💬 Get in Touch! Share your Kdrama origin story.

S3 E33 / Reggie, Kdrama fan and host of A Life of Learning podcast joins me to talk about favorite Kdramas.

🏆 We explore why the one-season "done and dusted" format is so addictive, and how Kdramas stack up against western shows in terms of story structure, emotional payoff, and satisfying endings.

📊 We delve into the pros and cons of using buzz and online rankings to evaluate Kdramas and curate a watch list.

👏 And we list our favorite gateway and "heavyweight" Kdramas, overlooked gems, top tropes (including slow-motion falls, the dramatic U-turn, and product placement galore), and why rewatching is nearly impossible when the watch list is endless.

⚠️ Mostly Spoiler Free episode. Spoilers are called out.

Our wide-ranging conversation touches on the following shows:

• Gangnam Beauty
• Shine on Me
• Erased
• My Mister
• Summer Strike
• Idol I
• Love Me
• When the Phone Rings
• Crash Landing on You
• I Can Hear Your Voice
• I’m Not a Robot
• Gentleman’s Dignity
• Our Unwritten Seoul
• Hello My Twenties
• It’s Okay not to be Okay
• Reply 1988
• Descendents of the Sun
• Strong Woman Do Bong Soon
• Extraordinary Attorney Woo
• When Life Gives you Tangerines
• Start Up
• True Beauty
• My Father is Strange
• Dr. Romantic
• Hospital Playlist
• Business Proposal
• Call it Love
• Reset
• Do you like Brahms?
• The King’s Affection

🔗 Links

10 Reasons We Watch Kdramas;

https://pod.link/1516507572/episode/MTdjZTdkNDAtOThmMS00NTljLTlmMmMtOTQ5MDdlNmJkZjJi

Beginners Guide to Kdramas Part I:

https://pod.link/1516507572/episode/NmJkZmJhYjYtYjNiNS00MTcxLWI4M2ItNzRjMDRiODJmMTA0

Beginners Guide to Kdramas Part II:

https://pod.link/1516507572/episode/N2E0NWQ2ZjMtMzBiOS00Zjg5LTgyYTMtNWQxNWU3OWViZDAx

Thanks for listening! Let me know what you thought:

💬 Send me a text

☂️ How I Met My Kdrama Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/howimetmykdrama

🔎 Website about my mystery books: SaraRosett.com

📚Buy my books direct and save: SaraRosettBooks.com

📖 SaraRosett Instagram (mostly bookish posts): https://www.instagram.com/sararosett

☎️ Get in Touch! Share your Kdrama origin story. *Be sure to INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL so I can get in touch with you!*

S3 E32 / Christina from the YA Girl’s Kdrama podcasts joins me to spotlight the heartfelt slice-of-life Japanese drama, Turn to Me, Mukai-kun.

⛩️ We explore the unique rhythms of Jdramas vs. Kdramas, sharing first-timer impressions, the cultural nuances of relationships, and what makes slice of life stories in both countries so universally relatable—and Christina shares how her recent trip to Japan colored her viewing.

🫶 We break down the show's memorable dating “eras,” the lovable (and awkward) characters, Mukai’s funny missteps on the way to love, friends-to-lovers done right, complicated female characters, and the bromance.

🫥 We also touch on why the themes of stigma,  stereotypes, and individuality in Turn to Me, Mukai-kun make it a good comp for Something in the Rain and One Spring Night—but lighter in tone and with a nicer mom.

🍦🌈 Plus, we dive deep into the ice cream sundae and rainbow metaphors – IYKYK! 😉

⚠️ Warning: there isn’t a non-spoiler section. We get right into the ice cream layer.

