They Call Us Bruce 240: They Call Us K-Drama School

Jeff Yang and Phil Yu present an unfiltered conversation about what's happening in Asian America.

What's up, podcast listeners? We've got another episode of our podcast They Call Us Bruce. (Almost) each week, my good friend, writer/columnist Jeff Yang and I host an unfiltered conversation about what's happening in Asian America, with a strong focus on media, entertainment and popular culture.

In this episode, we welcome writer, stand-up comedian and media studies PhD Grace Jung, author of the book K-Drama School: A Pop Culture Inquiry into Why We Love Korean Television. They discuss the explosion of Korean dramas from bootleg VHS tapes to DramaFever (R.I.P.) to the most popular shows on worldwide streaming services; the wildest K-drama tropes from amnesia to leukemia to kimchi slaps; what makes these shows so irresistibly bingeable, and what can we learn about our societies and ourselves from watching them.

They Call Us Bruce 223: They Call Us K-Culture

Jeff Yang and Phil Yu present an unfiltered conversation about what's happening in Asian America.

What's up, podcast listeners? We've got another episode of our podcast They Call Us Bruce. (Almost) each week, my good friend, writer/columnist Jeff Yang and I host an unfiltered conversation about what's happening in Asian America, with a strong focus on media, entertainment and popular culture.

In this episode, we close out 2023 and welcome critic and commentator Jae-Ha Kim to talk all things "K" -- from K-dramas to K-pop, and all the other ways Korean pop culture has spread its infectious K-embrace across the globe. We discuss the best K-dramas of the year (according to Jae-Ha), what happens when BTS takes a break for military service, and the recent tragic death of Lee Sun-kyun. I also admit -- nay, declare -- my love of NewJeans.

Korean Drama Podcast - Season 1 Finale

A K-Drama re-watch podcast by (and for) people who don't watch Korean dramas.



Are you a fan of Korean dramas? Then this podcast is probably not for you. The Korean Drama Podcast is the K-Drama rewatch podcast by (and for) people who don't watch Korean dramas.

In season one, host Will Choi (founder of Asian AF) and I -- both self-professed Korean drama beginners -- with help and hand-holding by our resident K-Drama expert Joanna Lee, attempt to watch and discuss the 2009 megahit drama Boys Over Flowers in its entirety, episode by episode.

And that's a wrap on the season one! On this episode, we reunite -- a little over a year after recording episode 25 -- to reflect on our experience and the growth of the podcast over the past year. Thanks to all of our listeners who've stuck with our Boys Over Flowers discussions over the past few months. We can't wait to do this again.

Finally: Korean Drama Podcast - Boys Over Flowers #25

A K-Drama re-watch podcast by (and for) people who don't watch Korean dramas.



Are you a fan of Korean dramas? Then this podcast is probably not for you. The Korean Drama Podcast is the K-Drama rewatch podcast by (and for) people who don't watch Korean dramas.

In season one, host Will Choi (founder of Asian AF) and I -- both self-professed Korean drama beginners -- with help and hand-holding by our resident K-Drama expert Joanna Lee, attempt to watch and discuss the 2009 megahit drama Boys Over Flowers in its entirety, episode by episode.

ALMOST PARADIIIIIIIISE! This episode, we're finally at the series finale of Boys over Flowers. How will chronic kidnap victim Jan Di get through to the amnesiac Perm Boy? Never fear though, this 11th hour amnesia storyline gets resolved with the oldest Jan Di trick in the book, getting rescued! After 25 episodes of K-Drama goodness, we finally take some time to reflect on what we've accomplished. Kudos and pats on the back all around!

Amnesia, Dammit: Korean Drama Podcast - Boys Over Flowers #24

A K-Drama re-watch podcast by (and for) people who don't watch Korean dramas.



Are you a fan of Korean dramas? Then this podcast is probably not for you. The Korean Drama Podcast is the K-Drama rewatch podcast by (and for) people who don't watch Korean dramas.

In season one, host Will Choi (founder of Asian AF) and I -- both self-professed Korean drama beginners -- with help and hand-holding by our resident K-Drama expert Joanna Lee, attempt to watch and discuss the 2009 megahit drama Boys Over Flowers in its entirety, episode by episode.

We are at the penultimate episode of Boys Over Flowers, and in this episode, they really pull out the big guns! Epic cries, sauna scenes, and the mother of all K-Drama tropes... AMNESIA!!!!!! Listen as we simultaneously roll our eyes and get drawn into the drama on this episode of the Korean Drama Podcast!

