The Season 5 finale is here! On Episode 76 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess and Mina from the Kpop Bookshelf Podcast review SKY Castle, starring Yum Jung-Ah, Lee Tae-Ran, Yoon Se-Ah, Oh Na-Ra, and Kim Seo-Hyung, among many others. Jess and Mina talk through this drama from 2018, discussing the show’s incredible writing and performances from its cast, why it’s in the top 5 most highly rated K-dramas ever, its satirical portrayal of South Korea’s education system, our favorite characters, a breakdown of the show and all its most makjang elements, and more! GUEST: Mina Website: https://kpopbookshelfpod.wixsite.com/blog Kpop Bookshelf Podcast: Available on Spotify, Google, Apple Instagram: @kpopbookshelf --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/daebakpod/support

On Episode 75 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess and Liliana from the Tea & Soju Podcast review It's Okay, That's Love, starring Jo In-Sung and Kong Hyo-Jin. Jess and Liliana talk through this romance from 2014, discussing the show’s incredible writing and performances from its cast, its groundbreaking portrayal of mental illness and topics like mental health, trans issues, and consent, the chemistry between the leads, the animosity from fans of It's Okay to Not Be Okay, a breakdown of the show and all its most memorable scenes, THAT TWIST, and more! GUEST: Liliana Tea & Soju Asian Drama Podcast: Available on Spotify, Google, Apple Instagram: @teaandsojupod Twitter: @tea_soju_pod Rate and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, follow us on all the socials, and be sure to let us know what you want to see in Season 6! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/daebakpod/support

On Episode 74 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess is joined by Daebak royalty Miguel AND Rico to review seasons 1 and 2 of the J-drama Alice in Borderland, starring Yamazaki Kento and Tsuchiya Tao, among many others. Jess, Miguel, and Rico team up to cover this 2020/22 Netflix drama, discussing the ultra violence, if K-dramas are more or less violent, comparisons to Squid Game, the themes and messages of the show, the coolest shots, our favorite characters and scenes, the best games and plot beats, our thoughts on THAT ENDING, and more! **Trigger warning: This episode and show contains content about violence, suicide, and sexual assault. Rate and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, follow us on all the socials, and be sure to let us know what you want to see in Season 6! Follow us! Patreon Instagram Twitter Facebook --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/daebakpod/support

On Episode 73 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, the Drama Trio is on deck! Jess is joined by friends Caitlin from NoSleep4Dramas Blog & Podcast and Liliana from the Tea & Soju Podcast to review Eternal Love of Dream (aka Three Lives, Three Worlds, The Pillow Book), starring Dilraba Dilmurat and Vengo Gao. Jumping straight into spoilers, Jess, Caitlin, and Liliana talk through this ultimately disappointing 2020 sequel to Eternal Love (aka Ten Miles of Peach Blossoms). After coming together to review the original Eternal Love on the Tea & Soju Podcast, the trio have trouble doling out praise in this much-anticipated watch, discussing the rampant pacing issues, confusing retcons from the first show, the displaced timelines in comparison to the source novel, the lack of character development, (sadly) annoying portrayal of our lovesick fox, and more frustrating writing that overshadowed the acting and chemistry from these beloved leads. GUEST: Liliana Tea & Soju Asian Drama Podcast: Available on Spotify, Google, Apple Instagram: @teaandsojupod Twitter: @tea_soju_pod GUEST: Caitlin NoSleep4Dramas Podcast: Available on Spotify, Google, Apple Website: nosleep4dramas.com Instagram: @nosleep4dramas Twitter: @NoSleep4Dramas2 - Caitlin (ALL THE DRAMAS) TikTok: @nosleep4dramas Rate and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, follow us on all the socials, and be sure to let us know what you want to see in Season 6! Follow us! Patreon Instagram Twitter Facebook --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/daebakpod/support

