Avsnitt
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Thank you all for your support. Today is 1 year anniversary of What Should I Watch?, the best Korean drama podcast! Writing, recording, and editing every week is not an easy commitment but YOU gave me the strength to carry on. This week's episode covers about 30 Korean dramas and movies. It's a special list!
Also, don't miss two special announcements including a giveaway event.
I have truly enjoyed connecting with Korean drama fans around the world and hope to continue to do so.
Hopefully the long list from this special episode will give you enough to pick out from while I'm taking a short break to improve the show.
If you have any suggestion or comment, plz feel free to email me at [email protected]
Thank you again and see you all soon!
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Blues: Blues songs are lyrical rather than narrative; blues singers are expressing feelings rather than telling stories. The emotion expressed is generally one of sadness or melancholy, often due to problems of love but also oppression and hard times. (Britannica)Life likes to throw us a lot of curveballs. Some joy, anger, sorrow, and pleasure. This unique drama written by a legendary Korean writer, Noh Hee-kyung, teaches us that wherever you're going through, it's not the end of the road. Just the fact that you're alive at this moment deserves applause and cheering because life can be a burden sometimes. In this omnibus style drama set in beautiful Jeju island, characters who are aged from 6 to mid 70s show us the full range of emotions. Each story makes us laugh, cry, angry, and smile. But after all 20 episodes you'll feel as if you have learned a great lesson from a wise man, and that's a school of life.
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Saknas det avsnitt?
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When you're not strong and I'll be your friend. I'll help you carry on.
Please swallow your pride...for no one can fill those of your needs that you won't let show - Bill Withers
There are moments in life that words can't describe because what happened is not what matters. While you are watching this Korean drama "My Mister" you will find it hard to describe your feeling or even the drama itself. There are many websites that the genre or a brief summary of My Mister but those words don't matter. Invest at least 2-3 episodes for your soul and see it, feel it for yourself. In a world that is so selfish, polarizing, and violent, My Mister teaches why we live and how we should live.[TV Shows and Movies Mentioned in This Episode]
Misaeng (2014),Parasite (2019),
The World of the Married (2020),
My Liberation Notes (2022),
Another Miss Oh (2016),
The Glory (2022)
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We all lie whether it’s to achieve a goal or a white lie. But some people lie more often than others and sometimes it gets out of hand. Like Tom Ripley in Patricia Highsmith’s novels, some even enjoy the thrill of it. In history, there were famous people who turned out to be pathological liars and there are many books and movies about this trait of human being. Korea also had a few public figures whose life turned out to be all lies. It’s similar to Anna Sorokin, whose story is made into a Netflix show Inventing Anna. The fictional character in this week’s Korean drama is also Anna although that is not her real name. She is despicable yet evokes sympathy. Is it because she is not a psychopath liar or because we secretly wish we could live the life we want by lying and never get caught?
[Movies and TV Shows mentioned in this episode]
Through the darkness(2022),
Island(2022),
Single Rider(2017),
Squid Game (2021),
Mr. Sunshine (2018),
Hospital Playlist (2020),
Prison playbook (2017),
One Spring Night (2019),
The Heirs (2013)
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Korea is generally a very safe country. Kids walk home from school on their own and it is not illegal for parents to let their kids to go hang out on their own. There is no such thing as "dangerous area" although some neighborhoods are less developed than others. The idea of "psychopath" is relatively new and the concept of "serial killing" didn't settle in until the early 2000s. What's important is that there was a policeman who predicted the unprecedented type of murder and insisted to create a criminal behavior analysis unit. He and his colleague educate themselves to become Korea's first criminal profiler in the history. And this week's drama is the story of them. Through the Darkness. It's Korean Mindhunter.
[TV Shows and Movies mentioned in this episode] Fiery Priest (2019), Parasite (2019), Juvenile justice (2022), Memories of Murder (2003), Raincoat killer (2021), Old Boy (2003)
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Koreans were first introduced to baseball in the late 19th century by an American missionary, Henry Bruen. After a century, baseball became the most popular sport in Korea and its economic effect is estimated to be about 2 billion USD.
