K Drama Chat Weekly

Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 4 of Start-Up , the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Bae Suzy as Seo Dal-mi, Nam Joo-hyuk as Nam Do-san, Kim Seon-ho as Han Ji-pyeong, Kang Han-na as Won In-jae, and Kim Hae-sook as Choi Won-deok. We discuss: The songs featured during the recap: “I Know” by Seunghui, Jiho, and Yubin, and “Let’s Go To Sandbox” by Kim Dong Hyuk. The history and meaning behind Korea's first snow superstition and how it shows up in K Dramas and real life. Netflix’s evolution and its global strategy as it reportedly acquires Warner Brothers. The symbolism behind the money plant that Dal-mi gives Do-san and the Joseon-era significance of In-jae cutting her hair. How Sandbox reflects the early 2000s .com startup culture — including casual offices and office dogs. The origin of the word “bug” in computing and its metaphorical meaning for Do-san’s emotional crash. How all three leads — Dal-mi, Do-san, and In-jae — are sailing without a map, trying to prove themsel...

Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 3 of Start-Up , the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Bae Suzy as Seo Dal-mi, Nam Joo Hyuk as Nam Do-san, Kim Seon Ho as Han Ji Pyeong, Kang Han Na as Won In Jae, and Kim Hae Sook as Choi Won Deok. We discuss: The songs featured during the recap: One Day by Kim Feel and Dream a Dream by Park Sejun. Kim Feel’s music is soulful and widely featured in K Drama OSTs. Joanna’s trip to Europe, highlights from Nice and Monaco, and her growing confidence speaking French thanks to Duolingo Max. The hilarious and emotional interactions between Nam Do-san and Han Ji Pyeong, including reciting the South Korean national anthem to cover a fake business discussion. The poetic metaphor of the music box, representing Nam Do-san as someone full of potential and how Seo Dal-mi’s belief in him gives him the courage to grow. The layered sibling rivalry and estrangement between Seo Dal-mi and Won In Jae, and the complex emotions tied to their mother. An in-depth e...

Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 2 of Start-Up , the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Bae Suzy as Seo Dal-mi, Nam Joo-hyuk as Nam Do-san, Kim Seon-ho as Han Ji-pyeong, Kang Han-na as Won In-jae, and Kim Hae-sook as Choi Won-deok. We discuss: The songs featured during the recap: “Day and Night” by Jung Seung Hwan and “Start-Up” by Kim Dong Hyeok. The parallels between this episode and Cyrano de Bergerac , with a mysterious letter-writer and mistaken identity. The warmth and complexity of the relationship between Choi Won-deok and Han Ji-pyeong, and how their past connects them to Dal-mi’s present. Seo Dal-mi’s struggle to prove her life choices were valid, especially when compared to her sister’s seemingly perfect life. Dal-mi’s determination to attend the networking event and show off a successful partner, despite the nonexistence of Nam Do-san as she imagines him. The brutal and unfair treatment Dal-mi receives at her job, and how her lack of a college degree limits her o...

Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 1 of Start-Up , the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Bae Suzy as Seo Dal-mi, Nam Joo-hyuk as Nam Do-san, Kim Seon-ho as Han Ji-pyeong, Kang Han-na as Won In-jae, and Kim Hae-sook as Choi Won-deok. We discuss: The songs we featured during the recap: “Future” by Red Velvet and “A Small Post Box of Hope” by Park Se-jun. The heartbreaking and hopeful relationship between Han Ji-pyeong and Choi Won-deok, who gives him a place to stay and helps launch his future. The idea that sometimes, people don’t fall on soft sand—they fall on concrete—and what that means for those who risk everything to start a business. The many business concepts introduced in this episode: startups, angel investors, venture capitalists, incubators, and accelerators. The heartbreaking story of Seo Dal-mi’s father, who dies just as he achieves the first step in scaling his business. The metaphor and origin of the name “Sandbox” and what it means for entrepreneurs. The painful separa...

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 st...