Avsnitt
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This week, Jun and Daniel sit down for their final "regular" episode before Daniel's upcoming move back to the US. Daniel shares the stressful reality of his international moving logistics, from the staggering drop in the USD-KRW exchange rate destroying the value of his Jeonse deposit, to the uniquely Korean anxiety of landlords holding deposits hostage until a new tenant moves in. Meanwhile, Jun recounts his birthday trip to Busan's trendy Jeonpo-dong and his observations from the Seoul Jazz Festival, where leaving luxury bags unattended on picnic blankets and organizing synchronized audience light shows is perfectly normal.
If you're interested in the disastrous Starbucks Korea "Tank Day" marketing fail that mocked the Gwangju Uprising and led to the CEO's resignation, why Korean men are increasingly embracing Kkeul-gyeo (shaved armpits) to match the asexual aesthetic of K-Pop idols, or the massive FOMO driving Samsung employees to strike over SK Hynix's insane profit-sharing bonuses, this episode is a must-listen. The hosts also discuss the cultural etiquette of spitting watermelon seeds, the depressing reality of Korea's only legal casino for locals, and unbox some incredibly thoughtful listener gifts sent from around the world.
As a reminder, we publish our episodes bi-weekly from Seoul, South Korea. We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey!Support the show
We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey!
Support us on Patreon:
https://patreon.com/user?u=99211862
Follow us on socials:
https://www.instagram.com/koreanamericanpodcast/
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https://www.tiktok.com/@koreanamericanpodcast
Questions/Comments/Feedback? Email us at: [email protected]
Member of the iyagi media network (www.iyagimedia.com) -
This week, Jun and Daniel sit down for a very special, albeit bittersweet, episode disguised as a fake media review of the movie Decision to Leave. After five beautiful and transformative years of living in South Korea, Daniel makes the official announcement: his family is packing up and moving back to the United States this summer.
The hosts spend the episode reflecting on Daniel’s incredible five-year journey from a temporary visitor to a seasoned local. They discuss the logical factors driving the move (specifically, navigating the education system as their kids approach middle school), Daniel’s evolution from being terrified of the Korean bus system to finding peace in the culture, and why maintaining a "temporary visitor mentality" for five years remains his biggest regret. Daniel also shares his most cherished memory of experiencing true, spontaneous neighborhood Jeong over convenience store ice cream.
If you’re interested in why Jun's lack of an "American fantasy" makes him feel more Korean than his peers, what Daniel's retirement plans in Busan might look like, or the ultimate fate of the Korean American Podcast once Daniel crosses the Pacific, this episode is a must-listen. Finally, the guys announce their plan to donate all their accumulated Patreon and YouTube earnings to a good cause, and they need your help deciding where it should go!
As a reminder, we publish our episodes bi-weekly from Seoul, South Korea. We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey!
Support the show
We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey!
Support us on Patreon:
https://patreon.com/user?u=99211862
Follow us on socials:
https://www.instagram.com/koreanamericanpodcast/
https://twitter.com/korampodcast
https://www.tiktok.com/@koreanamericanpodcast
Questions/Comments/Feedback? Email us at: [email protected]
Member of the iyagi media network (www.iyagimedia.com) -
Saknas det avsnitt?
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This week, Jun and Daniel ditch the "News and Trends" segments for a massive, all-encompassing "Daily Life" episode. Daniel shares his recent family trip to Gyeongju, reviewing the underwhelming scale of the Cheomseongdae observatory and the endless street food options on Hwangridan-gil, before showing off his incredibly lucky $3 denim jacket find at a Korean Goodwill. Daniel also recounts a rare, magical streak of spontaneous social interactions—from hosting their kids' tutor for a homemade taco night to a five-hour, impromptu neighborhood playground hangout that gave him a heartwarming preview of what community life in America might look like.
If you're interested in the traumatic, old-school Korean school gate "hair checks", why Jun desperately avoids making eye contact with the older men at his 7:30 AM gym sessions, or why Daniel no longer feels the urge to offer help to the growing number of foreigners in Pangyo, this episode is for you. The hosts also dive into a deep culinary debate about American vs. Korean snack profiles, explaining why US Doritos and gum pack a much heavier punch, and analyzing the cultural divide between Korean sweet potatoes (Goguma) baked into pizzas and cakes versus American yams smothered in marshmallows.
