Podcast
How I Met My KDrama
Hosted by Sara Rosett · EN
✨ Every Kdrama viewer has an origin story. We dive into how we discovered Kdramas and the shows that have stolen our hearts.
☂️Kdrama is our Roman Empire.
10episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
🧳 Long Vacation: A Nostalgic, yet Timeless Japanese Drama (Spotlight)
1w ago01:35:17Tap to summarize💬 Get in Touch! Share your Kdrama origin story. S3 E37 / Jess from the Daebak K-Rambles podcasts joins me to deep dive the beloved classic Japanese drama, Long Vacation. 🏠 We discuss the tropes that make this 1996 drama feel familiar: cohabitation, opposites attract, and age gap—not to mention the slow burn romance and sparky tension between the green flag male lead and the chaotic female lead. 🌀 We detour into why you shouldn’t sleep on older dramas. Then we focus on Long Vacation’s themes of happiness and the frustration of being stuck in a seemingly endless loop. One of our favorite aspects of the drama was how the element of circling around is found in everything from the character dynamics to mirror moments in the story.📼 And we couldn’t forget the nostalgia the show invokes for the 90s with answering machines, VCRs, and phone booths. Currently Watching:Long VacationBand of BrothersThe PacificCome and Hug MeLove Generation Beach Boys Links:S1 E7 - Jess from Daebak K-Rambles on Rewatchable Kdramas plus Recs for Every Tastehttps://www.buzzsprout.com/2435348/episodes/16648449Daebak-Krambles Podcast:https://daebak-krambles.com and Instagram, Facebook, & TikTok: @daebakpodTrivia/Background from: https://baike.baidu.com/en/item/Long%20Vacation/1515939#:Thanks for listening! Let me know what you thought: 💬 Send me a text ☂️ How I Met My Kdrama Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/howimetmykdrama🔎 Website about my mystery books: SaraRosett.com📚Buy my books direct and save: SaraRosettBooks.com📖 SaraRosett Instagram (mostly bookish posts): https://www.instagram.com/sararosett
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The Secret Language of Color in K-Dramas from Clothing to Umbrellas and More
3w ago00:22:10Tap to summarize💬 Get in Touch! Share your Kdrama origin story. S3 E36 / Let’s talk about color in Kdramas!🌈 You can find a rainbow of symbolism and connotations in how dramas use color to subtly reinforce character and foreshadow story arcs. 🎨 In this episode I dig into atmospheric color across a handful of dramas, focusing on how color conveys story concepts and relationship changes. ☂️ And then I go deep on umbrella color symbolism because the color of an umbrella is often a visual cue for where a relationship is headed.⚠️ Light spoilers Episodes mentioned: S3 E32: Turn to Me, Mukai-kun (Spotlight): https://www.buzzsprout.com/2435348/episodes/18752474S2 E29: Just Between Lovers (AKA Rain or Shine):https://www.buzzsprout.com/2435348/episodes/18346455 Thanks for listening! Let me know what you thought: 💬 Send me a text ☂️ How I Met My Kdrama Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/howimetmykdrama🔎 Website about my mystery books: SaraRosett.com📚Buy my books direct and save: SaraRosettBooks.com📖 SaraRosett Instagram (mostly bookish posts): https://www.instagram.com/sararosett
Transcribe →Why K-dramas Are Modern Jane Austen: Slow Burn Romance and Yearning Heroes with Belinda Kroll
May 800:41:29Tap to summarize💬 Get in Touch! Share your Kdrama origin story. S3 E35 / Belinda Kroll, indie author and illustrator (cozy romantasy for Jane Austen fans!) and OG Kdrama lover, joins me to talk about slow burn romance, the Hallyu wave, and kimchi-making. 🎯 We explore the parallels between Kdramas and classic Jane Austen—yearning romances and the creative tension that comes from societal constraints. 🥇And we have a list of comfort-watch dramas. Plus we discuss tropes like the competent heroine, the yearning hero, the dreaded forced separation.