AfterNoona Delight: KDrama Dishing and Deep Dives: Recent Episodes

Amy Pine, Lia Riley, and Megan Erickson

Annyeonghaseyo! We’re three best selling American novelists who explore the wonderfully wacky world of K-Romance through a writer’s lens. We fangirl over our favorite characters, debate our favorite tropes, and nerd out through K-drama deep dives. Expect a few K-pop and K-skincare recs for good measure, because why not ride the Hallyu wave all the way to shore? So grab some Tteokbokki and listen to your new favorite unnis. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/AfterNoonaDelightPodcast

At long last, Amy gets to gush about her Ahn Bo-Hyun awakening. Megan gets to say, "I told you so." And Lia gets to process why this drama just couldn't reel her in. Plus, we explore a question that has come up before: Can a drama move you enough to ignore plot holes and lapses in logic? If you listened to our "If You Wish Upon Me" episode, then you know where Amy and Megan stand on this one. Let's dive in with all our clothes on, folks. It's "See You In My 19th Life!"

K-Pop Rec: "I Love My Body" By Hwasa

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Audible is a sponsor of Afternoona Delight Podcast

Are your family and friends sick of you talking about K-drama? We get it...and have an answer. Join our AfterNoona Delight Patreon and find community among folks who get your obsession. And check out www.afternoonadelight.com for more episodes, book recs and social media goodness. And don't forget about the newest members of our network: Build an appetite for juicy living with It's Bananas, a podcast where the fruit maven shares how tasting new and diverse fruits leads to self-discovery, joy, and connection; and Afternoona Asks where diaspora Asians living in the West find ways to reconnect to Asian culture via Asian/KDramas.

Last but CERTAINLY not least....love BTS? Or curious what all the fuss is about? Check out our sister pod Afternoona Army for "thinky, thirsty and over thirty" takes on Bangtan life.

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Lia was told to watch MY BEAUTIFUL MAN by Alison. Then Megan. Then Alison. Then Megan. Then Alison just decided to bug her every single week about it until she relented. And guess what...she did love it Sam I Am! In fact, this is in her tippy top tier of dramas now. She rewatched three times in a week. With no friends and a stutter, Hira Kazunari (Riku Hagiwara) isn’t exactly enjoying his life as a high schooler. Things get complicated when he falls for the class’s “King”, Kiyoi Sou (Yusei Yagi). Adapted from the novel, “He, Who is Beautiful” by Nagira Yuu, “My Beautiful Man” is a 2021 romantic high school drama directed by Mai Sakai. The trope done best by this drama is that of the misunderstood hero. It's a chef's kiss. The only issue now is HOW DO WE WATCH THE MY BEAUTIFUL MAN MOVIE WHICH IS NOT AVAILABLE IN THE USA. GAH

Watch the trailer here.

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Ready to download your first audiobook? Don't forget to click HERE for your free Audible trial.
Audible is a sponsor of Afternoona Delight Podcast

Are your family and friends sick of you talking about K-drama? We get it...and have an answer. Join our AfterNoona Delight Patreon and find community among folks who get your obsession. And check out www.afternoonadelight.com for more episodes, book recs and social media goodness. And don't forget about the newest members of our network: Build an appetite for juicy living with It's Bananas, a podcast where the fruit maven shares how tasting new and diverse fruits leads to self-discovery, joy, and connection; and Afternoona Asks where diaspora Asians living in the West find ways to reconnect to Asian culture via Asian/KDramas.

Last but CERTAINLY not least....love BTS? Or curious what all the fuss is about? Check out our sister pod Afternoona Army for "thinky, thirsty and over thirty" takes on Bangtan life.

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

"Because This Is My First Life" is a South Korean drama that follows the lives of Seoul professionals in their 30s, struggling with societal expectations, relationships, and personal aspirations. Nam Se-hee, a programmer who values his solitude, enters into a marriage contract with Yoon Ji-ho, an aspiring writer in need of affordable housing. As they navigate the complexities of their unconventional arrangement, they become entangled in the romantic and professional challenges faced by their friends and colleagues. The series delves into themes of modern love, career pressures, and societal norms, exploring how these characters confront and reshape their lives to find happiness and fulfillment. If you have a soft spot for a marriage of convenience trope...and let's be real...who doesn't...then you'll want to get into it with us.

Does Lia explain how she almost died? Does Megan click her pen enough to make Amy wild? Also yes.

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Audible is a sponsor of Afternoona Delight Podcast

Are your family and friends sick of you talking about K-drama? We get it...and have an answer. Join our AfterNoona Delight Patreon and find community among folks who get your obsession. And check out www.afternoonadelight.com for more episodes, book recs and social media goodness. And don't forget about the newest members of our network, It's Bananas, because life doesn't make a lick of sense, but licking fruit does and Afternoona Asks where diaspora Asians living in the West find ways to reconnect to Asian culture via Asian/KDramas.

Last but CERTAINLY not least....love BTS? Or curious what all the fuss is about? Check out our sister pod Afternoona Army for "thinky, thirsty and over thirty" takes on Bangtan life.

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

It's another edition of Afternoona Uncensored! We're still sad without Megan, but we made it through! Lia shares a surprisingly intimate dog story. We answer lots of fun questions from the Patreon. And Amy tries once again to teach Lia the etiquette of saying goodbye. Hop on board, everyone!

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Ready to download your first audiobook? Don't forget to click HERE for your free Audible trial.
Audible is a sponsor of Afternoona Delight Podcast

Are your family and friends sick of you talking about K-drama? We get it...and have an answer. Join our AfterNoona Delight Patreon and find community among folks who get your obsession. And check out www.afternoonadelight.com for more episodes, book recs and social media goodness. And don't forget about the newest members of our network, It's Bananas, because life doesn't make a lick of sense, but licking fruit does and Afternoona Asks where diaspora Asians living in the West find ways to reconnect to Asian culture via Asian/KDramas.

Last but CERTAINLY not least....love BTS? Or curious what all the fuss is about? Check out our sister pod Afternoona Army for "thinky, thirsty and over thirty" takes on Bangtan life.

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

We may be missing Megan this week, but today we have a very special guest on the pod, Devin from Banter English! Join us as we discuss how we manifested our connection with Devin, her edtech start-up, and her involvement with the K-entertainment industry. Plus, we get into all our favorite Korean content and how Amy wants to eat her way through Seoul trying all of the street food.

K-Pop Rec: Love Me Again by V

Banter English: Banter English equips Korean entertainment companies with the English language and Western culture skills they need to excel on the global stage.

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Audible is a sponsor of Afternoona Delight Podcast

Are your family and friends sick of you talking about K-drama? We get it...and have an answer. Join our AfterNoona Delight Patreon and find community among folks who get your obsession. And check out www.afternoonadelight.com for more episodes, book recs and social media goodness. And don't forget about the newest members of our network, It's Bananas, because life doesn't make a lick of sense, but licking fruit does and Afternoona Asks where diaspora Asians living in the West find ways to reconnect to Asian culture via Asian/KDramas.

Last but CERTAINLY not least....love BTS? Or curious what all the fuss is about? Check out our sister pod Afternoona Army for "thinky, thirsty and over thirty" takes on Bangtan life.

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

We get into all things filthy rich, discussing what it is about chaebol dramas that hooks us, gushing about our favorite chaebol characters, and reminiscing about our first richie rich crushes. Stay tuned for a live, real-time reaction of THE dating news of the summer. With special guest Tonya from AfterNoona Army.

Kpop Rec:

Cure by The Rose

Black Rose by The Rose

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Audible is a sponsor of Afternoona Delight Podcast

Are your family and friends sick of you talking about K-drama? We get it...and have an answer. Join our AfterNoona Delight Patreon and find community among folks who get your obsession. And check out www.afternoonadelight.com for more episodes, book recs and social media goodness. And don't forget about the newest members of our network, It's Bananas, because life doesn't make a lick of sense, but licking fruit does and Afternoona Asks where diaspora Asians living in the West find ways to reconnect to Asian culture via Asian/KDramas.

Last but CERTAINLY not least....love BTS? Or curious what all the fuss is about? Check out our sister pod Afternoona Army for "thinky, thirsty and over thirty" takes on Bangtan life.

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

It all started with a message from Tonya to Amy on Instagram. "The Rose is playing a special Lollapalooza after show on Friday, August 4 in Chicago...would you want to go?" Spoiler alert. I said "YES," and I am now a changed woman. Join us for a very special Afternoona Delight and Afternoona Army collaboration with me (Amy) and Tonya as we recap the experience of seeing The Rose at their post Lolla midnight show at The Vic Theatre in Chicago. We take you on a meandering tour through the Chicago suburbs to a local K-Pop store, bubble tea cafe, and dinner and snacks at Joong Boo market before finally heading to the city to wait in a line two blocks long with the lovely, welcoming Black Rose community. Then...the transformative experience of seeing The Rose live, getting home at 3:00 a.m., and decompressing the day after. It's a whole journey, folks, and I'm so grateful to Tonya for taking me on it!

Places to visit if you're in the Chicago burbs...

Kpopstar in Mundelein
Bubble Tea Lab in Mundelein
Joong Boo Market in Glenview
The Vic Theatre in Chicago

The Rose Resources...

The Rosarium app
The Rose Heal Project on YouTube
Concert clips from Afternoona Army

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Audible is a sponsor of Afternoona Delight Podcast

Are your family and friends sick of you talking about K-drama? We get it...and have an answer. Join our AfterNoona Delight Patreon and find community among folks who get your obsession. And check out www.afternoonadelight.com for more episodes, book recs and social media goodness. And don't forget about the newest members of our network, It's Bananas, because life doesn't make a lick of sense, but licking fruit does and Afternoona Asks where diaspora Asians living in the West find ways to reconnect to Asian culture via Asian/KDramas.

Last but CERTAINLY not least....love BTS? Or curious what all the fuss is about? Check out our sister pod Afternoona Army for "thinky, thirsty and over thirty" takes on Bangtan life.

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

The tagline of Dream (2023, co-written and directed by Lee Byeong-heon) is: You are hopeless, helpless and homeless? No, you are NOT! Dream leans in hard to the classic underdog tropes and is loosely based on the real-life 2010 Homeless World Cup. Maybe you were moved and shed a tear like Megan or perhaps you felt a bit more meh like Amy and Lia. Either way, kick the sports ball plot down the (very small) field and ponder why IU was recording an entire documentary on her hand-held camera. Also, warning, Lia's Mpbs were not scoring any goals either.

