K-Botak: K-Drama and Korean Movies

This episode is another special focused on one amazing actor through the lens of a few select works, in this case Lee Sung Min.Lee Sung Min had an incredible 2022, with standout roles in Juvenile Justice, Reborn Rich, Remember and Shadow Detective. This prolific actor has been a mainstay of cinema and increasingly dramas, providing studied and fascinating portrayals of troubled, difficult men and nuanced patriarchs. He was acclaimed for his role in The Spy Gone North and currently stars in the new film The Devil's Deal.Music used in this episode:'Intro theme' from Shadow Detective OST'Tick Tock' from Juvenile Justice OSTThe K-botak Podcast is a podcast where I review Korean films and television series or K-dramas.Join the conversation on Twitter, be part of the K-botak community and discuss your favourite shows, movies, actors and more.Follow K-botak on Buzzsprout and catch the show on Spotify, Apple, Google and most places you get podcasts.

The K-botak Podcast is a podcast where I review Korean films and television series or K-dramas.Join the conversation on Twitter, be part of the K-botak community and discuss your favourite shows, movies, actors and more.Follow K-botak on Buzzsprout and catch the show on Spotify, Apple, Google and most places you get podcasts.

This action blockbuster starring Hwang Jung Min and Hyun Bin is a retelling of a hostage incident in Afghanistan. The South Korean government entered direct negotiations for the return of 23 Koreans in 2007, a nugget of history that director Yim Soon Rye has turned into a laser-focused dramatisation of those tense negotiations. Although it focuses on the activities of the Korean negotiators and captives, the movie hasn't been able to escape controversy for its portrayal of Afghanistan and its population - rightly so, in the opinion of this podcaster.The K-botak Podcast is a podcast where I review Korean films and television series or K-dramas.Join the conversation on Twitter, be part of the K-botak community and discuss your favourite shows, movies, actors and more.Follow K-botak on Buzzsprout and catch the show on Spotify, Apple, Google and most places you get podcasts.

Big Bet is a saga of expatriate criminality, a story of casinos, overseas Koreans and ingenious schemes unfolding through the years. Oldboy's Choi Min Sik is Cha Moo Sik, tax fugitive turned power broker, and this is my (fairly glowing) review of the first 8 episodes in this 16 part K-drama.The K-botak Podcast is a podcast where I review Korean films and television series or K-dramas.Join the conversation on Twitter, be part of the K-botak community and discuss your favourite shows, movies, actors and more.Follow K-botak on Buzzsprout and catch the show on Spotify, Apple, Google and most places you get podcasts.

Yeon Sang Ho and Kim Hyun Joo reunite for this exciting if flawed sci fi action film. The director of Train to Busan has had hits and misses, but I think he always has ideas worth exploring and is able to turn them into cool set pieces at the same time.Music used in this episode:‘UNATCO Theme' from Deus ExThe K-botak Podcast is a podcast where I review Korean films and television series or K-dramas.Join the conversation on Twitter, be part of the K-botak community and discuss your favourite shows, movies, actors and more.Follow K-botak on Buzzsprout and catch the show on Spotify, Apple, Google and most places you get podcasts.

Japanese horror auteur and creator of classic yakuza and samurai movies Takashi Miike bursts into the world of Kdramas with a grisly sci fi offering starring Jung Hae In, Go Kyung Pyo and Kim Hye Jun. On this episode I review the show and provide recommendations for Takashi Miike movies to check out if you enjoy the series.The K-botak Podcast is a podcast where I review Korean films and television series or K-dramas.Join the conversation on Twitter, be part of the K-botak community and discuss your favourite shows, movies, actors and more.Follow K-botak on Buzzsprout and catch the show on Spotify, Apple, Google and most places you get podcasts.

Happy New Year! Here are the Top 20 Korean Movies of 2022. From action to historical warfare to noir to romance to gore to socially conscious  drama, there's been something this year for everyone - even if it has felt like there hasn't really been a standout horror film. Fingers crossed for next year. Enjoy!The K-botak Podcast is a podcast where I review Korean films and television series or K-dramas.Join the conversation on Twitter, be part of the K-botak community and discuss your favourite shows, movies, actors and more.Follow K-botak on Buzzsprout and catch the show on Spotify, Apple, Google and most places you get podcasts.

