Grace will be performing stand-up in Milwaukee at Pomona Cider Company on September 13th! No K-drama coverage today. Grace is super tired after her first week of teaching. She went on a night hike for the first time in a very long time and saw some beautiful things. She is also adjusting to Wisconsin’s active scene. She hopes to make the most of it. Grace’s new book K-Drama School: A Pop Culture Inquiry into Why We Love Korean Television is available everywhere as a hardcover, paperback, e-book and audiobook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/grace-jung/k-drama-school/9780762485727/⁠⁠ Please visit K-Drama School’s Patreon page to support the show at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.patreon.com/kdramaschool⁠⁠⁠. Visit the K-Drama School Store at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.kdramaschool/com/store⁠⁠⁠. Follow @KDramaSchool on Instagram, and TikTok. Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.kdramaschool.com/⁠⁠⁠ to learn more. Email info@kdramaschool.com for any booking inquiries.

[Spoiler Alert] Grace discusses the show The Frog (2024, Netflix) starring Kim Yoon-seok, Yoon Kye-sang, Go Min-si and Lee Jung-eun, directed by Mo Wan-il. This is part two of the series coverage. Grace wonders where the demented cruelty of the female antagonist comes from. She also wonders what the bigger overarching message of the show is. Perhaps the show ought to have been just a film or ended at a stranger point. Grace’s new book K-Drama School: A Pop Culture Inquiry into Why We Love Korean Television is available everywhere as a hardcover, paperback, e-book and audiobook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/grace-jung/k-drama-school/9780762485727/⁠⁠ Please visit K-Drama School’s Patreon page to support the show at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.patreon.com/kdramaschool⁠⁠⁠. Visit the K-Drama School Store at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.kdramaschool/com/store⁠⁠⁠. Follow @KDramaSchool on Instagram, and TikTok. Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.kdramaschool.com/⁠⁠⁠ to learn more. Email info@kdramaschool.com for any booking inquiries.

[Spoiler Alert] Grace discusses the show The Midnight Romance in Hagwon (2024, tvN) starring Jung Ryeo-won and Wi Ha-joon directed by Ahn Pan-seok who directed shows like Something in the Rain and One Spring Night. The show focuses on cram school teachers who are paid well for their work while teachers remain underpaid. Grace comments on the chemistry between the two lead actors. But Grace was blown away by Seo Jung-yeon’s performance and admires the show’s mise-en-scene whenever her character is in a scene. Grace’s new book K-Drama School: A Pop Culture Inquiry into Why We Love Korean Television is available everywhere now: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/grace-jung/k-drama-school/9780762485727/⁠⁠ Please visit K-Drama School’s Patreon page to support the show at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.patreon.com/kdramaschool⁠⁠⁠. Visit the K-Drama School Store at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.kdramaschool/com/store⁠⁠⁠. Follow @KDramaSchool on Instagram, and TikTok. Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.kdramaschool.com/⁠⁠⁠ to learn more.

[Spoiler Alert] Grace discusses the show Start-Up (2020, tvN) starring Bae Suzy of Miss A, Nam Joo-hyuk, Kim Seon-ho and Kang Han-na. She discusses the unconvincing love triangle in the show, wonders what Dal-mi’s real dream is, and the show’s relatable illustration of imposter syndrome among young people trying to pursue their dream career despite their lack of resources and experiences. Grace’s guest is LA-based artist Joe Biel (@joebiel20 on Instagram) who originally hails from Iowa. They discuss Joe’s upbringing by two musicians, starting art classes as a young boy, the darkness and lightness of tough learning, grounding, channeling the spirit through creativity, overcoming addiction, coping with trauma, the artist’s imposter syndrome, and BTS fandom. Follow @KDramaSchool on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok. Visit kdramachool.com to learn more.

Spoiler Alert] In this episode of K-Drama School, Grace discusses the show Another Miss Oh (AKA Another Oh Hae-young) written by Park Hae-young, who also wrote My Mister and My Liberation Notes. Grace sees a consistency in all three of Park’s shows in how they represent the patriarchy, three-sibling dynamics, and women in their 30s and 40s vulnerably expressing their need to be loved. Grace also talks about the chemistry between Seo Hyun-jin and Eric Mun, as well as Eric’s two-decade long K-pop career as a member of SM’s Shinhwa. Grace’s guest is Bruce Baek and they discuss how to get over hatred for auditions, how to cope with disappointment as an actor, how to remain optimistic and brave in the face of art, and spiritual practice for grounding. Follow @KDramaSchool on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok. Visit kdramachool.com to learn more.

