by Judah Earl.
• How this episode captures the parallel dynamics of Geum Myeong’s marriage to Chung Seob and her evolving relationship with her father, Gwan Sik.
• The episode’s powerful themes of generational sacrifice, as each generation sacrifices to make things better for their children.
• The poignant wedding scene, where Yeong Beom watches Geum Myeong from afar; he finally sees Geum Myeong in a wedding dress!
• The doljanchi (first birthday celebration) of Je Il and the cultural significance of Korean rice cakes and the doljabi ritual.
• The confrontation between Eun Myeong and his father, revealing resentment and dreams for a different future.
• Ae Sun’s reminder that even “Steelheart” Gwan Sik can be wounded, showing vulnerability with age.
• The 1997 Asian Financial Crisis and its sweeping impact on Korea that included layoffs, company bankruptcies, and high unemployment.
• The bittersweet, missed connection at the Cannes Theater between Geum Myeong and Chung Seob, eventually followed by their emotional reunion on the bus!
• The symbolism of inyeon, fate, and timing in Geum Myeong and Chung Seob’s relationship.
• Cultural details around drinking etiquette in Korea and “Asian flush syndrome.” 
• Gwan Sik’s testing of Chung Seob, both at sea and over dinner, and the significance of Chung Seob’s quiet acts of love winning over the protective father.
• The grassroots Gold Collection Campaign in Korea during the IMF crisis and its surprising parallels to U.S. wartime efforts.
• The wedding of Geum Myeong and Chung Seob, Gwan Sik’s heartache in letting go, and the episode’s title, “Such An Uneven Love,” as a tribute to the father-daughter bond.
• The actor, Kim Seon Ho, who plays Chung Seob. We love this actor!

References

• Doljanchi - Wikipedia
• Doljabi: Unveiling the Cultural Significance of Korean Celebrations.
• Jin Chan - Wikipedia)
• 1997 Asian financial crisis - Wikipedia.
• South Korea and the International Monetary Fund - Wikipedia
• Past Lives: This untranslatable Korean word for eternal love has ancient Buddhist roots
• Drinking culture of Korea - Wikipedia.
• Miracle by Kim Seon Ho
• Falling Slowly by Kim Seon Ho

Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 12 of When Life Gives You Tangerines, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring IU as Oh Ae-sun and Park Bo-gum as Yang Gwan-sik as young adults, then Moon So-ri as Oh Ae-sun and Park Hae-joon as Yang Gwan-sik as older adults. We discuss:

• The songs featured during the recap: They Fell Down But Got Back Up Again and Eternal Nostalgia, both by Judah Earl, a non-Korean musician who has contributed to many K Dramas OSTs.
• The history and use of yeontan (연탄), charcoal briquettes in Korea to heat homes; Joanna talked about how these briquettes are prominent in Reply 1988.
• The healing nature of this episode for Geum Myeong, who returns to Jeju a year after her breakup with Yeong beom and is cared for by her parents.
• The lavish and carefully prepared meals Ae-sun prepares to nourish her daughter, including jangjorim, chonggak kimchi, bibim naengmyeon, and kimbap.
• A sweet sunrise boat ride between Gwan-sik and Geum Myeong that rekindles their bond and reveals Gwan-sik’s quiet but profound love.
• Ae-sun’s maternal wisdom and her confidence in Geum Myeong, seen when she reveals she never sent out wedding invitations, instinctively knowing the marriage wouldn't happen.
• The thoughtful gifts Geum Myeong gives her parents, the notebook for Ae sun and the hand cream for Gwan sik.
• Ae-sun’s touching conversation with her elderly grandmother; both women understand what it means to have lost a child.
• The poetic scene between Ae-sun’s grandmother and Gwang Rye, possibly a moment of transition to the afterlife.
• Eun Myeong’s return home from the military and the shocking arrival of Hyeon suk and the announcement that she is pregnant. 
• The return of Chung Seop and his desperate dash after Geum Myeong’s bus, echoing Ae-sun’s cry to Gwan-sik years ago.
• Cultural references to Sandglass, Seo Taiji and Boys, Princess Diana’s 1995 interview, and former President Chun Doo Hwan’s downfall.
• The moving cinematography of the sunrise scene.
• Reflections on the multiple deaths in the episode and their emotional impact on Ae-sun and Gwan-sik, especially concerning their lost son.
• Our deep dive into the career of Jang Hye-jin, her impressive range, and how unrecognizable she is across her roles—from Parasite to Crash Landing on You to Dr. Slump.

References

• Waste Management in Korea
• Jang-jorim - Wikipedia
• What is Chonggak Kimchi?
• Bibim Naengmyeon (Spicy Korean Buckwheat Noodles)
• Dosirac - Wikipedia
• Sandglass (TV series) - Wikipedia
• Gwangju Uprising - Wikipedia
• Seo Taiji and Boys - Wikipedia

• The songs we featured during the recap: "Picasso’s Room" by Yun Hyun Kyum and "Geum Myeong is Truly a Blessing to Me" by Chang Hyowon.
• Joanna’s Korean food tour in Annandale, VA with Virginialicious and tour guide Park Su-jin, and how Korean food has become mainstream in the U.S.
• Gongjindan, a traditional Korean herbal medicine, and its symbolic role in showing affection and care.
• The blossoming emotional depth and poetic confession from Chung Seop to Geum Myeong — comparing her to a Christmas tree that sparkles no matter where it's placed.
• The nuanced reasons why Geum Myeong breaks up with Yeong Beom — not because she doesn’t love him, but because she loves herself, too.
• Yeong Beom’s powerlessness and the lasting emotional scars inflicted by his mother’s dominance.
• A powerful parallel between Ae-sun’s life and her daughter’s — and how Ae-sun attempts to protect Geum Myeong in ways she never was.
• The heartbreakingly awkward sanggyeonrye (formal family meeting) that underscores socioeconomic disparities and family values.
• Ae-sun’s emotional devastation over her daughter’s humiliation and her own flashback-infused realization about parenting and sacrifice.
• The hauntingly predictive flash-forward of Yeong Beom’s life of submission and regret, visualized through a lonely aging montage.
• The poignant metaphor of The Little Prince and how it mirrors the final farewell between Geum Myeong and Yeong Beom.
• References to Korea’s educational reform in 1994 and the CSAT — a life-shaping exam with nationwide effects.
• A brief but loaded cliffhanger involving a mysterious woman from Gwan Sik’s past.
• Our spotlight on Lee Soo Kyung, who plays Bu Hyeon Suk — her rise as a two-time Baeksang winner and her roles in dramas like Love in the Big City and Law School.

References

• Korean Wedding Gifts | Traditional & Modern Examples
• Tradition of dowries changes - The New York Times
• Kim Il Sung - Wikipedia

Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 10 of When Life Gives You Tangerines, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring IU as Oh Ae-sun and Park Bo-gum as Yang Gwan-sik as young adults, then Moon So-ri as Oh Ae-sun and Park Hae-joon as Yang Gwan-sik as older adults. We discuss:

• The featured song during the recap: “Theme of Ae-sun” by Park Sung-il, the musician who also wrote “Theme of Gwan-sik,” “Spring in a Heartbeat,” and “Two Faced Summer” from this OST.
• The Baeksang Awards wins for this show—Best Drama, Best Screenplay, Best Supporting Actress, and Best Supporting Actor—and how validating it feels to have picked a gem for Season 11 of our podcast!
• How this episode focuses on three mothers and their powerful love for their children: Ae-sun, Yeong-ran, and Chung-seop’s mom.
• The symbolic and cultural significance of white rice, and how Bu Sang-gil uses it as a weapon in his drunken tirade.
• Oh Seong’s boiling anger against his father and sister, and his tragic learned behavior from witnessing his father's abuse.
• Hyeon-suk’s origami cranes and how they parallel Geum Myeong’s cranes from Japan—symbols of hope, wishes, and emotional solace.
• How the village haenyeos serve as the Greek chorus, offering wisdom, gossip, and commentary with humor and truth.
• Eun Myeong’s cigarette-selling side hustle and his rebellion against his parents.
• The painful disparity in how Yeong Beom’s mother treats Geum Myeong and Eun Myeong.
• Chung-seop’s shy but grateful reaction to Geum Myeong’s kindness to his mother, and their growing closeness.
• Cultural and cinematic references throughout the episode: Cinema Paradiso, Lambada, Choi Jin-sil, and the long-running radio show Two O’Clock Date.
• The origin story of Ae-sun’s deep anxiety about her daughter, which probably stems from an attempted kidnapping during her childhood.
• Ae-sun’s and Geum Myeong’s mirrored dreams and trauma over the day Dong Myeong died, and how regret is a recurring theme in this show.
• Ae sun’s dramatic save of Geum Myeong from carbon monoxide poisoning; we see that Ae-sun’s intuition leads her to save her daughter.
• What we’re watching now, including The Match, Big Mouth, and Reply 1988, plus a shoutout to Lee Soo-kyung, the actress who plays Bu Hyeon-suk, as a rising star to watch.

References

• Choi Jin-sil - Wikipedia
• Eyes of Dawn - Wikipedia
• My Love, My Bride (1990 film) - Wikipedia
• Jesa - Wikipedia
• Lee Choon-jae - Wikipedia

Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 9 of When Life Gives You Tangerines, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring IU as Oh Ae-sun, Park Bo-gum as Yang Gwan-sik as young adults, and Moon So-ri as Oh Ae-sun and Park Hae-joon as Yang Gwan-sik as older adults. We discuss:

• The song featured during the recap: "Midnight Walk" by IU, a sweet ballad of longing that reflects Geum Myeong’s and Ae Sun’s emotional states of mind.
• How this episode subtly shifts focus to Geum Myeong as the central figure, possibly revealing the show as her coming-of-age story.
• The Baeksang Awards wins in 2025, including Best Drama, Best Supporting Actress, Best Supporting Actor, and Best Screenplay for When Life Gives You Tangerines!
• Our shoutouts to Lori and Seven Seas, who shared their love for the podcast and personal stories that echo themes in the show.
• The Yang family’s move to a cramped apartment, and Ae-sun’s determination to bring her cherished mother-of-pearl armoire to their new apartment.
• Eun Myeong’s emotional journey—his bitterness, rebellion through hairstyles, and quiet gestures of love toward Ae Sun, like placing tennis balls under his mom’s chair.
• Geum Myeong’s return from Japan and the lack of exploration of her time abroad, which disappointed both of us.
• The awkward and growing connection between Geum Myeong and Park Chung Seop, who keep running into each other, and who the staff at the theater want to push closer together.
• The breakdown of Geum Myeong and Yeong-beom’s relationship, and how Park Chung Seop might be quietly emerging as a romantic lead. Does Geum Myeong marry him in the end?
• The Romeo and Juliet parallel between Eun Myeong and Bu Hyeon-suk, son and daughter of two families that have been intertwined forever but are enemies!
• The beautiful poem “Natasha, the White Donkey and Me” by Baek Seok, read by Geum Myeong from Chung Seop’s notebook.
• A spotlight on Lee Jun-young (Jun)—his career in K-pop and K Drama, including his rap and acting performances. We love him as Park Yeong Beom in this drama!
• How we’re excited to watch the film "The Match" on Netflix, starring Lee Byung-hun and Yoo Ah-in. This movie is about an epic match Go between a mentor and mentee! 

References

• Bloomberg Innovation Index in 2021
• Healthcare and Life Sciences as a Strategic Focus for South Korea
• Natasha, the White Donkey and Me by Baek Seok
• ‘Ghost’ Director Lauds the Korean Sense of Responsibility
• Circle of Love by Lee Jun young
• Amazing rap by Jun young of U Kiss
• Kal-guksu - Wikipedia
• Jjolmyeon - Wikipedia

Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 8 of When Life Gives You Tangerines, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring IU as Oh Ae-sun and Park Bo-gum as Yang Gwan-sik as young adults, and Moon So-ri as Oh Ae-sun and Park Hae-joon as Yang Gwan-sik as older adults. We discuss:

• The song featured during the recap: My Love by My Side by Isaac Hong, a gorgeous acoustic ballad performed with only guitar, piano and voice.
• The full-circle moment when Ae-sun and Gwan-sik’s past kindness saves their daughter Geum Myeong from a false accusation nearly 20 years later.
• Guilt and obligation between parents and children, especially how Geum Myeong's guilt leads to emotional distance from her loving parents.
• Geum Myeong’s awful experience at the police station, reminiscent of her mother’s experience at the Busan police station 20 years earlier.
• Gwan-sik’s efforts to connect with his daughter, waiting all day to see her in Seoul and facing her rejection with grace.
• Ae-sun’s sacrifice: abandoning her dream of opening a café so Geum Myeong can study abroad in Japan.
• The museum that Gwan sik visited, which is probably the Independence Hall of Korea and the historical context of the 1987 democratic elections in Korea.
• The heartbreaking memory of little Geum Myeong waving to her father, and how a grown-up Geum Myeong’s wave brings Gwan-sik to tears.
• How Gwang Rye, in Ae sun’s dream, is still giving Ae sun advice how to discuss the death of Dong Myeong with Gwan sik.
• Ae-sun finally winning the poetry contest after years of longing, thanks to the haenyeos’ secret submission of her poem.
• The mysterious wedding scene where Geum Myeong is sobbing—who is she marrying and why is she so sad?
• Reflections on “gaman,” a Japanese concept of enduring hardship with grace, and how it defines both Ae-sun and Gwan-sik’s character.
• Park Hae-joon’s transformation from the "nation’s adulterer" to the "nation’s romantic lead," and how playing Gwan-sik changed his personal outlook on his marriage and life with his wife.