Really Good Cry: Korean Drama Podcast - Boys Over Flowers #23

A K-Drama re-watch podcast by (and for) people who don't watch Korean dramas.



Are you a fan of Korean dramas? Then this podcast is probably not for you. The Korean Drama Podcast is the K-Drama rewatch podcast by (and for) people who don't watch Korean dramas.

In season one, host Will Choi (founder of Asian AF) and I -- both self-professed Korean drama beginners -- with help and hand-holding by our resident K-Drama expert Joanna Lee, attempt to watch and discuss the 2009 megahit drama Boys Over Flowers in its entirety, episode by episode.

Boys Over Flowers refuses to end, and so the Korean Drama Podcast valiantly continues our vow to see this series through! On this episode, we have crying, hospital scenes, cute picnics, bitter breakups, and all the other K-Drama tropes you crave! We also share stories of being starstruck, and wonder why nobody on this series looks each other in the eyes while talking.

Stop the Wedding: Korean Drama Podcast - Boys Over Flowers #22

A K-Drama re-watch podcast by (and for) people who don't watch Korean dramas.



Are you a fan of Korean dramas? Then this podcast is probably not for you. The Korean Drama Podcast is the K-Drama rewatch podcast by (and for) people who don't watch Korean dramas.

In season one, host Will Choi (founder of Asian AF) and I -- both self-professed Korean drama beginners -- with help and hand-holding by our resident K-Drama expert Joanna Lee, attempt to watch and discuss the 2009 megahit drama Boys Over Flowers in its entirety, episode by episode.

In this episode, the wedding nobody is excited about is finally here! How will Jan Di celebrate? By getting kidnapped, of course. Join us as we recap the epic conclusion to the Boys Over Flowers saga. Will love(?) triumph over all? Wait, there's still three episodes left?!?!?!?!?!! Also, we share a much more interesting list of possible Boys Over Flowers spin-off shows.

Meat Set: Korean Drama Podcast - Boys Over Flowers #21

A K-Drama re-watch podcast by (and for) people who don't watch Korean dramas.



Are you a fan of Korean dramas? Then this podcast is probably not for you. The Korean Drama Podcast is the K-Drama rewatch podcast by (and for) people who don't watch Korean dramas.

In season one, host Will Choi (founder of Asian AF) and I -- both self-professed Korean drama beginners -- with help and hand-holding by our resident K-Drama expert Joanna Lee, attempt to watch and discuss the 2009 megahit drama Boys Over Flowers in its entirety, episode by episode.

We're in the home stretch! In this episode, we are treated to the lead up to the least anticipated Korean wedding ever. In other news, Pottery Boy cries in the car as his bro pours crappy lattes, Jan Di models for food, and we wonder what Ringo is up to (probably fighting fools). Oh, and people stand in flower fields and stare off into the distance, you know, K-Drama style!

"This is such a bad idea": Korean Drama Podcast - Boys Over Flowers #20

A K-Drama re-watch podcast by (and for) people who don't watch Korean dramas.



Are you a fan of Korean dramas? Then this podcast is probably not for you. The Korean Drama Podcast is the K-Drama rewatch podcast by (and for) people who don't watch Korean dramas.

In season one, host Will Choi (founder of Asian AF) and I -- both self-professed Korean drama beginners -- with help and hand-holding by our resident K-Drama expert Joanna Lee, attempt to watch and discuss the 2009 megahit drama Boys Over Flowers in its entirety, episode by episode.

We're in the home stretch! In this episode, Jan Di is homeless now (because apparently she has no real friends) and becomes a maid in Perm Boy's family. Perm Boy still doesn't know what he wants... and a shocking cliffhanger ending! Also, we talk about lucid and recurring dreams and our own high school experiences with student government.

Korean Drama Podcast - Boys Over Flowers #15

A K-Drama re-watch podcast by (and for) people who don't watch Korean dramas.



Are you a fan of Korean dramas? Then this podcast is probably not for you. The Korean Drama Podcast is the K-Drama rewatch podcast by (and for) people who don't watch Korean dramas.

In season one, host Will Choi (founder of Asian AF) and I -- both self-professed Korean drama beginners -- with help and hand-holding by our resident K-Drama expert Joanna Lee, attempt to watch and discuss the 2009 megahit drama Boys Over Flowers in its entirety, episode by episode.

In this episode, our heroes wrap up their adventures in Macau and return to birthday parties, new jobs, and ... MORE DRAMA! We struggle between rooting for the relationships the show wants us to root for and the relationships we actually want to root for. Also: a (very) in-depth discussion on public restrooms.