As a reminder, we publish our episodes bi-weekly from Seoul, South Korea. We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey!
Sponsorship Note:
This episode contains a paid sponsorship for KimlyParc. KimlyParc is the premiere instant coffee brand with amazing flavors and the highest quality ingredients. This week, we are so excited to highlight their brand new Sweet Potato Latte! Made with real Korean sweet potato (Goguma) extract and naturally sweetened with allulose, it's a rich, caffeine-free treat that tastes amazing both hot and iced. If you’re in the US, head to kimlyparc.com and use the code “KAP20” at checkout to get 20% off your order today. If you’re in Korea, search “킴리팍” on Naver.
US: https://kimlyparc.com/discount/KAP20
Korea: https://smartstore.naver.com/kimlyparc
Support the show
We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey!
Support us on Patreon:
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Member of the iyagi media network (www.iyagimedia.com) -
This week, Jun and Daniel catch up on their busy lives. Jun rants about his tech startup's obsession with AI efficiency over actual value, sparking a deep dive into why the Korean mindset fixates on perfecting "methodology" and process rather than focusing on the big picture. Meanwhile, Daniel navigates his first Korean elementary school Iphaksik (entrance ceremony), observing everything from a surprisingly sobering speech by the principal to the painstakingly meticulous cultural requirement of labeling every single colored pencil with a name sticker.
If you're interested in why Daniel's midnight comfort food has evolved into a bizarre "Spam Dubu Kimchi" hybrid, the game-theory brilliance behind Korea's shared traffic accident liability rules (where it's rarely 100-to-0), or why K-Pop idols are ironically wearing retro floral "Kimjang vests," this episode has it all. We also review BTS's massive, city-stopping comeback performance at Gwanghwamun Palace, marvel at Apple's genius Korean pun for their new M5 chip, and unpack a listener's email that leads to Daniel's realization that Pangyo might be the absolute worst place in Korea to experience true community and "Jeong."
As a reminder, we publish our episodes bi-weekly from Seoul, South Korea. We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey!
Support the show
We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey!
Support us on Patreon:
https://patreon.com/user?u=99211862
Follow us on socials:
https://www.instagram.com/koreanamericanpodcast/
https://twitter.com/korampodcast
https://www.tiktok.com/@koreanamericanpodcast
Questions/Comments/Feedback? Email us at: [email protected]
Member of the iyagi media network (www.iyagimedia.com) -
This week, Jun and Daniel sit down for a dedicated media review of Park Chan-wook's newly released dark comedy thriller, No Other Choice (어쩔수가없다). Starring heavyweights like Lee Byung-hun and Son Ye-jin, the film follows a desperate man who loses his corporate job and resorts to lethal measures against his competitors to win it back. The hosts break down the film's stark social commentary on the "American Dream" in a Korean setting, the brilliant subversion of the corporate rat race, and the terrifying reality of an AI-driven dystopian future.
If you’re interested in why Koreans historically associate eel and "Bokbunja" (raspberry wine) with male stamina, the quirky 1980s history behind naming dry cleaners "Computer Cleaning," or why giving shoes as a romantic gift in Korea is a terrible idea, this episode is for you. We also discuss the shifting symbols of luxury cars—from the classic 90s Hyundai "Gak-Grandeur" to the Cadillac Escalade—the Korean cultural stigma surrounding layoffs compared to the US, and why the idiom "an aching tooth falling out" perfectly captures the film's chaotic climax.
As a reminder, we publish our episodes bi-weekly from Seoul, South Korea. We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey!
Support the show
We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey!
Support us on Patreon:
https://patreon.com/user?u=99211862
Follow us on socials:
https://www.instagram.com/koreanamericanpodcast/
https://twitter.com/korampodcast
https://www.tiktok.com/@koreanamericanpodcast
Questions/Comments/Feedback? Email us at: [email protected]
Member of the iyagi media network (www.iyagimedia.com) -
Disclaimer: Everything shared in this conversation represents the guest's own personal experiences and perspectives — not advice, instruction, or advocacy of any kind.
This week, Jun and Daniel welcome a very special guest, Claire, who bridges the gap between the corporate world and the spiritual realm. As a global business development manager by day and a practicing psychic and tarot reader by night, Claire shares her fascinating journey of navigating her dual identities. She opens up about her transition from practicing Western "Wiccan" magic to dealing with the realities of Korean Mu-ism (shamanism), including her intense experience with "Shin-byeong" (spirit sickness) and undergoing a "Nu-reum-gut" ritual to suppress her spiritual calling.
