Korean. American. Podcast
How does modern day Korea compare to America? Join co-hosts Daniel and Jun every week as they explore a topic and discuss it from both the American and Korean perspective. If you're looking to learn more about Korean society and culture, are a part of the Korean diaspora and curious how Korea has changed since you, your parents, or your grandparents left, or are simply interested in broadening your personal worldview and perspective, then we hope you'll listen in and join us on this journey!
Episodes
Episode 127: The Final Ssamary Pt.1
This week, Jun and Daniel escape the studio for a special 24-hour "vacation" to a modern hanok in Seoul's Seochon neighborhood to record their final wrap-up episodes. With the podcast winding down, the hosts take a moment to reflect on their incredible journey, starting with a recap of their very first in-person listener meetup. Daniel shares his awe at seeing 60 listeners gather at
Episode 126: Thank You, Halmonis
This week, Jun and Daniel sit down for a deeply personal and emotional episode dedicated to honoring the lives, sacrifices, and unconditional love of Daniel’s two halmonis (grandmothers). With his family's impending move back to the US, Daniel shares one of his biggest regrets: failing to formally archive his 102-year-old grandmother’s incredible life story before her memory faded.Daniel reco
Episode 125: A Stockholm Castle Wedding, Jeonse Stress, and Kids’ Milestones
This week, Jun and Daniel delay the topic they were supposed to discuss and instead catch up after Daniel's recent trip to Stockholm, Sweden. Daniel brings back some authentic Swedish Fish and speed-runs his observations on Nordic life—from the beautifully balanced philosophy of lagom, the prevalence of dads out alone with their young children, and the sheer amount of bicyclists flying about
A Special Announcement
🎉 We're finally doing it!After a year and a half of talking about it, we're having our very first (and probably only 😅) in-person Korean. American. Podcast meet-up!Come hang out with us, grab some food and drinks on us, ask us anything, take a photo, and meet fellow listeners. We'll also have a small giveaway for attendees.📅 Monday, June 22 🕖 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM 📍 Tap Public (Pangyo
Episode 124: The One With the Little Guests
This week, Jun and Daniel sit down for a very special, one-of-a-kind episode featuring four unprecedented guests: Daniel’s children! Ranging in age from 3 to 11, the kids have spent the last five years growing up in South Korea, and with the family’s impending move back to the United States, Daniel and Jun wanted to capture their unique perspectives as a family time capsule.If you’re interested in
Episode 123: A Busan Birthday, Tank Day Disaster, and Spitting Watermelon Seeds
This week, Jun and Daniel sit down for their final "regular" episode before Daniel's upcoming move back to the US. Daniel shares the stressful reality of his international moving logistics, from the staggering drop in the USD-KRW exchange rate destroying the value of his Jeonse deposit, to the uniquely Korean anxiety of landlords holding deposits hostage until a new tenant moves in.
