Podcast
K Drama Chat
Hosted by Joanna and Sung Hee · EN
K Drama Chat is a weekly series where we take one Korean (K) Drama each season and and recap and analyze each episode. We're Joanna, Sung Hee and Jen. We love K Dramas and we want to go deep and explore the many layers and meanings of our favorite K Dramas. Here are the shows we've covered:
14 - Our Unwritten Seoul
14.4b - Special Episode About K Drama Elements
13.18 - Review of Dynamite Kiss
13.17 - Review of No Other Choice
Season 13 - Start-Up
13.7 - 2025 Review of Top Shows, Actors, Actresses, and Scenes
Season 12 - Extraordinary Attorney Woo
11.18 - Special Review of Past Lives
11.17 - Special Review of Miss Granny
Season 11 - When Life Gives You Tangerines
10.13 - Special Review of When the Phone Rings
Season 10 - See You In My 19th Life
Season 9 - Kingdom
Season 8 - Crash Landing On You
Season 7 - Queen of Tears
Season 6 - Gyeongseong Creature
Season 5 - Mr. Queen
Season 4 - 25, 21
Season 3 - Mr. Sunshine
Season 2 - It's Okay to Not Be Okay
Season 1 - Hotel Del Luna
43episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
13.7b - Podcast Review of Episode 7 of Start-Up
Jan 901:23:53Tap to summarizeComment on this episode by going to KDramaChat.comToday, we’ll be discussing Episode 7 of Start-Up, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Bae Suzy as Seo Dal-mi, Nam Joo-hyuk as Nam Do-san, Kim Seon-ho as Han Ji-pyeong, Kang Han-na as Won In-jae, and Kim Hae-sook as Choi Won-deok. We discuss:The songs featured during the recap: My Love by Davichi, Maybe You Know It by Park Se-jun, and Alchemist by Park Se-jun.The startup terms "burn rate," "nut," and "valuation" and how they relate to Samsan Tech’s financial situation.How Dal-mi bombards Ji-pyeong with 400 questions, revealing her inexperience and eagerness, and how Ji-pyeong answers them all.The intensifying love triangle and growing tension between Ji-pyeong and Do-san, especially as Ji-pyeong begins to realize his feelings for Dal-mi.The hilarious but symbolic scene where Ji-pyeong tries to throw out the money plant and gets scolded by the building manager.The heartbreaking moment when Choi Won-deok begs Do-san not to reveal her deteriorating eyesight to Dal-mi.Do-san's touching realization that all the "miracles" began with the grandmother’s kindness, deepening his respect and resolve.How Do-san’s concern for the grandmother inspires the idea for Samsan Tech’s new business model: an app for the visually impaired.The pitch meeting with Morning Group, where Dal-mi and Do-san realize they are being offered an exploitative contract.Dal-mi’s kiss, sparked by Do-san defending her and standing up for their dignity, despite their financial precarity.How the sisters, Dal-mi and In-jae, each struggle to be recognized on their own merits: one without credentials, one despite connections.Stephanie Lee, who plays Jung Sa-ha, her Korean-American background, her shift from dramas to movies, and her award-winning fashion.ReferencesGoogle Options Make Masseuse a Multimillionaire - The New York TimesStroke of luck for masseuse who found millions at Google | The IndependentMIcrosoft and OpenAI reach a deal valuing OpenAI at $500BActress Stephanie Lee is preparing for a new leap forwardMoon Se-yoon - WikipediaFaces of wealth, intellect and longevity, as revealed by veteran face reader
Transcribe →
13.7 - Our Top KDramas, Actors, Scenes and Songs from 2025
Jan 200:34:58Tap to summarizeComment on this episode by going to KDramaChat.comToday, we take a quick break from Start-Up, the K Drama we're recapping and analyzing in Season 13 of K Drama Chat, to reflect on the best K Dramas of 2025. We share our top 5 shows, actors, actresses, scenes, and songs of the year—and we hear from YOU, our amazing listeners! We discuss:The listener-favorite and TIME Magazine’s top K Drama of 2025: When Life Gives You TangerinesSongs we loved in 2025The top shows of our listeners. We hear from:MrsDJQIrmaChristineMalcolmShineSueErnabelOur personal top 5 shows and honorable mentionsA special treat: audio clips from listeners sharing their top shows!The actresses who blew