If you’re interested in learning the fundamental differences between Western magic and Korean shamanism, this episode is for you. The trio dives deep into the surprising parallels between shamanic visions and Christian prophecies and Claire's unique take on how Korean, Japanese, and American ghosts differ based on her own supernatural encounters. We also feature a live tarot reading session where Claire predicts the future of the podcast, advises Jun on his housing dilemmas, and reveals why Jun's cat Gorong feels "poor" despite living a highly privileged life.
As a reminder, we publish our episodes bi-weekly from Seoul, South Korea. We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey!
Guest bio:
A TCK based in Korea, Claire balances a career in Business Development with a deep practice as a Tarot reader. Her identity is defined by the spaces in between: the cultural bridge between Korea and the U.S., and the spiritual bridge between the mundane and the magical. After years as an eclectic witch, her journey has led her toward the ancestral roots of Korean Mu-ism, where she continues to explore life at the crossroads.
Claire’s teacher’s socials for people in spiritual trouble:
- https://www.instagram.com/youngsan409
- https://www.threads.com/@dodong_7981
Support the show
We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey!
Support us on Patreon:
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Member of the iyagi media network (www.iyagimedia.com) -
This week, Jun and Daniel catch up on a whirlwind of events, starting with a frightening story about a fire at Jun's parents' house in Daegu that led to an unexpected fridge-clearing catharsis. Daniel shares observations from his recent trips to a Korean dentist, as well as a recent conversation with his kindergarten that perfectly illustrates the indirectness of the Korean language discussed last week. The hosts also debate the cultural mechanics of eating rice: why do some Korean poke places not give out chopsticks by default, and what is the primary utensil used to eat rice in Korea?
If you're interested in the recent online turf war between Korean netizens (“Knetz”) and Southeast Asian K-pop fans (“SEAblings”) over concert etiquette, why Korean national pride during the Winter Olympics seems to be waning, or why Bad Bunny’s culturally charged Super Bowl Halftime show might have ruffled some feathers, this episode is for you. We also discuss Korea's first single malt whiskey (Ki One), debate whether vinyl records are genuinely making a comeback or just a leftover "mid-century modern" prop, and reflect on a touching listener email regarding racial blindness and microaggressions.
As a reminder, we publish our episodes bi-weekly from Seoul, South Korea. We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey!
Support the show
We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey!
Support us on Patreon:
https://patreon.com/user?u=99211862
Follow us on socials:
https://www.instagram.com/koreanamericanpodcast/
https://twitter.com/korampodcast
https://www.tiktok.com/@koreanamericanpodcast
Questions/Comments/Feedback? Email us at: [email protected]
Member of the iyagi media network (www.iyagimedia.com) -
This week, Jun and Daniel dive back into their regular programming with a packed episode. Daniel shares his recent first-time shopping experience for men's skincare at Olive Young and his realization that he completely missed the start of the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics and the Super Bowl. Meanwhile, Jun gives a quick update on starting his new job and feeling the generational gap with his surprisingly young coworkers. The hosts also cover a wide range of news, from Samsung adopting English as its official internal language and SK Hynix's massive employee bonuses, to a somber discussion about the recent ICE controversies in the US and the complexities of political protests.
If you're interested in learning the Korean term for a cat "making biscuits", the current state of Korean men wearing make-up, or the cultural meaning behind mallard ducks at traditional Korean weddings, this episode has it all. Our hosts also explore linguistic trends like the (over)use of indirect phrasing, taste-test a viral, lazy-person "icebox cake", and read an email from a listener living in Boston.
As a reminder, we publish our episodes bi-weekly from Seoul, South Korea. We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey!
Support the show
We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey!
Support us on Patreon:
https://patreon.com/user?u=99211862
Follow us on socials:
https://www.instagram.com/koreanamericanpodcast/
https://twitter.com/korampodcast
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Questions/Comments/Feedback? Email us at: [email protected]
Member of the iyagi media network (www.iyagimedia.com) -
This week, Jun and Daniel return from a month-long hiatus packed with international travel. Jun shares his experience in Los Angeles, discussing the eerie perfection of Waymo’s autonomous taxis, the specific "80s accent" found in Koreatown, and a confusing dining experience that sparked a debate on microaggressions. Daniel recounts his family trip to Australia, covering everything from the shock of "Iced Coffee" (which includes ice cream) to a troubling incident of casual racism on a flight, and why Bluey World left the parents more exhausted than the kids.
