Grace Jung - Podcast Details

Shows

K-Drama School K-Drama School – Ep 202: You and Everything Else and Pasties with Raegan Niemela[Spoiler Alert] Grace has two upcoming shows. One is in Brooklyn at Crystal Lake on December 1st at 7:30PM. The next one is on December 18th at Sugar Maple in Milwaukee. Grace’s Thanksgiving weekend was packed. She went saltwater fishing where she proceeded to throw-up for 4 hours straight and attended her 20th year high school reunion and was pleasantly surprised. Grace discusses the show You and Everything Else written by Song Hye-jin who wrote a couple of classic Korean films including My Mother the Mermaid and My Wife Got Married. It is directed by Jo Young-min who directed on...

2025-12-011h 37

K-Drama School K-Drama School – Ep 201: Bon Appetit Your Majesty and Light with Jason Kutz [Spoiler Alert] Grace has a couple of show date announcements: On Monday, December 1st at 7:30PM, she’s performing at Crystal Lake in Brooklyn, New York for the Not a Boy Not a Girl Comedy Show. On Thursday, December 18th at 8PM she’s performing at The Sugar Maple in Milwaukee, Wisconsin for the Hotties Only Comedy Show. See you there. Today’s episode covers the show Bon Appetit Your Majesty (2025, tvN) based on a webtoon by Park Kuk-jae and directed by Jang Tae-yoo who worked on shows like My Love from the Star and War of Money. Grace discus...

2025-11-241h 21

K-Drama School K-Drama School - Ep 200: The Prescriptive Role of K-Drama Rom-Coms with Min Joo LeeGrace has a few tour dates to announce. She will be giving a book talk on K-Drama School: A Pop Culture Inquiry into Why We Love Korean Television at Hudson Valley Books for Humanity in New York on November 21st at 5PM and another at Big Red Books in New York on November 22nd at 2PM. She’s performing at Not a Girl Not a Boy Comedy Show at Crystal Lake in Brooklyn, NY on December 1st at 7:30PM. Welcome to the 200th episode of K-Drama School podcast. Grace reflects on the journey up until now, and how she go...

2025-11-171h 18

K-Drama School K-Drama School – Ep 199: Virtuous Business and White Dr. Phil with Breanne Whilhite [Spoiler Alert] Grace discusses the show Virtuous Business (2025, JTBC) written by Choi Bo-rim and directed by Jo Woong, starring Kim So-yeon. She unpacks the brief history of how Western sex toys entered the South Korean market and compares facts with what was stated in the monologue by Ra Mi-ran’s cameo appearance in the pilot episode. Grace gives an update about her recent book talk at George Washington University, and her latest big purchase. Grace has two book readings coming up in November. She’ll be reading at Hudson Valley Books for Humanity on November 21st at 5PM and at B...

2025-11-101h 47

K-Drama School K-Drama School – Ep 198: Our Unwritten Seoul and Background Actors with Dean Evans[Spoiler Alert] Grace discusses the show Our Unwritten Seoul (2025, tvN) starring Park Bo-young, Park Jin-young and Ryu Kyung-soo, written by Lee Kang and directed by Park Shin-woo. Grace discusses the tremendous actresses on this show including Park Bo-young, Kim Sun-young and Jang Young-nam, and what they bring to their performances. Grace’s 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/⁠⁠ Subscribe to K-Drama School on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kdramaschool and follow @KDramaSchool on Instagram and TikTok. Visit...

2025-09-221h 28

K-Drama School K-Drama School – Ep 197: Heavenly Ever After and Orange Mini Cooper with DJ BP Lar[Spoiler Alert] Grace discusses the show Heavenly Ever After (2025, JTBC) starring Kim Hye-Ja and Son Suk-ku, written by Lee Nam-kyu and Kim Su-jin and directed by Kim Sok-yun. Grace’s guest is the very talented Madison-based DJ BP Lar (@djbplar on Instagram). They discuss almost burning B’s house down with a tortilla and feeling like a hero immediately thereafter, performing her first DJ gig only after a few hours of her first lesson, meeting her husband in Bangkok, Wisconsin’s niceness, and whether being a DJ is the same as being a musician or not. Grace’s book K-Drama...

2025-08-251h 21

K-Drama School K-Drama School – Ep 196: When the Stars Gossip and an Ode to Eve with Oscar Fuentes[Spoiler Alert] Happy Pride Month! Grace discusses the show When the Stars Gossip (2025, tvN) starring Gong Hyo-jin and Lee Min-ho, written by Seo Sook-hyang and directed by Park Shin-woo. Grace wonders when a K-drama will allow a woman to have sex and get pregnant out of wedlock and not be punished by death in the end. Grace’s guest is the very talented Los Angeles-based clown Oscar Fuentes (@irongogi on Instagram). They discuss clown “rules,” feedback, art, rejection, love and California Pizza Kitchen. Grace’s book K-Drama School: A Pop Culture Inquiry into Why We Love Korean Television is availabl...

