Daebak K-Rambles Podcast: Kdrama Reviews

On Episode 72 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess and guest Grace from the Afternoona Asks Podcast review the sageuk from yesteryear The Princess’s Man, starring Moon Chae-won and Park Si-hoo.

Jess and Grace talk through this epic, ANGSTY romance from 2011, discussing the show’s writing, its accurate portrayal of real historical events, the cast and the scandal that rocked Park Si-hoo’s career, the hella melodramatic OST, the chemistry between the leads, a breakdown of the show and all its most memorable scenes, and more!

GUEST: Grace

• Afternoona Asks Podcast: Available on Spotify, Google, Apple

• Instagram: @afternoonaasks

• Instagram: @graceaxolotlequestions

• www.afternoonaasks.com

Intro Music Credit: “Golden Coconut Club” by Tearliner, from the Cheese in the Trap OST. Used with permission from the artist.

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On Episode 71 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess and guests Curtis from the InfatuAsian Podcast and Brandon from the Pocha Playlist Podcast review the underrated K-drama Our Blues, starring Lee Byung-hun, Kim Hye-ja, Shin Min-a, Lee Jung-eun, Kim Woo-bin, and so many more.

Jess, Curtis, and Brandon talk through this delightful and stressful 2022 show, discussing the all-star ensemble cast, the cinematography and OST (hello, BTS’ Jimin!), the show’s excellent writing and handling of taboo or sensitive topics (like teenage pregnancy, depression, disability, and family reconciliation), the most stunning and emotional scenes, the best storylines, and so much more!

GUEST: Curtis

• Infatuasian Podcast: Available on Spotify, Google, Apple

• Instagram: @theinfatuasianpodcast

• Website: https://infatuasian.podbean.com

GUEST: Brandon

• Pocha Playlist Podcast: Available on Spotify, Google, Apple

• Instagram: @pochaplaylist

• Twitter: @pochaplaylist

• Facebook: @pochaplaylist

• TikTok: @pochaplaylist

Intro Music Credit: “Golden Coconut Club” by Tearliner, from the Cheese in the Trap OST. Used with permission from the artist.

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On Episode 70 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess and guest Pam from @pam_dramaholic on Instagram review the emotional K-drama Tomorrow, starring Kim Hee-seon, Rowoon, Lee Soo-hyuk, and Yun Ji-On.

Jess and Pam carefully pick their way through this triggering 2022 show, discussing this super cool cast, Rowoon’s filmography and acting talent, the show’s religious themes, the context for cardboard collecting, lax sentencing for drunk perpetrators, and comfort women, the most memorable and impressive scenes, and more. Bring your tissues!

**Trigger warning: This episode and show contains content about suicide and sexual assault.

GUEST: Pam

• Instagram: @pam_dramaholic

• Twitter: @pam_dramaholic

• TikTok: @pam_dramaholic

  
  

Intro Music Credit: “Golden Coconut Club” by Tearliner, from the Cheese in the Trap OST. Used with permission from the artist.

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On Episode 69 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess and friend of the pod Nas from the Swoon Diaries Podcast review the vintage K-drama Autumn in My Heart, starring Song Seung-Heon and Song Hye-kyo.

Jess and Nas laugh and cry their way through this classic and tragic 2000 show of yore, discussing the “Endless Love” series, the origins of so many tropes, setting as a character, and the creation of a recognizable OST, HOW INSANELY HOT SONG SEUNG-HEON IS, the phenomenon that is Won Bin (the SML to end all SMLs), a breakdown of the show and all its most memorable scenes, and more. Bring your tissues!

GUEST: Nas

• Swoon Diaries Podcast: Available on Spotify, Google, Apple

• Instagram: @swoondiariespod

• Twitter: @swoondiariespod

• YouTube

  
  

Intro Music Credit: “Golden Coconut Club” by Tearliner, from the Cheese in the Trap OST. Used with permission from the artist.

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On Episode 68 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess and friend Caitlin from NoSleep4Dramas Blog & Podcast review season 1 of the crime K-drama Stranger, starring Cho Seung-Woo and Bae Doona.

Jess and Caitlin talk through this amazing 2017 drama, discussing the stellar cast, how it had Jess’s head spinning and confused (in a good way), the (platonic) chemistry between the leads, the most memorable and impressive scenes, the reveals that had us stunned, and more!

GUEST: Caitlin

• NoSleep4Dramas Podcast: Available on Spotify, Google, Apple

• Website: nosleep4dramas.com

• Instagram: @nosleep4dramas

• Twitter: @NoSleep4Dramas2 - Caitlin (ALL THE DRAMAS)

• TikTok: @nosleep4dramas

  
  

Intro Music Credit: “Golden Coconut Club” by Tearliner, from the Cheese in the Trap OST. Used with permission from the artist.

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On Episode 67 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess and guest Becky from @dont_sue_rebecca on TikTok review the slice-of-life K-drama Because This Is My First Life, starring Lee Min-ki and Jung So-min.

Jess and Becky talk through this underrated 2017 drama, discussing comfort-watch nature of it, the relatability and authenticity in the characters, the amazing ensemble cast, the chemistry between the leads (and THAT KISS), the progressive themes of feminism, consent, and belongingness, “500 Days of Summer,” “The Graduate,” and so much more!

GUEST: Becky

• TikTok @dont_sue_rebecca: https://www.tiktok.com/@dont_sue_rebecca?lang=en

• TikTok @rebeccamissessue: https://www.tiktok.com/@rebeccamissessue?lang=en

Intro Music Credit: “Golden Coconut Club” by Tearliner, from the Cheese in the Trap OST. Used with permission from the artist.

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On Episode 66 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess and guest Carol from Kdramas Musings team up to review Autumn’s Concerto, starring Vanness Wu and Ady An.

Jumping straight into spoiler talk, Jess and Carol talk through this melodramatic 2009 Taiwanese drama hit, discussing the hysterical OTT plot beats and tropes (like the amnesia, for starters), the iconic cast and how outrageously hot Vanness is PLEASE, the nostalgia for these types of stories and toxic male leads, red flag moments (lost count but man they were fun), some detailed recapping (for those who don’t intend to actually watch), and more!

GUESTS: Carol

• Kdrama Musings Podcast: Available on Spotify, Google, Apple

• Instagram: @kdramasmusings

• TikTok: @kdramamusings

  
  

Intro Music Credit: “Golden Coconut Club” by Tearliner, from the Cheese in the Trap OST. Used with permission from the artist.

Rate and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, follow us on all the socials, and be sure to let us know what you want to see in Season 6!

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On Episode 65 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess and guest Sarah from Kdrama This and the Afternoona Asks Podcast review a bit of a melodramatic K-drama—The Smile Has Left Your Eyes, starring Seo In-guk and Jung So-min.

Jess and Sarah talk through this 2018 drama as best they can because FOR ONCE Jess couldn’t rewatch the drama! They discuss the changes from the original 2002 J-drama, the undercurrent of incest, the chemistry between the leads, the stay-away-toxic-red-flag of Seo In-guk’s character, nitpicks and questions about the the show, THAT ENDING, and more!