If you’re interested in hearing about the "gym police" in Tokyo who enforce 20-minute timers on machines, what about Australian airport security feels like 1990s America, or a deep emotional reflection on aging parents triggered by a stranger's goodbye, this episode is for you. We also finally taste test the viral "Dubai Chewy Cookie" (Dujjoncoo) to see if it lives up to the hype, briefly touch on the intense geopolitical news starting 2026, and respond to a heartwarming listener message about Korean-American identity.
As a reminder, we publish our episodes bi-weekly from Seoul, South Korea. We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey!
Support the show
We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey!
Support us on Patreon:
https://patreon.com/user?u=99211862
Follow us on socials:
https://www.instagram.com/koreanamericanpodcast/
https://twitter.com/korampodcast
https://www.tiktok.com/@koreanamericanpodcast
Questions/Comments/Feedback? Email us at: [email protected]
Member of the iyagi media network (www.iyagimedia.com) -
This week, Jun and Daniel sit down to review the highly anticipated second season of "Culinary Class Wars" (흑백요리사). In a break from their usual format, the hosts dedicate the entire episode to dissecting the show, noting how this season felt less like a global competition and more like a "love letter" to Korean cuisine, ingredients, and geography. They discuss the shift in casting—notably the lack of foreign chefs compared to season one—and analyze the distinct narrative arcs that made this season emotionally resonant, from the "Loner Chef" to the tear-jerking backstories of the "Black Spoon" underdogs.
If you’re interested in understanding why a "vegan Dweji-gomtang" (pork soup) is a cultural oxymoron that made a judge smirk, the ethics of cooking live crabs in Korea versus the US, or why Koreans consider tofu to be a "perfect food" while Americans might find it bland, this episode is for you. We also dive into the cultural pressure to be humble versus confident, and a deep philosophical discussion sparked by the show’s finale about "doing things for yourself" versus living for societal expectations.
As a reminder, we publish our episodes bi-weekly from Seoul, South Korea. We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey!
Support the show
We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey!
Support us on Patreon:
https://patreon.com/user?u=99211862
Follow us on socials:
https://www.instagram.com/koreanamericanpodcast/
https://twitter.com/korampodcast
https://www.tiktok.com/@koreanamericanpodcast
Questions/Comments/Feedback? Email us at: [email protected]
Member of the iyagi media network (www.iyagimedia.com) -
This week, Jun and Daniel kick off 2026 (while still technically in 2025) with a travel-centric episode filled with cultural observations. Daniel recounts his family trip to Okinawa, sharing his struggles with driving on the "wrong" side of the road and his honest takes on local culinary quirks like taco rice and fruit sandwiches. Jun shares his recent experience in Beijing, contrasting the city's futuristic, cashless convenience with its lingering "old school" habits like indoor smoking and the stark contrast between state-run and private architecture.
Where did Jun find himself shocked to be working out, and what did Jun do recently that had Daniel incredibly jealous? What does our podcast’s resident architecture expert think of the architectural legacy of the late Frank Gehry? Our hosts also dive into the social implications of the recent Coupang data leak, note the staying power of Dubai Chocolate in Korea, and answer a listener's question about common K-Drama tropes and sayings.
As a reminder, we publish our episodes bi-weekly from Seoul, South Korea. We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey!
Support the show
We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey!
Support us on Patreon:
https://patreon.com/user?u=99211862
Follow us on socials:
https://www.instagram.com/koreanamericanpodcast/
https://twitter.com/korampodcast
https://www.tiktok.com/@koreanamericanpodcast
Questions/Comments/Feedback? Email us at: [email protected]
Member of the iyagi media network (www.iyagimedia.com) -
This week, Jun and Daniel celebrate Christmas and close out 2025 with their third annual "Ssamary"—a comprehensive year-end wrap-up. The episode begins with a look at their current holiday vibes, exploring why Daniel is struggling to feel festive this year and Jun's memories of his father's unique "sparrow" surveillance tactic for behavior. As they transition into the review, they break down the podcast's statistics, celebrate milestones like surviving creative burnout to find a sustainable schedule, and share their personal highs and lows of the year, including Daniel’s journey toward finding peace in Korea and Jun’s resilience through career turbulence.