us away in 2025The standout male performancesThe most memorable scenes from K Dramas we watchedK Dramas we’re looking forward to in 2026Korean films from 2025 we recommend watchingA reminder to join us next week when we return to Start-Up and discuss Episode 7 and Stephanie Lee, the actress who plays Jeong Sa-haReferences60+ K Dramas from the first half of 2025TIME Magazine’s Top 10 K Dramas from 2025New KOREAN Drama 2025KDramas of 2025 (complete, on-going, and upcoming) (156 shows) - MyDramaListDay and Night by Jung Seung HwanI Find You by Do YoungWoojooin by Seo Young JooI’ll Be Your Idol from KPop Demon Hunters
Transcribe →
10.3 - Podcast Review of Episode 3 of See You In My 19th Life
Dec 27, 202401:17:40Tap to summarizeToday, we’ll be discussing Episode 3 of See You In My 19th Life, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Shin Hye-sun as Ban Ji-eum, Ahn Bo-hyun as Moon Seo-ha, Ha Yoon-kyung as Yoon Cho-won, and Ahn Dong-goo as Ha Do-yoon. We discuss:The songs we featured during the recap:Piriri by Go Go KingDown by Jo Yu riBan Ji eum’s sad realization that the loved ones she left behind are still suffering over her death.One person who is no longer sad is Kim Ae-gyeong, who was Ban Ji eum’s niece during her 17th life. Kim Ae-gyeong is no longer alone and she’s had 15 or 16 wonderful years with Ban Ji eum.Jesa, the practice of honoring ancestors and parents, by offering food and drink at an altar with photos of the deceased.The amazing scene under the stand of cherry trees, during which Ban Ji eum tries to comfort Moon Seo ha.Moon Seo ha plays Remember on the piano, the song that Yoon Ju won says she composed during a past life, and that Moon Seo ha should learn to play when he’s missing someone.Ban Ji eum’s confession to Moon Seo ha on his birthday. She didn’t want to pass up the opportunity to share her feelings AGAIN.Ban Ji eum’s mysterious comment that perhaps she was reincarnated right away because she was murdered.Ha Do yoon’s altercation with Lee Ji seok, the son of the Chairman of Daehwan Group. He insulted Ha Do yoon and stepped on his phone. Moon Seo ha defends Ha Do yoon.Who is the mysterious woman who replaced the flowers in the lobby with gladiolus?Moon Seo ha’s rejection of Yoon Cho won’s arrival for her interview to do the landscaping at the hotel.Yoon Cho won’s confession that she loves Ha Do yoon over dinner with Ban Ji eum.Ban Ji eum takes Yoon Cho won to her parent’s home after a tender taxi ride during which Ban Ji eum feels very sisterly toward Yoon Cho won.The reason Ha Do yoon didn’t want to see Moon Seo ha is because he and his brother were preparing a jesa ceremony for their brother.The reunion between Ban Ji eum and Yoon Ju won’s mother that happened in Ban Ji eum’s imagination.When Moon Seo ha sees Ban Ji eum swaying and hugging herself, he approaches, sees she is crying, and says “noona” when Ban Ji eum calls him Seo ha ya.A possible new K Drama element: a person with conflicting loyalties!More information about the amazing Shin Hye sun, the actress who plays Ban Ji eum.ReferencesA Poem Called You by Jo Yu riJesa - Wikipedia‘Tingle of Scar, Your Face and My Dumb Love’ | The DONG-A ILBOTraditional Korean Funeral Service - Guide and Customs
Transcribe →
10.2 - Podcast Review of Episode 2 of See You In My 19th Life
Dec 20, 202401:03:33Tap to summarizeComment on this episode on our website at KDramaChat.com!Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 2 of See You In My 19th Life, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Shin Hye-sun as Ban Ji-eum, Ahn Bo-hyun as Moon Seo-ha, Ha Yoon-kyung as Yoon Cho-won, and Ahn Dong-goo as Ha Do-yoon. We discuss:The songs we heard during the recap:Horo by Go Go KingStar by ColdeHow we rewatch the first few episodes of a show to truly understand the show.Comments from listeners on the blog.The differences between transmigration, regression and reincarnation.We wonder why Ban Ji-eum says her 18th life is her most memorable and why she remembers her memories from her previous livesHow Ban Ji-eum finds Moon Seo-ha in trouble, grabs his hand, tells him to run and