What Should I Watch?: Recent Episodes
TK
Whether you are new to Korean TV shows or have been binge-watching them, this is the podcast for you!
Each week, I will discuss a Korean drama with a guest who needs my recommendation. In each episode, I’ll go over the story without the spoilers. You will be able to learn about Korean history, culture and customs, including behind-the-scenes stories that might help you understand the drama better.
Thank you all for your support. Today is 1 year anniversary of What Should I Watch?, the best Korean drama podcast! Writing, recording, and editing every week is not an easy commitment but YOU gave me the strength to carry on. This week's episode covers about 30 Korean dramas and movies. It's a special list!
Also, don't miss two special announcements including a giveaway event.
I have truly enjoyed connecting with Korean drama fans around the world and hope to continue to do so.
Hopefully the long list from this special episode will give you enough to pick out from while I'm taking a short break to improve the show.
If you have any suggestion or comment, plz feel free to email me at whatshouldiwatch@gmail.com
Thank you again and see you all soon!
Blues: Blues songs are lyrical rather than narrative; blues singers are expressing feelings rather than telling stories. The emotion expressed is generally one of sadness or melancholy, often due to problems of love but also oppression and hard times. (Britannica)Life likes to throw us a lot of curveballs. Some joy, anger, sorrow, and pleasure. This unique drama written by a legendary Korean writer, Noh Hee-kyung, teaches us that wherever you're going through, it's not the end of the road. Just the fact that you're alive at this moment deserves applause and cheering because life can be a burden sometimes. In this omnibus style drama set in beautiful Jeju island, characters who are aged from 6 to mid 70s show us the full range of emotions. Each story makes us laugh, cry, angry, and smile. But after all 20 episodes you'll feel as if you have learned a great lesson from a wise man, and that's a school of life.
When you're not strong and I'll be your friend. I'll help you carry on.
Please swallow your pride...for no one can fill those of your needs that you won't let show - Bill Withers
There are moments in life that words can't describe because what happened is not what matters. While you are watching this Korean drama "My Mister" you will find it hard to describe your feeling or even the drama itself. There are many websites that the genre or a brief summary of My Mister but those words don't matter. Invest at least 2-3 episodes for your soul and see it, feel it for yourself. In a world that is so selfish, polarizing, and violent, My Mister teaches why we live and how we should live.[TV Shows and Movies Mentioned in This Episode]
Misaeng (2014),Parasite (2019),
The World of the Married (2020),
My Liberation Notes (2022),
Another Miss Oh (2016),
The Glory (2022)
We all lie whether it’s to achieve a goal or a white lie. But some people lie more often than others and sometimes it gets out of hand. Like Tom Ripley in Patricia Highsmith’s novels, some even enjoy the thrill of it. In history, there were famous people who turned out to be pathological liars and there are many books and movies about this trait of human being. Korea also had a few public figures whose life turned out to be all lies. It’s similar to Anna Sorokin, whose story is made into a Netflix show Inventing Anna. The fictional character in this week’s Korean drama is also Anna although that is not her real name. She is despicable yet evokes sympathy. Is it because she is not a psychopath liar or because we secretly wish we could live the life we want by lying and never get caught?
Korea is generally a very safe country. Kids walk home from school on their own and it is not illegal for parents to let their kids to go hang out on their own. There is no such thing as "dangerous area" although some neighborhoods are less developed than others. The idea of "psychopath" is relatively new and the concept of "serial killing" didn't settle in until the early 2000s. What's important is that there was a policeman who predicted the unprecedented type of murder and insisted to create a criminal behavior analysis unit. He and his colleague educate themselves to become Korea's first criminal profiler in the history. And this week's drama is the story of them. Through the Darkness. It's Korean Mindhunter.
[TV Shows and Movies mentioned in this episode] Fiery Priest (2019), Parasite (2019), Juvenile justice (2022), Memories of Murder (2003), Raincoat killer (2021), Old Boy (2003)
Koreans were first introduced to baseball in the late 19th century by an American missionary, Henry Bruen. After a century, baseball became the most popular sport in Korea and its economic effect is estimated to be about 2 billion USD.
