Alle afleveringen
239 afleveringen, van nieuw naar oud
-
5.19 - Episode 19 of Mr. Queen
24 december 2023 · 1 uur 2 min
Listeners, we apologize for some of the issues with Joanna’s audio. We didn’t have time to record because of the holidays! Thanks for your grace! Lees meer
Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 19 of Mr. Queen, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Shin Hye-sun as Kim So-yong, Kim Jung-hyun as King Cheoljong, Seol In-ah as Jo Hwa-jin, Na In-woo as Kim Byeong-in, and Choi Jin-hyuk as Jang Bong-hwan. We also talk about the shows we’re watching now and a couple more shows we’re considering for Season 6 of Drama Chat.
We discuss:
The songs we feature during the recap:
Like a Star by One Star
Toy Soldier by Kim Deuk-su
How the king and queen both found themselves at the cliff, threatened by Kim Byeong-in.
How emotional we both felt when the queen was found by the king and when the queen dissolved into tears of sadness and guilt.
How Kim Byeong-in turned on the queen but ultimately saved the queen when he thought that his beloved Kim So-yong was somewhere still inside the queen’s body.
How the queen has had four attempts on her life: by the king, Prince Yeongpyeong, the scarred eunuch, and Kim Jwa-geun.
The amazing reunion between the queen, the king, Court Lady Choi and Heong Yon.
How the king is surprised and amazed by his queen, who left the palace to find him.
How it was Dam-hyang who saved the king because she recognized him and told her father who she was. So Dam-hyang saved the queen, the king and queen saved Dam-hyang, and Dam-hyang saved the king.
How the royal chef and the queen come up with a plan for the king and queen to sneak back into the palace through the gate that will allow food to enter the palace, and the “special” food cart reserved for the kitchen eunuch.
How the queen tells the king that history tells them that the king will lose, BUT she is “all in” for him; this makes the king reply that he will try his best, even if he loses.
How Jo Hwa-jin, having been told by the queen that the king is alive, is putting up signs saying the king is alive and a…
-
5.18 - Episode 18 of Mr. Queen
15 december 2023 · 51 min
Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 18 of Mr. Queen, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Shin Hye-sun as Kim So-yong, Kim Jyung-hun as King Cheoljong, Seol In-ah as Jo Hwa-jin, Na In-woo as Kim Byeong-in, and Choi Jin-hyuk as Jang Bong-hwan. Lees meer
We discuss:
The songs we feature during the recap: Here I Am by Jo Hyun-ah and Conspiracy by Kim Deuk-su.
How the episode starts and ends at the cliff and both the king and queen are pursued by Kim Byeong-in.
How the king has an epic fight with Kim Byeong-in, then he evades being killed or captured by jumping off the cliff!
The king is found by an herb gatherer, who we suspect is one of the Donghak rebels.
The queen is upset and confused by the king’s departure; she sees the king everywhere in the palace through her memories.
The queen embroiders CJ on a silk scarf; this wouldn’t make any sense to anyone in the palace since CJ is in English and the name Cheoljong wasn’t given to the king until after his death.
How the queen figures out that the dead body that is supposedly the king is NOT the king. Now the queen knows that the king is alive!
How Prince Yeongpyeong goes to see the queen, threatens her, and ends up imprisoned by Kim Byeong-in.
How the queen, Court Lady Choi and Hong Yeon leave the palace to search for the king.
Kim Byeong-in traps Kim and Jo family elders into signing a document that admits to their joint intentions to dethrone the king and enthrone a new one. This document is meant to force the two families to continue working together.
The queen and her companions are discovered by Kim Byeong-in and his men. Court Lady Choi and Hong Yeon sacrifice themselves to try and save the queen.
At the end of the episode, Kim Byeong-in traps the queen at the cliff and demands to show who she is and what she’s done with Kim So-yong.
More hats from the Joseon dynasty.
The ceremony called "a spirit on the roof," which is when the dead king’s eunuch climbs up on the roof of the palace and shouts three times whil…
-
5.17 - Episode 17 of Mr. Queen
8 december 2023 · 1 uur 2 min
Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 17 of Mr. Queen, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Shin Hye-sun as Kim So-yong, Kim Jyung-hun as King Cheoljong, Seol In-ah as Jo Hwa-jin, Na In-woo as Kim Byeong-in, and Choi Jin-hyuk as Jang Bong-hwan. We also talk about the different hats worn by the nobles and court officials during the Joseon Dynasty. Lees meer
We discuss:
The songs featured in the recap: Like a Star by Jang Han-byul and Rebellion by Kim Deuk-su
How we got whiplash from this episode because it started out funny, then turned sweet, then turned sad, then turned dangerous.
Jang Bong-hwan’s identity crisis over being pregnant. While the king and the court celebrate, the queen is really upset.
How the king tries hard to understand the queen, even taking her on a horseback ride to visit the royal villa.
How the queen is now “all in” with the king, even though it may not be a wide decision.
The king and queen’s hilarious and scandalous PDA (public display of affection) to counter rumors that they were faking their nights together.
Jo Hwa-jin’s decision to break with the Jo family and do what she can to support the king’s dreams, including asking the king to depose her as concubine.
The conflict between the king and Prince Yeongpyeong, who still doesn’t believe that the queen is on their side.
When the Grand Dowager Queen asked Kim Byeong-in to bring her the queen’s head, he took a no-win situation and turned it into a masterful stroke by threatening the king over the codes in the workbook, convincing the king to leave the palace and put down the Donghak Rebellion, restoring the Grand Dowager Queen’s regency, and saving the queen.
The king leaves the palace without saying goodbye to the queen, who is left confused and sad.
The king’s guards turn on him and then he battles against Kim Byeong-in.
References
All About Korean Traditional Hats
How to make Korean rice wine or yihwaju
-
5.16 - Episode 16 of Mr. Queen
1 december 2023 · 1 uur 2 min
Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 16 of Mr. Queen, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Shin Hye-sun as Kim So-yong, Kim Jyung-hun as King Cheoljong, Seol In-ah as Jo Hwa-jin, Na In-woo as Kim Byeong-in, and Choi Jin-hyuk as Jang Bong-hwan. We also talk about the Donghak Rebels. We discuss: Lees meer
The songs we feature in this episode: Palace by Howl and Bong Hwan-a by Norajo.
Why we think the queen hasn’t admitted to the king that she is the girl who saved him from the well eight years ago.
How the queen has decided to go “all in” with the king, even though Jang Bong-hwan knows the course of history and he knows that King Cheoljong was a terrible king, who died without an heir and without a legacy.
How the queen has allied herself with the king in a big way: she is teaching him about the future and she teaches him about military tactics from the future.
How Jo Hwa-jin’s confession was pivotal to this episode: she admits to the king that the children’s workbook belongs to Kim So-yong, and she found the ledger and gave it to the Dowager Queen.
Jo Hwa-jin’s confession means a permanent rupture with the king and a closer relationship between the king and the queen.
More information about the book The Mourning Bride by William Congreve.
How maybe Prince Yeongpyeong has also betrayed the king by not telling him about the ledger and Jo Hwa-jin.
The queen is back in the kitchen, thank goodness. She learns how to make Yihwaju wine.
How Kim Byeong-in hasn’t given up on the queen, even though she tells him he’s just not the one.
The K Drama elements in this episode, including Kim Byeong-in’s drinking, the queen and her ramen, the butterfly on the sliding doors at the end, and Jo Hwa-jin’s confession.
How the queen is taking a chance when she says she’s “all in” with the king.
How Jang Bong-hwan finds himself in an impossible situation when it’s announced that the queen is pregnant.
A little information about the Donghak rebels
References
All In song by Victor Ma
Don…
-
5.15 - Episode 15 of Mr. Queen
24 november 2023 · 55 min
Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 15 of Mr. Queen, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Shin Hye-sun as Kim So-yong, Kim Jyung-hun as King Cheoljong, Seol In-ah as Jo Hwa-jin, Na In-woo as Kim Byeong-in, and Choi Jin-hyuk as Jang Bong-hwan. We discuss: Lees meer
The songs we featured during the recap: Toy Soldier by Kim Deuk-su and Keep Going by DINDIN.
How this was a laugh out loud episode; the queen is showing everyone who’s boss!
How Dam-hyang is safe and the king planned it all! As a result, the queen is looking at him differently, even if she thinks he’s an idiot who will get killed for his idealistic values.
How it was the king’s turn to send a secret message, this time through his crossed fingers, that Dam-hyang is alive. The king and queen are starting to understand each other better!
How the king and queen form an alliance. The queen has decided to go all in with the king, even if Jang Bong-hwan knows the king is on the losing side of history.
How the queen has decided to become the biggest bitch in the palace. She goes after the Grand Dowager Queen, the Dowager Queen and Jo Hwa-jin.
The king is ruling the country with great confidence, although the court assembly does appoint Kim Byeong-in as the new Minister of War; Kim Byeon-in makes a deal with both families.
Jo Hwa-jin’s secrets are out because Prince Yeonpyeong saw her give the ledger to the Dowager Queen, and the queen’s father knows she gave the ledger to the Dowager Queen.
The lighthearted moments in this episode, including when Captain Hong asks the king to ask the Dowager Queen to join their team since she found the ledger.
The K Drama elements in this episode, including the scene when the queen walks in on the king while he is getting dressed and we catch a glimpse of the king’s impressive abs.
How we think there are two additional K Drama elements to add to our list: a butterfly and a confession.
The shows we’re watching now, including Destined With You and A Time Called You.
The shows we’r…
-
5.14 - Episode 14 of Mr. Queen
17 november 2023 · 58 min
Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 14 of Mr. Queen, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Shin Hye-sun as Kim So-yong, Kim Jyung-hun as King Cheoljong, Seol In-ah as Jo Hwa-jin, Na In-woo as Kim Byeong-in, and Choi Jin-hyuk as Jang Bong-hwan. Lees meer
We discuss:
The songs we feature during the recap: To My One and Only You by Xiumin and Lost Memory by Howl.
How the queen is so confused about her feelings toward the king and the night they spent together.
How the king is confused because the queen saved the banquet and then said she would betray the king.
The king and queen realized their notes were a result of a misdelivery. The king confesses to the queen that he likes her, but she says she can’t forgive him, and the old Kim So-yong is dead.
How the Grand Dowager Queen and Kim Jwa-geun decide to kill the queen through arsenic frozen into ice cubes and served during a brunch with the Grand Dowager Queen.
How the young court lady saves the queen by throwing a rock at her drink, but in the process, gets herself imprisoned.
