Daebak K-Rambles Podcast: K-drama Reviews
Daebak K-Rambles Podcast 121 episodes Oct 29, 2026
Daebak K-Rambles is a podcast where friends review Korean dramas, with occasional Chinese dramas. Host Jess, a longtime K-drama viewer, is joined by drama fans and creators from around the world. Episodes cover many genres, from romance to action, and discuss the wider Hallyu landscape.
Episodes
A Shop for Killers (S1) | Full K-drama Review / Ep. 121
On Episode 121 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess and Curtis from the InfatuAsian Podcast wrap Spooky Season 2026 with a review of the 2024 K-drama A Shop for Killers, starring Lee Dong-wook and Kim Hye-Jun.Jess and Curtis dive into the stylish, relentlessly violent world of A Shop for Killers, unpacking the K-drama thriller’s secret family legacy, deadly inheritance, and John Wick-style siege
Strangers from Hell | Full K-drama Review / Ep. 120
On Episode 120 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess and guests Natalia and Jessie from the Certified Noonas Podcast review the 2019 psychological thriller K-drama Strangers from Hell, starring Lee Dong-wook and Yim Si-wan.Jess, Natalia, and Jessie descend into the claustrophobic, deeply unsettling world of Strangers from Hell, unpacking its creepy gosiwon setting, disturbing residents, simmering
Best K-Drama Thrillers Since 2020: Our Favorites, Hot Takes & WTF Moments / Ep. 119
On this Episode 119 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess, Caitlin, and Liliana kick off Spooky SZN 2026 by crowning the best K-drama thrillers since 2020—and handing out superlatives for dramas like The Glory, Flower of Evil, and Death’s Game to Karma, Somebody, Light Shop, and D.P.But what actually makes a K-drama a thriller? Does it need to keep you guessing, make you anxious, or leave you scre
What Comes After Love | Full K-drama Review / Ep. 118
On Episode 118 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess and drama bestie Miguel review the 2024 K-drama What Comes After Love, starring Lee Se-young and Kentaro Sakaguchi.Jess and Miguel dive into the quietly devastating romance of What Comes After Love, unpacking a breakup story that feels less like a traditional K-drama romance and more like a post-mortem of a relationship. From a whirlwind romance
K-Dramas We Dropped and Why: The Drop List / Ep. 117
On Episode 117 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess and Sarah from Kdrama This and the Afternoona Asks Podcast tackle one of the most controversial parts of being a K-drama fan: dropping dramas. What makes us give up on a K-drama, and when does a drop become a hate-watch?Jess and Sarah break down their philosophy on dropping dramas, from being completionists to accepting that life is too short to
My Royal Nemesis | Full K-drama Review / Ep. 116
On Episode 116 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess and Moe from the Off By Purple Heart Podcast review the 2026 K-drama My Royal Nemesis, starring Lim Ji-Yeon and Heo Nam-jun.Jess and Moe dive into why My Royal Nemesis became one of 2026's biggest romantic surprises, praising its self-aware humor, irresistible chemistry, and refreshingly earnest "he fell first—and harder" romance.
Can This Love Be Translated? | Full K-drama Review / Ep. 115
On Episode 115 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess and Corinne from the Sex Love Literature Podcast review the 2026 K-drama Can This Love Be Translated?, starring Kim Seon-ho and Go Youn-jung.Jess and Corinne unpack everything that made Can This Love Be Translated? at best an average rom-com watch and at worst one of the year's biggest disappointments—from the Hong Sisters' gorgeous globe-trotti
Princess Hours (Goong) | Full K-drama Review / Ep. 114
On Episode 114 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, the Drama Trio revisit one of the most iconic K-dramas of the 2000s—Princess Hours (Goong), starring Yoon Eun-hye and Ju Ji-hoon.Jess, Caitlin, and Liliana dive into everything that makes Princess Hours such a fascinating time capsule: the wildly elaborate palace etiquette, early-2000s fashion, Harry Potter shaggy haircuts, and a love triangle that s
5-Year Special | Ranking Every Drama We've Reviewed / Ep. 113
Celebrating 5 years of Daebak K-Rambles Podcast with our biggest episode yet! Join Jess for a special solo anniversary episode as she ranks all 94 Asian dramas we've reviewed over the past five years—from beloved K-dramas to unforgettable C-dramas, J-dramas, and T-dramas. Which series earned an S Tier spot? Which fan favorites landed lower than expected? From Crash Landing on You, Goblin, Movi
K-drama Hot Takes - Part 3 / Ep. 112
