Korean Drama Podcast

We wrap up the fourth season of the Korean Drama Podcast with our final reflections on Pachinko Season 1

Is it over already? On this episode we recap the season finale of Pachinko

On episode 7 of Pachinko, Koh Hansu tries to survive the chaos of the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake

On episode 6 of Pachinko, we welcome a new baby, but was it the baby we were expecting?

We recap the 5th episode of Pachinko as Sunja finally makes it to Osaka and Solomon continues his quest to find Hana

It's all about weddings, curses, and ducks on our recap of chapter 4 of Pachinko

We trade Hansu's fedora for Isak's tuberculosis on the 3rd episode of Pachinko

Hot takes galore on our recap of the second episode of Pachinko

We kick off our watch of the new Korean family epic drama PACHINKO

Get ready for a new season of the Korean Drama Podcast with our season 4 primer episode!

We wrap up the third season of the Korean Drama Podcast with our final reflections on Itaewon Class.

We're finally at the series finale of Itaewon Class!

We're finally at the penultimate episode of Itaewon Class!

Whew, episode 14 of Itaewon Class ends with quite a crash

Episode 13 timeskips the DamBam crew to 2020, where Sae-ro-yi is now a big time CEO, but still refuses to change his blowcut!

On episode 12 of Itaewon Class, the DamBam crew faces a financial crisis

Episode 11 of Itaewon Class features big business moves, tearful reunions, and broken hearts

On episode 10, Saeroyi finds justice, but is his revenge satisfied?

On episode 9 of Itaewon Class, Saeroyi reopens his bar in a new neighborhood while Jang Dae-hee tries to poach his people

With this episode, we're officially halfway through Itaewon Class!

On episode 7 of Itaewon Class, Darth Father makes his move to take on Roy Bowlcut and his upstart pub

On episode 6 of Itaewon Class, Darth Father schemes, Joker creeps, and Roy Bowlcut gets into stonks

Things pop off in the club on episdoe 5 of Itaewon Class

On episode 4 of Itaewon Class, Roy Bowlcut continues his slow burn path to revenge, by bonding with his employees over karaoke and punching out creepers

On episode 3 of Itaewon Class, Roy Bowlcut's long road to revenge begins... with opening a pub!

Believe it or now, episode 2 of Itaewon Class contains TEN YEARS of story!

We dive into another fresh Korean Drama with our recap of episode 1 of Itaewon Class!

Get ready for a new season of the Korean Drama Podcast with our season 3 primer episode!

We wrap up the second season of the Korean Drama Podcast with our final reflections on Secret Garden.

At last, we've arrived at the finale episode of Secret Garden

We recap the penultimate episode of Secret Garden!

On episode 18, everything gets reset with an 11th hour amnesia storyline!

On episode 17 of Secret Garden, the secret connections between Grunge Princess and Richie Rich are finally revealed

On episode 16 of Secret Garden, Richie confronts his greatest fear, Grunge does stunts, and John Mayer does a Love, Actually

On episode 15 of Secret Garden, Richie Rich and Grunge Princess' secrets are revealed!

On episdoe 14 of Secret Garden, we meet our new favorite character Champagne Frank!

On episode 13 of Secret Garden our heroes continue their mid-series holding pattern around each other as we head towards a confrontation with Richie's mom

On Episode 12 of Secret Garden, we learn all about finance and contract law

We entertain ourselves as we enter the mid-series lull in episode 11 of Secret Garden.

We recap episode 10 of Secret Garden as Hottie and Richie Rich battle for Grunge Princess' attention but end up in bed together (nothing happened unfortunately)!

We try to recap episode 9 of Secret Garden but get ambushed by a Hottie thirst trap

We recap episode 8 in Secret Garden as Grunge Princess and Richie Rich continue their battle of wits in their borrowed bodies

We recap episode 7 of Secret Garden as the body switching shenanigans continue!

We recap episode 6 of Secret Garden, and things have gone a little freaky (friday)

We recap episode 5 of Secret Garden, does the garden finally make an appearance?

We recap episode 4 of the 2010 Korean Drama series Secret Garden, has the body switching happened yet?

