This week Jun and Daniel discuss the much anticipated Squid Game 2, and use it as a way to explore various aspects of Korean culture. Our hosts run through the cast of characters with commentary, discuss each of the Korean games that were played, dive into Korea’s high household debt to GDP ratio, and more. Through discussions of character portrayals, game mechanics, and underlying themes, they touch on topics like Korea's media industry, gender roles, military service culture, what parts of the show Koreans would find most nostalgic.

If you're interested in learning about Korean childhood games, how Netflix seems to be influencing K-drama production, or perspectives on trans representation, tune in to hear Daniel and Jun discuss all this and more! In this episode, our hosts also share their favorite and least favorite characters, and highlight several cultural notes that loyal listeners of the pod may have also picked up on.

Links
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_most-watched_Netflix_original_programming (Squid Game 1 is most watched Netflix series of all time)
https://youtu.be/SVxiqGiLMCM?si=U0_bEE1NHJH74GvE&t=71 (그대에게 performance)

Support the show

As a reminder, we record one episode a week in-person from Seoul, South Korea. We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey!

Support us on Patreon:
https://patreon.com/user?u=99211862

Follow us on socials:
https://www.instagram.com/koreanamericanpodcast/
https://twitter.com/korampodcast
https://www.tiktok.com/@koreanamericanpodcast

Questions/Comments/Feedback? Email us at: [email protected]

This week Jun and Daniel review the 2005 Korean film "Lady Vengeance", the unofficial final installment in Park Chan-wook's vengeance trilogy. Through their analysis of the film, they explore how revenge is depicted differently in Korean versus American media, discussing themes of collectivism versus individualism, institutional injustice, and the contrast between surface appearances and underlying realities in Korean society.

If you're interested in learning about Korean cultural elements like prison tofu traditions, why revenge plots are so prominent in Korean media, how Korean and American societies view justice differently, or what makes Korean collective revenge distinct from Western individual revenge, tune in to hear Daniel and Jun discuss all this and more! This week they also explore hierarchical power dynamics in Korean society, debate the role of physical appearances, and share their thoughts on harmony versus authenticity in collectivist cultures.

Support the show

As a reminder, we record one episode a week in-person from Seoul, South Korea. We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey!

Support us on Patreon:
https://patreon.com/user?u=99211862

Follow us on socials:
https://www.instagram.com/koreanamericanpodcast/
https://twitter.com/korampodcast
https://www.tiktok.com/@koreanamericanpodcast

Questions/Comments/Feedback? Email us at: [email protected]

This week Jun and Daniel reflect on 2024, and look ahead to 2025 in their year-end wrap-up “SSAMary” episode. The hosts examine their podcast's growth over the past year including reaching #1 on the Apple Podcasts Korea charts and 27000% growth in YouTube subscribers. Additionally, our hosts discuss their most and least favorite episodes, dive into stats across various platforms, highlight memorable milestones, and share their personal and podcast hopes and goals (don’t call them resolutions!) for the upcoming year.

If you're interested in hearing about how our hosts did against their goals from a year ago, or want to hear their personal reflections on 2024 (including Daniel's year of not working and Jun's transition to a new job), tune in to hear them discuss all this and more! This episode also touches on topics like finding community, maintaining creative motivation, and whether they feel like they still have room to grow.

This was quite a year for the podcast, full of many unexpected but exciting events. To all of our listeners and supporters– from the bottom of our Korean and American hearts, thank you so so much!

Support the show

As a reminder, we record one episode a week in-person from Seoul, South Korea. We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey!

Support us on Patreon:
https://patreon.com/user?u=99211862

Follow us on socials:
https://www.instagram.com/koreanamericanpodcast/
https://twitter.com/korampodcast
https://www.tiktok.com/@koreanamericanpodcast

Questions/Comments/Feedback? Email us at: [email protected]

This week Jun and Daniel discuss all things winter! Prompted by the recent first snow (​​첫눈), which happened to be the biggest November snowfall ever recorded in Korean history, our hosts discuss winter life and traditions in Korea compared to America. What is gimjang (김장) season and what is typically eaten with the first batch of kimchi? What are the distinct differences between Korean and American snowmen, and what do these differences reflect in their respective cultures? What are the most popular winter fruits in Korea? What are some of the most popular winter foods? What is the biggest difference between Christmas in Korea vs America? How do Koreans dress up their trees for the winter? Do any of the traditional Christmas smells in America carry over to Korea?

If you're interested in any of these questions, tune in to hear Daniel and Jun discuss all this and more! Also in this episode, Daniel shares his first experience with jokbal, Jun recounts a college ski trip tradition, and both hosts debate the usage of umbrellas in the snow.