Episode 122: The Beginning of the End
This week, Jun and Daniel sit down for a very special, albeit bittersweet, episode disguised as a fake media review of the movie Decision to Leave. After five beautiful and transformative years of living in South Korea, Daniel makes the official announcement: his family is packing up and moving back to the United States this summer.The hosts spend the episode reflecting on Daniel’s incredible five
Episode 121: A Spontaneous Dinner Guest, Spring Smiles, and The Joy of Defamiliarization
This week, Jun and Daniel ditch the "News and Trends" segments for a massive, all-encompassing "Daily Life" episode. Daniel shares his recent family trip to Gyeongju, reviewing the underwhelming scale of the Cheomseongdae observatory and the endless street food options on Hwangridan-gil, before showing off his incredibly lucky $3 denim jacket find at a Korean Goodwill. Daniel a
Episode 120: A Korean 1st Grade Entrance Ceremony (입학식), BTS Comeback, and The Gift of Perspective
This week, Jun and Daniel catch up on their busy lives. Jun rants about his tech startup's obsession with AI efficiency over actual value, sparking a deep dive into why the Korean mindset fixates on perfecting "methodology" and process rather than focusing on the big picture. Meanwhile, Daniel navigates his first Korean elementary school Iphaksik (entrance ceremony), observing every
Episode 119: No Other Choice (어쩔수가없다) Media Review
This week, Jun and Daniel sit down for a dedicated media review of Park Chan-wook's newly released dark comedy thriller, No Other Choice (어쩔수가없다). Starring heavyweights like Lee Byung-hun and Son Ye-jin, the film follows a desperate man who loses his corporate job and resorts to lethal measures against his competitors to win it back. The hosts break down the film's stark social commentar
Episode 118: Korean Mu-ism, Spiritual Tarot Reading and Western Magic ft. Claire
Disclaimer: Everything shared in this conversation represents the guest's own personal experiences and perspectives — not advice, instruction, or advocacy of any kind.This week, Jun and Daniel welcome a very special guest, Claire, who bridges the gap between the corporate world and the spiritual realm. As a global business development manager by day and a practicing psychic and tarot reader b
Episode 117: A House Fire, The 5-Minute Dentist, Salad Utensils, and Matters of National Pride
This week, Jun and Daniel catch up on a whirlwind of events, starting with a frightening story about a fire at Jun's parents' house in Daegu that led to an unexpected fridge-clearing catharsis. Daniel shares observations from his recent trips to a Korean dentist, as well as a recent conversation with his kindergarten that perfectly illustrates the indirectness of the Korean language disc
Episode 116: A 2964% Bonus, Indirectness Overload, and The Complexity of Taking a Stand
This week, Jun and Daniel dive back into their regular programming with a packed episode. Daniel shares his recent first-time shopping experience for men's skincare at Olive Young and his realization that he completely missed the start of the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics and the Super Bowl. Meanwhile, Jun gives a quick update on starting his new job and feeling the generational gap with his
Episode 115: Dubai Chewy Cookies, The K-Town Time Capsule, and The Sacredness of Goodbyes
This week, Jun and Daniel return from a month-long hiatus packed with international travel. Jun shares his experience in Los Angeles, discussing the eerie perfection of Waymo’s autonomous taxis, the specific "80s accent" found in Koreatown, and a confusing dining experience that sparked a debate on microaggressions. Daniel recounts his family trip to Australia, covering everything from t
Episode 114: Culinary Class Wars 2 Media Review
This week, Jun and Daniel sit down to review the highly anticipated second season of "Culinary Class Wars" (흑백요리사). In a break from their usual format, the hosts dedicate the entire episode to dissecting the show, noting how this season felt less like a global competition and more like a "love letter" to Korean cuisine, ingredients, and geography. They discuss the shift in cast
Episode 113: Outside the Seas Vacations, D+4 Kimchi, and Yet Another Data Leak
This week, Jun and Daniel kick off 2026 (while still technically in 2025) with a travel-centric episode filled with cultural observations. Daniel recounts his family trip to Okinawa, sharing his struggles with driving on the "wrong" side of the road and his honest takes on local culinary quirks like taco rice and fruit sandwiches. Jun shares his recent experience in Beijing, contrasting
Episode 112: 2025 Year End Wrap Up “SSAMary”