More Drama With Perm Boy's Mama: Korean Drama Podcast - Boys Over Flowers #14

A K-Drama re-watch podcast by (and for) people who don't watch Korean dramas.



Are you a fan of Korean dramas? Then this podcast is probably not for you. The Korean Drama Podcast is the K-Drama rewatch podcast by (and for) people who don't watch Korean dramas.

In season one, host Will Choi (founder of Asian AF) and I -- both self-professed Korean drama beginners -- with help and hand-holding by our resident K-Drama expert Joanna Lee, attempt to watch and discuss the 2009 megahit drama Boys Over Flowers in its entirety, episode by episode.

In this episode, more fun in Macau (including masks and gondola karaoke) and more drama with Perm Boy's mama! We discuss if it's possible to have a sudden change of heart. We also discuss where the Boys Over Flowers actors are now and imagine an alternate Korean drama following Pottery Boy and Ringo's action detective adventures.

Welcome to Macau: Korean Drama Podcast - Boys Over Flowers #13

A K-Drama re-watch podcast by (and for) people who don't watch Korean dramas.



Are you a fan of Korean dramas? Then this podcast is probably not for you. The Korean Drama Podcast is the K-Drama rewatch podcast by (and for) people who don't watch Korean dramas.

In season one, host Will Choi (founder of Asian AF) and I -- both self-professed Korean drama beginners -- with help and hand-holding by our resident K-Drama expert Joanna Lee, attempt to watch and discuss the 2009 megahit drama Boys Over Flowers in its entirety, episode by episode.

In this episode, we catch up with our plucky K-Drama heroes as we enter what is essentially "season 2" of Boys Over Flowers. Skipping ahead six months, we follow Jan Di to Macau in search of the Perm Boy who left her behind. Will also learns where and what a Macau is. Oh, and the mystery of the juk man deepens.

F4 To The Rescue: Korean Drama Podcast - Boys Over Flowers #12

A K-Drama re-watch podcast by (and for) people who don't watch Korean dramas.



Are you a fan of Korean dramas? Then this podcast is probably not for you. The Korean Drama Podcast is the K-Drama rewatch podcast by (and for) people who don't watch Korean dramas.

In season one, host Will Choi (founder of Asian AF) and I -- both self-professed Korean drama beginners -- with help and hand-holding by our resident K-Drama expert Joanna Lee, attempt to watch and discuss the 2009 megahit drama Boys Over Flowers in its entirety, episode by episode.

In this episode, we pick up from last episode's cliffhanger. Jan Di is rescued from the creepy model guy and the crew takes (another) trip to unwind, this time to the slopes! We talk about possessive gift giving, why Jun Pyo needs to stop trusting mean girls, Jan Di's fainting problem, cute DIY bentos, and consensual kissing!

Korean Drama Podcast - Boys Over Flowers #11

A K-Drama re-watch podcast by (and for) people who don't watch Korean dramas.



Are you a fan of Korean dramas? Then this podcast is probably not for you. The Korean Drama Podcast is the K-Drama rewatch podcast by (and for) people who don't watch Korean dramas.

In season one, host Will Choi (founder of Asian AF) and I -- both self-professed Korean drama beginners -- with help and hand-holding by our resident K-Drama expert Joanna Lee, attempt to watch and discuss the 2009 megahit drama Boys Over Flowers in its entirety, episode by episode.

In this episode, a delicious ramyun scene, suspicious modeling jobs, and all around poor decision making from our heroine Jan Di as she ends up on the wrong side (again!) of the F4. We also meet a nice boy/potential love rival that seems almost too well adjusted for this show... until he suddenly becomes a creepy kidnapper...

Korean Drama Podcast - Boys Over Flowers #10

A K-Drama re-watch podcast by (and for) people who don't watch Korean dramas.



Are you a fan of Korean dramas? Then this podcast is probably not for you. The Korean Drama Podcast is the K-Drama rewatch podcast by (and for) people who don't watch Korean dramas.

In season one, host Will Choi (founder of Asian AF) and I -- both self-professed Korean drama beginners -- with help and hand-holding by our resident K-Drama expert Joanna Lee, attempt to watch and discuss the 2009 megahit drama Boys Over Flowers in its entirety, episode by episode.

Last week our "one true pairing" finally came together, so in Korean drama world, that can only mean one thing... it's time for the CURVEBALL! The tilt comes in the form of Perm Boy's mother (Perm-Mom?) who does not approve of the sorta cute and cheesy relationship we've grown to tolerate over the past nine episodes. In this episode, we analyze her multi-phase Machiavellian plot to separate our plucky heroes. Will she succeed?

