K Drama Chat

Comment on this episode by going to KDramaChat.comToday, 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.ReferencesPark Ji-sung - WikipediaGuus Hiddink - WikipediaAll In (TV series) - WikipediaChoi Bool-am - Wikipedia

Comment on this episode by going to KDramaChat.comToday, 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.ReferencesBuncheong - WikipediaSsireum - WikipediaMuk (food) - WikipediaVirginialicious Food Tours Website.

Comment on this episode by going to KDramaChat.comToday, 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!ReferencesDoljanchi - WikipediaDoljabi: Unveiling the Cultural Significance of Korean Celebrations.Jin Chan - Wikipedia)1997 Asian financial crisis - Wikipedia.South Korea and the International Monetary Fund - WikipediaPast Lives: This untranslatable Korean word for eternal love has ancient Buddhist rootsDrinking culture of Korea - Wikipedia.Miracle by Kim Seon HoFalling Slowly by Kim Seon Ho

Comment on this episode by going to KDramaChat.comToday, 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.ReferencesWaste Management in KoreaJang-jorim - WikipediaWhat is Chonggak Kimchi?Bibim Naengmyeon (Spicy Korean Buckwheat Noodles)Dosirac - WikipediaSandglass (TV series) - WikipediaGwangju Uprising - WikipediaSeo Taiji and Boys - Wikipedia

Today, we'll be discussing Episode 11 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. We discuss: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.ReferencesKorean Wedding Gifts | Traditional & Modern ExamplesTradition of dowries changes - The New York TimesKim Il Sung - Wikipedia

Comment on this episode by going to KDramaChat.comToday, 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.ReferencesChoi Jin-sil - WikipediaEyes of Dawn - WikipediaMy Love, My Bride (1990 film) - WikipediaJesa - WikipediaLee Choon-jae - Wikipedia

Comment on this episode by going to KDramaChat.comToday, 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! ReferencesBloomberg Innovation Index in 2021Healthcare and Life Sciences as a Strategic Focus for South KoreaNatasha, the White Donkey and Me by Baek Seok‘Ghost' Director Lauds the Korean Sense of ResponsibilityCircle of Love by Lee Jun youngAmazing rap by Jun young of U KissKal-guksu - WikipediaJjolmyeon - Wikipedia

Comment on this episode by going to KDramaChat.comToday, 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.ReferencesIndependence Hall of Korea - Wikipedia1987 South Korean presidential election - Wikipedia

Comment on this episode by going to KDramaChat.comToday, 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?”ReferencesAegukga - Wikipedia (South Korean national anthem)Aegukka - Wikipedia   (North Korean national anthem)Lim Young-woong - WikipediaTrot (music) - WikipediaChoi Beck Ho on Spotify

Comment on this episode by going to KDramaChat.comToday, 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!ReferencesHwang So yoon on SpotifyProtecting Haenyeo: Ritual and Spiritual Practices of Jeju HaenyeoBehind the Scenes: When Gwan sik Collapses Upon Seeing Ae sun and Dong MyeongSocial Support and the Perception of Physical SlantJeju Island - WikipediaJeju Province - WikipediaJeju language - Wikipedia

Comment on this episode by going to KDramaChat.comToday, 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!ReferencesPark Sung-il list of songs on K Drama OSTsBrene Brown's TED Talk: Listening to Shame

Comment on this episode by going to KDramaChat.comToday, 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, Kim So-hyun 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!ReferencesKorean 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? | PRBPark Bo-gum - WikipediaKwak Jin Eon on Spotify

Comment on this episode by going to KDramaChat.comToday, 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!ReferencesKnown as the “Poet of Flag,” Yu Chi-hwanFolk songs of JejuThe Honest WoodcutterThe Weaver and the Cow Herdsman: A tale of two lovers whose deep affection triumphed over loneliness

Comment on this episode by going to KDramaChat.comToday, 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.ReferencesSsing Ssing's Tiny Desk Concert on NPRJindo Arirang[Daily JOKOer] We Can Speak Korean with Just Numbers? Simple Korean Beeper Codes Top 5┃언어문화NGO 조인어스코리아Korean drama - WikipediaHong sisters - WikipediaKim Eun-sook - WikipediaPark Ji-eun - WikipediaKim Soon-ok (screenwriter) - WikipediaHwang Dong-hyuk - WikipediaHow to Tell if a Korean Name is Male or Female | TOPIK GUIDEWhat makes a Korean name masculine or feminine?When Life Gives You Tangerines Offer Comfort To Those Who Need ItNostalgia by Jung Ji YongDol hareubang - Wikipedia