If you’re interested in hearing about the surprising history behind December 25th, the exorbitant price of Korean hotel Christmas cakes, or Daniel's daughter’s ambitious Christmas wish list asking for a new house and baby twins, this episode offers plenty of laughs and insights. We also dive deep into our personal resolutions for 2026, including Jun’s "9th inning" career mindset and Daniel’s candid thoughts on whether his family will stay in Korea or move back to the US next summer. Whether you want to know which episodes were our favorites or just hear us reflect on the reality of aging and job stability, tune in for this special holiday edition.
As a reminder, we publish our episodes bi-weekly from Seoul, South Korea. We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey!
Support the show
We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey!
Support us on Patreon:
https://patreon.com/user?u=99211862
Follow us on socials:
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Member of the iyagi media network (www.iyagimedia.com) -
This week, Jun and Daniel catch up on a busy month of events, kicking things off with Daniel’s participation in "No Shave November" and the cultural stigma surrounding beards in Korea. The conversation moves to a visit to a US Army base for Halloween, which sparks a debate about cultural differences in fairness and connections highlighted by a specific incident involving a pizza order. Daniel also vents about his frustration with household items constantly breaking in Korea, leading to a broader discussion on consumerism, manufacturing quality, and the "fast fashion" mindset that permeates daily life.
If you’re interested in hearing a deep dive into why Americans identify so strongly with their driver's licenses compared to Korea's centralized resident ID system, or the sociological flip where Americans trust their neighbors but distrust the government while Koreans generally feel the opposite, this episode is for you. We also discuss the intense fitness culture of HYROX, differing attitudes toward pregnancy and activity, the reality of job stability and layoffs in the AI era, and Daniel’s realization that after four years, he finally feels completely settled and comfortable living in Korea.
As a reminder, we publish our episodes bi-weekly from Seoul, South Korea. We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey!
Support the show
We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey!
Support us on Patreon:
https://patreon.com/user?u=99211862
Follow us on socials:
https://www.instagram.com/koreanamericanpodcast/
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Questions/Comments/Feedback? Email us at: [email protected]
Member of the iyagi media network (www.iyagimedia.com) -
This week Jun and Daniel discuss recent news and cultural trends from November 2025. The episode covers APEC 2025 hosted in Gyeongju where Korea gifted Trump a Shilla gold crown, contrasting Korean labor debates between the London Bagel Museum overwork death and dawn delivery service bans, the viral Gwangjang Market pricing scandal, and the election of Zoran Momdani as New York City's first Muslim and youngest mayor in over a century. The hosts also discuss Gen Alpha slang, tackle Suneung English questions, and respond to listener comments.
If you're interested in any of these topics, tune in to hear Daniel and Jun discuss all this and more! This episode offers cross-cultural analysis on labor rights, cultural diplomacy, and social responsibility.
As a reminder, we publish our episodes bi-weekly from Seoul, South Korea. We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey!
Support the show
We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey!
Support us on Patreon:
https://patreon.com/user?u=99211862
Follow us on socials:
https://www.instagram.com/koreanamericanpodcast/
https://twitter.com/korampodcast
https://www.tiktok.com/@koreanamericanpodcast
Questions/Comments/Feedback? Email us at: [email protected]
Member of the iyagi media network (www.iyagimedia.com) -
This week Jun and Daniel dive deep into a media review of "The Wailing" (곡성), the critically acclaimed 2016 Korean horror film directed by Na Hong-jin. They begin by unpacking the clever wordplay behind the Korean title—"Gokseong" doubles as both the name of the real Korean city where the film is set and the Chinese character meaning "wailing." The hosts explore the film's complex narrative structure, debating whether the mysterious Japanese man is truly a demon or just an unfortunate scapegoat, analyzing the deacon character's true motivations, and discussing the tragic ending where the protagonist's choices lead to devastating consequences. They examine the film's commentary on faith, superstition, and mob mentality, while also touching on the masterful cinematography, the haunting shaman ritual scene, and the unforgettable performances.
