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Today, we’re doing a special episode on Bon Appétit, Your Majesty, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Lee Chae Min as King Yi Heon and Im Yoon A as Yeon Ji Yeong. We are joined by the amazing Ernabel Demillo to discuss:

• The featured song during the recap: I Find You by Do Young.
• How Bon Appétit, Your Majesty is a light-hearted, romantic, and food-filled drama inspired by the dark reign of King Yeonsangun.
• The show’s unique blend of historical fiction, time travel, romance, and culinary arts — with food as a central character and storytelling device.
• The story of King Yeonsangun, the real tyrant who inspired the fictional King Yi Heon, and how the drama reimagines his story.
• A comparison to Mr. Queen and why this show, though similar on the surface, is more about food, love, and redemption than gender-bending comedy.
• Im Yoon A and Lee Chae Min’s incredible chemistry, with Lee Chae Min’s breakout performance being especially notable given his short preparation time.
• The standout supporting characters, including Gil Geum, Gong Gil, Kang Mok Ju, and the Chinese chefs — each representing different cultural and culinary dynamics.
• The symbolic power of food in the drama, showing how it connects people, heals trauma, and even saves nations.
• The use of the Mangunrok as the show’s MacGuffin — both a literal time travel portal and a symbolic love letter from the king.
• The drama’s conclusion, including how the king travels to the modern day, and the emotional payoff of their reunion through food.
• A discussion of Michelin-starred restaurants in Asia, the rise of Korean cuisine globally, and personal dining experiences from Ernabel.
• Gong Gil’s deeper role and edited-out storyline — including a potential love triangle that was ultimately minimized.
• The theme of finding your destined love across time, emphasized through the OST lyrics and repeated motifs of reunion and promise.
• What we’re watching now — from Because This Is My First Life to Would You Marry Me and The Uncanny Counter — and a preview of Season 13 of K Drama Chat, where we will recap and analyze Startup.

References

• From The Tatler: The true story about the fictional king in ‘Bon Appétit, Your Majesty’
• From TIME: The Real History Behind the Time Travel K-Drama Bon Appetit, Your Majesty
• From Reddit: Summary of the ending of the book “Surviving as Yeonsangun’s Cher”
• Asian American Life website 

and recent episodes

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Today, we have a special episode of K Drama Chat where we’re joined by longtime listener, friend, and screenwriter, Ellen Sullivan. We talk about the art and science of screenwriting and how the best K Dramas follow—or creatively depart from—dramatic structure to deliver compelling, emotional stories. In this episode, we discuss:

• The shows that are heavily spoiled in this episode: Crash Landing On You, Mr. Queen, Mr. Sunshine, When the Phone Rings, and Captivating the King.
• Ellen’s background as a screenwriter and technical writer, and how her passion for K Dramas began with My Mister.
• The Western three-act structure versus the Korean four-act structure (gi-seung-jeon-gyeol), and how each style approaches storytelling and character development.
• Detailed examples of setup, midpoint, and conclusion in Crash Landing On You, Mr. Queen, and Mr. Sunshine.
• What makes these shows work: believable character arcs, clear motivations, strong midpoint turns, and emotional payoffs.
• The redemption arc as a dramatic formula, especially in characters like Gu Seung-jun (CLOY) and Jang Bong-hwan (Mr. Queen).
• Why humor breaks are essential in Korean dramas and how they add richness to character and story.
• Foreshadowing and payoffs (or lack thereof) in When the Phone Rings, and why the “Argan” plot twist derailed the show.
  The pacing and structural missteps in Captivating the King, including over-explaining, weak female lead development, and a lack of trust in the audience.
• The importance of a “MacGuffin” in each drama—a central object or goal everyone is chasing.
• How K Dramas “trust the audience” by skipping mundane scenes and using implication rather than exposition.
• The emotional power of music in K Dramas, especially in Mr. Queen, CLOY, and Mr. Sunshine, and how it enhances tone and viewer engagement.
• Why well-crafted character interaction reveals motivation better than exposition.
• The writing mantra: “Make me care.” How the best dramas engage our emotions without making us think about structure until the end.
• What we’re watching now, including Bon Appetit, Heavenly Ever After, Typhoon Family, Because This is My First Life, Signal, and Will You Marry Me.
• A big reveal: the next K Drama we’ll be recapping in Season 13! You have to listen to find out!