2025-06-241h 34

K-Drama School K-Drama School – Ep 195: Tastefully Yours and Karaoke King with Josh Glen[Spoiler Alert] Happy Pride Month! Grace discusses the show Tastefully Yours (2025, ENA) written by Jung Soo-yoon starring Kang Ha-neul, Go Min-si, Kim Shin-rok and Yoo Su-bin directed by Park Dan-hee. Grace is impressed by Go Min-si’s transformation after her terrifying appearance in The Frog. She is also fascinated by how the show emulates Seon Buddhist nun Jeong Kwan’s culinary skills and the cultural significance of that. Grace’s guest is Madison-based comedian and comedy show producer John Glen. They discuss camp gear, comedy, and preparing oneself beforehand for karaoke. Grace’s book K-Drama School: A Pop Culture Inquiry...

2025-06-161h 29

K-Drama School K-Drama School – Ep 194: When Life Gives You Tangerines and Letting Love Win with Will Franken[Spoiler Alert] Happy Pride Month! Grace discusses the show When Life Gives You Tangerines (2025, Netflix) written by Lim Sang-choon starring IU, Park Bo-gum, Moon So-ri and Park Hae-joon directed by Kim Won-seok. Grace compares the show to the Reply series and how they utilize nostalgia triggering materials and historic markers to hail Korean audiences with retro items. Grace also offers a thorough update as to why she hasn’t been podcasting—mostly because she’s been adjusting to a whole new life in Wisconsin involving fishing, firearms and teaching. Her guest today is Madison-based comedian Will Franken (@frosty_franken). They t...

2025-06-091h 17

K-Drama School K-Drama School - Ep 193: No K-Drama and Night HikeGrace 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 Sc...

2024-09-0905 min

K-Drama School K-Drama School – Ep 192: The Frog (Part 2) and Demented Cruelty[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.hachettebo...

2024-09-0213 min

2024-09-0113 min

K-Drama School K-Drama School – Ep 191: The Frog (Part 1) and a Visceral Thriller[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 who also directed The World of the Married. This is part one of the series coverage. Grace will continue the show’s coverage next week in part two. Grace is impressed by Mo’s filmic stylings as a TV director, comparing him to the Safdie brothers. 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-j...

2024-08-2609 min

K-Drama School K-Drama School - Ep 190: Born again and Beautiful People as FurnitureGrace has three shows coming up this weekend. August 23rd at the Den Theater in Chicago, August 24th at Zanies Comedy Club in Chicago and August 25th at the Milwaukee Improv. [Spoiler Alert] Grace discusses the show Born Again (2020, KBS) starring Jang Ki-yong, Jin Se-yeon and Lee Soo-hyuk. Grace appreciates Jang Ki-yong’s role playing a mentally unstable character. It is exactly what she needed. She also loves how terrible the show is. She qualifies it as a makjang for the books. Grace’s new book K-Drama School: A Pop Culture Inquiry into Why We Love Korean Television is avai...

2024-08-1911 min

K-Drama School K-Drama School – Ep 189: Miss Night and Day with Shirah Roth and the Magical Cat[Spoiler Alert] Grace discusses the show Miss Night and Day (2024) starring Lee Jung-eun and Jung Eun-ji, and K-drama productions’ laudable choice to cast middle-aged women as the lead on a show. Grace’s guest today is former Berlin comedian Shirah Roth who is currently based in Israel working as a teacher to children on the autism spectrum. They discuss how to surrender to what it is moment-by-moment, honoring wildness, the unpredictability of life, being an old soul, ice prince, and how domestic pets bring magic into our worlds. Grace’s new book K-Drama School: A Pop Culture Inquiry into Why We...

2024-08-121h 18

K-Drama School K-Drama School – Ep 188: No K-Drama and DanceNo K-drama today. Grace talks about going out dancing, learning about contemporary pop artists from a Gen-Zer and finding alignment, peace and calm. 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. Email info@kdramaschool.com for any booking inquiries.

2024-08-0510 min

K-Drama School K-Drama School - Ep 187: Tell Me That You Love Me and Clown Face[Spoiler Alert] Grace is in clown make-up today as she discusses the show Tell Me That You Love Me (2023, Disney+) based on a Japanese TV show from 1995. Grace admires Jung Woo-sung’s acting chops playing a deaf/mute person but doesn’t understand Shin Hyun-been’s appeal as a performer. There are several quotes that Grace loves from this show which she shares. 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 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠h...