then later asks him to marry her; she does this as a 9 year old and now as a 24-year old.The 3 proposals in the show: 1 by Moon Seo-ha and 2 by Ban Ji-eumWe learn a lot about the relationships between the character through Lee Ji-seok, the son of the Daehwan Group Chairman.Why Moon Seo-ha ultimately gave Ban Ji-eum a job at the hotel.How Moon Seo-ha remembered Ban Ji-eum from his past and how he kept the handkerchief that she had used to tie up his bleeding hand.How Ha Do-yoon seems to be a spy for Seo-ha’s father, the Chairman of MI Group.The many encounters between the sisters in this episode and how Ban Ji-eum wonders what Yoon Cho-won’s feelings are toward Moon Seo-ha.How the MI Grand Hotel CEO Jang Yeon-ok was having an affair with Seo-ha’s father when his mother was sick!When Moon Se-ha lays the flowers at the grave of Yoon Jo-won, Ban Ji-eum, for the first time, realizes the pain of the people she has left behind during her many lives.The many K Drama elements in this episode, including the many flowers we see and the wrist grabs.Our 2 new elements: the gay teasing element, and the long wait for love.The amazing Park So-yi, the young actress who plays a young Ban Ji-eum; we love her!ReferencesThe Difference Between Transmigration, Regress and ReincarnationGo Go King on SpotifyColde on Spotify
Transcribe →
10.1 - Podcast Review of Episode 1 of See You In My 19th life
Dec 13, 202401:14:22Tap to summarizeComment on this episode by going to KDramaChat.comToday, we’ll be discussing Episode 1 of See You In My 19th Life, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Shin Hye-sun as Ban Ji-eum, Ahn Bo-hyun as Moon Seo-ha, Ha Yoon-kyung as Yoon Cho-won, Ahn Dong-goo as Ha Do-yoon, and Cha Chung-hwa as Kim Ae-kyung. We discuss:The songs we featured in this episode:Remember by Kim Jin ahSilence by Sunwoo jung-aThe reaction of our listeners to our choice of show for Season 10The characters we first get introduced to: Ban Ji-eum, Moon Seo-ha, Ha Do-yoon and Kim Ae-kyung.The concept of reincarnation.The Korean concept of inyeon, which roughly translates to providence or fate.The three elements of flamenco.When Kim Ae-kyung began to believe that Ban Ji-eum was the reincarnation of her uncle.The story of how Yoon Ju-won met Seo ha, got to know him, and died on his birthday.Ban Ji-eum’s mission to see if Moon Seo-ha is alive and ultimately be with him.The ages of our characters in the different timeframes.The importance of pools to Moon Seo-ha.How Ban Ji-eum finally meets Moon Seo-ha at the MI Grand Hotel and later applies for a job.Ban Ji-eum’s audacity in asking Moon Seo-ha if he would date her.How we have so many K Drama elements in this episode!The shows we’re watching now.Season 10 is off to a great start! Thanks for listening! ReferencesSunwoo Jung-a on SpotifyKim Jin-a on SpotifyOn ReincarnationThe Symbols of Longevity in Korean Art and Culture – ArtinKoThe Turtle Ship - NCTAsiaPast Lives: This untranslatable Korean word for eternal love has ancient Buddhist roots
Transcribe →
9.2.6 - Podcast Review of Season 2, Episode 6 of Kingdom
Dec 6, 202401:26:58Tap to summarizeToday, we’ll be discussing Episode 6, the finale, of Season 2 of Kingdom, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Ju Ji-hoon as Crown Prince Yi Chang, Bae Doona as Seo-bi, Ryu Seung-ryon as Cho Hak ju, Kim Sang-ho as Mou Young, Kim Sung-kyu as Yeong shin, and Kim Hye-jun as the Queen Consort. We discuss:How we appreciated the listeners who sent in their recommendations for Season 10 by sending us voice recordings, and sending us emails or messages.How the Crown Prince showed himself to be a different kind of leader when he refused to sacrifice the soldiers to save himself.The plan to lure the zombies to the lake by the rear garden is a risky one because the timing has to be just right. In the end, the Crown Prince pounds on the ice with his hands and then uses the zombie giant to finally break the ice.The miracle that allowed the Crown Prince and a few of his men to be saved when they fell in the water.The amazing Seo-bi, who manages to escape the main hall with the baby prince