We recap episode 3 of the 2010 Korean Drama series Secret Garden

We recap episode 2 of the 2010 Korean Drama series Secret Garden

Season 2 of the Korean Drama Podcast starts with a new (old) drama and new hosts! Steve Lim, Kathy Yamamoto, and Kim Cooper take over recapping duties as they dive into the 2010 K-Drama Secret Garden

Get ready for season 2 of the Korean Drama Podcast with this primer episode!

And that's a wrap on the first season of the Korean Drama Podcast. On this episode, our hosts reunite (a little over a year after recording episode 25) to reflect on their experiences and watching the podcast grow over the past year! Thanks to all of our listeners who've stuck with us over the past few months, we can't wait to do this again! SEE YOU NEXT SEASON!

ALMOST PARADIIIIIIIISE! We are finally at the series finale of Boys over Flowers, how will chronic kidnap victim Jan Di get through to the amnesiac Perm Boy? Never fear though, this 11th hour amnesia storyline gets resolved with the oldest Jan Di trick in the book, getting rescued! After 25 episodes of K-Drama goodness, our hosts finally take some time to reflect on what they've accomplished. Kudos and pats on the back all around! Note: Stay tuned, we're recording an "aftermath" episode this weekend for release next week as our hosts take a look back at the podcast, one year after recording the original audio. Tweet your questions at @koreandramapod Episode 25 Synopsis: They've dealt with amnesia, car accidents and interrupted weddings, but in the shocking finale of Boys Over Flowers, Jan Di puts her love of Jun Pyo to the ultimate test. Will they get their happily ever after, or will the romance of the plucky schoolgirl and the arrogant playboy prove too different to last?

We are at the penultimate episode of Boys over Flowers and they really pull out the big guns this episode! Epic cries, Spa Scenes, and the mother of all K-Drama tropes... AMNESIA!!!!!! Listen as our hosts simultaneously roll their eyes and get drawn into the drama on this episode of the Korean Drama Podcast! Episode 24 Synopsis: Jun Pyo's mother loses her grip on her family when they discover who the comatose man really is. Jan Di struggles to make ends meet. Jun Pyo goes on a mission to find her, but an unexpected accident threatens to test their relationship more than it's ever been tested before.

Boys over Flowers refuses to end, and so the Korean Drama Podcast valiantly continues our vow to see this series through! In this episode we have crying, hospital scenes, cute picnics, bitter breakups, and all the other K-Drama tropes you crave! Our hosts also share stories of being starstruck, and wonder why nobody on this series looks each other in the eyes while talking. Episode 23 Synopsis: Furious with the outcome of the wedding, Jun Pyo's mother turns her ire on not just Jan Di, but all of Jan Di's friends and loved ones. Jan Di herself is left with a choice: Fight for her love and risk her friends, or protect everyone by saying goodbye to Jun Pyo forever?

The wedding nobody is excited about is finally here! How will Jan Di celebrate? By getting kidnapped of course. Join our hosts as they recap the epic conclusion to the Boys Over Flowers saga. Will love(?) triumph over all? What there's still 3 episodes left?!?!?!?!?!! Also, Phil shares his much more interesting list of possible Boys Over Flowers spin-off shows (my favorite is the Secret Life of Ringo). Episode 22 Synopsis: It's time for the wedding, but when the priest asks if anyone has objections, the entire audience is surprised by the answer. Meanwhile, Yi Jung struggles to cope with Ga Eul's demands, and Jan Di is enlisted as a caretaker for a mysterious comatose man. Who is he, and what is his connection to the Goo business?

This week, we are treated to the leadup to the least anticipated K-Drama wedding ever. In other news, pottery boy cries in the car as his bro pours crappy lattes, Jan Di models for food, and our hosts wonder what Ringo is up to (probably fighting fools). Oh and people stand in flower fields and stare off into distance, you know, K-Drama style! Episode 21 Synopsis: Jan Di and Jae Kyung have an honest talk about their feelings for Jun Pyo. Yi Jung and Ga Eul get away from it all and try to hash out their differences. Jae Kyung prepares to walk down the aisle, but no one, including the groom, is ready where it counts.