Support the show

As a reminder, we record one episode a week in-person from Seoul, South Korea. We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey!

Support us on Patreon:
https://patreon.com/user?u=99211862

Follow us on socials:
https://www.instagram.com/koreanamericanpodcast/
https://twitter.com/korampodcast
https://www.tiktok.com/@koreanamericanpodcast

Questions/Comments/Feedback? Email us at: [email protected]

This week Jun and Daniel dive into fashion trends and cultural differences between Korea and America. From men’s hairstyles to women’s modesty norms, our hosts explore how fashion intersects with cultural values, generational divides, and societal expectations. They discuss topics like Korea's recent trend toward athleisure wear, the popularity of certain global brands, and how beauty standards influence fashion choices. The conversation also touches on the rise of Korean fashion brands globally, the influence of K-pop on fashion trends, and the differences in shopping behaviors between the two countries.

If you're interested in hearing about Daniel's journey with Korean hairstyles, Jun's observations on American fashion stereotypes, or their thoughts on luxury brands and fast fashion, tune in to hear Daniel and Jun discuss all this and more! Also in this episode, Daniel shares his favorite clothing brand, Jun explains the origins of Musinsa, and both hosts attempt to make sense of sizing conventions across different countries.

Support the show

As a reminder, we record one episode a week in-person from Seoul, South Korea. We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey!

Support us on Patreon:
https://patreon.com/user?u=99211862

Follow us on socials:
https://www.instagram.com/koreanamericanpodcast/
https://twitter.com/korampodcast
https://www.tiktok.com/@koreanamericanpodcast

Questions/Comments/Feedback? Email us at: [email protected]

This week Jun and Daniel explore the annual calendar of holidays and events in both Korea and America. Through a quiz format and month-by-month discussion, our hosts compare how each country celebrates its major holidays, from Lunar New Year and Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) in Korea to Thanksgiving (American Mid-Autumn Festival) and Independence Day in America. They also explore deeper cultural differences revealed through these celebrations, like Korea's declining adherence to traditional customs versus America's enthusiastic embrace of holiday traditions.

If you're interested in learning about the differences between Korean and American federal holidays, how modern Korea is moving away from traditional celebrations, why Koreans prefer practical value over symbolic traditions, or how holidays reflect broader cultural values like individualism versus collectivism, tune in to hear Daniel and Jun discuss all this and more! This week's episode also touches on topics like birthday celebrations, wedding anniversaries, as well as generational differences.

Support the show

As a reminder, we record one episode a week in-person from Seoul, South Korea. We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey!

Support us on Patreon:
https://patreon.com/user?u=99211862

Follow us on socials:
https://www.instagram.com/koreanamericanpodcast/
https://twitter.com/korampodcast
https://www.tiktok.com/@koreanamericanpodcast

Questions/Comments/Feedback? Email us at: [email protected]

This week Jun and Daniel discuss major news headlines from October and November 2024. From cultural controversies surrounding Dongduk Women's University and the 4B movement, to Korea's surging soft power with Blackpink’s Rosé topping the music charts and Han Kang winning the Nobel Prize for Literature, our hosts explore how these events reflect and impact Korean society. They examine the nuances of how feminism is accepted by society differently in Korea than America, discuss Korea’s passing obsession with bitcoin, and discuss how Korean culture is being exported globally through music, literature and more.

If you're interested in understanding the cultural tensions around feminism in Korea, how cryptocurrency and investment culture differs between Korea and America, or what it means for Korea to top global soft power rankings, tune in to hear Daniel and Jun discuss all this and more! This week they also touch on the viral success of Rosé's "아파트" (APT), share their personal Bitcoin stories, and debate whether Korea's current cultural momentum can last.

Support the show

As a reminder, we record one episode a week in-person from Seoul, South Korea. We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey!

Support us on Patreon:
https://patreon.com/user?u=99211862

Follow us on socials:
https://www.instagram.com/koreanamericanpodcast/
https://twitter.com/korampodcast
https://www.tiktok.com/@koreanamericanpodcast

Questions/Comments/Feedback? Email us at: [email protected]

This week Jun and Daniel discuss sports culture in Korea and America, prompted by their recent experience attending a KBO (Korean Baseball Organization) playoff game together. Through comparing stadium experiences, fan behavior, player salaries, and cultural attitudes towards athletics, our hosts explore deeper societal differences between the two countries - from how Koreans view sports more as entertainment versus Americans' intense competitive spirit, to contrasting approaches to women's sports and mixed-gender athletics. What does wildcard, semi-playoffs, and playoffs mean in the context of Korean baseball? What is the topic of many of Daniel’s conversations with more Americanized Korean Koreans? Is there a difference between ‘hwaiting’ (화이팅) and ‘paiting’ (파이팅)?