This week, Jun and Daniel celebrate Christmas and close out 2025 with their third annual "Ssamary"—a comprehensive year-end wrap-up. The episode begins with a look at their current holiday vibes, exploring why Daniel is struggling to feel festive this year and Jun's memories of his father's unique "sparrow" surveillance tactic for behavior. As they transition into the
Episode 111: Pizza Injustice, American Jeong, and A Growing Sense of Home
This week, Jun and Daniel catch up on a busy month of events, kicking things off with Daniel’s participation in "No Shave November" and the cultural stigma surrounding beards in Korea. The conversation moves to a visit to a US Army base for Halloween, which sparks a debate about cultural differences in fairness and connections highlighted by a specific incident involving a pizza order. D
Episode 110: Silla Gold Crown, London Bagel Museum Controversy, Suneung English
This week Jun and Daniel discuss recent news and cultural trends from November 2025. The episode covers APEC 2025 hosted in Gyeongju where Korea gifted Trump a Shilla gold crown, contrasting Korean labor debates between the London Bagel Museum overwork death and dawn delivery service bans, the viral Gwangjang Market pricing scandal, and the election of Zoran Momdani as New York City's first M
Episode 109: The Wailing(곡성) Review (Media)
This week Jun and Daniel dive deep into a media review of "The Wailing" (곡성), the critically acclaimed 2016 Korean horror film directed by Na Hong-jin. They begin by unpacking the clever wordplay behind the Korean title—"Gokseong" doubles as both the name of the real Korean city where the film is set and the Chinese character meaning "wailing." The hosts explore the f
Episode 108: Chuseok Recaps, Scammers, No Kings Protests and Tapgol Park Changes
This week Jun and Daniel return from their extended Chuseok holiday break to discuss a range of topics starting with daily life observations about technology, from wireless floor fans to Tesla's touchscreen interfaces to the state of autonomous vehicles in both the US and Korea. They then share their Chuseok vacation experiences, with Jun describing his MT-style trip to Gapyeong and Daniel re
Episode 107: On Moving to Korea For A Mid-Life Gap Year (ft. Raychel)
This week, Daniel and Jun sit down with Raychel McKelvy, a Black American teacher and aspiring actor who just moved to Korea from Chicago less than a month ago. Raychel shares her unique journey from living across multiple U.S. cities to taking a "midlife gap year" in Seoul to study Korean at Yonsei University's language institute. They discuss her incredibly diverse upbringing and
Episode 106: Cilantro Sundae, Political Polarization, Violence in Media
This week Jun and Daniel discuss the evolution of acquired tastes in food, turbulent political news from America, controversial tech updates, and a thought-provoking listener perspective on violence in Western vs. East Asian culture. Daniel shares his milestone of finally accepting sundae (Korean blood sausage) after years of trying, prompting a broader conversation about cilantro, kimchi, and how
Episode 105: Summer Recaps, August News and Trends, and Podcast Updates
This week Jun and Daniel return after a two-and-a-half-month break with updates on the future of their podcast and stories from their summer European travels. They announce changes to their recording schedule required to maintain a predictable and sustainable release cadence. The hosts explore their different European experiences, comparing notes on coffee culture, American tourists abroad, and th
Episode 104: K-Pop Demon Hunters Review (Media)
We’re back!This week Jun and Daniel finally tackle the highly anticipated media review of "K-Pop Demon Hunters" (or "케데헌" in Korea). After discussing the massive global success of the Netflix animated film—which became the number one Netflix original movie of all time—they dive deep into various aspects of the production. From analyzing what defines authentic K-pop versus gener
Episode 103: Korean Etymology, Language Purification, and Hidden Origins ft. Byeong (Language)
⚠️Disclaimer⚠️This episode was recorded in early May while Daniel was traveling, as an experiment during their regular recording schedule. Some references may feel slightly dated as it's being released during their summer break.This week Jun and Byeong explore the fascinating evolution and cultural layers of language, particularly focusing on Korean linguistic heritage and cross-cultural lang
Episode 102: 100 Weeks of Korean. American. Podcast pt.3 (Podcast)
This week Jun and Daniel conclude their three-part series commemorating their 100th episode milestone by reflecting on episodes 67-99 of their podcast journey. They explore the evolution of their show from deep cultural discussions to more structured formats including regular news episodes, listener comment segments, and media reviews. The hosts discuss memorable episodes covering topics like Kore