GUEST: Sarah

• Afternoona Asks Podcast: Available on Spotify, Google, Apple

• Instagram: @kdramathis

• www.kdramathis.com

Intro Music Credit: “Golden Coconut Club” by Tearliner, from the Cheese in the Trap OST. Used with permission from the artist.

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On Episode 64 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, the Drama Trio is on deck! Jess is joined by friends Caitlin from NoSleep4Dramas Blog & Podcast and Liliana from the Tea & Soju Podcast to review Meet Yourself, starring Liu Yi Fei and Li Xian.

Jumping straight into spoiler talk, Jess, Caitlin, and Liliana talk through this calming slice-of-life 2023 C-drama hit, discussing the slow burn that nearly took Jess clean out, the recommended way to watch this show so the pacing works, the character arcs for the giant ensemble cast, the strong themes of the show (grief and carpe diem), the stunning and emotional (at times preachy) dialogue, actual red flag moments from the green flag ML, and more!

GUEST: Liliana

• Tea & Soju Asian Drama Podcast: Available on Spotify, Google, Apple
• Instagram: @teaandsojupod
• Twitter: @tea_soju_pod

GUEST: Caitlin

• NoSleep4Dramas Podcast: Available on Spotify, Google, Apple
• Website: nosleep4dramas.com
• Instagram: @nosleep4dramas
• Twitter: @NoSleep4Dramas2 - Caitlin (ALL THE DRAMAS)
• TikTok: @nosleep4dramas

Intro Music Credit: “Golden Coconut Club” by Tearliner, from the Cheese in the Trap OST. Used with permission from the artist.

Rate and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, follow us on all the socials, and be sure to let us know what you want to see in Season 5!

On Episode 63 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess and guest Lola from Lola Pops Off About Kdramas review a bit of an underrated K-drama—Run On, starring Yim Si-wan and Shin Se-kyung.

Jess and Lola go for a light jog through this 2020-21 comforting slice-of-life drama, discussing the magic in its dialogue and larger explorations of self-love and failure, how adorably childlike Si-wan’s character is, the central couple (like did they actually have sexual chemistry?), thoughts on Shin Se-kyung as an actress (you knew this was coming), the scene-stealing second couple in Sooyoung and Kang Tae-oh, nitpicks about the pacing of the show, and more!

GUEST: Lola

• Instagram: @lolapopsoffaboutkdramas
• TikTok: @lolapopsoffaboutkdramas
• Website: www.lolapopsoffaboutkdramas.com

Intro Music Credit: “Golden Coconut Club” by Tearliner, from the Cheese in the Trap OST. Used with permission from the artist.

Rate and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, follow us on all the socials, and be sure to let us know what you want to see in Season 6!

On Episode 62 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess and guest Bina from @binahearts on Insta start Season 5 off with a review of what Bina jokes is the best K-drama of all time—True Beauty, starring Moon Ka-Young, Cha Eun-Woo, and Hwang In-Yeop.Jess and Bina deep dive on this 2020-21 rom-com, discussing its enduring appeal, how it made its young cast overnight stars, a (loving) roast of Cha Eun-woo as an actor, the major second lead syndrome phenomenon for Hwang In-Yeop, the best parts of the show (hello, bromance!), major complaints and strange changes from the webtoon, and more!

GUEST: Bina Lee

• Soompi Bina Posts: https://www.soompi.com/author/4050035wpa
• Kpop Map Bina Posts: https://www.kpopmap.com/user/bina+lee/?profiletab=posts
• Instagram: @binahearts

Intro Music Credit: “Golden Coconut Club” by Tearliner, from the Cheese in the Trap OST. Used with permission from the artist.

Rate and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, follow us on all the socials, and be sure to let us know what you want to see in Season 6!

Follow us!Patreon - www.patreon.com/daekbakpodInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/daebakpod/TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@daebakpod

On Episode 61 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess kicks off Season 5 with an Ask Me Anything (AMA) episode!

It’s a solo pod, as Jess answers all your burning questions submitted via the socials. Questions like: When and how did you start watching Asian dramas? How did you start podcasting? What’s the longest binge session you’ve ever had? Along with tough tasks like: Top 10 K-dramas, Top 10 C-dramas, Best Underrated Dramas, and more. You’ll also get a little insight into Season 5 and what you can expect to see on the newest season of the podcast!

Intro Music Credit: “Golden Coconut Club” by Tearliner, from the Cheese in the Trap OST. Used with permission from the artist.

Rate and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, follow us on all the socials, and be sure to let us know what you want to see in Season 6!Follow us!Patreon - www.patreon.com/daebakpodInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/daebakpod/TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@daebakpod

On another special Episode 60 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess and guest Sarai from the Kdrama Cafe Podcast head to 17th century Joseon with a review of My Dearest (part 1 and 2), starring Namkoong Min and Ahn Eun-Jin.

Jess and Sarai deep dive on this 2023 historical epic, discussing the sweeping story of survival and love, “Gone with the Wind” comparisons, the show’s commentary on Confucian ideals, gender roles, and sexual purity, the character arcs and the tour-de-force performances from Ahn Eun-Jin and especially Namkoong Min, the supportive female relationships plus the love story at the center of it all, and more!

**Trigger warning: This episode and show contains content about suicide and sexual assault.

GUEST: Sarai

• Kdrama Cafe Podcast: Available on Spotify, Google, Apple

• Instagram: @Kdramacafe_podcast

• TikTok: @kdramacafe_podcast

Intro Music Credit: “Golden Coconut Club” by Tearliner, from the Cheese in the Trap OST. Used with permission from the artist.

Rate and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, follow us on all the socials, and be sure to let us know what you want to see in Season 5!

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On another special Episode 59 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess is joined by friends of the pod Liliana from the Tea & Soju Podcast and Sammie from the Korean From Context and the BL Buddies Podcast to review Doona!, starring Bae Suzy and Yang Se-Jong.

Jess, Liliana, and Sammie have a hell of a time talking through this 2023 Netflix K-drama, discussing the pacing and 9-episode runtime, the webtoon author-turned-screenwriter, Bae Suzy’s (chain-smoking) performance, the chemistry between the leads and bold claims of the best K-drama kissing, the lonely, trauma-filled life of an idol, the secondary characters that worked for us, other shared house K-dramas that do the formula better, our interpretations of the ending, and more!

GUEST: Liliana

• Tea & Soju Asian Drama Podcast: Available on Spotify, Google, Apple

• Instagram: @teaandsojupod

• Twitter: @tea_soju_pod

GUEST: Sammie

• BL Buddies: A Podcast: Available on Spotify, Google, Apple

• YouTube: https://youtube.com/@blbuddiesapodcast5548

• Instagram: @koreanfromcontext

• Twitter: @koreanfrmcntxt

• TikTok: @koreanfromcontext

• Website: www.koreanfromcontext.com

  
  

Intro Music Credit: “Golden Coconut Club” by Tearliner, from the Cheese in the Trap OST. Used with permission from the artist.

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On Episode 58 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess and guest Lola from Lola Pops Off About Kdramas wrap up the mini Spooky SZN with a review of Revenant, starring Kim Tae-ri, Oh Jung-se, and Hong Kyung.