✅ Spoiler Free episode. Enjoy!Currently Watching:Tastefully YoursPerfect Crown Reply 1988 Dramas Mentioned: Rooftop Room CatCoffee PrinceFull HouseI Am Not a RobotMy Holo LoveBecause This is My First LifeMystic Pop-up BarGoblinHotel del LunaOh My GhostAtypical FamilyRomance is a Bonus BookSailor MoonNodame Cantabile (possibly - let me know if this isn’t the correct title. We we weren’t sure of the title)Turn to Me, Mukai-Kun (S3 E32: Turn to Me, Mukai-kun, A Slice of Life Jdrama https://www.buzzsprout.com/2435348/episodes/18752474)QuartetBusiness ProposalK-pop Demon Hunters AustenLandLinks:Belinda Kroll’s website: https://worderella.com/Sara Rosett's Jane Austen-inspired mystery series: Death in the English Countryside (Book 1 in the Murder on Location series): https://books2read.com/countryside/Thanks for listening! Let me know what you thought: 💬 Send me a text ☂️ How I Met My Kdrama Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/howimetmykdrama🔎 Website about my mystery books: SaraRosett.com📚Buy my books direct and save: SaraRosettBooks.com📖 SaraRosett Instagram (mostly bookish posts): https://www.instagram.com/sararosett
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Quirky Kdrama Recommendations
Apr 1600:25:44Tap to summarize💬 Get in Touch! Share your Kdrama origin story. S3 E34 / Ever struggled to pick your next Kdrama? I'm sharing my most unconventional Kdrama recommendations—a mash-up of books, movies, and classic tropes to help you (or a new drama-watcher) find the perfect show. 🤪 I think of it as my Bonkers Kdrama Recommendation Engine. This solo episode is packed with offbeat, creative ways to find your next favorite drama. 🍱 Whether you love literary classics, rom-coms, mysteries, or fairy tale retellings, there’s something here for you. ✅ Spoiler Free episode. Enjoy! 🎯 Do you have weirdly perfect, off-the-wall recommendations? I want to hear them. Tap this link to text me your quirky Kdrama recs—bonus points for unique inspiration.Currently Watching/Upcoming Shows Mentioned:The Practical Guide to LoveStill ShiningGimbap and OnigroniPerfect CrownTokyo MPD PR Unit 2Thanks for listening! Let me know what you thought: 💬 Send me a text ☂️ How I Met My Kdrama Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/howimetmykdrama🔎 Website about my mystery books: SaraRosett.com📚Buy my books direct and save: SaraRosettBooks.com📖 SaraRosett Instagram (mostly bookish posts): https://www.instagram.com/sararosett
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Favorite Gateway Kdramas with Reggie
Apr 300:58:09Tap to summarize💬 Get in Touch! Share your Kdrama origin story. S3 E33 / Reggie, Kdrama fan and host of A Life of Learning podcast, joins me to talk about favorite Kdramas. 🏆 We explore why the one-season "done and dusted" format is so addictive, and how Kdramas stack up against western shows in terms of story structure, emotional payoff, and satisfying endings.📊 We delve into the pros and cons of using buzz and online rankings to evaluate Kdramas and curate a watch list. 👏 And we list our favorite gateway and "heavyweight" Kdramas, overlooked gems, top tropes (including slow-motion falls, the dramatic U-turn, and product placement galore), and why rewatching is nearly impossible when the watch list is endless.⚠️ Mostly Spoiler Free episode. Spoilers are called out. Our wide-ranging conversation touches on the following shows: Gangnam BeautyShine on MeErasedMy MisterSummer StrikeIdol ILove MeWhen the Phone RingsCrash Landing on YouI Can Hear Your VoiceI’m Not a RobotGentleman’s DignityOur Unwritten Seoul Hello My TwentiesIt’s Okay not to be OkayReply 1988Descendents of the SunStrong Woman Do Bong SoonExtraordinary Attorney WooWhen Life Gives you TangerinesStart UpTrue BeautyMy Father is StrangeDr. RomanticHospital PlaylistBusiness ProposalCall it LoveResetDo you like Brahms?The King’s Affection🔗 Links10 Reasons We Watch Kdramas;https://pod.link/1516507572/episode/MTdjZTdkNDAtOThmMS00NTljLTlmMmMtOTQ5MDdlNmJkZjJiBeginners Guide to Kdramas Part I:https://pod.link/1516507572/episode/NmJkZmJhYjYtYjNiNS00MTcxLWI4M2ItNzRjMDRiODJmMTA0Beginners Guide to Kdramas Part II:https://pod.link/1516507572/episode/N2E0NWQ2ZjMtMzBiOS00Zjg5LTgyYTMtNWQxNWU3OWViZDAxThanks for listening! Let me know what you thought: 💬 Send me a text ☂️ How I Met My Kdrama Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/howimetmykdrama🔎 Website about my mystery books: SaraRosett.com📚Buy my books direct and save: SaraRosettBooks.com📖 SaraRosett Instagram (mostly bookish posts): https://www.instagram.com/sararosett
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Turn to Me, Mukai-kun: A Slice of Life Japanese Drama (Spotlight)