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Want our thoughts on why everyone should watch I'm Not a Robot in a 500-word essay? More thinky and/or thirsty writer takes on your favorite shows? This is the place to get it. Sign up HERE!

Ready to download your first audiobook? Don't forget to click here for your free Audible trial: http://www.audibletrial.com/afternoona
Audible is a sponsor of Afternoona Delight Podcast

Are your family and friends sick of you talking about K-drama? We get it...and have an answer. Join our AfterNoona Delight Patreon and find community among folks who get your obsession. And check out www.afternoonadelight.com for more episodes, book recs and social media goodness. And don't forget about the newest members of our network, It's Bananas, because life doesn't make a lick of sense, but licking fruit does and Afternoona Asks where diaspora Asians living in the West find ways to reconnect to Asian culture via Asian/KDramas.

Last but CERTAINLY not least....love BTS? Or curious what all the fuss is about? Check out our sister pod Afternoona Army for "thinky, thirsty and over thirty" takes on Bangtan life.

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Good Bad Mother Deep Dive - A Good or Bad KDrama?

We have an Afternoona sister pod mashup as Afternoona Army Megan and Afternoona Asks Sarah crash the podcast to do a Deep Dive on Good Bad Mother. Megan & Sarah gush over Lee Doh Hyun’s performance, disagree on the humour in the drama and give a wag of the finger at the parental abuse depicted. However, these two romance fans loved the central couple and their love story.

We go into why this drama isn’t quite what you’d expect from the fluffy poster and cute pig intro and discuss all the contentious topics this drama generated during its airing earlier this year. Megan recs this drama but Sarah doesn't - found out why in the podcast!

KPop Rec of the week: Jungkook - Seven

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Audible is a sponsor of Afternoona Delight Podcast

Are your family and friends sick of you talking about K-drama? We get it...and have an answer. Join our AfterNoona Delight Patreon and find community among folks who get your obsession. And check out www.afternoonadelight.com for more episodes, book recs and social media goodness. And don't forget about the newest member of our network, It's Bananas, because life doesn't make a lick of sense, but licking fruit does.

Love BTS? Or curious what all the fuss is about? Check out our sister pod Afternoona Army for "thinky, thirsty and over thirty" takes on Bangtan life.

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

It's another episode of Afternoona Uncensored, and you know that that means! We've got Lia's harrowing travel story from the West Coast to not the East Coast; Would You Rathers; and a thoughtful discussion on why we discuss some of the things we discuss. That's a lot of discussing, but hey...That's what we do!

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Audible is a sponsor of Afternoona Delight Podcast

Are your family and friends sick of you talking about K-drama? We get it...and have an answer. Join our AfterNoona Delight Patreon and find community among folks who get your obsession. And check out www.afternoonadelight.com for more episodes, book recs and social media goodness. And don't forget about the newest member of our network, It's Bananas, because life doesn't make a lick of sense, but licking fruit does.

Love BTS? Or curious what all the fuss is about? Check out our sister pod Afternoona Army for "thinky, thirsty and over thirty" takes on Bangtan life.

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

We want to love every show. But sometimes...we don't. Join Lia and friend-of-the-pod (and Afternoona Army co-host) Alison for a frank discussion on what happens when you just aren't into a BL. Worse, what if it's a situation where one of you (Lia) doesn't love a drama that you (Alison) clutch to your heart? Dramas discussed: HIStory 3: Trapped and Candy Color Paradox.

Pod update: Lia tried to watch more HIStory 3: Trapped. She just CANNOT. SHE IS SORRY, ALISON!

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Audible is a sponsor of Afternoona Delight Podcast

Are your family and friends sick of you talking about K-drama? We get it...and have an answer. Join our AfterNoona Delight Patreon and find community among folks who get your obsession. And check out www.afternoonadelight.com for more episodes, book recs and social media goodness. And don't forget about the newest member of our network It's Bananas because life doesn't make a lick of sense, but licking fruit does.

Love BTS? Or curious what all the fuss is about? Check out our sister pod Afternoona Army for "thinky, thirsty and over thirty" takes on Bangtan life.

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

In today's episode, we celebrate one of our favorite actors who we want to see in all the meaty roles, Kim Sun-young. We take a look back at all she's alreay done. We fangirl over how she knocks it out of the park with every character she plays. And we toss out a few story ideas to give this amazing performer the spotlight she deserves.

Kpop Rec of the Week:

"Bet on Me" by ITZY

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Are your family and friends sick of you talking about K-drama? We get it...and have an answer. Join our AfterNoona Delight Patreon and find community among folks who get your obsession. And check out www.afternoonadelight.com for more episodes, book recs and social media goodness.

Love BTS? Or curious what all the fuss is about? Check out our sister pod Afternoona Army for "thinky, thirsty and over thirty" takes on Bangtan life.

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Today we throw in our opinions on the battle of this summer's rom coms between King the Land and See You In My 19th Life. We watch the first episode of each drama and weigh in on everything from chemistry, humor, and conflict. Which rom com are you on board with? Let us know if you agree with us!

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Ready to download your first audiobook? Don't forget to click here for your free Audible trial: http://www.audibletrial.com/afternoona
Audible is a sponsor of Afternoona Delight Podcast

Are your family and friends sick of you talking about K-drama? We get it...and have an answer. Join our AfterNoona Delight Patreon and find community among folks who get your obsession. And check out www.afternoonadelight.com for more episodes, book recs and social media goodness.

Love BTS? Or curious what all the fuss is about? Check out our sister pod Afternoona Army for "thinky, thirsty and over thirty" takes on Bangtan life.

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

The Black Moment in a story.

Dun. Dun. Dun.

This is the moment where the conflicts your protaganists have struggled with since the beginning of the story come to a head and all hope seems lost. Maybe the leads thought they could get past their issues, but a setback has happened to make them realize they were capital W wrong. The strongest black moments feed on the characters’ weaknesses and make them think those conflicts truly are insurmountable. This is the time for the writer to be as mean as possible. Take characters to the places where they feel hopeless about a possible bright future. In a romance, when writing a strong black moment, the leads subsequent happily ever after will feel more deserved. TL;DR: the darker the black moment, the happier the HEA feels.

Book reference: Gwen Hayes's Romancing the Beat

Order of Dramas Discussed (in order): SPOILER CITY YA'LL BEEN WARNED

Black Moments That Made Us Cry:
Bad and Crazy (Amy)
Happiness (Megan)
Mr. Queen (Lia)
Love Between Fairy and Devil (Megan's honorable mention)

Black Moment You Didn't See Coming:
Bloodhounds (Megan)
Little Women (Amy)
Strangers from Hell (Lia)

A Romance K-Drama with a Well-Plotted Black Moment:
Eighth Sense (Lia)
Mad for Each Other (Megan)
Crash Landing on You (Amy)

What's a Drama With A Black Moment So Dark You Didn't Think Happiness Could Ever Come:
Flower of Evil (Amy)
All of Us Our Dead (Megan)
Squid Games (Lia)

Grey Moment That Worked For You Or Not:
Hit The Spot (Amy)
Business Proposal (Megan)

Additional:
Spoiler for I Am Not a Robot
A discussion of Mr. Sunshine's ending

A Black Moment Where We Thought It Would End Well But Then Oops...Tragedy:
CLOY (Amy)
Moon Lovers (Lia)

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Audible is a sponsor of Afternoona Delight Podcast

Are your family and friends sick of you talking about K-drama? We get it...and have an answer. Join our AfterNoona Delight Patreon and find community among folks who get your obsession. And check out www.afternoonadelight.com for more episodes, book recs and social media goodness.

Love BTS? Or curious what all the fuss is about? Check out our sister pod Afternoona Army for "thinky, thirsty and over thirty" takes on Bangtan life.

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

We got so much positive feedback about the Korean Language section of our first Afternoona Asks guest episode that Sarah and Grace decided to dive a little deeper into Korean language nuances, as well as answer some listener questions. Wondering about the different ways to say "I love you" in Korean? Confused about what "oppa" really means? Tune in to learn a bit more about the Korean language, with emphasis on words and phrases you've heard in your favorite Kdramas!

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

If you’re part of our Patreon, then you know we ask our patrons for suggestions of which dramas to cover for the pod. We also toss the calendar back and forth to each other to pick dramas that we really want the others to watch. So today, we have a double whammy because it’s both a patron pick AND an Amy pick! Join Amy and Lea as they nerd out on all the meta writerly goodness of a drama about characters who realize they are in a comic; as they ponder the reasons why high school dramas can still appeal to adult viewers; as they throw Megan under the bus for skipping out on this one; and as they try to figure out whose simulation they're living in. It's time for EXTRAORDINARY YOU!

K-Pop Rec: Lilith by Halsey and Suga

Soompi's 12 Crucial Moments from Extraordinary You

Bitches Over Dramas: Extraordinary You and Heidegger

Ready to download your first audiobook? Don't forget to click here for your free Audible trial: http://www.audibletrial.com/afternoona
Audible is a sponsor of Afternoona Delight Podcast

Are your family and friends sick of you talking about K-drama? We get it...and have an answer. Join our AfterNoona Delight Patreon and find community among folks who get your obsession. And check out www.afternoonadelight.com for more episodes, book recs and social media goodness.

Love BTS? Or curious what all the fuss is about? Check out our sister pod Afternoona Army for "thinky, thirsty and over thirty" takes on Bangtan life.

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

It was touch and go, folks. This episode almost didn't make it to you due to a password debacle, but we have solved the mystery and are up and running in just enough time to get this month's Uncensored in your ear holes. So buckle up as Megan and Amy endure some truly cruel This or Thats from Lea, and as Lea poses the question we've all been wanting to ask (or maybe not)...Would we date ourselves? It's Afternoona Uncensored, the June edition!

Ready to download your first audiobook? Don't forget to click here for your free Audible trial: http://www.audibletrial.com/afternoona
Audible is a sponsor of Afternoona Delight Podcast

Are your family and friends sick of you talking about K-drama? We get it...and have an answer. Join our AfterNoona Delight Patreon and find community among folks who get your obsession. And check out www.afternoonadelight.com for more episodes, book recs and social media goodness.

Love BTS? Or curious what all the fuss is about? Check out our sister pod Afternoona Army for "thinky, thirsty and over thirty" takes on Bangtan life.