[Spoiler Alert] In this episode of K-Drama School, Grace discusses Extraordinary Attorney Woo written by Moon Ji-won, and how it weaves in multiple narratives related to politics including disability, misogyny, queerness, religion, childhood, liberation, and more. Grace’s guest is Kristen Cunningham (@kris10cc on Instagram) and they discuss mothers showing up at the house without invitation, negative self-talk, fashion, education, how to take notes, racism, and moving closer towards the things we want in life. Follow @KDramaSchool on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok. Visit kdramachool.com to learn more.

[Spoiler Alert] In this episode of K-Drama School, Grace discusses season 1 of show Penthouse (2020, SBS) written by Kim Sook-ok, and how makjang dramas queer the moral boundary between a villain and a hero by allowing characters to change personas. Grace also compares makjang dramas’ excessiveness to German expressionist cinema. Grace’s guest is comedian Joe Wong (@joewongcomedy on Instagram). They discuss the writing process of his book Not This Shit Again!: A Comedian’s Guide to Tackling Anti-Asian Racism, comedy in China, being Asian in the American entertainment business, and more. Joe appeared on Ellen, The Late Show with David Letterman and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Joe hosted The Radio and TV Correspondents’ Dinner in 2010. Joe hosts a television show called Is It True? in China. Follow @KDramaSchool on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok. Visit kdramachool.com to learn more.

[Spoiler Alert] Grace discusses the show Jealousy Incarnate (2016, SBS) starring Gong Hyo-jin, Jo Jung-suk and Go Kyung-pyo and how the show is based on actual people who work at SBS in the news department. Grace also talks about trying to get closer to gratitude, how she’s working on trying not to lecture so much, and how much this podcast grounds her every single week. She’s grateful to her listeners. Grace’s guest is LA-based comedian and artist Killian McAssey (@killian_mcsassey). They talk about how struggling with a sense of self-worth gets in the way of one’s ability to charge full-price on their artwork, self-loathing, car loans, the average 25-year-old and what a mess they are in America, minding one’s own business, comforting the inner child, broken laptop, ex-girlfriends, and a deeply meditative presence one feels when drawing and skating. Follow @KDramaSchool on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok. Visit kdramachool.com to learn more.

[Spoiler Alert] Grace discusses the show My Love from the Star (2014, SBS) starring Gianna Jun (Jun Ji-hyun) and Kim Soo-hyun. Berlin-based comedian Tobias Hauser (@hahahouser on Instagram) answers a few flashcard questions based on the show off the top with hilarious answers. Grace’s guest is veteran Korean American actor and comedian Steve Park (@stephenpark62) on Instagram) who is in Fargo, A Serious Man, The French Dispatch, In Living Color, and dozens of other films and shows over a span of 30 years. They discuss how one makes a choice to pursue the arts, self-placed pressure, how to navigate racism in Hollywood, the definition of “awakening,” Black and Asian oppression in America, improvising lines in Spike Lee’s Do the Right Thing, Don Miguel Ruiz’s The Four Agreements, being peace, and political enactment through performance. Follow @KDramaSchool on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok. Visit kdramachool.com to learn more.

Grace has no guest or K-drama to cover today. Instead, she does a short ASMR mukbang video with two cans of soda, talks about the state of academia today, and recommends making lists in the face of nothing mattering. Follow @KDramaSchool on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok. Visit kdramachool.com to learn more.

[Spoiler Alert] Grace discusses the show Oh My Baby (2020, tvN) starring Jang Nara, and how the show exhibits challenges faced by single women in their 30s who wish to become single mothers, as well as how the IVF laws negatively impact queer couples who wish to conceive in South Korea. Grace’s guest is LA-based actor, comedian and clown Juzo Yoshida (@juzoyoshida on Instagram). They talk about clowning, being Asian in Hollywood, pursuing acting and comedy with English as a second language, filial piety versus personal dreams, and the clues offered to us daily by our spirit guide. Follow @KDramaSchool on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok. Visit kdramachool.com to learn more.

[Spoiler Alert] Grace discusses the show Worlds Within (2008, KBS) written by Noh Hee-kyung, and how the show addresses struggles of female TV directors trying to make it in a male-dominated industry in Korea, and Noh’s meta storytelling on the show by including a writer character, and the upsides and downsides of a tightly-knit community that works more like a dysfunctional family. Grace’s guest is Teruko Nakajima (@terukonakajima on Instagram) who is currently playing in her very moving one-woman solo show “Made in America.” Grace admires Teruko’s mission statement behind the show, which is “a love letter to America,” and how important it is to be mindful of the privilege and abundance that we as Americans live with in this country, where so few of us are ready to write love letters to the nation at this time. Grace also reflects on how her own immigration to this country has impacted her for the better, and lets this lesson sink in deeper as she talks to Teruko about her journey while working on “Made in America.” They discuss mental health and East Asia’s slowness in this regard, sexual abuse and trauma (*trigger warning: they discuss child molestation), the process of writing one’s traumas, compassion in the face of victimhood, as well as finding peace and gratitude in the midst of agonizing chaos. Follow @KDramaSchool on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok. Visit kdramachool.com to learn more.

