K Drama Chat Weekly

Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 2 of Start-Up , the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Bae Suzy as Seo Dal-mi, Nam Joo-hyuk as Nam Do-san, Kim Seon-ho as Han Ji-pyeong, Kang Han-na as Won In-jae, and Kim Hae-sook as Choi Won-deok. We discuss: The songs featured during the recap: “Day and Night” by Jung Seung Hwan and “Start-Up” by Kim Dong Hyeok. The parallels between this episode and Cyrano de Bergerac , with a mysterious letter-writer and mistaken identity. The warmth and complexity of the relationship between Choi Won-deok and Han Ji-pyeong, and how their past connects them to Dal-mi’s present. Seo Dal-mi’s struggle to prove her life choices were valid, especially when compared to her sister’s seemingly perfect life. Dal-mi’s determination to attend the networking event and show off a successful partner, despite the nonexistence of Nam Do-san as she imagines him. The brutal and unfair treatment Dal-mi receives at her job, and how her lack of a college degree limits her o...

Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 1 of Start-Up , the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Bae Suzy as Seo Dal-mi, Nam Joo-hyuk as Nam Do-san, Kim Seon-ho as Han Ji-pyeong, Kang Han-na as Won In-jae, and Kim Hae-sook as Choi Won-deok. We discuss: The songs we featured during the recap: “Future” by Red Velvet and “A Small Post Box of Hope” by Park Se-jun. The heartbreaking and hopeful relationship between Han Ji-pyeong and Choi Won-deok, who gives him a place to stay and helps launch his future. The idea that sometimes, people don’t fall on soft sand—they fall on concrete—and what that means for those who risk everything to start a business. The many business concepts introduced in this episode: startups, angel investors, venture capitalists, incubators, and accelerators. The heartbreaking story of Seo Dal-mi’s father, who dies just as he achieves the first step in scaling his business. The metaphor and origin of the name “Sandbox” and what it means for entrepreneurs. The painful separa...

Today, we’re doing a special episode on Bon Appétit, Your Majesty , the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Lee Chae Min as King Yi Heon and Im Yoon A as Yeon Ji Yeong. We are joined by the amazing Ernabel Demillo to discuss: The featured song during the recap: I Find You by Do Young. How Bon Appétit, Your Majesty is a light-hearted, romantic, and food-filled drama inspired by the dark reign of King Yeonsangun. The show’s unique blend of historical fiction, time travel, romance, and culinary arts — with food as a central character and storytelling device. The story of King Yeonsangun, the real tyrant who inspired the fictional King Yi Heon, and how the drama reimagines his story. A comparison to Mr. Queen and why this show, though similar on the surface, is more about food, love, and redemption than gender-bending comedy. Im Yoon A and Lee Chae Min’s incredible chemistry, with Lee Chae Min’s breakout performance being especially notable given his short preparation time. The st...

Today, we have a special episode of K Drama Chat where we’re joined by longtime listener, friend, and screenwriter, Ellen Sullivan . We talk about the art and science of screenwriting and how the best K Dramas follow—or creatively depart from—dramatic structure to deliver compelling, emotional stories. In this episode, we discuss: The shows that are heavily spoiled in this episode: Crash Landing On You , Mr. Queen , Mr. Sunshine , When the Phone Rings , and Captivating the King . Ellen’s background as a screenwriter and technical writer, and how her passion for K Dramas began with My Mister. The Western three-act structure versus the Korean four-act structure (gi-seung-jeon-gyeol), and how each style approaches storytelling and character development. Detailed examples of setup, midpoint, and conclusion in Crash Landing On You , Mr. Queen , and Mr. Sunshine . What makes these shows work: believable character arcs, clear motivations, strong midpoint turns, and emotional payof...