How Kim Jwa-geun tells the other Kim family ministers that he has the ledger, or proof of their family’s corruption; as long as he is safe, he will keep the other ministers safe.
The most important K Drama element in this episode is the king talking to the queen while she’s sleeping. She wakes, confesses to the king (mistakenly) and that’s what leads to their night together.
How the young court lady is sentenced to death by drinking poison. The queen is furious with the king, until she realizes that the king has crossed fingers behind his back, a sign that what he is saying is a lie.
Why the title of the episode is “The woman who must die in order to live.”
A little background about the Joseon Dynasty, which was the period of continuous rule by a line of kings of the Yi family, that started in 1392 and ended in 1910, when Emperor Gojong, whom we met in Mr Sunshine, was forced to abdicate with the Japanese occupation.
References
Joseon Dynasty W…
-
5.13 - Episode 13 of Mr. Queen
10 november 2023 · 1 uur 5 min
Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 13 of Mr. Queen, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Shin Hye-sun as Kim So-yong, Kim Jyung-hun as King Cheoljong, Seol In-ah as Jo Hwa-jin, Na In-woo as Kim Byeong-in, and Choi Jin-hyuk as Jang Bong-hwan. We also talk about poison and assassination by poison during the Joseon dynasty. Lees meer
We discuss:
The songs we featured during the recap: Conspiracy by Kim Deuk-su and Other World by Howl.
How this episode is so dark when compared with previous episodes.
How the attack against the king is turning family members against each other.
The shocking revelation that the king planned the explosion himself.
How the queen has such ambivalent feelings toward the king, but she is threatened by Kim Jwa-geun, so she decides to live and betray the king.
The loyalty and steadfastness of the king’s men who were arrested and tortured.
How the Dowager Queen plants the ledger in the queen’s chambers; the ledger and the notes from the king are found by the Grand Dowager Queen.
How the queen is now in real danger from the Grand Dowager Queen and Kim Jwa-geun.
How Kim Jwa-geun seems to be everywhere and sees everything happening in the palace.
The queen cooks in this episode but she’s cooking as a form of meditation; this cooking scene is not funny for a change.
Of all the K Drama elements, we almost missed the back hug by Kim Byeong-in against the queen.
A potential, new K Drama element: looking for, and discovering, your love across a street, bridge or crowded area.
Why this episode is titled No Tomorrow
Poison and death by poison during the Joseon Dynasty.
References
Arsenic: The Poison of Kings
-
5.12 - Episode 12 of Mr. Queen
3 november 2023 · 56 min
Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 12 of Mr. Queen, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Shin Hye-sun as Kim So-yong, Kim Jyung-hun as King Cheoljong, Seol In-ah as Jo Hwa-jin, Na In-woo as Kim Byeong-in, and Choi Jin-hyuk as Jang Bong-hwan. Lees meer
We discuss:
The songs we feature during the recap: Toy Soldier by Kim Deuk-so and The Great Recipe by sEODo.
How this episode started with danger, then both the king and queen are safe, then it gets funny, then the king is beaten by Kim Jwa-geun, then it ends on a cliffhanger, and what a cliffhanger it was!
How Jang Bong-hwan saved the banquet with his inventive cooking and his experience that cooking and food are political in a place like the palace.
During the banquet, for the first time ever, the king and queen are on the same page, working together to save the banquet.
How the king beautifully interprets the queen’s messages about each dish in the meal.
Court Lady Choi’s words that there are things that are constant in the palace: the secret feud between women, the war of governmental powers, and assassination by poison
The amazing meal the queen made during the banquet, how clever it all was, and how meaningful every element was.
How Kim Jwa-geun beats the king down by exposing the 7 king’s guards who had false papers and ordering them beheaded, taking jurisdiction over the men away from Prince Yeonpyeong and the king.
Why the episode is called Dancing Upon a Knife: because the king and queen are caught in a dangerous and delicate place and they have to act very carefully.
The K Drama elements in this episode, including a piggyback ride that we almost missed (the royal chef gives Court Lady Choi a piggyback ride when she gets ill from the poisoned water).
The crazy cliffhanger of an ending and the many questions left unanswered, like: Who was behind the bombing? How badly is the king hurt? What about the ledger that the Jo family was supposed to reveal during the banquet?
Our favorite Korean dishes now that the…
-
5.11 - Episode 11 of Mr. Queen
27 oktober 2023 · 1 uur 26 min
Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 11 of Mr. Queen, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Shin Hye-sun as Kim So-yong, Kim Jyung-hun as King Cheoljong, Seol In-ah as Jo Hwa-jin, Na In-woo as Kim Byeong-in, and Choi Jin-hyuk as Jang Bong-hwan. Ernabel Demillo guests on this episode! Lees meer
We discuss:
The songs we feature during the recap: Like the first snow by Kim Jung-hyun and Rebellion by Kim Deuk-su.
We finally know what is in the ledger, but we wonder why the queen’s father recorded all of his corrupt transactions.
How Jo Hwa-jin gives the ledger to the Dowager Queen.
The problem with revenge is that you never know who you will actually take down.
How the queen is struggling with Jang Bong-hwan’s spirit and Kim So-yong’s memories.
How the note exchanges between the king and queen are hilarious and we know this is not going to end well.
How everyone has something planned for the Suritnal festival: Kim Jwa-geun is going to reveal the king’s incompetence, Jo Hwa-jin plans to take down the queen with a real arrow, Prince Yeonpyeong and Captain Hong will show off their men’s real skills, the scarred eunuch will derail food shipments for the festival, and the Dowager Queen will tell the Grand Dowager Queen that the queen has been deceiving her because she’s been serving the king all along.
The hunting tournament between the queen and concubines. The queen wins because she makes a deal with one of the eunuchs.
The amazing martial arts demonstrations during the Suritnal festival, especially the battle with fans between the king and Kim Byeong-in.
At the end of the episode, Jo Hwa-hin has an arrow pointed at the queen and she lets the arrow fly. The king and Kim Byeong-in leap in to the air in battle.
The episode is called The Unforgiven because there are so many people who can’t or won’t forgive someone else.
We share a little bit of history about the Pungyang Jo family.
References
Tessenjutsu: Why Metal Fans Are So Strong Video
Pungyang Jo clan in Wikipedia
K…
-
5.10 - Episode 10 of Mr. Queen
20 oktober 2023 · 59 min
Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 10 of Mr. Queen, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Shin Hye-sun as Kim So-yong, Kim Jyung-hun as King Cheoljong, Seol In-ah as Jo Hwa-jin, Na In-woo as Kim Byeong-in, and Choi Jin-hyuk as Jang Bong-hwan. Lees meer
We discuss:
The songs we featured during the recap: Palace and Secrets of the Well, both by Howl
How everyone in this episode seems to end up at the well
How the tiny queen rescued the king from the well by carrying him on her back
The king’s unsuccessful attempt to retrieve the ledger, but now we realize that Jo Hwa-jin has it!
Jo Hwa-jin tries to give the ledger to the king, but the Dowager Queen thwarts her by delaying her message to the king
We have another great cooking scene where the queen cooks a simple but amazing meal for the Grand Dowager Queen
How this episode cleverly brought the concept of K Beauty to the show through the face mask that the queen made for the Grand Dowager Queen
Even though it was Kim Jwa-geun who had Oh-wol tortured and possibly killed, it’s now the Jo family that is exploiting the situation by faking Oh-wol’s death
Kim Byeong-in suspicions of the king, his conversation with the queen, and his secret meeting with the Grand Dowager Queen
The lighthearted elements of the show, specifically, the royal chef and Court Lady Choi screaming into the woods over their frustration with the queen, and the queen’s cooking scene
Our thoughts about why this episode is called Living a Nightmare
Some background information on the Andong Kim family, including the Grand Dowager Queen and Kim Jwa-geun, who were real people
References
Howl background and songs
Life expectancy of Joseon kings and queens
Andong Kim clan page in Wikipedia
-
5.9 - Episode 9 of Mr. Queen
13 oktober 2023 · 53 min
Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 9 of Mr. Queen, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Shin Hye-sun as Kim So-yong, Kim Jyung-hun as King Cheoljong, Seol In-ah as Jo Hwa-jin, Na In-woo as Kim Byeong-in, and Choi Jin-hyuk as Jang Bong-hwan. Lees meer
We discuss:
The songs we featured during the recap: Onestar by Im Han-byul and The Secret of the Well by Howl
How the king is looking at the queen differently because the queen defended the king when they were eating at the restaurant outside the palace, and because the queen has not reported the incident when the king tried to kill the queen.
How the queen is looking at the king with pity because his family was brutally murdered, and because the king is such a badass when he goes up against the thugs in the alley.
How Kim So-yong and Jang Bong-hwan are at war in the queen’s body. We think Kim So-yong was more dominant when the king was kissing her and the queen kissed him back. But later, Jang Bong-hwan realizes what happened and he’s trying to bash Kim So-yong out of the queen’s body.
The important flashback of the king, queen and Jo Hwa-jim when they were children. Now we know why the young Cheoljong I(his name as a child was Won-beom) was at the bottom of the well, how Kim So-yong climbed into the well to die and be with her mom again, how Kim So-yong saved Won-beom, and how Won-beom mistakes Jo Hwa-ji for Kim So-yong because it’s Jo Hwa-ji at the mouth of the well when he climbed out.
How the song Here I Am applies to so many characters in the show. There are many characters yearning to be recognized, to be understood, to be loved.
Now we understand the significance of the children’s book that Kim So-yong was holding when she went down into the well.
The ongoing intrigue in the palace, including the Dowager Queen plotting to take down the queen, and the double agent court lady digging up Oh-wol’s norigae or hanbok ornament.
The K Drama elements in this episode, including clothing, food, alcohol, triangles, some con…
-
5.8 - Episode 8 of Mr. Queen
6 oktober 2023 · 1 uur 13 min
Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 8 of Mr. Queen, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Shin Hye-sun as Kim So-yong, Kim Jyung-hun as King Cheoljong, Seol In-ah as Jo Hwa-jin, Na In-woo as Kim Byeong-in, and Choi Jin-hyuk as Jang Bong-hwan. Lees meer
We discuss:
The song we feature during the recap: Here I Am by Jo Hyun-Ah. It seems both the king and the queen are looking to the other to see them as they really are.
How the queen’s memories are back and this is really messing with Jang Bong-hwan’s mind.
How we learn more about the connection between the king, the queen and Jo Hwa-jin from when they were kids.
The queen accuses Jo Hwa-jin of being the fake Kim So-yong. What does this mean?