Jeon Jong Seo is a remarkable acting powerhouse making an impression in South Korea and internationally, with acclaimed and awarded roles in Burning (2018) and The Call (2020) that have led to her being in demand for dramas and OTT projects. Not least Money Heist Korea: Joint Economic Area, which now has two batches of six episodes available on Netflix.On this episode I provide a career overview, community feedback, and reviews of her recent works:Bargain (2022)Mona Lisa and the Blood Moon (2022)Nothing Serious (2021)The K-botak Podcast is a podcast where I review Korean films and television series or K-dramas.Join the conversation on Twitter, be part of the K-botak community and discuss your favourite shows, movies, actors and more.Follow K-botak on Buzzsprout and catch the show on Spotify, Apple, Google and most places you get podcasts.

The star of Squid Game is on his way to a starring role in Star Wars - but he has over two decades of excellent work in tv and film under his belt, in K-dramas, blockbuster Korean films and fun genre movies. This episode features a review of his directorial debut, Hunt, as well as reviews of Warriors of the Dawn, Assassination and New World as well as more recommendations and community feedback. The K-botak Podcast is a podcast where I review Korean films and television series or K-dramas.Join the conversation on Twitter, be part of the K-botak community and discuss your favourite shows, movies, actors and more.Follow K-botak on Buzzsprout and catch the show on Spotify, Apple, Google and most places you get podcasts.

Ma Dong Seok is the greatest beefcake of our time, a one man industry of stellar action films that have had exponential success since his breakout in Train to Busan. His recent accolades include a role in a Marvel film, Eternals, and the biggest selling box office hit of 2022 in South Korea, The Roundup.If you liked The Roundup or even his MCU appearance and want more of the man also known as Don Lee, here's my review of the monster hit film and three other great films by Ma Dong Seok.The K-botak Podcast is a podcast where I review Korean films and television series or K-dramas.Join the conversation on Twitter, be part of the K-botak community and discuss your favourite shows, movies, actors and more.Follow K-botak on Buzzsprout and catch the show on Spotify, Apple, Google and most places you get podcasts.

Welcome to a special episode of the K-Botak Podcast! Listeners have written in with their favourite Korean horror movies, and I've got my own top ten at the end.Plus, a very special guest to introduce the show!The K-botak Podcast is a podcast where I review Korean films and television series or K-dramas.Join the conversation on Twitter, be part of the K-botak community and discuss your favourite shows, movies, actors and more.Follow K-botak on Buzzsprout and catch the show on Spotify, Apple, Google and most places you get podcasts. Music used in this episode:Various themes from the Official Soundtrack to ‘Garth Marenghi's Darkplace'The K-botak Podcast is a podcast where I review Korean films and television series or K-dramas.Join the conversation on Twitter, be part of the K-botak community and discuss your favourite shows, movies, actors and more.Follow K-botak on Buzzsprout and catch the show on Spotify, Apple, Google and most places you get podcasts.

Get in touch with your inner demon with this special episode on exorcism and possession films from South Korea, including The Priests (starring Gang Dong Won!)  and Metamorphosis. The K-botak Podcast is a podcast where I review Korean films and television series or K-dramas.Join the conversation on Twitter, be part of the K-botak community and discuss your favourite shows, movies, actors and more.Follow K-botak on Buzzsprout and catch the show on Spotify, Apple, Google and most places you get podcasts. Music used in this episode:Come on. You know what it is. The K-botak Podcast is a podcast where I review Korean films and television series or K-dramas.Join the conversation on Twitter, be part of the K-botak community and discuss your favourite shows, movies, actors and more.Follow K-botak on Buzzsprout and catch the show on Spotify, Apple, Google and most places you get podcasts.

A Tale of Two Sisters is a psychological horror film with some all time classic ghosts and scares, directed by Kim Jee Woon. The K-botak Podcast is a podcast where I review Korean films and television series or K-dramas.Join the conversation on Twitter, be part of the K-botak community and discuss your favourite shows, movies, actors and more.Follow K-botak on Buzzsprout and catch the show on Spotify, Apple, Google and most places you get podcasts. Music used in this episode:‘Epilogue' from A Tale of Two Sister Original Soundtrack by Lee Byung-wooThe K-botak Podcast is a podcast where I review Korean films and television series or K-dramas.Join the conversation on Twitter, be part of the K-botak community and discuss your favourite shows, movies, actors and more.Follow K-botak on Buzzsprout and catch the show on Spotify, Apple, Google and most places you get podcasts.