Jess and Lola deep dive on this 2023 thriller, discussing how they don’t usually watch the horror genre, the best and worst parts of the show, the stellar performances from Kim Tae-ri and Oh Jung-se (and how attractive he is??), the complexity of what ghosts represent, and more!

**Trigger warning: This episode and show contains content about suicide.

GUEST: Lola

• Instagram: @lolapopsoffaboutkdramas

• TikTok: @lolapopsoffaboutkdramas

• Website: www.lolapopsoffaboutkdramas.com

Intro Music Credit: “Golden Coconut Club” by Tearliner, from the Cheese in the Trap OST. Used with permission from the artist.

Rate and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, follow us on all the socials, and be sure to let us know what you want to see in Season 5!

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On Episode 57 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess and Rico continue the mini Spooky SZN with a not-so-scary-but-very-violent review of Moving, starring Ryoo Seung-Ryong, Han Hyo-Joo, Jo In-Sung, Kim Sung-Kyun, Ko Yoon-Jung, and Lee Jeong-Ha.

Jess and Rico discuss this Disney+ original, talking through its stacked cast (the return of Jo In-Sung!), interesting and mysterious plot, the amazing character development (everyone gets a backstory!), the fitting musical score (reminded us of Hans Zimmer and Ludwig Göransson), the performances (my heart, Ryoo Seung-Ryong), the theme of parenthood, action scene choreography and editing (a Netflix-style oner?), countless comparisons to Western superheroes (like Hulk and X-Men), the possibility of a season 2 (with that post-credits scene??), and more!

Intro Music Credit: “Golden Coconut Club” by Tearliner, from the Cheese in the Trap OST. Used with permission from the artist.

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On Episode 56 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess and Rico continue the mini Spooky SZN with another ATC crossover episode to review of Ballerina, starring Jun Jong-Seo and Kim Ji-Hoon.

Jess and Rico discuss this Netflix original film from writer-director Lee Chung-Hyun, talking through its derivative nature, the revenge plot and the performances, the action scene editing à la Christopher Nolan, the cinematography and bisexual lighting, Kim Ji-hoon’s thirst trap scenes, what’s missing from the movie, and more!

Intro Music Credit: “Golden Coconut Club” by Tearliner, from the Cheese in the Trap OST. Used with permission from the artist.

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On Episode 55 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess and guest Sarah from Kdrama This and the Afternoona Asks Podcast kick off this mini Spooky SZN with a review of D.P., starring Jung Hae-In, Koo Gyo-Hwan, Kim Sung-Kyun, and Son Suk-Ku.

Jess and Sarah discuss both seasons 1 and 2 of this dark military drama, talking through the amazing performances from Hae-in and Gyo-hwan, Sarah’s experience at the Jung Hae-in fanmeet, the haunting and unflinching look at the South Korean military, the violence and humiliation behind the most memorable deserter vignettes, the bold and uncomfortable themes and topics (e.g., abuse, trauma, suicide, homophobia), and more.

GUEST: Sarah

• Afternoona Asks Podcast: Available on Spotify, Google, Apple
• Instagram: @kdramathis www.kdramathis.com

Intro Music Credit: “Golden Coconut Club” by Tearliner, from the Cheese in the Trap OST. Used with permission from the artist.

Rate and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, follow us on all the socials, and be sure to let us know what you want to see in Season 5!

On the season 4 finale Episode 54 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess and guest Robyn from The Kdrama Playbook review Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo, starring Lee Joon-gi, IU, Kang Ha-Neul, and so many more.

Jess and Robyn discuss this widely lauded 2016 sageuk drama, talking through the toxic love stories and hard tonal shift, how the show seems to want us to blame the FL for the royal bad behavior, comparisons to the original Scarlet Heart C-drama, the memorable scenes that stick out from the rest, underwhelming facial scars, Baekhyun’s downright bad acting (and puppets), the possibility of a season 2, and more!

GUEST: Robyn - The Kdrama Playbook

• www.kdramaplaybook.com

• Instagram: @the_kdrama_playbook

• Twitter: @theKdramaplaybook

Intro Music Credit: “Golden Coconut Club” by Tearliner, from the Cheese in the Trap OST. Used with permission from the artist.

Rate and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, follow us on all the socials, and be sure to let us know what you want to see in Season 5!

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On Episode 53 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess and guest Liliana from the Tea & Soju Podcast review The Untamed, starring Xiao Zhan and Wang Yi Bo.

Jess and Liliana discuss this well-regarded 2019 historical drama, talking through the BL danmei bones of the story and how China prohibits such stories, the innuendo and hidden meaning throughout, the acting from the leads, the confusing parts of the plot, the themes of the show, such as mob justice and toxic groupthink, swoonworthy moments, and more!

GUEST: Liliana

• Tea & Soju Asian Drama Podcast: Available on Spotify, Google, Apple

• Instagram: @teaandsojupod

• Twitter: @tea_soju_pod

Intro Music Credit: “Golden Coconut Club” by Tearliner, from the Cheese in the Trap OST. Used with permission from the artist.

Rate and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, follow us on all the socials, and be sure to let us know what you want to see in Season 5!

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On Episode 52 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess and guest Sarah from Kdrama This and the Afternoona Asks Podcast review Do You Like Brahms?, starring Park Eun-Bin and Kim Min-Jae.

Jess and Sarah discuss this underrated 2020 musical drama, talking through the slow-burn romance between two introverts, comparisons to other musical K-dramas, the Asian stereotype that the show seems to tackle, the impossible-to-love SFL, the inside baseball of the classical music scene, clichéd and overplayed songs (looking at you “Moonlight Sonata” and “Clair de lune”), and more!

GUEST: Sarah

• Afternoona Asks Podcast: Available on Spotify, Google, Apple

• Instagram: @kdramathis

• www.kdramathis.com

Intro Music Credit: “Golden Coconut Club” by Tearliner, from the Cheese in the Trap OST. Used with permission from the artist.

Rate and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, follow us on all the socials, and be sure to let us know what you want to see in Season 5!

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On Episode 51 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess and Rico rage against the monsters on a review of Sweet Home (season 1), starring Song Kang, Lee Jin-Uk, Lee Si-Young, Lee Do-Hyun, and more.

Jess and Rico talk through this 2020 action-horror drama, discussing the SAG-AFRA and WGA strikes and how they relate to Netflix and K-dramas, the famous director and the all-star cast, how Rico is not a zombie OR monster person, the Hollywood special effects (shout-out to Baby Yoda!), Song Kang as a lead actor, fun facts about the production, the twisty, violent ending, and more!

Intro Music Credit: “Golden Coconut Club” by Tearliner, from the Cheese in the Trap OST. Used with permission from the artist.

Rate and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, follow us on all the socials, and be sure to let us know what you want to see in Season 5!

On Episode 50 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess and guest Carol from Kdramas Musings are back again to review Love Like the Galaxy, starring Zhao Lusi and Wu Lei (aka Leo Wu).

Jess and Carol (influenced in large part by Caitlin from @nosleep4dramas) discuss this beautiful 2022 historical drama, talking through the insane cinematography and musical score, the acting from the leads, the best scenes and moments (post-breakup Ling Buyi PLEASE), the many impressive themes of the show, such as family, abandonment, trust, love, and marriage, our top swoonworthy moments, and so much more!