No monologue or K-drama coverage today. Sorry! Let’s enjoy the long holiday weekend. Happy fourth of July. May your dogs and cats brave the fireworks. May you enjoy a wholesome time with good food, sun, and great company. Grace’s guest is Dr. Karla Jay who is Grace’s former college professor—now professor emeritus. They discuss activism in today’s political climate and how to maintain a sense of humor and grace while sticking to one’s values and standing up for those who often go unheard. Follow @KDramaSchool on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok. Visit kdramachool.com to learn more.

[Spoiler Alert] Grace discusses the show Shoot for the Stars (2002, SBS) starring a young Jo In-sung, Jeon Do-yeon, and comedic actor Park Sang-myun. Grace appreciates the chemistry among these talented performers, especially the comedy brilliance between supporting actress Byun Jung-soo and Park Sang-myun. Grace also wonders why New York spends so much money on advertising how great it is when it’s not a city that requires such. Grace is also critical of Disney’s K-drama curation and how awful it is. Grace’s new book K-Drama School: A Pop Culture Inquiry into Why We Love Korean Television is available everywhere now: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/grace-jung/k-drama-school/9780762485727/⁠⁠ Please visit K-Drama School’s Patreon page to support the show at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.patreon.com/kdramaschool⁠⁠⁠. Visit the K-Drama School Store at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.kdramaschool/com/store⁠⁠⁠. Follow @KDramaSchool on Instagram, and TikTok. Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.kdramaschool.com/⁠⁠⁠ to learn more.

Grace recommends that listeners donate to Women’s Reproductive Rights Assistance Project (WRRAP) (https://wrrap.org/) to help women of low-income get abortion help. [Spoiler Alert] Grace discusses the show Our Blues (2022, tvN). She analyzes writer Noh Hee-kyoung’s pattern of including disabilities in all her shows, the casting of differently-abled actors, and how to work towards progress by making peace with whatever causes us to feel defensive or be overreactive in the face of injustice. Grace’s guest is Rishi Arya and they discuss his music career prior to comedy, his love for his dog Normand, and his anxiety. Follow @KDramaSchool on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok. Visit kdramachool.com to learn more.

[Spoiler Alert] Grace discusses the show My Liberation Notes (2022, JTBC) and what a spiritual experience this show has been for her, and Grace thanks her fans who wrote to her in response to her request last week. Grace’s returning guest is NY-based actress, filmmaker, web series creator and clown Hye Yun Park (@hyeyunboss on Instagram). They discuss clowning, the art of accepting compliments, Grace’s crush on actor Son Sukku and plans to cast him in her feature film, mental health in Korea, spirituality, and a long deep dive on the nitty-gritty of My Liberation Notes and both of their tremendous appreciation and respect for the show’s spiritual, social and emotional layers. Follow @KDramaSchool on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok. Visit kdramachool.com to learn more.

[Spoiler Alert] Grace discusses the show Matrimonial Chaos (2018, KBS), and the significance of actors Cha Tae-hyun, Bae Doona, Lee El and Son Seok-gu. Grace also does a deep-dive of the prodigal veteran actress Moon Sook and why her role as the grandmother in Matrimonial Chaos is so meaningful. Grace’s guest is LA-based actress, improv comic, artist and clown Natasha Mercado (@champagnetashi on Instagram). They discuss how Natasha came to the character Tree, childhood pretend-play, processing fears, The Artist’s Way, Women Who Run with the Wolves, clowning, love, shamanism, and so much more. Natasha’s solo clown show is currently playing as part of the Hollywood Fringe Festival at the Los Angeles LGBT Center on June 15, 21 and 24. Follow @KDramaSchool on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok. Visit kdramachool.com to learn more.

[Spoiler Alert] Grace apologizes for the delayed episode. She’s in New York for film festival events and a film shoot. Things just got to be too much. Today’s show is Extracurricular (2020, Netflix). Sorry, but no monologue. She’ll make up for it next week. Grace’s guest is Chicago-based comedian Derek Strong (@epiccheatdaypodcast on Instagram). They discuss addiction, food, vice, comedy, Los Angeles, and being former New Yorkers. Follow @KDramaSchool on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok. Visit kdramachool.com to learn more.