On Episode 112 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess and friend Carol from Kdramas Musings return for Part 3 of the Hot Takes series—the ongoing public roasting of K-drama Land.In this official Part 3, Jess and Carol dive into another round of controversial, spicy, and occasionally unhinged opinions submitted by listeners, Patreon supporters, and commenters from Jess's viral TikTok. They're discus
Come and Hug Me | Full K-drama Review / Ep. 111
On Episode 111 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess and Caitlin from the NoSleep4Dramas Podcast & Blog review the haunting 2018 crime melodrama Come and Hug Me, starring Jang Ki-yong, Jin Ki-Joo, and Heo Jun-ho.Jess and Caitlin talk through this drama that blends romance, trauma, and serial killer psychology into a slow-burn thriller and romance story with an unwavering focus on atonement and
Call It Love | Full K-drama Review / Ep. 110
On Episode 110 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess and Nas from the Swoon Diaries Podcast to review the underrated 2023 melodrama Call It Love, starring Kim Young-Kwang and Lee Sung-Kyung.Jess and Nas talk through how Call It Love transforms a familiar revenge setup into something unexpectedly tender, introspective, and quietly devastating. From its opening—lonely silhouettes, a haunting radio m
Adult K-Drama Romance: Complicated Love Stories, Emotional Realism, and Sex / Ep. 109
On Episode 109 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess and Carol from the Kdrama Musings Podcast tackle the complicated love stories, emotional realism, and sex of Adult K-Drama Romance.We put forth that adult K-drama romance thrives in the space where love is no longer idealized, but negotiated—messy, intentional, and shaped by regret, timing, and consequence. We unpack love stories where chemistry
Two Weeks | Full K-drama Review / Ep. 108
On Episode 108 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess and guest Lola from Lola Pops Off About Kdramas Podcast unpack the relentless, sweat-soaked summer thriller Two Weeks, starring Lee Joon-gi, Kim So-yeon, Ryu Soo-young, and Park Ha-sun.Jess and Lola talk through this messy, melodramatic, and utterly addictive K-drama from 2013, discussing the unapologetically over-the-top performances and how th
Chicago Typewriter | Full K-drama Review / Ep. 107
On Episode 107 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess and guest and listener Yarrow unpack the genre-blending Chicago Typewriter, starring Yoo Ah-in, Lim Soo-jung, and Ko Kyung-pyo.Jess and Yarrow talk through this 2017 drama that blends ghost story, past-life romance, and Japanese-occupation resistance narrative into one ambitious package. The duo discuss an uneven viewing experience, a surprising
One and Only | Full C-drama Review / Ep. 106
On Episode 106 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess and bestie Liliana from the Tea & Soju Podcast dive into the devastating beauty of One and Only (周生如故), a 2021 Chinese historical romance starring Ren Jialun (Allen Ren) and Bai Lu.Jess and Liliana talk through this slow-burn tragedy following a master–disciple relationship that evolves into a forbidden love defined by restraint, sacrifice,
Sad K-Dramas: The Case for Watching Stories That Hurt / Ep. 105
On Episode 105 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess and Lola from Lola Pops Off About Kdramas Podcast—a proud crybaby and longtime K-drama watcher—tackle sad K-dramas and ask the question: If a drama made you miserable… why are you still thinking about it years later? From classics like Autumn in My Heart and I'm Sorry, I Love You to modern heartbreakers like Twenty-Five Twenty-One, The Red Sleev
When Life Gives You Tangerines | Full K-drama Review / Ep. 104
On Episode 104 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess and guests Carol from the Kdrama Musings Podcast and Lola from Lola Pops Off About Kdramas Podcast unpack Netflix’s generational tearjerker When Life Gives You Tangerines, starring IU, Park Bo-gum, Moon So-ri, and Park Hae-joon (and IU… again).Jess, Lola, and Carol talk through this sweeping 2025 Jeju-set family saga spanning decades about grief
Queen In-hyun's Man | Full K-drama Review / Ep. 103
On Episode 103 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess and Grace and Sarah from the Afternoona Asks Podcast go full 2012 time warp to review Queen In-hyun’s Man (also known as Queen and I), starring Ji Hyun-woo and Yoo In-na.Jess, Grace, and Sarah talk through this top-tier time-travel K-drama, discussing its airtight writing, emotional payoff, and magnetic central romance. From spicy kisses in the
Dynamite Kiss | Full K-drama Review / Ep. 102