Baseball is not just a sport. It is a massive business and that's what this week's Korean drama, Hot Stove League, is about. Off the mound, there are hundreds of people working for the team. There're coaches, trainers, administrative staff, and most importantly the manager and the team owner. The issue is that if the team always loses, the owner would want to sell the team because it's a bad business. But a sport team is not always about winning or losing. For some, it's a childhood memory or a family tradition. For some players, it's the first team that recognized their talent and gave them a chance. That's why the drama, Hot Stove League, is for everyone to enjoy whether you like baseball or an expert of the game. And who wouldn't like eating a wide range of Korean food at a Korean baseball game?
[TV Shows mentioned in this episode]: One Dollar Lawyer(2022), Awaken(2020), Extraordinary Attorney Woo (2022), The Uncanny Counter(2020), It’s ok not to be ok(2020), When the Camellia blooms(2019), The Revenant(2023)
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As Korea celebrates its 78th anniversary of liberation from Japan on August 15, the conversation about the Korean drama, Mr. Sunshine continues from last week. There are many movies about the Nazi camps. The stories are so horrendous that they make us question how evil humans can be; yet that's why the love and humanity that is portrayed in movies shines brighter. It's the victory of the good over the extreme evil. Mr. Sunshine is the story of the Korean version of Nazi persecution. It's set during the time that Koreans were inhumanely oppressed by the Imperial Japanese. They had their country and all basic human rights stolen from them. But there were people who fought for the country's independence and for their love. And it's the love that this Korean drama makes us reflect on. Available on Netflix. Don't miss out on this epic historical drama!
[TV Show mentioned in this episode] The Slave Hunters (2010)
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August 15, 2023 marks the 78th anniversary of Korea's independence day. While the West was dealing with Nazi Germany, many Asian countries, including Korea were suffering from Japan's ambition to take over the world. (remember the American TV show, The Man in the High Castle?) Korea was colonized by Japan's military government for 35 years and there were many independence movements fighting against Japan. But even during the oppressing time, people fell in love and some of them had to painfully sacrifice the love for the greater cause: the independence of Korea, a country with 5000 years of history. This Korean drama, Mr. Sunshine, is an epic historical drama set in the late 19th century-early 20th century when the world was beginning to sink into chaos before First World War.
[Movies and TV Shows mentioned in this episode] : The Guardian aka Goblin (2016)
Descendants of the Sun (2016)
Sweet Home (2020)
Steel Rain (2017)
Confession Couple (2017)
Squid Game (2021)
The Handmaiden (2016)
Oldboy (2003)
Revenant (2023)
Twenty-Five Twenty-One (2022)
Dr. Romantic (2023)
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The experts say that the gig economy is not just a passing trend. And many who have a steady 9 to 6 job still try to make some extra money with a side hustle. It's no exception for underage students. I mean, who doesn't want money?But the high school kids in this Korean drama "Extracurricular" don't wash cars or deliver food. In fact, they don't have to anywhere but on their phone. They also make a lot more than the minimum wage. Because they run a "conditional meeting" business. It's the Korean term for arranging dates and meetings for all circumstances. And that's the key: all circumstances. Because it can be very risky and even life threatening. The male protagonist, Jisoo, just wanted to make some money so he can live a normal life without his parents who abandoned him. But things get out of hand so fast, so much worse than he could ever imagined. [TV Shows mentioned in this episode]: D.P. (2021), Road Number One (2010), Cyber Hell: Exposing Internet Horror (2022)
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In the iconic Reply series, the kids from the 90s and late 80s rule their neighborhood. But in this new series by the same creator, Shin Won-Ho, the characters are older. And instead of roaming the streets of areas in Seoul, these older characters are busy tending their cellmates or hospital patients. Prison Playbook and Hospital Playlist are not exactly coming of age dramas like the Reply series. But the characters are similar. They have not lost the innocence of their youth and they strive to to make the best of who they are now, even in the jail.
[TV Shows Mentioned in This Episode]
Hello, my twenties (2016),
When the Weather Is Fine (2020),
Squid Game (2021),
Mine (2021),
Mr. Sunshine (2018),
Interest of Love (2022),
Narco-Saints (2022)
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Platform shoes, crop top, scrunchies, miniskirt... these are currently the hip fashion items. But do they sound familiar to you? If so, you probably have lived through the 80s and 90s. Back then, things were not as cool and maybe not as convenient as now but it was good ol' days.