Episode 101: 100 Weeks of Korean. American. Podcast pt.2 (Podcast)
This week Jun and Daniel continue their milestone celebration by tackling episodes 34-66 in the second part of their three-part series honoring 100 episodes. From exploring the N-Po Generation's societal pressures to diving deep into Korean concepts like jeong and han, our hosts reflect on their middle third of episodes that covered some of their most meaningful cultural discussions. They rev
Episode 100: 100 Weeks of Korean. American. Podcast pt.1 (Podcast)
This week Jun and Daniel celebrate reaching their 100th episode milestone by embarking on a comprehensive journey through their podcast's first 33 episodes. From their humble pilot episode recorded with a single microphone to exploring major cultural topics like food, healthcare, education, and social relationships, our hosts reflect on their evolution as podcasters and their deepening unders
Episode 99: The Match Review (Media)
This week Jun and Daniel review the popular Korean film "The Match" (승부), which tells the story of two legendary Go players in Korea during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Our hosts explore the cultural significance of Go in Korean society, discussing how it was once one of the four major activities Korean children would pursue alongside math academies, taekwondo, and piano. They delve i
Episode 98: Listener Grab Bag ft. Credit Cards, Board Games, Climate Change & Libraries (Media)
This week Jun and Daniel dedicate an episode to answering questions from their listeners via Patreon, Instagram, and email. From credit card rewards systems and loyalty points to board game culture and public libraries, our hosts tackle a variety of topics that don't quite warrant full episodes but deserve thoughtful responses. They explore how Korean and American credit card systems differ,
Episode 97: College Part 2 (Education)
This week Jun and Daniel dive deeper into college education, comparing American and Korean university systems. Following their more personal discussion in part one, they examine the structural differences between college admissions, costs, and cultural impacts across both countries. From holistic application processes in the US versus test-score-focused admissions in Korea, to the emphasis on netw
Episode 96: College Part 1 (Education)
This week Jun and Daniel explore the social aspects of college life in Korea versus America during the mid-2000s. From orientation experiences and drinking culture to roommate dynamics and networking, our hosts walk down memory lane sharing their vastly different undergraduate experiences. What is "OT" in Korea and how does it differ from American college orientation? How do Korean fresh
Episode 95: Korean Math, Busan Taxis, and Making New Friends (Daily Life)
This week, Daniel and Jun reflect on the small routines and habits that shape daily life—and how those ordinary moments reveal cultural contrasts between Korea and America. From elevator etiquette to bike-riding, math education to parenting styles, they explore how values like speed, structure, and success show up in the simplest of places. They also touch on entrepreneurship in Korea, screen time
Episode 94: News Headlines - Feb ~ Apr 2025 (News)
This week, Daniel and Jun recap significant news events from February to mid-April 2025. They discuss several major stories including the impeachment of the Korean president and upcoming emergency elections, the worst wildfires in Korean history and how Indonesian foreign workers heroically helped with rescue efforts, controversial allegations surrounding Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun, and the viral t
Episode 93: No Room For Seoulmates (Culture)
This week Jun and Daniel explore the differences in roommate culture between Korea and America. They discuss why having roommates is more common in the US compared to Korea, where most unmarried adults either live alone or with their parents. From college dorm experiences to adult living arrangements, our hosts examine how factors like geography, finances, cultural expectations, and the jeonse hou
Episode 92: The Great Wall of Individualism ft. Jeong (Concepts)
This week Jun and Daniel dive deeper into the concept of "jeong”, building on past discussions about social circles and neighbors. They stand-up a working definition of jeong as the “blurring of boundaries between individuals”– in a sense, the ultimate form of collectivism– and explore how it can help explain key cultural differences between Korea and the US, from friendships to the workplace
Episode 91: Canadian Multiculturalism, Maknae Life, Hell Joseon and Kimchi Poutines ft. Byeong (iyagi)