Currently Watching:

• Love Me
• Idol I
• Can This Love be Translated?
• Dr. Romantic
• Rain or Shine
• Gimbap and Onigiri

Links:

Ep 24: Slice of Life dramas with Christina

https://howimetmykdrama.buzzsprout.com/2435348/episodes/17984850-slice-of-life-kdramas-for-your-watchlist

Ep 22: YA girl’s Kdrama interview

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2435348/episodes/17814816-ya-girls-kdrama-podcast-on-favorite-dramas-tropes-and-ramyeon-scenes

YA Girl's Kdrama podcast: https://pod.link/1630700998

Thanks for listening! Let me know what you thought:

💬 Send me a text* or find me in these places:

☂️ How I Met My Kdrama Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/howimetmykdrama

🔎 Website about my mystery books: SaraRosett.com

📚Buy my books direct and save: SaraRosettBooks.com

📖 SaraRosett Instagram (mostly bookish posts): https://www.instagram.com/sararosett

*FYI: For privacy, phone numbers aren't shared, so I can't reply directly, but I will get the message and I'd love to hear from you! 🙂

☎️ Get in Touch! Share your Kdrama origin story. *Be sure to INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL so I can get in touch with you!*

S3 E31 / Romantic dramas come in all sorts of flavors. What are you in the mood for?

From heart-wrenching angst to pure goofy chaos to sweet chocolate-inspired romances, I’m sharing a list of Kdramas by vibe so you can pick your perfect watch.

Plus I give a quick "what I've been watching" round-up, including Idol I, Love Me, and Undercover Miss Hong, which has sooo many similarities to Good Manager, which is also known as Chief Kim. Has anyone else notice that? Just me?

I've got recommendations for romantic Asian dramas for you in these categories:

• Romance with angst
• Star-crossed lovers
• Gentle slice of life romance (with a serving of murder)
• Romcom with some spice
• Romcom with a whodunit
• Romcom with thriller elements
• Sweet romance
• Second chance romance
• Time travel/fated romance
• Goofy/quirky romcom
• Galentine’s Day

Bonus for Valentine’s theme:

• Romance with chocolate
• Romance with flowers/flower theme

Thanks for listening! Let me know what you thought:

💬 Send me a text* or find me in these places:

☂️ How I Met My Kdrama Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/howimetmykdrama

🔎 Website about my mystery books: SaraRosett.com

📚Buy my books direct and save: SaraRosettBooks.com

📖 SaraRosett Instagram (mostly bookish posts): https://www.instagram.com/sararosett

*FYI: For privacy, phone numbers aren't shared, so I can't reply directly, but I will get the message and I'd love to hear from you! 🙂

☎️ Get in Touch! Share your Kdrama origin story. *Be sure to INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL so I can get in touch with you!*

S2 E30 / It’s that time of the year for recaps, backtracks, and wraps of the previous twelve months. This episode is all about the best (and sometimes worst) of Kdrama in 2025.

Shannon from Bonchon Bite Sized K-drama Reviews joins me to talk through the highs and lows of Asian dramas. We chat about drama-watching stats, our personal high points of 2025 dramas, and the throw-back dramas we watched this year.

Currently Watching/Waiting For:

Shannon:

• Surely Tomorrow
• Love Between Fairy and Devil
• Dynamite Kiss

Sara:

• Surely Tomorrow
• Love Me
• Cashero

Our 2025 Favorites:

Favorite supporting characters

Favorite couples

Favorite found family

Favorite (or least-favorite) childhood connection

Favorite OSTs

Drama you were surprised you liked

Best fashion

Best villains/worst villains

Best crying scenes

Fastest drop

Most satisfying dramas

Worst ending

Favorite drama *not* from 2025 that you watched during 2025

Favorite friendships

Favorite umbrella scenes

Favorite ramen scenes

Best Second Lead Syndrome

Most over-the-top makjang moments

Truck of Doom award

Favorite swoony moments

Most underrated dramas

Best performances by an actor/actress

Shannon’s Podcast: https://pod.link/1839465628

Shannon’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/banchankdramapod

Comfort Watches and Palette Cleansers with Shannon https://howimetmykdrama.buzzsprout.com/2435348/episodes/17898269

Thanks for listening! Let me know what you thought:

💬 Send me a text* or find me in these places:

☂️ How I Met My Kdrama Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/howimetmykdrama