On Episode 72 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess and guest Grace from the Afternoona Asks Podcast review the sageuk from yesteryear The Princess’s Man, starring Moon Chae-won and Park Si-hoo. Jess and Grace talk through this epic, ANGSTY romance from 2011, discussing the show’s writing, its accurate portrayal of real historical events, the cast and the scandal that rocked Park Si-hoo’s career, the hella melodramatic OST, the chemistry between the leads, a breakdown of the show and all its most memorable scenes, and more! GUEST: Grace Afternoona Asks Podcast: Available on Spotify, Google, Apple Instagram: @afternoonaasks Instagram: @graceaxolotlequestions www.afternoonaasks.com Rate and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, follow us on all the socials, and be sure to let us know what you want to see in Season 6! Follow us! Patreon Instagram Twitter Facebook --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/daebakpod/support

On Episode 71 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess and guests Curtis from the InfatuAsian Podcast and Brandon from the Pocha Playlist Podcast review the underrated K-drama Our Blues, starring Lee Byung-hun, Kim Hye-ja, Shin Min-a, Lee Jung-eun, Kim Woo-bin, and so many more. Jess, Curtis, and Brandon talk through this delightful and stressful 2022 show, discussing the all-star ensemble cast, the cinematography and OST (hello, BTS’ Jimin!), the show’s excellent writing and handling of taboo or sensitive topics (like teenage pregnancy, depression, disability, and family reconciliation), the most stunning and emotional scenes, the best storylines, and so much more! GUEST: Curtis Infatuasian Podcast: Available on Spotify, Google, Apple Instagram: @theinfatuasianpodcast Website: https://infatuasian.podbean.com GUEST: Brandon Pocha Playlist Podcast: Available on Spotify, Google, Apple Instagram: @pochaplaylist Twitter: @pochaplaylist Facebook: @pochaplaylist TikTok: @pochaplaylist Rate and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, follow us on all the socials, and be sure to let us know what you want to see in Season 6! Follow us! Patreon Instagram Twitter Facebook --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/daebakpod/support

On Episode 70 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess and guest Pam from @pam_dramaholic on Instagram review the emotional K-drama Tomorrow, starring Kim Hee-seon, Rowoon, Lee Soo-hyuk, and Yun Ji-On. Jess and Pam carefully pick their way through this triggering 2022 show, discussing this super cool cast, Rowoon’s filmography and acting talent, the show’s religious themes, the context for cardboard collecting, lax sentencing for drunk perpetrators, and comfort women, the most memorable and impressive scenes, and more. Bring your tissues! **Trigger warning: This episode and show contains content about suicide and sexual assault. GUEST: Pam Instagram: @pam_dramaholic Twitter: @pam_dramaholic TikTok: @pam_dramaholic Rate and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, follow us on all the socials, and be sure to let us know what you want to see in Season 6! Follow us! Patreon Instagram Twitter Facebook --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/daebakpod/support

On Episode 69 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess and friend of the pod Nas from the Swoon Diaries Podcast review the vintage K-drama Autumn in My Heart, starring Song Seung-Heon and Song Hye-kyo. Jess and Nas laugh and cry their way through this classic and tragic 2000 show of yore, discussing the “Endless Love” series, the origins of so many tropes, setting as a character, and the creation of a recognizable OST, HOW INSANELY HOT SONG SEUNG-HEON IS, the phenomenon that is Won Bin (the SML to end all SMLs), a breakdown of the show and all its most memorable scenes, and more. Bring your tissues! GUEST: Nas Swoon Diaries Podcast: Available on Spotify, Google, Apple Instagram: @swoondiariespod Twitter: @swoondiariespod YouTube Rate and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, follow us on all the socials, and be sure to let us know what you want to see in Season 6! Follow us! Patreon Instagram Twitter Facebook --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/daebakpod/support

On Episode 68 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess and friend Caitlin from NoSleep4Dramas Blog & Podcast review season 1 of the crime K-drama Stranger, starring Cho Seung-Woo and Bae Doona. Jess and Caitlin talk through this amazing 2017 drama, discussing the stellar cast, how it had Jess’s head spinning and confused (in a good way), the (platonic) chemistry between the leads, the most memorable and impressive scenes, the reveals that had us stunned, and more! GUEST: Caitlin NoSleep4Dramas Podcast: Available on Spotify, Google, Apple Website: nosleep4dramas.com Instagram: @nosleep4dramas Twitter: @NoSleep4Dramas2 - Caitlin (ALL THE DRAMAS) TikTok: @nosleep4dramas Rate and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, follow us on all the socials, and be sure to let us know what you want to see in Season 6! Follow us! Patreon Instagram Twitter Facebook --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/daebakpod/support