Narco Saints is an epic crime saga set in Suriname. It was directed by Yoon Jong Bin, the director of Nameless Gangster, The Spy Gone North, Kundo: Age of the Rampant and more. With a stuffed cast of A-listers like Hwang Jung Min, Ha Jung Woo, Jo Woo Jin, Park Hae Soo and more as well as on-location shoots, this became the most expensive per episode K-drama ever. But is it worth a watch? Listen and find out!The K-botak Podcast is a podcast where I review Korean films and television series or K-dramas.Join the conversation on Twitter, be part of the K-botak community and discuss your favourite shows, movies, actors and more.Follow K-botak on Buzzsprout and catch the show on Spotify, Apple, Google and most places you get podcasts. Also, do check out the Witchaar podcast on your pod app of choice and by heading to their Twitter at https://twitter.com/witchaaris?s=21&t=L3zxOGYrr3y0_3pkEWOfyAI was a guest on the episode about the K-drama Happiness.Music used in this episode:Narco Saints Theme by Cho Young Wook‘Dream' by Cho Yong Pil (Pastor Jeon's favourite)

Train to Busan's director Yeon Sang Ho co-writes this fast paced horror thriller series with excellent lead turns by Shin Hyun Been and Koo Kyo Hwan.The K-botak Podcast is a podcast where I review Korean films and television series or K-dramas.Join the conversation on Twitter, be part of the K-botak community and discuss your favourite shows, movies, actors and more.Follow K-botak on Buzzsprout and catch the show on Spotify, Apple, Google and most places you get podcasts.    

Kim Hye Soo amazes in this gripping and characterful courtroom drama. Tune in and be riveted by one of the most memorable, complex characters on tv this year. The K-botak Podcast is a podcast where I review Korean films and television series or K-dramas.Join the conversation on Twitter, be part of the K-botak community and discuss your favourite shows, movies, actors and more.Follow K-botak on Buzzsprout and catch the show on Spotify, Apple, Google and most places you get podcasts.    

These Korean films may have passed you by this year, but you might find something to like here. From the divisive Carter to Park So Dam in a ferocious turn as an action star,  and a lively political drama with Kingmaker, these are worth a second look. As mentioned on the podcast, check out Stig's Letterboxd at https://letterboxd.com/stuartbakeruk/ for his movie reviews.The K-botak Podcast is a podcast where I review Korean films and television series or K-dramas.Join the conversation on Twitter, be part of the K-botak community and discuss your favourite shows, movies, actors and more.Follow K-botak on Buzzsprout and catch the show on Spotify, Apple, Google and most places you get podcasts.    Music used on this episode:'Express' and 'Can You Drive?' from Special Delivery: Original Soundtrack

This episode I've got 8 reasons you should watch Pachinko, the generational historical epic drama that released on Apple this year to wide acclaim.With a sterling cast, gorgeous cinematography and Lee Min Ho wearing some incredible suits, there's plenty to enjoy in these eight episodes.The K-botak Podcast is a podcast where I review Korean films and television series or K-dramas.Join the conversation on Twitter, be part of the K-botak community and discuss your favourite shows, movies, actors and more.Follow K-botak on Buzzsprout and catch the show on Spotify, Apple, Google and most places you get podcasts.    

Emergency Declaration (비상선언)This unassumingly titled airplane thriller has a shockingly stacked cast, including Song Kang-Ho, Lee Byung-Hun, Jeon Do-Yeon and Kim Nam-Gil. While overlong and prosaic in parts, it does make for a good loud cinema trip! This is a (mostly) non-spoilery review.The K-botak Podcast is a podcast where I review Korean films and television series or K-dramas.Join the conversation on Twitter, be part of the K-botak community and discuss your favourite shows, movies, actors and more.Follow K-botak on Buzzsprout and catch the show on Spotify, Apple, Google and most places you get podcasts.    

Decision to Leave (헤어질 결심) is a noir romance and mysterious police procedural from Oldboy and The Handmaiden director Park Chan-Wook, starring Tang Wei and Park Hae-Il. This is a NON-SPOILERY review, so please enjoy!The K-botak Podcast is a podcast where I review Korean films and television series or K-dramas.Join the conversation on Twitter, be part of the K-botak community and discuss your favourite shows, movies, actors and more.Follow K-botak on Buzzsprout and catch the show on Spotify, Apple, Google and most places you get podcasts.    Music used in this episode:'The Mist' by Jung Hoon Hee

Life is But a Dream (일장춘몽) is a Park Chan-Wook directed, 20-minute short film. It is a romantic martial arts fantasy film starring Kim Ok-vin, Park Jeong-min and Yoo Hae-jin. It has amazing music inspired by pansori, rock and '70s prog, and despite being shot on an iPhone looks amazing. By default the best advert you will see all year, because Park Chan-Wook done it.Watch it here right now! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HnzKqxtnWDY The K-botak Podcast is a podcast where I review Korean films and television series or K-dramas.Join the conversation on Twitter, be part of the K-botak community and discuss your favourite shows, movies, actors and more.Follow K-botak on Buzzsprout and catch the show on Spotify, Apple, Google and most places you get podcasts.    Music used in this episode:'Life is But a Dream' soundtrack by Jang Young-gyu