On Episode 102 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess and friend Carol from Kdramas Musings dive headfirst into 2025’s Dynamite Kiss, starring Jang Ki-yong and Ahn Eun-jin.Jess and Carol break down this polarizing, messy, and occasionally swoon worthy rom-com K-drama, unpacking the endless tropes, the kind-but-chronically-lying female lead, stock characters, bloated business machinations, and a rom
Beginner-Friendly K-dramas: If You’ve Never Watched a Korean Drama, Start Here / Ep. 101
On episode 101 and the kick-off to season 7, Jess shares beginner-friendly Korean dramas! If you’ve never watched a K-drama—or you tried once and bounced—this episode is your starting point.This isn’t a simple list of “the best” K-dramas. It’s a guide to which shows actually teach you how to watch K-dramas: clear genres, familiar tropes, strong emotional hooks, fast rewards, and stories that don’t
Top 100 Unforgettable K-Drama Moments (That Still Live Rent-Free in My Head) / Ep. 100
Celebrate 100 episodes of Daebak K-Rambles with this special solo episode!Jess counts down 100 iconic K-drama moments that made her laugh, cry, scream, and fall in love all over again. From Crash Landing on You and Goblin to Move to Heaven and The Red Sleeve, this nostalgic deep dive revisits the most emotional, funny, and unforgettable scenes in Jess' K-drama history.Whether you’re a longtime
I'm Not a Robot | Full K-drama Review / Ep. 99
On Episode 99 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess is joined by Grace and Sarah from the Afternoona Asks Podcast to review 2018's I'm Not a Robot, starring Yoo Seung-ho and Chae Soo-bin.Jess, Grace, and Sarah talk through this delightful rom-com K-drama, discussing the preposterous plot, the sincere and earnest love story, how prescient an AI robot actually is, the FL's agency, tiny o
That Winter, the Wind Blows | Full K-drama Review / Ep. 98
On Episode 98 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess is joined by friend Nas from the Swoon Diaries Podcast to review 2013's That Winter, the Wind Blows, starring Jo In-sung and Song Hye-kyo.Jess and Nas talk through this melodrama K-drama, discussing the horrendous, flawed characters, the unhinged plot filled with faux-cest, suicide ideation, and random stabbings, SNL Korea-spoofed scenes and
Always | Full Movie Review / Ep. 97
On Episode 97 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess and all the Certified Noonas (Natalia, Jessie, Amanda, and Sky) review Always (2011), starring So Ji-sub and Han Hyo-joo.Jess and the Noonas discuss this melodrama romance movie, talking through this cast (i.e., So Ji-sub lovefest and Han Hyo-joo praise), the complaints from Letterboxd reviewers, Rocky comparisons, favorite scenes, questions abou
Squid Game (S3) | Full K-drama Review / Ep. 96
On Episode 96 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess and Miguel circle back one last time to talk about the conclusion to the worldwide phenomenon: Squid Game Season 3, starring Lee Jung-Jae, Lee Byung-hun, Park Sung-hoon, Yim Siwan, Kang Ha-neul, and so many more!Jess and Miguel talk through the hotly debated season 3 of the Netflix thriller, including our general thoughts, Emmy considerations (an
I'm Sorry, I Love You | Full K-drama Review / Ep. 95
On Episode 95 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess is joined by friend Lola from Lola Pops Off About Kdramas Podcast to review the oldie I'm Sorry, I Love You, starring So Ji-sub, Lim Soo-jung, and Jung Kyoung-Ho.Jess and Lola talk through this 2004 iconic melodrama K-drama, discussing the sky high ratings and legacy, the horrendous, flawed characters, the unfair portrayal of motherhood, the
Our Beloved Summer | Full K-drama Review / Ep. 94
On Episode 94 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess is joined by friends Liliana from the Tea & Soju Podcast and Becky from @dont_sue_rebecca on TikTok to review Our Beloved Summer, starring Choi Woo-sik and Kim Dami.Jess, Liliana, and Becky talk through this 2021 second chance romance K-drama, discussing the flawed characters, the dreamy, atmospheric nature of the show, the amazing OST, onlin
Move to Heaven | Full K-drama Review / Ep. 93
On Episode 93 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess and OG drama bestie Miguel review Move to Heaven, starring Lee Je-hoon and Tang Joon-sang.Jess and Miguel talk through this 2021 slice-of-life drama, discussing the show’s incredible writing and performances, viewing the show through the lens of an autistic character, our favorite and most memorable scenes, a breakdown of cultural nuances (roofto
The Red Sleeve | Full K-drama Review / Ep. 92
