Afternoona Asks

Sarah and Grace had a lovely time chatting through what makes K-dramas special in this short primer geared toward new and curious potential viewers. We discuss what a K-drama is, the genres that K-dramas do well, and give a brief overview of K-drama history. We also give recommendations for viewers who are just starting out, as well as those who have already dipped their toes in the water and are wondering where to head next.Dramas mentioned:Hospital Playlist (Netflix)Residents Playbook (Netflix)Pachinko (Apple TV)Taxi Driver (Viki)Signal (Viki)Yumi's Cells (Viki)Crash Landing on You (Netflix)Reply 1988 (Netflix)Prison Playbook (Netflix)Hometown Chachacha (Netflix)Mr. Queen (Netflix)Moving (Disney+/Hulu)Tomorrow (Netflix)Dae Jang Geum/Jewel in the Palace (Viki)My Mister (Netflix)Misaeng (Netflix)Our Blues (Netflix)25 21 (Netflix)Racket Boys (Netflix)Goblin/Guardian: the Great and Lonely God (Viki)My Dearest (Netflix & Viki)Call It Love (Disney+)One Spring Night (Viki)Never Have I Ever (Netflix)Love to Hate You (Netflix)Business Proposal (Netflix)Lovely Runner (Viki)Coffee Prince (Viki)Go Back Couple (Viki)Touch Your Heart (Viki)Squid Game (Netflix)Death's Game (Amazon Prime)Uncanny Counter (Netflix)D.P. (Netflix)A Shop for Killers (Disney+)Bad and Crazy (Netflix)I Am Not a Robot (Viki in US/Netflix in UK)Twinkling Watermelon (Viki)Alchemy of Souls (Netflix)Doom at Your Service (Netflix)Something in the Rain (Netflix)Still 17 (Viki)Jeongnyeon: The Star is Born (Hulu/Disney+)When Life Gives You Tangerines (Netflix)Strong Woman Bongsoon (Viki)Happiness (Netflix)Fated to Love You (Viki)One More Happy Ending (Viki)Good Partner (Viki)Healer (Viki in US/Netflix in UK)Other media mentioned:The Power of Pop Culture in “Reply 1988” | The New Yorker Oshin: The gritty Japanese drama that gripped the worldDrama Over Flowers on Kdrama historyThe Fangirl Verdict

Sarah is joined by fellow Patreon guests Katie & Charlotte for a deep dive of the 2025 drama, The Art of Negotiation. This drama stars Lee Jehoon and was a bit of of a niche drama for Western audiences - but we think it needs much greater love. It's available on Viki. All three of us love this director, Ahn Pan Seok - who also directed Something in the Rain, One Spring Night and Secret Love Affair. This corporate drama doesn't feature a romance but has much of what we love about this Director's dramas. Check out the spoiler-free intro to see if this drama is for you if you haven't watched, or if you have seen or don't mind being spoiled join us for the full podcast! We hope those of you who also enjoyed this drama feel like we did it justice!Show NotesTo hear Katie's previous episode and her intro check out the podcast.For the Afternoona Delight podcast on My Beautiful Man listen to the episode.Sarah also covered the drama Something In the Rain on Afternoona Delight

We were delighted to chat about Culinary Class Wars with returning guest Lisa. We discussed what made the 2024 Netflix food competition so entertaining and unique, who our favorites were among the chefs battling it out to make their names known, what foods we most wanted to eat, and how we would like to refine the next season (hopefully it's not derailed by Chef Paik's ongoing business and legal troubles!). We also talked about various Korean and Chinese food words in our language section.You can find Lisa on YouTube as Army Auntie and on Instagram as @chibifromouterspace To get a bit more of an introduction to Lisa, listen to our JSA and Korean American Experiences of Hallyu episode.Reality/variety/cooking shows mentioned in this episode:Singles InfernoPhysical 100Siren: Survive the IslandIron ChefTop ChefGreat British Bake OffRunning ManYou Quiz on the BlockRented in FinlandLove After Divorce Master ChefPeak TimeFoods mentioned in this episode:Japchae - stir fried glass noodlesNaengmyeon - cold noodlesKalguksu - knife cut noodle soupJeon - batter dipped and pan fried meat or vegetables Gyejang - raw marinated crabBiji jigae - soy pulp left over from tofu-making process, made into a stewDongpo rou - braised pork belly from HangzhouMalatang - Sichuanese numbing spice hot potBabaocai/Palbochae - Chinese "eight treasures" dish that contains various vegetables, seafood and meatBibimbap - rice mixed with stir fried vegetables, meat, and a fried egg (several unique varieties were showcased, including seafood)Dim sum - Cantonese dumplingsGim - roasted laver (often marketed as seaweed snacks in Western countries)