[Spoiler Alert] Grace discusses the show Green Mothers’ Club (2022, JTBC) and its radical feminism by displaying female sexuality in the context of motherhood but critiques the show’s shortcomings in its harsh portrayal of drug addicts and adoptees. Grace’s guest is LA-based actress and comedian Lizz Adams (@lizzparty on Instagram) who’s appeared on Dead to Me and many other shows. They discuss motherhood, sociology, being a Midwestern Korean American, sex on TV, beauty, “uh-mo” K-dramas, Scarlet Heart Ryeo, Lee Joon-ki, Ro-woon, pregnancy and transformation after motherhood. Follow @KDramaSchool on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok. Visit kdramachool.com to learn more.

[Spoiler Alert] Grace discusses the show When the Camellia Blooms (2019, KBS). She discusses her adoration for Gong Hyo-jin, Kang Ha-neul and Kim Kang-hoon and their performance. She is impressed by Im Sang-choon’s writing and his feminist sensibility as a writer. She also discusses the unfortunate stigma that single Korean mothers face. She also discusses the history of sex work being tied to bar culture in Korea that predates modern times. Grace’s guest is a LA-based actress and improv comedian Marisa Llamas (@dapplegreen on Instagram). Follow @KDramaSchool on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok. Visit kdramachool.com to learn more.

[Spoiler Alert] Grace discusses the show Oh My Ghostess (2015, tvN). Grace’s guest is a SoCal-based comedian Suwon Weaver (@suwonweaver on Instagram). They talk about exercising to bring down the post-stage adrenaline, lying down on the floor, wooden Korean pillows, how dogs reset one another’s mental disturbances, unlearning learned behaviors and traumas, how change takes choice and a willingness, that reactions are not just external but also internal, the love and beauty of bombing, and how positivity does not have to be fake and just start with a small bit of gratitude. Follow @KDramaSchool on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok. Visit kdramachool.com to learn more.

[Spoiler Alert] No monologue in this episode. Sorry. Grace is busy with rehearsals for an acting gig. Grace’s guest is LA-based comedian Kazu Kusano (@kazu_kus on Instagram). They discuss Kazu’s comedy beginnings in Japan, training in SF, and her one woman show which she recorded in Canada. Follow @KDramaSchool on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok. Visit kdramachool.com to learn more.

[Spoiler Alert] No monologue is necessary in this episode. Grace’s guest is SoCal comedian/hardcore K-drama fan and discussant Walter Hong (@yellowsheki on Instagram). Grace and Walter have a deep discussion recapping Twenty-Five Twenty-One and ­Thirty-Nine. They also share some excitement over the latest new dramas by Noh Hee-kyung and Park Hae-young like Our Blues and My Liberation Notes. Follow @KDramaSchool on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok. Visit kdramachool.com to learn more.

[Spoiler Alert] Sorry—no monologue in this episode. Lovers in Paris (2004, SBS) is a drama written by writer Kim Eun-sook who wrote many influential shows such as Secret Garden, Descendants of the Sun, and Goblin: The Lonely and Great God. Lovers in Paris is arguably the show that became Kim’s career shifter. It stars Kim Jung-eun, Park Shin-yang and Lee Dong-gun. It is set in both Paris and Seoul. Grace’s guest is Los Angeles-based comedian Joe Mezeraani (@joemezeraani on Instagram). They talk about salsa, obscure online videos, comedy in San Francisco, straightening one’s back, and younger siblings. Follow @KDramaSchool on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok. Visit kdramachool.com to learn more.

[Spoiler Alert] Grace lists some queer K-dramas to celebrate pride month, and some Korean actors who are queerly iconic in her book. Grace’s new book K-Drama School: A Pop Culture Inquiry into Why We Love Korean Television is available everywhere now: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/grace-jung/k-drama-school/9780762485727/⁠⁠ Please visit K-Drama School’s Patreon page to support the show at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.patreon.com/kdramaschool⁠⁠⁠. Visit the K-Drama School Store at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.kdramaschool/com/store⁠⁠⁠. Follow @KDramaSchool on Instagram, and TikTok. Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.kdramaschool.com/⁠⁠⁠ to learn more.

[Spoiler Alert] In this episode of K-Drama School, Grace discusses the show Fashion King (2012, SBS) starring Yoo Ah-in, Shin Se-kyung, Lee Je-hoon and Kwon Yuri of Girls’ Generation written by the same creators of What Happened in Bali. Grace compares how Fashion King treats domestic products to how Now, We Are Breaking Up which explores the fashion industry in a very different way. Grace critiques Fashion King’s extremely passive female protagonist. Grace’s guest is Los Angeles-based comedian Zach Stein (@hack_stein on Instagram). They talk about auditioning for a commercial directed by an Oscar-nominated filmmaker, studying law, performing stand-up in Michigan, managing a hair salon in Santa Monica, working as a private eye, love for comedy, managing nerves, hiking in a snowy mountain for four days and spotting a wolf. Follow @KDramaSchool on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok. Visit kdramachool.com to learn more.