The king now clearly knows that Kim Byeong-in has inappropriate feelings for the queen.
Kim Byeong-in has basically declared war against the king, in his quest to protect the queen.
The king is showing more of his true self to Kim Byeong-in when he protects the queen against what he thought was an attacker.
The Dowager Queen is playing dangerous politics when she gives Jo Hwa-jin a jade phoenix hairpin.
The ending of the episode when the king fights with the scarred eunuch. The queen, in trying to protect the king, hits him with a ceramic pot. When Kim Byeon-in rushes in, he sees the king and queen kissing, because “there will be no No Touch tonight.”
Neolttwigi, of the Korean jumping game that girls played to jump on a seesaw and see outside their family compounds.
The amazing filming locations for Mr. Queen
References
Korean Board Jumping Game
Mr. Queen Filming Locations
Emergency Escape No. 1
Phoenix Throne
-
5.7 - Episode 7 of Mr. Queen
29 september 2023 · 57 min
Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 7 of Mr. Queen, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Shin Hye-sun as Kim So-yong, Kim Jyung-hun as King Cheojong, Seol In-ah as Jo Hwa-jin, Na In-woo as Kim Byeong-in, and Choi Jin-hyuk as Jang Bong-hwan.. Lees meer
We discuss:
The songs we discuss in this episode: Other world by Howl and To my one and only you by Xiumin.
Why the episode is titled “The Mask” - lots of people in the palace are wearing masks and those masks are starting to come off.
How we see the state that Jang Bong-hwan is in, in modern day Seoul. He’s in a vegetative state and Chief of Staff Han tried to kill him.
We learn that Jang Bong-hwan is either in modern day Seoul or Joseon, so where is the Queen?
The queen is in a corpse state and the royal physician uses acupuncture to treat her.
How the king’s feelings toward the queen are changing. He has gone from wanting to kill her, to wanting her to live and wanting to understand her.
In the confrontation between the king and Kim Byeong-in, the king shows his other side, a side that he had not been showing to others in the palace.
What shamanism is and how it was prohibited in the palace during the Joseon Dynasty.
How the king missed his important night with Jo Hwa-jin and this causes her to be more proactive against the queen.
At the end of the episode, the queen regains some of Kim So-yong’s memories, the king is thinking about his enemies and goes to train with his men, and Jo Hwa-jin is upset upon finding a book.
The mysterious and moody Na In-woo, who plays Kim Byeong-in, the queen’s cousin.
References
Shamanism in Ancient Korea
Na In-woo on Wikipedia
-
5.6 - Episode 6 of Mr. Queen
22 september 2023 · 59 min
Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 6 of Mr. Queen, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Shin Hye-sun as Kim So-yong, Kim Jung-hyun as King Cheojong, Seol In-ah as Jo Hwa-jin, Na In-woo as Kim Byeong-in, and Choi Jin-hyuk as Jang Bong-hwan. Lees meer
We discuss:
The songs we featured during the recap: No Touch by Howl and Venus by Moon Jong-up.
How this episode was aptly named Between Understanding and Misunderstanding; there are so many misunderstandings between nearly everyone in the palace, but especially between the King and the Queen.
That things are very complicated for Jang Bong-hwan since jumping into the lake clearly won’t bring him back to modern day Korea.
When the King saved the Queen from the lake, something changed. The King now wants the Queen to live and he wants to try to understand her.
The King and Queen agree to do No Touch but they have very different understandings of what No Touch means.
The Jo family tries to depose the Queen but the King shows a different side of his character when he strongly defends the Queen and throws out the petition.
The palace intrigue continues. Lord Kim Jwa-geun has created a double agent of one of the court ladies. Oh-wol has been stabbed by the eunuch with a scar on his face, the same eunuch who tortured Oh-wol. The Dowager Queen summons her shaman to perform a ritual against the Queen. Kim Byeong-in brings together representatives from the Jo and Kim families and makes a deal with them.
The queen became an entrepreneur with the creation of her food delivery service. In the process, she used the food palanquin delivery men to spread rumors in the palace, which serve to rehabilitate the Queen’s reputation.
The education, background and career of the beautiful Seol In-ah.
References
Venus by Moon Jong-up on YouTube
Mr. Sunshine Filming Location
-
5.5 - Episode 5 of Mr. Queen
15 september 2023 · 1 uur 6 min
Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 5 of Mr. Queen, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Shin Hye-sun as Kim So-yong, Kim Jyung-hun as King Cheojong, Seol In-ah as Jo Hwa-jin, Na In-woo as Kim Byeong-in, and Choi Jin-hyuk as Jang Bong-hwan. Lees meer
We discuss:
The song we feature during the recap: Puzzle by SoYou and Park Woo-jin
The Queen or Jang Bong-hwan’s motive in admitting that she tried to commit suicide
How the queen’s actions continually surprise and confuse the King
The amazing dancing in the rain scene
More of the Queen’s back story, which is quite sad because she was in love with the King, but he didn’t love her back. We also learn that she saw the Grand Dowager Queen and Kim Byeong-in the night she tried to commit suicide.
More great cooking by the Queen.
All the palace intrigue, including Lord Kim Jwa-geun’s meeting with the scarred eunuch, the Pungyang Jo family’s plot to depose the Queen, the King’s secret activities, and the Kim family’s plot against the Jo family.
How Prince Yeongpyong is secretly in love with Jo Hwa-jin.
The K Drama elements we see in this episode, including all the people talking to people sleeping, the amazing umbrella scene in the rain, and all the crying.
The story of Achilles, his weak spot, how he died, and how this story is clearly foreshadowing what will happen in this show.
The ending where Kim So-yong has jumped into the lake, but she doesn’t go back to modern day Korea. Instead, the King finds her and saves her.
The amazing, talented and hunky Kim Jung-hyun
References
“Like the First Snow” on the Mr Queen OST
Shin Hye-sun’s dancing scene was improvised!
-
5.4 - Episode 4 of Mr. Queen
8 september 2023 · 1 uur 13 min
Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 4 of Mr. Queen, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Shin Hye-sun as Kim So-yong, Kim Jung-hyun as King Cheojong, Seol In-ah as Jo Hwa-jin, Na In-woo as Kim Byeong-in, and Choi Jin-hyuk as Jang Bong-hwan. Lees meer
We discuss:
Then songs we played during the recap: Conspiracyby Kim Deuk-su and Lost Memory by Howl.
Last week’s episode was so funny, while this episode is really dark and there are bad guys everywhere.
The Queen has figured out that it was the King who tried to kill her in the alleyway.
The King is still desperately trying to figure out what the Queen knows.
The many plots to frame someone for the Queen falling into the lake.
The Queen accuses the King of going after her because she’s weak; this makes him wonder if the Queen is plotting against him or if she really is someone different.
Jo Hwa-jin goes to Grand Dowager Queen to confess they she pushed the Queen into the lake
When the King tries to defend Jo Hwa-jin, Queen Kim So-yong comes forward to confess that she tried to commit suicide. In this instance, it’s really Jang Bong-hwan who refuses to let the King be the coolest person around.
The triangle forming between Hong Yeon, Captain Hong and Kim Hwan.
The square forming where the second leads are in love with the first leads.
A new K Drama element: protecting a love one at potentially huge personal cost. In this episode, the King injured his hand while pushing the sword away from Jo Hwa-jin.
Joanna’s favorite hanbok in this episode: the pastel green and pink hanbok that the Queen wore at the end of the episode.
Knee pressing was a real form of torture during the Joseon dynasty.
The background and career of the amazing and beautiful Shin Hye-sun.
References
Knee pressing during the Joseon dynasty
Peine forte et dure
Shin Hye-sun on Wikipedia
Sung Hee on Goodpods
Joanna on Goodpods
-
5.3 - Episode 3 of Mr. Queen
1 september 2023 · 58 min
Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 3 of Mr. Queen, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Shin Hye-sun as Kim So-yong, Kim Jyung-hun as King Cheojong, Seol In-ah as Jo Hwa-jin, Na In-woo as Kim Byeong-in, and Choi Jin-hyuk as Jang Bong-hwan. Lees meer
We discuss:
The song we feature, The Great Recipe by sEODo.
The awesome puns and double entendres in this show.
The Royal chef calls the queen’s ramen Samyang ramyeon, or literally ‘three fragrance small pot ramen’, but this is also the name of a popular ramen brand in South Korea.
How inviting someone to have ramyeon with you at your place is an invitation to get physical and spend the night.
How the king and queen mistrust each other and this is the central theme of this episode.
All the cooking in this episode and the queen’s antics with her cooking.
How we learn more about the queen’s past, including that she loved King Cheoljong but the king did not love her back.
A new triangle brewing between the king, the queen, and Kim Byeong-in, who has loved the queen for a very long time.
How the Queen wins the favor of the Grand Dowager Queen through her cooking.
We learn more about how the king lost his entire family, his nightmares, and his secret identity.
How everyone is watching everyone else.
The amazing court ladies, where they came from during the Joseon Dynasty, why the court needed so many court ladies, and their jobs at the palace.
References
Traditional Korean Clothing: K Drama Style
Wikipedia on Gungnyeo or Palace Women
Samyang Ramen
-
5.2 - Episode 2 of Mr. Queen
25 augustus 2023 · 51 min
Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 2 of Mr. Queen, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Shin Hye-sun as Kim So-yong, Kim Jyung-hun as King Cheojong, Seol In-ah as Jo Hwa-jin, Na In-woo as Kim Byeong-in, and Choi Jin-hyuk as Jang Bong-hwan. Lees meer
We discuss:
The song we feature from the OST, Like a Star is by Hanbyul Jang, an Australian-born singer and songwriter.
We wonder if modern day Koreans would know about the reign of King Cheoljong, including the Andong Kim and the Pungyang Jo families.
How nothing happened during the King and Queen’s night; the King even fabricated “the Red” on the bedding with pig’s blood.
How the King and Jo Hwa-jin appear to be in love, and Queen So-yong finds out, through flashbacks, that she loved the King, but the King did not love her.
How Jang Bong-hwan is fascinated by the court politics and the history unfolding before her.
The Queen’s hilarious antics, including how Kim So-yong acts and moves like a man, how he hates the queen’s clothing and headgear, her awkward exit from the palanquin, how he sits with his legs spread while at court, how she flirts with concubine Jo Hwa-jin, and how he hikes up his dress when running around the palace.
What a gisaeng house is, and how gisaeng are official government entertainers who were trained in fine arts, poetry and prose.