You need to watch Extraordinary Attorney Woo (이상한 변호사 우영우)!This wonderful South Korean drama series is 6 episodes in at the time of recording, and tells a brilliantly written story of a young autistic lawyer Woo Young Woo making her way at the Hanbada law firm.Starring Park Eun-bin and Kang Tae-oh, the show has an addicting case-per-episode structure with a great mix of different legal tangles and satisfying resolutions. Have a listen, and let me persuade you to join us every week watching this excellent show.The K-botak Podcast is a podcast where I review Korean films and television series or K-dramas.Join the conversation on Twitter, be part of the K-botak community and discuss your favourite shows, movies, actors and more.Follow K-botak on Buzzsprout and catch the show on Spotify, Apple, Google and most places you get podcasts.    Music used in this episode:Kim Jong Wan – Brave (용기)

This supernatural action horror from South Korea is the latest by director Park Hoon-Jung, and plays out like a hyper-violent blend of Stranger Things, The Matrix, Akira and Logan.In this episode I give a brief overview of Park as a director and his filmography so far, a recap of The Witch Part 1: Subversion, and my review of Part 2: The Other One. I think this film is a lot of fun for genre fans and enjoyers of Korean action movies.The K-botak Podcast is a podcast where I review Korean films and television series or K-dramasJoin the conversation on Twitter, be part of the K-botak community and discuss your favourite shows, movies, actors and more.Follow K-botak on Buzzsprout and catch the show on Spotify, Apple, Google and most places you get podcasts.    Music used in this episode:'Danny Boy' by IU

Have you been enjoying Cafe Minamdang? On this bonus episode, I'll be going over some first impressions of the new K-drama procedural comedy mystery hybrid, starring Seo In-guk. This show blends hilarious physical and character comedy with an intricate murder mystery, and I think you'll enjoy it.The K-botak Podcast is a podcast where I review Korean films and television series or K-dramasJoin the conversation on Twitter, be part of the K-botak community and discuss your favourite shows, movies, actors and more.Follow K-botak on Buzzsprout and catch the show on Spotify, Apple, Google and most places you get podcasts.    

This is a spoiler review for MONEY HEIST KOREA – JOINT ECONOMIC AREA. I have already posted a first impressions pod which gave some of the first takes and the vibes of the show, talked about the cast, this has a lot of spoilers so if you haven't seen it go and get it watched, it's all on Netflix globally, and then come back.This is a Korean-language near-future remake and continuation of the Netflix hit La Casa de Papel, better known as Money Heist. After 5 successful and critically acclaimed seasons which were known for tight plotting and some great characterisations, as well as bringing Spanish-language content to a wider audience, Netflix have decided to take this further. I really like the fact they took this to SK rather than just doing a US remake, and they've been able to enlist some top quality acting talent as a result. They've established this as taking place in 2025, where a joint currency and widespread economic cooperation has come about between NK and SK and the war is finally over on the peninsula.The nexus of this economic cooperation is the Joint Economic Area, on the site of what is in reality today the Joint Security Area or the Dimilitarized Zone AKA DMZ where North and South Korean troops stand facing one another and there is a truce in effect. This is traditioanlly where negotiations have taken place and visiting the DMZ is often a major diplomatic undertaking for world leaders who have singiicant relationships with SK. The opening credits of MHK JEA show the DMZ as it is now with two figures shaking hands, and this will be important later on.That's all stuff that is added to this series and not brought in from the original, and one reason why I think this is worth watching even if you are coming to this from the OG, all the North-SOuth collaboration macro stuff is new. You're essentially getting a fun bank job wrapped in a geopolitical thought experiment wrapper.Listen in for an episode by episode discussion.The K-botak Podcast is a podcast where I review Korean films and television series or K-dramasJoin the conversation on Twitter, be part of the K-botak community and discuss your favourite shows, movies, actors and more.Follow K-botak on Buzzsprout and catch the show on Spotify, Apple, Google and most places you get podcasts.    