References

• Independence Hall of Korea - Wikipedia
• 1987 South Korean presidential election - Wikipedia

Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 7 of When Life Gives You Tangerines, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring IU as Oh Ae-sun, Park Bo-gum as Yang Gwan-sik as young adults, Moon So-ri as Oh Ae-sun and Park Hae-joon as Yang Gwan-sik as older adults, and Lee Jun-young as Park Young-beom. We’ll also discuss Yeom Hye-ran, the actress who plays Jeon Gwang-rye, Oh Ae-sun’s mother. We discuss:

• The song featured during the recap: "To the Land of Hope" by Choi Baek-ho, a song that evokes nostalgia and the passage of youth.
• Feedback from our amazing listeners, including a poem shared by Winfor Lam and insights from Malcolm, Seven Seas, and Sue about character development and OST impact.
• How Gwan-sik is portrayed as the "perfect man," which we all think is unrealistic.
• Ae-sun’s powerful transformation, stepping into her role as a leader by lying in front of a government truck to defend the haenyeos.
• The portrayal of Korea during the 1980s, including steps the government took to modernize the country before the 1988 Seoul Olympics.
• The clash between the haenyeos and Bu Sang-gil’s efforts to shut down their market — a symbolic fight for community survival.
• Ae-sun’s eventual election as Chief, her "harvesting season" after years of hardship and injustice.
• The bitter-sweetness of Ae-sun’s triumph because she missed her mother so much.
• Geum-myeong’s dangerous situation in Seoul, being framed while refusing to commit academic fraud under pressure from a wealthy family.
• Eun-myeong’s struggles and acts of rebellion, highlighting the sibling dynamic and the emotional weight of living in Geum-myeong’s shadow.
• The cultural references to "Aegukga," Korea's national anthem, and the interesting use of "Auld Lang Syne" in East Asia.
• The deep camaraderie and subtle politics among village women, including the surprise of Yeong-ran voting for Ae-sun.
• The tradition and symbolism of gifting rice cakes (tteok) when Ae-sun thanks the haenyeos for their lifelong support.
• Spotlight on Yeom Hye-ran, her acting background, her accolades, and her pivotal role as Gwang-rye in When Life Gives You Tangerines.

Next week, we will recap and analyze episode 8 of When Life Gives You Tangerines. We’ll also talk about Park Hae joon, the actor who plays adult Gwan sik. Did you know that he was once named “the nation’s adulterer?”

References

• Aegukga - Wikipedia (South Korean national anthem)
• Aegukka - Wikipedia   (North Korean national anthem)
• Lim Young-woong - Wikipedia
• Trot (music) - Wikipedia
• Choi Beck Ho on Spotify

Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 6 of When Life Gives You Tangerines, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring IU as Oh Ae-sun and Park Bo-gum as Yang Gwan-sik. We discuss:

• The song featured during the recap: Hwal Hwal by Hwang So-yoon (aka So!YoON!), a blazing track that mirrors the episode’s emotional intensity.
• The tragic and pivotal loss of Dong Myeong, Ae-sun and Gwan-sik’s son, and the overwhelming grief that overtakes the family.
• The episode’s haunting realism in showing how each family member carries deep guilt for Dong Myeong’s death.
• Listener Malcolm’s brilliant comparison of the haenyeos to a Greek chorus that offers communal commentary, humor, and moral perspective.
• The emotional support network of Jeju villagers, especially the haenyeos and the elderly couple who helped the family survive.
• The revelation that Min-ok paid the rent under the guise of a “moral scholarship,” and how language misinterpretation played a key role in the mystery behind who paid the rent.
• The deeply affecting scene of Gwan-sik breaking down at the government office while declaring Dong Myeong’s death.
• Ae-sun’s evolution, embracing help from others despite her strong sense of pride and independence.
• The powerful legacy of Gwang Rye, Ae-sun’s mother, whose advice and memory give Ae-sun strength to carry on.
• The return of hope through Geum Myeong’s acceptance into Seoul National University, a major family milestone.
• Cinematic details like the realistic typhoon scene and the use of the Jeju Fishing Village Set.
• 2 possible, new K Drama elements: the kick to the shins, and reading poetry.

Next week, we’ll recap and analyze Episode 7 of When Life Gives You Tangerines. We’ll also talk about Yeom Hye-ran, the actress who plays Jeon Gwang Rye, Ae-sun’s mother—nominated for a Baeksang Award this year!

References

• Hwang So yoon on Spotify
• Protecting Haenyeo: Ritual and Spiritual Practices of Jeju Haenyeo
• Behind the Scenes: When Gwan sik Collapses Upon Seeing Ae sun and Dong Myeong
• Social Support and the Perception of Physical Slant
• Jeju Island - Wikipedia
• Jeju Province - Wikipedia
• Jeju language - Wikipedia

Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 5 of When Life Gives You Tangerines, the hit K Drama on Netflix the hit K Drama on Netflix starring IU as Oh Ae-sun and Park Bo-gum Yang Gwan-sik. We discuss:

• The song featured during the recap: Spring in a Heartbeat by Park Sung-il, a beautiful instrumental piece that plays during the heartwarming scene of Ae Sun and Gwan Sik on their boat with their growing family.
• The complex and emotional back-and-forth between two timelines—Ae Sun and Gwan Sik’s love story and their daughter Geum Myeong’s journey—and how it adds depth to the drama.
• A powerful conversation about shame, gender roles, and vulnerability inspired by Gwan Sik’s struggle to provide for his family and Brene Brown’s research on shame.
• Ae Sun’s desperate visit to her grandmother, who gives them money to buy a boat—a game-changing gift that symbolizes hope and a fresh start.
• The emotional weight and cultural significance of the language used between Ae Sun’s grandmother and Gwang Rye, especially words like 어머니, 애미야, and 아가.
• Gwan Sik and Ae Sun’s christening of their new boat and the ceremonial offerings to the Dragon King, an important sea deity in Korean mythology.
• Ae Sun’s rising confidence and new role as Deputy Chief of the village, and how her wardrobe changes reflect her rising status and better life.
• The scandal at the social dance club and how Ae Sun saves Bu Sang Gil’s wife and daughter from humiliation, revealing unexpected layers of solidarity and empathy.
• The symbolic act of Ae Sun boarding the boat and painting the name “Geum Eun Dong” after their three children—gold, silver, and bronze—and what it reveals about their dreams and values.
• Ae Sun’s hilarious and sarcastic comments about Gwan Sik’s jeon-making skills and ancestral rites, poking fun at traditional gender norms while asserting her power.
• How the couple buys Ae Sun’s mother’s former house, making it a warm and beautiful home, and how the mother-of-pearl wardrobe becomes a lasting symbol of their pride and love.
• A sweet kiss between Ae Sun and Gwan Sik as they celebrate their love and achievements, with Ae Sun taunting the Dragon King and embracing her role as the family’s lucky charm.
• The ominous foreshadowing from grown-up Geum Myeong, warning us that this happy chapter may soon come to a tragic end.
• The real-life couple who inspired the story of When Life Gives You Tangerines, especially Hong Kyung Ja and her devoted husband, who was honored for his love and support.

Next week, we will discuss episode 6 of When Life Gives You Tangerines. We’ll also talk about Jeju Island, the popular tourist destination and setting for many hit K Dramas!

References

• Park Sung-il list of songs on K Drama OSTs
• Brene Brown’s TED Talk: Listening to Shame

Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 4 of When Life Gives You Tangerines, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Park Bo-gum as Gwan-sik and IU as Ae-sun, and featuring a deeply emotional story about family, hardship, love, and resilience. We discuss:

• The song featured during the recap: "Name" by Kwak Jin-eon, a tender ballad reflecting the enduring love between Ae-sun and Gwan-sik.
• Joanna’s magical trip to Japan, including cherry blossoms, sushi, Enoshima Island, and meeting the amazing Akiko in Shinjuku Gyoen.
• How the lyrics of "Name" perfectly capture the decades-long bond between Ae-sun and Gwan-sik.
• The brutal reality of Ae-sun’s early married life, especially her abuse by her in-laws due to not producing a son.
• The significance of 108 prostrations in Korean Buddhism and the intense societal pressure on wives to bear sons.
• South Korea’s declining fertility rate, from 6 children per woman in the 1960s to close to the lowest in the world today.
• The heartbreaking and symbolic moment when Ae-sun flips the table to prevent her daughter from becoming a haenyeo.
• The shocking revelation that Gwan-sik is being physically abused by his boss — the man Ae-sun almost married!
• Ae-sun’s fierce loyalty and love for Gwan-sik, including confronting his abuser in front of the entire village.
• The evolving dynamic between Ae-sun and her daughter Geum Myeong in 1994, especially around class, shoes, and emotional validation.
• Gwan-sik and Ae-sun’s intimate physical and emotional connection, even decades into their marriage.
• The symbolism of sugar, kimjang, and daily packed lunches in expressing affection, social rules, and hardship.
• The beautiful theme of quiet sacrifice — how both Ae-sun and Gwan-sik shield each other from their respective pains.
• The significance of the episode’s title, “The Blazing Summer Sunshine,” as a metaphor for both oppressive hardship and the radiant love that sustained them.
• A spotlight on Park Bo-gum: his acting and musical background, clean-cut reputation, and his return to dramas after military service.

Next week, we’ll recap and analyze Episode 5 of When Life Gives You Tangerines, and talk about the real-life couple that inspired this drama — or so the internet says!

References

• Korean Beliefs: 5 Foods Believed to Repel Evil Spirits – Seoulbox.
• Prostrating as a Part of Buddhist Practice - Buddhistdoor Global.
• Did South Korea’s Population Policy Work Too Well? | PRB
• Park Bo-gum - Wikipedia
• Kwak Jin Eon on Spotify

Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 3 of When Life Gives You Tangerines, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring IU as Ae Sun and Park Bo Gum as Gwan Sik. We discuss:

• The song featured during the recap: “Neoyeong Nayeong” by Ahn Eun Kyung and Eunyong Sim, a haunting blend of traditional and modern sound, sung in the Jeju dialect and about young love.
• How the show is beautifully infused with Jeju-specific language, culture, and music.
• Our heartfelt shoutouts to listeners, including Ellen’s birthday and Joanna’s meetup with Akiko in Tokyo.
• The folk tale of the honest woodcutter and its metaphorical significance for Ae Sun’s comparison of Gwan Sik to a steel axe.
• The heartbreak of Ae Sun pushing Gwan Sik away—not out of lack of love, but to set him free.
• The injustice of Ae Sun’s expulsion from school while Gwan Sik only gets suspended, a commentary on gender and social status.
• Gwan Sik melting down his doljanchi rings to make a ring for Ae Sun—rings full of cultural symbolism and maternal sentiment.
• The chilling portrayal of Ae Sun’s potential suitor, a widower looking more for unpaid labor than a partner.
• Gwan Sik’s dramatic decision to swim back to Ae Sun after hearing her cries at the harbor—an epic open water swim of love and determination.
• Our leads’ emotional reunion, wedding, and the symbolism of Ae Sun’s wide-brimmed hat and new ring.
• The support of the haenyeos and their reference to the Cowherd and Weaver Girl folktale, a beautiful metaphor for star-crossed love.
• The reveal that Ae Sun was pregnant from their night in Busan, explaining the early birth of their daughter and the "conception dream" of Gwan sik’s grandmother.
• The bittersweet final scene, where Ae Sun and Gwan Sik acknowledge that while they gave up dreams of poetry and athletic stardom, they have no regrets about choosing each other.
• Our deep dive into IU's stellar career as a singer, actress, and philanthropist—highlighting why she’s beloved by so many around the world.

Next week, we’ll recap and analyze Episode 4 of When Life Gives You Tangerines and talk about the handsome and talented Park Bo Gum!

References

• Known as the “Poet of Flag,” Yu Chi-hwan
• Folk songs of Jeju
• The Honest Woodcutter
• The Weaver and the Cow Herdsman: A tale of two lovers whose deep affection triumphed over loneliness

Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 2 of When Life Gives You Tangerines, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring IU (Lee Ji-eun) as Ae Sun and Park Bo-gum as Gwan-sik. We discuss:

• The song featured during the recap: Ode to the Green Spring by Chu Da Hye, a hauntingly beautiful piece that blends traditional Korean folk styles with modern sensibility.
• The background of Chu Da Hye and her mastery of Seodo Sori, a North Korean regional singing style known for its mournful and emotive qualities.
• The incredibly moving moment when Gwan-sik silently puts Ae Sun’s shoes on her feet, a gesture of deep love, reminiscent of Cinderella and symbolic devotion.
• Ae Sun’s bravado and vulnerability during their walk through Jeju, leading to their emotional first kiss amidst the canola fields.
• Gwan-sik’s poetic confession and Ae Sun’s long-awaited admission that she’s been ready for love since she was 14.
• The complex family dynamics that drive Ae Sun to run away: her stepfather’s betrayal, her uncle’s cold dismissal, and Gwan-sik’s grandmother’s harsh judgment.
• Ae Sun’s strength in rejecting the guilt trip from her uncle, refusing to work in a factory or support a family that never cared for her.
• The historical context of 1968 South Korea, including the May 16 coup and the Blue House Raid involving North Korean commando Kim Shin-jo.
• The suspenseful scene on the boat to Busan when Ae Sun bluffs her way past a suspicious captain, boldly claiming she and Gwan-sik are married.
• Their failed attempt to pawn stolen jewelry and the significance of the gold frog as a family heirloom and symbol of wealth.
• The betrayal by the innkeepers who drug and rob them, leaving them penniless and desperate.
• Ae Sun and Gwan-sik’s decision to sneak back into the inn and recover their belongings, only for their plan to go awry when Ae Sun insists on retrieving her precious flower hairpin.
• The thrilling ending: Ae Sun is tackled, Gwan-sik prepares a flying kick, and the episode ends on a cliffhanger.
• A flash forward to 1993 hints at Ae Sun’s future as a mother, but the father’s identity is deliberately obscured—leaving us wondering if it’s Gwan-sik.
• The fantastic cinematography, especially the wide shots in the canola fields and the immersive market scene.
• Insights into the mystery of the writer Lim Sang-choon and a deep dive into the many women behind K Drama screenwriting.