by using fire and her wits.When the Crown Prince and his men open up the palace gates, the Head Scholar says the baby prince must be found and killed so there won’t be chaos in the country.When the Crown Prince finds Seo-bi and the baby, Seo-bi assures him that the baby won’t turn into a monster. The prince makes the important decision to save the baby, name him the legitimate heir, and erase himself from the history books. We discuss WHEN and WHY the Crown Prince decides to do this.The amazing cinematography during the battle at the lake and when the Crown Prince walks away from the throne.In the future, we see that the country is freed from zombies once Spring comes, and the young king is being prepared by his wise teachers and guides.The Joseon Dynasty annals, which are so detailed, and from which so many historical K Dramas draw inspiration from.The Crown Prince, now just Lee Chang, along with Seo-bi and a few soldiers, continue to look for the origins of the resurrection plant. They come across the plant in other parts of the country, and then find zombies! Who is behind the continuing spread of this plague?The ending of the show shows the mysterious figure of a woman and a worm snaking across the young king’s face.The K Drama elements we saw in this episode, including crying, and protecting someone at personal cost to yourself.The addition of two elements to our list: a water scene and asking someone to speak casually to you.Mapping Kingdom to the stages of the Hero’s Journey framework. Turns out the show is quite true to the framework!Our final thoughts about this amazing K Drama!The decision-making process that went into the show that we will recap and analyze in Season 10 of K Drama Chat! (You have to listen to find out the show!).Listeners, we want to know what you think of our choice for Season 10! Please comment on the blog at KDramaChat.com!ReferencesRoyal Portraits in the Late Joseon PeriodJeonju During the Joseon DynastyVeritable Records of the Joseon Dynasty - WikipediaCLOY: The Real Ending
Transcribe →
9.2.5 - Podcast Review of Season 2, Episode 5 of Kingdom
Nov 29, 202401:01:23Tap to summarizeToday, we’ll be discussing Episode 5 of Season 2 of Kingdom, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Ju Ji-hoon as Crown Prince Yi Chang, Bae Doona as Seo-bi, Ryu Seung-ryong as Cho Hak ju, Kim Sang-ho as Mou Young, Kim Sung-kyu as Yeong shin, and Kim Hye-jun as the Queen Consort. We discuss:Joanna’s trip to Italy during the week of Thanksgiving and her Italian language journey.Sung Hee's Korean language journey.How the Crown Prince asks the soldiers from Mungyeong Saejae to remain loyal to him, even though their families are about to be executed.How the military training commander appeared to have betrayed the Crown Prince by telling the palace that the Crown Prince was at the Scholarly Institute, but in reality, the military training commander had shared Lee Seung Hui’s medical journal with the Minister of War and lured the palace guards to the Scholarly Institute where the Crown Prince would NOT be.Meanwhile, the Crown Prince arrives at the palace, lets his presence be known, and locks all the gates of the palace, thereby shutting out the Queen’s guards.How the Crown Prince, in his mourner’s outfit and peasant straw hat, looked so noble and kingly as he strode into the palace.How Cho Beom Pal could not bring himself to order the execution of the soldiers’ families, but he is saved by the arrival of the Crown Prince, who orders the prisoners freed.We speculate about whether or not the Crown Prince intends to take the throne.How the tide turns in favor of the Prince, as more people switch over and swear their loyalty to him, including the Minister of War, the former commander of the Royal Commandery Division, and the court ministers.How the Queen Consort does not seem bothered by the arrival of the Crown Prince. We speculate about her state of mind and think she’s about to burn the palace down because she knows she’s lost to the Crown Prince and she will either be banished or executed.The Queen’s head court lady releases the zombies