2024-07-2924 min

2024-07-2824 min

K-Drama School K-Drama School - Ep 186: Connect and God Bless Saint Paul’s Fish Company[Spoiler Alert] Grace discusses the show Connect (2022, Disney+) based on a webtoon by Shin Dae-jung and directed by Japanese filmmaker Takashi Miike starring Jung Hae-in, Go Kyung-pyo and Kim Hye-jun. Grace critiques Go Kyung-pyo’s unconvincing performance as a psycho killer but praises Miike’s mise-en-scene choices throughout the show as well as the very original storyline. Grace tears down King Spa and Sauna in Chicago as a shitty place to relax due to poor customer service and the disgruntled staff’s bad vibes. Grace praises St. Paul’s Fish Company in Milwaukee for their excellent seafood. Grace also loves Ch...

2024-07-2216 min

K-Drama School K-Drama School - Ep 185: Maestra and the Gold Miss Era[Spoiler Alert] Grace discusses an old-school show entitled Maestra (2024, tvN) starring Lee Young-ae. She compares it to Tár, Youth, and Mozart in the Jungle. She discusses the heroine Cha Se-eum’s character and what it means to be an ambitious modern Korean woman with no one to rely on or trust in a competitive society today. Grace problematizes the show’s unsympathetic portrayal of drug addicts. 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 suppo...

2024-07-1514 min

K-Drama School K-Drama School - Ep 184: Summer Scent and Authentic Heartbeats[Spoiler Alert] Grace discusses an old-school show entitled Summer Scent (2003, KBS) starring Song Seung-hun and Son Ye-jin directed by hallyu K-drama director Yoon Seok-ho of Autumn in My Heart (2000) and Winter Sonata (2002). Grace mentions the Coen brothers’ A Serious Man (2009) and compares its essential message to Zen Buddhism. Grace wonders what Indian saints who live with nothing would think of Grace’s materialist consumer lifestyle in America. Grace has relocated to Madison, WI and making adjustments. She asks you all to give a shout if you’d like for her to visit your town for a book talk. Grace’s new bo...

2024-07-0815 min

K-Drama School K-Drama School - Ep 183: The Midnight Romance in Hagwon and Chemical Romance[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...

2024-07-0123 min

2024-07-0110 min

K-Drama School K-Drama School - Ep 182: Shoot for the Stars and Location Identification[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 availa...

2024-06-2423 min

K-Drama School K-Drama School - Ep 181: Queer K-Dramas[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.

2024-06-1717 min

K-Drama School K-Drama School - Ep 180: Sweet Proposal and the Y2K Aesthetic [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.c

2024-06-1013 min

K-Drama School K-Drama School - Ep 180: Sweet Proposal and the Y2K Aesthetic[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.c...

2024-06-1013 min

K-Drama School K-Drama School - Ep 179: Hi, Bye Mama! And Glenwood Springs[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.

2024-06-0314 min

K-Drama School K-Drama School – Ep 178: No K-Drama and Grace’s Last Week in LANo K-drama today. Grace had a very hectic week. Her car got broken into and got her equipment stolen. She also wrote, directed, produced and starred in a short film. Grace is preparing for courses she will be teaching in the fall and spring, and discusses what she’ll be covering. 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...

2024-05-2711 min

K-Drama School K-Drama School – Ep 177: The 8 Show and the Gwangdae AKA Korean Clown[Spoiler Alert] Grace discusses the latest Netflix series The 8 Show starring Korean Ryu Jun-yeol, Chun Woo-hee and Bae Seong-woo as the clown. Grace explores the clown as an archetype and compares it to the Korean clown or “gwangdae” which dates back to the Goryeo Dynasty. 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

2024-05-2018 min

K-Drama School K-Drama School – Ep 176: Lovestruck in the City and the LA Blues[Spoiler Alert] Grace is leaving Los Angeles and feels a little blue but she is excited for the next chapter ahead. She discusses the show Lovestruck in the City (2020) and the mockumentary format’s advantages and disadvantages. 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.

2024-05-1319 min

K-Drama School K-Drama School - Ep 175: Live at the Hollywood Improv with Ruby Bockmeier, Zack Chapaloni and Josh Edelman[Spoiler Alert] Grace hosts a live recording of the K-Drama School podcast at the Hollywood Improv Comedy Club in Los Angeles to celebrate her new book K-Drama School: A Pop Culture Inquiry into Why We Love Korean Television. She interviews her returning guests Ruby Bockmeier, Zack Chapaloni and Josh Edelman who play the flashcard game with her on shows like You Raise Me Up, Anna, and Queen of Tears. 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...