We discuss the 2024 Korean Drama The Atypical Family with guest Lindsay. All three of us love this quirky fantasy drama and enjoyed deep diving what made it such a compelling watch for us. Listen to find out why we receommend this drama, discuss how we think it handled time travel and what stood out for us.To listen to Lindsay's first episode with us check out our Learning Korean with Lindsay episode

Grace had a wonderful time chatting with friend and guest Robert about their respective trips to South Korea earlier this year. They discussed highlights and let downs, yummy and interesting food and drinks they tried, and the virtues and pitfalls of intensive planning versus flying by the seat of your pants. They reflected on the changes they have noticed over several visits to South Korea and talked about hopes and plans for future trips there. They also recommended helpful apps and websites, gave travel tips, and, in the language section, suggested useful Korean phrases to learn. Dramas Mentioned:Can We Get Married (2012)Coffee Prince (2007)The Tale of Lady Ok (2024)Itaewon Class (2020)City Hunter (2011)Healer (2014)The K2 (2016)Vagabond (2019)Arthdal Chronicles (2019)I Am Not a Robot (2017)One Spring Night (2019)Lovely Runner (2024)Places and activities mentioned- Hannamdong (한남동) (Seoul)- Seoul Forest and Atelier Street just north of it (Seoul)- Cafe streets, e.g. Cheongsudang (청수당) bakery and Soha Salt Pond in Ikseondong (익선동) (Seoul)- Leeum Museum (리움 미술관) (Seoul)- Gentle Monster eyewear shop and Nudake cafe in Dosan Park (Seoul)- Hongdae and Ryse Hotel (Seoul)- The National Museum of Korea (Seoul)- Night walk along Cheonggyecheon, starting at DDP and ending in Myeongdong, with a stop for dessert at Gwangjang market (Seoul)- Namsan hike, including Whitestone Gallery and Komfortabel cafe + cable car (Seoul)- Night walk among Silla dynasty sites, including burial mounds and the oldest standing astronomical observatory in Asia, Cheomseongdae (첨성대) (Gyeongju)- Bulguksa temple complex (Gyeongju)- Gyeongju National Museum (Gyeongju)- Hwangnidan-gil 황리단길 cafe street (Gyeongju)- Seodaemun Prison History Hall (Seoul)- Nagwon Musical Instrument Arcade (Seoul)- Daejanggeum Park (Yongin)- Korean Folk Village (Yongin)- Suwon Hwaseong Fortress wall walk (Suwon)- Yongyeon Garden Suwon Hwaseong Fortress (Suwon)- Hwaseong Haenggung (Suwon)- Suwon fried chicken street (Suwon)- Inspire Entertainment Resort (Incheon)- Apgujeong Rodeo Street (Seoul)- Insadong culture street (Seoul)- Hyundai Department Store Yeouido (Seoul)- Lotte World Tower - Seoul Sky (Seoul)- Seongsudong (Seoul)- Starfield Library at the Coex Mall (Seoul)- Danbam - restaurant/bar from Itaewon Class (Seoul)Food, drinks, and restaurants mentioned:- Gabojeong Hanwoo galbi restaurant (가보정) - also had excellent banchan (Suwon)- Suwon Fried Chicken Street- Hanjeongsik style meal - table covered in banchan- Gyejang (계장) marinated crab- Hotteok (호떡) - filled flatbread- Ggwabegi - twisty donut- Dakgalbi (닭갈비) - spicy chicken stir fried with veggies, tteok, and sometimes cheese. Bbandak Bbandak (빤닭빤닭) in Myeongdong - Chimaek (chicken + beer) at BB.Q Chicken - Myeongdong Kyoja (명동교자) - Bib Gourmand gyoza restaurant- Mr. Ahn's Craft Makgeolli (안씨 막걸리) in Itaewon (이태원)- Sool Gallery in Bukchon- Alice and other cocktail bars in Cheongdamdong (청담동) Apps and websites mentioned:- Catchtable - for restaurant reservations - VisitKorea website - to verify business details- Naver Maps for navigation and directions + Google Maps to look up place names in Korean - Uber - for calling cabs (more familiar for westerners, and just as effective as Kakao T)