from the dungeon, thereby instigating a killing spree and the creation of a zombie horde in the palace.The Crown Prince and his men put up a good fight, as do others in the palace, but they can’t fight against the zombie horde.The episode ends with the Crown Prince and a few men on one side of a gate, with hundreds of zombies banging on the other side. Seo-bi, meanwhile, is locked in the main hall with the Queen, the baby Prince, and a few soldiers.We list the shows that we are considering for Season 10 of K Drama Chat.5 listeners shared their favorites via audio and we share them on the podcast!ReferencesBaekjeong - Wikipedia.Seal of the Emperor: The Symbol of the Korea Empire
Transcribe →
9.2.4 - Podcast Review of Season 2, Episode 4 of Kingdom
Nov 22, 202401:06:22Tap to summarizeComment on this week’s episode by visiting our blog at KDramaChat.com!Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 4 of Season 2 of Kingdom, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Ju Ji-hoon as Crown Prince Yi Chang, Bae Doona as Seo-bi, Ryu Seung-ryong as Cho Hak ju, Kim Sang-ho as Mou Young, Kim Sung-kyu as Yeong shin, and Kim Hye-jun as the Queen Consort. We discuss:We learn the story behind the beef pancakes and how the Crown Prince asked for Mu Yeong’s loyalty to the very end in return for allowing Mu Yeong to steal from the royal meals.How the amazing Seo bi saves Cho Hak ju by figuring out that the zombies are afraid of water.The meaning of the tolling of bells in Korean culture.The Crown Prince makes it to Naeseonjae and saves Mu Yeong’s wife. Later, Young shin guides Seo bi to the Scholarly Institute to care for Mu Yeong’s wife. Cho Hak ju visits his daughter, the Queen Consort, and asks Seo bi to check the Queen’s pulse. Seo bi confirms that the Queen did not deliver the baby boy in her arms.Cho Hak ju says the Queen must die for her treachery against the Haewon Cho clan and the nation, but the Queen has other plans because she poisoned her father and he dies!We learn that the Queen and Cheo Bom Il conspired to fake the Queen’s pregnancy when she miscarried. They vowed to keep the fake pregnancy a secret from their father.Turns out the Queen is the scariest person in the palace! The Queen throws Seo bi into the palace dungeon and tells her to keep studying the zombies.The Crown Prince visits his uncle on Ganghwa Island and asks Young shin why he continues to be loyal to him, the Crown Prince.We have a new K Drama element: when a character asks another character to stay with them. In this episode, the Crown Prince asks Mu Yeong to stay with him until the end, and the Queen asks Cho Beom Pal to stay with her and her baby boy.The different types of palace guards, their training, and how they were picked.We’re looking for suggestions for Season 10 of K Drama Chat!ReferencesJoseon Army - Wikipedia.Wanggung Sumunjang - Wikipedia
Transcribe →
9.2.3 - Podcast Review of Season 2, Episode 3 of Kingdom
Nov 15, 202401:13:09Tap to summarizeListeners, we apologize that Joanna’s audio is not as good as normal. She was traveling and had to record this episode on her phone.Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 3 of Season 2 of Kingdom, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Ju Ji-hoon as Crown Prince Yi Chang, Bae Doona as Seo-bi, Ryu Seung-ryong as Cho Hak ju, Kim Sang-ho as Mou Young, Kim Sung-kyu as Yeong shin, and Kim Hye-jun as the Queen Consort. We discuss:The timeline of the queen’s evil plan to get a baby boy. We have differing opinions about when it all began!We also disagree about when we think Mu Yeong started spying on the Crown Prince for Cho Beom Il.What happened three years ago when Cho Hak ju asked Lord Ahn to take the patients in the Sumang Village leper colony, kill them, and turn them into zombies to fight the Japanese army. Lord Ahn agreed to the plan but he has regretted it ever since.How this show is an exploration of the lines that we cross and don’t dare cross to protect our families, communities, and nation.Whether or not Young shin knew the truth about what happened to his brother in Sumang Village.The Crown