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

We are back for the second round of Sell Me On a Drama. Megan, Amy, and Lia try to sell each other on My Liberation Notes, Unlock My Boss, and Legend of the Blue Sea. Also tune in for bonus (and anonymous) unpopular opinions from our Patreon (Amy is still salty about some of them).

Kpop Rec:

Shalala by Taeyong

Afternoona Delight Newsletter!

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Ready to download your first audiobook? Don't forget to click here for your free Audible trial: http://www.audibletrial.com/afternoona
Audible is a sponsor of Afternoona Delight Podcast

Are your family and friends sick of you talking about K-drama? We get it...and have an answer. Join our AfterNoona Delight Patreon and find community among folks who get your obsession. And check out www.afternoonadelight.com for more episodes, book recs and social media goodness.

Love BTS? Or curious what all the fuss is about? Check out our sister pod Afternoona Army for "thinky, thirsty and over thirty" takes on Bangtan life.

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Lia, Megan, and Alison from AfterNoona Army chat about the latest BLs they've watched -- The Eighth Sense and Jack O' Frost. We talk about the sexual tension of Korean BL The Eighth Sense and the clever second chance romance of Japanese BL Jack O' Frost Bonus discussion of our worst dates and the lengths we have gone to for our crushes.

Afternoona Delight Newsletter!
Want longer reviews? Our thoughts on Kim Woo Bin's hair in a 500-word essay? This is the place to get it. Sign up HERE!

Ready to download your first audiobook? Don't forget to click here for your free Audible trial: http://www.audibletrial.com/afternoona
Audible is a sponsor of Afternoona Delight Podcast

Are your family and friends sick of you talking about K-drama? We get it...and have an answer. Join our AfterNoona Delight Patreon and find community among folks who get your obsession. And check out www.afternoonadelight.com for more episodes, book recs and social media goodness.

Love BTS? Or curious what all the fuss is about? Check out our sister pod Afternoona Army for "thinky, thirsty and over thirty" takes on Bangtan life.

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Park Chan-Wook’s (Oldboy) “The Handmaiden” is a love story, thriller and subversive Gothic film set in Japanese-occupied Korea (and Japan itself) in the 1930s. It is by turns beautiful, bestial, occasionally brutal. The story centers around a plucky pickpocket ( Kim Tae-ri), who gets a job as a handmaiden at the estate of a rich and eccentric book collector (Lee Yong-nyeo), serving him and Lady Hideko (Kim Min-hee), the niece of his late wife. There's also a scheme devised by a poor Korean fisherman who presents as a fake Japanese count and desires to marry the heiress before committing her to an asylum to claim her fortune. We don't want to give much away in this non-linear film but urge you to give it a try (note it's NSFW)...you'll never look at mannequins, thimbles, silver bells, or octopus the same way again.

Intrigued? Good. You should be.

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Are your family and friends sick of you talking about K-drama? We get it...and have an answer. Join our AfterNoona Delight Patreon and find community among folks who get your obsession. And check out www.afternoonadelight.com for more episodes, book recs and social media goodness.

Love BTS? Or curious what all the fuss is about? Check out our sister pod Afternoona Army for "thinky, thirsty and over thirty" takes on Bangtan life.

Show Notes:The Handmaiden Trailer
Sarah Waters: ‘The Handmaiden turns pornography into a spectacle – but it's true to my novel' (The Guardian, 2017)

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Stolen money, creepy dioramas, and a really, really powerful orchid: That's right, this week we're talking about Little Women, a 2022 Netflix drama that is nothing short of entertaining. We get into all the weird makjang-like plot twists and lament that there are, unfortunately, no face offs (you'll understand what we mean when you listen). Get into it with us!

Kpop Rec:
HIP by MAMAMOO

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Are your family and friends sick of you talking about K-drama? We get it...and have an answer. Join our AfterNoona Delight Patreon and find community among folks who get your obsession. And check out www.afternoonadelight.com for more episodes, book recs and social media goodness.

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So, here we are folks. It’s an Afternoona Episode we are calling The Ted Lasso Effect. And don’t worry…it’s about K-drama! We just have to establish the Ted Lasso Effect first.

If you haven’t watched the Apple + series yet (we’re still waiting on S3), don’t worry. You don’t have to know Ted Lasso to know why it’s a beloved show. We break down what elements of the show are universal and how they can apply to beloved K-dramas.

Will Lia finally start to trust Amy's taste in television? Probably not. And that will be a mistake that she'll need to admit over and over and over again... But that's what happens when cough, cough you STAN Scrubs.

Enjoy, and don't forget to click here for your free Audible trial: http://www.audibletrial.com/afternoona

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This week we're discussing If You Wish Upon Me, otherwise known as Skull Suits vs. Track Suits. Lauhghter, tears, romance, found family, dying dogs, and gang fights in a hospice--this drama has it all. Hop on board to find out why, despite a handful or two of plot holes, we give this drama 10/10 sequin skulls.

K-Pop Rec: "The Astronaut" by Jin

Are your family and friends sick of you talking about K-drama? We get it...and have an answer. Join our AfterNoona Delight Patreon and find community among folks who get your obsession. And check out www.afternoonadelight.com for more episodes, book recs and social media goodness.

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With the news of BTS beginning their military enlistments, we take a look at the history of South Korea's military conscription as well as chat about our favorite K-drama actors who are about to begin their service, who recently was discharged, and some of our favorite K-dramas featuring the military.

This podcast was recorded before the Itaewon tragedy that occurred on October 29, so before we begin todayss episode, we want to take a moment to send our deepest sympathies to the victims and all of those impacted. Our thoughts are with you all.

Are your family and friends sick of you talking about K-drama? We get it...and have an answer. Join our AfterNoona Delight Patreon and find community among folks who get your obsession. And check out www.afternoonadelight.com for more episodes, book recs and social media goodness.

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The 2022 Netflix drama All Of Us Are Dead is pulse-pounding non-stop action with emotional depth that surprised all three of us. Get into the gore with us as we discuss why Cheong San is a green flag hero, which death(s) hit us the hardest, and what we want from Season 2.

Kpop Rec:
Case 143 by Stray Kids

Are your family and friends sick of you talking about K-drama? We get it...and have an answer. Join our AfterNoona Delight Patreon and find community among folks who get your obsession. And check out www.afternoonadelight.com for more episodes, book recs and social media goodness.

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Romance…murder…and shamans! That’s right, folks. It’s time for Cafe Minamdang...or as Megan coined it…Scooby Doo. Cafe Minamdang just aired this past summer on Netflix and was a must watch for many. Was it for the murder and intrigue? The love of police procedurals? A need for not one but two romances? Bonkers physical comeda? Or maybe just the desire to see an excellent homage to Goblin? Whatever the reason, Cafe Minamdang refuses to be placed in any one genre box. It’s got it all, my friends.

Who enjoyed the ride? Who rated it their least favorite K-drama to date? Tune in and find out.

Want to connect more with Afternoona Delight? Of course you do! Join our podcast Patreon for monthly live support groups, special pods, and lots of community.

Love BTS? Or maybe just curious what the fuss is about? Check out our sister pod, Afternoona Army which is "thinky, thirsty, and over thirty."

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Every now and then, K-Dramas make us scratch our heads and think, "How did that happen?" or "Could that really happen?" or "Wait, that could never happen IRL, right?" Join us for another round of questions we have about our favorite dramas as we explore shamanism, hospice musicals, and the undeniable appeal of Michael Learns to Rock.

K-Pop Rec: "New Thing" by Zico

Are your family and friends sick of you talking about K-drama? We get it...and have an answer. Join our AfterNoona Delight Patreon and find community among folks who get your obsession. And check out www.afternoonadelight.com for more episodes, book recs and social media goodness.

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There's a lot of chatter about red flags in K-drama relationships, but what about the characters who make us wave that green flag? Do you want your partner rearranging your kitchen? Is it your dream to be saved from conflict by a drone-wielding policeman? We discuss our favorite characters, their positive traits, and debate the ever-green good guy vs. bad guy. From Captain Ri to zombie-fighting Yi Hyun, these are the characters who make us say, "Yes please, you can proceed."

Kpop Rec: Rush Hour by Crush featuring j-hope of BTS

Are your family and friends sick of you talking about K-drama? We get it...and have an answer. Join our AfterNoona Delight Patreon and find community among folks who get your obsession. And check out www.afternoonadelight.com for more episodes, book recs and social media goodness.

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The second and final part of the Afternoona Delight Deep Dive into 2022's smash hit drama Extraordinary Attorney Woo. Today, Lia and Amy, have a candid talk with two autistic K-drama fans about what worked (and what didn't) as far as autistic rep in the drama. Our special guests are very active on Twitter where they drop lots of truth bombs and deep thinking thoughts. You can find Ji Chang Wook expert Fran at @wanderingFranzi and Suga Stan J at @hallyulyrebird.

Are your family and friends sick of you talking about K-drama? We get it...and have an answer. Join our AfterNoona Delight Patreon and find community among folks who get your obsession. And check out www.afternoonadelight.com for more episodes, book recs and social media goodness.

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Can a drama lose its footing in the second half and still be charming as hell? We think so! This week we deep dive one of Netflix's highest ranking shows of the summer, Extraordinary Attorney Woo. Join Amy, Lia, and guest host Sarah from @KDramaThis (Insta and Twitter) as we explore what the drama did well, whether or not there are too many court cases, and what we expect from season 2. And stay tuned for next week's episode, Part 2, where we explore autistic representation in EAW with two autisic viewers and unpack what the drama got right and where it can improve with the much anticipated season 2.

K-Pop Rec: "Pink Venom" by Blackpink

Are your family and friends sick of you talking about K-drama? We get it...and have an answer. Join our AfterNoona Delight Patreon and find community among folks who get your obsession. And check out www.afternoonadelight.com for more episodes, book recs and social media goodness.

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What makes you watch a K-drama and think "Wow, you just can't beat that!" Or clutch your hands to your chest as your heart skips a beat? Or want to beat a drum and tell the world how much you loved the story? So you might be sensing a theme here...that's right, today we are discussing story beats, the plotting formulas that makes commercial entertainment so addictive. Just be warned, once you know how the sausage is made, you might never be able to unsee it again (unless you are like Lia and can magically turn off your brain).

Kpop Rec of Week: After Like by IVE

Are your family and friends sick of you talking about K-drama? We get it...and have an answer. Join our AfterNoona Delight Patreon and find community among folks who get your obsession. And check out www.afternoonadelight.com for more episodes, book recs and social media goodness.