Baseball is not just a sport. It is a massive business and that's what this week's Korean drama, Hot Stove League, is about. Off the mound, there are hundreds of people working for the team. There're coaches, trainers, administrative staff, and most importantly the manager and the team owner. The issue is that if the team always loses, the owner would want to sell the team because it's a bad business. But a sport team is not always about winning or losing. For some, it's a childhood memory or a family tradition. For some players, it's the first team that recognized their talent and gave them a chance. That's why the drama, Hot Stove League, is for everyone to enjoy whether you like baseball or an expert of the game. And who wouldn't like eating a wide range of Korean food at a Korean baseball game?
[TV Shows mentioned in this episode]: One Dollar Lawyer(2022), Awaken(2020), Extraordinary Attorney Woo (2022), The Uncanny Counter(2020), It’s ok not to be ok(2020), When the Camellia blooms(2019), The Revenant(2023)
As Korea celebrates its 78th anniversary of liberation from Japan on August 15, the conversation about the Korean drama, Mr. Sunshine continues from last week. There are many movies about the Nazi camps. The stories are so horrendous that they make us question how evil humans can be; yet that's why the love and humanity that is portrayed in movies shines brighter. It's the victory of the good over the extreme evil. Mr. Sunshine is the story of the Korean version of Nazi persecution. It's set during the time that Koreans were inhumanely oppressed by the Imperial Japanese. They had their country and all basic human rights stolen from them. But there were people who fought for the country's independence and for their love. And it's the love that this Korean drama makes us reflect on. Available on Netflix. Don't miss out on this epic historical drama!
[TV Show mentioned in this episode] The Slave Hunters (2010)
August 15, 2023 marks the 78th anniversary of Korea's independence day. While the West was dealing with Nazi Germany, many Asian countries, including Korea were suffering from Japan's ambition to take over the world. (remember the American TV show, The Man in the High Castle?) Korea was colonized by Japan's military government for 35 years and there were many independence movements fighting against Japan. But even during the oppressing time, people fell in love and some of them had to painfully sacrifice the love for the greater cause: the independence of Korea, a country with 5000 years of history. This Korean drama, Mr. Sunshine, is an epic historical drama set in the late 19th century-early 20th century when the world was beginning to sink into chaos before First World War.
[Movies and TV Shows mentioned in this episode] : The Guardian aka Goblin (2016)
Descendants of the Sun (2016)
Sweet Home (2020)
Steel Rain (2017)
Confession Couple (2017)
Squid Game (2021)
The Handmaiden (2016)
Oldboy (2003)
Revenant (2023)
Twenty-Five Twenty-One (2022)
Dr. Romantic (2023)
The experts say that the gig economy is not just a passing trend. And many who have a steady 9 to 6 job still try to make some extra money with a side hustle. It's no exception for underage students. I mean, who doesn't want money?But the high school kids in this Korean drama "Extracurricular" don't wash cars or deliver food. In fact, they don't have to anywhere but on their phone. They also make a lot more than the minimum wage. Because they run a "conditional meeting" business. It's the Korean term for arranging dates and meetings for all circumstances. And that's the key: all circumstances. Because it can be very risky and even life threatening. The male protagonist, Jisoo, just wanted to make some money so he can live a normal life without his parents who abandoned him. But things get out of hand so fast, so much worse than he could ever imagined.
In the iconic Reply series, the kids from the 90s and late 80s rule their neighborhood. But in this new series by the same creator, Shin Won-Ho, the characters are older. And instead of roaming the streets of areas in Seoul, these older characters are busy tending their cellmates or hospital patients. Prison Playbook and Hospital Playlist are not exactly coming of age dramas like the Reply series. But the characters are similar. They have not lost the innocence of their youth and they strive to to make the best of who they are now, even in the jail.
[TV Shows Mentioned in This Episode]
Hello, my twenties (2016),
When the Weather Is Fine (2020),
Squid Game (2021),
Mine (2021),
Mr. Sunshine (2018),
Interest of Love (2022),
Narco-Saints (2022)
Platform shoes, crop top, scrunchies, miniskirt... these are currently the hip fashion items. But do they sound familiar to you? If so, you probably have lived through the 80s and 90s. Back then, things were not as cool and maybe not as convenient as now but it was good ol' days.
It was similar in Korea. The country was not as rich as now but there were some things that Koreans have lost over time.