How King Cheoljong acts the fool in front of the court, and how his facial expressions change depending on who he’s with and the persona he wishes to project.
The roles of concubine, Grand Dowager Queen, and Grand Royal Dowager Queen.
The K Drama elements we see in this episode: beautiful actors, beautiful court clothing, food, new triangles forming between the characters, flowers, talking to someone while they’re sleeping, and quirky best friend.
Our favorite lines from this episode.
The cliffhanger at the end of the episode. Will the King attack the Queen? What did the Queen overhear and did she understand it all?
References
List (and titles) of Joseon royal con…
-
5.1 - Episode 1 of Mr. Queen
18 augustus 2023 · 1 uur 9 min
Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 1 of Mr. Queen, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Shin Hye-sun as Kim So-yong, Kim Jyung-hun as King Cheojong, Seol In-ah as Jo Hwa-jin, Na In-woo as Kim Byeong-in, and Choi Jin-hyuk as Jang Bong-hwan. Lees meer
We discuss:
The historical context for the show. King Cheoljong was a real king! He was illiterate and untrained when he came to power, and was a known womanizer and drinker.
The name of this K Drama in Korean is Queen Cheorin.
The different characters in the show, including Jang Bong-hwan, King Cheoljong, Kim So-yong, Jo Hwa-jin, Heon Yeong, Court Lady Choi, and Kim Byeong-in.
How Jang Bong-hwan fell into the pool, was kissed by Kim So-yong and ended up in Kim So-yong’s body.
The hilarious wedding between King Cheoljong and Kim So-yong.
The two types of concubines in the Korean court during the Joseon period.
There are so many K Drama elements in this first episode!
How the episode ends on a cliffhanger. What will happen on King Cheoljong and Kim So-yong’s wedding night?
How Joanna has discovered C Dramas and is absolutely obsessed with Hidden Love!
Instagrammer Ina Kim on expressions we hear a lot in K Dramas.
References
Background on King Cheoljong
Ina Kim on Instagram
-
5.0 - Special Episode with Carolyn and Dayna Where We Discuss the Korean Movie "Be With You"
4 augustus 2023 · 47 min
*** We know that the audio quality of this episode is not great. We are sorry! *** Lees meer
We are in between seasons. In this episode, we recap and analyze the movie “Be With You,” the hit Korean movie starring Son Ye-jin as Im Soo-ah, So Ji-sub as Jeong Woo-jin, and Kim Ji-hwan as Jeong Ji-ho. Be With You was released in 2018 and directed by Lee Jang-hoon. The film is a remake of the 2004 Japanese film of the same name, which is based on a novel by Takuji Ichikawa.
Special guests Dayna and Carolyn join us for this episode. This episode was filmed while we were in Bélize together for our annual girls’ trip.
This episode is full of spoilers! If you haven’t watched this movie, drop everything, watch the movie and come back to this episode. If you’ve watched the movie, please listen to this episode and join us!
Next week, we will recap and analyze episode 1 of Mr. Queen, the K Drama we will discuss episode by episode in Season 5 of K Drama Chat. Start watching now!
-
4.16 - Episode 16 of 25, 21
28 juli 2023 · 2 uur 5 min
Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 16 of 25, 21, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Kim Tae-ri as Na Hee-do and Nam Joo-hyuk as Baek Yi-jin. Ernabel Demillo is back as our special guest! She was a reporter and news anchor in New York, AND a reporter in New York during 9/11. This is a long episode, so we hope you stick with us and enjoy this long discussion. We promise some laugh-out-loud moments! We discuss: Lees meer
The beautiful songs we hear in this episode: Starlight by O Dong Jun and New Beginnings by Jin Myoung Yong
Baek Yi-jin’s applying for, and accepting, the correspondent job in New York. What was his motivation for going to New York and staying?
Ernabel’s experience during 9/11. She was trapped in Italy at first. When she got back to New York, it was chaos and Ernabel and her co-workers worked really long days.
The crushingly sad scenes between Na Hee-do and Baek Yi-jin: outside Na Hee-do’s house after the luggage mix-up, at the cell phone store, at the tunnel, and then at the bus stop.
How Na Hee-do and Baek Yi-jin had numerous opportunities to get back together, but they just could not bridge the gap between them; they just could not understand each other.
How the creators of K Dramas often give us clues to the show’s ending early in the show. For example, in Episode 2, we learn that Baek Yi-jin is not able to share his sadness and despair; Na Hee-do tells Baek Yi-jin that when they’re together, they should always be happy; Baek Yi-jin tells his father’s creditors that he would never be happy again.
How Ko Yu-rim and Moon Ji-woong stay strong, despite Ko Yu-rim living in Russia. We cheer when Moon Ji-woong proposes to Ko Yu-rim.
Ernie’s perspective on being a reporter and news anchor. How reporters are super heroes because they are often running toward danger.
When Baek Yi-jin asks, “Did I screw this up?” we say YES!
The amazing friendship between Na Hee-do and Ko Yu-rim, how being each other’s rival was the proudest moment of their careers.
How Bae…
-
4.15 - Episode 15 of 25, 21
21 juli 2023 · 1 uur 12 min
Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 15 of 25, 21, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Kim Tae-ri as Na Hee-do and Nam Joo-hyuk as Baek Yi-jin. We discuss: Lees meer
The songs we feature in this episode: Dreaming Day by Kim Ji Young and Propose by Lim Ha Young.
How Ko Yu-rim asked Baek Yi-jin to break the story of her move to Russia, and she wants him to say that she is doing it just for money.
How Baek Yi-jin always hides his pain, something that makes Na Hee-do really unhappy; this echoes episode 2, when Ko Yu-rim complains that Baek Yi-jin hid his family’s financial troubles.
How Baek Yi-jin ultimately couldn’t manage the distance between himself and his friends, and himself and the victims’ families in New York. He is getting lost in his reporting and suffering as a result.
How Na Hee-do’s mom lets Baek Yi-jin move to the newsroom after Baek Yi-jin admits to having lost all objectivity when it comes to Na Hee-do.
How Na Hee-do is the one who always seems to know how to comfort Baek Yi-jin, but later in the episode, when he moves to New York, he grows more distant and she can no longer comfort him.
The amazing match in Madrid between Ko Yu-rim and Na Hee-do that showed how evenly matched they are. Na Hee-do wins the match but she tops Ko Yu-rim by just a little bit.
How Ko Yu-rim and Moon Ji-woong’s relationship is so different from that of Na Hee-do and Baek Yi-jin. Ko Yu-rim and Moon Ji-woong are making it work; he has three part-time jobs; he even visits her in Russia!
How Na Hee-do is shocked and saddened when she learned from her mom that Baek Yi-jin applied for a position in New York.
How we’re furious with Baek Yi-jin for the way he is treating Na Hee-do, how he’s distanced himself from her, and how he didn’t even tell her himself that he had applied to the position in New York.
The K Drama elements in this episode, including clothing, food, alcohol, flowers and product placement.
We also talk about a new K Drama element: talking to someone while they sle…
-
4.14 - Episode 14 of 25, 21
14 juli 2023 · 1 uur
Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 5 of 25, 21, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Kim Tae-ri as Na Hee-do and Nam Joo Hyuk as Baek Yi-jin. We discuss: Lees meer
The songs we heard during the recap: Their Friendship by Yoo Jong Hyun and Will by Byon Dong Wook.
Ko Yu-rim’s decision to switch her nationality and fence for Russia because of her family’s financial troubles.
Coach Yang’s efforts to secure the best deal for Ko Yu-rim and how devoted she is to Na Hee-do and Ko Yu-rim.
How Sung Hee blames Baek Yi-jin for not managing the distance between himself and his friends. Now that he’s broken the story of Ko Yu-rim’s move to Russian, he is deeply unhappy and regretful.
How the two most important people in Na Hee-do’s life, her mom and Baek Yi-jin, have hurt the third most important person in her life, Ko Yu-rim.
We wonder if it would have made a difference if Baek Yi-jin had NOT been the first to break the story; what if he were second or third?
How Na Hee-do and Baek Yi-ji as a couple are so different from Ko Yu-rim and Moon Ji-woong.
Sung Hee’s research into the drinking games that the friends played at the restaurant.
The K Drama elements we saw in this episode: crying, food, alcohol, holding hands.
The shows we are considering for Season 5 of K Drama Chat.
-
4.13 - Episode 13 of 25, 21
7 juli 2023 · 51 min
Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 12 of 25, 21, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Kim Tae-ri as Na Hee-do and Nam Joo-hyuk as Baek Yi-jin. We discuss: Lees meer
The songs we heard during the recap: Missing you by Byon Dong Wook and Whispers of Love by Lim Ha Young.
How Baek Yi-jin is sending Na Hee-do mixed signals. He’s declared his love for her, he’s affectionate around her, he is very solicitous, and he wants to spend time with her. But when she gives him a kiss, he pulls away from her!
How Baek Yi-jin is conflicted about his relationship with Na Hee-do, probably because of his job, which lets him make money and gives him a path toward bringing his family back together.
Na Hee-do is really confused, she’s losing her self-respect, and she wants Baek Yi-jin to try a different type of love with her, or let her go.
How Baek Yi-jin finally gives Na Hee-do a kiss at the end of the episode; he finally gives in to his love and his longing.
How Na Hee-do and Ko Yu-rim lose their individual matches during the tournament, but both girls play really well during the team match, which powers their team to victory.
How this is the last time that Na Hee-do and Ko Yu-rim play together on the same team.
How we learn about how Coach Yang and Shin Jae-kyung first became friends, how they became close, and how their friendship went out.
How Ko Yu-rim and Moon Ji-woong finally get to hold hands!
The K Drama elements in this episode: Crying, alcohol, second couples, clothing, and food.
The Asian financial crisis, how the IMF imposed several financial reforms on countries throughout Asia, and how a show like 25, 21 shows us the impact of the crisis on regular people.
How we’re going to start talking about the shows that we’re considering for Season 5 of K Drama Chat.
References
Asian Financial Crisis: Causes, Response, Lessons Learned
Asian Financial Crisis
-
4.12 - Episode 12 of 25, 21
1 juli 2023 · 58 min
Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 12 of 25, 21, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Kim Tae-ri as Na Hee-do and Nam Joo-hyuk as Baek Yi-jin. We discuss: Lees meer
The two songs we discuss: Free by Xydo and Free (guitar version) by Jeong Gu Hyun.
How Koreans believe that blood types are associated with specific personality characteristics.
How Baek Yi-jin is seeing Na Hee-do in a new light: first, when he sees her speaking French, and later being fierce at the restaurant.