GUESTS: Carol

• Kdrama Musings Podcast: Available on Spotify, Google, Apple

• Instagram: @kdramasmusings

• TikTok: @kdramamusings

Intro Music Credit: “Golden Coconut Club” by Tearliner, from the Cheese in the Trap OST. Used with permission from the artist.

Rate and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, follow us on all the socials, and be sure to let us know what you want to see in Season 5!

On Episode 49 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess is joined by repeat guest Carol from Kdramas Musings to review Coffee Prince, starring Gong Yoo and Yoon Eun-Hye.

Jess and Carol return to this iconic gender-bender from 2007, talking through the groundbreaking, ahead-of-its-time nature of the show, how formative and meaningful the project is to the cast, Gong Yoo (I mean…), the best scenes and moments, dated or questionable aspects of the show, an assessment of relationships, trust, independence, and gender roles, and so much more!

GUESTS: Carol

• Instagram: @carolmarkwei

• Instagram: @kdramasmusings

• TikTok: @kdramamusings

Intro Music Credit: “Golden Coconut Club” by Tearliner, from the Cheese in the Trap OST. Used with permission from the artist.

Rate and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, follow us on all the socials, and be sure to let us know what you want to see in Season 5!

On Episode 48 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess is joined by repeat guests Nas and Ori from the Seoul Sistahs Podcast to review Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-Joo, starring Nam Joo-Hyuk and Lee Sung-Kyung.

Jess, Nas, and Ori lift heavy as they swim their way through this beloved 2016 show, discussing the renaissance era of 2016 K-dramas, the careers and chemistry of former lovers Joo-Hyuk and Sung-Kyung, how the drama stacks up against other sports dramas, the questionable casting of model Sung-Kyung to portray a weightlifter, an entire litany of subplots that could have been cut (looking at you, rhythmic gymnastics girlies), and more! ~SWAG!

GUEST: Nas and Ori

• Seoul Sistahs Podcast: Available on Spotify, Google, Apple

• Instagram: @seoulsistahspod

• Twitter: @seoulsistahspod

• YouTube

Intro Music Credit: “Golden Coconut Club” by Tearliner, from the Cheese in the Trap OST. Used with permission from the artist.

Rate and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, follow us on all the socials, and be sure to let us know what you want to see in Season 5!

On Episode 47 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess is joined by repeat guest Mina from the Kpop Bookshelf Podcast to review Full House, starring Rain and Song Hye-Kyo.

Jess and Mina talk through this pioneer 2004 K-drama hit, discussing Rain and Hye-Kyo’s performances and chemistry, the premise that made the cohabitation and contract marriage tropes K-drama staples, the “best friends” from hell, the worst portrayal of a pregnancy in K-drama(?), the dated 2000s tech and fashion and non-existent cinematography that made the show all the more charming, and so much more!

GUEST: Mina

• Website: https://kpopbookshelfpod.wixsite.com/blog

• Kpop Bookshelf Podcast: Available on Spotify, Google, Apple

• Instagram: @kpopbookshelf

• Twitter: @kpopbookshelf

Intro Music Credit: “Golden Coconut Club” by Tearliner, from the Cheese in the Trap OST. Used with permission from the artist.

Rate and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, follow us on all the socials, and be sure to let us know what you want to see in Season 5!

On a special Episode 46 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess and Rico are back on an ATC crossover episode to review the very first movie for the podcast, Past Lives, starring Greta Lee, Teo Yoo, and John Magaro.

Jess and Rico discuss this A24 film from first-time writer-director Celine Song, talking through the themes and messages of the movie, including In-Yun and destiny, the tropes that might be familiar to K-drama fans, the strength of the dialogue and acting, the scenes that had us freaking out and dissecting, our general adoration for the film and the lasting impact on us, and more!

Thank you to A24 for providing us with free tickets!

Intro Music Credit: “Golden Coconut Club” by Tearliner, from the Cheese in the Trap OST. Used with permission from the artist.

Rate and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, follow us on all the socials, and be sure to let us know what you want to see in Season 5!

On Episode 45 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess and guest hosts Caitlin from @nosleep4dramas and Liliana from the Tea & Soju Podcast finish up their review of Till the End of the Moon, starring Luo Yun Xi and Bai Lu.

Continuing with spoiler talk, Part 2 kicks off discussing the theme of nature vs. nurture for Tantai Jin’s character, each era of the show and the best moments from each (like the crow wedding or the boat dance scene), some audience complaints about Susu’s character, more gushing about Yun Xi and Bai Lu’s chemistry, swoonworthy moments, and so much more!

GUEST: Liliana

• Tea & Soju Asian Drama Podcast: Available on Spotify, Google, Apple
• Instagram: @teaandsojupod
• Twitter: @tea_soju_pod

GUEST: Caitlin - @nosleep4dramas

• Website: nosleep4dramas.com
• Instagram: @nosleep4dramas
• Twitter: @NoSleep4Dramas2 - Caitlin (ALL THE DRAMAS)
• TikTok: @nosleep4dramas

Intro Music Credit: “Golden Coconut Club” by Tearliner, from the Cheese in the Trap OST. Used with permission from the artist.

Rate and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, follow us on all the socials, and be sure to let us know what you want to see in Season 5!

On Episode 44 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess is joined by repeat guest Caitlin from @nosleep4dramas and friend of the pod Liliana from the Tea & Soju Podcast to review Till the End of the Moon, starring Luo Yun Xi and Bai Lu.

Jumping straight into spoiler talk, Part 1 sees Jess, Caitlin, and Liliana gush and fangirl over this 2023 C-drama hit, discussing the performances from Yun Xi and Bai Lu, the well-written plot and character arcs from FIRST TIME screenwriters, how Yun Xi’s ballet dance background only helped with the physical demands of the role, the censorship cuts that took the episode count down to 40, the costuming and styling that had them obsessed (Yun Xi serving cvnt for 40 episodes??), a laundry list of controversies, an assessment of the secondary couples, and more!

GUEST: Liliana

• Tea & Soju Asian Drama Podcast: Available on Spotify, Google, Apple
• Instagram: @teaandsojupod
• Twitter: @tea_soju_pod

GUEST: Caitlin - @nosleep4dramas

• Website: nosleep4dramas.com
• Instagram: @nosleep4dramas
• Twitter: @NoSleep4Dramas2 - Caitlin (ALL THE DRAMAS)
• TikTok: @nosleep4dramas

Intro Music Credit: “Golden Coconut Club” by Tearliner, from the Cheese in the Trap OST. Used with permission from the artist.

Rate and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, follow us on all the socials, and be sure to let us know what you want to see in Season 5!

On Episode 43 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess is joined by repeat guest Jenny from the Pocha Playlist Podcast to review You’re Beautiful, starring Park Shin-Hye and Jang Keun-Suk.