References

• Ssing Ssing’s Tiny Desk Concert on NPR
• Jindo Arirang
• [Daily JOKOer] We Can Speak Korean with Just Numbers? Simple Korean Beeper Codes Top 5┃언어문화NGO 조인어스코리아
• Korean drama - Wikipedia
• Hong sisters - Wikipedia
• Kim Eun-sook - Wikipedia
• Park Ji-eun - Wikipedia
• Kim Soon-ok (screenwriter) - Wikipedia
• Hwang Dong-hyuk - Wikipedia
• How to Tell if a Korean Name is Male or Female | TOPIK GUIDE
• What makes a Korean name masculine or feminine?
• When Life Gives You Tangerines Offer Comfort To Those Who Need It
• Nostalgia by Jung Ji Yong
• Dol hareubang - Wikipedia

Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 1 of When Life Gives You Tangerines, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring IU as Oh Ae-sun, and Park Bo-gum as Yang Gwan-sik. We discuss:

• The song featured during the recap: Midnight Walk by d.ear. The song feels nostalgic and represents Ae-sun’s longing for the past.
• The deeper themes of family, love, and survival that make this show feel unique compared to other historical K Dramas.
• The emotional opening with an elderly Ae-sun reflecting on the word "eomma" (mom) and how it carries deep significance throughout her life.
• The realistic and historical setting of Jeju Island, which makes this drama feel different from the more fantastical K Dramas we have covered before.
• The contrast between the English title, When Life Gives You Tangerines, and the Korean title Pokssak Sogatsuda, which means "You’ve worked hard" in Jeju dialect.
• The introduction of young Ae-sun and Gwan-sik and how their childhood relationship sets the foundation for the story.
• The significance of Ae-sun’s mother, Gwang Rye, and her fierce independence as a haenyeo, a female diver of Jeju Island.
• The rich cultural history of haenyeos, their role in Jeju's matriarchal society, and the challenges they face today due to environmental changes and declining numbers.
• The economic and social struggles of Ae-sun, who is orphaned at a young age and left to raise her younger siblings, with only Gwan-sik standing steadfastly by her side.
• The role of gender and social hierarchy in the drama, as Ae-sun is denied opportunities simply because she is a girl.
• The heartbreaking yet powerful portrayal of Ae-sun's mother, played by Yeom Hye-ran, and her impact on Ae-sun's resilience.
• The dynamic between Ae-sun and Gwan-sik—his unwavering devotion and her initial indifference, which mirrors her mother’s tough love.
• The visual storytelling of the marketplace scenes, where Gwan-sik quietly supports Ae-sun while she remains oblivious to his sacrifices.
• The grandmother’s disapproval of Ae-sun, believing that daughters inherit their mothers’ fate, and how this reflects traditional Korean beliefs.
• The poetic meaning of the episode title, Spring in a Heartbeat, which speaks to the fleeting nature of youth and the rapid passage of time.

Next week, we will recap and analyze Episode 2 of When Life Gives You Tangerines and explore the fascinating topic of Korean drama writers—are most K Drama writers women, and can we tell their gender just by their names?

References

• Haenyeo - Wikipedia
• The Last of the Sea Women - Wikipedia

Today, we’ll be discussing the special filler episode on When The Phone Rings, the over-the-top, twist-filled K Drama starring Yoo Yeon-seok as Baek Sa-eon, Jeon Yeo-been as Hong Hee-joo, and Kim Ji-seok as Ji Sang-woo. We discuss:

• The songs we featured during the recap, including:
  • Homme Fatale – the dramatic track playing when Baek Sa-eon struts into a room
  • Say My Name performed by Yoo Yeon-seok in the finale
• The absolutely bonkers premise: a high-profile political spokesperson secretly married to his childhood love, who he keeps hidden from the world, and whose existence triggers a web of blackmail, kidnapping, and revenge plots.
• The layers of hidden identities — from Baek Sa-eon being a secret replacement for the original Baek Sa-eon, to Hong Hee-joo living her life pretending to be mute, all due to family politics and trauma.
• The stunning reveal that Baek Sa-eon is not only adopted but actually the son of his own grandfather.
• The selective mutism plotline — how Hong Hee-joo’s silence started as a survival tactic but became a powerful tool that gave her a successful career.
• The role of Ji Sang-woo, the caring friend turned investigative psychiatrist, who didn’t realize what he was wading into by investigating the case of the missing boys from the orphanage.
• The use of the mysterious phone as a plot device — how the sinister calls were the catalyst for uncovering the hidden marriage and Baek Sa-eon’s many secrets.
• The moment Baek Sa-eon realized the “kidnapper” on the phone was actually his own wife, and how that discovery changed their entire dynamic.
• The ridiculously high kidnapping count — Hong Hee-joo gets kidnapped not once, not twice, but FOUR times across 12 episodes. We discuss how this woman even manages to sleep at night.
• The "Argan" subplot — how a fictional war-torn country becomes both Baek Sa-eon’s self-imposed exile and the backdrop for the show’s most ludicrous romantic reunion.
• The utterly bizarre "sunset" motif that comes out of nowhere in the final episodes — how sunsets are suddenly a metaphor for their love despite never being mentioned before.
  The final episode’s chaos: political scandals, revenge murders, family betrayals, a rescue mission in a war zone, and a surprise happy ending that left us asking — did we just watch a romance or a thriller?
• The controversy around the mistranslated Middle Eastern conflict scene — how a clumsy translation sparked accusations of political bias, and why inserting geopolitics into a makjang drama felt so unnecessary.
• What we’re watching now! Joanna and Sung Hee are watching Love Scout and loving it!

Next week, we will recap and analyze episode 1 of When Life Gives You Tangerines. Although four episodes are expected to drop, we will only watch and recap one episode at a time.

References

• What is makjang?
• Fans call for boycott of popular K Drama for thinly veiled references to israel’s war on Gaza

Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 12 of See You In My 19th Life, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Shin Hye-sun as Ban Ji-eum, Ahn Bo-hyun as Moon Seo-ha, Ha Yoon-kyung as Yoon Cho-won, Ahn Dong-goo as Ha Do-yoon, and Cha Chung Hwa as Kim Ae-gyeong. We discuss:

• The songs featured during the recap:
  • Star by Colde
  • Starlight by Max Shin
  • Europe by Kim Jin Ah
  • Childhood by Kim Jin Ah
• The satisfying, bittersweet ending where Ban Ji-eum chooses to forget her past lives, ultimately freeing herself from the curse she placed on herself in her first life.
• The emotional weight of Ban Ji-eum’s decision — giving up her memories to protect her loved ones — and how it mirrors the choices we sometimes have to make in life to move forward.
• How Moon Seo-ha steps up in this final episode, taking on the role of comforter and guide for Ban Ji-eum, showing his growth from passive and traumatized to a strong, supportive partner.
• The beautiful inyeon between Ban Ji-eum, Moon Seo-ha, Yoon Cho-won, and Ha Do-yoon — how their fates have been intertwined across lifetimes, and how that deep connection ultimately brings them all together in the end.
• The tender and heart-wrenching scene between Ban Ji-eum and Yoon Ju-won’s mother, where Ban Ji-eum hugs her, offering comfort while Ju-won’s spirit watches on — a moment that embodies the power of love across lifetimes.
• The long-awaited romantic resolution between Yoon Cho-won and Ha Do-yoon — his slow realization that love is worth the risk, capped off with a swoony confession and kiss.
• Kang Min-gi’s poignant arc — from mysterious guide to tormented soul — and how Ban Ji-eum’s forgiveness perhaps allows him to begin his own journey toward peace after 23 lives.
• The surprising lightheartedness of the final scenes, with Moon Seo-ha, Yoon Cho-won, and Ha Do-yoon conspiring to bring Ban Ji-eum back into their lives, complete with a meet-cute at the braised kimchi restaurant.
• The importance of braised kimchi, the dish that symbolizes home, love, and memory, and how food plays such a key role in grounding Ban Ji-eum even after she loses her memories.
• The stunning cinematography throughout the episode, from the dramatic Dutch angles on the Mujinjeong bridge to the soft, glowing scenes of Ban Ji-eum’s memories fading away.
• The reversal of roles in the final confession scene, with Moon Seo-ha as the pursuer, mirroring Ban Ji-eum’s relentless pursuit of him at the beginning — a beautiful bookend to their love story.
• The deeply touching message at the heart of the show: that forgiveness — of others and of ourselves — is the only way to truly move forward, and that holding on to hate only chains us to the past.
• The special 1 episode review of When The Phone Rings that we will do next week!
• The announcement of K Drama Chat Season 11, where we will recap and analyze When Life Gives You Tangerines, the highly anticipated Netflix drama starring IU and Park Bo-gum, set on Jeju Island and spanning decades of history and romance.

References

• Incarceration Rates by Country 2024
• Nakhwanori: A Traditional Korean Fireworks Festival

Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 11 of See You In My 19th Life, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Shin Hye-sun as Ban Ji-eum, Ahn Bo-hyun as Moon Seo-ha, Ha Yoon-kyung as Yoon Cho-won, Ahn Dong-goo as Ha Do-yoon, and Cha Chung Hwa as Kim Ae-gyeong. We discuss:

• The songs featured during the recap: Shaman by HEO, What by Sol Han, and I’ll Embrace Your Past by Ahn Bo-hyun. Shaman is eerie and haunting, while What adds a frantic, comic energy. I’ll Embrace Your Past is especially meaningful as Seo-ha accepts Ji-eum’s past lives and vows to stay by her side.
• How Ji-eum finally discovers the truth about her first life—it wasn’t Seo-ha’s past self, Master Han Ya, who killed her sister Seol, but Master Cheon Un, Kang Min Gi’s past self.
• The heartbreaking revelation that Ji-eum herself placed the curse to remember her past lives, fueled by rage and grief after Seol’s death.
• Kang Min Gi’s role as a guide for those trapped in the cycle of reincarnation. He helps others find peace, yet remains stuck himself, as he hasn’t encountered the person who triggered his own memories.
• The historical context of untouchable classes—the Baekjeong in Korea, Burakumin in Japan, and Dalits in India
• The cultural significance of shaman bells in Korean rituals, symbolizing the "opening of the gate of words" to invite spirits into the ritual space.
• Ji-eum's emotional turmoil upon realizing that Seo-ha didn’t betray her in her 1st life. Instead, Master Han Ya tried to protect her, and Ji-eum’s misunderstanding led her to attack Seo-ha in this life.
• The complicated dynamic between Kang Min Gi and Ji-eum. He wants her to become "normal" by fully remembering her first life, but his own cycle remains unbroken.
• The unraveling of the cover-up around the car accident that killed Yoon Ju-won. Chairman Moon, Seo-ha’s father, hid the truth to protect Seo-ha and avoid scandal, while Director Lee, Seo-ha’s uncle, lived for 24 years under the weight of his guilt.
• Ha Do Yoon’s emotional struggle over his feelings for Yoon Cho-won. Encouraged by both Ji-eum and Seo-ha, he’s urged to follow his heart despite the social barriers.
• The touching parallel between Seo-ha’s note to Ji-eum—"In bad times, remember the happy moments. I’m by your side"—and Ji-eum’s earlier words under the cherry blossoms.
• The geographic lesson of the week—Kottayam, India—a city known as the "city of letters" for its publishing industry.
• Fun listener interactions: Tina’s blog comment listing Ji-eum’s known past lives, Akiko and Joanna planning a cherry blossom meet-up in Shinjuku Gyoen Park, and new listeners like Irma finding the podcast after Queen of Tears.
• A special announcement: After the final episode, Joanna and Sung Hee will do a one-off episode discussing When The Phone Rings, joined by Ernabel Demillo. They’ll dive into the drama’s wild plot twists and controversial ending.
• Tease for Season 11—a new show has almost been decided, but listeners still have time to sway the choice by commenting on the blog or Instagram.

Next week, we’ll recap and analyze Episode 12 of See You In My 19th Life and officially announce our pick for Season 11!

References

• In South Korea, shamans are shunned — and revered
• Dalits in India

Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 10 of See You In My 19th Life, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Shin Hye-sun as Ban Ji-eum, Ahn Bo-hyun as Moon Seo-ha, Ha Yoon-kyung as Yoon Cho-won, Ahn Dong-goo as Ha Do-yoon, and Cha Chung Hwa as Kim Ae-gyeong. We discuss:

• The songs we featured during the recap:
  • Forgotten by HEO
  • Possessed by Jeong Nahyeon
  • The evocative and moody nature of the instrumentals in this drama, enhancing the mystery and dramatic elements.
• The significance of white buckwheat flowers in Goblin and how they symbolize love, as reminded by a listener.
• Exciting news about a potential K Drama Chat meet-up in Tokyo on March 28, possibly coinciding with cherry blossom season!
• The slow unraveling of Ban Ji-eum’s first life through fragmented flashbacks and the increasing mystery surrounding her past relationships.
• Moon Seo-ha’s transformation from emotionally detached to a more animated and warm character.
• The major revelations about Ban Ji-eum’s first life:
  • She was known as Su and had a close bond with Seol, who resembles Yoon Cho-won.
  • Moon Seo-ha’s past self, Master Han Ya, may have been her enemy.
  • Kang Min-gi was also present in this first life and is now a key figure in unlocking its secrets.
• The key role of shaman bells in Ban Ji-eum’s recovered memories and their connection to Kang Min-gi’s mission.
• The long-awaited official confession scene between Ban Ji-eum and Moon Seo-ha, leading to them officially dating—though Seo-ha remains hilariously inexperienced in love.
• The Korean title of the drama, In This Life, Please Take Care of Me, and its deeper cultural meaning compared to the English translation.
• Hanna’s emotional farewell to Moon Seo-ha, leaving him a crocheted turtle as a final gift.
• The downfall of CEO Jang, thanks to Hanna’s planted evidence and Moon Seo-ha’s swift action.
• The complicated class dynamics at play between Ha Do-yoon and Yoon Cho-won, and how it influences their budding romance.
• Kim Ae-gyeong’s declining health and the devastating realization that Ban Ji-eum’s presence may have caused it.
• The climactic final scene where Ban Ji-eum, lost in her visions of the past, mistakes Moon Seo-ha for Master Han Ya and attacks him in a fit of rage.
• The episode title, Everything Has a Beginning and an End, and its implications for the cycle of reincarnation and unresolved past lives.