2024-05-0655 min

K-Drama School K-Drama School – Ep 174: Queen of Tears and Visible Class Discomforts [Spoiler Alert] Grace discusses the K-drama series Queen of Tears (Netflix, 2024) starring Kim Ji-won and Kim Soo-hyun. Grace applauds Kim Soo-hyun’s comedic performance and Kim Ji-won’s knack for melodrama. But there is the question of how shows like this tend to humanize and fetishize heteronormative chaebol families while vilifying those on the margins like orphans, single mothers, and those who come from poverty. Grace ties this into her critique of Korean chaebol groups and their economic, political and socio-cultural influence which never point a finger at themselves for their own scandals, corruption and crimes. Grace’s new book K...

2024-04-2925 min

K-Drama School K-Drama School – Ep 174: Queen of Tears and Visible Class Discomforts[Spoiler Alert] Grace discusses the K-drama series Queen of Tears (Netflix, 2024) starring Kim Ji-won and Kim Soo-hyun. Grace applauds Kim Soo-hyun’s comedic performance and Kim Ji-won’s knack for melodrama. But there is the question of how shows like this tend to humanize and fetishize heteronormative chaebol families while vilifying those on the margins like orphans, single mothers, and those who come from poverty. Grace ties this into her critique of Korean chaebol groups and their economic, political and socio-cultural influence which never point a finger at themselves for their own scandals, corruption and crimes. Grace’s new book K...

2024-04-2925 min

K-Drama School K-Drama School – Ep 173: The Sound of Magic and Magical Thinking[Spoiler Alert] Grace has a show at the Hollywood Improv on April 29th to celebrate her book launch and record K-Drama School podcast live with very special returning comedian guests Ruby Bockmeier, Zack Chapaloni and Josh Edelman. Grace discusses the K-drama series The Sound of Magic (Netflix, 2022) starring Ji Chang-wook, Choi Sung-eun and Hwang In-youp. Grace is impressed by the layers of its production background and the performance by the lead actors. Grace is also struggling with depression while at the cusp of her book launch and her renewed foray back into academic institutions. Grace got rejected by In-N-Out...

2024-04-2232 min

K-Drama School K-Drama School – Ep 172: Welcome to Samdal-ri and Redefining Failure[Spoiler Alert] Grace discusses the K-drama series Welcome to Samdal-ri (JTBC, 2023-2024) and what failure means in the context of this current economy as well as how the show conceptualizes failure at life. Grace’s new book K-Drama School: A Pop Culture Inquiry into Why We Love Korean Television is available for pre-order with a 20% discount until April 23, 2024! Use code KDRAMA20 at checkout on the Hachette Book Group webpage: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/grace-jung/k-drama-school/9780762485727/ Exclusions apply. 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...

2024-04-1527 min

K-Drama School K-Drama School – Ep 171: Be Melodramatic and Spiraling Up[Spoiler Alert] Grace discusses the K-drama series Be Melodramatic (JTBC, 2019) co-written and co-directed by filmmaker Lee Byeong-heon. The show is co-written by Kim Young-young and co-directed by Kim Hye-young. The series stars Han Gong-ju lead actress Chun Woo-hee, Vincenzo’s Jeon Yeo-been and Han Ji-eun alongside Reply 1988 series alum Ahn Jae-hong and Gong Myung. Grace thanks a long-time listener for the show recommendation and praises Be Melodramatic’s story, production and brilliant performances. Grace is also spiraling again but spiraling back up. She’s reading Pat Rodegast/Emmanuel’s books and taking courage during these dark times. Grace also has the...

2024-04-0821 min

K-Drama School K-Drama School – Ep 170: Chicken Nugget and Dogs Getting to the Bottom[Spoiler Alert] Grace discusses the K-drama series Chicken Nugget (2024, Netflix) starring Ryu Seong-ryong, Ahn Jae-hong and Kim Yoo-jung with cameo appearances by Jung Ho-yeon and Park Jin-young. Grace comments on filmmaker Lee Byeong-hun’s absurdist style on the show. Grace’s new book K-Drama School: A Pop Culture Inquiry into Why We Love Korean Television is available for pre-order with a 20% discount until April 23, 2024! Use code KDRAMA20 at checkout on the Hachette Book Group webpage: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/grace-jung/k-drama-school/9780762485727/ Exclusions apply. Please visit K-Drama School’s Patreon page to support the show at ⁠http://www.patreon.com/kdra...