We're on the final stretch, it's episode 20! In this episode, Jan Di is homeless now (because apparently she has no real friends) and becomes a maid in Perm Boy's family, Perm Boy still doesn't know what he wants, and a shocking cliffhanger ending! Also, our hosts talk about Lucid dreams and their own high school experiences with student government. Episode 20 Synopsis: With her family gone and her wallet empty, Jan Di has little choice but to accept Jun Hee's invitation and work at the Goo mansion. But such close proximity does things to Jun Pyo's heart, and even Jae Kyung can't stay blind forever. What will happen with all major players are together under one roof?

In this episode, our hosts recap Boys Over Flowers #19, Perm Boy's mom continues her spy games, surprise pizza trucks, how pottery boy sucks now, but Ringo is still keeping it real. Also, our hosts explain the strange and punitive world of Korean childrens' games. Episode 19 Synopsis: Jun Pyo's mother delivers a warning to Jan Di. Ji Hoo tries to cope with his past. Yi Jung falls into a self-destructive spiral. No one is in a good place when they meet for a housewarming party, but an impromptu game of "Truth or Dare" proves more revealing than they ever expected.

Just another episode of Boys over Flowers, innocent misunderstandings, Ringo fighting fools, Jun Pyo realizing that he's a jerk... wait that's new! In this episode, Perm Boy finally learns that he's been a dick for the past 17 episodes and tries to make good, by learning to eat ramyun! Ramyun so good that our hosts go on an extended discussion on the goodness of ramyun. Episode 18 Synopsis: Jae Kyung makes a move on Jun Pyo. With kisses shared and rings exchanged, their wedding seems like a done deal, but Jun Pyo can't resist one last trip to Jan Di's house. Will he be able to accept a future without her? Does Jan Di even want him anymore?

It's episode 17! As we move towards the final arcs of Boys Over Flowers, we're introduced to a pottery girl, witness a ramen challenge, and Perm Boy learned to swim?!?!?! (Character development!) Also, Jan Di needs to be saved a lot and there's a bunch of misunderstandings. Just another week with the F4! Episode 17 Synopsis: Family drama abounds as Ji Hoo struggles with his past and Yi Jung is forced to deal with his philandering father. Even Jun Pyo confronts his mother, but the answers he receives do little to change the situation he's stuck in. With wedding bells looming, how much longer can the act really last?

In episode 16, JK (Perm Boy's fiance), whom all the hosts kinda like, tries to be friends with everyone but really just causes more drama. We also learn more about our hosts' relationship with sleepovers, drinking culture, and Korean food (Specifically the lies Will's mom told him about soba noodles). Episode 16 Synopsis: She may be Jun Pyo's new fiancee, but Jan Di finds it hard to hate the fun, friendly Jae Kyung, which gets her into trouble when Jae Kyung wants advice for the best way to win Jun Pyo's heart. Jun Pyo's mother isn't making things any easier, either... especially now that she's targeting Jan Di's family.

Our heroes wrap up their adventures in Macau and return to birthday parties, new jobs, and ... MORE DRAMA! Our hosts struggle to root for the relationships the show wants them to root for, and the relationships they actually want to root for. Also, a (very) in depth discussion on strategies to tackle public restrooms. Episode 15 Synopsis: Jun Pyo is falling to pieces without Jan Di, but reconciliation is further than ever when his mother makes a surprise announcement about his future. Jan Di wonders if the pain is even worth it. Ji Hoo tries his hand at damage control. Jae Kyung just wants to go home.

In this episode, more fun in Macau (including masks and gondola karaoke) and more drama with Perm Boy's mama! Our hosts discuss if it's possible to have a sudden change of heart. They also discuss where the "Boys over Flowers" actors are now and imagine an alternate Korean Drama following Pottery Boy and Ringo's action detective adventures. Episode 14 Synopsis: Still in Macau, Jan Di meets a friendly stranger named Jae Kyung, but of course there's more to the story that what meets the eye. The F4 confront Jun Pyo about how he's treating Jan Di. What secrets are driving him to ignore the girl he loves? How did his mother get to him?