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What's a Wooga Squad, and do you need it in your life? Absolutely. The Wooga Squad--better known as Park Seo-joon, Park Hyung-sik, Choi Woo-shik, V (or Kim Taehyung), and Peakboy--are five famous friends who wear matching PJs, catch ALL the halibut, and ice skate like they've never ice skated before. Well, some of them do. It's time to join us for In the Soop: Friendcation and Episode one of Hwarang, the K-Drama where it all began.

Are your family and friends sick of you talking about K-drama? We get it...and have an answer. Join our AfterNoona Delight Patreon and find community among folks who get your obsession. And check out www.afternoonadelight.com for more episodes, book recs and social media goodness.

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In regards to the 2020 K-drama hit Itaewon Class, the noonas were divided. Some of us loved the romance and someone (Ahem, Megan) felt it was a few saranghae's short. Two things we did agree on? Ahn Bo Hyun was a fantastic villain and Park Seo Joon could have jogged with a few less clothes on. Listen to us debate and make up!

Kpop Rec:
Pretty Psycho by Purple Kiss

Are your family and friends sick of you talking about K-drama? We get it...and have an answer. Join our AfterNoona Delight Patreon and find community among folks who get your obsession. And check out www.afternoonadelight.com for more episodes, book recs and social media goodness.

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In June 2022, during their Festa dinner, BTS announced that they'd be taking some time to focus on creative rejuvenation and solo work. Rapper/Group Dance Captain, J-Hope (Jung Hoseok), rose to the occasion by announcing he'd be not only releasing the group's first official solo album, but also headlining Lollapalooza in Chicago. When the news broke, Hobi biases dove to their computers to secure entrance to this historic event. Afternoona Army host, Tonya, scored a coveted golden ticket and shares what it was like to spend a night watching J-Hope reveal just what he could do when let out of the box. The rest of us marveled at home. No one has ever been the same. Join us for a deep dive into Jack in the Box's release, THE concert to end all concerts, the hottest mullet to ever flow, why Jimin is the best ride or die, and how this "hiatus" is keeping Army busier than ever.

Afternoona Army is a fun new spin-off to Afternoona Delight. Soon we'll be moving to a separate pod to discuss all things BTS through a thinky, thirsty, and over thirty lens. Stay tuned!

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Lea loves the book. Amy loves Lee Min Ho. Together we watched Pachinko--the epic 2022 Apple TV+ American drama television series created by Soo Hugh based on the 2017 bestselling saga by Min Jin Lee. Join us as we dig in on whether we like book-to-screen adaptations as a rule and where the scope and ambition of this one succeeded even as it left us wondering what's next. Also, does Pachinko win the award for best intro to a show....well ever? Yes. Yes it does.

Kpop Rec of the Week: Bad Decisions by Benny Blanco, BTS Vocal Line, and Snoop Dogg

Are your family and friends sick of you talking about K-drama? We get it...and have an answer. Join our AfterNoona Delight Patreon and find community among folks who get your obsession. And check out www.afternoonadelight.com for more episodes, book recs and social media goodness.

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How many K-drama scenes live rent free in your mind, playing over and over again on a loop? Too many to count? Same here, and we're certainly not sorry that our brains have room for little else. Join us as we explore our favorite iconic moments in K-drama. From epic kisses to unforgettable villains to moments that will forever melt our hearts, today we are deep-diving K-drama scenes we will never forget, and we can't wait to hear what yours are too!

K-Pop Rec of the Week: "Guerrilla" by Ateez

Are your family and friends sick of you talking about K-drama? We get it...and have an answer. Join our AfterNoona Delight Patreon and find community among folks who get your obsession. And check out www.afternoonadelight.com for more episodes, book recs and social media goodness.

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Today, we're talking about Tomorrow (sorry for the Dad joke), a 2022 drama about grim reapers tasked with saving lives of people who are suicidal. We discuss why we think this drama has a good message and handles the delicate topic with care... with a few quibbles. And this wouldn't be an AfterNoona podcast without a little fangirling over Rowoon.

Kpop Rec:
Sneakers by Itzy

Are your family and friends sick of you talking about K-drama? We get it...and have an answer. Join our AfterNoona Delight Patreon and find community among folks who get your obsession. And check out www.afternoonadelight.com for more episodes, book recs and social media goodness.

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What do you get when you add the brooding heir to a mafia empire, a free-spirited bartender with a heart of gold, a hedgehog with medical issues, a villain (but maybe not) who has a thing for electric cables, a whole lot of Daddy issues, and fight scenes that seemed to have been inspired by Home Alone's Kevin Arnold? That's right--this week Megan and Lia discuss Kinn/Porsche, the queer Thai drama that has taken the world by storm. Did we love it? Is water wet? We are obsessed. It's so hot it might incinerate your screens. Our biggest question...when is Season 2?

Kpop Rec of the Week: Arson by BTS's J-Hope

Are your family and friends sick of you talking about K-drama? We get it...and have an answer. Join our AfterNoona Delight Patreon and find community among folks who get your obsession. And check out www.afternoonadelight.com for more episodes, book recs and social media goodness.

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Do you have a comfort drama? One you re-watch to lift your spirits, or check out clips of when having a bad day? Most of us do...however have you rewatched your fave TEN times? That's right, ten times. In this Afternoona Delight snack, Lia visits her friend Jac in Australia who might be one of the world's leading Descendants of the Sun fans. Hear a bit more on why she keeps coming back to this Kim Eun-sook fan favorite and why she can't quit Big Boss (aka Song Joong-ki).

Are your family and friends sick of you talking about K-drama? We get it...and have an answer. Join our AfterNoona Delight Patreon and find community among folks who get your obsession. And check out www.afternoonadelight.com for more episodes, book recs and social media goodness.

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In case you're wondering if your noonas have a type--in K-Drama life and maybe even real life--it's the cold-on-the-outside, marshmallow-on-the-inside, Elizabeth Bennet-loving-Mr. Darcy, centuries-old-tortured-vampire type...the tsundere. This week we talk about our favorite K-Drama tsundere heroes and heroines and why this archetype works so well in romance.

K-Pop Rec: #MOOD by MCND

Are your family and friends sick of you talking about K-drama? We get it...and have an answer. Join our AfterNoona Delight Patreon and find community among folks who get your obsession. And check out www.afternoonadelight.com for more episodes, book recs and social media goodness.

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Megan and special guest Sarah from @kdramathis team up to discuss Twenty-Five Twenty-One, a popular kdrama from this year available on Netflix. We discuss our favorite relationships on the show, how Na Hee Do is a great model for female athletes, and of course, we give all our thoughts on THAT ending. Don't worry, we give spoiler alerts! Listen and see if you agree with us!

Kpop Rec of the Week:
Kick It by NCT 127

Are your family and friends sick of you talking about K-drama? We get it...and have an answer. Join our AfterNoona Delight Patreon and find community among folks who get your obsession. And check out www.afternoonadelight.com for more episodes, book recs and social media goodness.

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Imagine having your dream within reach--a major league baseball debut right around the corner--when you end up in prison for aggravated assault. Hey, sometimes people deserve a beat down. But in this case, the judge has deemed you took it too far. And he was probably right. Now your dream becomes a nightmare...or does it? For Je-hyeok (played to perfection by Squid Game's Park Hae-Soo in his first ever lead role), sitting in the slammer for a year was not on his life goals bingo card. However, despite being behind bars, there is comedy and healing to be found. A fantastic cast rallies together to show that just because you've hit rock bottom, you don't have to stay there...and sometimes all you need to get back on your feet is friendship, woodworking and a few song and trivia competitions.

Kpop rec of the week:
Color Ring by Winner

Are your family and friends sick of you talking about K-drama? We get it...and have an answer. Join our AfterNoona Delight Patreon and find community among folks who get your obsession. And check out www.afternoonadelight.com for more episodes, book recs and social media goodness.

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Will a $5 foot long bring meaning back into our lives? Will Vans sneakers save us from a flying knife bridge in hell? And will the CELLRETURN mask turn us into babies? Here at Afternoona Delight, we answer all your hard hitting questions about product placement in K-Dramas--and maybe go off on a few tangents about one of Amy's many vacuums.

K-Pop Rec: "Ring the Alarm" by Kard

Are your family and friends sick of you talking about K-drama? We get it...and have an answer. Join our AfterNoona Delight Patreon and find community among folks who get your obsession. And check out www.afternoonadelight.com for more episodes, book recs and social media goodness.

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As much as we love to join forces and deep dive a K-drama, sometimes your Afternoonas have to follow their hearts. This usually means Lia is seeking a slice of life story, Megan is on the hunt for adrenaline and action, and Amy wants a big cathartic cry. Join us for a show where we try to sell each other on a drama that we've recently enjoyed and want the others to try: Tomorrow, Our Blues and Military Prosecutor Doberman.

K-pop Rec of the Week: Run BTS by BTS

Are your family and friends sick of you talking about K-drama? We get it...and have an answer. Join our AfterNoona Delight Patreon and find community among folks who get your obsession. And check out www.afternoonadelight.com for more episodes, book recs and social media goodness.

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Today we talk about some of the locations in South Korea that are on our bucket list to visit: We highlight important landmarks, interesting facts, and yummy cuisine in Busan, Daegu, and Jeju. And of course, we fangirl over our favorite K-drama scenes that were filmed in these places. So travel with us (virtually, that is) on a tour of South Korea.

Are your family and friends sick of you talking about K-drama? We get it...and have an answer. Join our AfterNoona Delight Patreon and find community among folks who get your obsession. And check out www.afternoonadelight.com for more episode, book recs and social media goodness.

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Sweet? Steamy? Closed door? Fade-to-black? How do we define sexy times in K-Drama, and is sex necessary for romance to be--well--romantic? Join us as we put on our romance-writer hats and examine the heat levels of our favorite dramas.

K-Pop Rec: "Beat Box" by NCT Dream

Romance Book Recs:

STAKING HIS CLAIM by Tessa Bailey

BOOK LOVERS, by Emily Henry

THE INITIATION by Nikki Sloane

Are your family and friends sick of you talking about K-drama? We get it...and have an answer. Join our AfterNoona Delight Patreon and find community among folks who get your obsession. And check out www.afternoonadelight.com for more episode, book recs and social media goodness.

