Today, we’ll be doing a single, special episode on Dynamite Kiss, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Ahn Eun-jin as Go Da-rim, Jang Ki-young as Gong Ji-hyeok, Kim Mu-jun as Kim Seon-u, Woo Da-vi as Yoo Ha-young, and a fantastic supporting cast. We discuss:
The songs we featured during the recap: Don’t Give It Up by BBGirls, Love Is by Sondia, and Face to Face by The Stray, plus a shoutout to the instrumental The Moment You Hold by Byung Dong Wook.
Why this show felt like a “dessert” watch—light, bingeable, and fun after heavier dramas, yet still charming enough to deserve its own episode.
How the story flips expectations by starting with a kiss early on and then developing the romance.
The undeniable chemistry between the leads and how their longing, misunderstandings, and obstacles keep viewers hooked.
Gong Ji-hyeok as a trsundere lead - he starts out cold and uncaring, but we know he’s a softie on the inside, loves his moom deeply, and has deep love for Go Dar-rim.
Go Da-rim’s journey from self-doubt to confidence and success, making her the emotional center of the story.
The dynamic (and sometimes frustrating) second leads, including an unconvincing romantic pairing that sparked debate.
The idea of the “dynamite kiss” as a powerful emotional and possibly even physical connection that drives the entire story.
Memorable early scenes like the Cinderella-style transformation, the blue dress, the fireworks, and the tangerine moment that reveals Da-rim’s kindness.
How the middle part of the series was muddled and middling.
A deeper look at the villains and why their motivations and overlapping schemes felt weak and diluted the tension
The heartfelt relationships between the mothers and how their kindness shapes the values and love story of the main couple
The over-the-top but entertaining finale, complete with dramatic twists, memory loss, and a full-circle return to Jeju.
The joyful, Bollywood-style ending dance sequence and what it reveals about the tone of the show and the cast’s chemistry
Final recommendations and what we’re watching now, including new dramas and recent favorites
References
K Drama Chat is a weekly podcast where we take one Korean (K) Drama each season and and recap and analyze each episode. K Drama Chat is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and Pandora.
You missed mentioning the best Jong Ki-Young drama ever - Search WWW from 2019! He plays a younger video game songwriter who quickly becomes involved with an older woman (trope) who works at a search engine company. He is utterly charming throughout as he tries to convince her to be in a relationship with her. The story line is fascinating about search engines and web portals (the techie part reminded me a bit of Start Up) and involves two other strong female characters in the storyline. And smaller roles for Lee Jae Wook and Byeon Woo-Seok, too! Not sure why this drama doesn’t get more attention, but it is worth a watch, if only to be charmed by Jong Ki-Young!
ReplyDeleteOMG! Thank you for pointing this out. Just looked up Search WWW and not only does it look wonderful, it's in my professional wheelhouse! Wow! Search WWW looks like it's on Viki AND available on Amazon Prime through a trial of the CJ ENM Selects streaming platform. Sigh. Another platform, I can't keep up and I can't subscribe to something else . Gotta watch my pennies! Thank you for this!
DeleteI listen often to your podcast and really enjoy it. I haven’t commented before, but for those who can’t afford another streaming service or maybe even any streaming service, I thought I’d mention that Search WWW is free on Tubi. Tubi has a large selection of k-dramas and movies, so it’s worth checking out. I’ve found some interesting dramas there.
DeleteThank you all for very entertaining podcast.
ReplyDeleteI think we need more of these podcasts. Maybe Malcolm & Ellen can join you more often on wrap up episodes. Or you can do more of these in-between-episodes.
I felt a bit honoured for being mentioned through out the episode. I was a bit cast like the antagonist of the series hahaha , but it was all fair and accurate and Malcolm’s comments really made me laugh.
I thought the series was below average. It started well enough, but I was ready to drop it by E5, or 6. However, with the heavy use of the FF button I managed to get to the end. I won’t go into analytical mode, because I don’t see a point in that. That was a series to laugh about together for those who enjoyed it. It wasn’t a serious discussion material, and I am SO glad it wasn’t picked for an entire season.
I will say one thing though. The reasons I didn’t enjoy it that much (I had some fun though) wasn’t the over dose of fluffiness or terrible triangle (although these were contributing factors), it was above all the writing, maybe direction, and poor casting of 2nd couple since they completely lacked chemistry.
All that said, I honestly didn’t hate it. It was too harmless.
I have started and dropped “Signal” after 4 episodes. I loved the first episode, and I have liked all 4 episodes, but I am just not interested in this format. I just don’t find it engaging to have a case spanning only few episodes. If the whole series was about one case, then I would have kept watching. I think because I watched SO many American detective TV series of episodic nature, I am fed up with this format.
I have started “You and everything else” (Netflix). After 4 episodes, I am loving it. If they maintain this level, it will undoubtedly be a contender for the top spot at the year’s end.
I wouldn't describe Signal as only having cases which span a few episodes? It's the longer story arc that makes the drama so good, IMO.
DeleteDoremi,
DeleteAgreed, there is the big arc, and I was down for that one too, but the "meat" of these episodes is the new cases.