Next week, we will recap and analyze Episode 11 of See You In My 19th Life. We’ll also discuss our choices for Season 11 and an exciting special episode between seasons!

References

• Korea Tour of Filming Locations for See You In My 19th Life

Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 9 of See You In My 19th Life, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Shin Hye-sun as Ban Ji-eum, Ahn Bo-hyun as Moon Seo-ha, Ha Yoon-kyung as Yoon Cho-won, Ahn Dong-goo as Ha Do-yoon, and Cha Chung Hwa as Kim Ae-gyeong. We discuss:

• The songs featured during the recap. 
  • Triangle by Bang Kyung Ho
  • Vice Versa by Bang Kung Ho
• Ban Ji-eum’s confession to Moon Seo-ha that she was Yoon Ju-won in her past life and his stunned reaction. 
• Moon Seo-ha’s discovery of the hidden key and the booklet Yoon Ju-won left behind for him. 
• The long-awaited reunion at the amusement park, where Ban Ji-eum waits all night for Moon Seo-ha to show up. 
• The emotional weight of Ban Ji-eum telling Moon Seo-ha to be happy, as both Yoon Ju-won and Ban Ji-eum. 
• The beautiful yet haunting imagery of Ban Ji-eum walking across the bridge, reliving her past lives. 
• The idea of immortality as both a gift and a burden, explored through Ban Ji-eum’s experiences. 
• Hanna’s farewell and her cryptic message about moving on from past lives. 
• The shocking revelation that Moon Seo-ha’s uncle ordered the truck accident but that Seo-ha was not the intended target. 
• The tension-filled confrontation between Moon Seo-ha and his uncle, leading to the uncle’s confession and arrest. 
• The fallout from the uncle’s confession and how it impacts MI Group. 
• The growing romance between Ha Do-yoon and Yoon Cho-won, complicated by social class differences and Ha Do-yoon’s personal struggles. 
• The parallel reveals of Moon Seo-ha uncovering the truth about his uncle and finally accepting that Ban Ji-eum is Yoon Ju-won. 
• The stunning cliffhanger where Ban Ji-eum relives a memory from her first life, revealing an ominous event on the bridge during a fireworks display. 
• Filming locations featured in this episode, including Mujinjeong Pavilion, where the bridge scene was filmed with traditional fireworks.

References

• Countless flames fall like petals over a pond: Haman Nakhwanori
• Herculean task of watching Haman’s fireworks
• Filming locations from See You In My 19th Life
• Japan: The Essential Guide to Customs and Culture

Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 8 of See You In My 19th Life, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Shin Hye-sun as Ban Ji-eum, Ahn Bo-hyun as Moon Seo-ha, Ha Yoon-kyung as Yoon Cho-won, Ahn Dong-goo as Ha Do-yoon, and Cha Chung Hwa as Kim Ae-gyeong. We discuss:

• The songs we featured during the recap:
  • Coldness by HEO
  • Romantic by Hee Nam Do
  • Blue by Bang Kyung Ho
• The significance of the show’s opening sequence, including:
  • The infinity symbol that transforms into a norigae, representing Ban Ji-eum’s endless reincarnation cycle that started 1,000 years ago, when she wore hanbok with norigae.
  • The red string of fate, symbolizing the deep connection between Ban Ji-eum and Moon Seo-ha across lifetimes.
  • Water as a recurring motif, symbolizing time, renewal, and the fluidity of life.
  • The presence of symbols representing Ban Ji-eum’s various lives and her connections to Moon Seo-ha.
• The episode’s major plot developments:
  • Ban Ji-eum’s memory flashback showing Moon Seo-ha with a bloody sword in her first life.
  • The abandoned building scene where Moon Seo-ha witnesses Mr. Bang’s body fall from above.
  • The attack on Moon Seo-ha and his emotional breakdown upon learning his uncle ordered the accident that killed Yoon Ju-won.
  • Ban Ji-eum’s confrontation with her father, who was responsible for the accident.
  • The reveal that Kang Min-gi, Ban Ji-eum, and Moon Seo-ha were all connected in Ban Ji-eum’s first life.
  • The chilling cassette tape proving Moon Seo-ha’s uncle orchestrated the accident.
  • The episode’s emotional climax: Ban Ji-eum playing Remember on the piano and revealing to Moon Seo-ha that she was Yoon Ju-won.
  • The continued tension between Ha Do-yoon and Yoon Cho-won, with Yoon Cho-won refusing to give up on him.
  • CEO Jang’s mysterious influence and connection to Moon Seo-ha’s uncle, and her reaction to receiving gladiolus flowers from Hanna.
• Thoughts on the episode title, Casting One’s Fate Unto the Dice, and how it reflects Ban Ji-eum’s risky decision to reveal her past life.
• The shows we’re watching now.
• Exciting rumors that Scarlet Heart RYEO is coming to Viki!

References

• Bang Kyung Ho on Apple Music
• The Circular Building from KPop videos and K Dramas

• The songs we featured during the recap:
  • Pure Love by Hee Nam Son
  • Breeze by Hee Nam Son
  • Here With Me by Doyoung
• How Ban Ji eum, throughout her lives, always wanted to be the person who stood by your side, in good times and bad.
• This episode is all about the threads that all point to the car accident being ordered by someone, but who would have done so?
• Who has the motive to have Moon Seo ha killed? His father? His uncle? CEO Jang? Another relatives?
• The first kiss between Moon Seo ha and Ban Ji eum, with 360 views of course!
• The love language spoken by Ban Ji eum and Moon Seo ha that clearly shows they are becoming more intimate and less formal with each other.
• How Ban Ji eum is slowly transforming Moon Seo ha. He’s a different person around her, he’s smiling, and he feels like he’s in a different world.
• Moo Seo ha and Ha Do yoon both confess their love for our female leads, but Ha Do yoon says he still won’t date Yoon Cho won.
• We learn that Hanna was Moon Seo ha’s mother in her previous life.
• We don’t know that Kang Min gi was in a previous life, but he tells Ban Ji eum that this is his 23rd life and in this life, he’s also a professor of Archeology!
• When Ban Ji eum grabs the shaman bells once again, her memories of her first life grow more vivid, and this time, she sees an arrow hitting its target, and she sees a man dragging a sword behind him.
• What is Moon Seo ha’s uncle’s relationship with Ms. Jang and how does he know Wonjo Capital?
• The actors Cha Chung Hwa (who played Kim Ae-gyeong), Lee Han na (who played Hanna), and Lee Chae min )who played Kang Min gi).
•  What we’re watching now!

References

• Hee Nam Son on Apple Music
• Pop Star Academy: KATSEYE on Netflix

• The songs we featured during the recap:
  • Sad Memory by Fallin Dild
  • Secret by YELO
• How Yoon Cho won finally came to believe that Ban Ji eum was her sister Yoon Ju won in her past life.
• The two secrets revealed in this episode: that the car accident was not an accident but murder, and Ha Do yoon’s father was the Moon driver and he was killed during the accident as well.
• The mysterious Kang Min Gi and Hanna. Who are they? What is their mission? And why do they think that Ban Ji eum connecting with her past lives will be dangerous and cause harm?
• When Kim Ae-gyeong and Kang Min gi go out, Ban Ji eum gets curious and finds the shaman bells in Kang Min gi’s room. Touching these bells brings back the visions from Ban Ji eum’s nightmares.
• Goryeo celadon since Ban Ji eum gave Wonjo Capital a celadon vase to pay off her brother’s debt.
• The horrible secret that the accident that killed Yoon Ju won was actually a murder attempt against Moon Seo ha is learned by Ban Ji eum, Ban Dong woo, and Moon Seo ha.
• Moon Seo ha’s realization that the driver who died in the car accident was Ha Do yoon’s father. He never knew! When he confronts Ha Do yoon, they end up fighting.
• We now know that even though Ha Do yoon likes Yoon Cho won, he won’t date her because they are not in the same social class and he doesn't want to be seen as taking advantage of her.
• CEO Jang’s visit to the Chairman’s house to get him to forgive her son, Chan-hyuk.
• The mysterious Mr. Im, who visits the Chairman.
• When Ban Ji eum hugs Moon Seo ha and tells him they won’t have a sad ending and that she’ll stay by his side, the memory of a young Seo ha and Ju won in the pool turns red with blood.
• A potential new K Drama element: Closing the distance in slow motion to hug
• The background and career of Ahn Dong-goo, the actor who plays Ha Do yoon.

References

• Goryeo Celadon | Essay | The Metropolitan Museum of Art | Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History

• The songs we feature during the recap:
  • Childhood Kim Jin ah
  • I’ll Embrace Your Past by Ahn Bo hyun
• Our top K Dramas from 2024.
• It’s clear Moon Seo ha has not gotten over the trauma of Yoon Ju won’s death; this saddens and shocks Ban Ji eum and Yoon Cho won.
• Moon Seo ha is developing feelings for Ban Ji eum but he’s not sure how to process them because he doesn’t believe he is allowed to feel love or happiness.
• The beautiful dance scene at the beach!
• Formal vs. informal speech in Korean.
• Yoon Cho won’s shock and amazement at Ban Ji eum’s actions at the vacation home. How did Ban Ji eum know about the doll in the grandfather clock and height guide behind the bookcase?
• When Moon Seo ha, Ban Ji eum goes after him; he rejects her first confession.
• Ban Ji eum’s dream that includes red elements and shaman bells, as well as all the red elements in this episode. Red has many meanings in Korean culture. It can be protective and an omen of bad luck and death.
• The mysterious man who took Kim Ae-gyeong to the hospital and is now working at her restaurant. 
• The mysterious woman Hanna, who seems to know that Ban Ji eum was Yoon Ju won in a past life.
• How Moon Seo ha is now on the offensive against CEO Jang, who appears to have mismanaged some money at the hotel.
• The reappearance of  Ban Ji eum’s brother, who leads the loan sharks to Moon Seo ha.
• The loan sharks take Moon Seo ha to a tunnel, but Seo ha manages to fend them off, plus he got help from Ha Do jin and Ban Ji eum.
• Yoon Cho won’s call to Ban Ji eum to express her disappointment and sadness at what she thinks is Ban Ji eum’s ulterior motives.
• Ban Ji eum’s fateful decision to reveal to Yoon Cho won that she was Yoon Ju won in her past life.
• Three potential, new K Drama elements: the lighthouse, the sudden lane change while driving, and coughing into a drink.
• What we thought of the title: Am I the Butterly, or is the Butterfly Me?
• The life and background of Ha Yoon Kyung, the actress who plays Yoon Cho Won.

References

• Kim Jin ah on Spotify
• Album: A New Leaf by Kim Jin ah
• TIME Magazine’s Top 10 K Dramas of 2024
• 13 Best K-Dramas of 2024 | Teen Vogue
• 10 Best K-Dramas of 2024, Ranked
• 150+ Dramas Of 2024 (K-Drama Masterlist) | Soompi
• DeemaLovesDrama on Instagram
• Korean Karaoke - Your complete guide to 노래방 (noraebang)
• Are you okay? It’s okay (in Korean)
• Tinnitus - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic.
• The Colors in Korean Life and Culture

• Kendrick Lamar’s new song, Reincarnated, where he sings about his past lives!
• The songs we feature during the recap:
  • Sad Memory by Fallin’ Dild
  • Star (organic version) by Colde
• Our male listeners’ opinions of Moon Seo ha; hint: they don’t think much of him!
• Our new K Drama elements: we like the name Bromance and The Person With Mixed Loyalties turns out to be in more shows than we originally thought!
• Whether or not Yoon Ju won told her mom about her past lives.
• Ban Ji eum seems to have conflicting goals: she wants Moon Seo ha to work out on his own that Ban Ji eum was Yoon Ju won BUT he also wants him to fall in love with her as Ban Ji eum so that he gets over Yoon Ju won.
• The jesa tradition of honoring parents and ancestors.
• When Moon Seo ha stays over at Ha Do yoon’s house, it’s clear that they are close friends and Moon Seo ha is able to open up about his feelings toward Ban Ji eum and Yoon Cho won.
• The strong “fan” culture in South Korea.
• How Ban Ji eum’s strategy is working because Moon Seo ha can’t stop thinking about her!
• Ban Ji eum almost revealed to Yoon Cho won that they were sisters; instead, she upsets a tray and breaks a set of teacups.
• The appearance of Ban Ji eum’s brother, who has clearly asked her for money before.
• The drink maekju that we see so often in K Dramas.
• Moon Seo ha’s suspicions that CEO Jang is up to no good and possibly manipulating the MI Grand Hotel’s finances.
• We learn that Moon Seo ha knows that Ha Do yoon meets with the Chairman regularly AND that the Chairman knew Ha Do yoon’s father.
• The mystery of the flowers in the lobby. Who is the woman who swapped them out, and who has swapped them back?
• How Ban Ji eum and Yoon Cho won are destroyed when they realize the extent of Moon Seo ha’s trauma over the car accident and Yoon Ju won’s death.
• The background and career of Ahn Bo hyun, the actor who plays Moon Seo ha.