2024-04-0121 min

K-Drama School K-Drama School – Ep 169: You Raise Me Up and Korean Broadcasters Unite [Spoiler Alert] Grace discusses the K-drama series You Raise Me Up (2021, Wavve) starring Yoon Shi-yoon and Hani of the K-pop girl group EXID. You Raise Me Up impresses Grace with its brilliant premise, hilarious title, and excellent performers. She also wonders why Yoon Shi-yoon's career didn't flourish as much after winning a Best Actor Award for his role as Kim Tak-gu. Grace’s new book K-Drama School: A Pop Culture Inquiry into Why We Love Korean Television is available for pre-order with a 20% discount until April 23, 2024! Use code KDRAMA20 at checkout on the Hachette Book Group webpage: https://www.ha...

2024-03-2523 min

K-Drama School K-Drama School – Ep 169: You Raise Me Up and Korean Broadcasters Unite[Spoiler Alert] Grace discusses the K-drama series You Raise Me Up (2021, Wavve) starring Yoon Shi-yoon and Hani of the K-pop girl group EXID. You Raise Me Up impresses Grace with its brilliant premise, hilarious title, and excellent performers. She also wonders why Yoon Shi-yoon's career didn't flourish as much after winning a Best Actor Award for his role as Kim Tak-gu. Grace’s new book K-Drama School: A Pop Culture Inquiry into Why We Love Korean Television is available for pre-order with a 20% discount until April 23, 2024! Use code KDRAMA20 at checkout on the Hachette Book Group webpage: https://www.ha...

2024-03-2523 min

K-Drama School K-Drama School – Ep 168: Doctor Slump and South Korean Disillusionment[Spoiler Alert] Grace discusses the K-drama series Doctor Slump (2024, JTBC) starring Park Shin-hye and Park Hyung-sik, written by Baek Sun-woo. Grace also notes a pattern of disillusionment among K-drama yuppies that all have a nostalgic longing for the slow life in a rural or agrarian environment with earthy neighbors and lifestyles. Grace’s new book K-Drama School: A Pop Culture Inquiry into Why We Love Korean Television is available for pre-order with a 20% discount until April 23, 2024! Use code KDRAMA20 at checkout on the Hachette Book Group webpage: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/grace-jung/k-drama-school/9780762485727/ Exclusions apply. Please visit K-Drama Sc...

2024-03-1812 min

K-Drama School K-Drama School – Ep 167: She Would Never Know and Grace’s Type[Spoiler Alert] Grace discusses the K-drama series She Would Never Know (2021, JTBC) starring Won Jin-ah and Rowoon, observing similarities between this show and One Spring Night directed by Ahn Pan-seok. Grace also notes a pattern in Korean male characters that she is attracted to, as well as She Would Never Know’s intense queerness, which she compares to Angels in America. Grace opens up about how the Pisces New Moon, the aftershock of the industry’s strike last year and her emotional overwhelm are currently affecting her. Grace offers supportive words to her fellow industry colleagues who may be goin...

2024-03-1132 min

K-Drama School K-Drama School – Ep 166: Captivating the King and a Tom Cruise Sexuality[Spoiler Alert] Grace discusses the K-drama series Captivating the King (2024, tvN) starring Jo Jung-seok and Shin Se-kyung. Grace asks the question why Korean period pieces tend to have so many gay kings, and what’s progressive and regressive about this narrative choice. Grace explores Captivating the King’s queerness in its defiance against status quo and going against the typical choice for a hetero expectation in an ending, referencing Jack Halberstam’s book The Queer Art of Failure. Grace also admires Jo Jung-seok for being a queer icon like Tom Cruise. K-Drama School: A Pop Culture Inquiry into Why We Lov...

2024-03-0423 min

K-Drama School K-Drama School – Ep 165: Mental Coach Jegal and Grace’s Clown Flopped Birthday Flyer[Spoiler Alert] Grace discusses the K-drama series Mental Coach Jegal (2022, tvN) starring Jung Woo and Lee Yoo-mi. Grace talks about how she became her very own birthday clown on her own birthday by flopping, and dives into the show Mental Coach Jegal which includes messages of female empowerment without compromising herself to save her family’s face as well as mindfulness of the present moment over racing towards milestones. Grace questions the relationship between a sports psychologist and his client in the narrative then questions her own logic based on the boundary-less quality of love. K-Drama School: A Pop Cu...

2024-02-2620 min

K-Drama School K-Drama School - Ep 164: The Bequeathed and ESL for Grace[Spoiler Alert] Grace discusses the Netflix K-drama series The Bequeathed (2024, Netflix) starring Kim Hyun-joo, Ryu Kyung-soo, Park Hee-soon and Park Byung-eun. This is a show created by Yeon Sang-ho based on a webseries entitled The Bequeathed. Grace wonders what makes a TV show noir, how the series uses incest as a metaphor, and her love for actor Park Sung-hoon and his hysteria. K-Drama School: A Pop Culture Inquiry into Why We Love Korean Television is available for pre-order and a 20% discount until April 23, 2024! Use code KDRAMA20 at the checkout on the Hachette Book Group webpage: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com...