While watching this iconic Reply anthology, you will certainly relate to the young main characters. But isn't that interesting that you will also relate to their parents and the neighbors, the adult characters? It's probably because through the youth, we have grown and learned the life and become mature adult who understand and appreciate the good old days. If you are reminiscing about one of those fun summers you had many moons ago, ask, "Do you hear me? Reply, if you hear me, my youth"
Princess Ariel returned to the big screen but not everybody liked it. If you're looking to replenish the thirst for a good legend story this summer, this Korean drama may work for you. An old Korean record from the 16th century shows that there were multiple mermaid sighting back then. Suppose it's true, what if one of those mermaids is still alive, and walking among us? Unlike Ariel, this Korean mermaid is neither a princess nor a delicate creature. She is physically a lot stronger than humans, can learn a language overnight, and can transform between legs and fin whenever she goes in and out of water. But the Korean mermaids have one fatal weakness. Once they fall in love with a human, they must earn the love back otherwise their heart will get hardened, killing them eventually. The Legend of the Blue Sea is a perfect romantic comedy to enjoy in the summer as if it's taking us on a vacation by the ocean. [TV Shows and Movies mentioned in this episode]: Because this is my first life (2017),My love from the star (2013),Crash Landing on you (2019),Kingdom (2019),Guardian: The Lonely and Great God (aka Goblin) (2016),My Sassy Girl (2001),Pachinko (2022),The King: Eternal Monarch (2020),The Heirs (2013),Reply 1988 (2015),Hospital Playlist (2020)
Ending Music: Rest in Peace, Comrade by Hyeon In (1950)[TV Shows mentioned in this episode] I'll find you on a beautiful day (aka When the Weather is Fine)(2020), Narco-Saints(2022), Crash Landing on You(2019)BTS just celebrated their 10 year anniversary but some of the members are serving their military duty. Had Korea not been divided or the two Koreas been reunited, South Korea might not have mandatory military duty which means, BTS would have been all together now. The epic Korean movie Steel Rain assumes that the second Korean War is imminent. But it's not just a war or a spy movie. It also focuses on humanity and the value of togetherness as one nation, one family. We continue talking about the epic Korean movie, Steel Rain and what the life in North Korea is like, including a fun fact about a special business area in North Korea.
I don't know what you did last summer but the world knows what North Korea did in the summer of 1950. June 25 is a special day for Koreans because that's the day the Korean War broke out 73 years ago. After all these years, the little peninsula is technically still at war and the house is divided. And Is the Cold War really over? North Korea is still keeping their arms crossed, Russia seems to want their old glory back, and China's relationship with North Korea is somewhat complicated. So what if another Korean War is about to break out, after the North Korean leader is thrown out by a coup d'etat?[TV Shows mentioned in this episode]: D.P. (2021), Crash Landing on You (2019), Sweet Home (2020), Mr. Sunshine (2018), The King: Eternal monarch (2020)
I don't know what you did last summer but the world knows what North Korea did in the summer of 1950. June 25 is a special day for Koreans because that's the day the Korean War broke out 73 years ago. After all these years, the little peninsula is technically still at war and the house is divided. And Is the Cold War really over? North Korea is still keeping their arms crossed, Russia seems to want their old glory back, and China's relationship with North Korea is somewhat complicated. So what if another Korean War is about to break out, after the North Korean leader is thrown out by a coup d'etat?[TV Shows mentioned in this episode]: D.P. (2021), Crash Landing on You (2019), Sweet Home (2020), Mr. Sunshine (2018), The King: Eternal monarch (2020)
Mötley Crüe sang "You know I'm a dreamer but my heart's of gold. I had to run away high so I wouldn't come home low." And this beautiful song literally speaks for Song Kang's character, Hyun-Soo. Through his hallucination, monsterization, and his effort not to harm his neighbors, we are learning about humanity in this monster filled korean drama, Sweet Home. In fact, we are all potential monsters. All we need to do is to grow the evil seed instead of the good one.As if the drama is not bloody enough, an interesting, bloody historical event is also included in this episode. Find out how Papua New Guinea is possibly related to the Korean drama, Sweet Home.[TV Shows Mentioned in This Episode]Guardian: The Lonely and Great God aka Goblin (2016),Descendants of the Sun (2016),Mr. Sunshine (2018)
Just when you think you've heard of all kinds of monster stories, here is something new just in time for the summer. These monsters did not come from hell or other planets; they were always there. Inside you. You've been with them most likely since you were born. And that's why this apocalyptic, monster-filled series Sweet Home hits close to home because it makes us look deep down inside of us. The good and bad, shameful and arrogant moments, all the feelings we have had will be reminded while you watch this fist clenching thriller. [Movies and TV Shows Mentioned in This Episode]Kingdom (2019),Train to Busan (2016),Love Alarm (2019),Navillera (2021) ,Mr. Sunshine (2018),On the Verge of Insanity (2021),I haven’t done my best yet (2022),Designated Survivor: 60days (2019),Hometown Cha Cha Cha (2021),Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo (2016)
