3.3 - Episodes 3 and 4 of Mr. Sunshine

In this episode, we recap and analyze Episodes 3 and 4 of Mr. Sunshine, the hit K Drama on Netflix. Ae-shin and Eugene are trying to figure out if they are comrades, allies or enemies. They keep running into each other: at the riverbank on the way to see Potter Eun-san, at the tailor, and at the train station.

When an American rifle is stolen, Ae-shin is suspected, but turns out it was Gunner Jang who stole the gun. Eugene suspects her, but says he will protect her. We also learn the origin story of Goo Dong-mae. He was the son of butchers, the lowest of the commoners and reviled. His mother forced him to run away from home, to avoid the life of a butcher’s son. When his parents are beaten, Ae-shin saves Yu-jin. We also meet Ae-shin’s fiance, Kim Hui-seung, who has finally come home from Japan. He’s a gambling, good for nothing and Ae-shin does not seem happy to see him.

We talk about how both Eugene and Dong-mae were victims of abuse, left Joseon and are now back in Joseon, but with loyalties to another country. We also talk about how the mothers of Ae-shin, Yu-ji and Dong-mae all sacrificed themselves to save their child. We also talk about the complicated relationship between Ae-shin and Eugene.

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5.4 - Review of Episode 4 of Mr. Queen

Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 4 of Mr. Queen, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Shin Hye-sun as Kim So-yong, Kim Jung-hyun as King Cheojong, Seol In-ah as Jo Hwa-jin, Na In-woo as Kim Byeong-in, and Choi Jin-hyuk as Jang Bong-hwan. We discuss: Then songs we played during the recap: Conspiracyby Kim Deuk-su and Lost Memory by Howl. Last week’s episode was so funny, while this episode is really dark and there are bad guys everywhere. The Queen has figured out that it was the King who tried to kill her in the alleyway. The King is still desperately trying to figure out what the Queen knows. The many plots to frame someone for the Queen falling into the lake. The Queen accuses the King of going after her because she’s weak; this makes him wonder if the Queen is plotting against him or if she really is someone different. Jo Hwa-jin goes to Grand Dowager Queen to confess they she pushed the Queen into the lake When the King tries to defend Jo H...

11.5 - Podcast Review of Episode 5 of When Life Gives You Tangerines

Today, we’ll be ing 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 an...

11.1 - Podcast Review of When Life Gives You Tangerines

Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 1 of When Life Gives You Tangerines , the hit K Drama on Netflix starring IU as Oh Ae-sun and Park Bo-gum as Yang Gwan-sik. We discuss: The song featured during the recap: Midnight Walk by d.ear. The song feels nostalgic and represents Ae-sun’s longing for the past. The deeper themes of family, love, and survival that make this show feel unique compared to other historical K Dramas. The emotional opening with an elderly Ae-sun reflecting on the word "eomma" (mom) and how it carries deep significance throughout her life. The realistic and historical setting of Jeju Island, which makes this drama feel different from the more fantastical K Dramas we have covered before. The contrast between the English title, When Life Gives You Tangerines , and the Korean title Pokssak Sogatsuda , which means "You’ve worked hard" in Jeju dialect. The introduction of young Ae-sun and Gwan-sik and how their childhood relationship sets t...

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