2024-02-1926 min

K-Drama School K-Drama School - Ep 163: A Killer Paradox and Crime and Punishment[Spoiler Alert] Grace discusses the latest Netflix K-drama series A Killer Paradox (2024, Netflix) starring Choi Woo-shik, Son Suk-ku, Lee Hee-joon and Kim Yo-han. The show is based on a 2018 webtoon entitled Salinja Nangam written by Ggomabi and illustrated by Nomabi. Grace is surprised that this show is not a Netflix top 10. K-Drama School: A Pop Culture Inquiry into Why We Love Korean Television is available for pre-order and a 20% discount until April 23, 2024! Use code KDRAMA20 at the checkout on the Hachette Book Group webpage: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/grace-jung/k-drama-school/9780762485727/ Exclusions apply. This code only applies at the...

2024-02-1219 min

K-Drama School K-Drama School – Ep 163: A Killer Paradox and Crime and Punishment[Spoiler Alert] Grace discusses the latest Netflix K-drama series A Killer Paradox (2024, Netflix) starring Choi Woo-shik, Son Suk-ku, Lee Hee-joon and Kim Yo-han. The show is based on a 2018 webtoon entitled Salinja Nangam written by Ggomabi and illustrated by Nomabi. Grace is surprised that this show is not a Netflix top 10. K-Drama School: A Pop Culture Inquiry into Why We Love Korean Television is available for pre-order and a 20% discount until April 23, 2024! Use code KDRAMA20 at the checkout on the Hachette Book Group webpage: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/grace-jung/k-drama-school/9780762485727/ Exclusions apply. This code only applies at the...

2024-02-1219 min

K-Drama School K-Drama School – Ep 162: Like Flowers in Sand and Discount Code for K-Drama School the Book!K-Drama School: A Pop Culture Inquiry into Why We Love Korean Television is available for pre-order and a 20% discount until April 23, 2024! Use code KDRAMA20 at the checkout on the Hachette Book Group webpage: ⁠https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/grace-jung/k-drama-school/9780762485727/⁠ Exclusions apply. This code only applies at the Hachette checkout for hardcover copies of the book, and expires on April 23, 2024.[Spoiler Alert] Grace discusses the series Like Flowers Over Sand (2023-2024) starring Jang Dong-yoon, Lee Joo-myung and Kim Bora written by Won Yoo-jung and directed by Kim Jin-woo. Grace appreciates the show’s balanced tone and especially the br...

2024-02-0518 min

K-Drama School K-Drama School – Ep 162: Like Flowers in Sand and Discount Code for K-Drama School the Book!K-Drama School: A Pop Culture Inquiry into Why We Love Korean Television is available for pre-order and a 20% discount until April 23, 2024! Use code KDRAMA20 at the checkout on the Hachette Book Group webpage: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/grace-jung/k-drama-school/9780762485727/ Exclusions apply. This code only applies at the Hachette checkout for hardcover copies of the book, and expires on April 23, 2024.[Spoiler Alert] Grace discusses the series Like Flowers Over Sand (2023-2024) starring Jang Dong-yoon, Lee Joo-myung and Kim Bora written by Won Yoo-jung and directed by Kim Jin-woo. Grace appreciates the show’s balanced tone and especially th...

2024-02-0518 min

K-Drama School K-Drama School – Ep 162: Like Flowers in Sand and Discount Code for K-Drama School the Book!K-Drama School: A Pop Culture Inquiry into Why We Love Korean Television is available for pre-order and a 20% discount until April 23, 2024! Use code KDRAMA20 at the checkout on the Hachette Book Group webpage: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/grace-jung/k-drama-school/9780762485727/ Exclusions apply. This code only applies at the Hachette checkout for hardcover copies of the book, and expires on April 23, 2024. [Spoiler Alert] Grace discusses the series Like Flowers Over Sand (2023-2024) starring Jang Dong-yoon, Lee Joo-myung and Kim Bora written by Won Yoo-jung and directed by Kim Jin-woo. Grace appreciates the show’s balanced tone and especially th...