Living with strangers is not an easy thing and roommates can be annoying. But sometimes they become best friends, shoulders to cry on, and the ones you share your secret that your family doesn't even know.The secret to this is communication. And that's just what these four Korean girls did in this weeks' drama, Hello, My Twenties! or Age of Youth on some platforms (Korean: 청춘시대). The four girls share a house together and they slowly become best friends to help each other's issues such as boyfriend and starting a career. But this wouldn't have been possible without the help of a "ghost." It's the perfect Korean drama to kick off summer. A cute, funny, a little bit of mystery, and heartfelt story that we all can relate to.TV Shows and Movies mentioned in this episode:Minari (2020)My Unfamiliar Family (2020)Extraordinary Attorney Woo (2022)King's Affection (2021)Do You Like Brahms? (2020)Strangers from Hell (or Hell is Other People) (2019)
Cha Cha Cha is a style of dance that’s fun and requires a partner. It'd be the perfect prescription for the modern world that makes a lot of us feel alone. Especially as we went through the Covid pandemic, we felt disconnected from family, friends, and the community. The characters in this week's Korean drama, Hometown Cha Cha Cha live the life we were yearning for back then. The neighbors in this little seaside town help and care for each other like they are one big family. But just like dancing, we can’t become a perfect partner at first. Some people need more time to learn the dance, just like some need more time to adapt to the community lifestyle. A dentist from Seoul moves into the town and she struggles to fit in. But with the help of local man, Chief Hong, she learns. A step by step. How to dance, love, and live the life fully. TV Shows and Movies mentioned in this episode:Reply 1988 (2015)The Heirs (2013)Black Night (2023)My Girlfriend is a Gumiho (2010)Tale of the Nine Tailed (2020)Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938 (2023) Start-Up (2020)Welcome to Waikiki 2 (2019)Mr. Handy, Mr. Hong (2004)When the Camellia Blooms (2019)Decision to Leave (2022)Oasis (2002)Extraordinary Attorney Woo (2022)It's Okay to Not Be Okay (2020)On the Verge of Insanity (2021)*2 Days & 1 Night [Game Show] (2008-Present)
Have you ever skipped school? Although some love being in school, we all have at least dreamt of walking out of the classroom where we must follow rules. Imagine you are stuck somewhere for almost two years with stricter rules and almost no individual freedom. Would you want to walk out? Jin and J-hope of BTS were no exception to this seemingly suffocating lifestyle. All Korean men must serve in military as required by the law. Behind the walls of military base, some make lifelong friends, experience something unique, and even have fun. But what else is going on there? Some became the perpetrators and some became the victims who had to desert their post. And a few good men among them are chasing after the victims while teaching us how we turn into the bystanders that are no better than the perpetrators. Although the Korean drama D.P. is set in the military, it's a story that portrays ourselves in the society.
Movie and TV show mentioned in this episode:
Couple or Trouble (2006)
Tune in for Love (2019)
Jonestown, Branch Davidians, Aum Shinrikyo, NXIVM, Order of the Solar Temple, etc. Although they are not as well known as these infamous cults, there are many cults that are just as evil as these in Korea. The heinous groups in the netflix documentary In the Name of God: A Holy Betrayal are only part of it (I highly recommend it if you're interested in cults.) So this week's Korean drama Save Me doesn't come off just as a TV show. In fact, many details in this drama were inspired by a couple of Korea's infamous cults. It's often said that humans are the scariest thing. That's probably why this drama that's not gory and doesn't have any monsters or ghosts is so scary. If 16 episodes aren't enough, go for the season 2. It has many recurring characters of the season 1, as if it shows how hard it is to root out evil.TV Shows mentioned in this episode:In the name of God: A Holy Betrayal (2023)The Glory (2023)The King: Eternal Monarch (2020)
It's the last installment of the Dream Trilogy. After discussing finding a dream for a middle-aged man and the 20s, here is a very special story that's perfect for the finale: it's a journey of a 70 year old man. He has lived his whole life as a breadwinner for the family and couldn't afford thinking about his dream. But by an unexpected chance, he decides to try out for his dream: a ballerino. But the story is not only about that. Other characters such as his children and the young ballet teacher show that at any age, we can have a dream, pursue a dream, or start finding a dream. The old man tells the characters, "It's never late. You, too, can soar." But the most encouraging thing during this journey is neither money or connections; it's someone who quietly stands behind us and cheer us on like the wife did for her 70 year old husband. If your dream or life has let you down, let this old man inspire you. The 78 year old veteran Korean actor actually learned ballet for this moving story. The Korean drama, Nabillera will give you a life lesson.