This is a 2022 drama film directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda, his first Korean-language feature. Broker is Kore-eda's return to  Cannes for the first time since he won the Palme d'Or for 2018's Shoplifters. It got a 12 minute standing ovation at Cannes beating the incredible Thirst by Park Chan-wook for longest Cannes standing ovation for a Korean film. It also won Song Kang-ho the best actor award. This is a NON-SPOILER review, so you can safely listen if you haven't seen the film yet.If you want to donate to Baby Box, please go here: https://babyboxkorea.give.asia/campaign/the-pastor-who-saved-1-600-babies#/This film is about a baby who is abandoned in something called a baby box, and is retrieved by a pair of guys who consider themselves "good will brokers", sort of guardian angels, who try to pair up unwanted babies with good parents – for a fee. They aren't running a charity, and infact the older guy Sang-hyun is in considerable financial trouble as the movie opens which creates a bit of a ticking clock for how quickly he needs to move this baby. But the movie takes pains to show they are goodies at the end of the day and they help people "adopt" a baby when they can't otherwise, like they've helped a couple of gay guys to get a kid for example, they want the baby to have a good home, and derserving would be parents with no recourse to naturally and/ or legally have a baby have the opportunity.His younger counterpart Dongsoo volunteers at the church where the baby box is located, and was himself abandoned as a baby.So one dark and rainy night, a very young woman arrives at the church and drops off this baby, on the floor not even the box tbh, and leaves a note promising to come back. It's an irresistible hook for the start of the movie, everyone loves Tokyo Godfathers, we all want this baby to get home or to get to a home, and we're going to find out what happens.After Dongsoo and Sang-hyun pick up the baby and get it warmed up and fed they plan to find it a home for its own good and their financial benefit, and plan to head off for a rendezvous with an interested couple. So-young however turns up again having had a change of heart, and goes with them to make sure the kid gets a good home. So a large part of the movie becomes a very bizarre road movie about a highly misfit group of people acting as a family to escape notice and trying to sell on this precious little bundle. Meanwhile two police detectives are trying to catch the group in the act of selling the baby, having been observing their operation.The plotting of the movie is more intricate and faster-paced in some ways than I expected, I found Shoplifters quite gentle until the jeopardy increased in the back half of the film, whereas this really clips along and theres always a lot happening with the characters that kept me glued to the screen.The K-botak Podcast is a podcast where I review Korean films and television series or K-dramasJoin the conversation on Twitter, be part of the K-botak community and discuss your favourite shows, movies, actors and more.Follow K-botak on Buzzsprout and catch the show on Spotify, Apple, Google and most places you get podcasts.Music used in this episode:'In the Beginning was Rain''Saddle the Wind''Fleeing from the Past''To Be a Bird'By Jung Jaeil, from BROKER: Original Score by Jung Jaeil

Money Heist Korea is here, starring Jeon Jong-seo, Park Hae-soo and Yoo Ji-tae in this South Korean adaptation of the Netflix hit La Casa de Papel. Join me as I catch up with a very different Tokyo, Berlin and Professor, for some first impressions on this remake and spin-off.The K-botak Podcast is a podcast where I review Korean films and television series or K-dramasJoin the conversation on Twitter, be part of the K-botak community and discuss your favourite shows, movies, actors and more.Follow K-botak on Buzzsprout and catch the show on Spotify, Apple, Google and most places you get podcasts.    

On this special episode I am  talking about SYMPATHY FOR MR VENGEANCE, OLDBOY, AND LADY VENGEANCE, all directed by Park Chan-Wook.Park Chan-wook is a South Korean film director, an auteur known for these films in addition to Joint Security Area, I'm a Cyborg But That's OK, Thirst, The Handmaiden and the (at time of recording) upcoming Decision to Leave. He is known for combining strikingly beautiful visuals with heavy themes and often intense, graphic violence.The K-botak Podcast is a podcast where I review Korean films and television series or K-dramasJoin the conversation on Twitter, be part of the K-botak community and discuss your favourite shows, movies, actors and more.Follow K-botak on Buzzsprout and catch the show on Spotify, Apple, Google and most places you get podcasts.    Music used in this episode:"Searchers" and "Cries and Whispers" from Oldboy: Motion Picture Soundtrack by Cho Young-Wook"Sympathy for Lady Vengeance" and "None of Your Business" from Lady Vengeance: Motion Picture Soundtrack by Cho Young-Wook"Sympathy" by Uhuhboo Project from Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance: Motion Picture Soundtrack

Why aren't there more monster movies from South Korea? I'd love to see more creature features hit the box office from such a fine film market. On this episode I'm covering THE HOST, dir. Bong Joon-Ho and starring Song Kang-Ho and Bae Doona, and MONSTRUM, a Joseon action drama featuring Choi Woo-shik and Hyeri.The K-botak Podcast is a podcast where I review Korean films and television series or K-dramasJoin the conversation on Twitter, be part of the K-botak community and discuss your favourite shows, movies, actors and more.Follow K-botak on Buzzsprout and catch the show on Spotify, Apple, Google and most places you get podcasts.    Music used in this episode:“Prologue - Mighty Han River - The Creature is Growing”“In Praise of the Han River - B4-A3”“In Praise of the Han River - Trumpet Version”By Brian Suits and Byeong Woo Lee, from “The Host: Original Soundtrack.”