References

• Korean Dating: Customs and etiquette for relationships
• South Korea's Popular Somaek Cocktail Combines Beer And Soju - Tasting Table
• Fallin’ Dild on Spotify
• South Korea: Supreme Court ruling a historic victory for same-sex couples - Amnesty International.
• Jesa: The Korean Ceremony Commemorating Ancestors
• Fandom culture in South Korea - Wikipedia
• Kendrick Lamar’s Reincarnated
• Korea's Family Registration Law | The Law Office of Jeremy D. Morley

• The songs we featured during the recap:
  • Piriri by Go Go King
  • Down by Jo Yu ri
• Ban Ji eum’s sad realization that the loved ones she left behind are still suffering over her death.
• One person who is no longer sad is Kim Ae-gyeong, who was Ban Ji eum’s niece during her 17th life. Kim Ae-gyeong is no longer alone and she’s had 15 or 16 wonderful years with Ban Ji eum.
• Jesa, the practice of honoring ancestors and parents, by offering food and drink at an altar with photos of the deceased.
• The amazing scene under the stand of cherry trees, during which Ban Ji eum tries to comfort Moon Seo ha.
• Moon Seo ha plays Remember on the piano, the song that Yoon Ju won says she composed during a past life, and that Moon Seo ha should learn to play when he’s missing someone.
• Ban Ji eum’s confession to Moon Seo ha on his birthday. She didn’t want to pass up the opportunity to share her feelings AGAIN.
• Ban Ji eum’s mysterious comment that perhaps she was reincarnated right away because she was murdered.
• Ha Do yoon’s altercation with Lee Ji seok, the son of the Chairman of Daehwan Group. He insulted Ha Do yoon and stepped on his phone. Moon Seo ha defends Ha Do yoon.
• Who is the mysterious woman who replaced the flowers in the lobby with gladiolus?
• Moon Seo ha’s rejection of Yoon Cho won’s arrival for her interview to do the landscaping at the hotel.
• Yoon Cho won’s confession that she loves Ha Do yoon over dinner with Ban Ji eum.
• Ban Ji eum takes Yoon Cho won to her parent’s home after a tender taxi ride during which Ban Ji eum feels very sisterly toward Yoon Cho won.
• The reason Ha Do yoon didn’t want to see Moon Seo ha is because he and his brother were preparing a jesa ceremony for their brother.
• The reunion between Ban Ji eum and Yoon Ju won’s mother that happened in Ban Ji eum’s imagination.
• When Moon Seo ha sees Ban Ji eum swaying and hugging herself, he approaches, sees she is crying, and says “noona” when Ban Ji eum calls him Seo ha ya.
• A possible new K Drama element: a person with conflicting loyalties!
• More information about the amazing Shin Hye sun, the actress who plays Ban Ji eum.

References

• A Poem Called You by Jo Yu ri
• Jesa - Wikipedia
• ‘Tingle of Scar, Your Face and My Dumb Love’ | The DONG-A ILBO
• Traditional Korean Funeral Service - Guide and Customs

Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 2 of See You In My 19th Life, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Shin Hye-sun as Ban Ji-eum, Ahn Bo-hyun as Moon Seo-ha, Ha Yoon-kyung as Yoon Cho-won, and Ahn Dong-goo as Ha Do-yoon. We discuss:

• The songs we heard during the recap:
  • Horo by Go Go King
  • Star by Colde
• How we rewatch the first few episodes of a show to truly understand the show.
• Comments from listeners on the blog.
• The differences between transmigration, regression and reincarnation.
• We wonder why Ban Ji-eum says her 18th life is her most memorable and why she remembers her memories from her previous lives
• How Ban Ji-eum finds Moon Seo-ha in trouble, grabs his hand, tells him to run and then later asks him to marry her; she does this as a 9 year old and now as a 24-year old.
• The 3 proposals in the show: 1 by Moon Seo-ha and 2 by Ban Ji-eum
• We learn a lot about the relationships between the character through Lee Ji-seok, the son of the Daehwan Group Chairman.
• Why Moon Seo-ha ultimately gave Ban Ji-eum a job at the hotel.
• How Moon Seo-ha remembered Ban Ji-eum from his past and how he kept the handkerchief that she had used to tie up his bleeding hand.
• How Ha Do-yoon seems to be a spy for Seo-ha’s father, the Chairman of MI Group.
• The many encounters between the sisters in this episode and how Ban Ji-eum wonders what Yoon Cho-won’s feelings are toward Moon Seo-ha.
• How the MI Grand Hotel CEO Jang Yeon-ok was having an affair with Seo-ha’s father when his mother was sick!
• When Moon Se-ha lays the flowers at the grave of Yoon Jo-won, Ban Ji-eum, for the first time, realizes the pain of the people she has left behind during her many lives.
• The many K Drama elements in this episode, including the many flowers we see and the wrist grabs.
• Our 2 new elements: the gay teasing element, and the long wait for love.
• The amazing Park So-yi, the young actress who plays a young Ban Ji-eum; we love her!

References

• The Difference Between Transmigration, Regress and Reincarnation
• Go Go King on Spotify
• Colde on Spotify

Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 1 of See You In My 19th Life, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Shin Hye-sun as Ban Ji-eum, Ahn Bo-hyun as Moon Seo-ha, Ha Yoon-kyung as Yoon Cho-won, Ahn Dong-goo as Ha Do-yoon, and Cha Chung-hwa as Kim Ae-kyung. We discuss:

• The songs we featured in this episode:
  • Remember by Kim Jin ah
  • Silence by Sunwoo jung-a
• The reaction of our listeners to our choice of show for Season 10
• The characters we first get introduced to: Ban Ji-eum, Moon Seo-ha, Ha Do-yoon and Kim Ae-kyung.
• The concept of reincarnation.
• The Korean concept of inyeon, which roughly translates to providence or fate.
• The three elements of flamenco.
• When Kim Ae-kyung began to believe that Ban Ji-eum was the reincarnation of her uncle.
• The story of how Yoon Ju-won met Seo ha, got to know him, and died on his birthday.
• Ban Ji-eum’s mission to see if Moon Seo-ha is alive and ultimately be with him.
• The ages of our characters in the different timeframes.
• The importance of pools to Moon Seo-ha.
• How Ban Ji-eum finally meets Moon Seo-ha at the MI Grand Hotel and later applies for a job.
• Ban Ji-eum’s audacity in asking Moon Seo-ha if he would date her.
• How we have so many K Drama elements in this episode!
• The shows we’re watching now.

Season 10 is off to a great start! Thanks for listening! 

References

• Sunwoo Jung-a on Spotify
• Kim Jin-a on Spotify
• On Reincarnation
• The Symbols of Longevity in Korean Art and Culture – ArtinKo
• The Turtle Ship - NCTAsia
• Past Lives: This untranslatable Korean word for eternal love has ancient Buddhist roots

• How we appreciated the listeners who sent in their recommendations for Season 10 by sending us voice recordings, and sending us emails or messages.
• How the Crown Prince showed himself to be a different kind of leader when he refused to sacrifice the soldiers to save himself.
• The plan to lure the zombies to the lake by the rear garden is a risky one because the timing has to be just right. In the end, the Crown Prince pounds on the ice with his hands and then uses the zombie giant to finally break the ice.
• The miracle that allowed the Crown Prince and a few of his men to be saved when they fell in the water.
• The amazing Seo-bi, who manages to escape the main hall with the baby prince by using fire and her wits.
• When the Crown Prince and his men open up the palace gates, the Head Scholar says the baby prince must be found and killed so there won’t be chaos in the country.
• When the Crown Prince finds Seo-bi and the baby, Seo-bi assures him that the baby won’t turn into a monster. The prince makes the important decision to save the baby, name him the legitimate heir, and erase himself from the history books. We discuss WHEN and WHY the Crown Prince decides to do this.
• The amazing cinematography during the battle at the lake and when the Crown Prince walks away from the throne.
• In the future, we see that the country is freed from zombies once Spring comes, and the young king is being prepared by his wise teachers and guides.
• The Joseon Dynasty annals, which are so detailed, and from which so many historical K Dramas draw inspiration from.
• The Crown Prince, now just Lee Chang, along with Seo-bi and a few soldiers, continue to look for the origins of the resurrection plant. They come across the plant in other parts of the country, and then find zombies! Who is behind the continuing spread of this plague?
• The ending of the show shows the mysterious figure of a woman and a worm snaking across the young king’s face.
• The K Drama elements we saw in this episode, including crying, and protecting someone at personal cost to yourself.
• The addition of two elements to our list: a water scene and asking someone to speak casually to you.
• Mapping Kingdom to the stages of the Hero’s Journey framework. Turns out the show is quite true to the framework!
• Our final thoughts about this amazing K Drama!
• The decision-making process that went into the show that we will recap and analyze in Season 10 of K Drama Chat! (You have to listen to find out the show!).

Listeners, we want to know what you think of our choice for Season 10! Please comment on the blog at KDramaChat.com!

References

• Royal Portraits in the Late Joseon Period
• Jeonju During the Joseon Dynasty
• Veritable Records of the Joseon Dynasty - Wikipedia
• CLOY: The Real Ending

• Joanna’s trip to Italy during the week of Thanksgiving and her Italian language journey.
• Sung Hee's Korean language journey.
• How the Crown Prince asks the soldiers from Mungyeong Saejae to remain loyal to him, even though their families are about to be executed.
• How the military training commander appeared to have betrayed the Crown Prince by telling the palace that the Crown Prince was at the Scholarly Institute, but in reality, the military training commander had shared Lee Seung Hui’s medical journal with the Minister of War and lured the palace guards to the Scholarly Institute where the Crown Prince would NOT be.
• Meanwhile, the Crown Prince arrives at the palace, lets his presence be known, and locks all the gates of the palace, thereby shutting out the Queen’s guards.
• How the Crown Prince, in his mourner’s outfit and peasant straw hat, looked so noble and kingly as he strode into the palace.
• How Cho Beom Pal could not bring himself to order the execution of the soldiers’ families, but he is saved by the arrival of the Crown Prince, who orders the prisoners freed.
• We speculate about whether or not the Crown Prince intends to take the throne.
• How the tide turns in favor of the Prince, as more people switch over and swear their loyalty to him, including the Minister of War, the former commander of the Royal Commandery Division, and the court ministers.
• How the Queen Consort does not seem bothered by the arrival of the Crown Prince. We speculate about her state of mind and think she’s about to burn the palace down because she knows she’s lost to the Crown Prince and she will either be banished or executed.
• The Queen’s head court lady releases the zombies from the dungeon, thereby instigating a killing spree and the creation of a zombie horde in the palace.
• The Crown Prince and his men put up a good fight, as do others in the palace, but they can’t fight against the zombie horde.
• The episode ends with the Crown Prince and a few men on one side of a gate, with hundreds of zombies banging on the other side. Seo-bi, meanwhile, is locked in the main hall with the Queen, the baby Prince, and a few soldiers.
• We list the shows that we are considering for Season 10 of K Drama Chat.
• 5 listeners shared their favorites via audio and we share them on the podcast!

References

• Baekjeong - Wikipedia.
• Seal of the Emperor: The Symbol of the Korea Empire

Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 4 of Season 2 of Kingdom, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring  Ju Ji-hoon as Crown Prince Yi Chang, Bae Doona as Seo-bi, Ryu Seung-ryong as Cho Hak ju, Kim Sang-ho as Mou Young, Kim Sung-kyu as Yeong shin, and Kim Hye-jun as the Queen Consort. We discuss:

• We learn the story behind the beef pancakes and how the Crown Prince asked for Mu Yeong’s loyalty to the very end in return for allowing Mu Yeong to steal from the royal meals.
• How the amazing Seo bi saves Cho Hak ju by figuring out that the zombies are afraid of water.
• The meaning of the tolling of bells in Korean culture.
• The Crown Prince makes it to Naeseonjae and saves Mu Yeong’s wife. Later, Young shin guides Seo bi to the Scholarly Institute to care for Mu Yeong’s wife. 
• Cho Hak ju visits his daughter, the Queen Consort, and asks Seo bi to check the Queen’s pulse. Seo bi confirms that the Queen did not deliver the baby boy in her arms.
• Cho Hak ju says the Queen must die for her treachery against the Haewon Cho clan and the nation, but the Queen has other plans because she poisoned her father and he dies!
• We learn that the Queen and Cheo Bom Il conspired to fake the Queen’s pregnancy when she miscarried. They vowed to keep the fake pregnancy a secret from their father.
• Turns out the Queen is the scariest person in the palace! 
• The Queen throws Seo bi into the palace dungeon and tells her to keep studying the zombies.
• The Crown Prince visits his uncle on Ganghwa Island and asks Young shin why he continues to be loyal to him, the Crown Prince.
• We have a new K Drama element: when a character asks another character to stay with them. In this episode, the Crown Prince asks Mu Yeong to stay with him until the end, and the Queen asks Cho Beom Pal to stay with her and her baby boy.
• The different types of palace guards, their training, and how they were picked.
• We’re looking for suggestions for Season 10 of K Drama Chat!

References

• Joseon Army - Wikipedia.
• Wanggung Sumunjang - Wikipedia

Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 3 of Season 2 of Kingdom, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Ju Ji-hoon as Crown Prince Yi Chang, Bae Doona as Seo-bi, Ryu Seung-ryong as Cho Hak ju, Kim Sang-ho as Mou Young, Kim Sung-kyu as Yeong shin, and Kim Hye-jun as the Queen Consort. We discuss:

• The timeline of the queen’s evil plan to get a baby boy. We have differing opinions about when it all began!
• We also disagree about when we think Mu Yeong started spying on the Crown Prince for Cho Beom Il.
• What happened three years ago when Cho Hak ju asked Lord Ahn to take the patients in the Sumang Village leper colony, kill them, and turn them into zombies to fight the Japanese army. 
• Lord Ahn agreed to the plan but he has regretted it ever since.
• How this show is an exploration of the lines that we cross and don’t dare cross to protect our families, communities, and nation.
• Whether or not Young shin knew the truth about what happened to his brother in Sumang Village.
• The Crown Prince’s impassioned speech to the soldiers at Mungyeong Saejae, whose loyalty he wants.
• The Crown Prince’s commitment to save the people trapped in the citadel of Sangju by delivering food to them.
• We now know that Mu Yeong is the traitor because he has taken Cho Hak ju and is rushing him to Hanyang.
• Seo bi’s suspicion that something is very wrong with the Queen and her pregnancy because the Queen had Cho Beom Pal bring her sappanwood from Japan. Sappanwood is known to stop bleeding after a miscarriage.
• The soldiers who take Cho Hak ju and kill Mu Yeong.
• The Crown Prince’s grief over losing Mu Yeong. When Young shin asks the Crown Prince why he did nothing about Mu Yeong’s betrayal, the Crown Prince said he didn’t want to lose someone else. 
• By the end of this episode, the Crown Prince has lost the three most important men in his life: his father, Lord Ahn, and Mu Yeong AND beheaded two of these men.
• How the head of the Royal Commandery Division is arrested and punished for daring to barge into the Royal Delivery area.
• Mu Yeong’s motivations in betraying the Crown Prince.
• Why Young shin continues to stay with the Crown Prince.
• The filming locations for Kingdom.

