How I Met My KDrama

💬 Get in Touch! Share your Kdrama origin story.

S3 E36 / Let’s talk about color in Kdramas!

🌈 You can find a rainbow of symbolism and connotations in how dramas use color to subtly reinforce character and foreshadow story arcs. 

🎨 In this episode I dig into atmospheric color across a handful of dramas, focusing on how color conveys story concepts and relationship changes. 

☂️ And then I go deep on umbrella color symbolism because the color of an umbrella is often a visual cue for where a relationship is headed.

⚠️ Light spoilers 

...

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S3 E35 / Belinda Kroll, indie author and illustrator (cozy romantasy for Jane Austen fans!) and OG Kdrama lover, joins me to talk about slow burn romance, the Hallyu wave, and kimchi-making. 

🎯 We explore the parallels between Kdramas and classic Jane Austen—yearning romances and the creative tension that comes from societal constraints. 

🥇And we have a list of comfort-watch dramas. Plus we discuss tropes like the competent heroine, the yearning hero, the dreaded forced separation.

✅ Spoiler Free episode. Enjoy!

Currently Wat...

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S3 E34 / Ever struggled to pick your next Kdrama? I'm sharing my most unconventional Kdrama recommendations—a mash-up of books, movies, and classic tropes to help you (or a new drama-watcher) find the perfect show. 

🤪 I think of it as my Bonkers Kdrama Recommendation Engine.  This solo episode is packed with offbeat, creative ways to find your next favorite drama. 

🍱 Whether you love literary classics, rom-coms, mysteries, or fairy tale retellings, there’s something here for you. 

✅ Spoiler Free episode. Enjoy! 

🎯 Do you have weirdly per...

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S3 E33 / Reggie, Kdrama fan and host of A Life of Learning podcast, joins me to talk about favorite Kdramas. 

🏆 We explore why the one-season "done and dusted" format is so addictive, and how Kdramas stack up against western shows in terms of story structure, emotional payoff, and satisfying endings.

📊 We delve into the pros and cons of using buzz and online rankings to evaluate Kdramas and curate a watch list. 

👏 And we list our favorite gateway and "heavyweight" Kdramas, overlooked gems, top tropes (includ...

💬 Get in Touch! Share your Kdrama origin story.

S3 E32 / Christina from the YA Girl’s Kdrama podcasts joins me to spotlight the heartfelt slice-of-life Japanese drama, Turn to Me, Mukai-kun.  

 ⛩️ We explore the unique rhythms of Jdramas vs. Kdramas, sharing first-timer impressions, the cultural nuances of relationships, and what makes slice of life stories in both countries so universally relatable—and Christina shares how her recent trip to Japan colored her viewing.

🫶 We break down the show's memorable dating “eras,” the lovable (and awkward) characters, Mukai’s funny missteps on the way to love, friends-to-lo...

💬 Get in Touch! Share your Kdrama origin story.

S3 E31 / Romantic dramas come in all sorts of flavors. What are you in the mood for? 

From heart-wrenching angst to pure goofy chaos to sweet chocolate-inspired romances, I’m sharing a list of Kdramas by vibe so you can pick your perfect watch.

Plus I give a quick "what I've been watching" round-up, including Idol I, Love Me, and Undercover Miss Hong, which has sooo many similarities to Good Manager, which is also known as Chief Kim. Has anyone else notice that? Just me? 

I...

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S2 E30 / It’s that time of the year for recaps, backtracks, and wraps of the previous twelve months. This episode is all about the best (and sometimes worst) of Kdrama in 2025.  

Shannon from Bonchon Bite Sized K-drama Reviews joins me to talk through the highs and lows of Asian dramas. We chat about drama-watching stats, our personal high points of 2025 dramas, and the throw-back dramas we watched this year. 

Currently Watching/Waiting For:

Shannon: 

Sa...

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S2 E29 / Shannon, children’s librarian and podcaster (Banchan Bite Sized K-drama Reviews)  joins me to talk about the Kdrama classic, Just Between Lovers, a drama we both absolutely loved despite its heavy topics of trauma and guilt. 