Jess and Jenny laugh through a discussion of this iconic Hong Sisters gender-bender from 2009, talking through the ludicrous (but still Shakespearean) plot, how Park Shin-Hye and Jang Keun-Suk’s characters are written and played, the second lead love lines in the A.N.JELL group, the live concert footage and low-key amazing OST, an assessment of the K-pop industry and toxic fandom, and more!

GUEST: Jenny

• Pocha Playlist Podcast: Available on Spotify, Google, Apple

• Instagram: @pochaplaylist

• Twitter: @pochaplaylist

• Facebook: @pochaplaylist

• TikTok: @pochaplaylist

Intro Music Credit: “Golden Coconut Club” by Tearliner, from the Cheese in the Trap OST. Used with permission from the artist.

Rate and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, follow us on all the socials, and be sure to let us know what you want to see in Season 5!

On Episode 42 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess is joined by special guest comedian Grace Jung from the K-Drama School Podcast to review Go Back Couple, starring Jang Na-Ra and Son Ho-Jun.

Jess and Grace talk through this 2017 time-traveling melo-comedy, discussing the powerhouse that is Jang Na-Ra, the second-chance romance and if we agreed with it, how the drama could have been way different had it not been broadcast on KBS, Jang Ki-Yong’s second male lead, the sanctity of motherhood, 90s nostalgia, the simplicity of youth, and more!

GUEST: Grace Jung

• K-Drama School: Available on Spotify, Google, Apple

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPIv_fAWZlA0Kbl-baogM0g

• Instagram: @kdramaschool

• Twitter: @kdramaschool

• Facebook: @kdramaschool

• Website: www.kdramaschool.com

Intro Music Credit: “Golden Coconut Club” by Tearliner, from the Cheese in the Trap OST. Used with permission from the artist.

Rate and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, follow us on all the socials, and be sure to let us know what you want to see in Season 5!

On Episode 41 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess is joined by special guest Samantha from the Korean From Context and the BL Buddies Podcast to review The Heirs, starring Lee Min-Ho and Park Shin-Hye.

Jess and Sammie talk through this painfully 2013 high school love story, discussing the male leads and their old-school red flag toxicity, the novelty of filming the early episodes in California (plus the bean powder, crack house, balcony stares nonsense), the lacking plot from renowned screenwriter Kim Eun-Sook, Kim Woo-Bin’s reformed bad boy arc, Park Shin-Hye’s blank space of a personality, her incessant lip biting, and more!

GUEST: Sammie

• BL Buddies: A Podcast: Available on Spotify, Google, Apple

• YouTube: https://youtube.com/@blbuddiesapodcast5548

• Instagram: @koreanfromcontext

• Twitter: @koreanfrmcntxt

• TikTok: @koreanfromcontext

• Website: www.koreanfromcontext.com

Intro Music Credit: “Golden Coconut Club” by Tearliner, from the Cheese in the Trap OST. Used with permission from the artist.

Rate and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, follow us on all the socials, and be sure to let us know what you want to see in Season 5!

On Episode 40 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess is joined by revenge-story cynic Miguel to review the The Glory, starring Song Hye-Kyo, Lee Do-Hyun, Lim Ji-Yeon, and so many more.

Jess and Miguel team up for a revenge over a decade in the making, discussing the themes and messages of the show, how it portrays all kinds of bullying, the scandal with director Ahn Gil-Ho, the strength of the cast, zaddy Jung Sung-Il, the best scenes and lines, and SO MUCH MORE in spoilers!

Intro Music Credit: “Golden Coconut Club” by Tearliner, from the Cheese in the Trap OST. Used with permission from the artist.

Rate and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, follow us on all the socials, and be sure to let us know what you want to see in Season 5!

On Episode 39 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess is joined by special guest Paroma from the Dramas Over Flowers Podcast to review Youth of May, starring Lee Do-Hyun and Go Min-Si.

Jess and Paroma talk through this star-crossed lovers story set in a historically significant time period, discussing the experience of watching, the amazing script, the director’s approach to the material, the characters and their arcs, a scene lifted from the classic Hindi movie Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, the heartbreaking ending, and more!

GUEST: Paroma

• Dramas Over Flowers Podcast: Available on Spotify, Google, Apple

• Instagram: @dramasoverflowers_

• Twitter: @dramasoverflow

• Facebook: @dramasoverflowers

• Website: https://www.dramasoverflowers.net/

Intro Music Credit: “Golden Coconut Club” by Tearliner, from the Cheese in the Trap OST. Used with permission from the artist.

Rate and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, follow us on all the socials, and be sure to let us know what you want to see in Season 4!

On Episode 38 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess is joined by Laura and Kathy from the MIA2K Podcast to review Dream High, starring Kim Soo-Hyun, Bae Suzy, and Ok Taecyeon, IU, and so many more.

Jess, Laura, and Kathy lovingly roast this iconic 2011 idol drama, discussing the acting from all the rookie players, the appeal of the show (despite its flaws in cinematography, writing, sound mixing, etc.), the whole JYP propaganda of it all, the heartfelt (but cheesy) themes and best character arcs, plus the cameos, needle drops, meta references, and more!

Dream High Tropes: https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Series/DreamHigh

GUEST: Laura and Kathy

• MIA2K Podcast: Available on Spotify, Google, Apple
• Instagram: @mia2kpodcast
• Twitter: @MIA2Kpodcast
• TikTok: @mia2kpodcast
• Website: https://mia2kpoppodcast.com/

Intro Music Credit: “Golden Coconut Club” by Tearliner, from the Cheese in the Trap OST. Used with permission from the artist.

Rate and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, follow us on all the socials, and be sure to let us know what you want to see in Season 4!

On Episode 37 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess and guests Jenn and Marisa from The KThree review Healer (2014), starring Ji Chang-Wook and Park Min-Young.

Jess, Jenn, and Marisa return to this pre-2015 action-romance, talking through how Jenn and Marisa found the drama on this rewatch, how Jess has fallen madly in love with Ji Chang-Wook (finally!), the themes of identity, trust, and belonging, the amazing K-drama ahjumma Kim Mi-Kyung, the few dated aspects of the show, a laundry list of K-drama Crack™ moments, and more!

GUEST: The KThree - Jenn and Marisa

• Instagram: @thekthree
• Twitter: @TheKThree
• Facebook: The KThree
• YouTube: @TheKThree

Intro Music Credit: “Golden Coconut Club” by Tearliner, from the Cheese in the Trap OST. Used with permission from the artist.

Rate and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, follow us on all the socials, and be sure to let us know what you want to see in Season 5!

On Episode 36 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess and guest Lola from Lola Pops Off About Kdramas officially kick off Season 4 with a review of My Love from the Star (2013), starring Jun Ji-Hyun and Kim Soo-Hyun.

Jess and Lola deep dive on this pre-2015 Hallyu wave juggernaut, discussing the difference between their first watch of the drama and this rewatch, its chicken and beer legacy, how delightful Jun Ji-Hyun was and is as the FL, the dated aspects of the show (like Kim Soo-Hyun’s Bieber cut), Twilight comparisons, E.T. references, and more!

GUEST: Lola

• Instagram: @lolapopsoffaboutkdramas
• TikTok: @lolapopsoffaboutkdramas
• Website: www.lolapopsoffaboutkdramas.com

Intro Music Credit: “Golden Coconut Club” by Tearliner, from the Cheese in the Trap OST. Used with permission from the artist.