On Episode 92 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess and Mina from the Kpop Bookshelf Podcast review The Red Sleeve, starring Lee Junho and Lee Se-young.Jess and Mina talk through this 2021 drama, discussing the show’s incredible writing and performances from its cast, the true history that inspired the story, our interpretation of the ending, a breakdown of the love story, a character study of the
K-drama Hot Takes - Part 2 / Ep. 91
On Episode 91 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess and friend Carol from Kdramas Musings return for Part 2 of the Hot Takes series.In Part 2, Jess and Carol stoke the flames as they talk through more hot takes from the comments section of Jess's viral TikTok. Song Kang, Cha Eun-woo, Park Min-young, Han So-hee, tropes like childhood connection and miscommunication, old faves like rich man-poor
K-drama Hot Takes - Part 1 / Ep. 90
On Episode 90 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess and friend Carol from Kdramas Musings channel the anarchy with the with Hot Takes series, the first public roasting of K-drama Land.In Part 1, Jess and Carol bring the heat as they talk through the hot takes from the comments section of Jess's viral TikTok. Byeon Woo-seok, Song Joong-ki, Park Seo-joon, Lee Min-ho, Lee Jong-suk, Bae Suzy, Jo
Connection | Full K-drama Review / Ep. 89
On Episode 89 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess and friend Caitlin from NoSleep4Dramas Blog & Podcast review the crime thriller drama Connection, starring Ji Sung, Jeon Mi-do, Kwon Yool, and more.Jess and Caitlin talk through this underrated 2024 drama, discussing the elements that made it so addictive and thrilling, the cinematography and editing that made the watch experience so tactile
Hot Stove League | Full K-drama Review / Ep. 88
On Episode 88 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess and guests Emily and Raquel from the Play on K Podcast review the sports drama Hot Stove League, starring Namgoong Min, Park Eun-bin, and Oh Jung-se.Jess, Emily, and Raquel talk through this 2019-20 Baeksang Award winner, discussing our history with sports dramas and baseball (like, what is a stove league?), the characters and performances, the d
Nothing But You | Full C-drama Review / Ep. 87
On Episode 87 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Liliana from Tea & Soju Podcast is on hand to review Nothing But You, starring Wu Lei and Zhou Yu Tong.Jumping straight into spoilers, Jess and Liliana talk through this 2023 slice-of-life sports drama. The duo discuss the cast, the progression of this 10-year jiejie/noona romance, the best swoon-worthy scenes, the mommy issues, and more!GUEST: Li
It's Okay to Not Be Okay | Full K-drama Review / Ep. 86
On Episode 86 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess and guests Melissa and Nolizwe from the African Seoulmates Podcast review It's Okay to Not Be Okay, starring Kim Soo-hyun, Seo Yea-ji, and Oh Jung-se.Jess, Mel, and Noli talk through this 2020 pandemic success, discussing the themes of mental health and illness, the characters and performances, the super questionable twist, the legacy of the
Pachinko (S2) | Full Season 2 Review / Ep. 85
On Episode 85 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess and friend Caitlin from NoSleep4Dramas Blog & Podcast review Season 2 ofPachinko, starring Kim Min-ha, Lee Min-Ho, Youn Yuh-Jung, Jin Ha, and so many more.Jess and Caitlin talk through the second season of the Apple TV+ American adaptation of the bestselling book, discussing the depiction of World War II, the juxtaposition of the past and pre
The Trunk | Full K-drama Review / Ep. 84
On Episode 84 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, the Drama Trio is back! Jess is joined by friends Caitlin from NoSleep4Dramas Blog & Podcast and Liliana from the Tea & Soju Podcast to review The Trunk, starring Gong Yoo and Seo Hyun-Jin.Jess, Caitlin, and Liliana talk through this 2024 romance-thriller K-drama, discussing the flawed characters, the melancholia and introspective nature of th
When the Phone Rings | Full K-drama Review / Ep. 83
On Episode 83 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess and guest Carol from Kdramas Musings team up to review When the Phone Rings, starring Yoo Yeon-seok and Chae Soo-bin.Jess and Carol talk through this mega-popular 2024-25 drama, including its makjang bloodline, what went wrong (a laundry list of the illogical, plot holes the size of the Grand Canyon, too many kidnappings), favorite and least favo
Squid Game (S2) | Full K-drama Review / Ep. 82
The Season 6 kick-off is here! On Episode 82 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess and Miguel return to talk about the worldwide phenomenon that is Squid Game Season 2, starring Lee Jung-Jae, Lee Byung-hun, Gong Yoo, Park Sung-hoon, T.O.P, and so many more!Jess and Miguel talk through the hotly anticipated season 2 of the Netflix thriller, including our general thoughts and deep dive, a Netflix ra