Mr. Sunshine is a critically lauded drama romance from South Korea. It is one of the smash K-dramas that has come from the creators of shows like Descendants of the Sun, The Guardian: Great and Lonely God, Sweet Home and Jirisan.  Lee Byung-hun and Kim Tae-ri dazzle as the leads in this gorgeously staged and photographed period piece.The K-botak Podcast is a podcast where I review Korean films and television series or K-dramasJoin the conversation on Twitter, be part of the K-botak community and discuss your favourite shows, movies, actors and more.Follow K-botak on Buzzsprout and catch the show on Spotify, Apple, Google and most places you get podcasts.    Music Used in This Episode:“Mr. Sunshine” “Wild Flower”By Nam Hye Seung and Park Sang Hee“Like A Beautiful Flame”By Shin Seung HunFrom “Mr. Sunshine (Original Television Soundtrack)

The Pirates and its sequel, The Last Royal Treasure, are swashbuckling action comedies set on the high seas of the early Joseon dynasty period. With ensemble casts including the likes of Kim Nam-Gil, Son Ye-Jin and Sulli Choi (RIP) among others, you might be wondering if these are worth a watch. Well, one of them is! Tune in to find out what I thought of the two movies. The K-botak Podcast is a podcast where I review Korean films and television series or K-dramasJoin the conversation on Twitter, be part of the K-botak community and discuss your favourite shows, movies, actors and more.Follow K-botak on Buzzsprout and catch the show on Spotify, Apple, Google and most places you get podcasts.    

I Saw the Devil is an inarguably brilliantly made film that may make you very unhappy. This staggeringly violent revenge thriller stars Lee Byung-hun as an NIS agent hellbent on tormenting the serial killer, played by Choi Min-sik, who murdered his wife.The K-botak Podcast is a podcast published 3-4 times a month, where I review Korean films and television series or K-dramasJoin the conversation on Twitter, be part of the K-botak community and discuss your favourite shows, movies, actors and more.Follow K-botak on Buzzsprout and catch the show on Spotify, Apple, Google and most places you get podcasts.    

In a break from my normal theme I'm covering the best movie of the year so far: Everything Everywhere All At Once. When an interdimensional rupture unravels reality, an unlikely hero must channel her newfound powers to fight bizarre and bewildering dangers from the multiverse as the fate of the world hangs in the balance.The K-botak Podcast is a podcast published 3-4 times a month, where I review Korean films and television series or K-dramasJoin the conversation on Twitter, be part of the K-botak community and discuss your favourite shows, movies, actors and more.Follow K-botak on Buzzsprout and catch the show on Spotify, Apple, Google and most places you get podcasts.    

In this episode we'll be talking about four South Korean crime films from the past ten years, including one of my favourite crime films ever:Nameless Gangster (2012)Asura: The City of Madness (2016)Tomb of the River (2021)Yaksha: Ruthless Operations (2022) The K-botak Podcast is a podcast published 3-4 times a month, where I review Korean films and television series or K-dramasJoin the conversation on Twitter, be part of the K-botak community and discuss your favourite shows, movies, actors and more.Follow K-botak on Buzzsprout and catch the show on Spotify, Apple, Google and most places you get podcasts.    

The Man From Nowhere, No Tears for the Dead, and Jo Pil-Ho: The Dawning Rage are a trilogy of hyperviolent noir action crimers created and released over about ten years that aren't linked narratively, but are arguably linked thematically. Each present dangerous, violent men with specialist training as an anti-hero lead and uses them as a way to explore empathy, moral ambiguity and ultimately humanity. With varying degrees of success. This sequence of films includes at least one which is widely regarded as a classic by K-movie fans. If you like face melting action and some banger performances, you're in the right place. The K-botak Podcast is a podcast published 3-4 times a month, where I review Korean films and television series or K-dramasJoin the conversation on Twitter, be part of the K-botak community and discuss your favourite shows, movies, actors and more.Follow K-botak on Buzzsprout and catch the show on Spotify, Apple, Google and most places you get podcasts.   

Rampant, The Odd Family: Zombie for Sale and The Cursed: Dead Man's Prey are the films covered in this episode. The K-botak Podcast is a podcast published 3-4 times a month, where I review Korean films and television series or K-dramasJoin the conversation on Twitter, be part of the K-botak community and discuss your favourite shows, movies, actors and more.Follow K-botak on Buzzsprout and catch the show on Spotify, Apple, Google and most places you get podcasts.  