❤️‍🩹 We explore what makes this drama so special: nuanced characters, found family galore, standout music, unconventional story choices, scruffy-handsome Lee Junho, and our takes on that ending. 

✋ After a short non-spoiler section, we dive into Just Between Lovers, talking about anything and everything! 

Currently Watching and Other Shows Disc...

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S2 E28 / Constance, journalist, gardening writer, and nonfiction book reviewer—and of course, dedicated Kdrama fan—joins me to talk about favorite Kdramas and her trip to South Korea.

✈️ We explore Constance’s international background, her Kdrama origin story (including discovering Extraordinary Attorney Woo), why she finally traveled to Korea, and what keeps her hooked on Asian dramas.

✨ And we list our current watches, favorite Kdramas, discuss the “found family” trope, and explore the emotional resonance of Kdrama storytelling.

💚 Spoiler Free episode. Enjoy! 

Currently Watching...

💬 Get in Touch! Share your Kdrama origin story.

S2 E27 /  Caitlin from the NoSleep4Dramas podcast and blog joins me for a look at the Japanese drama Hold My Hand at Twilight. 

🇯🇵 We explore the world of Jdramas and how they compare to our favorite Kdramas. We dig into the themes of creative ambition and the coming-of-age journeys. We also explore some of the things that frustrated us about this drama, and detail why we’d still recommend it because of its fabulous fall vibes and found family.

🏆 We list the shows that have us binging...

💬 Get in Touch! Share your Kdrama origin story.

S2 E26 / Paroma from the Dramas Over Flowers podcast and professional fangirl joins me to talk about her journey into Asian media, her recommendations, and the unique joys of Kdramas.

🌼 Paroma shares the story behind how Dramas Over Flowers podcast came about with its cross-cultural perspectives.

  🎉 We explore Paroma’s Kdrama origin story as well as how tropes like cohabitation and found family in the workplace win us over. 

 🫶We also delve into dramas that treat serious subjects with warmth and optimism and discuss endings.<...

💬 Get in Touch! Share your Kdrama origin story.

S2 E25 / Maxine Wright, supply chain professional, master gardener, avid podcast listener—and, of course, passionate Kdrama fan—joins me to talk about her favorite dramas and how her journey started during the pandemic.

⭐ We explore how Kdramas connect us with our emotions, the joys of discovering underrated gems, and why Maxine seeks out older and less mainstream series between the new hits.

🎵 Maxine lists her favorite re-watches and classic OSTs, and she also shares her unique way of searching for Kdramas that surfaces new recommendati...

💬 Get in Touch! Share your Kdrama origin story.

S2 E24 / Christina from YA Girls Kdrama Podcast, teacher and passionate Kdrama fan, joins me for a slice of life genre celebration! If you love the daily rhythms, cozy feelings, and relatable conflicts found in slice of life Korean dramas, this chat is for you. Are we rebranding “slice of life” into “warm hug dramas?” Yes, we totally are!

🫶 We talk about what slice of life means for Kdrama fans—why we love these dramas, what makes them unique, and how they give us hope and comfort.  We talk about the...

💬 Get in Touch! Share your Kdrama origin story.

S2 E 23 / Shannon Bloom, children’s librarian, knitter, cat lover, and host of Banchan: Bite-size Kdrama Reviews podcast, joins me to talk about manga Kdrama adaptations, unforgettable friend groups, and watching challenges.

🪭 Shannon shares her Kdrama origin story (including a roommate’s historical drama obsession) and how her love of fantasy and romance books interplays with her for Kdrama addiction.

🫖 Then we list comfort watches and share under-the-radar favorites that deserve more love—plus, what Kdrama made us do in real life!

⏱️Timestamps:

[00:00:34] Mee...

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S2 E22 / Maddie, Christina, and Elle from the Ya Girl’s Kdrama Podcast bring the energy and the laughs to this episode!  

❣️ We explore first Kdramas, favorite and iconic couples, as well as the drama they wish more people would watch. 

✏️🍜 Plus we talk about keeping track of dramas and our favorite ramyeon scenes.

✋ Light spoiler warning! Our wide-ranging conversation touches on the following shows–and there’s a lot of them. A few have spoilers. 