The Double | Full C-drama Review / Ep. 81
On Episode 81 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, the Drama Trio is on deck with Nas from the Swoon Diaries Podcast to review The Double, starring Wu Jin Yan and Wang Xing Yue.Jumping straight into spoilers, Jess, Caitlin, Liliana, Nas talk through this 2024 sleeper hit. The group talk through this cast, the amazing acting and cinematography, the revenge plots and the deliciously vicious villains, Na
I Saw the Devil | Full Movie Review / Ep. 80
On Episode 80 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess and friend Caitlin from NoSleep4Dramas Blog & Podcast finish off Spooky SZN 2024 with a review of I Saw the Devil (2010), starring Lee Byung-hun and Choi Min-sik.Jess and Caitlin discuss this unsettling and depraved movie, talking through the director, writer, cast, and performances, the cat and mouse storyline, the true crime that inspired t
The Host | Full Movie Review / Ep. 79
On Episode 79 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess and guests Natalia and Jessie from the Certified Noonas Podcast review The Host (2006), starring Song Kang-ho, Byun Hee-bong, Park Hae-il, Bae Doona, and Ko Ah-sung.Jess, Natalia, and Jessie discuss this monster movie from the phenomenal director Bong Joon-ho, talking through this stellar cast and performances, the Steve Buscemi-designed creature
Memoir of a Murderer | Full Movie Review / Ep. 78
On Episode 78 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess and guests Jenn and Marisa from The KThree review Memoir of a Murderer (2017), starring Sul Kyung-gu, Kim Nam-gil, and Seolhyun.Jess, Jenn, and Marisa discuss this mystery thriller, talking through the other movies it reminded us of like Memento and Shutter Island, the portrayal of Alzheimer's, the lackluster performance from Seolhyun, the sc
Train to Busan | Full Movie Review / Ep. 77
On Episode 77 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess and friend of the pod Nas from the Swoon Diaries Podcast kick off Spooky SZN 2024 with a review of Train to Busan (2016), starring Gong Yoo, Ma Dong-seok, Choi Woo-shik, and Jung Yu-mi.Jess and Nas discuss this heart pounding and heartfelt horror flick, talking through a brief history of zombie cinema, what makes Train to Busan so critically accl
SKY Castle | Full K-drama Review / Ep. 76
The Season 5 finale is here! On Episode 76 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess and Mina from the Kpop Bookshelf Podcast review SKY Castle, starring Yum Jung-Ah, Lee Tae-Ran, Yoon Se-Ah, Oh Na-Ra, and Kim Seo-Hyung, among many others.Jess and Mina talk through this drama from 2018, discussing the show’s incredible writing and performances from its cast, why it’s in the top 5 most highly rated K-d
It's Okay, That's Love | Full K-drama Review / Ep. 75
On Episode 75 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess and Liliana from the Tea & Soju Podcast review It's Okay, That's Love, starring Jo In-Sung and Kong Hyo-Jin.Jess and Liliana talk through this romance from 2014, discussing the show’s incredible writing and performances from its cast, its groundbreaking portrayal of mental illness and topics like mental health, trans issues, and conse
Alice in Borderland (S1 & S2) | Full J-drama Review / Ep. 74
On Episode 74 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess is joined by Daebak royalty Miguel AND Rico to review seasons 1 and 2 of the J-drama Alice in Borderland, starring Yamazaki Kento and Tsuchiya Tao, among many others.Jess, Miguel, and Rico team up to cover this 2020/22 Netflix drama, discussing the ultra violence, if K-dramas are more or less violent, comparisons to Squid Game, the themes and mes
Eternal Love of Dream | Full C-drama Review / Ep. 73
On Episode 73 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, the Drama Trio is on deck! Jess is joined by friends Caitlin from NoSleep4Dramas Blog & Podcast and Liliana from the Tea & Soju Podcast to review Eternal Love of Dream (aka Three Lives, Three Worlds, The Pillow Book), starring Dilraba Dilmurat and Vengo Gao.Jumping straight into spoilers, Jess, Caitlin, and Liliana talk through this ultimately
The Princess's Man | Full K-drama Review / Ep. 72
On Episode 72 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess and guest Grace from the Afternoona Asks Podcast review the sageuk from yesteryear The Princess’s Man, starring Moon Chae-won and Park Si-hoo.Jess and Grace talk through this epic, ANGSTY romance from 2011, discussing the show’s writing, its accurate portrayal of real historical events, the cast and the scandal that rocked Park Si-hoo’s career, t