They say that anyone can achieve their dream with sincerity and effort. But for some, having a dream is a luxury. There are bills to pay and dreaming while sleeping is the only kind of dream they can afford. They say that it's okay because you're young, failure will become a valuable lesson. But being young is not equal to not being hurt.Here are 4 friends. They work hard for 2 things: one, to pay the bills on time, two, trying to forget about their dream. Ex-national athlete, aspiring news anchor, and a couple whose long-term relationship is falling apart. They all share the same public enemy: Reality. But with their 30s just around the corner, a sweet temptation called Dream nudges them. So they decide to Fight For My Way even if the dream will K.O. them again physically and emotionally.Movies and TV Shows mentioned in this episode:The Heirs (2013)Descendants of the Sun (2016)What's wrong with secretary Kim (2018)Mr. Sunshine (2018)Parasite (2019)Itaewon Class (2020)The King: Eternal Monarch (2020)I haven't done my best yet (2021)
An American psychologist, G. Stanley Hall first coined the term "storm and stress" in 1904 describing adolescence. But did he know that this storm and stress occurs again a little later in our life? Here's a man who had an epiphany. He quits his job on an impulse and decides to find what he truly loves to do. The problem is that he's in his early 40s and has a family to support. Some might say he's irresponsible and selfish. But for him, the world is full of opportunities, tomorrow is another day, and the glass is more than half full.
Well, who are we to judge his decision and reckless behavior? During the pandemic, didn't we experience The Great Resignation? Whether you need something to light up the ember inside you or have a family member who's on a soul searching journey, the personable characters in various age groups in this Korean drama will make you laugh and cry. Like the title, it's just that I Haven't Done My Best Yet.
Movies and TV Shows mentioned in this episode:
Parasite (2019)
Misaeng (2014)
My Mister (2018)
The World of the Married (2020)
This is as geeky and nerdy as it can be while talking about drugs. We continue chatting from last week about Narcos, Narcos Mexico, and the Korean drama Narco-Saints. But there is so much more! A public health announcement, a little history lesson on one of the world's most popular drinks, some trivia on the actual cartels, and as a bonus, how to best care for your pet after a surgery. Would you be willing to work with the National Intelligence agent if you got paid? Even if it requires you to become an undercover cartel member? An ordinary citizen, father of two take up on this risky job in Narco-Saints (true story!) and Mary and I compare and contrast the Korean drama with the two Narcos series.
Lord: a powerful man in medieval Europe, who owned a lot of land and property -Oxford English Dictionary.Many are familiar with Colombia and Mexico's cartels but would you believe it if there was a Korean drug lord? His cartel was based in Suriname, even lesser known country than the Korean drug lord himself. And the word 'drug lord' is perfect for him because he owned so much of what made Suriname including befriending the then-president. Although it is a TV show, the Korean drama, Narco-Saints is based on a true story just like the popular Netflix shows, Narcos and Narcos: Mexico. Mary is back and we are dissecting the world of drug business for the next two weeks; Mary covers Pablo Escobar and Félix Gallardo, and I'm presenting the Korean drug lord, Pastor John.
There are some things that both East and West shared in old times, especially wisdom and philosophy. An old Korean proverb says "No wealth can last more than three generations" which coincides an Western saying "Shirtsleeves to shirtsleeves in three generations." And that's what may happen to Han family in the Korean drama Mine. In the last two episodes, it is obvious that none of the founder's grandchildren will take over the company and one son who wanted the job was too greedy he brought death upon himself. But the drama is not just about how he died. It tells about greed, family, self-realization, self-esteem, and the journey to find "Yours" in other words, "Mine." This drama is so well written it keeps the suspense all the way until the last moment. If you haven't started, go watch it on Netflix! Fans of Succession, Lord of the Ring, and Star Wars will find Mine especially enjoyable.