Rate and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, follow us on all the socials, and be sure to let us know what you want to see in Season 5!

On a special Episode 35 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess is joined by the ladies from the Seoul Sistahs Podcast to wrap up a review of Alchemy of Souls Parts 1 and 2.

In the part 2 spoiler section of the review, Jess, Nas, and Ori talk through the characters and their arcs (if they even had one), swoon through some of the best romantic scenes, rail against some of the worst bits of writing and plot (buzzwords include: problematic, weak, issue, bad), compare Jung So-Min versus Ko Yoon-Jung, examine the motif of light and shadow for season 2, and more!

Intro Music Credit: “Golden Coconut Club” by Tearliner, from the Cheese in the Trap OST. Used with permission from the artist.

Rate and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, follow us on all the socials, and be sure to let us know what you want to see in Season 4!

On a special Episode 34 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess is joined by the ladies from the Seoul Sistahs Podcast to review Alchemy of Souls Parts 1 and 2, a journey almost as long as the drama itself.

In the part 1 non-spoiler section of the review, Jess, Nas, and Ori have a robust discussion, talking through what they generally liked and disliked about the show, the stunning cinematography and world building, a brief history of Hong Sisters dramas, a rundown of other fantasy K-dramas, how AoS is obviously derivative of fantasy C-dramas, the astronomical budget for AoS, the toxic fandom online, and more!

Fantasy K-dramas mentioned in the episode:

• Gumihos: Roommate Is a Gumiho, Girlfriend Is a Gumiho, Gu Family Book, Tale of the Nine-Tailed
• Ghosts: Hotel del Luna, The Master’s Sun, Oh My Ghostess, Ghost Doctor
• Grim Reapers: Tomorrow, Doom at Your Service, Goblin
• Angels: Angel’s Last Mission
• Mermaids: Legend of the Blue Sea
• The Legend (2007)
• Immortal Admiral Yi SunSin (2004-2005)
• Bulgasal: Immortal Souls (2021-2022)
• A Korean Odyssey
• Arthdal Chronicles
• Sweet Home
• Mystic Pop-Up Bar
• Abyss
• The Bride of Habaek
• The King: Eternal Monarch

Intro Music Credit: “Golden Coconut Club” by Tearliner, from the Cheese in the Trap OST. Used with permission from the artist.

Rate and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, follow us on all the socials, and be sure to let us know what you want to see in Season 4!

On another special Episode 33 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess is joined by pen aficionado and Utada Hikaru’s #1 fan Miguel to review the very first J-drama for the podcast, First Love, starring Mitsushima Hikari and Satoh Takeru.

Jess and Miguel are back for some more ‘90s nostalgia in this 2022 J-drama hit, discussing the themes and messages of the show, major criticisms of the show, the stunning cinematography and feels-inducing soundtrack, scenes that had us freaking out and having coughing fits, the trope that made us eye-roll and suspend our disbelief, and more!

Intro Music Credit: “Golden Coconut Club” by Tearliner, from the Cheese in the Trap OST. Used with permission from the artist.

Rate and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, follow us on all the socials, and be sure to let us know what you want to see in Season 4!

On Episode 31 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess is joined by repeat guests Mina from the Kpop Bookshelf Podcast and Kathy from MIA2K Podcast to review Extraordinary Attorney Woo, starring Park Eun-Bin.

Jess, Mina, and Kathy talk through this 2022 K-drama hit, discussing Park Eun-Bin’s performance, the ASD stereotypes that complicated the groundbreaking and positive representation, the pros and cons of the romance with Kang Tae-Oh’s character, an examination of the “villain” characters, the best and worst featured court cases, and more!

GUEST: Kathy

• MIA2K Podcast: Available on Spotify, Google, Apple
• Instagram: @mia2kpodcast
• Twitter: @MIA2Kpodcast
• TikTok: @mia2kpodcast
• YouTube
• Website: https://mia2kpoppodcast.com/

GUEST: Mina

• Website: https://kpopbookshelfpod.wixsite.com/blog
• Kpop Bookshelf Podcast: Available on Spotify, Google, Apple
• Instagram: @kpopbookshelfpod
• Twitter: @kpopbookshelf

Mina’s Sources:

• In South Korea, a Hit Show Brings Autism Into the Spotlight [The New York Times]
• Netflix hit 'Extraordinary Attorney Woo' sparks autism debate [Bangkok Post]
• ‘My son is not a ghost,’ parent files petition [The Korea Herald]
• Korean Culture and Autism Spectrum Disorders [Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders (2013) 43:503–520]
• We’re Not Broken: Changing the Conversation on Autism [by Michael Garcia]
• Kim, Yoojin, "Coming Out of the Shadows: Understanding Autism in Korean Culture" (2020). [BYU Theses and Dissertations

Rate and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, follow us on all the socials, and be sure to let us know what you want to see in Season 4!

On Episode 30 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess is joined by repeat guest Minal from the Crash Landed on Kdramas Podcast to review Little Women, starring Kim Go-Eun, Nam Ji-Hyun, Park Ji-Hu, and many more.

Jess and Minal discuss this 2022 dark thriller, talking through Kim Go- Eun’s stellar performance, the themes of corrupting capitalism and money, what the show says about motherhood, why the showrunners chose the American classic of Little Women to adapt, an exploration of the main characters, deconstructing audience complaints, and so much more!

GUESTS: Minal

• Crash Landed on Kdramas Podcast: Available on Spotify, Google, Apple
• Instagram: @crashlanded_onkdramas
• Twitter: @CrashLandedonKD
• Website: https://linktr.ee/CrashLandedonKdramas

Rate and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, follow us on all the socials, and be sure to let us know what you want to see in Season 4!

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On Episode 29 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess is joined by repeat guest Caitlin from @nosleep4dramas to review the perfect spooky szn drama, Flower of Evil, starring Lee Joon-Gi and Moon Chae-Won.

Jess and Caitlin discuss this 2020 crime melodrama in detail, talking through Lee Joon-Gi’s creeptastic performance, the intense internal struggles of our main characters, the plots twists that we liked and disliked, the 2005-ish tropes spun slightly different, and the final two episodes that made them upset (to say the least), and more!

GUEST: Caitlin - @nosleep4dramas

• Website: nosleep4dramas.com
• Instagram: @nosleep4dramas
• Twitter: @NoSleep4Dramas2 - Caitlin (ALL THE DRAMAS)
• TikTok: @nosleep4dramas

Rate and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, follow us on all the socials, and be sure to let us know what you want to see in Season 4!

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On Episode 28 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess is joined by special guest Alex from the Hallyu Been Podcast to review the first historical drama for the pod, The Crowned Clown, starring Yeo Jin-Goo, Kim Sang-Kyung, and Lee Se-Young.

Jess and Alex ramble their way through this amazing 2019 sageuk, discussing the impressive performance from lead Yeo Jin-Goo, the strong (and ever so precious) romance, the good and bad of the political machinations, the cinematography, the musical score, the final 20 minutes that had them seething, and more!