Comment on this episode by going to KDramaChat.comToday, 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?ReferencesHaenyeo - WikipediaThe Last of the Sea Women - Wikipedia 

Comment on this episode by going to KDramaChat.comToday, 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 roomSay My Name performed by Yoo Yeon-seok in the finaleThe 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.ReferencesWhat is makjang?Fans call for boycott of popular K Drama for thinly veiled references to israel's war on Gaza

Comment on this episode by going to KDramaChat.comToday, 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 ColdeStarlight by Max ShinEurope by Kim Jin AhChildhood by Kim Jin AhThe 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.ReferencesIncarceration Rates by Country 2024Nakhwanori: A Traditional Korean Fireworks Festival

Comment on this episode by going to KDramaChat.comToday, 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 IndiaThe 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!ReferencesIn South Korea, shamans are shunned — and reveredDalits in India

Comment on this episode by going to KDramaChat.comToday, 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 HEOPossessed by Jeong NahyeonThe 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!ReferencesKorea Tour of Filming Locations for See You In My 19th Life

Comment on this episode by going to KDramaChat.com. 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 HoVice Versa by Bang Kung HoBan 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.ReferencesCountless flames fall like petals over a pond: Haman NakhwanoriHerculean task of watching Haman's fireworksFilming locations from See You In My 19th LifeJapan: The Essential Guide to Customs and Culture

Comment on this episode by going to KDramaChat.com. 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 HEORomantic by Hee Nam DoBlue by Bang Kyung HoThe 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!ReferencesBang Kyung Ho on Apple MusicThe Circular Building from KPop videos and K Dramas

Today, we'll be discussing Episode 7 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 featured during the recap:Pure Love by Hee Nam SonBreeze by Hee Nam SonHere With Me by DoyoungHow 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!ReferencesHee Nam Son on Apple MusicPop Star Academy: KATSEYE on Netflix

Today, we'll be discussing Episode 6 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:Sad Memory by Fallin DildSecret by YELOHow 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 hugThe background and career of Ahn Dong-goo, the actor who plays Ha Do yoon.ReferencesGoryeo Celadon | Essay | The Metropolitan Museum of Art | Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History

Today, we'll be discussing Episode 5 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 feature during the recap:Childhood Kim Jin ahI'll Embrace Your Past by Ahn Bo hyunOur 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.ReferencesKim Jin ah on SpotifyAlbum: A New Leaf by Kim Jin ahTIME Magazine's Top 10 K Dramas of 202413 Best K-Dramas of 2024 | Teen Vogue10 Best K-Dramas of 2024, Ranked150+ Dramas Of 2024 (K-Drama Masterlist) | SoompiDeemaLovesDrama on InstagramKorean 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

Today, we'll be discussing Episode 4 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:Kendrick Lamar's new song, Reincarnated, where he sings about his past lives!The songs we feature during the recap:Sad Memory by Fallin' DildStar (organic version) by ColdeOur 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.ReferencesKorean Dating: Customs and etiquette for relationshipsSouth Korea's Popular Somaek Cocktail Combines Beer And Soju - Tasting TableFallin' Dild on SpotifySouth Korea: Supreme Court ruling a historic victory for same-sex couples - Amnesty International.Jesa: The Korean Ceremony Commemorating AncestorsFandom culture in South Korea - WikipediaKendrick Lamar's ReincarnatedKorea's Family Registration Law | The Law Office of Jeremy D. Morley

Today, we'll be discussing Episode 3 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 featured during the recap:Piriri by Go Go KingDown by Jo Yu riBan 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.ReferencesA Poem Called You by Jo Yu riJesa - Wikipedia‘Tingle of Scar, Your Face and My Dumb Love' | The DONG-A ILBOTraditional Korean Funeral Service - Guide and Customs

Comment on this episode on our website at KDramaChat.com!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 KingStar by ColdeHow 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 livesHow 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-eumWe 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!ReferencesThe Difference Between Transmigration, Regress and ReincarnationGo Go King on SpotifyColde on Spotify

Comment on this episode by going to KDramaChat.comToday, 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 ahSilence by Sunwoo jung-aThe reaction of our listeners to our choice of show for Season 10The 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! ReferencesSunwoo Jung-a on SpotifyKim Jin-a on SpotifyOn ReincarnationThe Symbols of Longevity in Korean Art and Culture – ArtinKoThe Turtle Ship - NCTAsiaPast Lives: This untranslatable Korean word for eternal love has ancient Buddhist roots

Today, we'll be discussing Episode 6, the finale, 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-ryon 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: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!ReferencesRoyal Portraits in the Late Joseon PeriodJeonju During the Joseon DynastyVeritable Records of the Joseon Dynasty - WikipediaCLOY: The Real Ending