Shows mentioned:

💬 Get in Touch! Share your Kdrama origin story.

S2 E21 / Japanese dramas are a hot topic lately, so I’m back with a round-up of even more Jdramas for Kdrama fans. 

🏯 I explore some differences between Jdramas and Kdramas.

🐝 And then I list some Jdramas that are getting lots of buzz along with some that are more under-the-radar. 

🟢 Spoiler Free episode. Enjoy! 

⌛ Timestamps: see chapter markers for timestamps. 

🤍 Glass Heart
💒 Marry My Husband: Japan
❓Kururi: Who’s in Love with Me?
💝 Is Love Sustainable?
👰 Full-Time Wife Escapist

💬 Get in Touch! Share your Kdrama origin story.

S2 E20 / Naa, small business owner, creator of Kdrama Bingo, and devoted kdrama fan, joins me to talk about all things Kdrama joy! 

✨ Naa is passionate about building “communities of joy” through playful fandom and shares how she started Kdrama Bingo as well as her favorite dramas.

☕️ We explore comfort watches and discuss the full spectrum of Kdramas from heavy and thought-provoking to light and funny. 

🤝 We share favorite tropes (cohabitation, enemies-to-lovers) and delve into Kdrama as a soft power tool. Plus, Naa shares tips on how...

💬 Get in Touch! Share your Kdrama origin story.

S2 E19 / Like a bit of magic in your Kdramas? Shea MacLeod is here with lots of recommendations for you that run the gamut from light to dark in genres ranging from rom com to mystery to horror. 

🔮 We explore the joys of discovering Kdramas with supernatural elements, what makes Kdrama fantasy so unique from a Western perspective, and how Shea’s own background in paranormal fiction influences her drama watching.

🍸 Plus, Shea shares her soju-inspired cocktail creations!

⌛ Timestamps:

[00:0...

💬 Get in Touch! Share your Kdrama origin story.

S2 E18 / Caitlin from NoSleep4Dramas podcast and blog joins me for a crime and mystery Kdrama deep dive! This genre doesn’t get as much attention as some others, so we’re shining the light on our favorites. And, boy, do we have a lot! 

🎯 We explore our crime tv-show roots, giving shout-outs to shows like Criminal Minds, Bones, and The Mentalist as well as our recs for current western crime shows: 

💬 Get in Touch! Share your Kdrama origin story.

How I Met My Kdrama is back with a second season. 🎉

I’m happy to be back with another season discussing Kdramas! 

This very short intro is to let you know about a few changes to the release schedule. 

Thanks for listening! Let me know what you thought:

💬 Send me a text  

☂️ How I Met My Kdrama Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/howimetmykdrama

🔎 Website about my mystery books: SaraRosett.com

📚Buy my books dire...

💬 Get in Touch! Share your Kdrama origin story.

S1 E17 / It’s another roundup episode this week, this time about dramas with a strong theme of friendship and no (or extremely little) romance.  

✨ I dig into the friendship/found family combo that’s often present in workplace dramas and slice-of-life shows and a few mystery/crime dramas as well.

📝 Quick note: this is the last episode for season 1. I’ve loved connecting with you about Kdramas and will be back after a summer break with Season 2! 

👍 Spoiler Free episode. Enjoy! 

Dramas mentioned i...

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S1 E16 / Loving Kdramas but ready to branch out? I took a break from Kdramas to shine a spotlight on some Japanese dramas I loved. 

I share some of my favorites: twisty mysteries, workplace dramas, and fast friendships. 

Did you know Jdramas are getting easier to stream? Netflix, Viki, and Amazon are adding fresh Japanese dramas—so it's a great time to put a few on your watchlist.

✅ Spoiler Free episode, except for one trope mention, which has a warning. Chaptermarkers are timestamped. 

🗞️ Of...

💬 Get in Touch! Share your Kdrama origin story.

S1 E15 / Brett Battles is back to talk with me about Like Flowers in Sand, a brilliantly layered Kdrama that’s so much more than a sports story. 

In this spotlight episode, we gush about:

➡ Use the chapt...