If you're interested in any of these topics or questions, tune in to hear Daniel and Jun discuss all this and more! Also in this episode, Daniel shares his hot takes on NBA star Steph Curry, and Jun reveals his childhood connection to the Samsung Lions baseball team.

Note: This episode was recorded on October 24, 2024 and includes references to events that may feel anachronistic by the time of publication. Thank you for understanding!

Support the show

As a reminder, we record one episode a week in-person from Seoul, South Korea. We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey!

Support us on Patreon:
https://patreon.com/user?u=99211862

Follow us on socials:
https://www.instagram.com/koreanamericanpodcast/
https://twitter.com/korampodcast
https://www.tiktok.com/@koreanamericanpodcast

Questions/Comments/Feedback? Email us at: [email protected]

This week Jun and Daniel risk it all by using the charged 2024 US presidential election as a reason to compare and discuss the political systems and landscape in Korea and America. Our hosts attempt to discuss politics while remaining as neutral as possible, covering topics like the two-party system, campaign financing, big tech's political leanings, and the unique characteristics of conservative and progressive parties in both countries. They also explore the complex relationship between the US and Korea, from military presence to economic dependencies.

If you're interested in learning about how the Electoral College works, why Korean presidents often end up in jail after their terms, what drives young Korean men to become more conservative, or how tech companies navigate political waters differently in Korea versus America, tune in to hear Daniel and Jun discuss all this and more! Also in this episode, Daniel shares his personal struggles with voting and political engagement, while Jun explains the intricacies of Korea's political history and its path to democracy.

Support the show

As a reminder, we record one episode a week in-person from Seoul, South Korea. We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey!

Support us on Patreon:
https://patreon.com/user?u=99211862

Follow us on socials:
https://www.instagram.com/koreanamericanpodcast/
https://twitter.com/korampodcast
https://www.tiktok.com/@koreanamericanpodcast

Questions/Comments/Feedback? Email us at: [email protected]

This week Jun and Daniel continue their discussion of listener comments and reactions from social media, blogs, and other platforms. They explore the complex topic of Korean American identity, diving into experiences of discrimination, dual cultural belonging, and what it means to be a "third culture kid." The hosts also tackle comments about Korean driving habits, luxury goods consumption, and reactions to seeing their faces for the first time. Through these discussions, they reflect on deeper cultural nuances between Korea and America, from optimization mindsets to social status signaling.

If you're interested in understanding the unique challenges and perspectives of Korean Americans, hearing thoughtful responses to listener feedback, or learning about Korean society's relationship with efficiency and luxury goods, tune in to hear Daniel and Jun discuss all this and more! This week Daniel also shares his healing moment from a supportive blog comment after a difficult experience, while Jun offers insights into Korean society's complex relationship with Korean Americans and challenges some common assumptions about cultural differences.

Support the show

As a reminder, we record one episode a week in-person from Seoul, South Korea. We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey!

Support us on Patreon:
https://patreon.com/user?u=99211862

Follow us on socials:
https://www.instagram.com/koreanamericanpodcast/
https://twitter.com/korampodcast
https://www.tiktok.com/@koreanamericanpodcast

Questions/Comments/Feedback? Email us at: [email protected]

This week Jun and Daniel dedicate an episode to reading and responding to comments from their social media channels over the past few months. From inverter AC technology to birthing experiences to racism and cultural differences, our hosts dive deep into various topics that sparked discussion among their listeners. They explore Korean and American perspectives on everything from technical knowledge and education to small talk and societal values, while addressing misconceptions and clarifying their intentions behind certain statements.

If you're interested in hearing thoughtful responses to viewer feedback on topics like Korea's relationship with knowledge and education, different cultural approaches to small talk, perspectives on racism across cultures, or how living in Korea has shifted Daniel's viewpoint when reading comments, tune in to hear Daniel and Jun discuss all this and more! Also in this episode, the hosts share insights about the challenges of engaging with social media comments, debate the nuances of cultural sensitivity, and openly discuss their evolving understanding of complex societal issues.

Support the show

As a reminder, we record one episode a week in-person from Seoul, South Korea. We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey!

Support us on Patreon:
https://patreon.com/user?u=99211862

Follow us on socials:
https://www.instagram.com/koreanamericanpodcast/
https://twitter.com/korampodcast
https://www.tiktok.com/@koreanamericanpodcast

Questions/Comments/Feedback? Email us at: [email protected]