TIME SKIP! We catch up with our plucky K-Drama heroes as we enter what is essentially "season 2" of Boys Over Flowers. In this episode, we follow Jan Di to Macau in search of the Perm Boy who left her behind. Host Will also learns where and what a Macau is. Oh, and the mystery of the Juk man deepens.

Picking up from last episode's cliffhanger, Jan Di is rescued from the creepy model guy and the crew takes (another) trip to unwind, this time to the slopes! In this episode, possessive gift giving, why Jun Pyo needs to stop trusting mean girls, Jan Di's fainting problem, cute DIY bentos, and consensual kissing!

In this episode, a delicious ramyun scene, suspicious modeling jobs, and all around poor decision making from our heroine Jan Di as she ends up on the wrong side (again!) of the F4. We also meet a nice boy/potential love rival that seems almost too well adjusted for this show... until he suddenly becomes a creepy kidnapper...

Last week our "one true pairing" finally came together, so in Korean drama world, that can only mean one thing... it's time for the CURVEBALL! The tilt comes in the form of Perm Boy's mother (perm-mom?) who does not approve of the sorta cute and cheesy relationship we've grown to tolerate over the past 9 episodes. Our hosts analyze her multi-phase Machiavellian plot to separate our plucky heroes. Will she succeed?

The creepy sleepover continues into episode 9 of Boys Over Flowers as Jun Pyo (the Perm Boy) is treated to his very own commoner montage and discovers what he's been missing all his life. This episode then introduces us to a real jerk boyfriend, sweet club revenge, and finally, a for reals consensual kiss! Also, our hosts share their Korean spa stories.

After a slow episode last week, episode 8 of *Boys Over Flowers* has it all, a long and complicated con, robot grudges, custom hockey jerseys, and creepy sleepovers! We also learn about our hosts' childhood hairstyles (including the fact that one of them had a child perm).

This week we learn that sports can solve all of life's problems, specifically horse riding, car racing, and swimming! We also meet some new characters including older sisters and the first adult in the series (who turns out to be useless). Also, some Fast and Furious talk!

This episode, our hosts are treated to some eye candy, wonder what purpose Ringo plays in the story, and contemplate the show's playlist of 4 songs. And then finally, THE KISS! So it's over, our heroes get together and live happily ever after! Wait, there's 21 more episodes?!?!

In episode 5, it's all hard swings as we go from brutal bullying, to a dashing rescue, to an... island vacation episode? As our hosts are treated to an advertisement for the island of New Caledonia, they also chat about beauty standards and personal Korean food tastes

In this episode, our hosts are faced with even more K-Drama tropes including personal space issues, awkward tardy dates (in the snow) and JEALOUSY! New rival Oh Minji adds drama to the drama and our hosts are powerless to resist. Also, Korean Drama bullying is no joke (don't bully)

Our host dive back into the story of Perm Boy, Violin Guy, Pottery Boy, and Ringo for Boys Over Flowers episode 3. As the hosts try to piece together the not quite love triangle (or a line with 3 points) forming among the characters, they continue to wonder where all the adults are?

In this episode, our hosts return to take on episode 2 of Boys Over Flowers. Still getting used to all the K-Drama tropes, our hosts are bewildered by "so many crimes", lavish school trips, and a bunch of semi-stalking. Also everyone loves the Pretty Unni/Cool Nuna.

Welcome to the Korean Drama season 1 premiere! In the first episode of the classic 2009 K-Drama Boys Over Flowers our hosts are introduced to the world of Shinhwa High School and its resident rich boy bullies the "F4" through the eyes of protagonist Jan Di.

Welcome to the Korean Drama Podcast, the K-Drama rewatch podcast by (and for) people who don't watch Korean Dramas. In this podcast, host Will Choi, creator of the Asian AF comedy show at UCB and host of the Drunk Monk podcast, invites some of his friends to join him each season to watch a different classic Korean Drama. Join us each week to experience the reactions of Will and his co-hosts to the dramatically over-the-top world of K-Dramas. Co-hosts Phil Yu, of the Angry Asian Man blog, and his wife Joanna join Will for the first season featuring the grand daddy of all Korean Dramas, Boys over Flowers!