“Flex X Cop” (재벌X형사)
“Flex X Cop” takes the chaebol trope, mixes it up with a cops-and-robbers theme, and adds a dash of comedic elements to keep things interesting.
Tag: Substack
Why Are Korean Celebs Still Apologizing?
One of the strangest things about Korean celebrity culture is the number of famous people who are essentially forced to issue apologies for doing normal, everyday things (that their detractors themselves are probably doing).
“Doctor Slump” (닥터슬럼프)
Former high school rivals Jeong-woo (Park Hyung-sik) and Ha-neul (Park Shin-hye) form a truce as adults after both face slumps in their medical careers.
“Queen of Divorce” (끝내주는 해결사)
Equal parts comedy and revenge, “Queen of Divorce” tackles the dirty deeds that occur during divorce proceedings. Sa-ra (Lee Ji-ah) is a brilliant attorney, whose husband and monster-in-law set her up for a crime she never committed.
“My Happy Ending” (나의 해피엔드)
There is a lot going on in this K-drama that could’ve been resolved if the protagonists had a long conversation to discuss misunderstandings.
“Marry My Husband” (내 남편과 결혼해줘)
Though Ji-won’s physical transformation is showcased with each new outfit change and makeup application, it’s really her inner self that was liberated from the shackles of the pathetic life she thought was the best she could ever have.
“A Killer Paradox” (살인장난감)
By Jae-Ha Kim Substack February 15, 2024 ☆☆☆☆ Lee Tang (played by Choi Woo-shik) Jang Nan-gam (played by Son Suk-ku) ↑Note: Korean names denote the surname followed by the given name. In Korean, the literal meaning […]
“A Shop for Killers” (킬러들의 쇼핑몰)
This fast-paced K-drama kills off its protagonist (Lee Dong-wook) early on, but we see him throughout the show in flashbacks. He was the owner of a mysterious online mall where buyers could order mundane gardening hoses.
“Welcome to Samdal-ri” (웰컴투 삼달리)
Set in Jeju-do/제주도, “Welcome to Samdal-ri” explores the relationship between childhood best friends Yong-pil (Chang-wook) and Sam-dal (Shin Hye-sun). From the time she was a child, Sam-dal wanted to escape her small town and make a name for herself as a photographer in Seoul. The two dated for a while, with Yong-pil happy to follow her to the bit city and support her dreams.
IU’s Evocative “Love Wins All” Music Video (featuring V) is Thought-Provoking
It’s not easy for two well-known celebrities to immerse themselves in their roles so well that we don’t see them, but rather their characters. But watching IU’s music video for “Love Wins All,” I didn’t see pop stars IU and V, but rather a pair of anguished characters who were trying desperately to survive in this post-apocalyptic inferno.
“Arahan” (아라한 장풍 대작전)
Sang-hwan is a police officer who is too much of a ‘fraidy cat to be a standout on the force. But through his friendship with Eui-jin, who has extraordinary fighting skills, he learns that he has untapped super powers of his own.
How South Korea’s stringent anti-drug laws played a role in the death of “Parasite” actor Lee Sun-kyun
Following Lee Sun-kyun’s death, you are going to read a lot on social media and in newspapers about how South Korea has the highest overall suicide rate of all countries. And while someone will surely write a think piece about South Koreans being predisposed to dying by suicide, it’s important to remember how South Korea came to be an economic powerhouse and how its citizens’ well being was secondary to the country’s greatness.
“Gyeongseong Creature” (경성크리처)
The gore in this K-drama is intense and unrelenting — so much so that it ironically begins to lose impact. But amidst all the violence are well-developed stories of families, love and patriotism — and that’s what prevents this series from being just another horror show.
“BTS Monuments: Beyond the Star”
“BTS Monuments: Beyond the Star” isn’t always easy to watch. Very real issues are discussed, including severe depression that hints at suicidal ideation. But what comes through is that it’s the group’s hope, friendship, humor and love that binds them together.
“Champion” (챔피언)
If you watched Sylvester Stallone’s 1987 arm wrestling film “Over the Top” and hated it, don’t let that deter you from giving “Champion” a shot. Starring Ma Dong-seok (“Train to Busan,” “Eternals,” “The Roundup” films), the buff actor has a knack for comedy.
“Castaway Diva” (무인도의 디바)
There is a lot to unpack in “Castaway Diva.” On the surface, it’s about a teenager who has been trapped on an island for 15 years, is rescued, and pursues her dreams of becoming a K-pop idol. And that is an interesting enough premise as it is. However, the real thrust of this K-drama is the long-lasting ramifications of abuse, even after the victims have grown up and have long been separated from the abusers.
Part 2: That Podcast & BTS’ Relevance to Korean Diaspora
A reminder that it’s really gross to tell people that their identity is determined by what language they speak — or what language they choose to sing in. Part 2 of my coverage of that problematic NYT K-pop podcast.
NYT’s Podcast Questioned Whether K-pop Should Only Be Sung in Korean
The thesis of the New York Times’ podcast questions whether K-pop is still K-pop if sung in English. It also questions whether Korean artists should even be singing in English, since there are so many Western artists who already sing in, you know, English…
“My Dearest” (연인)
Split into two parts, this 21-episode sageuk – or historical drama – showcases the amazing chemistry between lead actors Namkoong Min and Ahn Eun-jin. Set during the Qing invasion of Joseon, this K-drama is as much of a story of resilience as it is about love.
“Vigilante” (비질란테)
As with “The Killing Vote,” this K-drama centers on the intersection of criminals and their corrupt police counterparts — all of whom benefit from the quid pro quo exchange.