Introducing our first Chinese Drama Deep Dive on Afternoona Asks, wher we cover the 2025 romance drama The First Frost. Sarah is delighted to be joined by Afternoona Delight Patreon guests Tania and Kortney to discuss this popular drama. We give a spoiler-free intro to the drama so if you're interested in hearing what we liked and recommend about The First Frost check this section out. After a short Chinese langauge section we get into the nitty-gritty of what we liked and didn't like so much about this drama, how we found the romance and relationship and did we think it stuck the landing?Show Notes:Kortney's Dramas:Hometown Cha Cha (Sarah's deep dive with the Afternoona Delight podcast)Love Like the Galaxy (Sarah's deep dive with Corinne from SexLoveLit Podcast and Gavin on the Afternoona Delight podcast)Guardians of the DafengFireworks of my HeartOnly for LoveLove Languages descriptionLove Languages in Zhu Yi dramasHidden Love - Love Language reelSex Love Literature podcast on Red and Green Flags as a trope, which Sarah guested on.Crafting Social Media links:Tania - @tania.ho on Instagram, Tania on Ravelry Kortney - @kortneyskrafts on InstagramSarah - @knitcrochetrepeat on Instagram, Sarah on Ravelry

Join Sarah and special Patreon guests Erin and Cate as they discuss the drama year so far in 2025. What Korean and Chinese dramas have they been watching and which dramas have they enjoyed, which have been dropped and who have had the standout performances so far?We do touch on spoilers for some of the dramas that we discuss, so please see below for the timestamps of each drama so you can skip ahead if you don't wish to be spoiled:34.44 The First Frost36.40 When Life Gives you Tangerines40.00 Love Scout43.52 Undercover High School 44.24 Study Group49.45 Trauma Code: Heroes on Call55.35 When The Stars Gossip1:01:00 My Dearest Nemesis1:08:42 Motel California1:16:38 Check In Hanyang (no spoilers)1:26.34 Melo Movie (The remainder of the dramas discussed have no spoilers)To hear Erin's first episode with us check out our Afternoona Asks podcastTo hear the My Liberation Notes Deep Dive Sarah did with Lia, check it out on the Afternoona Delight podcast

We're back with part two of our Introduction to Korean Food! Sarah, Grace, and guest Susan continue to discuss favorite foods, including what we want to eat when we go to Korea, what we like to make at home, non-spicy options, and favorite ramyeons. We also discuss Korean food creators we enjoy and make recommendations about possible easy points of entry for listeners who want to try their own hands at making Korean food. In the language section, we discuss food-related Korean phrases. Korean food mentioned in this episode:kalguksumul naengmyeonkongguksumandu guktteokguksujebi (Susan's rec here) tteokbokkikimchi (soondubu) chigaedoenjang chigaebaek kimchimul kimchiyeolmu kimchinabak kimchigalbi tangseolleongtangsamgyetanggukbab pajeonjangjorimmyeolchi bokkeumoemuk bokkeum (oemuk is sometimes called odeng, a remnant of Japanese language imperialism)dongchimi kimchi/noodlesjapchaejjajangmyeongalbijjimgamjatanggopchang껍데기 구이 / kkeopdegi guikimbappajeonPaldo Bibim MenShin RamyeonSamyang RamyeonShin Red Fire Spicy BeefBuldak CarbonaraKorean food creators we follow:Maangchi Korean BapsangPOV husband crazykoreancooking MyKoreanKitchen BeyondKimchee The Korean Vegan Chef Ed LeePierre SangCookim Hooni kimHayden KimOther content mentioned in this episode:Enhypen Heeseung's ramyeon egg hack at 17min in. Or at 30:50 in this video, which is a whole presentation about ramyeon that he puts on for Soobin of TXTSarah's favorite ramyeon egg hackFolded kimbap recipe from Korean BapsangJinga Gomtang from H Mart (Grace's go-to soup base)And last but not least, find Susan on Instagram @josuhome