Today, we'll be discussing Episode 5 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: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!ReferencesBaekjeong - Wikipedia.Seal of the Emperor: The Symbol of the Korea Empire

Comment on this week's episode by visiting our blog at KDramaChat.com!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!ReferencesJoseon Army - Wikipedia.Wanggung Sumunjang - Wikipedia

Listeners, we apologize that Joanna's audio is not as good as normal. She was traveling and had to record this episode on her phone.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.ReferencesKingdom Filming LocationsVisit Changdeokgung, the Filming Site of Netflix's KingdomNetflix's Kingdom: Where Was the Korean Show Filmed?Changdeokgung - WikipediaChanggyeonggung - WikipediaLeprosy on Wikipedia

Today, we'll be discussing Episode 2 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: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 clanHow 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.ReferencesWorn Identity, or information about the ID tags worn by people during the Joseon dynastyKing Cheoljong and his family, who were banished to Ganghwa Island30 Zombie TV Shows Ranked by TomatometerThe Last Of Us: A Closer Look at the Zombie Genre

Today, we'll be discussing Episode 1 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 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.ReferencesKingdom wikiCrash Landing On You wikiJapanese invasions of Korea (1592–1598) - WikipediaAbout - Aftermath of the East Asian War of 1592-1598

Today, we'll be discussing Episode 6 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-ryon 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: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 shinNext week, we will start Season 2 of Kingdom!ReferencesCOVID 19 from the US Centers for Disease ControlForbes review of Kingdom from March 2020

Today, we'll be discussing Episode 5 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: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.ReferencesAsian American Life episode featuring K Drama Chat at the 10:30 mark8 Provinces of Korea during the Joseon dynasty on Wikipedia8 Provinces of Korea, including where Sangju and Hanyang are locatedCrash Landing On You to be remade with Netflix USAMungyeong Saejae - WikipediaThere's a uniquely Korean word for rage and regret. So why had I never heard of it?Han (cultural) - WikipediaSexagenary cycle - Wikipedia.

Today, we'll be discussing Episode 4 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: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 happenedThe Crown Prince at first tried to refuse the callMu Young is clearly his guideThe Crown Prince is being tested; witness the people who died by the arrows of the palace guardsBut the Crown Prince is also gaining allies in Seo bi and Young shinThe 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 BagginsIn 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 dallyeongKim Sang-ho, the actor who plays Mu Young.ReferencesBeacon Towers during the Joseon DynastyLord of the Rings: Warning Beacons of GondorWhy So Many  Superheroes are OrphansPodcast: D-Day: The Tide TurnsPodcast: History's Secret Heroes

Listeners, we need your help! If you are enjoying K Drama Chat, please encourage a friend to listen! And would you please give us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify? Thank you!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.ReferencesA rare look at Joseon king's funeralAnyone 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 Art왕의 죽음에서 왕릉의 건설까지Review of Traditional Chinese Medicine Pulse Diagnosis Quantification | IntechOpen

Today, we'll be discussing Episode 2 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-ryon 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'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!ReferencesSungkyunkwan - WikipediaTrend of cremation for Korea's deceased

Welcome to Season 9 of K Drama Chat! In this season, we'll be recapping and analyzing Kingdom, the zombie historical from 2019. Kingdom is the first original series K Drama on Netflix, produced by AStory. Kingdom stars Ju Ji-hoon as Crown Prince Yi Chang, Bae Doona as Seo-bi, Ryu Seung-ryon 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: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.ReferencesIs Kingdom historically accurate? The smallpox epidemic in the US during the 1700sASTORY websiteVeritable Records of the Joseon Dynasty - Wikipedia

Today is a special episode of K Drama Chat. Jean Rhim, Sung Hee's sister, is with us and we share our favorites in a bunch of K Drama categories, including:Best OSTBest DressedFavorite Korean Phrase or WordFavorite SongBest Supporting Actor and ActressBest Actor and ActressBest VillainBest AbsBest Historical DramaBest Modern DramaBest Ensemble CastAnd 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!