References

• Kingdom Filming Locations
• Visit Changdeokgung, the Filming Site of Netflix's Kingdom
• Netflix's Kingdom: Where Was the Korean Show Filmed?
• Changdeokgung - Wikipedia
• Changgyeonggung - Wikipedia
• Leprosy on Wikipedia

• How this episode is full of betrayal: someone betrayed the Crown Prince, Cho Hak ju betrays Lord Ahn, and the Queen Consort betrays her father and the rest of the Haewon Cho clan
• How Seo-bi violated our rule of never opening mysterious chests without knowing that what’s inside is a friendly person or a cute, furry animal.
• How the Crown Prince must kill his zombie father, thereby honoring his father’s words to him from so long ago: Stay alive!
• We learn more about what happened three years ago and we learn that Lord Ahn has deeply regretted his decision to create zombies ever since.
• Cho Hak ju had Lord Ahn killed, something that the soldiers do with hesitation, given that Lord Ahn is a national war hero. So now, the Crown Prince’s mentor and guide has left him.
• Lord Ahn makes himself a weapon against Cho Hak ju when he asks the Crown Prince to turn him into a zombie.
• Back at Hanyang, the Minister of War orders the queen’s residence searched and the soldiers discover the bodies of seven mothers and babies. Curiously, the baby boy died of natural causes, while the baby girls were strangled to death.
• The court officials debate the line of succession in light of the king’s death when the head eunuch announces that the Queen Consort has gone into labor.
• The Queen, of course, is not in labor, but waiting for a baby boy to be born.
• The ID tags that all men over the age of 18 carried around during the Joseon dynasty.
• The desire for revenge by Young shin and Lord Ahn’s men, which leads them to try and take down Cho Hak ju when they are taken out of their jail cell to be transported to Hanyang.
• We wonder where Mu Yeong is.
• The crazy ending where the zombie Lord Ahn takes a chunk out of Cho Hak ju’s left cheek!
• The K Drama elements in this episode, including the Crown Prince sinking to the ground with great emotion, and the queen’s amazing abs in episode 1 of season 2.
• The enduring popularity of zombies, from around the world!
• How Korean zombies are different from Western dramas in that they often focus on the relationships between the humans and the zombies.

References

• Worn Identity, or information about the ID tags worn by people during the Joseon dynasty
• King Cheoljong and his family, who were banished to Ganghwa Island
• 30 Zombie TV Shows Ranked by Tomatometer
• The Last Of Us: A Closer Look at the Zombie Genre

• The Kingdom wiki that Joanna discovered!
• How we start to learn what happened in Sangju three years earlier and the roles that Cho Hak ju and Lord Ahn played. We wonder if Lord  Ahn has regrets over his decisions at the time.
• Deok Sung’s act of sacrifice and how Young shin gave him his dignity by killing him.
• The Crown Prince’s suspicion that Mu Young is the traitor working for Cho Hak ju.
• The moral dilemmas in this show that ask us just how far we’ll go to save our loved ones.
• How Seo bi and Cho Beom Pal make it to Mungyeong Saejae and are given shelter because Cho Beom Pal is a member of the Haewo Cho clan. We also find out that Cho Beom Pal is now the heir to the clan.
• The palace guards are on to the Queen’s evil plot to get a baby boy, but she’s counting on her baby boy to protect her.
• How the Crown Prince has decided to travel to Mungyeong Saejae and kill Cho Hak ju. Cho Hak ju is in Sangju to kill the Crown Prince.
• How extreme crisis can push people to do extreme things they didn’t know was possible.
• The actress Kim Hye-jun, who plays the Queen Consort.

References

• Kingdom wiki
• Crash Landing On You wiki
• Open Source Wiki Software
• Japanese invasions of Korea (1592–1598) - Wikipedia
• About - Aftermath of the East Asian War of 1592-1598

• How Season 2 of Kingdom dropped at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic - crazy!
• The power struggle between Chief State Councilor Cho Hak ju and the Queen Consort.
• How Lord Ahn put himself squarely in the Crown Prince’s camp when his archers shot the palace guards.
• How the Crown Prince seems like a new person. He’s determined and confident when he strikes down the chief palace guard.
• Who might be the traitor among the Crown Prince’s companions?
• The thousands of people amassing at the southern gates of Sangju. The magistrate doesn’t want to let them in, but the Crown Prince decides that the magistrate is NOT the person to make that decision.
• The Crown Prince’s plan to protect Sangju by taking advantage of the bodies of water surrounding Sangju.
• The Queen’s evil plan to have a baby boy by taking pregnant, peasant women and waiting for one of them to have a boy. The queen is not pregnant after all!
• Joanna’s theory that the queen might have had a miscarriage or gotten her period the day she asked her head court lady to burn her clothes because they had blood on them.
• How the queen punished the court lady who gossiped about her clothing.
• Why Cho Hak ju left Hanyang to go to Mungyeong Saejae, why he’s traveling with a zombie, and what his plans might be regarding the Crown Prince.
• How Seo bi finds the resurrection plant in the Frozen Valley close to Sangju. But while in the cave, she and Cheo Beom Pal are trapped by zombies, who have come out during the day! Seo bi realizes that it's the temperature, not the day and night, that controls when the zombies come out.
• How the Crown Prince and the men have an uneventful evening, but come morning, when they think they have a day’s respite, they realize that a zombie horde is coming!
• The versatile Kim Sung-kyu, the actor who plays Young shin

Next week, we will start Season 2 of Kingdom!

References

• COVID 19 from the US Centers for Disease Control
• Forbes review of Kingdom from March 2020

• K Drama Chat is featured in this month’s episode of Asian American Life from CUNY-TV! Check us out at the 10:30 mark (see link below).
• The Korean concept of Han, which is uniquely Korean and represents a emotion that is a form of resentment and hatred.
• The geography of Joseon so that we can understand the context of this episode. The Crown Prince starts in Dongnae, which was in the southeast corner of Gyeongsang Province. He was traveling to Sangju, which was in the northwestern corner of Gyeongsang. Dongnae is located in what is now Busan.
• How the Five Armies closed the gates of the mountain garrison of Mungyeong Saejae, aka Joryeong.
• How the Crown Prince wanted to be different from those who abandoned the weak. He blames himself for the deaths of the villagers, but Seo bi and Mu Young see a brave and noble prince who is risking his life for ordinary people.
• How Lord Ahn and his men show up at the pivotal moment when the Crown Prince and his crew are attacked by the village men AND the zombies.
• We learn that Lord Ahn was the prince’s teacher when he was young. Lord Ahn taught him and supported him, but also told him that he had to fend for himself AND fight injustice. Lord Ahn means so much to the prince!
• We learn more about Youngshin and his background. He is probably a member of the chakho, or the elite group that hunts tigers. He used to live in Sangju, but left during the Imjin War and even left his little brother behind.
• The evil Cho Hak ju is conducting experiments on prisoners and a mysterious noble has taken in pregnant, peasant women and is giving them shelter and food! The group includes Mu Young’s wife!
• The Queen Consort declares herself Regent, but we know that Cho Hak ju is now running the country.
• Ryu Seung-ryong, the actor who plays Cho Hak ju.

References

• Asian American Life episode featuring K Drama Chat at the 10:30 mark
• 8 Provinces of Korea during the Joseon dynasty on Wikipedia
• 8 Provinces of Korea, including where Sangju and Hanyang are located
• Crash Landing On You to be remade with Netflix USA
• Mungyeong Saejae - Wikipedia
• There's a uniquely Korean word for rage and regret. So why had I never heard of it?
• Han (cultural) - Wikipedia
• Sexagenary cycle - Wikipedia

.

• Recent comments from our listeners, including Shine, who has attended many K Drama star meet and greets in Manila. Shine says it’s common for fans to walk up on stage to say hello to stars at the end of these events.
• The Hero’s Journey framework, which was researched and popularized by writer Joseph Campbell, who researched thousands of myths, stories and legends from around the world. He came up with what he called the monomyth or the Hero’s Journey, which he says is basically the template for so many of our myths and legends.
• How exciting it is to map Kingdom to the Hero’s Journey. 
  • We think the Call to Adventure has happened
  • The Crown Prince at first tried to refuse the call
  • Mu Young is clearly his guide
  • The Crown Prince is being tested; witness the people who died by the arrows of the palace guards
  • But the Crown Prince is also gaining allies in Seo bi and Young shin
  • The Crown Prince is also an orphan. We see a lot of orphans in hero’s journey movies and shows: Luke Skywalker, Harry Potter, Clark Kent, Bruce Wayne, Peter Parker, Frodo Baggins
• In this episode, it seems everyone is headed to Sangju.
• How Cho Hak ju had the messenger who delivered his son’s head killed on the spot, which means he killed the messenger. We discuss the origins of the phrase, “don’t shoot the messenger.”
• The beacon fires used to alert the country, or bongsu. In Lord of the Rings, there are beacon fires used to alert the Kingdom of Gondor in the event of an attack.
• How Cho Hak ju shows the court officials that the king is a monster and proclaims him still alive and still king.
• The Crown Prince’s continued evolution. In the previous episode, he was mostly looking out for himself. In this episode, the people are looking to him for what to do next.
• The samo, or the hat that the court officials wear when they wear their court attire, or the dallyeong
• Kim Sang-ho, the actor who plays Mu Young.

References

• Beacon Towers during the Joseon Dynasty
• Lord of the Rings: Warning Beacons of Gondor
• Why So Many  Superheroes are Orphans
• Podcast: D-Day: The Tide Turns
• Podcast: History’s Secret Heroes

Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 3 of Season 1 of Kingdom, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Ju Ji-hoon as Crown Prince Yi Chang, Bae Doona as Seo-bi, Ryu Seung-ryong as Cho Hak ju, Kim Sang-ho as Mou Young, Kim Sung-kyu as Yeong shin, and Kim Hye-jun as the Queen Consort. We discuss:

• The Seo In Guk Meet and Greet in Washington, DC that Joanna attended! It was amazing!
• The enduring appeal of zombies!
• How the opening sequence of the show describes exactly how the king was revived using the resurrection plant, as described in Lee Seung Hui’s medical journal. Although this scene is quite horrific, it is beautifully filmed!
• How Cho Hak Ju and the Queen Consort keep the king chained and how they feed him unwitting court ladies. Who are the real monsters in the palace?
• The head scholar and Minister of War are suspicious about all the dead bodies in the palace. They want Lord Ahn Hyeon to ally with them, but Cho Hak Ju is confident that Lord Ahn will never oppose the Cho clan.
• How Youngshin is doing everything he can to save people from the zombies and Seo bi comes to his defense when Cho Beom Pal and the head clerk accused him of crimes.
• How we are seeing a different Crown Prince in this episode. HE tried to climb the barracks wall, and he took charge at the magistrate’s office when Cho Beom Pal and the head clerk came up with a ridiculous plan re: the zombie bodies.
• We now know of a few ways to stop the zombies: burn them, cut off their heads, drown them.
• Cho Beom Pal is clearly the comic relief in the show, especially in this episode when Seo bi diagnosed him as having gonorrhea.
• The Crown Prince now knows what happened to the king, how he died, and was brought back to life by Lee Seung Hui using the resurrection plan. He is now mourning the death of his father.
• How the king somehow foresaw that his son would be in danger. The king urged his son to stay alive!
• The officials, nobles and soldiers use the one remaining ship to sail to Sangju, stranding all the villagers on the dock.
• How Joseon was a tremendously classist society. Although society has flattened a great deal today, you can still see the emphasis on hierarchy in modern day language and culture.
• We wonder what happened three years ago that clearly involved Cho Hak Ju, Lord Ahn Hyeon, and Lee Seung Hui.
• The amazing and beautiful Bae Doona, the actress who plays Seo bi.

References

• A rare look at Joseon king's funeral
• Anyone know the korean name of or more info on the way they wrap the body in the opening sequence? : r/NetflixKingdom
• .Unidentified artist | Dragon and Carp | Korea | Joseon dynasty (1392–1910) | The Metropolitan Museum of Art
• 왕의 죽음에서 왕릉의 건설까지
• Review of Traditional Chinese Medicine Pulse Diagnosis Quantification | IntechOpen

• We’re learning about how the zombie outbreak started in the first place, that it started in Hanyang when physician Lee Seung Hui brought the king back to life with the resurrection plant and then attacked Dan i. The prince now knows that his father has become one of the zombies.
• How the Crown Prince makes some important decisions that almost seem out of character:
  • Despite the horrible scene at Jihulyeon, the prince decides to go to the Frozen Valley to find Seo bi and learn more about what happened to his father.
  • When Seo bi explains that the people aren’t dead, the prince tells Mu Yeong to go back to the magistrate’s office with Seo bi, while he will go back alone to Jihulyeon to find physician Lee Seung Hui’s medical journals.
• We wonder why Seo bi and Young shin didn’t burn the bodies and we think it’s because Seo bi believed she could save the people, AND it was considered immoral to burn the bodies of the deceased.
• The epic fight scene between the prince and Cho Beom il; Cho Beom il now knows that the prince knows what happened to the king.
• The flashback that shows the king being pronounced dead by Lee Seung Hui, but Cho Hak ju and the Queen consort tell the physician he must do what he did three years ago.
• The mysterious dead bodies being dropped in the lake, which we believe are victims of the king.
• Young shin and Seo bi try to convince the magistrate that the dead people aren’t dead but nobody believes them, and they are both jailed.
• In the last scene, the prince escapes the zombies, runs through the forest, runs toward the water’s edge and sees Dong Nae burning in the distance.
• The amazing Ju Ji hoon, including his education, acting success, and how he wasn’t the first choice for the part of the Crown Prince!