Our Blues | Full K-drama Review / Ep. 71
On Episode 71 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess and guests Curtis from the InfatuAsian Podcast and Brandon from the Pocha Playlist Podcast review the underrated K-drama Our Blues, starring Lee Byung-hun, Kim Hye-ja, Shin Min-a, Lee Jung-eun, Kim Woo-bin, and so many more.Jess, Curtis, and Brandon talk through this delightful and stressful 2022 show, discussing the all-star ensemble cast, the c
Tomorrow | Full K-drama Review / Ep. 70
On Episode 70 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess and guest Pam from @pam_dramaholic on Instagram review the emotional K-drama Tomorrow, starring Kim Hee-seon, Rowoon, Lee Soo-hyuk, and Yun Ji-On.Jess and Pam carefully pick their way through this triggering 2022 show, discussing this super cool cast, Rowoon’s filmography and acting talent, the show’s religious themes, the context for cardboard c
Autumn in My Heart | Full K-drama Review / Ep. 69
On Episode 69 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess and friend of the pod Nas from the Swoon Diaries Podcast review the vintage K-drama Autumn in My Heart, starring Song Seung-Heon and Song Hye-kyo.Jess and Nas laugh and cry their way through this classic and tragic 2000 show of yore, discussing the “Endless Love” series, the origins of so many tropes, setting as a character, and the creation of a
Stranger (S1) | Full K-drama Review / Ep. 68
On Episode 68 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess and friend Caitlin from NoSleep4Dramas Blog & Podcast review season 1 of the crime K-drama Stranger, starring Cho Seung-Woo and Bae Doona.Jess and Caitlin talk through this amazing 2017 drama, discussing the stellar cast, how it had Jess’s head spinning and confused (in a good way), the (platonic) chemistry between the leads, the most memorab
Because This Is My First Life | Full K-drama Review / Ep. 67
On Episode 67 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess and guest Becky from @dont_sue_rebecca on TikTok review the slice-of-life K-drama Because This Is My First Life, starring Lee Min-ki and Jung So-min.Jess and Becky talk through this underrated 2017 drama, discussing comfort-watch nature of it, the relatability and authenticity in the characters, the amazing ensemble cast, the chemistry between th
Autumn's Concerto | Full Taiwanese Drama Review / Ep. 66
On Episode 66 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess and guest Carol from Kdramas Musings team up to review Autumn’s Concerto, starring Vanness Wu and Ady An.Jumping straight into spoiler talk, Jess and Carol talk through this melodramatic 2009 Taiwanese drama hit, discussing the hysterical OTT plot beats and tropes (like the amnesia, for starters), the iconic cast and how outrageously hot Vanness
The Smile Has Left Your Eyes | Full K-drama Review / Ep. 65
On Episode 65 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess and guest Sarah from Kdrama This and the Afternoona Asks Podcast review a bit of a melodramatic K-drama—The Smile Has Left Your Eyes, starring Seo In-guk and Jung So-min.Jess and Sarah talk through this 2018 drama as best they can because FOR ONCE Jess couldn’t rewatch the drama! They discuss the changes from the original 2002 J-drama, the underc
Meet Yourself | Full C-drama Review / Ep. 64
On Episode 64 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, the Drama Trio is on deck! Jess is joined by friends Caitlin from NoSleep4Dramas Blog & Podcast and Liliana from the Tea & Soju Podcast to review Meet Yourself, starring Liu Yi Fei and Li Xian.Jumping straight into spoiler talk, Jess, Caitlin, and Liliana talk through this calming slice-of-life 2023 C-drama hit, discussing the slow burn that n
Run On | Full K-drama Review / Ep. 63
On Episode 63 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess and guest Lola from Lola Pops Off About Kdramas review a bit of an underrated K-drama—Run On, starring Yim Si-wan and Shin Se-kyung.Jess and Lola go for a light jog through this 2020-21 comforting slice-of-life drama, discussing the magic in its dialogue and larger explorations of self-love and failure, how adorably childlike Si-wan’s character i
True Beauty | Full K-drama Review / Ep. 62
On Episode 62 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess and guest Bina from @binahearts on Insta start Season 5 off with a review of what Bina jokes is the best K-drama of all time—True Beauty, starring Moon Ka-Young, Cha Eun-Woo, and Hwang In-Yeop.Jess and Bina deep dive on this 2020-21 rom-com, discussing its enduring appeal, how it made its young cast overnight stars, a (loving) roast of Cha Eun-wo