🔎 Website about my mystery books: SaraRosett.com

📚Buy my books direct and save: SaraRosettBooks.com

📖 SaraRosett Instagram (mostly bookish posts): https://www.instagram.com/sararosett

*FYI: For privacy, phone numbers aren't shared, so I can't reply directly, but I will get the message and I'd love to hear from you! 🙂

☎️ Get in Touch! Share your Kdrama origin story. *Be sure to INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL so I can get in touch with you!*

S2 E29 / Shannon, children’s librarian and podcaster (Banchan Bite Sized K-drama Reviews) joins me to talk about the Kdrama classic, Just Between Lovers, a drama we both absolutely loved despite its heavy topics of trauma and guilt.

❤️‍🩹 We explore what makes this drama so special: nuanced characters, found family galore, standout music, unconventional story choices, scruffy-handsome Lee Junho, and our takes on that ending.

✋ After a short non-spoiler section, we dive into Just Between Lovers, talking about anything and everything!

Currently Watching and Other Shows Discussed:

• Typhoon Family
• Would You Marry Me?
• Romantics Anonymous
• Ms. Incognito
• Cinderella Closet
• Romantics Anonymous
• Ms. Incognito

Shannon’s Podcast: https://pod.link/1839465628

Shannon’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/banchankdramapod

Comfort Watches and Palette Cleansers with Shannon https://howimetmykdrama.buzzsprout.com/2435348/episodes/17898269

Articles:

Production of the drama:

https://www.soompi.com/article/1090223wpp/just-lovers-pd-shares-decided-cast-2pms-junho-won-jin-ah

https://www.koreaherald.com/article/1556450

Interview with screenwriter: https://cine21.com/news/view/?mag_id=102205 (in Korean)

Thanks for listening! Let me know what you thought:

💬 Send me a text* or find me in these places:

☂️ How I Met My Kdrama Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/howimetmykdrama

🔎 Website about my mystery books: SaraRosett.com

📚Buy my books direct and save: SaraRosettBooks.com

📖 SaraRosett Instagram (mostly bookish posts): https://www.instagram.com/sararosett

*FYI: For privacy, phone numbers aren't shared, so I can't reply directly, but I will get the message and I'd love to hear from you! 🙂

☎️ Get in Touch! Share your Kdrama origin story. *Be sure to INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL so I can get in touch with you!*

S2 E28 / Constance, journalist, gardening writer, and nonfiction book reviewer—and of course, dedicated Kdrama fan—joins me to talk about favorite Kdramas and her trip to South Korea.

✈️ We explore Constance’s international background, her Kdrama origin story (including discovering Extraordinary Attorney Woo), why she finally traveled to Korea, and what keeps her hooked on Asian dramas.

✨ And we list our current watches, favorite Kdramas, discuss the “found family” trope, and explore the emotional resonance of Kdrama storytelling.

💚 Spoiler Free episode. Enjoy!

Currently Watching:

• Happiness
• Bon Appétit, Your Majesty
• Ms. Incognito
• Typhoon Family

Our wide-ranging conversation touches on the following shows:

• Extraordinary Attorney Woo
• Hometown Cha Cha Cha
• Crash Landing on You
• Healer
• Holo Love
• Hospital Playlist
• Romance is a Bonus Book
• Touch Your Heart
• Love Scout
• Rookie Historian Goo Hae-ryung
• Train to Busan
• Taxi Driver
• Vincenzo
• Strong Girl Bong Soon
• Her Private Life (but I meant What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim)
• My Love From the Star
• Designated Survivor
• Book recommendation: The Birth of Korean Cool by Euny Hong https://www.amazon.com/Birth-Korean-Cool-Conquering-Through/dp/1250045118

Link:

The Birth of Korean Coolby Euny Hong

https://books2read.com/u/mgqkpR (Affiliate Link)

Thanks for listening! Let me know what you thought:

💬 Send me a text* or find me in these places:

☂️ How I Met My Kdrama Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/howimetmykdrama

🔎 Website about my mystery books: SaraRosett.com

📚Buy my books direct and save: SaraRosettBooks.com

📖 SaraRosett Instagram (mostly bookish posts): https://www.instagram.com/sararosett

*FYI: For privacy, phone numbers aren't shared, so I can't reply directly, but I will get the message and I'd love to hear from you! 🙂

☎️ Get in Touch! Share your Kdrama origin story. *Be sure to INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL so I can get in touch with you!*

S2 E27 / Caitlin from the NoSleep4Dramas podcast and blog joins me for a look at the Japanese drama Hold My Hand at Twilight.