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Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 16, the finale, of Extraordinary Attorney Woo, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Park Eun-bin as Woo Young-woo, Kang Tae-oh as Lee Jun-ho, Ha Yoon-kyung as Choi Soo-yeon, Ju Hyun-young as Dong Geurami, Kang Ki-young as Jung Myung-seok, and Joo Jong-hyuk as Kwon Min-woo. We discuss:

• The songs featured during the recap: Dance with a Best Friend by Roh Young Sim and Beyond My Dreams by Sunwoojunga.
• The Wall Street Journal article that explores the wide spectrum of autism and how the medical community thinks we need better and different diagnoses for the different presentations of autism.
• Woo Young-woo and Choi Sang-hyeon’s similarities, including their autistic traits, intelligence, and love of gimbap and Rubik’s cubes.
• Tae Su-mi’s response to her son’s confession of hacking and how it reflects both ambition and maternal instinct.
• The ethical and legal complexities of the Raon hacking case, including Woo Young-woo’s dilemma between social justice and client interests.
• The pivotal moment where Attorney Jung tells Woo Young-woo, “You’re not an ordinary attorney,” marking her growth and moral clarity.
• Hanbada’s legal strategy to submit the hacker’s confession and differentiate between a data breach and a security breach.
• The class action lawsuit’s dismissal due to lack of actual data disclosure, and Tae Su-mi’s decision to withdraw from her Minister of Justice candidacy.
• The nuanced portrayal of Attorney Jung’s health crisis and his potential path to a life with better balance and renewed love.
• Kwon Min-woo’s redemption arc: quitting his vendetta against Woo Young Woo, re-evaluating his ambition, and trying to live “like a fool.”
• The scene where Woo Young-woo asks Tae Su-mi to let her brother testify—framing it as a moment of maternal reckoning.
• Lee Jun-ho’s heartfelt confession comparing his love to that of a cat owner—unrequired, quirky, patient, and unwavering.
• The beautiful ending that shows Woo Young-woo achieving fulfillment—being hired full-time at Hanbada and sharing a quiet, joyful moment with Lee Jun-ho.
• Commentary on the show's themes of fulfillment, living with values, and caring for your loved ones.
• Final reflections on the series and the growth of Woo Young-woo, Attorney Jung, and Kwon Min Woo.

References

• Soonpoong Clinic - MyDramaList
• A mother and her son share an autism diagnosis. But their worlds couldn’t be more different. 
• Is Autism Genetic? | UCLA Medical School.
• ​​Cyanide poisoning - Wikipedia
• The Hidden Cultural Secrets Behind Korean Surnames and Names

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Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 15 of Extraordinary Attorney Woo, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Park Eun-bin as Woo Young Woo, Kang Tae-oh as Lee Jun-ho, Ha Yoon-kyung as Choi Soo-yeon, Ju Hyun-young as Dong Geu-ra-mi, Kang Ki-young as Jung Myung-seok, and Joo Jong-hyuk as Kwon Min-woo. We discuss:

• The songs featured during the recap: Prom Dance by Roh Young Sim and Brave by Kim Jong Wan.
• How this episode is a cautionary tale about phishing and spear phishing, with a detailed breakdown of cyberattacks and how they work.
• Attorney Jang's arrogance and failure as a leader, and how he nearly ruins the Raon case due to his insecurity and inexperience.
• Choi Soo-yeon and Kwon Min-woo taking bold risks in court to argue Woo Young Woo’s theory, saving the case.
• The disturbing courtroom suicide attempt by CEO Bae In-cheol and what drove him to such a public act of despair.
• Woo Young Woo’s heartbreak and the poignant conversation where she reveals to Jun-ho that she’s afraid she’ll make him lonely.
• Choi Soo-yeon’s confession to Kwon Min-woo, asking him to act with heart instead of strategy: “Because I like guys who are like that.”
• The courtroom drama and the judge's precise nature, possibly reflecting traits similar to Woo Young Woo’s.
• The revelation that Tae Su-mi’s son—Woo Young Woo’s half-brother—is the hacker behind the Raon breach.
• CEO Han’s manipulative move to “protect” Woo Young Woo by orchestrating her temporary disappearance when the news breaks about her parentage.
• The emotional significance of Attorney Jung’s surgery and his relationship with Woo Young Woo, who visits him in the hospital in her own awkward yet heartfelt way.
• The shifting relationship between Choi Soo-yeon and Kwon Min-woo as they navigate tension, politics, and potential romance.
• The societal and legal implications of holding corporations accountable for data breaches, including evolving privacy laws in Korea.
• Korean surnames, pronunciation, and cultural insights into name origins, including the now-repealed law banning marriage between people with the same surname and ancestral origin.
• The wonderful recommendations for season 13 of our K Drama Chat from our listeners!