Feb 2601:17:49Tap to summarize💬 Get in Touch! Share your Kdrama origin story. S3 E32 / Christina from the YA Girl’s Kdrama podcasts joins me to spotlight the heartfelt slice-of-life Japanese drama, Turn to Me, Mukai-kun. ⛩️ We explore the unique rhythms of Jdramas vs. Kdramas, sharing first-timer impressions, the cultural nuances of relationships, and what makes slice of life stories in both countries so universally relatable—and Christina shares how her recent trip to Japan colored her viewing.🫶 We break down the show's memorable dating “eras,” the lovable (and awkward) characters, Mukai’s funny missteps on the way to love, friends-to-lovers done right, complicated female characters, and the bromance. 🫥 We also touch on why the themes of stigma, stereotypes, and individuality in Turn to Me, Mukai-kun make it a good comp for Something in the Rain and One Spring Night—but lighter in tone and with a nicer mom. 🍦🌈 Plus, we dive deep into the ice cream sundae and rainbow metaphors – IYKYK! 😉⚠️ Warning: there isn’t a non-spoiler section. We get right into the ice cream layer. Currently Watching:Love MeIdol ICan This Love be Translated? Dr. RomanticRain or ShineGimbap and OnigiriLinks:Ep 24: Slice of Life dramas with Christinahttps://howimetmykdrama.buzzsprout.com/2435348/episodes/17984850-slice-of-life-kdramas-for-your-watchlistEp 22: YA girl’s Kdrama interviewhttps://www.buzzsprout.com/2435348/episodes/17814816-ya-girls-kdrama-podcast-on-favorite-dramas-tropes-and-ramyeon-scenesYA Girl's Kdrama podcast: https://pod.link/1630700998Thanks for listening! Let me know what you thought: 💬 Send me a text ☂️ How I Met My Kdrama Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/howimetmykdrama🔎 Website about my mystery books: SaraRosett.com📚Buy my books direct and save: SaraRosettBooks.com📖 SaraRosett Instagram (mostly bookish posts): https://www.instagram.com/sararosett
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Romantic Kdramas for Valentine’s to Fit your Mood 💝
Feb 1300:24:09Tap to summarize💬 Get in Touch! Share your Kdrama origin story. S3 E31 / Romantic dramas come in all sorts of flavors. What are you in the mood for? From heart-wrenching angst to pure goofy chaos to sweet chocolate-inspired romances, I’m sharing a list of Kdramas by vibe so you can pick your perfect watch.Plus I give a quick "what I've been watching" round-up, including Idol I, Love Me, and Undercover Miss Hong, which has sooo many similarities to Good Manager, which is also known as Chief Kim. Has anyone else notice that? Just me? I've got recommendations for romantic Asian dramas for you in these categories: Romance with angstStar-crossed loversGentle slice of life romance (with a serving of murder)Romcom with some spiceRomcom with a whodunitRomcom with thriller elementsSweet romanceSecond chance romanceTime travel/fated romanceGoofy/quirky romcomGalentine’s DayBonus for Valentine’s theme:Romance with chocolateRomance with flowers/flower themeThanks for listening! Let me know what you thought: 💬 Send me a text ☂️ How I Met My Kdrama Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/howimetmykdrama🔎 Website about my mystery books: SaraRosett.com📚Buy my books direct and save: SaraRosettBooks.com📖 SaraRosett Instagram (mostly bookish posts): https://www.instagram.com/sararosett
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2025 Kdrama Year in Review: Highs, Lows, and Favorites
Dec 2901:23:55Tap to summarize💬 Get in Touch! Share your Kdrama origin story. S2 E30 / It’s that time of the year for recaps, backtracks, and wraps of the previous twelve months. This episode is all about the best (and sometimes worst) of Kdrama in 2025. Shannon from Bonchon Bite Sized K-drama Reviews joins me to talk through the highs and lows of Asian dramas. We chat about drama-watching stats, our personal high points of 2025 dramas, and the throw-back dramas we watched this year. Currently Watching/Waiting For:Shannon: Surely Tomorrow Love Between Fairy and DevilDynamite KissSara:Surely TomorrowLove MeCasheroOur 2025 Favorites: Favorite supporting characters Favorite couplesFavorite found familyFavorite (or least-favorite) childhood connection Favorite OSTsDrama you were surprised you likedBest fashionBest villains/worst villains Best crying scenesFastest dropMost satisfying dramasWorst endingFavorite drama *not* from 2025 that you watched during 2025Favorite friendshipsFavorite