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Soggy Wonder Bread? The Eyore of K-dramas? A poignant look at middle class disappointment and the formation of unlikely soulmates? My Mister has been one of the most requested dramas here at Afternoona Delight. While we might not all have loved this popular 2018 drama, we universally agree that Lee Sun-kyun and IU acted their socks off. And the Maxim Coffee Company sure got their money back on all the product placement. But was it ultimately depressing or healing? See where you line up with our perspectives.

Kpop Rec of Week: "HOT" by Seventeen

Are your family and friends sick of you talking about K-drama? We get it...and have an answer. Join our AfterNoona Delight Patreon and find community among folks who get your obsession. And check out www.afternoonadelight.com for more episode, book recs and social media goodness.

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Sound of Magic is a six-episode Netflix series that left us a little baffled. While we love Ji Chang Wook in a top hat and cape, we still aren't quite sure what we watched. A musical? A fantasy? A mystery? Something else? We get into all the ways the premise didn't jive with us while we try to keep magic in our hearts. Come hop on the merry go 'round with us as we take a trip to MagicLand.

Kpop Rec:
Good Boy Gone Bad by TXT

Are your family and friends sick of you talking about K-drama? We get it...and have an answer. Join our AfterNoona Delight Patreon and find community among folks who get your obsession. And check out www.afternoonadelight.com for more episode, book recs and social media goodness.

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We take a break from our regular programming to bring you the funny, dark, bleak, violent, and brilliant Academy Award winning Korean film, Parasite. Join us for a discussion on the haves vs. the have-nots, top-notch metaphors and cinematography, exploding toilets, secret bunkers, and a scholar stone strong enough to both keep your hope afloat and also bludgeon you to the brink of death. Confused? Intrigued? A little bit of both? Go give Parasite a quick watch and see why we loved this uncomfortably important film with some of our favorite K-drama stars.

K-Pop Rec: "But You" by iKON

Are your family and friends sick of you talking about K-drama? We get it...and have an answer. Join our AfterNoona Delight Patreon and find community among folks who get your obsession. And check out www.afternoonadelight.com for more episode, book recs and social media goodness.

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Romance writers to the rescue! It's time for another Second Lead SOS, but this time we take on the much needed task of righting the wrongs for our favorite second male and second femaleleads who deserve much more than they are given at the end of their dramas. Join us as we revisit Crash Landing On You, Our Beloved Summer, and The King's Affection. We hope you enjoy the much deserved happily ever afters our second leads receive.

K-Pop Rec: "That That" by PSY and Suga

Are your family and friends sick of you talking about K-drama? We get it...and have an answer. Join our AfterNoona Delight Patreon and find community among folks who get your obsession. And check out www.afternoonadelight.com for more episode, book recs and social media goodness.

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What happens when four members of Afternoona Army gather around the proverbial podcast campfire to discuss BTS? Things get thinky...but also thirsty. Come for the real talk on why Yoongi/Suga looks so fine in a skirt or how Hoseok/J-Hope works the stage harder than anyone. But stay for a discussion on parasocial relationships and why fangirling over BTS can help heal wounds inflicted by toxic masculinity and patriarchal frameworks. But also, we all want to call Namjoon/RM "Daddy." Also features hot takes on Permission to Dance concerts in Los Angeles and Las Vegas. For all you OG fans, please note: We are all Pandemic Army so still learning!

Are your family and friends sick of you talking about K-drama? We get it...and have an answer. Join our AfterNoona Delight Patreon and find community among folks who get your obsession. And check out www.afternoonadelight.com for more episode, book recs and social media goodness.

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"If you like x...you're gonna like y." There's a statement that's music to any K-drama fan's ear holes. Let's face it, we're all chasing the next hit of the tropes we love and today, your hosts are attending to your needs. We're discussing why comps (aka comparative titles) are important, and what you'll enjoy if you loved shows like Healer, Guardian: The Great and Lonely God, Mr. Sunshine, Crash Landing on You, Business Proposal, and More. We also use the term hunk o' spunk. At least Lia does. And she isn't sorry about it. Also, listeners, get in on the game too. We want your favorite comps--tag us on Instagram and we'll spread the word.

K-pop: Adrenaline by Cravity

Are your family and friends sick of you talking about K-drama? We get it...and have an answer. Join our AfterNoona Delight Patreon and find community among folks who get your obsession. And check out www.afternoonadelight.com for more episode, book recs and social media goodness.

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Today we cover Semantic Error, the Korean BL drama that has stolen hearts. We discuss Jay Young's best outfits, the drama's swooniest moments, and invent a new term: Crush Catching. Listen to get the definition!

Kpop Rec:

Cupid by DKZ

Gay Romance Book Rec:

Trust the Focus by Megan Erickson

Are your family and friends sick of you talking about K-drama? We get it...and have an answer. Join our AfterNoona Delight Patreon and find community among folks who get your obsession. And check out www.afternoonadelight.com for more episode, book recs and social media goodness.

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Can you say archaeopteryx? No? Neither can we. But that doesn't stop the bird-like dinosaur from being one of our favorite parts of Business Proposal! Today we deep dive the recent Netflix drama and discuss why it's as sweet and delightful as a bucket of candy as well as the reason we love the names Samantha and Rachel more than we ever did before. Romance, friendship, secret identities, bathroom humor, and MORE--Business Proposal is the romcom we all need right now.

K-Pop Rec x2!

"Blow" by Jackson Wang and "Still Life" by Big Bang

Are your family and friends sick of you talking about K-drama? We get it...and have an answer. Join our AfterNoona Delight Patreon and find community among folks who get your obsession. And check out www.afternoonadelight.com for more episode, book recs and social media goodness.

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We welcome bestselling author Piper J. Drake on the podcast to discuss our favorite K-dramas with supernatural elements. Piper explains how Asian dramas influence her storytelling, and a little about her childhood visits with her family in Thailand. We also talk about what we want to see more of--Gumihos! Vampires! Grumpy immortals meeting sunshine mortals!

Kpop Rec: The Song by BTOB

Check out Piper's books at https://piperjdrake.com/ where you can also download the "Kdrama Inspirations to Maximize Your Story" handout discussed on the podcast.

Are your family and friends sick of you talking about K-drama? We get it...and have an answer. Join our AfterNoona Delight Patreon and find community among folks who get your obsession. And check out www.afternoonadelight.com for more episode, book recs and social media goodness.

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Romance, bromance, revolution--oh my! Megan and Amy finally got their act together and made Lea's dreams come true. Join us on the wild, picturesque, heartbreaking, and important ride that is Mr. Sunshine, writer Kim Eun-sook's epic saga on turn-of-the-century Joseon. We laughed (a lot); we cried (even more); and we're so grateful to have had this experience.

K-pop Rec of the Week: "Maniac" by Stray Kids

Are your family and friends sick of you talking about K-drama? We get it...and have an answer. Join our AfterNoona Delight Patreon and find community among folks who get your obsession. And check out www.afternoonadelight.com for more episode, book recs and social media goodness.

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A Listener Requested Episode: It’s been more than a year already since the Afternoona Delight podcast came to be, and while we hope you’re getting to know us bit by bit as you listen to new episodes, we thought it might be fun to give you all a bit of a re-introduction, to share not only what draws us to the dramas we watch but also what makes us—well—us! From our current obsessions to our zodiac signs to our go to movie snacks, this episode is going to be a little self indulgent but also a whole lotta fun!

Are your family and friends sick of you talking about K-drama? We get it...and have an answer. Join our AfterNoona Delight Patreon and find community among folks who get your obsession. And check out www.afternoonadelight.com for more episode, book recs and social media goodness.

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We watched Our Beloved Summer and asked ourselves the important questions: Is Choi Woo Sik beddable? How much did we love the OST? And did we want more, ahem, heat? Grab your jujube tea and get into the angst with us!

Kpop Rec: Christmas Tree by V (of BTS)

Are your family and friends sick of you talking about K-drama? We get it...and have an answer. Join our AfterNoona Delight Patreon and find community among folks who get your obsession. And check out www.afternoonadelight.com for more episode, book recs and social media goodness.

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It's time for another deep dive into Reply 1988, this time with an "I have questions" episode to which we reply with our research findings. See what we did there? Heh heh. But seriously, folks, we love this drama so much and want to make sure we understand it not only from a fangirl perspective but a cultural one as well. Join us as we dive into student protests, the price of bananas, and how we all missed a key inside joke in the casting of one of the drama's lead characters. We have questions and answers we hope you'll enjoy!

Are your family and friends sick of you talking about K-drama? We get it...and have an answer. Join our AfterNoona Delight Patreon and find community among folks who get your obsession. And check out www.afternoonadelight.com for more episode, book recs and social media goodness.

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In today's episode, Lia and Megan try to convince Amy why Nextflix's Korean reality dating show, Singles Inferno, is better than its American counterparts and is worth a watch for the veins and mask packs alone. Also, you don't want to miss Lia's story on how she made it onto a Top Chef episode in Hawaii. Get into all the tiny bikinis and bulging pectorals with us!

Kpop Rec: JIKJIN by Treasure

Are your family and friends sick of you talking about K-drama? We get it...and have an answer. Join our AfterNoona Delight Patreon and find community among folks who get your obsession. And check out www.afternoonadelight.com for more episode, book recs and social media goodness.

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Love and Leashes, the Netflix K-movie that got everyone talking, hurt so good. Did Lia manifest this film into being after putting in her year-end K-drama wishlist to the universe--requesting a BDSM office romance? Probably not, but she got way too excited about the premise and needed restraints (see what we did there? BDSM dad jokes for the win). This is a sweet Kink 101 movie that stars a novice female domme and a more experienced male sub. It offers the average vanilla viewer a fun taste at alternate lifestyles and the people who live them. Be aware there is puppy play that gets a bit...ruff. Sorry, can't stop, won't stop.

K-Pop Rec of the Week: Here by Epik High

BDSM Book Rec: Natural Law by Joey W. Hill

Are your family and friends sick of you talking about K-drama? We get it...and have an answer. Join our AfterNoona Delight Patreon and find community among folks who get your obsession. And check out www.afternoonadelight.com for more episode, book recs and social media goodness.

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FINALLY, your noonas are here with our take on the much beloved, Reply 1988. And worry not--we loved every minute of it! So join us on a journey back in time to find out not only why we love this drama so much but also to get a glimpse at what we were all doing in good old 88--and whether or not Amy remembers the actor who played Balki on Perfect Strangers. Spoiler: SHE DOES.