[Spoiler Alert] In this episode of K-Drama School, Grace discusses the show Twenty-Five Twenty-One (2022, Netflix) starring Kim Tae-ri, Nam Joo-hyuk, and WJSN’s Bona written by Kwon Do-eun—the creator of Search WWW. Grace analyzes Twenty-Five Twenty-One as a queer feminist text that celebrates lesbian kinship coded as female friendships. Grace declares Kwon Do-eun as a queer feminist showrunner/auteur, and admires the writer’s choice to focus on female fencing athletes. Grace is a big fan of the fencers’ victory screams. Grace’s guest is Los Angeles-based actress, writer and comedian Sophia Zolan (@sophiazolan Instagram). They discuss creative control, their dreams, how to date without dating apps, horoscopes, Tina Fey and Judd Apatow as career goals, how Hollywood makes TV shows and movies driven by anxiety and stress, getting a Greek citizenship and living in Europe. Follow @KDramaSchool on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok. Visit kdramachool.com to learn more.

[Spoiler Alert] In this episode of K-Drama School, Grace discusses the show Thirty-Nine (2022, Netflix) starring Son Ye-jin, Jeon Mi-do and Kim Ji-hyun. Grace’s guest is Los Angeles-based comedian Neeraj Srinivasan (@mynipsdontlieon Instagram). They discuss being on the road, their love for stand-up, trial and error, being self-taught in animation, and overcoming fears when pursuing something new in life. Follow @KDramaSchool on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok. Visit kdramachool.com to learn more.

[Spoiler Alert] In this episode of K-Drama School, Grace discusses the show The Silent Sea (2021, Netflix) starring Bae Doona, Gong Yoo, Lee Joon, and Kang Mal-geum. Grace discusses the multiple intertexts that The Silent Sea has of canonical films like Contagion, Armageddon, Train to Busan, Blade Runner, Tarzan and more. Grace believes Netflix’s demands forcing Korean filmmakers to turn their scripts into TV shows is hurting the quality of the content. Grace also wonders aloud if she should continue the podcast on a free platform anymore and is considering transferring it onto Patreon. What do you all think? She’s open to your feedback. Grace’s guest is Cincinnati-based comedian Blake Hammond (@bigradmachine on Instagram). They discuss taping his latest special, being a working comic based in Ohio, the upside of TikTok stars at comedy clubs, their disdain for small talk, nightmares, and self-destructive habits. Follow @KDramaSchool on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok. Visit kdramachool.com to learn more.

[Spoiler Alert] In this episode of K-Drama School, Grace discusses the show Now, We Are Breaking Up (2021, SBS) starring Song Hye-kyo and Jang Ki-yong. Grace examines this show’s modernist take on female sexuality which conflicts awkwardly with the reality of romantic/sexual expectations and politics. Grace analyzes how this show does not overly fetishize white countries as much as some of the earlier K-dramas by placing Korea’s domestic pride at the forefront. Grace also notices that the building that Mr. J uses as his studio is the same building that Mi-do’s family’s bookstore ran out of from When a Man Loves (2013, MBC). You heard it here first! Grace’s guest is LA-based comedian Julia Stone (@akajuliastone on Instagram). They discuss feeling like a loser whether one is employed or unemployed, being a twin, being an expectant aunt, being from New Zealand, conspiracy theories around the war in the Ukraine and the US’s involvement, dreams of writing for late night TV, and coming up with an entirely new game show. Follow @KDramaSchool on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok. Visit kdramachool.com to learn more.

[Spoiler Alert] In this episode of K-Drama School, Grace discusses the show Dinner Mate (2020, MBC) starring Song Seung-hun and Seo Ji-hye. Grace wonders if Seo Ji-hye has the qualities of a lead actress and debates what sets apart a lead from a supporting actor using the metaphor of power divas versus pop singers. Grace’s guest is LA-based comedian, actor and filmmaker Tatenda Mbduzi (@tatendambudzion Instagram). They discuss their favorite super heroes, why Batman is better than Superman, meeting Ben Affleck, love for Jennifer Garner, growing up in Zimbabwe, London and Upstate New York, doing a one-man show, growing up with a hybrid-Christian religion, indigenous religions, witch hunt, and how comedy helps us or hurts us. Follow @KDramaSchool on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok. Visit kdramachool.com to learn more.

[Spoiler Alert] In this episode of K-Drama School, Grace discusses the show Truth (2000, MBC) starring Choi Ji-woo, Ryu Si-won and Park Sun-young. Grace sees the show from a new perspective with greater empathy for the villain’s character whose qualities are spoken for by her abusive father and fiancée. Grace’s guest is LA-based comedian Kevin Chu (@kevichu on Instagram). They discuss overcompensation, the art of slurping noodles, dating profiles, Chinese school, and Asian community disciplinarians. Follow @KDramaSchool on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok. Visit kdramachool.com to learn more.