The French terms we keep hearing during the fencing matches.
The scene between Baek Yi-jin and Jung Ho-jin, Na Hee-do’s ex-boyfriend. Baek Yi-jin makes it very clear that Jung Ho-jin and Na Hee-do are never getting back together again. Na Hee-do hears everything.
How we finally get a kiss between Baek Yi-jin and Na Hee-do - finally!
Ji Seung-wan’s courage in standing up to the abusive teacher and her beliefs that ultimately led her to leave school.
Ye-ji’s decision to leave fencing, but how Coach Yang taught her how to create a new opportunity for herself.
The K Drama elements we see in this episode: clothing, food, triangles, umbrella scene
The powerhouse production company, Studio Dragon, which is behind some of the biggest K Dramas and many of our favorites
How Sung Hee is watching Healer and Joanna is watching Alchemy of Souls and King the Land
References
Xydo profile
Why do Koreans ask each other about their blood types?
How Netflix became the go to streamer for K Drama
-
4.11 - Episode 11 of 25, 21
23 juni 2023 · 51 min
Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 11 of 25, 21, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Kim Tae-ri as Na Hee-do and Nam Joo-hyuk as Baek Yi-jin. We discuss: Lees meer
The beautiful songs during our recap: Your World by Hoseung and When We Was Young by Byeon Dong Wook.
How the relationship between Na Hee-do and Baek Yi-jin is getting deeper.
How Na Hee-do is seeing different sides of Baek Yi-jin, including his life as a student during the concert at the school when Baek Yi-jin wore the school uniform and played Starlight on stage.
How Baek Yi-jin is doing the goofy things you do when you’re in love, including lying to Coach Yang to bring Na Hee-do and Ko Yu-rim to the concert, playing game at the stationery store, and using a pink pencil case at work.
How this was a great episode for Na Hee-do: she’s in love, she’s got a best friend, and she reconciles with her mom.
How Baek Yi-jn is now a full-time sports reporter, covering fencing.
How Na Hee-do and Shin Jae-kyung start to reconcile during the death ceremony for Na Hee-do’s dad.
Jesa, the ceremony honoring ancestors that is practice in Korea.
How Baek Yi-jin is giving Na Hee-do a different perspective on her mom, and helping Moon Ji-woong and Ko Yu-rim get together as a couple.
The K Drama elements we saw in this episode: second couple, food, alcohol, clothing, wrist grab, flowers, fireworks.
Our favorite lines from this episode.
90s fashion, including sweater vests, chokers, cargo pants, wide pants, crop tops, and scrunchies.
The shows we’re watching now, including Weak Hero Class 1, King the Land, and Tune In For Love.
References
What is a Korean jesa ceremony?
90s Fashion for Women
90s Korean Street Fashion Is Making A Comeback
-
4.10 - Episode 10 of 25, 21
16 juni 2023 · 51 min
Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 10 of 25, 21, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Kim Tae-ri as Na Hee-do and Nam Joo Hyuk as Baek Yi-jin. We discuss: Lees meer
The song With, which is sung by all five stars of the show; how are these actors so talented?
How Na Hee-do and Baek Yi-jin’s relationship is continuing to evolve now that Baek Yi-jin has confessed his love to Na Hee-do.
How Na Hee-do’s life has been transformed by Ko Yu-rim’s friendship and Baek Yi-jin’s love.
How Ko Yu-rim is less lonely, now that she has Na Hee-do and Moon Ji-woong, but she still carries a sadness that comes from her family’s financial hardships.
How Baek Yi-jin is still burdened at work and by his promise to bring his family back together.
How it’s probably not realistic that Baek Yi-jin would take four minors on a work trip, without a crew, and without chaperones.
How important it is to know how to make rice properly.
How adult Na Hee-do tells Min-chae that she doesn’t remember the beach trip, remarking that sometimes it’s okay to forget things.
The K Drama elements that we see in this episode: food, alcohol, the trip and catch, clothing, and the beautiful OST.
The amazing Choi Hyun-Wook, the actor who plays Moon Ji-woong.
The different ways that Na Hee-do and Baek Yi-jin refer to each other.
References
History of corporate punishment in Korea
Understanding corporal punishment in Korea
Honorific forms of address in Korean
-
4.9 - Episode 9 of 25, 21
10 juni 2023 · 1 uur 18 min
Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 9 of 25, 21, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Kim Tae-ri as Na Hee-do and Nam Joo Hyuk as Baek Yi-jin. This is a special episode. Ernabel Demillo is back! Ernabel is Department Chair of the Communication and Media Culture Department at Saint Peter's University and host of the Emmy-award winning "Asian American Life" show on CUNY-TV. Lees meer
Ernabel shares her experience being a reporter and news anchor, and provides amazing insight into this episode, including:
How networks decide to do special shows
How stories are assigned to reporters, and special projects usually go to special teams, not the day to day reporters
The journalist code of ethics
How journalists should recuse themselves from stories when they have a connection to the subjects
How journalists actually do have editorial differences with their photographers and videographers
How networks and newspapers don’t allow their subjects to see stories before they are published or aired
How junior journalists are never tasked with big, important projects
How shows about TV and print journalism always get it wrong, except for the movies Spotlight and Broadcast News
Listen to this episode to get our take on this episode and laugh your head off.
References
Asian American Life website
Asian American Life on YouTube
Do Korean women take their husband’s name after marriage?
Tteokbokki recipe
Sundae on Wikipedia
-
4.8 - Episode 8 of 25, 21
3 juni 2023 · 58 min
Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 8 of 25, 21, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Kim Tae-ri as Na Hee-do and Nam Joo Hyuk as Baek Yi-jin. We discuss: Lees meer
How Na Hee-do is rescued by Baek Yi-jin again
How Na Hee-do and Baek Yi-jin’s relationship is changing and unnerving Na Hee-do
How Na Hee-do is starting to develop feelings for Baek Yi-jin but he treats her like a kid
How Na Hee-do is the most honest of all the characters with their feelings
How Baek Yi-jin goes to see the creditor to whom he promised he would never be happy again; the creditor asked him to take back that promise and do his best to be happy
How Baek Yi-jin and Ko Yu-rim are both full of sadness
How Na Hee-do is confused by Ko Yu-rim’s diving incident; she wonders what terrible thing happened in Ko Yu-rim’s life to make her this sad
How Na Hee-do and Ko Yu-rim decide to meet at a square in town, each of them carrying a yellow rose
How Ko Yu-rim panics when she sees Na Hee-carrying a yellow rose, and gives HER yellow rose to Baek Yi-jin
The themes we see running through this K Drama: managing distance, knowing when to share your troubles with others, life lessons from your dad
The K Drama elements we see in the episode: food, wrist grab, grab and save, the head rest, and triangles
Lee Joo-myung, the actress who plays Ji Seung-wan
The shows we’re watching now: Sung Hee is watching The Good Bad Mother, and Joanna is watching Alchemy of Souls
References
Lee Joo-myung on Wikipedia
The Good Bad Mother
Alchemy of Souls
-
4.7 - Episode 7 of 25, 21
26 mei 2023 · 54 min
Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 7 of 25, 21, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Kim Tae-ri as Na Hee-do and Nam Joo Hyuk as Baek Yi-jin. We discuss: Lees meer
The songs we featured in this episode: Match by Lim Ha Young and Understand by Lim Seung Bum
Na Hee-do’s origin story, how she got introduced to fencing, and why her dad means so much to her
How Na Hee-do’s dad taught her that skills don’t improve in a straight line, but rather in a stair step fashion
Na Hee-do’s gold medal win against Ko Yu-rim at the Asian Game
How both Na Hee-do and Ko Yu-rim both feel like they were robbed at the Asian Games
How the press takes advantage of the controversy and fans the flames of public opinion against Na Hee-do
How and why Baek Yi-jin tracks down Alan Smith to get an interview about his call that gave Na Hee-do the gold medal
How Ko Yu-rim now has a rival in Na Hee-do
The strained relationship between Na Hee-do and her mom
The K Drama elements we saw in this episode: food, alcohol, clothing and triangles
The amazing Bona who plays Ko Yu-rim
The Korean last names that are often mispronounced: Kim, Park, Choi, Lee and Jung
The Japanese keiretsu
The Glory and why Sung Hee is obsessed with the show
References
The Korean last names we always mispronounce
-
4.6 - Episode 6 of 25, 21
20 mei 2023 · 58 min
Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 6 of 25, 21, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Kim Tae-ri as Na Hee-do and Nam Joo Hyuk as Baek Yi-jin. We discuss: Lees meer
How funny this episode how was
How we loved the forward momentum of both Na Hee-do and Baek Yi-jin’s characters
Why Baek Yi-jin decided to go back to Seoul, apply to become a reporter, and not sell Na Hee-do that he’s back in Seoul
How Na Hee-do got a boyfriend and then broke up with him as a sort of experiment in love
How Baek Yi-jin came to Na Hee-do’s rescue once again when he picked her up at the train station, got her to the tournament on time, and helped her get her confidence back
The massive worker demonstrations in South Korea in 1999
The prominence of the chaebol companies in South Korea
The history of the game rock, paper and scissors
How we finally learn the story behind the break in friendship between Coach Yang and Na Hee-do’s mom
The amazing cinematography in this episode
The amazing Nam Joo-hyuk: his background, early start in modeling, rise to fame, awards, and brand ambassadorships
How Sung Hee is enjoying The Glory
How Joanna finished One Spring Night but found it a real slog to get through
References
World Rock Paper Scissors Association
Nam Joo-hyuk on Wikipedia
Strikes erupt in South Korea Against Restructuring and Job Losses
-
4.5 - Episode 5 of 25, 21
12 mei 2023 · 59 min
Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 5 of 25, 21, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Kim Tae-ri as Na Hee-do and Nam Joo Hyuk as Baek Yi-jin. We discuss: Lees meer
How Baek Yi-jin has left town without a trace, to the angst and sadness of Na Hee-do and Ko Yu-rim.
How Baek Yi-jin and Na Hee-do manage to communicate with each via messages left on each other’s pager voice mail.
The contrast between Na Hee-do, who is confident and gets what she wants, while Baek Yi-jin has lost all of his confidence, he leaves town, and he can’t find a job.
How Baek Yi-jin’s mom doesn’t know how to support her sons, while Na Hee-do’s mom can’t find it within herself to support and believe in her daughter.
When Na Hee-do tells Ko Yu-rim that she didn’t want to be on the national team, but be Ko Yu-rim’s rival, it feels like a threat.
