K Drama Chat Weekly

Today, we're discussing Parasite, the Oscar-winning Korean film directed by Bong Joon Ho and starring Song Kang Ho, Choi Woo Sik, Park So Dam, Jang Hye Jin, Lee Sun Kyun, Cho Yeo Jeong, Lee Jung Eun, and Park Myung Hoon. Joining us for this special episode is our friend Ellen Sullivan, screenwriter and movie critic extraordinaire. We discuss: Why Parasite became the first non-English language film to win the Academy Award for Best Picture, in addition to Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best International Feature Film. The Kim family's elaborate social engineering scheme to infiltrate the wealthy Park household and why trust and referrals make the con possible. The symbolism of the semi-basement apartment, the Park family's hilltop home, and the hidden bunker beneath the house as visual representations of class and social hierarchy. How the film dramatically shifts in tone at its midpoint, transforming from a dark comedy into a suspenseful psychological thr...

Special Episode – An Introduction to K Dramas Today, we’re joined by our friend Malcolm for a special episode introducing the world of K Dramas to beginners. Whether you’re a longtime fan or have never watched a Korean drama before, this episode is designed to help you understand what makes K Dramas so compelling, why they’ve become a global phenomenon, and where to begin your own K Drama journey. We discuss: What defines a K Drama, how Korean television has evolved since the Korean War, and how the Korean Wave (Hallyu) transformed these shows into worldwide hits. Where to watch K Dramas today, including Netflix, Disney+/Hulu, Amazon Prime, Viki, and Kocowa, plus why Viki remains a favorite for translations. How Joanna, Sung Hee, and Malcolm each discovered K Dramas and the shows that turned them into lifelong fans. Why K Dramas stand apart through heartfelt storytelling, unforgettable characters, gorgeous cinematography, and beautiful original soundtracks. Our recommendation...

Today, we'll be discussing Episode 12 of Our Unwritten Seoul, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Park Bo Young as Yoo Mi Ji and Yoo Mi Rae, and Jinyoung as Lee Ho Su. We discuss: Guest host Ernabel Demillo joins us once again to share her insights on episode 12, discusses her Emmy-winning Asian American Life , and tells us about attending the Korean American Community Foundation gala featuring the singers behind KPop Demon Hunters . The songs we featured during the recap: I Love You Grandma by Lee So Young Our Tomorrow by Nam Hye Seung and Cho Mira Come Back Home by Nam Hye Seung and Park Sang Hee Why Korean drama OSTs are so memorable, how they're created specifically for each series, and how Korea's entertainment industry makes drama soundtracks an integral part of the storytelling. Why the finale feels so satisfying, with nearly every major character finding healing, purpose, and a hopeful new beginning instead of relying on last-minute twists. Ho Su and ...

Today, we’ll be ing Episode 11 of Our Unwritten Seoul , the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Park Bo Young as Yoo Mi Ji and Yoo Mi Rae, and Jin Young as Lee Ho Soo. We discuss: The songs featured during the recap: A Warm Heart by Lee So Young, Dangerous People by Park Sang Hee, and Mi Ji Seoul Chapter Begins by Nam Hye Seung and Park Sang Hee. We also discuss composer Lee So Young and her work on several notable OSTs. Ho Su’s devastating hearing loss, his decision to isolate himself, and why he believes breaking up with Mi Ji is the only way to protect her. How Mi Ji recognizes Ho Su’s behavior because she once pushed people away in exactly the same way after her own struggles. Gyeong Gu’s loyal friendship, his tough-love approach to helping Mi Ji, and his advice about first loves. Mi Ji’s realization that she can never return to the emotional isolation that once defined her life, and her determination to keep moving forward. The emotional reconciliation between Ho...

Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 10 of Our Unwritten Seoul , the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Park Bo-young as Yoo Mi-ji and Yoo Mi-rae, and Jinyoung as Lee Ho-su. We also talk about filming locations for Our Unwritten Seoul . We discuss: The songs featured during the recap: My Rosa, and My Sang Wol by Nam Hye-seung and Park Sang-hee, Time In My Diary by Nam Hye-seung and Park Sang-hee, and Come Back Home by Nam Hye-seung and Go Eun-jong. We also discuss Go Eun-jong’s contributions to many beloved K Drama OSTs. The heartbreaking story of Hyeon Sang-wol and Kim Rosa, a decades-long tale of friendship, sacrifice, loyalty, and love. How Kim Rosa’s secret identity is exposed to the public and the devastating impact of public judgment and shame. The ethical debate between Ho-su and Lee Chung-gu about the role of lawyers, justice, and whether the powerful and powerless should be treated equally under the law. Mi-ji’s greatest strength: her bias toward action and her refus...

Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 9 of Our Unwritten Seoul , the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Park Bo Young as Yoo Mi Ji and Yoo Mi Rae, and Jin Young as Lee Ho Su. We’ll also talk about Lee Jae In and Park Yoon Ho, the actors who play the younger versions of our leads. We discuss: The songs featured during the recap: The Song of Ho Su by Kim Kyung Hee, Identical Head to Toe by Park Sang Hee, and What You Mean To Me by Nam Hye Seung and Park Sang Hee. How Mi Rae returns to Seoul and finds herself forced to confront the corruption, bullying, and harassment she tried to leave behind. Why Mi Rae and Su Yeon both carry misplaced guilt and shame, even though they were victims rather than perpetrators. The devastating impact of workplace bullying and how it can leave victims blaming themselves for the actions of others. The full story behind Park Sang Yeong’s harassment of Mi Rae and the company’s deeply flawed investigation that focused on questioning the victim rather than ...