It was similar in Korea. The country was not as rich as now but there were some things that Koreans have lost over time.
While watching this iconic Reply anthology, you will certainly relate to the young main characters. But isn't that interesting that you will also relate to their parents and the neighbors, the adult characters? It's probably because through the youth, we have grown and learned the life and become mature adult who understand and appreciate the good old days. If you are reminiscing about one of those fun summers you had many moons ago, ask, "Do you hear me? Reply, if you hear me, my youth"
[TV Shows mentioned in this episode] My Fellow Citizens (2019), I Need Romance (2011)
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Princess Ariel returned to the big screen but not everybody liked it. If you're looking to replenish the thirst for a good legend story this summer, this Korean drama may work for you. An old Korean record from the 16th century shows that there were multiple mermaid sighting back then. Suppose it's true, what if one of those mermaids is still alive, and walking among us? Unlike Ariel, this Korean mermaid is neither a princess nor a delicate creature. She is physically a lot stronger than humans, can learn a language overnight, and can transform between legs and fin whenever she goes in and out of water. But the Korean mermaids have one fatal weakness. Once they fall in love with a human, they must earn the love back otherwise their heart will get hardened, killing them eventually. The Legend of the Blue Sea is a perfect romantic comedy to enjoy in the summer as if it's taking us on a vacation by the ocean. [TV Shows and Movies mentioned in this episode]: Because this is my first life (2017),My love from the star (2013),Crash Landing on you (2019),Kingdom (2019),Guardian: The Lonely and Great God (aka Goblin) (2016),My Sassy Girl (2001),Pachinko (2022),The King: Eternal Monarch (2020),The Heirs (2013),Reply 1988 (2015),Hospital Playlist (2020)
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Ending Music: Rest in Peace, Comrade by Hyeon In (1950)[TV Shows mentioned in this episode] I'll find you on a beautiful day (aka When the Weather is Fine)(2020), Narco-Saints(2022), Crash Landing on You(2019)BTS just celebrated their 10 year anniversary but some of the members are serving their military duty. Had Korea not been divided or the two Koreas been reunited, South Korea might not have mandatory military duty which means, BTS would have been all together now. The epic Korean movie Steel Rain assumes that the second Korean War is imminent. But it's not just a war or a spy movie. It also focuses on humanity and the value of togetherness as one nation, one family. We continue talking about the epic Korean movie, Steel Rain and what the life in North Korea is like, including a fun fact about a special business area in North Korea.
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I don't know what you did last summer but the world knows what North Korea did in the summer of 1950. June 25 is a special day for Koreans because that's the day the Korean War broke out 73 years ago. After all these years, the little peninsula is technically still at war and the house is divided. And Is the Cold War really over? North Korea is still keeping their arms crossed, Russia seems to want their old glory back, and China's relationship with North Korea is somewhat complicated. So what if another Korean War is about to break out, after the North Korean leader is thrown out by a coup d'etat?[TV Shows mentioned in this episode]: D.P. (2021), Crash Landing on You (2019), Sweet Home (2020), Mr. Sunshine (2018), The King: Eternal monarch (2020)
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Mötley Crüe sang "You know I'm a dreamer but my heart's of gold. I had to run away high so I wouldn't come home low." And this beautiful song literally speaks for Song Kang's character, Hyun-Soo. Through his hallucination, monsterization, and his effort not to harm his neighbors, we are learning about humanity in this monster filled korean drama, Sweet Home. In fact, we are all potential monsters. All we need to do is to grow the evil seed instead of the good one.As if the drama is not bloody enough, an interesting, bloody historical event is also included in this episode. Find out how Papua New Guinea is possibly related to the Korean drama, Sweet Home.[TV Shows Mentioned in This Episode]Guardian: The Lonely and Great God aka Goblin (2016),Descendants of the Sun (2016),Mr. Sunshine (2018)