🇯🇵 We explore the world of Jdramas and how they compare to our favorite Kdramas. We dig into the themes of creative ambition and the coming-of-age journeys. We also explore some of the things that frustrated us about this drama, and detail why we’d still recommend it because of its fabulous fall vibes and found family.

🏆 We list the shows that have us binging right now (Kdramas, Chinese dramas, and Jdramas), give quick recs—including Miss Incognito, First Lady, and Typhoon Family—and share why certain dramas just pull us in. Plus, we shout out found family stories and unique settings.

⚠️ Spoiler warning! Our wide-ranging conversation touches on the following shows: Hold My Hand at Twilight (J-drama deep dive with spoilers!), Mysterious Lotus Casebook, Mobius, Miss Incognito, First Lady, Typhoon Family, Would You Marry Me?, Romantics Anonymous, Tokyo Tower, Who Saw the Peacock Dance in the Jungle, and more.

Enjoy!

Links:

Caitlin’s podcast: https://www.nosleep4dramas.com/podcast

Caitlin’s blog: https://www.nosleep4dramas.com/

Crime and Mystery Dramas with Caitlin:

https://howimetmykdrama.buzzsprout.com/2435348/episodes/17494458-crime-and-mystery-asian-dramas-with-caitlin

Thanks for listening! Let me know what you thought:

💬 Send me a text* or find me in these places:

☂️ How I Met My Kdrama Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/howimetmykdrama

🔎 Website about my mystery books: SaraRosett.com

📚Buy my books direct and save: SaraRosettBooks.com

📖 SaraRosett Instagram (mostly bookish posts): https://www.instagram.com/sararosett

*FYI: For privacy, phone numbers aren't shared, so I can't reply directly, but I will get the message and I'd love to hear from you! 🙂

☎️ Get in Touch! Share your Kdrama origin story. *Be sure to INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL so I can get in touch with you!*

S2 E26 / Paroma from the Dramas Over Flowers podcast and professional fangirl joins me to talk about her journey into Asian media, her recommendations, and the unique joys of Kdramas.

🌼 Paroma shares the story behind how Dramas Over Flowers podcast came about with its cross-cultural perspectives.

🎉 We explore Paroma’s Kdrama origin story as well as how tropes like cohabitation and found family in the workplace win us over.

🫶We also delve into dramas that treat serious subjects with warmth and optimism and discuss endings.

Currently watching:

• A Dream within a Dream
• Head Over Heels
• Our Movie
• Law and the City

✋ Spoiler warning! Our wide-ranging conversation touches on the following shows:

• You’re Beautiful
• Do you Love Brahms?
• Quartet
• Nirvana in Fire
• Meet Yourself
• Dr. Slump
• Head over Heels
• Because this is my First Life
• We Married as a Job
• Reply 1997
• Judge From Hell
• Be Melodramatic
• Search WWW

Dramas Over Flowers Podcast:

https://pod.link/1270514773

Dramas Over Flowers Substack:

https://dramasoverflowers.substack.com

Thanks for listening! Let me know what you thought:

💬 Send me a text* or find me in these places:

☂️ How I Met My Kdrama Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/howimetmykdrama

🔎 Website about my mystery books: SaraRosett.com

📚Buy my books direct and save: SaraRosettBooks.com

📖 SaraRosett Instagram (mostly bookish posts): https://www.instagram.com/sararosett

*FYI: For privacy, phone numbers aren't shared, so I can't reply directly, but I will get the message and I'd love to hear from you! 🙂