In Hitchcock's movie, The Birds, the birds do attack people. But is that what happened in the Korean drama, Mine? Could it be the pet peacock that caused the turmoil? And the naive humans suspect each other as it happens in many other stories because humans are naturally evil being? Grant and I decided to call it the "Peacock Theory" but it has nothing to do with ornithology.
With only 4 episodes left, nothing obvious is revealed about the "death scene."
Ever want to write a strong script like Mine? Check out Grant's mini lesson that's included in this episode. A fun peekaboo on Hollywood writer's room!
Has the Han family sinned too much? Can they ever become happy and dance, perhaps do the twist again?
It may help to listen to Chubby Checker while they are playing the game of checkers with each other to achieve what they want whether it's love, power, or freedom. Or very delicious homemade Bibimbop may help them because it certainly made Grant do the twist! If you have not started yet, start watching the well-made Korean drama, Mine on Netflix and find out what this enigmatic note is about!
Jay-Z once sang 'What more can I say?' and that's exactly what Grant and I want to say about the Korean drama Mine. If you have not started watching this well-crafted show, start the first episode now on Netflix!
Each member of the Han family is getting more tangled up with each other and the issue of who the Real Mother is getting somewhat clearer as the devilish characters have difficulties hiding their true self. But who are we to judge who's good and bad? Can the nun say we sinned or not? Well, maybe only if the nun is a real nun.
And let's not forget what we were like when we were young.
Didn't we all want to defy the rules and convention despite the consequences? Even the newly appointed young heir of one of the richest conglomerates in Korea is no exception.
Love is just a dream and you need to escape it. If you know how an elephant gets through a door, you will be able to achieve your goal.
Do you need tips? Learn from some of the characters in the Korean drama, Mine.
Han family's drama is headed to the climax and the three women, two sisters-in-law and the tutor, seem to have become one team now.
If you have not started watching this very clever story, you are missing out!
This is THE special episode of What Should I Watch?
We have a special guest from Korea who is an expert on Korean food and drama.
In the episode 5 and 6 of the Korean drama, Mine, things are getting more interesting and the characters slowly start to show their true colors.
Some characters may say "I'm doing it" or "Let's do this" but how is it related to Hyundai or Honda? Check out this episode and find out!
The endless mysteries continue in the 3rd and 4th episode of the Korean drama, Mine.
The exquisite house, ultra-rich lifestyle, and complex relationships between the family members. Who is actually in control and who thinks he/she is in control?
Peal away the layers of Mine... (what has layersbesides cakes?)
And what is the tedious but important task when making Kimchi? If you want to know why Kimchi is suddenly being mentioned, check out this 21st episode with added bonus ASMR.
What Should I Watch? has been running for 20 weeks!
To celebrate this special episode, something new, something different will be featured for the next 8 weeks: preview and recap of a Korean drama Mine (2021).
There are a lot of Korean dramas that talk about rich families but what about the ultra rich family? And how about the drama that is unofficially loosely based on the real ultra rich?
Here's how they live, socialize, and commit, (and maybe) get away with murder.
TV Shows Mentioned in This Episode:
Secret Affair (2014)
Sky Castle (2018)
When the Camellia Blooms (2019)
Strangers from Hell aka. Hell is Other People (2019)
The Uncanny Counter (2020)
A Korean Netflix show, The Squid Game, shocked the world like Psy's Gangnam Style did 10 years ago.
But what do the games mean? Why was each participant selected? And why music played with recorder? Want to understand more?
In this week's episode, Grant and I decode The Squid Game with an explanation using insight from Korean culture.
TV shows and Movies mentioned in this episode:
Old Boy (2003)
Guardian: The Lonely and Great God (aka. Goblin) (2016)
Train to Busan (2016)
Mr. Sunshine (2018)
Kim Ji-young: Born 1982 (2019)
Chief of Staff (2019)
Hyenas are bullying Simba. They are a rough, sketch bunch. Innocent and poor Simba falls for their lie and ... Hyenas take the world!
It's not exactly what happened in Lion King but it did in this Korean drama, Hyena.