2024-02-0518 min

K-Drama School K-Drama School - Ep 160: Gyeongseong Creature, Mr Sunshine and Snowdrop and Grace's Powerwalk with Jojoba the Squirrel[Spoiler Alert] Grace discusses three shows at once to review Korea’s colonial history during Japanese occupation including Gyeongseong Creature, Mr. Sunshine and Snowdrop, and how they always include huge hallyu stars to promote Korean nationalism and to critique Japan’s imperialist history over Korea. Grace discusses what does the Gyeongseong creature represents, and how K-dramas on globalized streaming platforms like Netflix and Disney+ can work as a means of decolonization. Grace’s new book K-Drama School: A Pop Culture Inquiry into Why We Love Korean Television is available now for pre-order on Amazon. Release date is April 23, 2024: ⁠https://shorturl...

2024-01-2223 min

K-Drama School K-Drama School – Ep 158: Grace the Clown Moves Slowly at a TimeNo K-drama today. Grace wonders what it takes to be a balanced artist while maintaining oneself and achieving their dreams. How can one be both a slacker and ambitious at the same time? Grace also discusses her latest clown workshop and how her body responded when she was moving freely at a dance studio over the weekend. Grace is almost alarmed at how much she is at peace with her life. Grace’s new book K-Drama School: A Pop Culture Inquiry into Why We Love Korean Television is available now for pre-order on Amazon. Release date is April 23, 2024: https://sh...

2024-01-0816 min

2024-01-0815 min

K-Drama School K-Drama School – Ep 156: Grace’s Christmas Gram to All K-Drama SchoolersNo K-drama today. Grace has a heartfelt message to all K-Drama Schoolers. Grace’s new book K-Drama School: A Pop Culture Inquiry into Why We Love Korean Television is available now for pre-order on Amazon. Release date is April 23, 2024: https://shorturl.at/fAFY1. 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.

2023-12-2505 min

K-Drama School K-Drama School - Ep 155: Grace and the Coital Dance of CreativityNo K-drama today. Grace discusses the push and pull process of creativity and intention. Grace’s new book K-Drama School: A Pop Culture Inquiry into Why We Love Korean Television is available now for pre-order on Amazon. Release date is April 23, 2024: ⁠https://shorturl.at/fAFY1⁠. 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.

2023-12-1808 min

K-Drama School K-Drama School - Ep 155: Grace and the Coital Dance of CreativityNo K-drama today. Grace discusses the push and pull process of creativity and intention. Grace’s new book K-Drama School: A Pop Culture Inquiry into Why We Love Korean Television is available now for pre-order on Amazon. Release date is April 23, 2024: https://shorturl.at/fAFY1. 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. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kdramaschool/supp

2023-12-1808 min

K-Drama School K-Drama School - Ep 154: Grace Pierces Through the Clouds and How to Cope with Manic Depressive EpisodesNo K-drama today. Grace discusses her recent manic-depressive episode and her coping mechanisms. This episode is dedicated to mental health awareness for those who feel isolated and are hunting for more coping tips. Grace’s new book K-Drama School: A Pop Culture Inquiry into Why We Love Korean Television is available now for pre-order on Amazon. Release date is April 23, 2024: https://shorturl.at/fAFY1. 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 http...

2023-12-1119 min

K-Drama School K-Drama School – Ep 148: Grace Goes Home and Gets Visited by Ladybugs and DeerNo K-drama coverage today. Grace is home visiting her parents for the first time in 7 years and is having mystical encounters with friends, animals, and family. It’s a wild time. Grace’s new book K-Drama School: A Pop Culture Inquiry into Why We Love Korean Television is available now for pre-order on Amazon. Release date is April 23, 2024: https://shorturl.at/fAFY1. 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, Twitter and TikTok. Visit https://www.kd...

2023-10-3015 min

K-Drama School K-Drama School – Ep 145: Grace Recommends K-Dramas for the Autumn BluesGrace reviews a few shows from the past that are ideal for autumn viewing to chase those fall blues away such as Autumn in My Heart, Something in the Rain, and Now, We Are Breaking Up. All three shows are romantic K-dramas with a depressive tone that captures the seasonal changes that people feel around this time of the year. Grace recommends watching Autumn in My Heart to compare against Now, We Are Breaking Up even just to track Song Hye-kyo’s acting improvement jump between two decades. Grace also asks all artists never to discount the small steps th...

2023-10-0916 min

K-Drama School K-Drama School – Ep 142: Grace Goes to Long Beach and Talks Aliens and Vietcong with Viet Nguyen No K-drama today. Grace’s SoCal comedian buddy Viet Nguyen returns as a guest. They chat outside a coffee house in Long Beach. Viet teaches Grace how to say “cheers” in Vietnamese and drops knowledge on the Vietcong’s history. They talk about bulldogs, Japanese dogs, Asian aliens, Transformers, Shia Labeouf, parents, war, independence from authoritative influence, and autonomy. Grace recommends that you visit K-Drama School’s Patron page: http://www.patreon.com/kdramaschool. She'll upload weekly posts covering all shows and movies that are not K-dramas. Grace also recommends that you visit the K-Drama School Store at http://www.kdramascho...