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Just when you think you've heard of all kinds of monster stories, here is something new just in time for the summer. These monsters did not come from hell or other planets; they were always there. Inside you. You've been with them most likely since you were born. And that's why this apocalyptic, monster-filled series Sweet Home hits close to home because it makes us look deep down inside of us. The good and bad, shameful and arrogant moments, all the feelings we have had will be reminded while you watch this fist clenching thriller. [Movies and TV Shows Mentioned in This Episode]Kingdom (2019),Train to Busan (2016),Love Alarm (2019),Navillera (2021) ,Mr. Sunshine (2018),On the Verge of Insanity (2021),I haven’t done my best yet (2022),Designated Survivor: 60days (2019),Hometown Cha Cha Cha (2021),Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo (2016)
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Living with strangers is not an easy thing and roommates can be annoying. But sometimes they become best friends, shoulders to cry on, and the ones you share your secret that your family doesn't even know.The secret to this is communication. And that's just what these four Korean girls did in this weeks' drama, Hello, My Twenties! or Age of Youth on some platforms (Korean: 청춘시대). The four girls share a house together and they slowly become best friends to help each other's issues such as boyfriend and starting a career. But this wouldn't have been possible without the help of a "ghost." It's the perfect Korean drama to kick off summer. A cute, funny, a little bit of mystery, and heartfelt story that we all can relate to.TV Shows and Movies mentioned in this episode:Minari (2020)My Unfamiliar Family (2020)Extraordinary Attorney Woo (2022)King's Affection (2021)Do You Like Brahms? (2020)Strangers from Hell (or Hell is Other People) (2019)
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Cha Cha Cha is a style of dance that’s fun and requires a partner. It'd be the perfect prescription for the modern world that makes a lot of us feel alone. Especially as we went through the Covid pandemic, we felt disconnected from family, friends, and the community. The characters in this week's Korean drama, Hometown Cha Cha Cha live the life we were yearning for back then. The neighbors in this little seaside town help and care for each other like they are one big family. But just like dancing, we can’t become a perfect partner at first. Some people need more time to learn the dance, just like some need more time to adapt to the community lifestyle. A dentist from Seoul moves into the town and she struggles to fit in. But with the help of local man, Chief Hong, she learns. A step by step. How to dance, love, and live the life fully. TV Shows and Movies mentioned in this episode:Reply 1988 (2015), The Heirs (2013), Black Night (2023), My Girlfriend is a Gumiho (2010), Tale of the Nine Tailed (2020), Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938 (2023), Start-Up (2020), Welcome to Waikiki 2 (2019), Mr. Handy, Mr. Hong (2004), When the Camellia Blooms (2019), Decision to Leave (2022), Oasis (2002), Extraordinary Attorney Woo (2022), It's Okay to Not Be Okay (2020), On the Verge of Insanity (2021), *2 Days & 1 Night [Game Show] (2008-Present)
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Have you ever skipped school? Although some love being in school, we all have at least dreamt of walking out of the classroom where we must follow rules. Imagine you are stuck somewhere for almost two years with stricter rules and almost no individual freedom. Would you want to walk out? Jin and J-hope of BTS were no exception to this seemingly suffocating lifestyle. All Korean men must serve in military as required by the law. Behind the walls of military base, some make lifelong friends, experience something unique, and even have fun. But what else is going on there? Some became the perpetrators and some became the victims who had to desert their post. And a few good men among them are chasing after the victims while teaching us how we turn into the bystanders that are no better than the perpetrators. Although the Korean drama D.P. is set in the military, it's a story that portrays ourselves in the society.
[Movie and TV show mentioned in this episode]
Couple or Trouble (2006),
Tune in for Love (2019)
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Jonestown, Branch Davidians, Aum Shinrikyo, NXIVM, Order of the Solar Temple, etc. Although they are not as well known as these infamous cults, there are many cults that are just as evil as these in Korea. The heinous groups in the netflix documentary In the Name of God: A Holy Betrayal are only part of it (I highly recommend it if you're interested in cults.) So this week's Korean drama Save Me doesn't come off just as a TV show. In fact, many details in this drama were inspired by a couple of Korea's infamous cults. It's often said that humans are the scariest thing. That's probably why this drama that's not gory and doesn't have any monsters or ghosts is so scary. If 16 episodes aren't enough, go for the season 2. It has many recurring characters of the season 1, as if it shows how hard it is to root out evil.TV Shows mentioned in this episode:In the name of God: A Holy Betrayal (2023), The Glory (2023), The King: Eternal Monarch (2020)
- Visa fler