Wouldn't most high school coming of age dramas be a lot more spicy with a load of zombies thrown in? This hit Netflix thriller is a 12-episode hit of adrenaline and suspense, with a genuinely charming ensemble cast of younger actors and some great twists to its seemingly familiar monsters.The K-botak Podcast is a podcast published 3-4 times a month, where I review Korean films and television series or K-dramasJoin the conversation on Twitter, be part of the K-botak community and discuss your favourite shows, movies, actors and more.Follow K-botak on Buzzsprout and catch the show on Spotify, Apple, Google and most places you get podcasts.  

Netflix Korea just announced an exciting lineup of films and tv series for 2022, so I thought I'd record my reaction and thoughts. Tune in for some takes that aren't hot any more, but have at least been kept in the fridge.Highlights include Money Heist Korea, Jung_E, The Accidental Narco, Glitch, Yaksha and more. The K-botak Podcast is a short podcast published twice a week, where I review Korean films and television series or K-dramas. There is an episode about a film or films every Monday, and about a TV series every Thursday - either with a dedicated full season review or the K-drama catch-up where I review partially watched or ongoing series.Join the conversation on Twitter, be part of the K-botak community and discuss your favourite shows, movies, actors and more.Follow K-botak on Buzzsprout and catch the show on Spotify, Apple, Google and most places you get podcasts.   

Reviewing two great films this week, around the theme of “phone calls you wish you never received.”2020's The Call is an atmospheric slasher with a thunderous performance by the amazing Jeon Jeong-seo, and 2021's box office smash Hard Hit finds Jo Woo-jin putting in a fantastic turn as a banker with a bomb under his carseat.The K-botak Podcast is a short podcast published twice a week, where I review Korean films and television series or K-dramas. There is an episode about a film or films every Monday, and about a TV series every Thursday - either with a dedicated full season review or the K-drama catch-up where I review partially watched or ongoing series.Join the conversation on Twitter, be part of the K-botak community and discuss your favourite shows, movies, actors and more.Follow K-botak on Buzzsprout and catch the show on Spotify, Apple, Google and most places you get podcasts.   

 Bulgasal: Immortal Souls is a drama currently on TVN and Netflix that has been delivering intriguing episodes of dark urban fantasy week after week, following a pair of stunning opening episodes in its first week. This week, I'm reviewing episodes 3-9. Watch out though, as there will be spoilers.The K-botak Podcast is a short podcast published twice a week, where I review Korean films and television series or K-dramas. There is an episode about a film or films every Monday, and about a TV series every Thursday - either with a dedicated full season review or the K-drama catch-up where I review partially watched or ongoing series.Join the conversation on Twitter, be part of the K-botak community and discuss your favourite shows, movies, actors and more.Follow K-botak on Buzzsprout and catch the show on Spotify, Apple, Google and most places you get podcasts.   

This Thai-Korean collab is 2021's best film, at least in my opinion. This is my review of this atmospheric, brilliantly written and highly scary folklore horror piece. The K-botak Podcast is a short podcast published twice a week, where I review Korean films and television series or K-dramas. There is an episode about a film or films every Monday, and about a TV series every Thursday - either with a dedicated full season review or the K-drama catch-up where I review partially watched or ongoing series.Join the conversation on Twitter, be part of the K-botak community and discuss your favourite shows, movies, actors and more.Follow K-botak on Buzzsprout and catch the show on Spotify, Apple, Google and most places you get podcasts.  

The Silent Sea is a recent sci fi drama on Netflix featuring Gong Yoo, Doona Bae and Lee Joon. The K-botak Podcast is a short podcast published twice a week, where I review Korean films and television series or K-dramas. There is an episode about a film or films every Monday, and about a TV series every Thursday - either with a dedicated full season review or the K-drama catch-up where I review partially watched or ongoing series.Join the conversation on Twitter, be part of the K-botak community and discuss your favourite shows, movies, actors and more.Follow K-botak on Buzzsprout and catch the show on Spotify, Apple, Google and most places you get podcasts.   

This week I take a deep dive into the themes, production and presentation of 2009's Thirst, a film that uses European vampire folklore for a uniquely South Korean cinema interrogation of morality and the descent of a man. The K-botak Podcast is a short podcast published twice a week, where I review Korean films and television series or K-dramas. There is an episode about a film or films every Monday, and about a TV series every Thursday - either with a dedicated full season review or the K-drama catch-up where I review partially watched or ongoing series.Join the conversation on Twitter, be part of the K-botak community and discuss your favourite shows, movies, actors and more.Follow K-botak on Buzzsprout and catch the show on Spotify, Apple, Google and most places you get podcasts. 