On Episode 67 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess and guest Becky from @dont_sue_rebecca on TikTok review the slice-of-life K-drama Because This Is My First Life, starring Lee Min-ki and Jung So-min. Jess and Becky talk through this underrated 2017 drama, discussing comfort-watch nature of it, the relatability and authenticity in the characters, the amazing ensemble cast, the chemistry between the leads (and THAT KISS), the progressive themes of feminism, consent, and belongingness, “500 Days of Summer,” “The Graduate,” and so much more! GUEST: Becky TikTok @dont_sue_rebecca: https://www.tiktok.com/@dont_sue_rebecca?lang=en TikTok @rebeccamissessue: https://www.tiktok.com/@rebeccamissessue?lang=en Rate and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, follow us on all the socials, and be sure to let us know what you want to see in Season 6! Follow us! Patreon Instagram Twitter Facebook --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/daebakpod/support

On Episode 66 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess and guest Carol from Kdramas Musings team up to review Autumn’s Concerto, starring Vanness Wu and Ady An. Jumping straight into spoiler talk, Jess and Carol talk through this melodramatic 2009 Taiwanese drama hit, discussing the hysterical OTT plot beats and tropes (like the amnesia, for starters), the iconic cast and how outrageously hot Vanness is PLEASE, the nostalgia for these types of stories and toxic male leads, red flag moments (lost count but man they were fun), some detailed recapping (for those who don’t intend to actually watch), and more! GUESTS: Carol Kdrama Musings Podcast: Available on Spotify, Google, Apple Instagram: @kdramasmusings TikTok: @kdramamusings Rate and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, follow us on all the socials, and be sure to let us know what you want to see in Season 6! Follow us! Patreon Instagram Twitter Facebook --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/daebakpod/support

On Episode 65 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess and guest Sarah from Kdrama This and the Afternoona Asks Podcast review a bit of a melodramatic K-drama—The Smile Has Left Your Eyes, starring Seo In-guk and Jung So-min. Jess and Sarah talk through this 2018 drama as best they can because FOR ONCE Jess couldn’t rewatch the drama! They discuss the changes from the original 2002 J-drama, the undercurrent of incest, the chemistry between the leads, the stay-away-toxic-red-flag of Seo In-guk’s character, nitpicks and questions about the the show, THAT ENDING, and more! GUEST: Sarah Afternoona Asks Podcast: Available on Spotify, Google, Apple Instagram: @kdramathis www.kdramathis.com Rate and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, follow us on all the socials, and be sure to let us know what you want to see in Season 6! Follow us! Patreon Instagram Twitter Facebook --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/daebakpod/support

On Episode 64 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, the Drama Trio is on deck! Jess is joined by friends Caitlin from NoSleep4Dramas Blog & Podcast and Liliana from the Tea & Soju Podcast to review Meet Yourself, starring Liu Yi Fei and Li Xian. Jumping straight into spoiler talk, Jess, Caitlin, and Liliana talk through this calming slice-of-life 2023 C-drama hit, discussing the slow burn that nearly took Jess clean out, the recommended way to watch this show so the pacing works, the character arcs for the giant ensemble cast, the strong themes of the show (grief and carpe diem), the stunning and emotional (at times preachy) dialogue, actual red flag moments from the green flag ML, and more! GUEST: Liliana Tea & Soju Asian Drama Podcast: Available on Spotify, Google, Apple Instagram: @teaandsojupod Twitter: @tea_soju_pod GUEST: Caitlin NoSleep4Dramas Podcast: Available on Spotify, Google, Apple Website: nosleep4dramas.com Instagram: @nosleep4dramas Twitter: @NoSleep4Dramas2 - Caitlin (ALL THE DRAMAS) TikTok: @nosleep4dramas Rate and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, follow us on all the socials, and be sure to let us know what you want to see in Season 5! Follow us! Patreon Instagram Twitter Facebook --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/daebakpod/support

