K-dramas for a Summer Getaway
What’s on your K-drama must-see watchlist for this summer? For me, it’s “The Penthouse 3,” along with some classics like “Fight For My Way.”
Category: Reviews
“Sweet Home” Siblings Lee Do Hyun & Go Min Si Fall in Love in “Youth of May”
Lee Do Hyun and Go Min Si are knocking it out of the park in the K-drama “Youth of May,” where their slow-burning romance is set against the tense backdrop of the Gwangju Uprising. But did you know they played siblings last year in “Sweet Home”?
“Navillera” (나빌레라)
For septuagenarian Shim Deok-Chul, his unfulfilled dream is ballet. As a child, he had wanted to take lessons, but his father stopped him. There was the lack of money. But there was (and still is) also the prejudice against men who participated in the artform. For many close-minded people who fear the unknown, dancing isn’t a masculine hobby to take up.
Celebrating AAPI Heritage Month
As a Korean American, I take pride in AAPI Heritage Month — and in sharing my love of Korean entertainment with you all on a regular basis. I can be Asian American and love shows made in Korea. It doesn’t have to be one or the other.
“Vincenzo” (빈센조)
The showrunners behind “Vincenzo” took their time in letting the highly engaging story unfold in a believable way. Well, as believable a story as you can have about a Korean-born child who ends up becoming a consigliere for a top mafia don in Italy. This series is one of Song Joong-Ki’s strongest K-dramas.
The Legendary Oscar Winner Youn Yuh Jung
“Minari” star Youn Yuh Jung is the first Korean actress to ever win an Oscar, and just the second Asian woman ever to take home a trophy for best supporting actress.
“Taxi Driver” Offers Revenge
You know that saying, “Revenge is a dish best served cold”? How apropos for these satisfying K-dramas.
Song Kang: From Rookie to Star!
Song Kang has gone from rookie to leading man with a trio of hit K-dramas: “Love Alarm,” “Sweet Home” and “Navillera.”
“Minari” Star Alan S. Kim Talks BTS, Teenagers, and Oscars 2021
“Minari” star Alan S. Kim — just turned 9 — is going to wear “a tuxedo or something” to tonight’s Oscars ceremony.
“Love Alarm” (좋아하면 울리는): Season 2
“Love Alarm” was one of the first Netflix series that split a K-Drama into two seasons. They need to stop doing that. This second season is a disappointing mess.
“Vagabond” (배가본드)
The action sequences in “Vagabond” are thrilling and the plot is fast-paced and engaging. But the ending seems rushed, incomplete and utterly unsatisfying.
“Penthouse: War in Life (Season 2)” (펜트하우스)
This second season of “Penthouse” is full of subterfuge, a revelation about who one of the students’ real father is and lots and lots of comeuppance. Oh, and there’s the murder of another teenage student, too.
“Tomorrow, With You” (내일 그대와)
“Tomorrow, With You” has so many wonderful elements — especially the adorable chemistry between the two leads. But the frustrating part was watching just about everyone in the series keep integral secrets from each other in an attempt to change — and protect — their future.
The 10 Top Moments You’ll Want to Re-live in “Let’s BTS”
We pick our Top 10 favorite moments in “2021 Special Talk Show – Let’s BTS.” What are some of yours?
On BTS, Anti-Asian Racism, and Reliving Trauma
In this essay, writer Jae-Ha Kim examines BTS’s recent statement calling attention to anti-Asian racism. Content warning for discussions of racism and use of a quoted slur.
Watch Classic Episodes of “Running Man” on KOCOWA!
You asked for it and KOCOWA has you covered. Watch classic episodes of “Running Man” starting with the first episode!
BTS Gets Real with “Let’s BTS”
Let’s get real. BTS doesn’t need to do much promotion these days. But knowing that their fans are missing them big time, the septet have gifted ARMY with a special talk show called “Let’s BTS.”
Are These K-dramas Makjang Enough for You?
If you like kimchi slaps, switched at birth and secret identity storylines, you just might be a makjang fan!
Korean TV’s Unlikely Star: Subway Sandwiches
The New York Times interviewed me for their piece about product placement (like Subway!) in K-Dramas.