umbrella scenesFavorite ramen scenesBest Second Lead SyndromeMost over-the-top makjang momentsTruck of Doom award Favorite swoony moments Most underrated dramasBest performances by an actor/actressShannon’s Podcast: https://pod.link/1839465628Shannon’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/banchankdramapodComfort Watches and Palette Cleansers with Shannon https://howimetmykdrama.buzzsprout.com/2435348/episodes/17898269Thanks for listening! Let me know what you thought: 💬 Send me a text ☂️ How I Met My Kdrama Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/howimetmykdrama🔎 Website about my mystery books: SaraRosett.com📚Buy my books direct and save: SaraRosettBooks.com📖 SaraRosett Instagram (mostly bookish posts): https://www.instagram.com/sararosett
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Spotlight: Just Between Lovers
Dec 2601:04:03Tap to summarize💬 Get in Touch! Share your Kdrama origin story. S2 E29 / Shannon, children’s librarian and podcaster (Banchan Bite Sized K-drama Reviews) joins me to talk about the Kdrama classic, Just Between Lovers, a drama we both absolutely loved despite its heavy topics of trauma and guilt. ❤️🩹 We explore what makes this drama so special: nuanced characters, found family galore, standout music, unconventional story choices, scruffy-handsome Lee Junho, and our takes on that ending. ✋ After a short non-spoiler section, we dive into Just Between Lovers, talking about anything and everything! Currently Watching and Other Shows Discussed: Typhoon FamilyWould You Marry Me?Romantics AnonymousMs. IncognitoCinderella ClosetRomantics AnonymousMs. IncognitoShannon’s Podcast: https://pod.link/1839465628Shannon’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/banchankdramapodComfort Watches and Palette Cleansers with Shannon https://howimetmykdrama.buzzsprout.com/2435348/episodes/17898269Articles:Production of the drama:https://www.soompi.com/article/1090223wpp/just-lovers-pd-shares-decided-cast-2pms-junho-won-jin-ahhttps://www.koreaherald.com/article/1556450Interview with screenwriter: https://cine21.com/news/view/?mag_id=102205 (in Korean)Thanks for listening! Let me know what you thought: 💬 Send me a text ☂️ How I Met My Kdrama Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/howimetmykdrama🔎 Website about my mystery books: SaraRosett.com📚Buy my books direct and save: SaraRosettBooks.com📖 SaraRosett Instagram (mostly bookish posts): https://www.instagram.com/sararosett
Transcribe →Underrated Gems and How Kdramas Inspired a Trip to Korea with Constance
Dec 1100:42:08Tap to summarize💬 Get in Touch! Share your Kdrama origin story. S2 E28 / Constance, journalist, gardening writer, and nonfiction book reviewer—and of course, dedicated Kdrama fan—joins me to talk about favorite Kdramas and her trip to South Korea.✈️ We explore Constance’s international background, her Kdrama origin story (including discovering Extraordinary Attorney Woo), why she finally traveled to Korea, and what keeps her hooked on Asian dramas.✨ And we list our current watches, favorite Kdramas, discuss the “found family” trope, and explore the emotional resonance of Kdrama storytelling.💚 Spoiler Free episode. Enjoy! Currently Watching:Happiness Bon Appétit, Your Majesty Ms. IncognitoTyphoon FamilyOur wide-ranging conversation touches on the following shows: Extraordinary Attorney WooHometown Cha Cha Cha Crash Landing on You HealerHolo LoveHospital PlaylistRomance is a Bonus BookTouch Your HeartLove ScoutRookie Historian Goo Hae-ryungTrain to BusanTaxi DriverVincenzoStrong Girl Bong SoonHer Private Life (but I meant What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim)My Love From the StarDesignated SurvivorBook recommendation: The Birth of Korean Cool by Euny Hong https://www.amazon.com/Birth-Korean-Cool-Conquering-Through/dp/1250045118Link: The Birth of Korean Coolby Euny Hong https://books2read.com/u/mgqkpR (Affiliate Link)Thanks for listening! Let me know what you thought: 💬 Send me a text ☂️ How I Met My Kdrama Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/howimetmykdrama🔎 Website about my mystery books: SaraRosett.com📚Buy my books direct and save: SaraRosettBooks.com📖 SaraRosett Instagram (mostly bookish posts): https://www.instagram.com/sararosett
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