References

• Personal Information Protection Act of South Korea
• Bibimbap - Wikipedia

Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 14 of Extraordinary Attorney Woo, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Park Eun-bin as Woo Young Woo, Kang Tae-oh as Lee Jun-ho, Ha Yoon-kyung as Choi Soo-yeon, Ju Hyung-young as Dong Geu-ra-mi, Kang Ki-young as Jung Myung-seok, and Joo Jong-hyuk as Kwon Min-woo. We discuss:

• The songs we featured during the recap: Blue Night of Jeju Island (instrumental version) and Whale Is by Roh Young Sim.
• How this episode focuses more on the personal journeys of Woo Young-woo and Attorney Jung, rather than the legal case itself.
• The powerful contrast between the Hanbada legal team’s adversarial view of justice and the abbot’s serene, non-materialistic Buddhist philosophy.
• Attorney Jung’s emotional and physical crisis, as he reveals he has stage 3 stomach cancer, and what that diagnosis means.
• The heartbreaking breakup between Woo Young-woo and Lee Jun-ho, and her running away mid-conversation after receiving legal inspiration, leaving him devastated.
• The parallel between Lee Jun-ho’s heartbreak and Attorney Jung’s failed marriage—both men feel neglected by the women they loved.
• The impact of the abbot’s wisdom and presence on Attorney Jung, who is inspired to propose a foundation to help the temple become financially self-sustaining.
• The discovery of Haengbok Noodles' original owner and the delicious soup that he made for the Hanbada team.
• The ongoing transformation of Kwon Min-woo, who shows restraint and surprising kindness toward Choi Soo-yeon.
• A possible romance brewing between Choi Soo-yeon and Kwon Min-woo, with awkward but sweet tension and a Noraebang interruption.
• The deepening mystery surrounding CEO Han and her Machiavellian use of Woo Young-woo’s identity to potentially destroy Tae Su-mi.
• The shows we’re considering for Season 13 of K Drama Chat.

References

• Korean Family Terms - How to address your relatives
• Public Law 6656
• BTS Suga's 5 Billion Won Donation Opens Autism Center
• Gimbap - Wikipedia
• What Is Stomach Cancer? - NCI
• Stomach cancer hits Asian populations harder.
• Confucianism - Wikipedia
• Daeden-Zzi: the Game | USC Digital Folklore Archives

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Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 13 of Extraordinary Attorney Woo, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Park Eun-bin as Woo Young Woo, Kang Tae-oh as Lee Jun-ho, Ha Yoon-kyung as Choi Soo-yeon, Ju Hyun-young as Dong Geu-ra-mi, Kang Ki-young as Jung Myung-seok, and Joo Jong-hyuk as Kwon Min-woo. We discuss:

• The songs featured during the recap: The Blue Night of Jeju Island by Park Eun-bin and Unanswered Questions by KOOW.
• The legal case centered around a 3,000 won admission fee to Hwangjisa Temple, and how it raises questions about cultural heritage law and public access.
• The real-life filming location of the fictional Hwangjisa Temple: Gwaneumsa Temple on Jeju Island, including its architecture, templestay program, and serene atmosphere.
• The blurred gwaebultaeng painting of Avalokiteśvara (Guanyin) and how it symbolizes the unseen spiritual essence in Korean Buddhist traditions.
• Attorney Jung’s health deterioration and emotional unravelling, including his poignant reflections about his failed marriage and the impact of overwork.
• How Jeju Island acts as a backdrop for both a court case and an emotional retreat for the Hanbada team, revealing character backstories and personal struggles.
• Lee Jun-ho's awkward attempt to introduce Woo Young-woo to his sister and brother-in-law, leading to a painful confrontation overheard by WYW.
• The layered misunderstandings and hurtful comments about WYW’s relationship with Lee Jun-ho, especially from his skeptical sister.
• Kwon Min-woo’s unexpectedly supportive behavior toward Choi Soo-yeon and what we learn about his family obligations and financial pressures.
• More insight into language and social dynamics, including the respectful and familiar terms used between family members and toward WYW.
• The filming locations of Extraordinary Attorney Woo, including Deoksugung Stone-wall Road, the real-life gimbap restaurant in Suwon, and the hackberry tree in Changwon.