AMA: Answering Listener Questions / Ep. 61
On Episode 61 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess kicks off Season 5 with an Ask Me Anything (AMA) episode!It’s a solo pod, as Jess answers all your burning questions submitted via the socials. Questions like: When and how did you start watching Asian dramas? How did you start podcasting? What’s the longest binge session you’ve ever had? Along with tough tasks like: Top 10 K-dramas, Top 10 C-dra
My Dearest | Full K-drama Review / Ep. 60
On another special Episode 60 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess and guest Sarai from the Kdrama Cafe Podcast head to 17th century Joseon with a review of My Dearest (part 1 and 2), starring Namkoong Min and Ahn Eun-Jin.Jess and Sarai deep dive on this 2023 historical epic, discussing the sweeping story of survival and love, “Gone with the Wind” comparisons, the show’s commentary on Confucian i
Doona! | Full K-drama Review / Ep. 59
On another special Episode 59 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess is joined by friends of the pod Liliana from the Tea & Soju Podcast and Sammie from the Korean From Context and the BL Buddies Podcast to review Doona!, starring Bae Suzy and Yang Se-Jong.Jess, Liliana, and Sammie have a hell of a time talking through this 2023 Netflix K-drama, discussing the pacing and 9-episode runtime, the
Revenant | Full K-drama Review / Ep. 58
On Episode 58 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess and guest Lola from Lola Pops Off About Kdramas wrap up the mini Spooky SZN with a review of Revenant, starring Kim Tae-ri, Oh Jung-se, and Hong Kyung.Jess and Lola deep dive on this 2023 thriller, discussing how they don’t usually watch the horror genre, the best and worst parts of the show, the stellar performances from Kim Tae-ri and Oh Jung-s
Moving | Full K-drama Review / Ep. 57
On Episode 57 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess and Rico continue the mini Spooky SZN with a not-so-scary-but-very-violent review of Moving, starring Ryoo Seung-Ryong, Han Hyo-Joo, Jo In-Sung, Kim Sung-Kyun, Ko Yoon-Jung, and Lee Jeong-Ha.Jess and Rico discuss this Disney+ original, talking through its stacked cast (the return of Jo In-Sung!), interesting and mysterious plot, the amazing chara
Ballerina (2023) | Full Movie Review / Ep. 56
On Episode 56 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess and Rico continue the mini Spooky SZN with another ATC crossover episode to review of Ballerina, starring Jun Jong-Seo and Kim Ji-Hoon.Jess and Rico discuss this Netflix original film from writer-director Lee Chung-Hyun, talking through its derivative nature, the revenge plot and the performances, the action scene editing à la Christopher Nolan,
D.P. (S1 & S2) | Full K-drama Review / Ep. 55
On Episode 55 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess and guest Sarah from Kdrama This and the Afternoona Asks Podcast kick off this mini Spooky SZN with a review of D.P., starring Jung Hae-In, Koo Gyo-Hwan, Kim Sung-Kyun, and Son Suk-Ku.Jess and Sarah discuss both seasons 1 and 2 of this dark military drama, talking through the amazing performances from Hae-in and Gyo-hwan, Sarah’s experience at th
Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo | Full K-drama Review / Ep. 54
On the season 4 finale Episode 54 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess and guest Robyn from The Kdrama Playbook review Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo, starring Lee Joon-gi, IU, Kang Ha-Neul, and so many more.Jess and Robyn discuss this widely lauded 2016 sageuk drama, talking through the toxic love stories and hard tonal shift, how the show seems to want us to blame the FL for the royal bad beha
The Untamed | Full C-drama Review / Ep. 53
On Episode 53 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess and guest Liliana from the Tea & Soju Podcast review The Untamed, starring Xiao Zhan and Wang Yi Bo.Jess and Liliana discuss this well-regarded 2019 historical drama, talking through the BL danmei bones of the story and how China prohibits such stories, the innuendo and hidden meaning throughout, the acting from the leads, the confusing parts
Do You Like Brahms? | Full K-drama Review / Ep. 52
On Episode 52 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess and guest Sarah from Kdrama This and the Afternoona Asks Podcast review Do You Like Brahms?, starring Park Eun-Bin and Kim Min-Jae.Jess and Sarah discuss this underrated 2020 musical drama, talking through the slow-burn romance between two introverts, comparisons to other musical K-dramas, the Asian stereotype that the show seems to tackle, the i
Sweet Home (S1) | Full K-drama Review / Ep. 51