Na Hee-do has secured a spot on the national fencing team, but her happiness is tempered by Baek Yi-jin’s disappearance, Ko Yu-rim’s coldness, and her mother’s indifference.
Our surprise when we found out that injeolmi is a real thing! Injeolmi is a type of rice cake, often covered in some type of coating.
The K Drama elements in this episode: alcohol, the FILA product placement, crying, holding hands, and first snow.
The gorgeous cinematography in this episode, especially at the end of the episode.
The background and career of the amazing Kim Tae-ri.
The shows we’re watching now. Joanna is watching Something in the Rain and One Sprint NIght, while Sung Hee has just finished Divorce Attorney Shin Sung Han
References
The History of the Two-Way Pager
Drinking in South Korea: 7 Tips on Handling a Hoesik
Travel guide to Pohang
What is injeolmi
Maangchi’s Injeolmi Recipe
-
4.4 - Episode 4 of 25, 21
5 mei 2023 · 55 min
Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 4 of 25, 21, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Kim Tae-ri as Na Hee-do and Nam Joo Hyuk as Baek Yi-jin. We discuss: Lees meer
The songs we featured in this episode: Go by DOKYEOM and Sinin in the Rain by Shin Min Yong.
How we love Kim Tae-ri’s acting in this episode.
How Coach Yang’s training regimen, while tough, almost sadistic, is paying off for Na Hee-do.
How the relationship between Na Hee-do and Baek Yi-jin is changing and we start to see a hint of something developing between them.
How Baek Yi-jin is really struggling because he can’t land a job.
The hilarious but awkward scene in Seung-wan’s house when the five young people catch all the loaches and Seung-wan’s mom makes them all soup.
Ko Yu-rim’s fury at Na Hee-do because she thinks Na Hee-do has been putting pine drinks in her locker. We also learn about her close relationship with her dad and her insecurities about whether or not she’ll ever win a gold medal again.
How we get a hint of what happens in the future during a conversation between Na Hee-do and her mother in the present day. Her mother mentions that she saw Baek Yi-jin last month, letting us know that Na Hee-do and Baek Yi-jin are not together today. We also get a sense that Na Hee-do’s relationship with Ko Yu-rim will change.
Our favorite lines from this episode.
The Korean snack shops that feature so prominently in Korean shows.
References
Loach soup https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chueo-tang
Korean Snack Bars https://thekrazemag.com/latest-updates/2019/7/28/-korean-snack-bars?format=amp
Eating and drinking in South Korea https://www.roughguides.com/south-korea/eating-drinking/
-
4.3 - Episode 3 of 25, 21
29 april 2023 · 54 min
Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 3 of 25, 21, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Kim Tae-ri as Na Hee-do and Nam Joo Hyuk as Baek Yi-jin. We discuss: Lees meer
The songs from our recap: Existence by Wonstein and Warrior by Daniel Ri.
How Na Hee-do and Baek Yi-jin’s relationship is getting closer and deeper.
How this was a tough episode for Baek Yi-jin. He has lunch with his brother, who is getting bullied by classmates. He nearly misses seeing his dad. He gets caught between Na Hee-do and Ko Yu-rim. He is embarrassed when Ji Seung-wan recognizes him and remarks that she thought he was rich.
The work of Brené Brown on shame, which she calls a master emotion. Shame is the fear that we're not good enough, that we’re not worthy, which is exactly what Baek Yi-jin is feeling and why he promises to never be happy again.
The contrast between Baek Yi-jin’s stoic and sad countenance, and Na Hee-do’s confidence and unfailingly cheerful personality.
The big news that Na Hee-do will get to compete for a spot on the national team.
How Na Hee-do is furious with Ko Yu-rim, so furious that she tosses her Ko Yu-rim scrapbook into the trash and takes down the clippings from her bulletin board.
The crazy revelation that Injeolmi is Ko Yu-rim!
The K Drama elements that we see in this episode:
Wrist grab
(Almost) piggyback ride
Product placements
Food
Our favorite lines from this episode
The comic book Full House and the popularity of movie and book rental shops in S. Korea during the 80s and 90s
References
Full House on Amazon
Roger Elbert site https://www.rogerebert.com/features/we-lost-it-at-our-video-stores-the-writers-remember-rental-havens
Glossary of French fencing terms
-
4.2 - Episode 2 of 25, 21
22 april 2023 · 45 min
Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 2 of 25, 21, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Kim Tae-ri as Na Hee-do and Nam Joo Hyuk as Baek Yi-jin. We discuss: Lees meer
The songs we feature in this episode: Very, Slowly by BIBI and Shining Man by Shin Min Yong
The many encounters between Hee-do and Yi-jin in this episode
The contrast between cheerful and emotional Hee-do and the stoic, sad and burdened Yi-jin
How we learn more about Yi-jin’s life: how his family split up, his short stint in the military, his little brother, and how he’s been threatened by his dad’s creditors
How Hee-do has achieved her dream of transferring to Yu-rim’s school and now, Yu-rim is cold and hostile towards her
The encounter between Hee-do and Yu-rim from five years earlier, when Hee-do beat Yu-rim during a junior fencing competition
How we get introduced to the other characters, including Ko Yu-rim, Moon Ji-woong and Ji Seung-wan
The gold campaign and how it turns out that Hee-do’s mom did not turn in her wedding rings
The K element we saw in this episode is triangles, potentially lots of them!
Two other K Drama elements that we need to add to our list: 24) when two people turn out to have a connection from their past; and 25) the obligatory abs scene when a man’s amazing abs are displayed
Our favorite lines from the show
The song 25, 21 by Jaurim, which was played at the end of this episode, and how it maybe gives us a clue about how this show is going to end
References:
Sad KDrama Instrumentals on Spotify
Shin Min Yong on Spotify
YouTube video with theory about the Jaurim song inspiring the show
25, 21 by Jaurim
-
4.1 - Episode 1 of 25, 21
14 april 2023 · 51 min
Today, we’ll be kicking off Season 4 of K Drama Chat by discussing Episode 1 of 25, 21, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Kim Tae-ri as Na Hee-do and Nam Joo Hyuk as Baek Yi-jin. We discuss: Lees meer
The song Starlight by Taeil
The main actors of the show:
Kim Tae-ri
Nam Joo Hyuk
Kim Ji-yeon, better known by her stage name Bona
How age is calculated in Korea vs. internationally, which is why there’s confusion over how old the actors in this show are
The origins of the 1990s Asian financial crisis and how it affected South and East Asia
The impact of an IMF bailout and austerity measures on countries
The South Korea gold campaign
The surprising dominance of South Korea in the world of fencing
Polite language between Na Hee-do and Baek Yi-jin
The large number of K Drama elements we see in this episode:
Beautiful actors
Crying
Flowers
Food
Alcohol
Wrist grabs
Clothing and fashion
Umbrella scene
The challenging mother-daughter relationship between Hee-do and her mom
Our favorite line
How much we loved this K Drama from the very first episode
References:
25, 21 cast
Last Sequence by WJSN (featuring Bona)
-
3.17 - A conversation with Jeanie Rhim about K Drama Elements and Korean Phrases
7 april 2023 · 46 min
We’re in between seasons 3 and 4! Today, Joanna and Sung Hee has a conversation with Jeanie Rhim, Sung Hee’s sister. Jeanie specializes in newborn photography and is another K Drama lover. We discuss: Lees meer
The K Drama shows we’re watching now.
Our list of K Drama elements (we’re up to 23!) and examples of these elements in our favorite K Dramas.
How to say hello in Korean.
How the subtitles in K Dramas don’t always match what’s actually being said, especially when it comes to characters’ names and titles.
Some common Korean words and phrases to watch out for.
Here’s our list of K Drama elements to watch out for:
Beautiful actors
Crying, by both women and men
Gorgeous OSTs (original sound tracks)
Food; there's lot of eating in K Dramas
Alcohol; drinking by both men and women
Beautiful fashion
The trip and catch
Piggyback rides
The back hug
Product placements
Holding hands
The wrist grab
Flowers
Love triangles
Umbrella scene
Quirky best friend
Deep lean
Arm rest
Talking to someone sleeping
Older character trying to keep the main characters apart, or older characters
Second male lead
Second couples
Beach scene or fireworks
Next week, we’ll recap and analyze episode 1 of 25, 21 so get ready!
-
3.16 - A Conversation with Professor Ernabel Demillo
1 april 2023 · 49 min
We’re in between seasons 3 and 4! Today, Joanna has a conversation with Professor Ernabel Demillo, Department Chair of the Communication and Media Culture Department at Saint Peter's University and host of the Emmy-award winning "Asian American Life" show on CUNY-TV. We talk about: Lees meer
The many different genres of K Dramas.
The K Dramas we’re watching now: Tomorrow, Business Proposal, The Glory.
What Ernabel thought about Mr. Sunshine, including the cinematography, the characters, the music, Korea history, and culture.
The process that Sung Hee and Joanna use to create our episodes.
The K Drama elements that we find in most K Dramas, e.g., umbrella scene, piggyback ride, back hug, deep lean.
How Asian American Life is still the only monthly magazine show on broadcast TV devoted to the Asian American diaspora.
How Asian American Life explores social issues through the Asian American lens, but also celebrates Asian-American achievements and milestones.
The themes that “Asian American Life” covers: identity, Asian-American “firsts,” food, entertainment.
How Asian American Life covers the rise in hate and crimes against Asian-Americans in the US.
The Hallyu wave.
Netflix’ investment in K Dramas.
25, 21, the K Drama that K Drama Chat will recap and analyze in Season 4.
Next week, Sung Hee, Joanna and Jeanie (Sung Hee’s sister) will talk about K Drama elements, Korean language, and why subtitles on K Dramas often don’t quite match what’s being said.
References:
Asian American Life on CUNY-TV
Asian American Life on YouTube
Asian American Life on Instagram
Ernabel on Instagram
Professor Ernabel Demillo on the St. Peter’s University website
-
3.15 - Episode 24 of Mr. Sunshine
25 maart 2023 · 1 uur 6 min
Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 24 of Mr. Sunshine, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Lee Byung-hun as Eugene Choi, Kim Tae-ri as Go Ae-shin, Yoo Yeon-Seok as Goo Dong-mae, Kim Min-jung as Hina Kudo, and Byun Yo-han as Kim Hee-sung. We discuss: Lees meer
How we love this final episode of Mr. Sunshine and will miss these characters, whom we’ve come to love and admire!
The lovely and amazing music in this K Drama.