K-Pop Rec: "Friends" by BTS

80s Romance Book Rec: What I'm Looking For by Karen Grey

Are your family and friends sick of you talking about K-drama? We get it...and have an answer. Join our AfterNoona Delight Patreon and find community among folks who get your obsession. And check out www.afternoonadelight.com for more episode, book recs and social media goodness.

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In this episode, we reminisce about our own friendships, debate the Bechdel test, and get into all our favorite on-screen female besties, something Kdramas have in abundance.

Kpop rec:
Step Back by Girls on Top

Are your family and friends sick of you talking about K-drama? We get it...and have an answer. Join our AfterNoona Delight Patreon and find community among folks who get your obsession. And check out www.afternoonadelight.com for more episode, book recs and social media goodness.

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Let's be real...Afternoona Delight Podcast needs more sageuk content! Resident historical co-host, Lia Riley, joins forces with Sarah from Kdrama This, to wallow in The King's Affection. This 2021 Netflix Korean Drama blesses us with a most excellent beta hero (Rowoon), a crown prince who is secretly a woman yet has THE BEST BDE (Park Eun-bi), and yet another second male lead smoking hot cousin (Nam Yoon-su). So buckle up for gender reveals, secret love shacks, sword fights, a tortured mature-age baddie, and all the political intrigue.

Book Rec: The Truth About Cads and Dukes by Elisa Braden (Rescued from Ruin #2)

K-Pop Rec: Daechwita by Agust D (highly recommend the music video for some most excellent Joseon-era thirst trapping)

Are your family and friends sick of you talking about K-drama? We get it...and have an answer. Join our AfterNoona Delight Patreon and find community among folks who get your obsession. And check out www.afternoonadelight.com for more episode, book recs and social media goodness.

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A much-requested listener topic has been for us to discuss our favorite mature heroes (we debate what age we consider mature), and we aim to please. Get into all the hot ahjussi talk with us, and of course there is more Ahn Oh Ju talk, because it wouldn't be mature hero thirsting without our favorite complicated villain.

Kpop Rec:
Devil by Max Changmin

Book Rec with a mature hero:
Gray Hair Don't Care by Karen Booth

Are your family and friends sick of you talking about K-drama? We get it...and have an answer. Join our AfterNoona Delight Patreon and find community among folks who get your obsession. And check out www.afternoonadelight.com for more episode, book recs and social media goodness.

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All any of us want out of life is to be happy...even if we're quarantined in an apartment building as neighbors slowly contract "madman rabies," a zombie-like virus. Join us as we compare quarantine food lists, find out which one of us is best prepared for the apocalypse (of course it's Lea), and share why all it takes to help us understand science is--a Power Point. It's Happiness, folks, and we are deep diving into this near future, post covid pandemic, with a side of dreamy romance.

K-Pop Rec:
Aftermath by ZE:A

Book Rec: Get Well Soon: History's Worst Plagues and the Heroes Who Fought Them by Jennifer Wright

Are your family and friends sick of you talking about K-drama? We get it...and have an answer. Join our AfterNoona Delight Patreon and find community among folks who get your obsession. And check out www.afternoonadelight.com for more episode, book recs and social media goodness.

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Megan and her daughter give a recap on seeing Ateez live in New Jersey. We fangirl over Mingi, give props to the venue for a smooth experience, and confirm we'd do it all again in a heartbeat. Atinys for life! (Excuse some minor and brief sound issues. Recording with an eight-year-old is hard.)

Kpop Rec:
Star 1117 by Ateez

Are your family and friends sick of you talking about K-drama? We get it...and have an answer. Join our AfterNoona Delight Patreon and find community among folks who get your obsession. And check out www.afternoonadelight.com for more episode, book recs and social media goodness.

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We love quirk, and fortunately, Kdramas are full of it. We discuss Mad For Each Other, a 2021 Netflix drama with unconventional leads and surprising depth while also discussing some of our other favorite quirky Kdramas. We also get a little quirky with our humor, because hey, it's been a long week. Laugh with us!

Kpop Rec:
Hard Carry by GOT7

Book Rec with Quirk
Rock Bottom Girl by Lucy Score

Are your family and friends sick of you talking about K-drama? We get it...and have an answer. Join our AfterNoona Delight Patreon and find community among folks who get your obsession. And check out www.afternoonadelight.com for more episode, book recs and social media goodness.

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My Name is one of Netflix's newer K-drama offerings and takes a compelling look at the complex psychology of revenge. The compact eight-episode series is structured more like a novella and while it's grounded in some predictable gangster plot points, Han So-hee, Ahn Bo-hyun, Chang Ryul and Park Hee-soon bring character nuance to an otherwise brutal saga. If you have a hard time with violent crime noir--you might want to skip this one (although listen here to catch the high points), but if you have a thing for villains who make you feel some kind of a way, or a woman who kicks all of the ass, or Ahn Bo-hyun just existing...check it out.

K-Pop Rec of the Week: Red Lights by Stray Kids

Are your family and friends sick of you talking about K-drama? We get it...and have an answer. Join our Afternoona Delight Patreon and find community among folks who get your obsession. And check out www.afternoonadelight.com for more episode, book recs and social media goodness.

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We tried, folks. We really did. But our highly anticipated first drama of the new year, sadly, did not live up to our expectations. While this drama is visually stunning, a masterpiece of cinematography, we just needed so much more from the story and characterization. Join us on a journey to find out why this drama is all at once binge-worthy but also a hot mess of every sci-fi trope imaginable.

K-pop rec: "Do It Like This" by P1Harmony

Romance

Book Rec: DASH (The Cyborg Chronicles) by Kelsey Nicole Price

Don't forget to check us out on www.afternoonadelight.com to get all our book recs, playlists, and links to social media, merchandise and our Patreon (where we host a monthly live Kdrama support group)
https://www.patreon.com/AfterNoonaDelightPodcast

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We rewatch some of our top dramas (Goblin, Healer, and Reply 1988) and discuss why we like them using the popular T. Taylor book, 7 Figure Fiction: How to Use Universal Fantasies to Sell Your Books to Anyone. Yes, we explain what Universal Fantasies are and how you can use them to determine which K-dramas will appeal to you. And why sometimes we like to indulge in a fantasy about being whisked away and we won't apologize for it. Fantasize with us!

Kpop Rec:
Pirate by Everglow

Book: 7 Figure Fiction by T. Taylor

Don't forget to check us out on www.afternoonadelight.com to get all our book recs, playlists, and links to social media, merchandise and our Patreon (where we host a monthly live Kdrama support group)
https://www.patreon.com/AfterNoonaDelightPodcast

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Full deep dive to come, but we had to pop in to give you our initial reaction to the first episode of this highly anticipated drama. Will there be Imugi eggs at the Balhae Lunar Research Station? We can't be too sure. What we do know is this: The moon is full of canyons that lead to the abyss, a five-year-old sample of SOMETHING, and quite possibly--tigers. We'll see you again after episode 8, but for now, "The WATER. Don't..."

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Join your AfterNoonas for an episode where we discuss our favorite podcasting moments, Kdramas tropes that we loved the most in 2021, and our hope for next year, both in podcasting and Kdrama watching.

Kpop Rec:
The Real (Heung version) by Ateez

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Afternoona Delight attended Day 3 of BTS's Permission to Dance concert at SoFi stadium in Los Angeles and watched the Bangtan Boys bring the fire and set the night alight. How did seven guys from South Korea make a sold out stadium of 50,000+ feel intimate and connected? Did the spectacle live up to the hype? Special guests include concert goers Bronte (Lia's eleven year old daughter and new ARMY) and Alison Downs, M.A/LMHP/Afternoona Patreon/Suga fan who helps break down how fandom can be beneficial for mental health and what to watch out for.

K-Pop Rec of the Week: Life Goes On by BTS

Don't forget to check us out on www.afternoonadelight.com to get all our book recs, playlists, and links to social media, merchandise and our Patreon (where we host a monthly live Kdrama support group)
https://www.patreon.com/AfterNoonaDelightPodcast

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

We deep dive into Go Back Couple, a listener-recommended drama that we all loved and consider an underrated gem. We explain why a certain scene is surprisingly one of the most romantic we've seen in a K-drama, sympathize with tired mom Jin Joo, and get a little personal. Join us!

Kpop Rec:
Happy Death Day by Xdinary Heroes

Book rec with a second chance at love:
Last First Kiss by Lia Riley

Join us on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/AfterNoonaDelightPodcast
Follow us on Instagram @afternoonadelightpodcast

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We're back at Yulje Medical center with our fab five doctor-musician-besties and the rest of the amazing ensemble cast of Hospital Playlist. We've got more Crocs, more surgeries, more music, tons more love for one of our favorite dramas, and-- some unexpected Phil Collins fangirling? Welcome to part two of our Hospital Playlist deep dive.

K-pop Rec: Very Good by Block B

Join us on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/AfterNoonaDelightPodcast
Follow us on Instagram @afternoonadelightpodcast

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Welcome to part one of two as we deep dive the feel good, slice of life drama that has all things we never knew we loved--surgeries and singing--in a Kdrama. That's right folks, it's Hospital Playlist, and all three of us adored both seasons of this drama so much that one episode was not enough to do it justice. So sit back, kick off your Crocs, and join us on the first part of our journey to Yulje Medical Center.

Kpop Rec:
Form by Vanner

Romance Book Rec with a Doctor:
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

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With special guest listener Sarah, we deep dive into the popular 2021 K-drama Hometown Cha Cha Cha. We discuss why this drama nailed the pacing, how it gave us so many amazing romance tropes, and why it's one of our favorite small-town romance dramas to date.

Follow Sarah on instagram for drama reviews and recs @kdramathis

K-rec:
Korean food blog: https://www.koreanbapsang.com/

K-romance book rec with a small town:
Spindle Cove series by Tessa Dare

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Lia interviews dentist Dr. Charlene Lim about Hometown Cha Cha Cha's choice to make Yoon Hye-jin a dentist. Learn what the drama got right, and where there was a little creative license (ahem, extensive Hermes purse collection). Also we touch on Kdrama fandom life in the Philippines and how watching dentistry get practiced in Covid-free Gongjin provided lovely escapism.

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We dig into Start-Up, the divisive 2020 drama with a flipped Cyrano trope starring Nam Joo-Hyuk and Bae Suzy. Megan explains why Nam Do San resonated with her so much, and we discuss why we found Good Boy's story arc to be satisfying, while recognizing there are many who don't agree. Get into it with us!