[Spoiler Alert] In this episode of K-Drama School, Grace discusses the show Producers (2015, KBS), and the K-drama-hits-churning writer Park Ji-eun (My Love From the Star, Legend of the Blue Sea, and Crash Landing on You) whose writing career includes sit-coms, variety shows and talk radio before dramas. Grace gets into how Producers is self-reflexive in its critique of the music industry’s treatment of K-pop stars and its intense work hours behind the scenes of a variety show. Grace’s guest is London-based comedian Kate Cheka (@katecheka on Instagram). They discuss growing as comedians, the Woke Panties Show in Berlin, managers, vision boards, burning out, education, writing a book, and crystal dildos. Follow @KDramaSchool on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok. Visit kdramachool.com to learn more.

[Spoiler Alert] In this episode of K-Drama School, Grace discusses the show Misaeng (2014, tvN), and how it exhibits a poor man’s vision of capitalism, and how Yoon Tae-ho struggled in his early years as an artist. This was recorded on Grace’s birthday, and she talks about how she feels being in her mid-thirties, reflecting on her past and present, and how she feels about herself today. Grace’s guest is LA-based comedian Olivia Hill (@freesampleolivia on Instagram). They discuss comedy and COVID-19, makeup tutorials, content creation, being intentional, singing karoke while tone-deaf, not drinking alcohol, the private funny memories we carry in our own minds, confidence, creating an oracle deck, The Artist’s Way, and the catharsis of taking a friend out to a fancy dinner each month. Follow @KDramaSchool on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok. Visit kdramachool.com to learn more.

[Spoiler Alert] In this episode of K-Drama School, Grace discusses the show Winter Sonata (2002, KBS) and how it catapulted Bae Yong-joon and Choi Ji-woo into hallyu fame. Grace wonders how it was possible for Bae Yong-joon to retire from acting. Is there such a thing as retiring from art? Is that possible? Where does the love for that art form go when one retires their career? Grace’s guest is LA-based comedian Willie Simon (@williesimon_ on Instagram). They discuss growing up in Maui, college and comedy in Seattle, witnessing aging, Louie Anderson, witnessing comics who bomb but are oblivious to it, and how to write a K-drama like Stars Wars. Follow @KDramaSchool on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok. Visit kdramachool.com to learn more.

[Spoiler Alert] Grace discusses the show Sweet Proposal (AKA Delicious Proposal) starring Jung Joon, Son Ye-jin, So Ji-sub and So Yujin. Grace is at the last stop of her cross-country road trip. Grace celebrates pride month by declaring all K-dramas queer. Grace’s new book K-Drama School: A Pop Culture Inquiry into Why We Love Korean Television is available everywhere now: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/grace-jung/k-drama-school/9780762485727/⁠⁠ Please visit K-Drama School’s Patreon page to support the show at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.patreon.com/kdramaschool⁠⁠⁠. Visit the K-Drama School Store at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.kdramaschool/com/store⁠⁠⁠. Follow @KDramaSchool on Instagram, and TikTok. Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.kdramaschool.com/⁠⁠⁠ to learn more.

[Spoiler Alert] In this episode of K-Drama School, Grace discusses the show Our Beloved Summer (SBS, 2021-2022). Grace talks about Kim Dami and Choi Woo-shik’s acting careers, their awkward romantic chemistry on the small screen, and how K-dramas today are exhibiting “first” world problems as opposed to more developing-nation problems seen in dramas from 20+ years ago. Grace’s guest is LA-based comedian Mike Rose (@themikerose on Instagram), and their discussion is a deep textual analysis of Sean Baker’s latest film Red Rocket (2021), Santa Clause and reindeers’ pagan mythology being associated with amanita mushrooms’ hallucinogenic properties, how Red Rocket is comparable to Fellini’s Nights of Cabiria, the time Mike corresponded with Sean Baker, how marginalized people live off the “edge of industry,” Simon Rex’s Hollywood history as a teen movie celebrity with a past in porn, Rex’s gorgeous penis, his past as an MTV VJ, male body image issues, how Red Rocket exposes useless masculinity that justifies its presence by emphasizing stereotypical female weakness, the stigmatization of sex workers, the extent of Mikey Saber’s rationalizing for his own survival, the “nerve” of the filmmaker to use NSYNC’s “Bye Bye Bye” in the opening of the film, and their great love for the performances and explorations in this film. Follow @KDramaSchool on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok. Visit kdramachool.com to learn more.