If you're interested in understanding why this film is considered one of Korea's most important horror achievements, how Korean shamanism and religious syncretism create the story's ambiguity, why the film's open-ended interpretation makes it endlessly rewatchable, or Daniel's instant regret watching a horror film late at night in the dark, tune in to hear Daniel and Jun discuss all this and more! This episode also features discussion about recognizing famous Korean actors (including Hwang Jung-min, one of Korea's top movie stars), comparisons to The Blair Witch Project, and reflections on how the film uses the real city of Gokseong as its setting.
As a reminder, we publish our episodes bi-weekly from Seoul, South Korea. We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey!
Support the show
We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey!
Support us on Patreon:
https://patreon.com/user?u=99211862
Follow us on socials:
https://www.instagram.com/koreanamericanpodcast/
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Questions/Comments/Feedback? Email us at: [email protected]
Member of the iyagi media network (www.iyagimedia.com) -
This week Jun and Daniel return from their extended Chuseok holiday break to discuss a range of topics starting with daily life observations about technology, from wireless floor fans to Tesla's touchscreen interfaces to the state of autonomous vehicles in both the US and Korea. They then share their Chuseok vacation experiences, with Jun describing his MT-style trip to Gapyeong and Daniel reflecting on his trip to Seodaemun prison and museum. The conversation then shifts to significant news including the No Kings protests—massive nationwide demonstrations against Donald Trump's second presidential term in 2025—the controversial ban on Chinese chess at Tapgol Park in Seoul, the tragic incident involving Koreans in Cambodia, and the W Magazine Breast Cancer Awareness campaign controversy. The episode concludes with listener questions about Korean apartment uniformity and a spirited debate about nunchi, sparked by a question from a previous guest episode.
If you're interested in understanding how Korean efficiency and collectivism shape everything from apartment design to consumer products, learning about the No Kings movement and its significance in American politics, exploring the concept of nunchi and indirect communication in Korean culture, or hearing about nonprofit youth programs bridging Korean and American communities, tune in to hear Daniel and Jun discuss all this and more!
As a reminder, we record one episode a week in-person from Seoul, South Korea. We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey!:
Sponsored Content
This episode is sponsored by City Youth Martial Arts, a nonprofit taekwondo program serving Milwaukee's diverse urban neighborhoods. Find out more at https://cityyouthmartialarts.org
Support the show
We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey!
Support us on Patreon:
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Member of the iyagi media network (www.iyagimedia.com) -
This week, Daniel and Jun sit down with Raychel McKelvy, a Black American teacher and aspiring actor who just moved to Korea from Chicago less than a month ago. Raychel shares her unique journey from living across multiple U.S. cities to taking a "midlife gap year" in Seoul to study Korean at Yonsei University's language institute. They discuss her incredibly diverse upbringing and friend group, spanning Japanese, Indian, Latino, and Korean American communities, and how those experiences shaped her worldview. The conversation explores the stark differences between being a minority in America versus being a "super minority" in Korea, navigating the challenges of staring and othering, and finding beauty in cultural differences. Raychel opens up about her language learning journey, the reality of living in a co-living space in Yeongdeungpo, and adjusting to Korean social norms around public transit etiquette, restaurant timing, and high-context communication.
If you're interested in hearing a fresh perspective on moving to Korea, understanding the complexities of race and diversity across cultures, learning about the unexpected challenges and joys of language immersion, or gaining insights into how collectivism and individualism shape American versus Korean society, tune in to hear Daniel, Jun, and Raychel discuss all this and more. This episode offers an honest, thoughtful look at cultural adaptation, the privilege of diversity, and the courage it takes to completely upend your life for personal growth.
As a reminder, we publish our episodes bi-weekly from Seoul, South Korea. We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey!
Guest bio:
Raychel is an American currently living in Korea and attending Korean language school. When she is not studying Korean, she can be found talking to her family or nerding out on her 2 podcasts: MultiNerds Podcast and Tavern of Tomes.
Follow her Korean adventures on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/raychelmckelvy
Links:
MultiNerds:
https://open.spotify.com/show/6cDn8vhL0XRTTBxl5z5xaL?si=PrrWuVz4TDyMA-d_sz0esQ
Tavern of Tomes:
https://open.spotify.com/show/3sx3q8fhQ7mNLvt2I9PRJk?si=FTh-4cX3T-Sw_mLY5fEcoQ
Support the show
We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey!