On Episode 51 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess and Rico rage against the monsters on a review of Sweet Home (season 1), starring Song Kang, Lee Jin-Uk, Lee Si-Young, Lee Do-Hyun, and more.Jess and Rico talk through this 2020 action-horror drama, discussing the SAG-AFRA and WGA strikes and how they relate to Netflix and K-dramas, the famous director and the all-star cast, how Rico is not a zom
Love Like the Galaxy | Full C-drama Review / Ep. 50
On Episode 50 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess and guest Carol from Kdramas Musings are back again to review Love Like the Galaxy, starring Zhao Lusi and Wu Lei (aka Leo Wu).Jess and Carol (influenced in large part by Caitlin from @nosleep4dramas) discuss this beautiful 2022 historical drama, talking through the insane cinematography and musical score, the acting from the leads, the best scen
Coffee Prince | Full K-drama Review / Ep. 49
On Episode 49 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess is joined by repeat guest Carol from Kdramas Musings to review Coffee Prince, starring Gong Yoo and Yoon Eun-Hye.Jess and Carol return to this iconic gender-bender from 2007, talking through the groundbreaking, ahead-of-its-time nature of the show, how formative and meaningful the project is to the cast, Gong Yoo (I mean…), the best scenes and mo
Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-Joo | Full K-drama Review / Ep. 48
On Episode 48 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess is joined by repeat guests Nas and Ori from the Seoul Sistahs Podcast to review Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-Joo, starring Nam Joo-Hyuk and Lee Sung-Kyung.Jess, Nas, and Ori lift heavy as they swim their way through this beloved 2016 show, discussing the renaissance era of 2016 K-dramas, the careers and chemistry of former lovers Joo-Hyuk and Sung
Full House | Full K-drama Review / Ep. 47
On Episode 47 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess is joined by repeat guest Mina from the Kpop Bookshelf Podcast to review Full House, starring Rain and Song Hye-Kyo.Jess and Mina talk through this pioneer 2004 K-drama hit, discussing Rain and Hye-Kyo’s performances and chemistry, the premise that made the cohabitation and contract marriage tropes K-drama staples, the “best friends” from hell, t
Past Lives | Full Movie Review / Ep. 46
On a special Episode 46 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess and Rico are back on an ATC crossover episode to review the very first movie for the podcast, Past Lives, starring Greta Lee, Teo Yoo, and John Magaro.Jess and Rico discuss this A24 film from first-time writer-director Celine Song, talking through the themes and messages of the movie, including In-Yun and destiny, the tropes that might
Till the End of the Moon - Part 2 | C-drama Review / Ep. 45
On Episode 45 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess and guest hosts Caitlin from @nosleep4dramas and Liliana from the Tea & Soju Podcast finish up their review of Till the End of the Moon, starring Luo Yun Xi and Bai Lu.Continuing with spoiler talk, Part 2 kicks off discussing the theme of nature vs. nurture for Tantai Jin’s character, each era of the show and the best moments from each (like
Till the End of the Moon - Part 1 | C-drama Review / Ep. 44
On Episode 44 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess is joined by repeat guest Caitlin from @nosleep4dramas and friend of the pod Liliana from the Tea & Soju Podcast to review Till the End of the Moon, starring Luo Yun Xi and Bai Lu.Jumping straight into spoiler talk, Part 1 sees Jess, Caitlin, and Liliana gush and fangirl over this 2023 C-drama hit, discussing the performances from Yun Xi and
You're Beautiful | Full K-drama Review / Ep. 43
On Episode 43 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess is joined by repeat guest Jenny from the Pocha Playlist Podcast to review You’re Beautiful, starring Park Shin-Hye and Jang Keun-Suk.Jess and Jenny laugh through a discussion of this iconic Hong Sisters gender-bender from 2009, talking through the ludicrous (but still Shakespearean) plot, how Park Shin-Hye and Jang Keun-Suk’s characters are writt
Go Back Couple | Full K-drama Review / Ep. 42
On Episode 42 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess is joined by special guest comedian Grace Jung from the K-Drama School Podcast to review Go Back Couple, starring Jang Na-Ra and Son Ho-Jun.Jess and Grace talk through this 2017 time-traveling melo-comedy, discussing the powerhouse that is Jang Na-Ra, the second-chance romance and if we agreed with it, how the drama could have been way different
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