[Spoiler Alert] In this episode of K-Drama School, Grace discusses the show The Lady in Dignity (JTBC, 2017), which as of January 2022, is in the top 20 highest viewed cable K-drama series of all time. Grace talks about Kim Hee-sun’s second wave in her post-marriage/child birth acting career, Kim Sun-a as the anti-heroine and how K-dramas need to make more anti-heroine shows without killing them off or punishing them. Grace’s guest is LA-based comedian David Ayala (@davidayalasok on Instagram). They talk about David’s auteurship on his new variety series which is currently in production, how one should always get fired or laid off from a job—never quit, prioritizing play for creativity, almost throwing up in midst of positive affirmations, wetting the bed, edging, how Pineapple Express made David want to be a comedian, anime and manga fandom, how our bodies renew completely every 10 years, and doing stand-up as a thirteen-year-old at a jazz club to dead silence. This episode has cameo appearances made by Bing Bong (Sofia Coppola) the cat and Cammy the dog. Follow @KDramaSchool on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok. Visit kdramachool.com to learn more.

[Spoiler Alert] In this episode of K-Drama School, Grace discusses the show When a Man Loves (MBC, 2013) and the show writer Kim In-young’s zany, bold and risk-taking choices in her career. Grace also admires Song Seung-hun’s radical choices as an actor to play bizarre, complicated, and camp characters on TV and film. Grace’s guest is LA-based comedian JP Puthenveetil (@jpputhenveetil on Instagram). They discuss comedy writing, working for the Disney Channel, how production companies and networks trap artists in one lane, growing up in North Carolina as Indian but without racism, a cat named Baz, shock-value comedy, some jokes that age better with time, performing in Nashville and doing Zoom comedy shows during the height of the pandemic. Follow @KDramaSchool on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok. Visit kdramachool.com to learn more.

[Spoiler Alert] In this episode of K-Drama School, Grace discusses the show Hospital Playlist (tvN, 2020-2021) and the writer Lee Woo-jung’s career as a variety show writer into a K-drama writer, and how hospital dramas tend to write themselves because death and disease always keep the episodes’ stakes high. Grace’s guest is France-based Romanian comedian Magda Mihaila (@magdulicious on Instagram). They discuss being born into communist Romania to elderly parents in the countryside, being raised by her older sister, abortion rights, doctor-patient relationships and their ethicality in the context of human rights, doctors who sexually assault young girls, the myth of globalization, and getting her video shown on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. Follow @KDramaSchool on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok. Visit kdramachool.com to learn more.

[Spoiler Alert] In this episode of K-Drama School, Grace discusses the show That Winter, The Wind Blows (SBS, 2013) and how it brings some insight into what it is like to live a differently-abled life. Grace also discusses the importance of a good reset while she vacations for a week in Carmel, California. Grace’s guest is LA-based comedian Nick Borsellino (@nickwithnothingbetter2do on Instagram). They discuss siblings, rollercoasters, comedy, and collecting semen for the sole purpose of getting a DNA sample. Follow @KDramaSchool on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok. Visit kdramachool.com to learn more.

[Spoiler Alert] In this episode of K-Drama School, Grace discusses the show Hellbound (Netflix, 2021) by Yeon Sang-ho—the director of Train to Busan. Grace analyzes Hellbound as being allegoric of social media cancel culture and the spread of panic, blame and paranoia. She links Hellbound’s plot points to 18th century Christian revivalist tactics that emphasized guilt (sin) and the threat of hell to induce moral panic and keep societies under top-down control. Grace’s returning guest is Berlin-based comedian Tobias Hauser (@hahahouser on Instagram) as they celebrate the one year anniversary of K-Drama School podcast. They discuss drinking culture in Korea, the ubiquity of alcohol, how the iPhone can’t recognize calloused fingers, how we are the worst critics of ourselves, reflecting on achievements and improvements the past year, caring less about what others think, the questionability of cancel culture, what goals they have for 2022, and chlamydia in the throat. Follow @KDramaSchool on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok. Visit kdramachool.com to learn more.

[Spoiler Alert] In this episode of K-Drama School, Grace discusses the show The King’s Affection (KBS, 2021) and its trans gender queerness, incisive critique of patriarchal greed, as well as Park Eun-bin’s robust acting career which dates as far back as 1998, Rowoon’s impressive acting chops, and more. Grace’s guest is comedian Liam McEneaney (@radioliam on Instagram and @HeyItsLiam on Twitter). They discuss New York in the 90s, Mars Bar, Taylor Mead, Bikini Kill, Jim Jarmusch, Sara Driver, Steve Buscemi, The Big Lebowski, the Beatniks, Korean stand-up comedy, the war in the Middle East, inherited and intergenerational trauma among Koreans, the Irish, the Jews and Indigenous Peoples, abuse in the Korean church, sobriety, masculinity, Agnès Varda, and many more. Follow @KDramaSchool on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok. Visit kdramachool.com to learn more.

