Category: Korean Dramas

“Minari”: Deconstructing the American Dream

Jae-Ha Kim

Lee Isaac Chung is an astute filmmaker, who pays close attention to the smallest details. With “Minari,” he has created a universally relatable film, while inserting elements that are specifically Korean.

“To All the Boys: Always and Forever” Review: A Beautiful Vacation

Jae-Ha Kim

While “To All the Boys” author Jenny Han may have no desire to write a fourth book in this series, wouldn’t it be fun if Kitty got a spinoff? She could move to Seoul to become a K-pop trainee, learn Korean, and reunite with her crush Dae (Jeon Ho-Young). TATB doesn’t have to end with Lara Jean and Peter. With a little bit of tweaking, it can go on always and forever.

“The Uncanny Counter” (경이로운 소문)

Jae-Ha Kim

Well written and terrifically acted, “The Uncanny Counter” is suspenseful and heartwarming. And in a rarity for Korean dramas, there is no second lead syndrome romance to mess with the plot.

“Penthouse: War in Life” (펜트하우스)

Jae-Ha Kim

“Penthouse” starts off with the most makjang storyline of the year. This deliciously gripping female-centric series revolves around rival classical singers and includes a (dun dun dun!) switched-at-birth plot twist. Did I mention that one of male characters has a torture chamber in his home, because, why not? Mixed in with the outrageous content is a parable about the haves and the have nots.