References

• Sungkyunkwan - Wikipedia
• Trend of cremation for Korea's deceased

• Our enduring love for Crash Landing On You, and how we’re finding it tough to move on.
• How we can’t seem to find much information on the music composer from Kingdom, Mok Yeong Jin.
• How Kingdom is set at the start of the 17th century, three years after the end of the Imjin War against Japan. Although Kingdom is entirely fictional, the Sunjo Annals describe a plague that swept through Korea in the early 1800s. Other annals report on a famine between 1670 and 1671 that resulted in mass famine.
• The main characters: Crown Prince Lee Chang, physician Seo-bi, Chief State Councilor Cho Hak ju, the Crown Prince’s body Mu Young, the mysterious peasant Young shin, and the Queen Consort.
• The mystery behind the king’s illness and disappearance from public life.
• Court hierarchy and how the Crown Prince, as the son of a concubine, is in danger because the Queen Consort is pregnant. If she bears a son, that son will be the Crown Prince, unless the king dies before the child is born.
• The Crown Prince’s audacious decision to leave the palace, search for physician Lee Seung hui, and travel the great distance to Dong Nae.
• The Crown Prince’s confession to Mu Young that it was HE who committed treason by writing the letter and getting the other scholars to sign it.
• Young shin’s decision to take Dan I and turn him into soup, which ultimately leads all of the patients at the clinic to turn into monsters.

References

• Is Kingdom historically accurate? 
• The smallpox epidemic in the US during the 1700s
• ASTORY website
• Veritable Records of the Joseon Dynasty - Wikipedia

• Best OST
• Best Dressed
• Favorite Korean Phrase or Word
• Favorite Song
• Best Supporting Actor and Actress
• Best Actor and Actress
• Best Villain
• Best Abs
• Best Historical Drama
• Best Modern Drama
• Best Ensemble Cast
• And many more categories!

Please comment on the blog at https://KDramaChat.com or on Instagram @ KDramaChat. 

Next Season 9 begins! We will recap and analyze episode 1 of Kingdom!

• The songs we heard during the recap: Same Sky, Different World by Nam Hye Seung and Park Sang Hee, Like You by So Soo Bin and Kim Soo Hee, and Here I Am Again by Baek Yerin.
• How Captain Ri kept vigil by Se-ri until he knew she was in stable condition.
• How it would feel to be given a chance to stay in South Korea after growing up in North Korea.
• How Se-ri’s stepmom gave Se-ri a gift when she told Se-ri about Captain Ri’s devotion; this convinces Se-ri to go see Captain Ri before he left.
• The heartbreaking scene at the border when Captain Ri and Se-ri manage to steal a few moments and say goodbye.
• How General Ri went to rescue his men and his wife kept her own virgil at home, with folded pieces of paper that probably contained poison.
• The tragic relationship between Seo Dan and Gu Seung Jun. Seo Dan confesses that she likes Gu Seung Jun and then Gu Seung Jun dies. 
• How Seo Dan and Se-ri are united in their desire to take down Yoon Se-hyeong. Seo Dan helps Se-ri by getting Mr. Cheon to send records and recordings from China to Se-ri.
• How Seo Dan and her mother seem at peace with Captain Ri’s actions, and the end of Captain Ri and Se-ri’s engagement.
• The NIS chief with the big heart who allowed Captain Ri to visit Se-ri at the hospital and schedule text messages before he went back to North Korea.
• How the text messages allow Se-ri to feel like she is spending the seasons with Captain Ri. Both of them try to honor the other by trying to live a good life.
• How life goes back to normal after Captain Ri and his men go back to North Korea, but all of our characters are fundamentally changed.
• How Se-ri convinces her brother, Yoon Se-jun, to create a foundation that supports students talented in music. These students are given support to study in Switzerland.
• After many years of waiting, Se-ri paraglides, lands on a mountaintop, and meets Ri Jeong Hyeok, who has missed her every night and day.
• Later, we learn that Captain Ri and Se-ri spend two happy weeks in Switzerland together each year.
• The show that we will recap and analyze in Season 9 of K Drama Chat.

References

• Se-ri’s Choices
• The Tale of Gyeonu and Jingnyeo
• Hyun Bin singing That Man from the Secret Garden OST
• The Deep Meaning Behind the Eternal Flower of Edelweiss
• Edelweiss - All About This Alpine Flower
• Captain Ri’s mother’s folded papers with the glass of water
• Time Travelers: North Korean Defectors Resettling in South Korea
• Alternate Way Better Ending for Crash Landing On You by GF Miller
• North Korean diplomat defected through Cuba

• The songs we featured during the recap: Wind of the Day by Nam Hye Seung and Park Sang Hee and Give You My Heart by IU.
• The meaning of tsundere and how Captain Ri and Se-ri are tsundere who were transformed by the other.
• The cruelty of Cho Cheol Gang’s words that made Captain Ri doubt his father’s love and intentions, took away his newfound happiness, and made him consider shooting himself.
• How Captain Ri is arrested, at first refuses to eat, drink or talk, but then takes the blame for everything that has happened.
• How Captain Ri’s men are likewise rounded up. They are worried they will be tortured, but instead, they are given clean clothes, medical exams, and as much food as they want.
• Se-ri leaves her hospital bed to try and help Captain Ri’s men as they are being taken away, but the men think only of her and her health.
• How heartbreaking it was when Captain Ri coldly rebuffed Se-ri and told her that the sight of her bothered him.
• When Se-ri collapses and is taken to the ICU, Captain Ri is full of regret and allowed to visit her at the hospital.
• We loved the loyalty and bravery of the village women who prevent Myeong Sun and her son from being taken away by Cho Cheol Gang’s men.
• Gu Seung Jun is abducted by Mr. Cheon and his thugs, but Mr. Cheon allows Gu Seung Jun to escape back into the border village, where some orphans further assist him.
• Gu Seung Jun confesses to Seo Dan that he has feelings for her and he will try to return and win her heart in the future. Is he setting her up for everlasting longing and pain?
• Gu Seung Jun gives up his chance to leave the country to save Seo Dan and in the process, gets shot. He is at least happy that someone is crying over him.
• While Se-ri lies unconscious in her hospital bed, she has a dream where she is transported back to the day she decided to go paragliding. Even knowing everything that happened to her, she makes the same decision to go paragliding, crash in North Korea, and meet Captain Ri.
• Captain Ri, for his part, wishes he could go back in time and not meet Se-ri so that he could prevent her being so close to death.
• The actors who play Captain Ri’s men: their backgrounds, acting careers, and shows.
• How difficult it’s going to be to decide on the next show for Season 9 of K Drama Chat!

References

• Tsundere on Dictionary.com
• Price of Seo Dan’s Engagement Ring
• K Dramas and K Pop Fandom in the US

• The songs we featured during the recap: Like a Wild Flower and When That Day Comes by Nam Hye Seung and Park Sang Hee.
• We learn from Captain Ri himself how, after his brother died, he decided he would never love again, laugh again, have fun again, play the piano again. But everything changed when Se-ri crash landed into his life.
• How Captain Ri keeps vigil at the hospital, hiding in the shadows and standing guard at her door.
• How South Korea got rid of its gun problem. Today, gun homicides are statistically negligible!
• How Captain Ri and Se-ri realize that they each took a bullet for the other. They hug and Captain Ri confesses his love.
• How Jung Man Bok bugged Se-ri’s room and his recording proves really important. The recording captures Se-ri’s stepmom apologizing to Se-ri for abandoning her on the beach, and Yoo Se-yeong and Go Sang Ah admitting their collusion with Cho Cheol Gang.
• The kiss we’ve been waiting for between Captain Ri and Se-ri!
• The physician Heo Jun, referenced by Captain Ri when he’s taking care of Ser-ri.
• The growing feelings between Seo Dan and Gu Seung Jun and their epic kiss! 
• The men in suits who go after Gu Seung Jun corner him on the roof and we don’t know who shows up.
• How the former Chairman strips Yoon Se-hyeong of the Chairmanship of the Queens Group and disowns him as his son.
• How Captain Ri tracks down Manager Oh and confronts Cho Cheol Gang. 
• Captain Ri is followed by South Korea authorities and they shoot when Cho Cheol Gang turns around and take a shot at Captain Ri
• The five love languages and Captain Ri’s gifts of the recording and food in the pantry to Se-ri.
• The K Dramas we’re considering for Season 9 of K Drama Chat. Please keep the suggestions coming!

References

• Korean TV’s Unlikely Star: Subway Sandwiches
• How South Korea Got Rid of Its Gun Problem
• Heo Jun, a royal physician, who worked to promote health for the people as well as the king
• Dongui Bogam, he definitive medical text, an effort led by Heo Jun at King Seonjo’s request
• Memory of the World Register

• The songs that we featured during the recap: Someday by Kim Jae Hwan and The Season of Us by Nam Hye Seung and Park Sang Hee.
• How Se-ri knows that Captain Ri needs to go home; in fact, she’s worried about Captain Ri experiencing Bambi Syndrome.
• How the ducklings realize that Se-ri is not a crier. She never cried during the many sad and terrible situations that happened to her while in North Korea, but she’s now crying over a surprise birthday party!
• The adorable couple rings that Captain Ri bought for Se-ri and himself!
• How “to bunk off” means to play hooky or take the day off. Captain Ri and Se-ri bunk off and go to the movies and visit a beautiful suspension bridge.
• Captain Ri’s revelation to Se-ri that they had met on the Sigriswil bridge when she tried to kill herself.
• How Gu Seung Jun and Seo Dan are getting closer. Gu Seung Jun has even confessed that he has a crush on her.
• When Seo Dan realizes that Captain Ri went to Seoul to save Se-ri, she breaks down. Her engagement is broken and seven years of waiting have amounted to nothing.
• The tough decision that Jung Man Bok faces when Cho Cheol Gang finds him and threatens his son.
• Kim Ju Meok’s sweet, surprise lunch with the gorgeous Choi Ji-woo.
• The former Chairman and his wife are furious with Yoon Se-hyeong and his wife, but the devious couple have one more trick up their sleeve. Se-ri is in real danger as she drives to her father’s house.
• We are so glad that Jung Man Bok did not betray Captain Ri and instead collaborated with Captain Ri, Se-ri and the ducklings to protect Se-ri during her drive, and Captain Ri when he went to the warehouse.
• The heartbreaking ending where Se-ri, in trying to protect Captain Ri, ends up getting shot by Cho Cheol Gang. 
• How we need to start thinking about the show to recap and analyze in Season 9 of K Drama Chat! Please send us suggestions on Instagram and the blog!

References

• Filming locations for CLOY
  • https://www.klook.com/en-MY/blog/crash-landing-on-you-locations/
  • https://creatrip.com/en/blog/9668
• Choi Ji Woo
  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Choi_Ji-woo

• The songs we feature during the recap: Seo Dan and Same Sky, Different World by Nam Hye Seung and Park Sang Hee
• A few shout outs to our listeners who have commented on the blog and given us reviews.
• The emotional scene when Captain Ri finds Se-ri in the parking garage. Once again, he’s found her!
• Captain Ri and Se-ri clearly love each other but they know they can’t be together. Captain Ri doesn’t try to stay and Se-ri doesn’t ask him to stay.
• Geum Eun Dong’s and Captain Ri’s hilarious screen names in the online game they played!
• Captain Ri was a shell of himself, not believing he could or should ever be happy, until he met Se-ri. Captain Ri did the same for Se-ri.
• How Captain Ri’s men must be absolutely overwhelmed by the wealth of South Korea.
• How Yoon Se-hyeong will stop at nothing to become Chairman. It’s an act that he cares about what happens to Se-ri if Cho Cheol Gang takes her!
• Why Se-ri’s father wrote his relationship to Se-ri in Chinese or Hanja, when he went to get her from the military.
• We get the heartbreaking, soul crushing flashback from Se-ri’s youth when her stepmom left her on the beach. This is why Se-ri has always felt alone and unwanted, and why her stepmom is haunted by her relationship with Se-ri.
• Why is the former Chairman, Se-ri’s dad not getting blamed for his extramarital affair with Se-ri’s mom, for conning Gu Seung Jun’s father, and for his financial wrongdoings at Queens Group?
• The start of a romance between Seo Dan and Gu Seung Jun. She must be fascinated and intrigued by Gu Seung Jun!
• The amazing friendships between the village women.
• When Captain Ri found Se-ri’s voice recorder and listened to her confession and his own voice, he realized that they had met in Switzerland. It seems that he and Se-ri are fated to meet and keep finding each other.

• Mars’ K Drama journey.
• Her love of music, especially K Drama OSTs.
• Why K Drama OSTs are so amazing and especially effective at evoking emotion.
• Our favorite songs from the shows discussed in Season 1-8 of K Drama Chat.
• Mars’ favorite OSTs of all time.
• The show that Mars is watching now.

References

• Moksori podcast on Spotify
• Moksori website

• The songs we feature during the recap: Here I Am Again by Baek Yerin and Let Us Go by Crush.
• In the first half of the show, Se-ri is trying hard to adapt to North Korea. In this episode, Captain Ri and the ducklings are trying to get used to South Korea.
• Cho Cheol Gang is now in South Korea and she’s clearly after Se-ri. 
• Se-ri can’t believe her eyes when she finds Captain Ri on the sidewalk. The hug they give each other makes it clear that they are home in each other’s arms. Now, Se-ri knows that Cho Cheol Gang is after her.
• If Captain Ri has one talent, it’s his ability to find Se-ri. Knowing just her neighborhood, he found her in Seoul!
• Although Se-ri lies to Captain Ri and tells him that everything is fine with her family, she has to eat her words when Yoon Se-Hyeong and his wife enter her apartment and threaten her if she tries to get in the way of him becoming Chairman.
• Se-ri takes Captain Ri shopping for some amazing clothes and a hot haircut. He was so handsome before; now he’s downright debonair!
• The reference to the Korean folk tale of Heungbu and Nolbu.
• How the ducklings have been dropped into Seoul and they are exploring fried chicken and a South Korea spa.
• With Cho Cheol Gang convicted, Mr. Cheon says he and Gu Seung Jun are in danger. Mr. Cheo gets taken by some men, leaving Gu Seung Jun alone and without a place to stay.
• Gu Seung Jun gets a phone call from Seo Dan, whom he picks up and who offers him use of her apartment in the border village.
• How both Captain Ri and Seo Dan’s mothers ultimately care about their children and want them to be with someone they actually love.
• Yoon Se-Jun and his wife tell Se-ri’s mother that Se-ri was in North Korea. Even worse, Yoon Se-Hyeong knew about Se-ri and didn’t do anything about it!
• The village ladies risk a lot to see a shaman, who tells the women that they are all in trouble because their husbands are in trouble.
• Captain Ri’s battle with the thugs and his epic cat and mouse game with Cho Cheol Gang to save Se-ri.
• In the epilogue, we realize that Se-ri and Seo Dan had also met while in Switzerland.
• Our favorite K Drama elements, especially Captain Ri protecting Se-ri at personal cost to himself, the Subway product placement (finally!), and a new element: clamping a hand on someone’s mouth.
• The actresses who play the village ladies; we love them!