Sarah and Grace were thrilled to have fellow Afternoona Delight Patreon member Susan on as a guest to discuss a favorite topic: Korean food. We chat about how we were each introduced to Korean food, what it consists of and its signature characteristics, how we have seen its popularity and influence grow, for better or worse, and how accurately it is portrayed in Korean dramas. This ended up being an extended conversation--what with tangents about memorable foods eaten on trips to Korea, all time favorite Korean dishes, and ones we still have on our foodie bucket list--so we have split it into two parts. We hope you enjoy listening to us talk about Korean food as much as we enjoyed discussing it!Korean shows mentioned in this episode:Goblin aka Guardian: The Great and Lonely GodMr. QueenHospital Playlist My DearestDeath's GameReply 1988Singles' InfernoI Live AloneCrash Course in RomanceA further introduction to our guest, Susan, can be found here:Afternoona Delight: Across Borders and Beyond K-DramasThe review of green onion Chex mentioned in this episodeSome banchan recipes recently posted on Instagram, here, here, and hereKorean food mentioned in this episode: Jokbal 족발 Galbi 갈비 (type of KBBQ, usually beef rib meat - samgyeopsal 삼겹살 is the other most popular KBBQ, that is pork belly)Japchae 잡채 Kimchi 김치Pajeon 파전Yachae twigim 야채튀김 Naengmyeon 냉면 Kimbab 김밥Hot dog 핫도그 (we call them corn dogs, but the Korean kind rarely have corn meal batter and they aren't called that in Korea)Chicken 치킨 (calling it by the Konglish word indicates you want the fried kind)Tongdak 통닭 (this is also fried chicken, but the old fashioned whole-fried variety)Banchan 반찬 Doenjang jjigae 된장찌개Hoe (sounds more like hweh) naengmyun 회냉면 Hongeo hoe  홍어회Ganjang gyejang 간장게장Yangnyeom gyejang 양념게잔Gyeran mari 계란말이

Sarah and Grace had fun discussing the Confucian elements found in Mr. Plankton, Grace's favorite Kdrama of 2024. We talked about the symbolism of traditional Korean wedding clothes, the importance of bloodlines in Confucianism, and why there is a stigma attached to being an orphan. Grace goes through the different meanings/word play found in the characters' names in the language section.

Sarah and Grace had a fascinating conversation with Professor Charles Kim about the history and culture of South Korean protest. We touched on ancient and modern stories of Korean resistance viewed as precursors to South Korean protest, the student protests that ousted the first South Korean president in 1960, the evolution of mass protest in South Korea over the 1970s and 1980s, and characteristics of its present-day culture of protest. We also discussed the way language changed in South Korea during the transition from the Japanese colonial era through post-Korean War in our language section.Book: Youth for Nation: Culture and Protest in Cold War South Korea by Charles KimKorean dramas and reality shows mentioned in this episode (Charles's favorites with rankings in parentheses):Signal (5)Mr. Sunshine (4)MisaengReply seriesCunning Single LadyLove After Divorce (3)Culinary Class WarsFamiliar Wife (2)Our Blues (1)Twinkling WatermelonTomorrowMy Dearest

We asked and the Patreon replied - who won our Afternoona Awards for 2024. Join our sister podcast co-hosts Sarah and Grace from Afternoona Asks as they run through the categories and the winners of our Year End poll. Sarah and Grace also discuss what Lunar New Year means for them and other Korean and Chinese people.Find out who was the outstanding performance of 2024, who were the best couple, an underrated show you might have missed amongst other questions. Who ultimately won the drama of the year prize? Find out in this episode and see if you agree with the Afternoona Delight Patreon picks!Notes from the show:Afternoona Asks Year End Review Part 1- Claudia & SarahAfternoona Asks Year End Review Part 2 - Krista & GraceAfternoona Asks with William Han - discussion of XiaAfternoona Asks Love Next Door through a Confucian LensAfternoona Delight SOS with KIm Taeseong