This week Jun and Daniel welcome their guest Byeong, a Korean Canadian who shares his unique cultural journey growing up in Toronto, working in Hong Kong, and now living in Korea. Through exploring Byeong's experiences as a "third culture kid," our hosts dive into fascinating discussions about Canadian multiculturalism, the concept of being a "freeloader" younger sibling w
Episode 90: I Am Solo Season 24 Review (Media)
This week Jun and Daniel review the popular Korean reality dating show "Na Neun Solo" (I Am Solo). They explore the format of the show where six men and six women live together for five days in hopes of finding love, using pseudonyms throughout their stay until revealing their real names during the final confession. From analyzing the various character "types" assigned to conte
Episode 89: Communities, Social Circles, and Third Places (Culture)
This week Jun and Daniel dive into a deep exploration of social circles in Korea compared to America. Daniel shares his recent experience joining a church community group after five years, which sparks the main discussion about how social connections form differently across cultures. The hosts debate whether Korean social groups are more like "cliques" while American groups function as b
Episode 88: Finding Heaven On Earth And Being A Bridge ft. Nelson aka @sochourner (iyagi)
This week Jun and Daniel interview Nelson, a third-culture kid who was born and raised in Brazil before attending college in the US and eventually settling in Korea. They explore his unique journey navigating multiple cultural identities, from experiencing racism as an Asian in Brazil to voluntarily serving in the Korean Marines during a college gap year. Nelson shares how being an "outsider&
Episode 87: Listener Comments - Read and Response (Media)
This week Jun and Daniel respond to comments from their Instagram Reels, YouTube channel, and emails in their second "Read and Response" episode. From discussing American strawberries tasting like "vegetables you put in soup" to deeper conversations about Korean American identity, our hosts thoughtfully address both supportive feedback and critical comments. They explore topics
Episode 86: Chill Guy Ping (Trends)
This week Daniel and Jun dive into the latest trends in Korea, as well as looking into predictions for 2025. They explore what's currently popular across the categories of food, fashion, technology, language, culture, and finance. Food trends include the massive popularity of the Netflix show "Culinary Class Wars," blood sugar monitoring, and protein drinks. In fashion, they discuss
Episode 85: Office Drama, Daddy Spoons, In-Laws World, and Salty Toothpaste ft. HoneyJam (iyagi)
This week Jun and Daniel host their first guest interview with Korean American couple Janice and David Jung from the HoneyJam podcast. Listen in as they discuss navigating Korean American identity, their extended stay in Korea for IVF treatment, and David's innovative venture dehydrating Korean food for camping. From exploring the evolution of jeong in modern Korean society to comparing food
Episode 84: A Tale Of Two COVIDs (History)
This week Jun and Daniel discuss COVID-19 and how Korea and America differed in their responses to the pandemic. From the earliest cases in January 2020 through the various waves of restrictions and regulations, our hosts explore how their respective countries handled everything from contact tracing and quarantine rules to vaccination policies and mask mandates. They examine how cultural differenc
Episode 83: Korean Citizenship Prep, Growing Up Russian Korean, Jeollanamdo Living, and Fishing feat. Seil and Lera (iyagi)
This week Jun and Daniel welcome two very interesting and unique guests, Seil and Lera. They talk about their life journeys, with topics ranging from the Korean citizenship test, growing up as a third generation Korean in Russia, playing Division III basketball in the US, country living in Korea, and so much more. What does the current naturalization process look like for becoming a Korean citizen
Episode 82: News Headlines - Dec ~ Jan 2025 (News)
This week Jun and Daniel discuss major news headlines from December 2024 and January 2025 in both Korea and the United States. They cover four significant events: the martial law declaration in Korea, the Jeju Air crash tragedy, the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, and the Los Angeles wildfires. Our hosts explore these events through cultural lenses, examining how Koreans and America
Episode 81: A Picture's Worth A Thousand Korean Words (Design)
This week Jun and Daniel dive into design differences between Korea and America, from social media and advertising to architecture and mobile apps. The hosts explore how and why Korean designs tend to be text-heavy and informative, while American designs focus more on visuals and artistic impact. Topics include YouTube thumbnails, movie posters, advertisements, mobile app UI/UX, building design, a