How the ending is heartbreaking but the show’s creators told us all along that we would have a sad ending.
Ae-shin and Eugene have figured out a way to be together, even though they are not really together.
Eugene’s final sacrifice is so tragic. He is the man Joseon needed, but didn’t deserve.
Eugene’s life mission, as well as Dong-mae’s, was to help Ae-shin live.
Hui-seung found meaning in his life, thanks to the people of Joseon.
Was Ae-shin’s life path influenced by Dong-mae calling her a spoiled, noble fool so early in her life?
Ae-shin is a noble who was respected and revered by many in Hanseong; this is why they protected her when Ms. Hamman was killed and Ae-shin was crying over her body.
Dong-mae died as Dong-mae, not Sho Ishida.
The journalist Frederick Arthur McKenzie was a real British journalist who reported on the treatment of Koreans by the Japanese.
The amazing cinematography in the show, facilitated by its huge production budget.
Our favorite lines and the K Drama elements.
The meaning of the elements in the Korean flag.
A bit of Korean history under the Japanese, including what happened to the Righteous Army.
Our decision to recap and analyze 25, 21 during Season 4 of K Drama Chat!
References
Korea under Japanese rule
Recap of Episode 24 on ReadySteadyCut
Did the US betray Korean in 1905?
Matchlock guns
Article about Frederick McKenzie
The ancient art of dying fingernails with balsam dye
The Righteous Army in Korea
-
3.14 - Episode 23 of Mr. Sunshine
17 maart 2023 · 1 uur
Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 23 of Mr. Sunshine, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Lee Byung-hun as Eugene Choi, Kim Tae-ri as Go Ae-shin, Yoo Yeon-Seok as Goo Dong-mae, Kim Min-jung as Hina Kudo, and Byun Yo-han as Kim Hee-sung. We discuss: Lees meer
The beautiful songs during our recap, especially Glory by Nam Hye Seung and Park Sang Hee, the duo responsible for so many instrumental songs on K Drama OSTs
How we’ve lost so many people in this show: Gunner Jang, Hina Kudo, Ms. Haman, Mr. Haengryan, Hong Pa, Go Sa-hong
How Eugene has finally found a way to be with Ae-shin
How Eugene saves Ae-shin from the rubble of the hotel and ends up treating her wounds; he’s saved her again!
Why Hina Kudo made the decision to blow up the Glory Hotel
How Dong-mae is back, he takes over control of the Musin Society, but he knows he has just a few days until more samurai arrive to kill him
Hina Kudo’s sad confession to Dong-mae that she loved him and waited for him
How Dong-me and Eugene are working together to protect Ae-shin
How the Musin Society is based on the Black Dragon Society, which was a prominent paramilitary, ultranationalist group in Japan
Hui-seung’s underground newspaper and how he’s committed himself to documenting the Japanese atrocities
How the world has abandoned Joseon; the US ignored the Treaty of Peace, Amity, Commerce and Navigation, also known as the Shufeldt Treaty, the Korea signed with the US
The K Drama elements we see in this episode: piggyback ride, food, alcohol, crying
The shows we’re considering for Season 4 of K Drama Chat
References
Black Dragon Society
Joseon-US Treaty
-
3.13 - Episode 21 and 22 of Mr. Sunshine
11 maart 2023 · 1 uur 19 min
Today, we’ll be discussing Episodes 21 and 22 of Mr. Sunshine, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Lee Byung-hun as Eugene Choi, Kim Tae-ri as Go Ae-shin, Yoo Yeon-Seok as Goo Dong-mae, Kim Min-jung as Hina Kudo, and Byun Yo-han as Kim Hee-sung. We discuss: Lees meer
The beautiful song “And I” by Nu’Est W.
The agonizing scene where Ae-shin asks Eugene to take her with him to America, but what she really wants is to go to Japan.
The equally heartbreaking scenes when Eugene gives Ae-shin a ring and when Ae-shin asks Eugene for a matching ring.
How Ae-shin loves Eugene but she loves Joseon more; how can she possibly go to America when all the people she loves are in danger and Joseon needs people to fight for it?
Whether or not Eugene would have gotten on that boat to America.
How we have finally met all of the men in the photo from Tokyo because Song Yeong saves Ae-shin, receives the bank certificate, and organizes the plan to save Lee Jeong-moon from the Musin Society.
How Kyle Moore once again does what he can do save Eugene.
How Hina Kudo organizes the plan to save Ae-shin; it’s amazing that she can just call the King.
How the geisha who was forced to escape Joseon is now key to freeing Lee Jeong-moon.
How Eugene holds up his promise to Go Sa-hong by killing Col. Takashi Mori. Once again, it’s Eugene, the American soldier, who does the killing.
How Dong-mae is like a kitty cat with nine lives. He is slashed by the head of the Musin Society, and falls into the ocean, but somehow, he survives, ends up in an opium den in Manchuria, and returns to Hanseong.
A brief history lesson of the Korean Empire
The crazy end of episode 22 when Eugene and Dong-mae are back in Hanseong, at the time when Hina Kudo and Ae-shin decide to blow up the Glory Hotel.
The five royal palaces of the Joseon kings.
References:
Five Eulsa Traitors
Gojong of Korea
Explore 5 Beautiful Palaces in Korea
-
3.12 - Episodes 19 and 20 of Mr. Sunshine
3 maart 2023 · 1 uur 2 min
Today, we’ll be discussing Episodes 19 and 20 of Mr. Sunshine, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Lee Byung-hun as Eugene Choi, Kim Tae-ri as Go Ae-shin, Yoo Yeon-Seok as Goo Dong-mae, Kim Min-jung as Kudo Hina, and Byun Yo-han as Kim Hee-sung. We discuss: Lees meer
The beautiful song Paramour by Kim Sejeong, who is a prominent singer and actress; she is the lead in Business Proposal!
How Ae-shin has lost her grandfather, her family and her home, so now she is going to devote herself to the Righteous Army.
Ae-shin loves Eugene but she is more devoted to Joseon, so she is going to use Eugene, Dong-mae and Hui-seung in the service of Joseon.
Dong-mae’s loyalties are shifting; he wants to protect Ae-shin at any cost. The Musin Society is starting to get suspicious of him.
Major Moore tells Eugene that the picnic is over and sends Eugene back to the US.
Ae-shin finally gets her revenge against Lee Wan-ik, a death that Hina Kudo covers up by killing Dr. Matsuyama and forging a suicide note.
Hina Kudo is a secret agent for Joseon and Lee Jeung-moon is her leader, who has been kidnapped and taken to Japan.
Col. Mori is bent on killing the Righteous Army members, including and especially Ae-shin. He killed Hong Pa, Gunner Jang’s wife, so now Gunner Jang wants to kill him.
The King is in a tough spot. He is in a weak position but he wants to protect his people and country.
The Joseon kings, including the kings who we’ve seen in some of the saeguks, including
King Gojong in Mr Sunshine
King Jeongjo, the prince in Red Sleeve cuff
King Cheoljong in Mr Queen, the King immediately before King Gojong
King Wang So in Scarlet Heart RYEO
Our favorite lines and the K Drama elements in these episodes
References:
Guide to the Joseon Kings
Paramour by Kim Sejeong on YouTube
-
3.11 - Episodes 17 and 18 of Mr. Sunshine
24 februari 2023 · 1 uur 10 min
Today, we’ll be discussing Episodes 17 and 18 of Mr. Sunshine, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Lee Byung-hun as Eugene Choi, Kim Tae-ri as Go Ae-shin, Yoo Yeon-Seok as Goo Dong-mae, Kim Min-jung as Kudo Hina, and Byun Yo-han as Kim Hee-sung. We discuss: Lees meer
That a solar eclipse has special meaning spiritually and in astrology: this is a time of radical change, you are being called, be ready!
Hui-seung’s annulment of his engagement with Ae-shin and how it’s really an act of love.
How Hui-seung, Dong-mae and Hina Kudo are answering the call to be someone else and become a protector of Joseon.
How Lord Go’s petition to the King was historically correct. During the Joseon dynasty, there would be peasant uprisings and petitions to the King by bowing in front of the King’s palace.
How the King is protecting the protesting nobles from the Japanese by locking them up, in much the same way that Eugene is protecting Ae-shin by confining her to the legation.
How Dong-mae is shot and lots of people rush to protect and help him, including Hui-seung, who got him to the hospital, and Hina Kudo, who threatened Dr. Matsuyama should Dong-mae die.
How Eugene’s lowborn status is now fairly public because he has now told the King and his advisor, Ae-shin, Dong-mae, and the cadets at the military academy.
How Lee Wan-ik is losing influence and he’s getting more dangerous as a result.
The K Drama elements from this episode: food, alcohol, clothing, flowers.
Our favorite lines from the episodes.
What is happening at the end of episode 18, namely Dong-mae has just cut off Ae-shin’s hair, and Col. Mori now knows that Ae-shin had Eugene’s music box.
The Hallyu wave across the globe and the enormous popularity of Korean music, dramas, food and movies.
References:
Hallyu Wave
Meaning of a solar eclipse in astrology
The Bulgae legend
Marriage in Joseon
-
3.10 - Episodes 15 and 16 of Mr. Sunshine
17 februari 2023 · 1 uur 7 min
Today, we’ll be discussing Episodes 15 and 16 of Mr. Sunshine, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Lee Byung-hun as Eugene Choi, Kim Tae-ri as Go Ae-shin, Yoo Yeon-seok as Goo Dong-mae, Kim Min-jung as Kudo Hina, and Byun Yo-han as Kim Hee-sung. We discuss: Lees meer
How Ae-shin and Eugene are spending a lot of time together at the start of episode 15 but by the end of episode 16, Ae-shin was asked to kill Eugene and then they’re forbidden from seeing each other.
How Ae-shin and Eugene’s relationship has suddenly become very public.
Eugene’s decision to stay in Joseon because he’s being pulled deeper into Joseon’s affairs and he wants to protect Eun-san and Ae-shin.
How Lee Jeong-moon and Eun-san order Eugene killed, and then Lee Jeong-moon asks Eugene to become the Drill Instructor for the Imperial Army.
How Eugene goes through Joseph’s affairs and discovers a box from Song Yeong, which further proves that Joseph was deeply involved in Joseon affairs and was likely running letters for the King for some time.
Dong-mae’s release, how he kills Diplomat Suzuki, and how he warns Ae-shin’s grandfather that someone destroyed his letters to the nobles.
How Hui-seung finally learns Eugene’s story, he decides to cancel his engagement to Ae-shin, and his decision to start a Korean language newspaper.