Kpop Rec:
Good-bye Baby by Miss A

Book rec:
The Court series by Sarah J. Maas

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We are excited to welcome our guest Corinne from Love. Sex. Literature Podcast as we explore our favorite kiss scenes in Kdramas, our favorite actors who know how to make a great on-screen lip-lock, and everything in between.

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Afternoona Delight is back with another installment of our Second Male Lead SOS because our poor, lovelorn SMLs deserve their own happily ever afters. Naturally, we heeded the call and--we wrote them! So sit back, relax, and listen as Gye Sun-woo (My Roommate is a Gumiho), Choi Young-do (Heirs/Inheritors), and Good Boy aka Han Ji-pyeong (Start-Up) all get their long overdue HEAs.

K-pop Rec: "Sticker" by NCT 127

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In our first Halloween special, we discuss the 2020 mystery drama Zombie Detective, starring Choi Jin-hyuk as the hottest zombie we've ever seen. This episode goes a little off the rails, so stick with us and go along for the ride. (As always, it's Lia's fault.)

Kpop Rec:
Bad Love by Key

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We discuss why the 2020 Kdrama Into the Ring is a hidden gem with a fantastic beta hero and an alpha heroine. We explain why this drama is about so much more than small-town politics and get into our favorite scenes as well as why Koo Se-Ra's hair is its own character.

Kpop rec:
Deja Vu by Ateez

Book rec with a beto hero:
A Girl Like Her by Talia Hibbert

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Secretary Kim gave us incredibly chemistry, Park Seo Joon as a narcissistic but damaged chaebol, and Park Min Young as a capable secretary with unlimited pencil skirts. We get into all the sexual tension, crazy backstory, and humor of this 2018 drama.

Kpop Rec:
Thrill Ride by The Boyz

Romance book rec with a untouchable CEO:
Into My Arms by Lia Riley

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Squid Game. Everyone and their pet cat is talking about this drama that’s taking the world—and TikTok by storm. So what is it? Over-hyped horror? Compelling capitalism cautionary tale? We dig into how the creator worked to bring this story to the small screen for almost a decade, how it adheres to horror conventions and why it’s breaking out stars left and right. We never want to play tug of war again but will take more Wi Ha-joon any dystopian day!

Kpop Rec:
Bling Bling by IKON

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Over the course of our Kdrama watching, we have made a list of references that we want to understand better, so we dedicated an episode to a little research! We give some background info on soju tents, bank books, the Go game, as well as some questions asked by listeners. We turn the lens on ourselves as well and highlight some very American things that make other countries scratch their heads.

Kpop rec:
Thunderous by Stray Kids

Romance book rec that makes us have questions:
Morning Glory Milking Farm by C.M. Nascosta

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The 2017 action film Midnight Runners has everything we love about buddy cop movies: Action, comedy, some sweaty abs, and big sticks. We dive into what made it fun, talk about how there are some important underlying lessons, and discuss why we'd watch the duo of Park Seo Joon and Kang Ha Neul in just about anything.

Kpop rec:
What Type of X by Jessi

Romance book abut law enforcement:
Something About You by Julie James

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We deep dive into Move to Heaven, a short drama about trauma cleaners packed with emotional punch... and real punches. We get a little personal in this one, discussing all things death in a candid way. Get into it with us!

Kpop rec:
Loser=Lover by TXT

Book Rec about death:
Smoke Gets in Your Eyes by Caitlin Doughty

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We deep dive into Lawless Lawyer, where Lee Joon Gi kicks some major butt, and Ahn Oh Ju gives us feelings we were not ready for -- him and his toe socks. We explain why the real chemistry of this drama was between the hero and the villain. Get into all the revenge plot goodness with us!

Kpop Rec:
Paint Me Naked by Ten

Romance book rec with a lawyer:
Not That Kind of Guy by Andie J. Christopher

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It might not be an official THING, but in our extensive, very fun research, we have determined MAJOR STUFF happens in Episode 11 of most dramas. Amy and Megan break it down. Check timestamps for spoilers!

Kpop Rec:
Psycho by Red Velvet

The King Eternal Monarch spoilers:
14:00-15:48 is the ep. 11 scene.
15:59-16:15 is the ending of the drama spoiler

Healer Spoilers:
18:30-18:39 Spoiler for childhood connection between Healer and Young Shin.
19:56-21:45 Full movie date spoiler

Flower of Evil Spoilers:
24:48-28:24

Lawless Lawyer Spoilers:
29:09-31:54

When the Camellia Blooms Spoilers:
33:57-38:02

CLOY/Goblin Spoilers (they are back to back):
41:40-46:38

Reply 1994 Spoilers:
46:58-47:40

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We discuss (relation)ships we are sailing on, ships we want to sail on, and our thoughts on fandoms. We make up some inter-drama character mashups that we'd love to see!

Kpop Rec:
Hello Bitches by CL

Romance Fandom Rec:
Beautiful Bastard by Christina Lauren

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We watch the first episodes of three dramas: Doom At Your Service, My Roommate is a Gumiho, and Reply 1997, and then discuss whether we were hooked or not. We also riff on what makes a great first episode for us, and some dramas that have stood out for us with amazing openings.

Kpop Rec:
Bad Alive by WayV

Romance recs that hooked us from page one:
The Night Tiger by Yangsze Choo
Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta
Heroine Complex by Sara Kuhn

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K-drama heroes cry, from Lee Joon Gi, to Yoo Seung Ho to Hyun Bin, and frankly... we're into it. We chat up our favorite crying scenes and discuss who is the prettiest when he's shedding some tears.

K-skincare Rec:
Tomato Jelly Tint Lip

Book that made us cry:
One Day by David Nicholls

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Turns out we love murder in our K-dramas, especially when Lee Joon Gi is the hero. Get into all the twists, turns, and yes--romance--with us as we deep dive into Flower of Evil, an AfterNoona Delight favorite.

K-merch Rec:
TheGardenOfEden on Tee Public

Romace book rec with Amnesia:
The River Leith by Leta Blake

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Lia completes a Mr. Sunshine hero trifecta, Amy surprises us with her Lee Minho choices, and Megan talks about how Ko Dong Man would absolutely go downtown... well. Get all the details on which kdrama heroes we would marry, mate, and murder.

Kpop rec:
Love Scenario by IKON

Romance book rec with a hero we would marry:
Joe Callahan from At Peace by Kristen Ashley

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Park Seo Joon and Kim Ji Won kiss each others' boo boos and we loved every minute of it. Find out why we think Ko Dong Man is a beta hero and also why this drama nails the friends to lovers trope.

K-pop rec:
Make a Wish by NCT U

Romance book rec with an MMA hero:
Against the Ropes by Sarah Castille

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Gong Yoo makes drying his ankles sexy. Yoon Eun Hye as Eun Chan steals our hearts. And honorable mention to butter voice Han Sung. Join us as we deep dive Coffee Prince, a 2007 K-drama that feels ahead of its time.

K-skincare rec:
Nature Essence Bulgarian Rose Essence

Romance book rec with non-binary MC:
Every Day by David Levithan

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Amy and Megan go full crazy cat lady while watching Imaginary Cat, a drama starring another cat lover--Yoo Sueng Hoo. We talk about why this drama hit us in the feels and why it's perfect for cat people.

K-merch rec: Universal Yums

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Everyone is sweaty. The eggs are bloody. The meat is raw. And Eden Residence is Hell. Listen as Lia and Megan discuss the 2019 drama Strangers From Hell where Lee Dong Wook plays a creeptastic (and also hot) cannibalistic serial killer. Also, Megan makes up a new term: Horror Edging.

K-pop rec:
Gambler by Monsta X

Romance rec with a psychopatchic hero:
Run Posy Run by Cate C. Wells

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What characteristics do we think make a great heroine? Spoiler: She's got to be complicated! We discuss the ladies we love from Into The Ring, Coffee Prince, and Misaeng.

K-merch rec: Maxim coffee

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We discuss the 2017 K-drama Suspicious Partner and how there are multiple Ji Chang Wook hairstyles for every fan. We get spoiler-y as we fangirl over one of our favorite villains, and ick out over the product placement that had us gagging, and not in a good way. Was this a slam dunk drama for us? Listen to find out!

K-skin rec of the week:
Then I Met You Soothing Tea Cleansing Gel

Romantic Suspense book rec:
Stacy Abrams writing as Selena Montgomery

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We break down all the marinated crab eating, joker serial killing, Young Sik flirting goodness of When the Camellia Blooms, a drama that surprised all three of us and shot to the top of our favorites. Find out why we think the hero is a BALPHA and why we actually like to see heroines cry. This is our longest episode yet, so slip on your aviators, fire up that drone, and get into it with us.

K-pop Rec:
BrEAk It DoWn by Bobby

K-Romance Rec: Male author writing romance
Passion by Jude Morgan

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We discuss the complicated feelings on Boys Over Flowers and how it relates to a common critique of romance books. Is it okay to like problematic content? We make the case that yes, it is, and how that is a feminist act. Yes, we're serious. Get into it with us!

Romance book rec:

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

We give love to a criminally underrated drama that features one of the best romances we've ever seen. A human allergy? A life-like robot in friend mode? A terrible disguise? This drama shouldn't work but it does, and we break it down as only romance writers can.

K-skincare rec:
Benton Snail Bee Ultimate Serum

K-romanc author rec:
Jill Shalvis

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We deep dive into the classic K-drama My Love From Another Star. Take a shot every time we mention Kim Soo Hyun's pillow lips. We discuss how we wanted more alien world building, why Do Min Joon is absolutely a boomer alien done with Earth, and how we are totally into murder subplots with our romances.

K-pop Rec:
Mafia in the Morning by Itzy

Alien Romance recs:
The Drixonian Warrior series by Ella Maven (Megan's alter-ego)
Aliens Among Us series by Tiffany Roberts

Check out our merch on Redbubble!
https://www.redbubble.com/people/AfterNoonaPod

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Was The King: Eternal Monarch fantastic or a flop? We discuss why this Kdrama has our favorite scene of all time (hint: it involves a white horse), why Woo Do Hwan is a precious human who should be protected at all costs, and which plot holes bugged us the most (what was up with the red balloons?). Also try to say Manpasikjeok three times fast.