Episode 80: Yes, Uh, Jin, Jee (Taiwan)
This week Jun and Daniel discuss Daniel's recent family trip to Taiwan for the holidays. Listen as Daniel shares his observations and experiences visiting Taipei and surrounding areas, while Jun offers his commentary as someone who has visited multiple times before. From weather to food to cultural influences from both Japan and China, our hosts explore what makes Taiwan unique while drawing
Episode 79: Squid Game 2 Review (Media)
This week Jun and Daniel discuss the much anticipated Squid Game 2, and use it as a way to explore various aspects of Korean culture. Our hosts run through the cast of characters with commentary, discuss each of the Korean games that were played, dive into Korea’s high household debt to GDP ratio, and more. Through discussions of character portrayals, game mechanics, and underlying themes, they to
Episode 78: Lady Vengeance (Media)
This week Jun and Daniel review the 2005 Korean film "Lady Vengeance", the unofficial final installment in Park Chan-wook's vengeance trilogy. Through their analysis of the film, they explore how revenge is depicted differently in Korean versus American media, discussing themes of collectivism versus individualism, institutional injustice, and the contrast between surface appearance
Episode 77: 2024 Year End Wrap Up (Podcast)
This week Jun and Daniel reflect on 2024, and look ahead to 2025 in their year-end wrap-up “SSAMary” episode. The hosts examine their podcast's growth over the past year including reaching #1 on the Apple Podcasts Korea charts and 27000% growth in YouTube subscribers. Additionally, our hosts discuss their most and least favorite episodes, dive into stats across various platforms, highlight me
Episode 76: Snow Day? No Way! (Daily Life)
This week Jun and Daniel discuss all things winter! Prompted by the recent first snow (첫눈), which happened to be the biggest November snowfall ever recorded in Korean history, our hosts discuss winter life and traditions in Korea compared to America. What is gimjang (김장) season and what is typically eaten with the first batch of kimchi? What are the distinct differences between Korean and Americ
Episode 75: Korea Eyes (Fashion)
This week Jun and Daniel dive into fashion trends and cultural differences between Korea and America. From men’s hairstyles to women’s modesty norms, our hosts explore how fashion intersects with cultural values, generational divides, and societal expectations. They discuss topics like Korea's recent trend toward athleisure wear, the popularity of certain global brands, and how beauty standar
Episode 74: Red Days (Holidays)
This week Jun and Daniel explore the annual calendar of holidays and events in both Korea and America. Through a quiz format and month-by-month discussion, our hosts compare how each country celebrates its major holidays, from Lunar New Year and Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) in Korea to Thanksgiving (American Mid-Autumn Festival) and Independence Day in America. They also explore deeper cultural d
Episode 73: Korean News Headlines - October/November 2024 (News)
This week Jun and Daniel discuss major news headlines from October and November 2024. From cultural controversies surrounding Dongduk Women's University and the 4B movement, to Korea's surging soft power with Blackpink’s Rosé topping the music charts and Han Kang winning the Nobel Prize for Literature, our hosts explore how these events reflect and impact Korean society. They examine the
Episode 72: For The Love Of The Cheering (Sports)
This week Jun and Daniel discuss sports culture in Korea and America, prompted by their recent experience attending a KBO (Korean Baseball Organization) playoff game together. Through comparing stadium experiences, fan behavior, player salaries, and cultural attitudes towards athletics, our hosts explore deeper societal differences between the two countries - from how Koreans view sports more as e
Episode 71: Your Political View Here (Politics)
This week Jun and Daniel risk it all by using the charged 2024 US presidential election as a reason to compare and discuss the political systems and landscape in Korea and America. Our hosts attempt to discuss politics while remaining as neutral as possible, covering topics like the two-party system, campaign financing, big tech's political leanings, and the unique characteristics of conserva
Episode 70: Listener Comments - Read and Response #2-2 (Media)