References

• Frequency of households ordering delivery food in South Korea in 2023
• Nordstrom may try to take the company private again
• South Korea’s obsession with fried chicken explained
• The tale of Heungbu and Nolbu
• Report on North Korea from the US Commission on International Religious Freedom

• The songs we feature in the recap: Se-ri’s Choice by Nam Hye Seung and Park Sang Hee  and The Hill of Yearning by April 2nd.
• How Se-ri and Captain Ri have had 5 partings and 5 reunions.
• In the end, it was easy enough to get Se-ri home since Captain Ri and his men were back at the DMZ.
• Why Captain Ri asked Gu Seung Jun for help and why Gu Seung Jun decided to help Captain Ri get Se-ri back to Seoul.
• The Grief Bowl and how the cracked and empty bowl outside the rundown house in the DMZ is a metaphor for how Captain Ri is feeling.
• How Se-ri gets back to Seoul and takes back her company, but she is clearly a changed person.
• The amnesia game that Se-ri is playing with her family, but Yoon Se-hyeong is not fooled since he and his wife knew that Se-ri was in North Korea.
• How Captain Ri gets his brother’s watch from Jung Man Bok, who is guilt-ridden over his part in the killing of his only friend, the man who saved his son.
• The trial that got Cho Cheol Gang convinced of multiple crimes, but he is rescued by two Kamaz trucks and is now threatening Se-ri back in Seoul.
• How Gu Seung Jun and Seo Dan met at the Pyongyang Hotel and Gu Seung Jun explains how he helped send Se-ri home.
• How Se-ri finds Captain Ri on the sidewalk outside her house. He had been looking for her!
• How Captain Ri’s men and Jung Man Bok are kidnapped by General Ri and given the mission to find Captain Ri in Seoul and bring him back.
• Kim Soo Hyun’s amazing cameo as a North Korea spy posing as a Chinese food delivery man. This is a role he played in Secretly Greatly.
• The background and roles of the handsome and talented Ha Seok Jin, who plays Ri Mu Hyeok, Captain Ri’s brother.

References

• Vanav facial massager, used by Se Ri when she got to her own apartment
• The Grief Bowl
• Bowing in Korea
  • https://koreanpractice.com/bow-in-korean/
  • https://daebak.co/blogs/magazine/south-korean-etiquette-bowing

• The songs we feature during the recap: My Companion by Nam Hye Seung and Park Sang Hee and All Of My Days by Kim Sejeong.
• Captain Ri didn’t believe Se-ri when she said she was going home. He was determined to find her!
• When Captain Ri punched Cho Cheol Gang, it wasn’t very smart, but he was done and he was out of hope. He felt like once again, he had failed to protect someone he loved.
• The language Se-ri uses when she speaks with Captain Ri’s father. She is very respectful and it’s hard to explain the levels of honorifics in Korean.
• How Captain Ri’s parents are shocked to find out who Se-ri is, and that she and Captain Ri love each other.
• How Captain Ri’s men spread the rumor about who Captain Ri’s father is, and this leads the Senior Colonel to release him from the detention center.
• How Captain Ri works out that his father, General Ri, is probably the one who had Se-ri taken.
• How Captain Ri and Se-ri discover that they encountered each other in Switzerland and Jeong Hyeok’s Song For My Brother gave Se-ri hope and he ultimately saved her life. This revelation scene was exquisitely filmed and edited.
• How Cho Cheol Gang convinced the Military Director to have the Ri residence searched because he thinks Se-ri is hiding there. The search ultimately turns up nothing because Captain Ri and his men did an emergency switch at the DMZ.
• Se-ri’s mom and sisters-in-law visit Se-ri’s apartment. Se-ri’s mom is full of worry and regret, while the sisters-in-law covet Se-ri’s things and her business, Se-ri’s Choice.
• How our second leads, Gu Seung Jun and Seo Dan, encounter each other at the Pyongyang Hotel bar. They get really drunk and discover each other for the first time.
• Captain Ri takes Se-ri to a point in the DMZ where she can easily cross over into South Korea. When Se-ri crosses over, Captain Ri decides to cross over and give Se-ri a big kiss!
• In the epilogue, we see Se-ri organizing Captain Ri’s books so that the top lines say ‘I Love You, Ri Jeong Hyeok.”
• The show we’re watching now, including Lovely Runner, Itaewon Class, and Red Sleeve.
• Ernabel’s show, Asian American Life. In a recent segment, she shares that ube is the top flavor trends of 2024. She also interviewed Jeanie Chang, author of “How K-Dramas Can Transform Your Life: Powerful Lessons on Belongingness, Healing, and Mental Health.”

References

• Article in USA Today about Kim Sejeong
• Korea’s Divided Families
• 70 Years of Separation
• How K-Dramas Can Transform Your Life: Powerful Lessons on Belongingness, Healing, and Mental Health by Jeanie Chang
• Korean Hamin on Choe Ae, or Best Love

• The song we featured during the recap: Season of Us by Nam Hye Seung and Park Sang Hee and Time of Jeong Hyeok for Se-ri by Nam Hye Seung and Park Sang Hee.
• This is the pivotal episode 8 and it ended on such a cliffhanger!
• How Captain Ri feels compelled to save Se-ri and help her get home. He made a promise to get her home AND this is his penance for failing to protect his brother, Ri Mu Hyeok.
• He wants to save Se-ri, not so they can be happy together, but so SHE can be safe and happy back in Seoul.
• Gu Seung jun and Seo Dan are making the same argument: Se-ri should stay away from Captain Ri to keep him safe.
• Gu Seung jun asks Se-ri to marry him so he can keep her safe and bring her back to South Korea. Even if Se-ri would consider this a fake marriage, he would like to make it more than that.
• But nothing can keep Captain Ri from Se-ri. He goes alone, unarmed and injured to save her.
• How their eyes spoke volumes when they said goodby on Gu Seung jun’s balcony.
• Se-ri makes another fateful choice when she takes the car and goes after Captain Ri.
• Our new element 48 is talk of first loves.
• Captain Ri is out to get Captain Ri, especially now that Gu Seung jun has let Se-ri escape. He wants to get Se-ri convicted as a South Korean spy and take down Captain Ri and his father.
• Se-ri pawned Gu Seung jun’s engagement ring and gave everything in the pawn shop to the village ladies. She took the designer men’s watch she had spotted earlier; she intended to give it to Captain Ri as a Christmas present.
• We have a double cliffhanger at the end of the episode.
• The first was when Se-ri taken at gunpoint. She was asked to make a phone call to Captain Ri to say she was leaving North Korea. She says I love you, a gun goes off, and then the line goes dead.
• The second was when Hong Chang sik, Se-ri’s assistant, and Park Su chan, the insurance agent, try to convince Se-ri’s father that she is still alive.
• The K Drama elements we see in this episode, including the confession, talk of a first love, lots of crying, lots of wrist grabs, and protecting someone you love at personal cost to yourself.
• The filming locations for Crash Landing On You, which includes Jeju Island, multiple locations in Switzerland, a department store in Incheon, and Ulaanbaatar in Mongolia.
• The shows we’re watching now: Lovely Runner for Sung Hee and Itaewon Class for Joanna.

References

• 18 Crash Landing On You Film Locations
• Crash Landing On You Film Locations in Seoul and Incheon
• Filming Locations for Crash Landing On You
• Christmas in South Korea

• The song we feature during the recap: the regular and orchestral versions of Song For My Brother by Nam Hye Seung and Park Sang Hee.
• What a joint  lock is, in reference to Joanna talking about joint locks in episode 8.6.
• Se-ri’s decision to drive to Sariwon Hospital instead of the hospital instead of the airport, and her decision to stay and donate blood to Captain Ri, instead of flying out of the country with the national track team.
• Why Se-ri made these choices and what Captain Ri now means to her.
• How Captain Ri, at first furious with Se-ri, softens, kisses Se-ri outside, and even confesses his feelings about Se-ri to Seo Dan.
• North Korea’s health care system, which the government says is free, but in reality, is in sad shape, and not free. Patients often have to bribe doctors to receive care.
• How Se-ri now needs another way out of North Korea, so she calls Gu Seung jun, who realizes that Se-ri is in danger, and comes to get her at the hospital. She goes willingly, not realizing where he’s taking her.
• Gu Seung jun and Seo Dan’s meeting and Gu Seung jun’s dating and marriage advice to Seo Dan.
• Cho Cheol Gang’s efforts to arrest Captain Ri, which are thwarted by the arrival of Captain Ri’s parents.
• The arrival of Seo Dan and her mother. Seo Dan doesn’t accept Captain Ri’s feelings about Se-ri and tells him that he will forget Se-ri since she’s leaving anyway.
• Se-ri’s father’s announcement during the shareholder meeting that Yoon Se-ri is dead and Yoon Se-hyeung is now Chairman.
• Hong Chang sik and Park Su chan’s realization that the recording of Se-ri’s mayday call went nowhere because Yoon Se-hyeung wanted to be Chairman.
• The back story behind the beautiful Song For My Brother, which Ri Jeong Hyeok played on the pier in Switzerland, just at the moment when Se-ri was on a boat nearby. The song gave her hope and a fresh willingness to live; she’s looked high and low for this song ever since.
• Se-ri has just realized that she’s been kidnapped. Gu Seung jun tells her that she doesn’t need Captain Ri anyway and contacting him would only endanger him. Similarly, Seo Dan says going after Se-ri would only endanger him.
• The beautiful Seo Ji-hye, the actress who plays Seo Dan.

• The songs we heard during the recap: Here I Am Again by Yerin Baek and Picnic by Nam Hye Seung and Park Sang Hee
• Our four leads have all met at this point and there are some interesting triangles forming.
• Gu Seung jun, Se-ri and Captain Ri are each trying to figure out what’s going on, but each is missing key information.
• Gu Seung jun is hoping to use the fact that Se-ri is in North Korea as his bargaining chip against Yoon Se-hyeung. Little does he realize that his asking Cho Cheol Gang to keep Se-ri in North Korea is putting her in real danger.
• How all of our research has led us to believe that listening devices are commonplace all over North Korea, especially in places where foreigners congregate.
• We’re not sure if Seo Dan loves Captain Ri but she is certainly not going to let another woman take him away from her.
• Captain Ri is a man who keeps his promises. He promised to keep Se-ri safe, so he goes after the Kamaz trucks at the end of the episode. We also see that he intends to honor his promise to Seo Dan, a promise made seven years ago to marry her.
• Captain Ri and Se-ri have basically confessed their feelings for each other. She does it through her words, while he expresses it through his actions.
• Cho Cheol Gang shows Jung Man bok a photo of Se-ri, saying he needs to have her never leave North Korea. Jung Man bok is in agony because he will be party to another murder, this time of someone who has been kind to his wife and son.
• We see that Cho Cheol Gang is untouchable because he’s done favors for, or given money to, all of the senior officers.
• Captain Ri protects Se-ri at huge personal cost to himself when he goes after the Kamaz trucks and takes a bullet in the back.

• The songs we featured in the recap: Sunset by Davichi and My Companion by Nam Hye sung and Park Sang Hee.
• Captain Ri’s big confession to Se-ri that he has a fiancée, which of course leads her to deny that she is at all interested in him.
• The lack of love between Seo Dan and Captain Ri; we wonder if she loves him.
• How the village women rally around Se-ri when they think she’s been dumped by Captain Ri.
• Chimaek (fried chicken and beer) vs. dried pollack and beer.
• The story of Gyeonu and Jiknyeo, which is a story from Korean mythology.
• Captain Ri driving Seo Dan back to her house and then visiting his parents.
• How Captain Ri again went out on a limb to protect Se-ri when he asked his father to help him get Se-ri out of the country; the plan is to get her out through a track team going to Europe.
• How asking if someone has eaten is a common way of greeting people in Korea; it’s a sign of caring to ask and then offer food.
• How Captain Ri always seems to be confident about his future and maybe it’s because he doesn’t think about his future and doesn’t believe he can ever be happy again.
• The really expensive Chopard watch that Se-ri pawns and the watch she sees at the pawnbroker’s shop.
• How Se-ri needs to change her appearance for her upcoming trip to Pyongyang. She chooses the “Goodbye” hairstyle, of all things!
• How Captain Ri has made a HUGE enemy out of Cho Cheol Gang when he rescued his men and opened up an investigation into the Kamaz truck accidents.
• The recurring goodbyes and partings in this show.
• The terrible situation that Jung Man Bok finds himself in. He contributed to the murder of Ri Mu Hyeok, who saved him from a beating. He is listening in on Ri Jeong Hyeok, who came to his rescue when his wallet was stolen. And he is listening in on Yoon Se-ri, who elevated his wife’s position in the village and saved his son from the school bullies. 
• The magical scene outside the train between Se-ri and Captain Ri when she fell asleep and Captain Ri covered her with his overcoat and let her lean on his shoulder.
• How Gu Seung Jun went on one date with Se-ri but she rightly intuited that he was after her money. And now he finds her in a hotel in Pyongyang! He has just found a way to bargain with Se-ri’s younger brother!
• The amazing Son Ye-jin, the actress who plays Yoon Se-ri: her background, movies, shows, and accomplishments.
• The shows we are watching now.

References

• Chilseok: The Traditional Korean Valentine’s Day
• Japanese Children’s Favorite Stories
• Top 5 Myths About North Korea in 2024
• Korean Children’s Favorite Stories from Tuttle Publishing