Support us on Patreon:
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This week Jun and Daniel discuss the evolution of acquired tastes in food, turbulent political news from America, controversial tech updates, and a thought-provoking listener perspective on violence in Western vs. East Asian culture. Daniel shares his milestone of finally accepting sundae (Korean blood sausage) after years of trying, prompting a broader conversation about cilantro, kimchi, and how palates develop differently across cultures. The hosts then dive into heavy news topics including immigration enforcement affecting Korean nationals and the deeply polarizing assassination of Charlie Kirk. Jun analyzes recent tech updates from Apple's "liquid glass" iOS design to KakaoTalk's controversial Instagram-like interface changes, examining the concept of originality versus imitation. The episode concludes with a powerful listener message from Portugal about perceptions of violence in American society versus the emotional intimacy of East Asian media, sparking reflection on whether the global rise of K-content represents a cultural backlash against Western chaos.
If you're interested in any of these questions, tune in to hear Daniel and Jun discuss all this and more!
As a reminder, we publish our episodes bi-weekly from Seoul, South Korea. We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey!
Support the show
We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey!
Support us on Patreon:
https://patreon.com/user?u=99211862
Follow us on socials:
https://www.instagram.com/koreanamericanpodcast/
https://twitter.com/korampodcast
https://www.tiktok.com/@koreanamericanpodcast
Questions/Comments/Feedback? Email us at: [email protected]
Member of the iyagi media network (www.iyagimedia.com) -
This week Jun and Daniel return after a two-and-a-half-month break with updates on the future of their podcast and stories from their summer European travels. They announce changes to their recording schedule required to maintain a predictable and sustainable release cadence. The hosts explore their different European experiences, comparing notes on coffee culture, American tourists abroad, and the stereotypical beauty of European cities. They then discuss the latest news and trends from August 2025 before closing by reading a meaningful email they received from a listener. Additionally, they reflect on taking breaks from creative work and how refreshing time off can be, even from something you love doing.
If you're interested in learning about any of these topics, tune in to hear Daniel and Jun discuss all this and more! This episode also touches on items such as Korea’s credit card fraud protection, Daniel's first time in Europe, and predictions on a Korean fast food chain's launch in the US.
Support the show
We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey!
Support us on Patreon:
https://patreon.com/user?u=99211862
Follow us on socials:
https://www.instagram.com/koreanamericanpodcast/
https://twitter.com/korampodcast
https://www.tiktok.com/@koreanamericanpodcast
Questions/Comments/Feedback? Email us at: [email protected]
Member of the iyagi media network (www.iyagimedia.com) -
We’re back!
This week Jun and Daniel finally tackle the highly anticipated media review of "K-Pop Demon Hunters" (or "케데헌" in Korea). After discussing the massive global success of the Netflix animated film—which became the number one Netflix original movie of all time—they dive deep into various aspects of the production. From analyzing what defines authentic K-pop versus generic pop music, to exploring the typical K-pop group format and how the film made Korean culture accessible to non-Korean audiences, our hosts examine everything from the nostalgic snack spread featuring classic treats like 새우깡 to the film's blend of traditional and modern Korean cultural elements. They also grapple with complex questions about cultural authenticity, discussing director Maggie Kong's Korean Canadian background and whether Korean Americans can represent "authentic" Korean culture, while exploring the natural evolution of cultural export from origin countries to diaspora communities.
If you're interested in understanding the cultural significance of K-pop group roles (visual, rapper, leader, maknae), learning about the differences between how Korean Americans and Korean Koreans preserve traditional culture, exploring questions of cultural appropriation versus cultural evolution in the context of Korean content, or hearing Daniel and Jun's personal reactions to a film that has captivated audiences worldwide, tune in to hear them discuss all this and more! This episode also touches on the broader K-wave phenomenon, comparisons to other Korean cultural exports like Squid Game, and the emotional impact the film's soundtrack has had on families.
Support the show
We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey!
Support us on Patreon:
https://patreon.com/user?u=99211862
Follow us on socials:
https://www.instagram.com/koreanamericanpodcast/
https://twitter.com/korampodcast
https://www.tiktok.com/@koreanamericanpodcast
Questions/Comments/Feedback? Email us at: [email protected]
Member of the iyagi media network (www.iyagimedia.com) - Visa fler