How this whole show is about forbidden, unrequited love.
The continuing bromance between Eugene, Dong-mae and Hui-seung, who are united in their desire to protect Ae-shin.
Of all the K Drama elements, the most important is the plum blossom flower, which means resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity.
The Korean Empire and the Gwangmu Reform enacted by the King.
References:
Korean Empire on Wikipedia
Timeline of the Gwangmu Reform
-
3.9 - Episodes 13 and 14 of Mr. Sunshine
10 februari 2023 · 1 uur 12 min
Today, we’ll be discussing Episodes 13 and 14 of Mr. Sunshine, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Lee Byung-hun as Eugene Choi, Kim Tae-ri as Go Ae-shin, Yoo Yeon-Seok as Goo Dong-mae, Kim Min-jung as Kudo Hina, and Byun Yo-han as Kim Hee-sung. We discuss: Lees meer
How the chameleon plant, which represents change and transformation, is a metaphor for these two episodes.
How we go from Ae-shin and Eugene spending time together at the ocean, to Eun-san asking Ae-shin to kill Eugene; how did we get here?
How Eugene has figured out who all four men in the photo are; this investigation is threatening The Righteous Army.
How Eugene pieced everything together using the letters from Hamgyong province, the telegram from Hamgyong, and Joseph’s death.
How Lee Jeon-moon and Eun-san see Eugene as a weakness for Ae-shin, as well as a threat to The Righteous Army, so he needs to die.
We learn more about Ae-shin’s parents and how they died, as well as the reason her grandfather betrothed her to Hui-seung.
How Hui-seung and Ae-shin’s grandfather both want Hui-seung to protect Ae-shin, but via different means.
Dong-mae’s imprisonment and subsequent rescue by Eugene.
The shifting loyalties and identities of Ae-shin, Eugene, Dong-mae, Hui-seung and Hina Kudo.
How Eugene, Hui-seung and Dong-mae are all now actively helping each other.
Our favorite lines from the two shows.
The saeguk (historical) genre of K Dramas and why they are so popular.
References:
Saeguk in Wikipedia
Korea’s Fusion Saeguk
-
3.8 - Episode 12 of Mr. Sunshine
3 februari 2023 · 57 min
Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 12 of Mr. Sunshine, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Lee Byung-hun as Eugene Choi, Kim Tae-ri as Go Ae-shin, Yoo Yeon-Seok as Goo Dong-mae, Kim Min-jung as Kudo Hina, and Byun Yo-han as Kim Hee-sung. We discuss: Lees meer
How Ae-shin and Eugene start the episode passing each other on the street but end up taking a trip together at the end of the episode.
How Eugene has changed his mind about leaving Joseon and now wants to teach Ae-shin how to use the Russian bolt action rifle.
How Minister Allen was bribed by Lee Wan-ik and threw Eugene to the wolves.
How Dong-mae showed his caring and concern for three of the women in his life: Ae-shin, Hotaru and Hina Kudo.
How Eugene, Dong-mae and Hina Kudo all wonder why a noble lady would take up arms with the Righteous Army; she is changing all of them.
All the connections between the characters, including Lee Deok-mun, who is related to both Ae-shin and Hui-seung.
The K Drama elements we see in this episode: food, umbrella scene, clothing, language.
The amazing Korean hanboks: the pieces of the outfit, what they’re made of, the colors, etc.
How we both finished watching Prison Playbook and absolutely loved the show
References:
Modern hanbok brands
See You Again by Baek Ji-young lyrics
-
3.7 - Episode 11 of Mr. Sunshine
27 januari 2023 · 50 min
Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 11 of Mr. Sunshine, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Lee Byung-hun as Eugene Choi, Kim Tae-ri as Go Ae-shin, Yoo Yeon-Seok as Goo Dong-mae, Kim Min-jung as Kudo Hina, and Byun Yo-han as Kim Hee-sung. We discuss: Lees meer
How Ae-shin and Eugene meet in the snow. Ae-shin apologizes for her reaction to Eugene’s story, for being a spoiled girl who plays at saving Joseon but is a burden to her family.
How this episode is all about Hina Kudo: she sets up Lee Se-hun’s mistress to get information on Lee Wan-ik’s house, she is the go-to person for intel by all parties, and though she’s impertinent to all sides, she never gets into trouble.
How Lee Wan-ik has brought two dangerous people to Joseon: Dr. Matsuyama, who has the autopsy report on Hina Kudo’s husband’s death; and Yong-ju, the Joseon man and former member of the Righteous Army who betrayed Ae-shin’s parents. Yong-ju is summoned back from Manchuria to kill the Foreign Minister.
How Hui-seung has decided to protect Ae-shin. He dresses up in a fashion similar to Ae-shin’s sniper outfit, and he offers to remain her fiance, to be her shadow, to be her protector when things get dangerous.
How the King wants the Righteous Army to get a message to the missionaries, and to intercept the messages that Lee Wan-ik has been stealing from the interpreters. This request tells us that the Righteous Army is cooperating in some way with the King!
The amazing fight scene at the end of the show between Ae-shin and Hina Kudo at Lee Wan-ik’s house.
References
Days Without Tears by Kim Yuna, with English lyrics
Kim Min-jung on Wikipedia
-
Episode 3.6 - Episodes 9 and 10 of Mr. Sunshine
20 januari 2023 · 1 uur 15 min
In this episode, we recap and analyze Episodes 9 and 10 of Mr. Sunshine, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Lee Byung-hun as Eugene Choi, Kim Tae-ri as Go Ae-shin, Yoo Yeon-Seok as Goo Dong-mae, Kim Min-jung as Kudo Hina, and Byun Yo-han as Kim Hee-sung. We’ll also talk about Byun ho-han, the actor who plays Kim Hui–seung. We talk about: Lees meer
How episode 9 is about Ae-shin and Eugene seeing more of each other, but in episode 10, they have decided to not see each other.
Ae-shin’s moral dilemma: What is she really fighting for? Is there a place in Joseon for butcher’s sons? Is there a place for slaves?
How Eugene has figured out a way to return the document to the King, while getting his revenge against Minister Lee Se-hun.
The confusing language in these episodes. To whom was Eugene referring when he said, “There will only be 1 traitor tonight” after Lee Se-hun was killed? And what did Eugene mean when he referred to Ae-shin, saying “Where do I lie between her passion and her cruelty?”
How the King of Joseon and the country are not in strong positions. The US, Japan, Russian and China all have their hooks on the country.
How Dong-mae is bothered by the Righteous Army man who refuses to give up the names of his comrades, choosing to die rather than betray them. He wonders why he would do this?
Lee Wan-ik’s lowly origins and his betrayal of Joseon. Also how the King got one on him by appointing him Minister of Farming and Trade.
How Eugene, Dong-mae and Hui-seung are all trying to protect Ae-shin, even if they don’t all know the full story. They do all know that a person wearing a black, three-piece Western suit, with a limp, is a wanted individual.
The themes in these shows: Class system, revenge, changing of heart, the importance of language
The K Drama elements we see in these shows: food, clothing, flowers.
The wonderful actor, Byun Yo-han, who plays Hui-seung.
-
3.5 - Episodes 7 and 8 of Mr. Sunshine
13 januari 2023 · 1 uur 10 min
In this episode, we recap and analyze Episodes 5 and 6 of Mr. Sunshine, the hit K Drama on Netflix. We talk about: Lees meer
How Ae-shin has discovered what “love” is and she’s horrified. She wants to call off what she and Eugene have decided to do.
How Eugene can’t read Korean, but Dong-mae can, as well as Do-mi, the messenger boy whom Eugene has just hired at the legation.
How Eugene, Dong-mae and Hui-seung met outside the hotel and Hui-seung has just realized that all three of them are after Ae-shin’s heart.
The amazing cinematography in Mr. Sunshine, including how the director artfully used laundry during the scene with the three men outside the hotel.
The document that everyone is looking for, what it is, how valuable it is, and how Major Moore has convinced Eugene that the document properly belongs to Joseon.
The theme of budding relationships and shifting loyalties among the main characters, especially Eugene’s change of heart about possibly helping Joseon after meeting with the King.
The shocking revelation that Lee Wan-ik is Hina Kudo’s father.
All the triangles and squares in this show, including Ae-shin who is surrounded by three men, and Dong-mae, who is surrounded by three women.
How Ae-shin now knows that Dong-mae is in love with her, and while she can kill him, he can’t kill her.
How Ae-shin has nerves of steel to be able to walk normally in front of Dong-mae, despite having been shot in the leg.
Our favorite lines from the show, including “the beginning of revenge and end of jealousy.”
The amazing Yoo Yeon Seok, who plays Dong-mae in Mr. Sunshine, and who is Ahn Jung-wan in Hospital Playlist.
Next week, we will recap and analyze episodes 9 and 10 or Mr. Sunshine and talk about Byun ho-han, who plays Kim Hui–seung.
-
3.4 - Episodes 5 and 6 of Mr. Sunshine
6 januari 2023 · 56 min
In this episode, we recap and analyze Episodes 5 and 6 of Mr. Sunshine, the hit K Drama on Netflix, starring Lee Byung-hun as Eugene Choi, Kim Tae-ri as Go Ae-shin, Yoo Yeon-Seok as Goo Dong-mae, Kim Min-jung as Kudo Hina, and Byun Yo-han as Kim Hee-sung. We’ll also talk about Byun ho-han, the actor who plays Kim Hui–seung. We talk about: Lees meer
How Ae-shin invited Eugene to “do love” even though she didn’t really know what it meant and how Eugene has finally accepted Ae-shin’s offer. We don’t think Eugene has the best intentions for accepting Ae-shin’s offer to “do love.”
The three relationships that look like they can never be:
Ae-shin and Eugene
Ae-shin and Dong-mae
Ae-shin and Hui-seung
The document that everyone seems to be looking for. We finally know what it is and who had it.
The key themes of identity and belonging and how we have five characters who seem to be part of multiple communities/cultures but don’t really belong anywhere.
Eugene’s journey to find out what happened to his parents’ bodies after they were killed.
The brewing bromance between Eugene, Dong-mae and Hui-seung.
The K Drama elements we see in this episode: food, flowers, clothing, quirky friends.
The amazing and hunky Lee Byung-hun
References:
Cairns and Korean burial mounds
Memorial ceremonies in rural Korea
KEPSO tracing Korea’s electricity history
Wikipedia page on Lee Byung-hun
Marriage and family in Korean Society
Korean Speech and Honorifics