Have you seen Bulgasal: Immortal Souls? It is a dark fantasy drama on TVN and Netflix that has captured a lot of viewers'  imaginations, and I just had to record an episode purely about its incredible opening brace of episodes. As the show continues I will continue to give it coverage. Check out this review and introduction to see if you would like to watch along!The K-botak Podcast is a short podcast published twice a week, where I review Korean films and television series or K-dramas. There is an episode about a film or films every Monday, and about a TV series every Thursday - either with a dedicated full season review or the K-drama catch-up where I review partially watched or ongoing series.Join the conversation on Twitter, be part of the K-botak community and discuss your favourite shows, movies, actors and more.Follow K-botak on Buzzsprout and catch the show on Spotify, Apple, Google and most places you get podcasts.  

To kick off the year, here is a list of the films and dramas I am most looking forward to from South Korea in 2022! Let me know what yours are so I can watch-list them! The K-botak Podcast is a short podcast published twice a week, where I review Korean films and television series or K-dramas. There is an episode about a film or films every Monday, and about a TV series every Thursday - either with a dedicated full season review or the K-drama catch-up where I review partially watched or ongoing series.Join the conversation on Twitter, be part of the K-botak community and discuss your favourite shows, movies, actors and more.Follow K-botak on Buzzsprout and catch the show on Spotify, Apple, Google and most places you get podcasts. 

You really should watch Move to Heaven.A life-affirming hug in TV form, a message about the preciousness of every life, a meditation on processing grief and a top tier weepy of a show.Also one of the most well presented, sensitive depictions of autism I've seen. Here is my review.The K-botak Podcast is a short podcast published twice a week, where I review Korean films and television series or K-dramas. There is an episode about a film or films every Monday, and about a TV series every Thursday - either with a dedicated full season review or the K-drama catch-up where I review partially watched or ongoing series.Join the conversation on Twitter, be part of the K-botak community and discuss your favourite shows, movies, actors and more.Follow K-botak on Buzzsprout and catch the show on Spotify, Apple, Google and most places you get podcasts.

In this episode I'll be going through my lists of the best K-dramas and Korean films of 2021 - there's lots I haven't been able to see due to availability in cinemas and streaming, but I've seen a lot of great stuff. Hope you enjoy.What were your top TV series and films this year? Let me know over on Twitter!The K-botak Podcast is a short podcast published twice a week, where I review Korean films and television series or K-dramas. There is an episode about a film or films every Monday, and about a TV series every Thursday - either with a dedicated full season review or the K-drama catch-up where I review partially watched or ongoing series.Join the conversation on Twitter, be part of the K-botak community and discuss your favourite shows, movies, actors and more.Follow K-botak on Buzzsprout and catch the show on Spotify, Apple, Google and most places you get podcasts.

South Korean television's answer to Black Mirror is SF8, a series of short sci fi films with a shared theme but different directors, casts and continuities.The quality of these shorts is so good, and there's so much to say about each of them, that I decided to do this as a two-parter. Starting with:The PrayerManxinJoan's GalaxyBlinkThere's some amazing stuff here! Sci fi fans should definitely apply.The K-botak Podcast is a short podcast published twice a week, where I review Korean films and television series or K-dramas. There is an episode about a film or films every Monday, and about a TV series every Thursday - either with a dedicated full season review or the K-drama catch-up where I review partially watched or ongoing series.Join the conversation on Twitter, be part of the K-botak community and discuss your favourite shows, movies, actors and more.Follow K-botak on Buzzsprout and catch the show on Spotify, Apple, Google and most places you get podcasts.

Get ready for a double bill of horror mystery films, both of which are on Netflix for your viewing pleasure.First, Svaha: The Sixth Finger, where the amazing Lee Jung-jae from Squid Game investigates murders connected to bizarre worshippers in the mountains of Gangwon-do Province.And second The 8th Night, where an axe-wielding monk sets out to destroy a demon that was previously defeated by Buddha.The K-botak Podcast is a short podcast published twice a week, where I review Korean films and television series or K-dramas. There is an episode about a film or films every Monday, and about a TV series every Thursday - either with a dedicated full season review or the K-drama catch-up where I review partially watched or ongoing series.Join the conversation on Twitter, be part of the K-botak community and discuss your favourite shows, movies, actors and more.Follow K-botak on Buzzsprout, and catch the show on Spotify, Apple, Google and most places you get podcasts.