This week Jun and Daniel continue their discussion of listener comments and reactions from social media, blogs, and other platforms. They explore the complex topic of Korean American identity, diving into experiences of discrimination, dual cultural belonging, and what it means to be a "third culture kid." The hosts also tackle comments about Korean driving habits, luxury goods consumpti
Episode 69: Listener Comments - Read and Response #2-1 (Media)
This week Jun and Daniel dedicate an episode to reading and responding to comments from their social media channels over the past few months. From inverter AC technology to birthing experiences to racism and cultural differences, our hosts dive deep into various topics that sparked discussion among their listeners. They explore Korean and American perspectives on everything from technical knowledg
Episode 68: Jjik or Treat! (Food)
This week Jun and Daniel dive into famous food debates and preferences that divide both Korean and American society. Starting from whether you dip (jjik) or boo (pour) the sauce with sweet and sour pork (tangsuyuk), our hosts explore the many famous food debates that Koreans have, including kimchi jiggae versus doenjang jjigae, mul naengmyun vs bibimnaengmyun, and many more. They then shift to som
Episode 67: MBTI (Culture)
This week Jun and Daniel dive into the world of MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator) and its popularity in Korea. They explore why MBTI has become such a cultural phenomenon in Korea, from its use in social settings to its integration into various aspects of daily life. The conversation then expands to include the Enneagram personality system, which Daniel is particularly passionate about. In contin
Episode 66: Korean News Headlines - August/September 2024 (News)
This week Jun and Daniel discuss some major news headlines from August and September 2024 in Korea. They cover topics including a pilot program bringing Filipino nannies to Korea, the ongoing doctor strike, and a deepfake porn scandal. The hosts explore the cultural context and public reactions to these issues, touching on themes of immigration, online privacy, and healthcare policy. They also dis
Episode 65: Culinary Class Wars Review (Media)
This week Jun and Daniel review the popular Korean Netflix cooking competition show "Culinary Class Wars" (흑백요리사). They discuss the show's format, cultural aspects, and why it has become such a sensation in Korea. Our hosts compare fine dining experiences in Korea vs the US, debate the merits of peelers vs knives in the kitchen, and explore concepts of teamwork and hierarchy as depi
Episode 64: Small Talk feat. Connecting (Culture)
This week Jun and Daniel explore the world of small talk through conversations with random strangers on the Connecting app. Our hosts discuss cultural differences in social interactions between Korea and America, practice their own small talk skills, and gather interesting perspectives from their chat partners. Topics range from stereotypes Koreans and Americans have of each other, to experiences
Episode 63: Kim Family Matters (Names)
This week Jun and Daniel dive into the world of Korean names and family genealogy. Listen as our hosts explore the cultural significance, history, and trends around names in Korea compared to America. What are the most common Korean last names and how did they originate? How do Koreans choose names for their children and what do the characters mean? What are some generational trends in Korean name
Episode 62: Density of Water (Daily Life)
This week Jun and Daniel dedicate another episode to run through Daniel’s constantly growing and evolving list of notes on daily life in Korea. Our hosts tackle a 짬뽕 (hodgepodge) of topics ranging from apartment community life to driving habits and hierarchy-based social expectations. What does Daniel find depressing about his apartment living situation? Which part of the metric system is Daniel g
Episode 61: Lucky Vicky (Trends)
This week Jun and Daniel dive into the latest trends sweeping across Korea. From viral language catchphrases to K-pop sensations, luxury athleisure wear to running crews, and electric vehicles to trendy desserts, our hosts explore what's hot in various aspects of Korean society. They discuss the origins of these trends, debate their staying power, and share personal experiences with some of t
Episode 60: 2024 Paris Olympics (Sports)
This week Jun and Daniel discuss the 2024 Paris Olympics. They cover highlights from Korea's performance, memorable moments, and reflect on famous Korean Olympians throughout history. The hosts also explore cultural differences in how Korea and America approach the Olympics, from medal counting methods to how athletes are celebrated.If you're interested in hearing about breakout stars li
Episode 59: Exhuma Movie Review and Shamanism (Media)