If I am wrong, and the format eventually become fully about the original question, then let me know, and I will re-start.
I have only "soft dropped it". In other words, I didn't check the end and burnt my bridges. I left the door open. As I said, I did like what I have seen, but not enough to keep watching for 16 episodes.
Give it another try:-)In my opinion, it' s one of the best dramas I' ve ever watched.(And this coming from someone who prefers ' slice of life 'dramas) It's a masterclass in storytelling .It's based on true cold cases, the characters are compelling and there is character growth, moral dilemma, emotional depth suspense and so much more. And I agree with Doremi, that the longer story arc makes it extraordinary good.
DeleteI will certainy check out 'You and everything else'.
Hi Seven Seas and Naf
DeleteI checked the episode synopses, and Ep 5 is where we start to learn FL Cha Soo-hyun''s backstory, so I suggest you dip back into it, SS, and give it another try.
The overall arc is the point of the story, the timelines weave in and out of each other, and the ending is obvs meant to leave things open for a second season. So definitely not intended to be a straightforward procedural drama.
Seven Seas, glad you liked this episode! We had a blast! And thanks for being a good sport about Malcolm's comment.
DeleteI agree with Naf and Doremi that you should come back to Signal. All of the stories somehow tie together in a wonderful way. And even though I know how the show ends, Signal has high rewatch value. The acting is great, the cinematography is wonderful, and the storyline is so original! Both my husband and 15yo loved this show!
Hi Seven Seas, "You and Everything Else" was really well done IMO and well worth it, even though parts of it were heartbreaking. Both FLs were great. Will be interested to see what you think.
DeleteSeven Seas, glad you enjoyed the podcast - even if this show was not your cup of tea! I'm surprised you watched as much of it as you did!
DeleteThanks everyone for a great episode! I couldn’t get into Start up, so it’s been a while and it felt so good to listen to a new episode of my favourite podcast, and with Malcom and Ellen, it made for a great chat! ☺️
ReplyDeleteI don’t watch many modern dramas (I’m stuck on historicals) but heard a lot of good about Dynamite Kiss and heck, who doesn’t love a sweet rom com when life gets busy?! 😉 So I started watching it and loved the first 3 episodes, then I was discouraged with how the ML treated the FL. After 5 episodes, I wasn’t sure anymore but I needed to see it through haha. And then, honestly a lot of it I quite enjoyed, the two mains were very strong with great chemistry and I loved the two older moms and how they supported each other, and also the group of moms at the office. The solidarity they showed to each other and the leadership that Go Darim took up (great character developement) as they embarked on something new, against a lot of odds (it’s tough balancing work and being a mom), was very touching! I teared up a few times and was rooting for all those moms and the assistant (he was so cute and I’m glad he started dating one of the moms, who was also so cute).
But then, it took a while to finish and admittedly, I was relieved when I made it to the end of episode 14! 😆 And so listening to the podcast, I was able to understand the show and also why it was not perfect (they can’t all be!) I was happy to réminiscence the last episode, because it was a great finale and I don’t think I enjoyed as much as I wanted to because I was looking forward to being done. So, listening to this episode kind of brought all that to a happier close for me, thanks! 😊
I look forward to the next season, I had Our unwritten soûls on my watchlist, but waited because I had a feeling it would be chosen for a season with Kdrama Chat. 🤓 And I’m very glad it did! I’ll try watching it in real time and following along with the podcast, it’s my favourite way to enjoy a show with the podcast and I’ll probably rope my husband Ryan in to join me.
Have a great week everyone!
Béatrice Lyne, welcome back! Yes, Dynamite Kiss is sweet and light, and sometimes, that's just what we need. I'm watching Encounter right now. It is so predictable, but the leads are great and the show doesn't make me think too hard.
DeleteExcited to have you watch Our Unwritten Seoul with us. Sung Hee and I recorded 14.1 yesterday. After rewatching episode 1 couple of times, we have so much respect for Park Bo Young! This is going to be a great season! Thanks for listening!
Nice wrap up of Dynamite Kiss, and great to have some special guests on the podcast. I see I wasn't the only one skipping through the silliness, especially the pointless amnesia storyline.
ReplyDeleteI've mentioned before that the ML was just like the men in the old Mills and Boon romance novels in his (mis)treatment of the FL, and I can't say that I enjoyed that, particularly.
I'm also surprised that not everyone caught the Disney Cinderalla reference with the blue dress. I did love the end credit sequence to bits.
Having said all of that, I understand the appeal of DK. I am a fan of the much-maligned King the Land, which also had a ho-hum succession subplot, among other flaws. I don't care what anyone says, I can (and will) watch Yoona and her grandmother teach Lee Junho how to be the perfect boyfriend until the cows come home!
This was a special episode because of Ellen and Malcolm. And yes, we all missed the Cinderella reference! Gong Ji Hyeok even mentioned Cinderella! Haha!
DeleteYes, Ji Hyeok is like one of those tsundere characters in a Mills and Boon romance novel. Boy did I read a lot of those as a kid! DK even had a gratuitous abs scene!