GUEST: Alex

• Hallyu Been Podcast: Available on Spotify, Google, Apple
• Instagram: @hallyubeen
• Twitter: @hallyubeen

Rate and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, follow us on all the socials, and be sure to let us know what you want to see in Season 4!

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On Episode 27 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess is joined by repeat guest Mina from the Kpop Bookshelf Podcast to review Mr. Sunshine, starring Lee Byung-Hun, Kim Tae-Ri, Yoo Yeon-Seok, and many others.

Jess and Mina truly deep dive on this 2018 epic, exploring the major themes of identity, belonging, classism, and more, the history and culture of the time, what America feels like in the hands of Lee Byung-Hun, and reveling at the acting performances throughout, characters and the backstories that made them so layered, Yoo Yeon-Seok’s hotness, the cinematography, big-budget set pieces, the endgame episodes that broke hearts, and more!

GUEST: Mina

• Website: https://kpopbookshelfpod.wixsite.com/blog
• Kpop Bookshelf Podcast: Available on Spotify, Google, Apple
• Instagram: @kpopbookshelfpod
• Twitter: @kpopbookshelf

Mina’s Sources:

• Korea - A History by Eugene Y. Park
• [FICTION VS. HISTORY] The fact and fiction in ‘Mr. Sunshine’ : Historical sweep is captured but some anachronisms and motivations irk viewers [Korean Joong Ang Daily]
• K-drama ‘Mr. Sunshine’ writer is accused of distorting history [SCMP]
• Korea’s first electricity plant site found in palace [The Korea Herald]
• [Joseon Images] Streetcars of Seoul: 'first step toward civilization' [The Korea Times]
• Slavery in Korea [The Korea Times]

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On Episode 26 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess is joined by special guests Laura and Kathy from the MIA2K Podcast to review Love All Play, starring Park Ju-Hyun and Chae Jong-Hyeop.

Jess, Laura, and Kathy deep dive on this 2022 sports romance drama, discussing the chemistry between the leads, “Potato Boy” Jong-Hyeop’s infectious smile, the basic plot and tired tropes of the show, the OST, impactful themes and character arcs, swoonworthy moments, and more!

GUEST: Laura and Kathy

• MIA2K Podcast: Available on Spotify, Google, Apple
• Instagram: @mia2kpodcast
• Twitter: @MIA2Kpodcast
• TikTok: @mia2kpodcast
• YouTube
• Website: https://mia2kpoppodcast.com/

Rate and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, follow us on all the socials, and be sure to let us know what you want to see in Season 4!

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On Episode 25 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess and Rico dole out a bit of mafia justice to review Vincenzo, starring Song Joong-Ki, Jeon Yeo-Bin, and Taecyeon.

Jess and Rico talk through this 2021 crime/dark comedy drama, discussing the crazy shifts in tone throughout the show, pacing, chemistry between the leads, Taecyeon’s performance and character motivations, fun facts about the production, the violent ending, and more!

Rate and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, follow us on all the socials, and be sure to let us know what you want to see in Season 4!

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On Episode 23 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess is joined by special guest Curtis from the Infatuasian Podcast to review Prison Playbook, starring Park Hae-Soo, Jung Kyoung-Ho, and many more.

Jess and Curtis have a fun talk about this 2018 K-drama, discussing the portrayal of prison in Korea, their disappointment in the pacing and episode length, the funniest moments in this slice-of-life drama, an uncomfortable age-gap relationship, and more!

GUEST: Curtis

• Infatuasian Podcast: Available on Spotify, Google, Apple
• Instagram: @theinfatuasianpodcast
• Website: https://infatuasian.podbean.com

Rate and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, follow us on all the socials, and be sure to let us know what you want to see in Season 4!

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On Episode 22 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess is joined by special guests Gbemi and Carol from the Kdramatics Club to review Search: WWW, starring Lim Soo-Jung, Lee Da-Hee, and Jeon Hye-Jin.

Jess and the Kdramatics ladies have a hot discussion about this 2019 K-drama, talking through the portrayal of powerful women in the workplace, the potential queerbaiting, the ethics explored in the tech industry, the noona romances with boys Jang Ki-Yong and Lee Jae-Wook, and more!

GUESTS: Gbemi and Carol

• Instagram: @kdramaticsclub
• TikTok: @kdramaticsclub
• Twitter: @Kdramaticsclub

Rate and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, follow us on all the socials, and be sure to let us know what you want to see in Season 4!

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On Episode 21 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess and repeat guest Miguel kick off Season 3 with a review of Snowdrop, starring Jung Hae-In and Blackpink’s Kim Ji-Soo.

In between the giggles and roasting, Jess and Miguel deep dive on this controversial 2022 Disney+ original K-drama, discussing Ji-Soo’s acting, the admittedly very good chemistry of the leads, the progression of the plot, the most frustrating aspects of the writing, the ending, and more!

Rate and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, follow us on all the socials, and be sure to let us know what you want to see in Season 4!

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On Episode 20 of the ATC Presents Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess is joined by special guests Minal, Sangeetha, and Poonam from the Crash Landed on Kdramas Podcast to review Pachinko, starring Kim Min-ha, Lee Min-Ho, Youn Yuh-Jung, and Jin Ha.

Jess and the Crash Landed ladies have a hot discussion about this 2022 American adaptation of the bestselling book, talking through the acting performances, the fundamental differences between the show and novel, the cinematography, and more!

GUESTS: Minal, Sangeetha, and Poonam

• Crash Landed on Kdramas Podcast: Available on Spotify, Google, Apple
• Instagram: @crashlanded_onkdramas
• Twitter: @CrashLandedonKD
• Website: https://linktr.ee/CrashLandedonKdramas

Rate and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, follow us on all the socials, and be sure to let us know what you want to see in Season 3!

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On Episode 19 of the ATC Presents Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess is joined by repeat guest Miguel to review Twenty-Five Twenty-One, starring Kim Tae-Ri and Nam Joo-Hyuk.

Jess and Miguel deep dive on this popular and contentious 2022 K-drama, discussing Kim Tae-Ri and Nam Joo-Hyuk’s acting, the amazing writing, the framing device, the retro OST, the world events that pushed the plot forward, the romance, THAT ENDING, and more!

Rate and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, follow us on all the socials, and be sure to let us know what you want to see in Season 3!

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On Episode 16 of the ATC Presents Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess and Rico take a walk on the dark side on a review of Beyond Evil, starring Shin Ha-Kyeon and Yeo Jin-Goo. Jess and Rico talk through the crime drama, including the strength of the acting, the ever-thickening plot, what could have been done differently, Chevy product placement, maniacal laughing, and more! *CORRECTION: Writer Kim Soo Jin is actually a female, and she did not write Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo. Rate and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, follow us on all the socials, and be sure to let us know what you want to see in Season 3! Follow us! Patreon Instagram  Twitter  Facebook 

On Episode 14 of the ATC Presents Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess is joined by special guest Lia Riley from the Afternoona Delight Podcast to talk about the rom-com drama Strong Woman Do Bong Soon, starring Park Bo-young and Park Hyung-sik.