References

• Gwaneumsa Temple on Jeju Island
• Visit Korea website about Gwaneumsa Temple
• Kajaguruma restaurant in Suwon
• Hackberry tree from Extraordinary Attorney Woo received natural monument status
• Hanbok - Wikipedia.
• Religion in South Korea - Wikipedia
• Internal Investigations in Korea: If You Want To Win, Record All Interviews - Lexology

.

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Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 12 of Extraordinary Attorney Woo, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Park Eun-bin as Woo Young Woo, Kang Tae-oh as Lee Jun-ho, Ha Yoon-kyung as Choi Soo-yeon, Ju Hyun-young as Dong Geurami, Kang Ki-young as Jung Myung-seok, and Joo Jong-hyuk as Kwon Min-woo. We discuss:

• The songs featured during the recap: “One Two Three Young Woo” by Jo Byeong Hyeon and “H” by Roh Young Sim. The first is quirky, while the second is melancholy.
• The political and ethical complexity of Hanbada’s involvement in drafting a policy that led to mass layoffs of married women.
• The fierce and principled attorney Ryu Jae Sook, who champions women’s and labor rights, and who offers a thought-provoking contrast to Hanbada's corporate approach.
• The idea of generation names in Korean clans, and how these were used to explore the relationship between Judge Ryu Myeong Ha and Attorney Ryu Jae Sook.
• Attorney Jung’s jarring statement that attorneys are not meant to make the world a better place, but to defend their clients, no matter who they are.
• Woo Young Woo’s internal conflict as she receives a job offer from Attorney Ryu and wrestles with what kind of attorney she wants to be.
• The damaging but clever tactics of Kwon Min-woo, who secretly mails a legal memo to the opposing counsel in an attempt to frame Woo Young Woo.
• The brutal emotional toll of litigation, as personal and irrelevant information (such as fertility treatment) is dragged into court to discredit the plaintiffs.
• The bittersweet conclusion to the case: the women lose in court but win in the court of public opinion and in moral conviction.
• The evolving relationship between Woo Young Woo and Lee Jun-ho as they try to navigate differing perceptions of what it means to be a couple.
• The quiet decline of Attorney Jung, whose stress and physical deterioration hint at serious underlying health issues.
• A linguistic and cultural deep dive into the Korean pronunciation of family names such as Choi, Park, and Yun, and the surprising differences when romanized.

References

• Generation name - Wikipedia
• Pro bono practices and opportunities in South Korea
• Glass ceiling - Wikipedia

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Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 11 of Extraordinary Attorney Woo, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Park Eun-bin as Woo Young Woo, Kang Tae-oh as Lee Jun-ho, Ha Yoon-kyung as Choi Soo-yeon, Joo Hyun-young as Dong Geu-ra-mi, Kang Ki-young as Jung Myung-seok, and Joo Jong-hyuk as Kwon Min-woo. We discuss:

• The songs featured during the recap: Overture and Junho Being Brave (Let me be your hug chair) by Roh Young Sim
• The legal case about three gambling friends and a disputed lottery ticket—and the moral, ethical, and legal dilemmas it raises.
• Attorney Jung’s surprising soft side, as he takes on a questionable case swayed by a couple’s sob story and a broken heel.
• Article 103 of Korean civil law that states that contracts that violate social order are null and void.
• The twist when the plaintiff, Shin Il-su, asks about keeping lottery winnings in a divorce and how Korean law defines marital vs. non-marital property.
• Woo Young Woo's internal conflict about helping a client who may have lied and cheated, echoing the ATM case and her evolving stance on ethics.
• The white truck of doom strikes again, killing Shin Il-su and transferring his lottery winnings (and insurance payout) to his unsuspecting wife.
• A key moment in Woo Young Woo and Lee Jun-ho’s relationship: a traumatic accident, sensory overload, and Jun-ho calming her with a deep pressure back hug.
• A major turning point in their romance: the sweet kiss in front of her house, witnessed (shockingly!) by her dad, Woo Gwang-ho.
• Choi Soo-yeon’s brush with a scammer who targets professional women. Thankfully, she’s warned off just in time by another victim.
• Kwon Min-woo's shocking betrayal: he tells Tae Su-mi her secret is out and offers to get Woo Young Woo fired in exchange for a job at Taesan.
• A cameo appearance by Kang Myung Joo as the judge—she also played Ban Ji Eum’s mom in See You in My 19th Life.
• The amazing comedic timing of Joo Hyun-young, who plays Dong Geu-ra-mi, and her background in Saturday Night Live Korea and other variety shows.