On Episode 63 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess and guest Lola from Lola Pops Off About Kdramas review a bit of an underrated K-drama—Run On, starring Yim Si-wan and Shin Se-kyung. Jess and Lola go for a light jog through this 2020-21 comforting slice-of-life drama, discussing the magic in its dialogue and larger explorations of self-love and failure, how adorably childlike Si-wan’s character is, the central couple (like did they actually have sexual chemistry?), thoughts on Shin Se-kyung as an actress (you knew this was coming), the scene-stealing second couple in Sooyoung and Kang Tae-oh, nitpicks about the pacing of the show, and more! GUEST: Lola Instagram: @lolapopsoffaboutkdramas TikTok: @lolapopsoffaboutkdramas Website: www.lolapopsoffaboutkdramas.com Rate and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, follow us on all the socials, and be sure to let us know what you want to see in Season 6! Follow us! Patreon Instagram Twitter Facebook --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/daebakpod/support

On Episode 62 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess and guest Bina from @binahearts on Insta start Season 5 off with a review of what Bina jokes is the best K-drama of all time—True Beauty, starring Moon Ka-Young, Cha Eun-Woo, and Hwang In-Yeop. Jess and Bina deep dive on this 2020-21 rom-com, discussing its enduring appeal, how it made its young cast overnight stars, a (loving) roast of Cha Eun-woo as an actor, the major second lead syndrome phenomenon for Hwang In-Yeop, the best parts of the show (hello, bromance!), major complaints and strange changes from the webtoon, and more! GUEST: Bina Lee -Soompi Bina Posts: https://www.soompi.com/author/4050035wpa -Kpop Map Bina Posts: https://www.kpopmap.com/user/bina+lee/?profiletab=posts -Instagram: @binahearts Rate and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, follow us on all the socials, and be sure to let us know what you want to see in Season 6! Follow us! Patreon - www.patreon.com/alwayscriticpod Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/daebakpod/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/daebakpod TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@daebakpod --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/daebakpod/support

On Episode 61 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess kicks off Season 5 with an Ask Me Anything (AMA) episode! It’s a solo pod, as Jess answers all your burning questions submitted via the socials. Questions like: When and how did you start watching Asian dramas? How did you start podcasting? What’s the longest binge session you’ve ever had? Along with tough tasks like: Top 10 K-dramas, Top 10 C-dramas, Best Underrated Dramas, and more. You’ll also get a little insight into Season 5 and what you can expect to see on the newest season of the podcast! Rate and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, follow us on all the socials, and be sure to let us know what you want to see in Season 6! Follow us! Patreon Instagram Twitter Facebook --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/daebakpod/support

On Episode 56 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess and Rico continue the mini Spooky SZN with another ATC crossover episode to review of Ballerina, starring Jun Jong-Seo and Kim Ji-Hoon. Jess and Rico discuss this Netflix original film from writer-director Lee Chung-Hyun, talking through its derivative nature, the revenge plot and the performances, the action scene editing à la Christopher Nolan, the cinematography and bisexual lighting, Kim Ji-hoon’s thirst trap scenes, what’s missing from the movie, and more! Rate and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, follow us on all the socials, and be sure to let us know what you want to see in Season 5! Follow us! Patreon Instagram Twitter Facebook --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/daebakpod/support

On Episode 24 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess is joined by special guests Nas and Ori from the Seoul Sistahs Podcast to review While You Were Sleeping, starring Bae Suzy, Lee Jong-Suk, and Jung Hae-In. Jess, Nas, and Ori giggle their way through a discussion of this 2017 show, touching on the chemistry between Suzy and Jong-Suk, similarities between other projects from the showrunners, the numerous plot holes, the OST, Jess’s crazy dreams, and more! GUEST: Nas and Ori Seoul Sistahs Podcast: Available on Spotify, Google, Apple Instagram: @seoulsistahspod Twitter: @seoulsistahspod YouTube Rate and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, follow us on all the socials, and be sure to let us know what you want to see in Season 4! Follow us! Patreon Instagram  Twitter  Facebook  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/daebakpod/support