The F4 Olympics: Korean Drama Podcast - Boys Over Flowers #7

A K-Drama re-watch podcast by (and for) people who don't watch Korean dramas.



Are you a fan of Korean dramas? Then this podcast is probably not for you. The Korean Drama Podcast is the K-Drama rewatch podcast by (and for) people who don't watch Korean dramas.

In season one, host Will Choi (founder of Asian AF) and I -- both self-professed Korean drama beginners -- with help and hand-holding by our resident K-Drama expert Joanna Lee, attempt to watch and discuss the 2009 megahit drama Boys Over Flowers in its entirety, episode by episode.

In this week's episode, we learn that sports can solve all of life's problems -- specifically horse riding, car racing, and swimming. We also meet some new characters, including an older sister and the first adult figure at the school (who turns out to be useless). Also, some Fast and Furious talk.

New Caledonia Blues: Korean Drama Podcast - Boys Over Flowers #6

A K-Drama re-watch podcast by (and for) people who don't watch Korean dramas.



Are you a fan of Korean dramas? Then this podcast is probably not for you. The Korean Drama Podcast is the K-Drama rewatch podcast by (and for) people who don't watch Korean dramas.

In season one, host Will Choi (founder of Asian AF) and I -- both self-professed Korean drama beginners -- with help and hand-holding by our resident K-Drama expert Joanna Lee, attempt to watch and discuss the 2009 megahit drama Boys Over Flowers in its entirety, episode by episode.

In this week's episode, we are treated to some eye candy, wonder what purpose "Ringo" plays in the story, and contemplate the show's playlist of four songs. And then finally, THE KISS! So it's over, our heroes get together and live happily ever after! Wait, there are 21 more episodes?!?!

Welcome to New Caledonia: Korean Drama Podcast - Boys Over Flowers #5

A K-Drama re-watch podcast by (and for) people who don't watch Korean dramas.



Are you a fan of Korean dramas? Then this podcast is probably not for you. The Korean Drama Podcast is the K-Drama rewatch podcast by (and for) people who don't watch Korean dramas.

In season one, host Will Choi (founder of Asian AF) and I -- both self-professed Korean drama beginners -- with help and hand-holding by our resident K-Drama expert Joanna Lee, attempt to watch and discuss the 2009 megahit drama Boys Over Flowers in its entirety, episode by episode.

In this week's episode, it's all hard swings as we go from brutal bullying, to a dashing rescue, to... an island vacation? We are treated to a blatant advertisement for the island of New Caledonia, and also chat about beauty standards and personal tastes in Korean food.

K-Drama Bullying Is No Joke: Korean Drama Podcast - Boys Over Flowers #4

A K-Drama re-watch podcast by (and for) people who don't watch Korean dramas.



Are you a fan of Korean dramas? Then this podcast is probably not for you. The Korean Drama Podcast is the K-Drama rewatch podcast by (and for) people who don't watch Korean dramas.

In season one, host Will Choi (founder of Asian AF) and I -- both self-professed Korean drama beginners -- with help and hand-holding by our resident K-Drama expert Joanna Lee, attempt to watch and discuss the 2009 megahit drama Boys Over Flowers in its entirety, episode by episode.

In this week's episode, we are faced with even more K-Drama tropes including personal space issues, awkward tardy dates (in the snow) and JEALOUSY! New rival Oh Minji adds drama to the drama and our hosts are powerless to resist. Also, Korean drama bullying is no joke (don't bully).

"Perm Boy, Violin Guy, Pottery Boy and Ringo": Korean Drama Podcast - Boys Over Flowers #3

A K-Drama re-watch podcast by (and for) people who don't watch Korean dramas.



Are you a fan of Korean dramas? Then this podcast is probably not for you. The Korean Drama Podcast is the K-Drama rewatch podcast by (and for) people who don't watch Korean dramas.

In season one, host Will Choi (founder of Asian AF) and I -- both self-professed Korean drama beginners -- with help and hand-holding by our resident K-Drama expert Joanna Lee, attempt to watch and discuss the 2009 megahit drama Boys Over Flowers in its entirety, episode by episode.

In this week's episode, we dive back into the story of Perm Boy, Violin Guy, Pottery Boy, and Ringo in Episode 3 of Boys Over Flowers. As we try to piece together the not-quite-love triangle (or a line with 3 points) forming among the characters, we continue to wonder: where are all the adults?