References

• KAHI multi-balm
• Procedure of Arrest in Korea: Do I Hear a Miranda Warning?
• Miranda warning - Wikipedia.
• Deep Pressure for Autism: What Are the Benefits?
• OTO, The Hugging Chair

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Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 10 of Extraordinary Attorney Woo, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Park Eun-bin as Woo Young Woo, Kang Tae-oh as Lee Jun-ho, Ha Yoon-kyung as Choi Soo-yeon, Ju Hyun-young as Dong Geu-rami, Kang Ki-young as Jung Myung-seok, and Joo Jong-hyuk as Kwon Min-woo. We discuss:

• The songs we featured during the recap: “Young Woo’s Heart (Hard to Read Your Mind)” by Roh Young Shim and “Spring Love” by Jo Nam Wook.
• The complex legal and ethical dimensions of a quasi-rape case involving a woman with an intellectual disability and her romantic partner.
• How the case parallels Woo Young Woo’s own fears about her budding relationship with Lee Jun-ho.
• The difficult legal distinction between consent and coercion, especially when someone has cognitive disabilities.
• How the Korean legal system allows judges to overrule jury verdicts and what this means for justice.
• The tender but awkward growth of the romance between Woo Young Woo and Lee Jun-ho, culminating in a sweet and respectful first kiss.
• Choi Soo-yeon’s disastrous blind date with Min-sik.
• The increasing tension around Kwon Min-woo’s investigation into Woo Young Woo’s true parentage and his possible motivations.
• Tae Su-mi’s shocking offer to send Woo Young Woo and her father to Boston, with implications of removing her from the political scene.
• The devastating confrontation between Tae Su-mi and Woo Gwang-ho, and the emotional manipulation she attempts.
• The recurring theme of adults with disabilities seeking agency in their lives despite overprotective parents.
• The actor Joo Jong-hyuk, who plays Kwon Min-woo, his recent roles and upcoming appearance in The Confidence Man KR with Park Min-young.

References

• Rape, Imitative Rape and Quasi Rape Laws in South Korea
• American Tree Swallow Breeding Behaviors | Nest Box Live.
• Reflections on the Korean Jury Trial
• The Judiciary > Introduction

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Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 9 of Extraordinary Attorney Woo, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Park Eun-bin as Woo Young Woo, Kang Tae-oh as Lee Jun-ho, Ha Yoon-kyung as Choi Soo-yeon, Ju Hyun-young as Dong Geu-rami, Kang Ki-young as Jung Myung-seok, and Joo Jong-hyuk as Kwon Min-woo. We discuss:

• The songs featured during the recap: “Young Woo Baragi Junho” by Jo Nam Wook and “A Whale in a Frame” by Roh Young Sim.
• The Pied Piper case, which critiques Korea’s intense academic pressure on children and the hagwon (private academy) system.
• Bang Gu Ppong’s philosophies: children must play, be healthy, and be happy immediately - and how he becomes a folk hero to the kids.
• The courtroom scenes where Woo Young Woo defends BGP, arguing he is a political offender, not a criminal—a bold and passionate argument.
• The deep moment of apology and humility when the Mujin Hagwon’s director bows before the parents to ask for leniency.
• The kids’ dramatic and touching show of support for BGP in court—while ethically questionable, it reflects how deeply he moved them.
• Dong Geu-rami and Min-sik's hilariously misguided advice to Woo Young Woo about how to show affection to Jun-ho.
• The gendered expectations embedded in traditional dating behaviors and how Woo Young Woo’s literal interpretation leads to awkward moments.
• Lee Jun-ho finally confessing his feelings to Woo Young Woo after episodes of inner conflict and hesitation.
• The clash with Kwon Min-woo and how Attorney Jung once again defends Woo Young Woo, showing his deep principles and mentorship.
• The mysterious nighttime visit from CEO Tae Su Mi to Woo Gwang Ho and its potential implications, especially with a journalist watching.

References

• Pied Piper of Hamelin - Wikipedia
• Misugaru - Korean Multi-Grain Powder Drink - Kimchimari
• Squid Games Games Explained
• Cram or crime? Demand for illegal late-night hagwon classes persists despite gov't crackdowns
• Jajangmyeon - Wikipedia
• Korean “Noonchi” and Its Chinese Equivalent Demystified | by Charlene Xiaolan K. | Medium
• Understanding Noonchi in Korean Culture and Language | TikTok
• Noonchi (Nunchi) Primer for Teachers in Korea | EFL Magazine.
• How to Properly Harness the Power of Nunchi