This week Jun and Daniel discuss Korean shamanism and occult practices through a review of the popular Korean movie "Exhuma" (or "파묘" in Korean). How integrated is shamanism in modern Korean society? What are some common superstitions and spiritual practices in Korea? How does the movie portray traditional Korean beliefs and anti-Japanese sentiment? What aspects of the film mig
Episode 58: Korean News Headlines - July 2024 (News)
This week Jun and Daniel discuss some notable news headlines from July 2024. What led to the scandal surrounding popular mukbang YouTuber Tzuyang, and what does it reveal about Korea's entertainment industry and cyber bullying culture? How significant is the recent Supreme Court ruling recognizing same-sex couples' rights, and what might it signal for LGBTQ+ progress in Korea? Are Gen Z
Episode 57: US Trip Recap (Reflections)
This week Daniel shares his reflections after spending a month back in the United States with his family. Listen in as Daniel and Jun discuss the stark differences between life in Korea versus America, from diverse communities to driving habits to portion sizes. What aspects of American life did Daniel miss most while living in Korea? How did his perspective on the US change after living abroad? W
Episode 56: Keeping Up With The Kimses (Parenting)
This week Jun and Daniel are joined by special guests Young and Grace to discuss parenting in Korea vs. America. How does the Korean postpartum care system differ from the U.S.? What level of independence do Korean parents give their children compared to American parents? How do discipline styles vary between the cultures? What is the hagwon system and why is it so prevalent in Korea? How do defin
Episode 55: E-sports and Gaming (Culture)
This week Jun and Daniel discuss E-sports and gaming culture with a friend of the show and professional gaming coach, Wizard Hyeong. Korea is famously known as the birthplace of Esports, where the Korean e-Sports Association (KeSPA), an arm of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, was founded in 2000 to promote and regulate esports in the country. From PC Bangs to TV channels dedicated to s
Episode 54: Listener Comments - Read and Response #1 (Media)
This week Jun and Daniel experiment with a new format in which they read and respond to various channels of fan and follower engagement. For the inaugural episode, our hosts look at comments left on their Instagram Reels and YouTube media. After reading and discussing some of the most popular comments, our hosts then give each a rating from mild, to spicy, to incendiary, and discuss. How can our K
Episode 53: Han (Concepts)
This week Jun and Daniel take on another so-called pillar of Korean culture and society: han. How does Jun define han, and what issue does he take with the definition from its Wikipedia page? What was behind Jun’s initial reluctance to dedicate an episode to this topic? What are some of our hosts’ personal examples of han? What does it mean to have han at a national level? What are some other coun
Episode 52: One Year Of Korean. American. Podcast (Reflections)
This week Jun and Daniel celebrate reaching the one-year anniversary of the podcast, and successfully releasing “1 Korean. 1 American. 1 Topic Weekly.” for the entire duration. Our hosts each reflect on their most recent trips to the US and how the podcast has impacted their experience and understanding of both American and Korean society and culture. How has the mission and vision for the podcast
Episode 51: Lovely Runner Episode 1 (Media)
This week Jun and Daniel discuss Korean culture through a recently trending popular K-drama: Lovely Runner (Episode 1). This time slip, romantic comedy drama series bounces between modern day and 2008 Korea. Our hosts watch the first episode and exchange notes of various cultural nuances and differences that stood out to them. What’s interesting about the title that a Korean might note? Is it righ
Episode 50: Korea? North or South? (Stereotypes)
This week Jun and Daniel discuss common stereotypes Koreans and Americans might have of each other and to what extent they agree with them. While all stereotypes are neither accurate nor fair, there is no denying they exist and shape our perceptions, interactions, and cultures in meaningful ways. As always, as our hosts engage in light-hearted conversation around a variety of topics, they hope to
Episode 49: White Truck Of Doom (Media)
This week Jun and Daniel discuss a topic that is very near and dear to our American host’s heart: Korean dramas, or K-dramas for short. Daniel has been a casual viewer since his early 20s, long before Squid Game put them on the global stage, but his K-drama watching ramped up while in Covid lockdown and hasn’t slowed down since. Like many Westerners, much of his perception and understanding of Kor
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