Jess and Lia laugh their way through this lovable drama, discussing the fantastic chemistry between the leads, swoon worthy moments, the memorable OST, the tropes that had them in a vise-grip, the funky kidnapping plot line, Ji Soo’s bullying scandal, and more!

GUEST: Lia Riley

• Website: https://www.afternoonadelight.com
• Afternoona Delight Podcast: Available on Spotify, Google, Apple
• YouTube: Afternoona Delight Podcast
• Instagram: @afternoonadelightpodcast
• Twitter: @afternoonadeli1
• TikTok: @afternoonadelightpodcast

For Jess’s original blog review of Strong Woman Do Bong Soon: REVIEW: Strong Woman Do Bong Soon

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On Episode 13 of the ATC Presents Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess is joined by special guest Jeanie Chang aka Noona’s Noonchi to talk about the drama My Mister, starring Lee Sun-kyun and IU.

Jess and Jeanie talk through the dark, melancholy drama, including an exploration of the Korean term jeong, workplace culture, failure, being a good person, community, empathy, happiness, and more!

GUEST: Jeanie Chang aka Noona’s Noonchi

• Website: www.noonasnoonchi.com
• Noona’s Noonchi Podcast: Available on Spotify, Google, Apple
• YouTube: Noona’s Noonchi
• Instagram: @noonanoonchi
• Twitter: @noonasnoonchi
• TikTok: @noonasnoonchi

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On Episode 12 of the ATC Presents Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess is joined by special guest Caitlin of @nosleep4dramas to talk about the romance drama Something in the Rain, starring Jung Hae-in and Son Ye-jin.

Jess and Caitlin talk through the unique drama, including the mesmerizing central couple, the predictable and unpredictable plot beats, the worst mother figure ever in K-drama, umbrella symbolism, the OST, and more!

GUEST: Caitlin - @nosleep4dramas

• Website: nosleep4dramas.com
• Instagram: @nosleep4dramas
• Twitter: @NoSleep4Dramas2 - Caitlin (ALL THE DRAMAS)
• TikTok: @nosleep4dramas

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On Episode 11 of the ATC Presents Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess and Rico kick off Season 2 with a review of When the Camellia Blooms, starring Kong Hyo-Jin and Kang Ha-Neul.

Jess and Rico talk through the drama, including the exploration of single motherhood, trauma, abandonment, and prejudice and societal norms in a small town, the best parts of the sweet romance, a serial killer plot line that seems out of place, and more!

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On this special Episode 10 of the ATC Presents Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, we had to talk about the worldwide phenomenon that is Squid Game, starring Lee Jung-Jae, Park Hae-Soo, Jung Ho-Yeon, and Wi Ha-Joon.

Jess and special guest Miguel talk through the Netflix thriller, including the fascinating central theme, the most compelling characters, the predictable plot beats, the impact the show has had on the world, and more!

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On Episode 9 of the ATC Presents Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, it's the Season 1 Finale episode of our K-drama journey (and it took everything in me not to play Vitamin C's "Friends Forever").

Jess and Rico discuss their show watching habits, Rico talks through what he learned as a K-drama newb, and then they have some fun handing out superlatives like Best Character Intro, Character with the Best Job, Best Duo/Crew, Show You Wish Was a Feature-Length Movie Instead, and so many more! Thank you for tuning in every week for each new episode!

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On Episode 8 of the ATC Presents Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, we quit our demanding day job after nearly a decade of servitude on our review of What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim, starring Park Seo-Joon and Park Min-Young.

Jess and Rico talk through the well-liked romantic comedy, including the problematic power dynamics between our main couple, the unlikeable character the charming Park Seo-Joon plays, the annoying subplots, and more!

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On Episode 7 of the ATC Presents Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, we change out of our scrubs and pick up a guitar as we review of Hospital Playlist (Season 1), starring Jo Jung-Suk, Yoo Yeon-Seok, Jung Kyung-Ho, Kim Dae-Myung, and Jeon Mi-Do.

Jess and Rico discuss the beloved medical K-drama, including the delightful chemistry of this ensemble cast, their favorite characters and most memorable moments, the famous OST, the romances and flirtations our five friends have, and more!

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On Episode 6 of the ATC Presents Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, we go paragliding across the border on our review of Crash Landing on You, starring Hyun Bin and Son Ye-jin.

Jess and Rico cover the most recent K-drama to take the world by storm, including the preposterous premise, the strength of the star-crossed lovers’ chemistry, the portrayal of North Korea, the compelling secondary romance, and more!

Rate and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, and follow us on all the socials, and be sure to let us know that you want a Season 2!

For Jess’s original blog review of CLOY: REVIEW: Crash Landing on You

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On Episode 5 of the ATC Presents Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, we belt “I Will Always Love You” on our review of The Bodyguard, aka The K2, starring Ji Chang-wook and Lim Yoona.

Jess and Rico talk about the pacing and the action, the sexual tension between ~certain characters, the screamo OST for throwing punches, what defines an “idol” drama, and more!

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On Episode 4 of the ATC Presents Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, we step into the comic book world on our review of W: Two Worlds Apart, starring Lee Jong-suk and Han Hyo-joo.

Jess and Rico chat about the super intriguing plot, the chemistry between the leads, the epic OST, the quagmire of the comic world’s logistics, and more!

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On Episode 3 of the ATC Presents Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, we solve cold cases with the crew from Signal, starring Lee Je-Hoon, Kim Hye-Soo, and Cho Jin-Woong!

Jess and Rico discuss the dark police procedural with a fantastical element, including the interesting premise, the strength of the acting, the most impactful plot lines, the true crime cases that inspired the show, and more!

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On Episode 2 of the ATC Presents Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, we open a bottle of wine and crash a Jeep for our review of 2016’s Descendants of the Sun, starring Song Joong-Ki and Song Hye-Kyo!

Jess and Rico discuss the wildly popular K-drama, including the chemistry between the #SongSong couple, the weakest parts of the show, the unique filming location, the amazing OST, how awful non-Korean (white) actors are in K-drama, and more!

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On Episode 1 of the ATC Presents Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, we curl our hair and visit the dry cleaners for our review of 2009’s Boys Over Flowers, starring Lee Min-Ho and Ku Hye-Seon!

Jess and Rico give their raw thoughts on the K-drama classic in all its dated glory, including talking about the actors and plot, the strength of the love story, school bullying in South Korea, the OST, the legacy of the show, and more!

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On the “Intro to Us” episode of the ATC Presents Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, we introduce the hosts—that’s us, Rico and Jess!

This is USUALLY the “Always the Critic Podcast,” where a couple of friends review the latest movies, except we literally have zero qualifications to do so. But we’re very excited to kick off a brand new podcast we’ve been working on, and that’s this here ATC Presents Daebak K-Rambles! We tell you a little bit about ourselves, our backgrounds in Korean drama (or lack thereof, in Rico’s case), the origin of the name Daebak K-Rambles, and mention a few of the shows we’ll be covering in Season 1.

We’re really excited to try out this totally different podcast from what we usually do on Always the Critic. But we’re both pretty busy, so we’re dedicating just one season to Daebak. If you like what you hear, are having fun listening to our crazy reviews, then tell us!

Rate and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, and follow us on all the socials, and be sure to let us know that you want a Season 2!

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