The frenemy lawyer duo is not the typical legal show lawyers. They're not fired up to send the bad guys away. Their morals can be conveniently altered at times to win cases and those cases bring them tons of scraps to eat off of because they're cleaning up after the rich and powerful. But don't point fingers at them. There are reasons why they became the hyenas of Korean legal industry.
Watch this stylish drama and find out the behind story.
Story, editing, and music combine to create this Soderbergh-esque drama. But most importantly, the chemistry between Joo Ji-Hoon and Kim Hye-Soo is definitely something you should not miss!
TV Shows mentioned in this episode:
Princess Hours (2006)
The Queen of Office (2013)
Misaeng (2014)
"Reply" Anthology (2012, 2013, 2015)
Misty (2018)
Sky Castle (2018)
Diary of a Prosecutor (2019)
Kingdom (2019)
One Spring Night (2019)
Hospital Playlist (2020)
Under the Queen's Umbrella (2022)
Happy Seol Nahl! (Lunar New Year in Korean)
New year, new goal, maybe new job or new place?
My bi-weekly guest Mary is planning to get a place of her own so I had to pick this Korean drama as a precaution for her.
How well do you know your neighbors? Just because someone looks like a tough guy, it doesn't mean he is bad. And because someone always dresses nice with a suit, you shouldn't assume they are good.
Janus is an ancient Roman god whose image is often depicted with two faces symbolizing duality. But don't we all possess this nature? Good and Bad?
So the question is, how well do we know ourselves?
Hell is Other People (or Strangers from Hell on some platforms) is psychological and gory thriller that dives deep to the bottom of human nature.
TV Show mentioned in this episode:
Misaeng: Incomplete Life (2014)
What do these have in common: North Korea, Grocery Store, Terror Attack, Celebrity Sighting?
Listen to this episode of What Should I Watch? to find out and Laugh Out Loud.
But the drama is not a comedy.
South Korea's national assembly building is bombed one morning and pretty much all of the important politicians die including the president.
According to the law, a minister on the lowest succession in order is forced to become an acting president of Republic of Korea (South Korea) for 60 days. But he is an environmental science professor with very little political experience.
Whether you watched the American version(Designated Survivor), whether you like political shows, this Korean remake will make you binge-watch through 16 episodes.
Is your New Year's resolution related to exercise?
Are you doing weight training?
If so, this week's Korean drama can be a big motivation.
But even if you're not interested in working out, you can still enjoy this drama packed with comedy and inspiring life lessons.
How do we love ourselves when we are not where or what we want ourselves to be?
Loosely based on the story of female weight lifter, Jang Mi-ran, who is an Olympic gold medalist and world record holder, this is a romantic comedy that shows you a road to self-discovery and self-love.
TV Shows mentioned in this episode:
-High School King of Savvy
-Oh My Ghost
-Familiar Wife
Happy New Year!
As we celebrate holidays, it is a perfect time to study the meaning of family and reflect on our own lives.
In this episode, Grant and I continue our conversation about My Unfamiliar Family and dive deeper into each character as they resolve the individual and collective issues.
Thanks for listening and don't forget to subscribe for another year of great podcasts about Korean TV shows.
We can't talk about holidays without mentioning the word family whether you love them or not,
They could be your absolute favorite people or the people you want to spent the least amount of time with.
What is this thing called Family?
And why do we love them or hate them more than others?
They say that you can't pick your own family so all we can do is to learn to love them...at least that's what these characters did in this Korean drama, My Unfamiliar Family.
TV Shows and Movies mentioned in this episode:
-When the Camellia Blooms (2019)
-Minari (2020)
Christmas is just around the corner and whether you are religious or not, it is the most wonderful time of the year.
According to the bible, the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary and notified that she will give birth to a child. What great, happy news to hear.
But not all angels are angelic and some of them only deliver death sentences. At least in this Korean show.
When an Angel appears to tell you that you will die in a few days, you will. And it's not just any death. At the appointed time, the monsters from Hell will find you to brutally attack and burn you to death like burnt charcoal.
So repent, for the New Truth Society will rule the world and Hell is near.
There is no law and order but only fear and death in this new world.
*TV Shows and Movies mentioned in this episode:
-Train to Busan (2016)
-Burning (2018)
Ever wish you could read someone's mind?
Be careful what you wish for.
It's not brain surgery but things get complicated.
You can't unsee what has been seen or unlearn what has been learned.
And...
You can't go back to who you were.