I didn't hate King the Land, I just thought it had a weak plot and it was very predicable. The whole Thailand thing was just silly. But you know, sometimes, we need silly!
I think the whole Thailand thing was PPL for the Thai tourism board! And a chance for the lead couple to indulge in some water play...
DeleteThinking about it, KTL was probably my first Kdrama romcom ('first love' ha ha), so maybe that's why I like it better than Business Proposal or Secretary Kim, even though it's technically not as 'good'. The heart wants what it wants, as they say. :)
Doremi, I'm a fan of King the Land - and basically anything Yoona is in. Sometimes you need those stereotypical poor girl meets rich guy cliche K Dramas to just feel good.
DeleteGood to know there is someone else who loves it. :) I thought Yoona and Lee Junho had great chemistry in KTL, and I loved the little flight attendant 2nd couple, too.
DeleteThanks for this very pleasant episode with great guests.I consider Dynamite Kiss a very enjoyable, parody like romance, featuring great leading actors and a far from perfect script. It lacks depth and was therefore perfect for this in between episode. I'm very much looking foreward to ' Our Unwritten Seoul'.
ReplyDeleteI realised my comment sounded pretty harsh, but yes, there is much to enjoy, especially at the beginning. Leads are good, the 'dynamite kiss' concept is great (basically the 'glass slipper' in the story) and the mums and workmates are also well worth watching. It's light as a feather, and sometimes that's just what we need.
DeleteNaf, we are in agreement with you about Dynamite Kiss. It was just plain fun, which is why we decided to discuss it in one episode. Our Unwritten Seoul is going to be a great show to dive into! Woot!
DeleteGreat podcast episode - agree w/ everyone that DK was good for one episode not a season, and great to hear Ellen and Malcolm! I think these interim episodes are a good format. Anyway I think Jang Ki-Yong is a great actor. One way I rate actors is how much I dislike them after they play a villain and after "My Mister" I really disliked Jang Ki-Yong. (Same with Ahn Bo-Hyun after "Itaewon Class"). He was very good in "Atypical Family" and I also liked the Kmovie "Sweet and Sour" - he co-starred with Chae Soo-bin and Krystal in that one (both on Netflix). "Sweet and Sour" also had triangles but they it had a good twist to it. He also had a great cameo in "Touch Your Heart". Overall for DK - definitely went to Argan with the amnesia, and I don't think it made full use of either lead's range of skills. But it's good to watch a fluffy show at times. In terms of contemporary fluff shows I enjoyed "Spring Fever" more (which had teenage Miji in it). But I'll always compare rich chaebol/sweet woman kdramas to "Business Proposal" and haven't seen anything that executed as well as that did.
ReplyDeleteI finished "My Love from the Star" and it was long but lived up to the billing. I'm trying not to blow through "Our Unwritten Seoul" to wait for the podcast but it's difficult not to (it's so good the second time around as I expected). I started "Boyfriend on Demand" to see if Jisoo's skills have gotten better. So far she's good for the material.
SD guy,
DeleteMy ultimate fluffy/silly series is also "Business Proposal". I actually liked that one a lot. WAAAY more than DK. The entire cast had great chemistry with each other. The second couple was as good, if not better, than the main one.
The humour (I admit this is very personal though) was much more my thing. The first 4 or 5 episodes were hillarious.
And, the FL was much more charismatic (although I think DK FL is a better actress).
The story was also tighter.
And, I also think it was more tongue in cheek, and showed very clearly that it knew what it was.
I am 6 episodes in "You and Everything Else". In the last 2 episodes the series took a direction I was hoping it will deviate from despite being heavily foreshadowed. But, still, I am still loving it. The 2 FL are indeed great as characters and actresses.
I'm another huge fan of Business Proposal. There's great chemistry and the story doesn't take itself too seriously. Maybe another one off review?!?!?
DeleteJust final words about the love triangle business.
ReplyDeleteI don’t dislike all of them. Actually, I like, or even love, many work of arts with love triangles ( Even “One Spring Night” can technically be called a triangle and I loved it).
But, I want the triangles to be about genuine choices, about being pulled by two powerful forces in different directions, about choices that put characters in dilemmas and conflicting priorities (love vs friendship. Love vs duty, etc).
I want triangles that push me along with characters to think and ponder.
I want to enjoy the process and the journey more than the final outcome.
What I hate is the type of triangles presented to us like some match, or competition. And Oh! This character won in arm-wrestle. But, hey the other one can drink more. Wait, she has such cool bag, but not as great shoes.
Some triangles try to do a balanced job, but they are doomed by the casting , and very unequal characters. I don’t hate these, but I dislike them, because they are complete waste of time. The outcome is blindly obvious, and there is no depth.
Ironically, the worst love triangles are actually in romances, because they are the focus. So, if they are done badly (and they usually are) the effect is magnified.
In conclusion, as Kdrama is no longer a novelty, I am highly unlikely to watch series with 2nd type. The 3rd type is still tolerable (maybe FF the cringe scenes) if all other aspects are very good. The length of the series is also a factor.
But, art is not science. You can’t create equations for your taste. You sample things, and decide.