Today, we'll be discussing Episode 16 of Crash Landing On You, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Hyun Bin as Ri Jyeong hyeok, Son Ye-jin as Yoon Se-ri, Seo Ji-hye as Seo Dan and Kim Jung-hyun as Gu Seung joon. Ernabel Demillo is back to help us analyze the final episode of CLOY. We discuss: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.ReferencesSe-ri's ChoicesThe Tale of Gyeonu and JingnyeoHyun Bin singing That Man from the Secret Garden OSTThe Deep Meaning Behind the Eternal Flower of EdelweissEdelweiss - All About This Alpine FlowerCaptain Ri's mother's folded papers with the glass of waterTime Travelers: North Korean Defectors Resettling in South KoreaAlternate Way Better Ending for Crash Landing On You by GF MillerNorth Korean diplomat defected through Cuba

Today, we'll be discussing Episode 15 of Crash Landing On You, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Hyun Bin as Ri Jyeong hyeok, Son Ye-jin as Yoon Se-ri, Seo Ji-hye as Seo Dan and Kim Jung-hyun as Gu Seung joon. We discuss: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!ReferencesTsundere on Dictionary.comPrice of Seo Dan's Engagement RingK Dramas and K Pop Fandom in the US

Today, we'll be discussing Episode 14 of Crash Landing On You, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Hyun Bin as Ri Jyeong hyeok, Son Ye-jin as Yoon Se-ri, Seo Ji-hye as Seo Dan and Kim Jung-hyun as Gu Seung joon. We discuss: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 RiThe 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!ReferencesKorean TV's Unlikely Star: Subway SandwichesHow South Korea Got Rid of Its Gun ProblemHeo Jun, a royal physician, who worked to promote health for the people as well as the kingDongui Bogam, he definitive medical text, an effort led by Heo Jun at King Seonjo's requestMemory of the World Register

Today, we'll be discussing Episode 13 of Crash Landing On You, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Hyun Bin as Ri Jyeong hyeok, Son Ye-jin as Yoon Se-ri, Seo Ji-hye as Seo Dan and Kim Jung-hyun as Gu Seung joon. We discuss: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!ReferencesFilming locations for CLOYhttps://www.klook.com/en-MY/blog/crash-landing-on-you-locations/https://creatrip.com/en/blog/9668Choi Ji Woohttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Choi_Ji-woo

Sung Hee is back from her trip to London! Today, we'll be discussing Episode 12 of Crash Landing On You, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Hyun Bin as Ri Jyeong Hyeok, Son Ye-jin as Yoon Se-ri, Seo Ji-hye as Seo Dan and Kim Jung-hyun as Gu Seung joon. We discuss:The songs we feature during the recap: Seo Dan and Same Sky, Different World by Nam Hye Seung and Park Sang HeeA 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.

Today is a special episode. Sung Hee is on vacation so Joanna has a conversation with Mars from the Moksori podcast. We discuss: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.ReferencesMoksori podcast on SpotifyMoksori website

Today, we'll be discussing Episode 11 of Crash Landing On You, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Hyun Bin as Ri Jyeong hyeok, Son Ye-jin as Yoon Se-ri, Seo Ji-hye as Seo Dan and Kim Jung-hyun as Gu Seung joon. We discuss: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!ReferencesFrequency of households ordering delivery food in South Korea in 2023Nordstrom may try to take the company private againSouth Korea's obsession with fried chicken explainedThe tale of Heungbu and NolbuReport on North Korea from the US Commission on International Religious Freedom

Today, we'll be discussing Episode 10 of Crash Landing On You, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Hyun Bin as Ri Jyeong hyeok, Son Ye-jin as Yoon Se-ri, Seo Ji-hye as Seo Dan and Kim Jung-hyun as Gu Seung joon. We discuss: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.ReferencesVanav facial massager, used by Se Ri when she got to her own apartmentThe Grief BowlBowing in Koreahttps://koreanpractice.com/bow-in-korean/https://daebak.co/blogs/magazine/south-korean-etiquette-bowing

Today, we'll be discussing Episode 9 of Crash Landing On You, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Hyun Bin as Ri Jyeong Hyeok, Son Ye-jin as Yoon Se-ri, Seo Ji-hye as Seo Dan and Kim Jung-hyun as Gu Seung joon. The amazing Ernabel Demillo is back to help us recap and analyze this episode! We discuss: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.”ReferencesArticle in USA Today about Kim SejeongKorea's Divided Families70 Years of SeparationHow K-Dramas Can Transform Your Life: Powerful Lessons on Belongingness, Healing, and Mental Health by Jeanie ChangKorean Hamin on Choe Ae, or Best Love

Today, we'll be discussing Episode 8 of Crash Landing On You, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Hyun Bin as Ri Jyeong hyeok, Son Ye-jin as Yoon Se-ri, Seo Ji-hye as Seo Dan and Kim Jung-hyun as Gu Seung joon. We discuss: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.References18 Crash Landing On You Film LocationsCrash Landing On You Film Locations in Seoul and IncheonFilming Locations for Crash Landing On YouChristmas in South Korea