Apple TV presents its first original Korean drama series Dr. Brain, featuring Lee Sun-Kyun from Parasite (2019).
TV Shows and Authors mentioned in this episode:
- When the Camellia Blooms (2019)
- Pachinko (2022)
- Les Thanatonautes by Bernard Werber (1994)
- Hypothermia by Arnaldur Indridason(2007)
What is the relationship between the opera La Traviata, a Korean pop song from 1964, and the drama When the Camellia Blooms?
You can find out in the 10th episode of What Should I Watch?
Grant and I continue our conversation from last week and talk more in depth about the greatest subject of mankind, love.
Thank you for your support and I hope you keep listening until and beyond the 100th episode!
TV shows/Authors mentioned in this episode:
-It's Okay to Not Be Okay
-Extraordinary Attorney Woo
-Reply series
-The Fiery Priest
-Annie Ernaux
-Romain Gary
This week's Korea drama, When the Camellia Blooms is a companion for the lonely.
Because it will share your sadness but also show you what you are missing.
What makes us smile?
What makes us bloom like spring flowers?
Rich, good looking, successful...whether you are all or one of those, it may not complete your life.
Sophocles once said "One word frees us of all the weight and pain of life. That word is love."
And the Beatles sang that all we need is love.
Family, friends, girlfriend and boyfriend, your pet, nature, etc. There are so many we can give love to. We just have so little time.
The beginning is the end is the beginning.
Literally.
What if the Korean war never happened and the country was never divided?
What if the Korean royals were never killed and the country is still a monarchy?
Maybe these questions don't interest you but what if...
the love of your life lives in a different dimension and if you travel to this 4th or 5th dimension, then you shorten your life?
What if you can be a different person in a different world?
What if another version of you is currently living in another dimension?
Here's another masterpiece by the master writer who brought you Secret Garden, Descendants of the Sun, and Guardian (aka Goblin)
Not Your Average Priest.
Angry, a little violent, but good looking.
In other words, the good, the bad, and the Handsome.
No, this is not about the famous trio in Sergio Leone's epic film. This is about Father Michael. He is all of these things. All for justice.
He is as shrewd as James Bond and fights like Bruce Lee.
Throw in a few international gang groups, a newbie cop, a jaded prosecutor (ex-international beauty pageant), and you have a perfect recipe for this funny and exciting Korean TV show, The Fiery Priest.
Warning: You might gain a six pack ab from laughing too much.
Unless you've gone crazy, you retire in your mid 40s with no financial plan.
Unless you've gone crazy, you want to start a new career at the age of retirement.
Unless you've gone crazy, you lie to your colleagues and CEO about your achievements.
And unless you've gone crazy, you miss out on this awesome Korean drama.
What would you do after dedicating 22 years of career and you are facing layoff?
And what really goes on inside the HR office? The place we all feel a little icky about?
This week's drama is an accurate portrait of what it's like to work for a Korean tech corporation.
Have you ever wished that your therapist would actually solve your issues?
Or have you ever been forced to atone for the very thing you hate?
Come to the Mystic Pop-up bar where the owner/bartender is dead for 500 years She will do anything to bring justice and happiness to the world although she doesn't like humans.
She and her semi-dead partners will take care of your issues but the pop-up bar won't be there for long because once Wolju(bar owner) helps 100,000 lives, she will be gone in front of the Underworld Queen.
Afterlife deities, the Korean grim reapers, good and evil ghosts, they are all here in this heartwarming spooky comedy, Mystic Pop-Up Bar!
Henry David Thoreau's Walden meets Alphonse Daudet's The Stars.
If a Korean drama could give you a hug especially when life gives you lemons, this is it.
We know what it's like to feel sad and lonely, and even angry.
Rest your mind in a rural country town in the winter of Korea. Sit by the stove and read some books together while these characters heal your soul.
At the peak of her career, a top news anchor's life and career start to fall apart.
An old lover, rival colleagues, distant husband, and some very powerful people all want to take her down.
But the problem is ... she might actually be a very bad person who deserves to fall ... or is she?
What do killers buy when they go shopping?
Our man, (yet-to-be) a neighborhood hero, must find out what the killer bought in order to marry his long-term girlfriend.
In this week's episode, T and G discuss a Korean Drama for anyone who wants to know more about how people live and love in the most guarded country in the world. Hint: Love through a border full of landmines