[Spoiler Alert] In this episode of K-Drama School, Grace discusses the show I’m Sorry, I Love You (KBS, 2004). Grace’s guest is Orange County-based comedian Viet Nguyen (@vietspeekenglizh on Instagram). They talk about District 12 in Vietnam, comedy, writing fiction, and the rules of improv. Follow @KDramaSchool on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok. Visit kdramachool.com to learn more.

[Spoiler Alert] In this episode of K-Drama School, Grace discusses the show Because This Is My First Life (tvN, 2017) and topics like the 880,000 won generation, urban-modernism versus traditionalism, marriage, real estate, inflation and more. Grace’s guest is LA-based comedian and actress Susan Song (@sujjang012 on Instagram). Susan is trained in improv at The Groundlings and UCB. She appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Fox's 9-1-1 and TruTV's Adam Ruins Everything. Grace and Susan discuss acting, crying on cue, comedy, perfectionism, quarantining in Korea for 2 weeks, meeting Jung Kwan sunim, being present, financial trauma, and living the dream. Follow @KDramaSchool on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok. Visit kdramachool.com to learn more.

[Spoiler Alert] In this episode of K-Drama School, Grace discusses the show Reply 1994 (tvN, 2013) as an impactful 1990s nostalgic text, Seo Taiji and Boys, Korea’s 90s moral panic, the history of banana milk and Melona, Reply 1994’s homophobia, and others. Grace’s guest is Dr. Todd Kushigemachi. Grace and Todd discuss the importance of labor unions and strikes among lecturers/adjuncts, the cancel-fear that gen-Z lives under, a teacher’s responsibility around self-care, Wes Anderson movies, Fight Club, systemic injustice, and more. Los Angeles comedian Nick Borsellino (@nickwithnothingbetter2do on Instagram) answers Grace’s flashcard questions based on Reply 1994. Follow @KDramaSchool on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok. Visit kdramachool.com to learn more. This episode is dedicated to beloved Los Angeles/Valley comedian Jonathan David who we lost on Dec. 1, 2021 just a few days before his birthday--Dec. 5. Rest in peace, Jon. We love you and miss you.

[Spoiler Alert] Grace discusses the show Hi, Bye Mama! starring Kim Tae-hee. Grace also gives an update on her road trip cross country back to New York. Grace’s new book K-Drama School: A Pop Culture Inquiry into Why We Love Korean Television is available everywhere now: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/grace-jung/k-drama-school/9780762485727/⁠⁠ Please visit K-Drama School’s Patreon page to support the show at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.patreon.com/kdramaschool⁠⁠⁠. Visit the K-Drama School Store at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.kdramaschool/com/store⁠⁠⁠. Follow @KDramaSchool on Instagram, and TikTok. Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.kdramaschool.com/⁠⁠⁠ to learn more.

[Spoiler Alert] In this episode of K-Drama School, Grace discusses the show The Sound of Your Heart (KBS, 2016), Lee Kwang-su’s versatility as an actor and the underrated queen of K-dramas—Kim Mi-kyung. Grace’s guest is LA-based comedian and writer Wendy Wilkins (@wendyjean on Instagram). Grace and Wendy discuss bad friends, life transitions, self-care, emotional support, brothers, and food. Pepper the dog makes a guest appearance which you can hear through her panting and squeaky toy. Follow @KDramaSchool on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok. Visit kdramachool.com to learn more.

In this episode of K-Drama School, Grace doesn’t discuss any K-dramas at all. (She will resume next week.) Grace is feeling the breeze in her life because of some winds of change. Her guest is comedian and actor Fred Stoller (@fred_stoller) who was in Dumb & Dumber, Friends, Everybody Loves Raymond, Seinfeld, Rick & Morty, and countless others. Fred is also the writer and producer of the feature film Fred & Vinnie. Grace and Fred talk about his book Maybe We'll Have You Back, and the intense tapestry that is show business in Hollywood. They get into self-help books, meditation, heroes, and more. Follow @KDramaSchool on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok. Visit kdramachool.com to learn more.

In this episode of K-Drama School, Grace doesn’t discuss any K-dramas at all. The drama for this week is just from being Korean American. In this episode, Grace talks to video artist, filmmaker, educator, and therapist Helen Hyunkyung Park (@parkhyunkyunghelen on Instagram). Grace and Helen’s relationship dates back to 2009 when they were both Fulbright scholars in Seoul. This episode of K-drama school is meant for recharge, reset, reflection and reassurance. As you listen, remember to be present. Check in with yourself. How are you doing? What do you need? Follow @KDramaSchool on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok. Visit kdramachool.com to learn more.