2023-09-1850 min

K-Drama School K-Drama School – Ep 142: Grace Goes to Long Beach and Talks Aliens and Vietcong with Viet NguyenNo K-drama today. Grace’s SoCal comedian buddy Viet Nguyen returns as a guest. They chat outside a coffee house in Long Beach. Viet teaches Grace how to say “cheers” in Vietnamese and drops knowledge on the Vietcong’s history. They talk about bulldogs, Japanese dogs, Asian aliens, Transformers, Shia Labeouf, parents, war, independence from authoritative influence, and autonomy. Grace recommends that you visit K-Drama School’s Patron page: http://www.patreon.com/kdramaschool. She'll upload weekly posts covering all shows and movies that are not K-dramas. Grace also recommends that you visit the K-Drama School Store at http://www.kdrama...

2023-09-1850 min

K-Drama School K-Drama School – Ep 141: Grace Goes Blonde and Drinks CacaoNo K-drama today. Grace discusses how long it took her to go completely blonde, and her experience drinking cacao. Grace recommends that you visit K-Drama School’s Patron page: http://www.patreon.com/kdramaschool. She'll upload weekly posts covering all shows and movies that are not K-dramas. Grace also recommends that you visit the K-Drama School Store at http://www.kdramaschool/com/store. She is selling mugs and notebooks that she designed personally. Follow @KDramaSchool on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok. Visit https://www.kdramaschool.com/ to learn more.

2023-09-1129 min

K-Drama School K-Drama School – Ep 133: Grace Stops Defending Herself to HerselfNo K-drama. Grace talks about World of the Married and why the ending of the pilot was so appealing to her. She also talks about Fight Club and the ending of that film, and what it means in terms of her mental/emotional/physical health journey up until now. Grace mentions that she is watching See You in My 19th Life and King the Land so those are two shows you can keep up with her until she discusses them in future podcast episodes. Stay tuned!

2023-07-1716 min

2023-07-1714 min

K-Drama School K-Drama School – Ep 132: Grace Repaints Her Self Portrait From 10 Years AgoNo K-drama today. Grace repaints a self-portrait she painted back in July 2013. What did she paint ten years later? Who is she today? Grace offers a few pointers for you to carry in your back pocket this week.

2023-07-1016 min

K-Drama School K-Drama School – Ep 130: Grace Achieves Self-WorthNo K-drama this week. Grace has decided to continue dropping new episodes every Monday regardless of whether or not she has a show to discuss. Sans make-up, Grace celebrates meeting her weight loss goal, running into angelic saviors in the most unexpected places and finally understanding what all her defensive mental dialoguing means. This episode is dedicated to Minnie and K-Drama School fans who voted for weekly updates every Monday. Follow @KDramaSchool on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok. Visit https://www.kdramaschool.com/ to learn more.

2023-07-0326 min

2023-06-2626 min

K-Drama School K-Drama School - Ep 1: SKY Castle & Korean Siestas with Tobias HauserWelcome to episode 1 of K-Drama School podcast! Meet your host Grace Jung (comedian and PhD candidate in Cinema and Media Studies at UCLA) who is here to school you in Korean dramas every week followed by an interview with a guest comedian or scholar. In this episode, Grace analyzes the hit JTBC show SKY Castle (2018), the Korean school system, suicides, helicopter parenting, Christianity and decoloniality with her sidekick Julieta Degese (@dgcjulieta). Berlin-based Austrian comedian Tobias Hauser (@hahahouser) is the special guest. They discuss original sin, Newton's laws of motion, maple syrup fetish and high kicks by Christina Baranski. Follow...

2021-01-011h 30

K-Drama School K-Drama School - Ep 1: SKY Castle and Korean Siestas with Tobias HauserWelcome to episode 1 of K-Drama School podcast! Meet your host Grace Jung (comedian and PhD candidate in Cinema and Media Studies at UCLA) who is here to school you in Korean dramas every week followed by an interview with a guest comedian or scholar. [Spoiler Alert] In this episode, Grace analyzes the hit JTBC show SKY Castle (2018), the Korean school system, suicides, helicopter parenting, Christianity and decoloniality with her sidekick Julieta Degese (@dgcjulieta). Berlin-based Austrian comedian Tobias Hauser (@hahahouser) is the special guest. They discuss original sin, Newton's laws of motion, maple syrup fetish and high kicks by Christina Baranski...

2021-01-011h 30