Prince’s impassioned speech to the soldiers at Mungyeong Saejae, whose loyalty he wants.The Crown Prince’s commitment to save the people trapped in the citadel of Sangju by delivering food to them.We now know that Mu Yeong is the traitor because he has taken Cho Hak ju and is rushing him to Hanyang.Seo bi’s suspicion that something is very wrong with the Queen and her pregnancy because the Queen had Cho Beom Pal bring her sappanwood from Japan. Sappanwood is known to stop bleeding after a miscarriage.The soldiers who take Cho Hak ju and kill Mu Yeong.The Crown Prince’s grief over losing Mu Yeong. When Young shin asks the Crown Prince why he did nothing about Mu Yeong’s betrayal, the Crown Prince said he didn’t want to lose someone else. By the end of this episode, the Crown Prince has lost the three most important men in his life: his father, Lord Ahn, and Mu Yeong AND beheaded two of these men.How the head of the Royal Commandery Division is arrested and punished for daring to barge into the Royal Delivery area.Mu Yeong’s motivations in betraying the Crown Prince.Why Young shin continues to stay with the Crown Prince.The filming locations for Kingdom.ReferencesKingdom Filming LocationsVisit Changdeokgung, the Filming Site of Netflix's KingdomNetflix's Kingdom: Where Was the Korean Show Filmed?Changdeokgung - WikipediaChanggyeonggung - WikipediaLeprosy on Wikipedia
Transcribe →
9.2.2 - Podcast Review of Season 2, Episode 2 of Kingdom
Nov 8, 202401:17:02Tap to summarizeToday, we’ll be discussing Episode 2 of Season 2 of Kingdom, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Ju Ji-hoon as Crown Prince Yi Chang, Bae Doona as Seo-bi, Ryu Seung-ryong as Cho Hak ju, Kim Sang-ho as Mou Young, Kim Sung-kyu as Yeong shin, and Kim Hye-jun as the Queen Consort. We discuss:How this episode is full of betrayal: someone betrayed the Crown Prince, Cho Hak ju betrays Lord Ahn, and the Queen Consort betrays her father and the rest of the Haewon Cho clanHow Seo-bi violated our rule of never opening mysterious chests without knowing that what’s inside is a friendly person or a cute, furry animal.How the Crown Prince must kill his zombie father, thereby honoring his father’s words to him from so long ago: Stay alive!We learn more about what happened three years ago and we learn that Lord Ahn has deeply regretted his decision to create zombies ever since.Cho Hak ju had Lord Ahn killed, something that the soldiers do with hesitation, given that Lord Ahn is a national war hero. So now, the Crown Prince’s mentor and guide has left him.Lord Ahn makes himself a weapon against Cho Hak ju when he asks the Crown Prince to turn him into a zombie.Back at Hanyang, the Minister of War orders the queen’s residence searched and the soldiers discover the bodies of seven mothers and babies. Curiously, the baby boy died of natural causes, while the baby girls were strangled to death.The court officials debate the line of succession in light of the king’s death when the head eunuch announces that the Queen Consort has gone into labor.The Queen, of course, is not in labor, but waiting for a baby boy to be born.The ID tags that all men over the age of 18 carried around during the Joseon dynasty.The desire for revenge by Young shin and Lord Ahn’s men, which leads them to try and take down Cho Hak ju when they are taken out of their jail cell to be transported to Hanyang.We wonder where Mu Yeong is.The crazy ending where the zombie Lord Ahn takes a chunk out of Cho Hak ju’s left cheek!The K Drama elements in this episode, including the Crown Prince sinking to the ground with great emotion, and the queen’s amazing abs in episode 1 of season 2.The enduring popularity of zombies, from around the world!How Korean zombies are different from Western dramas in that they often focus on the relationships between the humans and the zombies.ReferencesWorn Identity, or information about the ID tags worn by people during the Joseon dynastyKing Cheoljong and his family, who were banished to Ganghwa Island30 Zombie TV Shows Ranked by TomatometerThe Last Of Us: A Closer Look at the Zombie Genre
Transcribe →