Sarah and Grace discuss the cultural context and nuances of Love Next Door in this episode, as part of our ongoing Confucian series. We first mark some milestones in our podcasting journey and reflect on how much hallyu has continued to sweep the globe. We talk about Confucian familial expectations and pressures, how age-based hierarchy has influenced our relationships with our parents, and the kinds of dreams Asian immigrant families have for their children. In the language section, Grace talks about a few fun Korean phrases that showed up in the drama, which unfortunately lost their color upon translation.Sarah's deep dive of Love Next Door with Liliana from Tea and Soju: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4HFZDwVh05dSE732YIiFvl?si=rD4_Wm5sQiGoGEtdOW33CQ Forbes articles on cultural nuances in Love Next Door by Regina Kim:https://www.forbes.com/sites/reginakim/2024/10/15/love-next-door-15-things-you-may-have-missed-in-episodes-15-and-16/@kenjikundesu's Kdrama Club: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DDBUTuxpihb/?igsh=MTc4MmM1YmI2Ng==

Sarah and Grace had a lovely time chatting with special guest and fellow Afternoona Delight Patreon member, Krista, for Part 2 of their Year End Review. Krista and Grace each discuss how 2024 was for drama-viewing overall, their picks for best performances, underrated dramas, and top dramas of the year, as well as special awards and dream dramas for 2025. Other podcast episodes mentioned:Year End Review 2024 Part 1 with ClaudiaCDramas 2024 Review with LilianaAfternoona Delight Tomorrow Deep DiveDramas mentioned:It’s Okay to Not Be OkayYumi’s Cells, specifically season 2 Lost You ForeverMr. QueenThe Red Sleeve Till The End of the MoonTouch Your HeartTale of the Nine TailedDaily Dose of Sunshine Mr. PlanktonReady, Set, Love Marry My Husband A Good Day to Be a DogKnight FlowerDeath's GameMy DearestTwinkling WatermelonQueen of TearsLovely RunnerDoctor SlumpTomorrowUnder the Queen's UmbrellaSignalChicago TypewriterUpcoming dramas mentioned:The TempestWhen Life Gives You Tangerines Life of a 21st Century PrinceTwelveMonthly BoyfriendCan This Love Be TranslatedThe S LineGod's BeadsOther K-content creator accounts mentioned:afternoonadelightdeemalovesdramaswoondiariesteaandsojuOST songs mentioned:“Boyfriend” by Yeonjun of Tomorrow x Together from Cinderella at 2AM"Blade" from Knight Flower "Sudden Shower" from Lovely Runner "Leave it all behind" from Love Next Door"I told you" from What Happens to My Family?Playlist of all Afternoona Asks 2024 Year End Review OST tracks

Sarah and Grace are excited to close out the year with a two-part Year End Review. For part one, Sarah and special guest Claudia, a fellow member of the Afternoona Delight Patreon, chat through their 2024 drama year. Claudia and Sarah each discuss how 2024 was for drama-viewing overall, their picks for best performances, their favorite underrated dramas, and their top dramas of the year. They also give out special awards of their own choice and manifest their dream dramas for 2025.Other Podcast Episodes mentioned:2023 Year End Review Episodes: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3Nirvana in Fire with Tea and Soju PodAfternoona Delight Death's GameAfternoona Delight Second Male Lead SOSDramas mentioned:ChocolateHealerHospital PlaylistTaxi DriverOur Beloved SummerJeongnyeon: The Star is BornThe Judge from Hell Queen of TearsMarry My HusbandWonderful WorldMr. PlanktonThe Midnight Romance in HagwonLove Next DoorKnight FlowerThe Tale of Lady OkAsk the Stars/When the Stars GossipTreasure Island TwelveCulinary Class Wars (reality)My DearestTwinkling WatermelonMovingDeaths GameMy Sweet MobsterLovely RunnerMiss Night and DayAtypical FamilyNirvana in FireLove All PlayLove Like the GalaxySignalNo Gain No LoveA Virtuous BusinessLove in the Big CityThe Forbidden MarriageOST songs mentioned:“What Are We?” from Love Next Door“Now and Then” from The Midnight Romance in Hagwon “If I Could Be Together” from Mr. Plankton  "Love You With All My Heart" from Queen of Tears"Tell Me It's Not a Dream" from Queen of Tears"Beautiful" from Goblin