K-merch rec:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/AKoreanAddict

Mug

Time Traveling Romance Book Recs:
The Viking Wants Forever by Koko Brown
The Time Between Us by Tamara Ireland Stone
The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger

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There's nothing better than a great Kdrama villain, from the toe-sock wearing gangster in LawLess Lawyer to creepy-eyed Intern Imugi in Tale of the Nine Tailed, we discuss what we think makes a great villain, our favorites, honorable mentions, and a few we didn't like so much.

K-skincare Rec:
Klairs Vitamin E Mask

Favorite Villains book recs:
Captive Prince by C.S. Pacat

Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge
A Song of Fire and Ice series by George R. R. Martin (Jaime Lannister)

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Did this quiet drama work for us? We discuss Run On, why the second lead romance gave us heart flutters, and why we felt subtitles didn't necessarily do this drama justice.

Kpop rec: On the Ground by Rosé

Quiet Romance book recs:
Today, Tonight, Tomorrow by Rachel Lynn Solomon

Truly by Ruthie Knox

Liberating Lacey by Anne Calhoun

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Loved a K-drama but felt it fell a little flat at the end? Yeah, so did we. In this short episode, we talk about three drama endings we wish we could change -- Fight For My Way, The King: Eternal Monarch, and Coffee Prince.

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Calling 119 "Yes, this is AfterNoona Delight and we'd like to report an emergency. These second male leads did not get their happily ever afters and our hearts are not okay." Good thing we are romance writers and this is kinda what we do. Listen as we plot out amazing romances for Nam Eun Gi from Her Private Life, Kim Shin Hyuk from She Was Pretty, and Lee Hee Kyung from My Love From the Star. Call us, Netflix.

K-merch rec: Kdramagear.com

K-romance rec where SML stole our hearts:
The Spindle Cove Series by Tessa Dare

Grishaverse trilogy by Leigh Bardugo

Her Forbidden Hero by Laura Kaye

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A drama about fangirling? Can't relate since we didn't start a podcast just to fangirl over K-dramas or anything. Ahem Anyway, join us as we dive into Her Private Life where we discuss the ultimate woke male lead Ryan Gold, our own fangirl moments, and why we needed 100% more Eun Gi sad slow-mo showers.

Kpop Rec of the Week:
I'm the One by Ateez

Our Romance Book recs that make us fangirl:
Words in Deep Blue by Cath Crowley
Flowers From The Storm by Laura Kinsale
Sweet Dreams by Kristen Ashley

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Is Mr. Queen a romance? We have our first major disagreement of the podcast, but don't worry we aren't breaking up. We discuss body swaps, what we love or don't love about historicals, and why we all fell for Na In Woo as Sad Cousin Byeong In.

K-merch rec:
Christine Change: Illustrator on Etsy

Historical Romance book recs:
Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzie Lee

Lea: The Spymaster’s Lady by Joanna Bourne
The Dark Lord by Kathryn Le Veque

This podcast was recorded before the recent criticism of the historical inaccuracies in Mr. Queen, therefore we have no commentary regarding that situation

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Who was the biggest villain of Healer: Elder, Moon Sik, or... Elder's Mole? (If you know, you know.) We talk about how Moon Ho was total eye candy and why Young Shin is such a fantastic heroine. Also, is Healer rewatch worthy?

K-skin care rec:
Dermal mask packs

Romance book recs: Favorite New Adult novels
Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

The Bronze Horseman Paullina Simons

The Edge of Never by JA Redmerski

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A sweets-hating cake shop owner, an ex-boxer, a star baker, and a bumbling bodyguard. What do you get? The South Korean remake of Antique, a movie we all had mixed feelings about, but found intriguing nonetheless.

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Parkour montages, white sheets, and the best bumbling intern around: Why Healer is a 5-star drama. We get into everything from Healer's many disguises, to that epic elevator save, and the best blindfolded kisses.

Kpop rec:
Beautiful Beautiful by ONF

Romance book rec: Hero who goes all in on his love interest:
The AI Who Loved Me by Alyssa Cole
Sleepless Over You By Sydney Smyth
Protecting What's His by Tessa Bailey

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We discuss the short series Color Rush, which features an interesting premise, a lesson on the color wheel, and a Grandpa Kid we could have used in 100% more scenes. Also, Megan completes our first Build-Your-Own-Kdrama game and the results are wild.

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We take a quick detour from romance and go all out in a deep dive of the hit Korean zombie movie, Train to Busan, starring Gong Yoo. The movie might be serious, but we are not, discussing all things from Nicholas Cage, to why Megan is always prepared for zombie apocalypses with comfortable shoes, to how zombies might eat us like a corn cob. Lia questions why we are all friends, and we can't blame her. Get into all the brain-bashing gore and Gong Yoo fatherhood angst with us.

K-merch rec of the week:
Mochimisu.com

Zombie/Forced Proximity Romance book recs:
On the Island, Tracy Garvis Grey

Warm Bodies by Isaac Marion

Daring Fate by Megan Erickson

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Drunken love confession? Back hug? Piggy-back ride? We discuss our favorite and least favorite K-drama cliches. Also, we start a new Build-Your-Own-Kdrama game. It involves a 100-year-old sorcerer and a corgi. Seriously. Listen to find out!

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The Show of Emotional Wounds. We get real about mental health issues in relation to this thought-provoking series. We also discuss the best brotherhood of k-drama, the greatness of Moon Young's wardrobe, and wonder what is up with the deer in South Korea?

K-skincare rec of the week: Laniege Sleep Mask

Romance recs with great kissing scenes:
Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
The Story Guy by Mary Ann Rivers
Last Hit by Jen Frederick and Jessica Clare

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A sassy fox, a centuries-old demon turned intern, and an epic brother grudge make for a wild ride of a show that left us with plenty of questions as well as things we loved. Get into it with us! We want to know what the deal was with the imugi eggs, why Lee Dong Wook's sex neck vein didn't get its own billing, how we see Lee Rang as another Steven Harrington, and who the heck raised Ji Ah?

Kpop rec of the week:
I'm Not Cool by Hyuna

Romance horror recs:
Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake
Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno Garcia
Safe in Your Fire by Darien Cox

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Do K-dramas make you hungry? We talk about how our favorite shows have us craving beef bulgogi, fried chicken with beer, and a piping hot Americano.

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We continue our Goblin deep dive and discuss why the secondary romance (and Lee Dong Wook) stole the show, how we don't want to be stink bugs in our next lives, and debate whether we would drink the Grim Reaper's tea.

K-Merch rec of the week:
MaviJane on Redbubble

Bromance romance book recs:
Infernal Devices series by Cassandra Clare

Lover Revealed by JR Ward

Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J Maas

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Join us as we delve into the popular Korean Drama Guardian, The Lonely and Great God. In the midst of our fangirling, we discuss Lia’s horse phobia, the hunch that Kim Shin shops at Eileen Fisher, and that the secret to happy immortality might just be more hobbies.

K-skincare rec of the week:
Acwell Licorice ph balancing cleansing toner

Romance recs in Goblin's genre:
The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater
Dark Lover by JR Ward
The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden

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Learn about our incredibly rigorous rating system (or not), why we might disagree on dramas but never want to yuck anyone’s yum, and how we experience the review process as authors.

You can find host ratings for K-dramas on our Instagram account: @afternoonadelightpodcast

Five star romance novel recs:
Work For It by Talia Hibbert
Glitterland by Alexis Hall
The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson

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What is the difference between cultural appropriation and cultural appreciation? Since we are three white American romance writers doing a show centered on exploring Korean dramas, this feels like an important topic to address early on.

Our intent with this podcast is to honor and celebrate the craft that goes into Kdrama and the fun ways writers play with romance tropes in particular, without inadvertently diminishing Korean people or relegating them into stereotypes. We discuss definitions of appropriation and appreciation, share how we are trying to connect with culture in ways like language studies and history, things to avoid, and how positive racism is also a thing.

ownvoices romance recs:

The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang, London Royal by Nana Malone, and Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert

Kpop Song of the Week:
Bang Bang Bang by BIGBANG

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A snack-size episode about our current obsession: Wounded heroes and heroines nursing them back to health (inspired by our current buddy watch, Tale of the Nine Tailed). Megan and Amy discuss why they love this plot line that's common in Korean dramas and Lia explains why this isn't her jam, but she's all for inner angsty pain. Does that count? We talk about our favorite wounded hero scenes in K-dramas as well as in our own books.

Wounded hero romance book recs:
Garrick by Theresa Beachman
Losing it by Cora Carmack
Shadowheart by Laura Kinsale

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Join Amy, Lia, and Megan as we continue to explore our gateway Kdrama romance Crash Landing on You. On today's pod we'll be taking a closer look at the drama's second romantic leads--con-artist Gu Seong-Joon (played by Kim Jun-Hyun) and Pyongyang socialite, Seo Dan (played by Seo Ji-hye).
Topics include: Seo Dan--In Defense of an Unlikeable Woman, Gu Seung-Joon's fate, and of course the scene-stealing North Korean soldiers and village ajummas. Also, real talk? This show gave us some serious food cravings. So grab your paraglider, look out for tornados, and come along for the ride.

Badass B*itch Queen romance book recs:
Rock Chick Regret by Kristen Ashley
If I'm Being Honesty by Emily Wibberly and Austin Siegmund-Broka
The Siren by Tiffany Reisz

K-merch rec:
HallyuMagicShop on Etsy

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On this episode, we discuss why Crash Landing on You (available on Netflix) is the perfect gateway Kdrama to hook new fans and give seasoned ones something to appreciate. Topics include: Is Captain Ri (played by Hyun Bin) the perfect alpha? What’s the difference between a character who is an alpha and one who is an alphahole? Why is Yoon Se-Ri (played by Son Ye-jin) a boss in every sense of the word? How can we appreciate Se-Ri’s arc from a feminist perspective?
And the all important—who wore it better, Captain Ri in his North Korean military uniform and bowl cut or Captain Ri in Seoul rocking swept-back hair and a suit?

Forbidden Love/Fated Mate Romance book recs:
Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor
Red, White, and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
A Seditious Affair by KJ Charles

K-skin care rec:
Then I Met You Living Cleansing Balm

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K-Dramas are the self-care balm to our quarantined souls. Whether binging or savoring, we fangirl over plots and performances, writers and actors, which are all part of South Korea's booming entertainment industry. Get to know us, what we love about writing and romance, and how that translates to why we love and appreciate K-Dramas.

Romance Book recommendations for those new to romance:
Beach Ready by Emily Henry
To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han
Bad Neighbor by Molly O'Keefe

K-pop rec:
Back Door by Stray Kids

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