💬 Get in Touch! Share your Kdrama origin story.

S1 E14 / Aimee Robinson, paranormal and time travel romance author and Kdrama fan,  joins me to talk about her favorite Kdramas, focusing on thriller/mystery shows–especially those with a bodyguard trope.

🎯 We explore Jennifer Lynn Barnes’ psychological triggers, like status, competition, gossip and discuss why they make Healer such a satisfying drama. 

🥇And we list some of our favorite heroes and heroines who excel in competency. 

⚠️ Spoiler warning! Our wide-ranging conversation touches on the following shows: 

💬 Get in Touch! Share your Kdrama origin story.

S1 E13 / Kristi Rose and Amy Boyles join me to take a look at King the Land, a romcom that doesn’t get enough attention–at least that’s our opinion.

😠💕 We dive into the enemies to lovers trope that blossomed into a steadfast relationship, and we break down why we were absolutely rooting for Gu Won and Sa Rang, played by Lee Jun Ho and Im Yoon Ah.

🏢🎭 Beyond the romance, we unpack the drama’s deeper themes—ambition, authenticity versus pretense, and the tough realities of workin...

💬 Get in Touch! Share your Kdrama origin story.

S1 E12 / Kdrama fan Sana joins me to talk about her unique Kdrama origin story as well as why they appeal to viewers around the world.

🖼️ Sana shares how she found Kdramas through a museum visit, and then we discuss favorite shows.

✅ Sana also gives us a fantastic list of recommendations, broken down by genre.

🚫 Spoiler warning! Our wide-ranging conversation touches on the following shows: 

💬 Get in Touch! Share your Kdrama origin story.

S1 E11 / Stefne Miller, founder of Army Project 529 and Kdrama fan, joins me to talk about some of her favorite dramas and how they’ve impacted her life as well as the international community that’s formed with the rise of the Hallyu wave around Kdramas and BTS. 

☎️ And then we get into our thoughts on  When The Phone Ring—what worked for us (so, so well!) and how sometimes a drama just hits you with a white truck of doom in the homestretch. 

🚫 Spoiler warning! Our wide-r...

💬 Get in Touch! Share your Kdrama origin story.

S1 E10 / Nas from the Swoon Diaries Podcast joins me to talk about her favorite Kdramas, focusing on those emotional stories that pull at our heartstrings.  

🏢 We also chat about the office workplace trope, exploring why the setting is a staple of Kdramas and why chaebol romances and found family vibes are often paired up.

📝 Additionally, we dive into the joy of list-making, discussing how many Kdrama fans (including Nas and myself!) love to organize our viewing experiences and keep track of favorite shows. 

And be su...

💬 Get in Touch! Share your Kdrama origin story.

S1 E9 / We’re talking Joseon era dramas, nine-tailed foxes, and Korean food in this episode!  

🪄💗 Claire Kohler, Kdrama fan and author of historical romantasy and steampunk murder mysteries, joins me to talk about historical Kdramas, irresistible tropes like Girl Disguised as a Guy and Forbidden Love, and genre-blending in dramas. 

🐉 🥘 Claire also shares her love of Korean culture, including Korean food as well as Korean folklore, which she’s incorporating into her books.

⚠️ Spoiler warning! Our wide-ranging conversation touches on the following shows: 

💬 Get in Touch! Share your Kdrama origin story.

S1 E8 / Brett Battles, thriller author and Kdrama fan, joins me this week to talk about Kdramas with emotional depth and a healing vibe.

🚛 We also delve into subtitles vs. dubbing as well as some tried and true tropes, like white dump trucks of doom. 

♥️ 🌊 If you’re looking for new titles to add to your watchlist, check out Brett’s recs for heartfelt dramas, which for some reason  are often set in seaside town. 😉

⚠️ Our conversation touches on the following shows, mostly discussing the general set...

💬 Get in Touch! Share your Kdrama origin story.

S1 E7 / Jess, host of Daebak K-Rambles podcast, joins me to talk about her favorite rewatchable Kdramas.

Jess shares her encyclopedic knowledge of Kdramas and gives us recommendations for every taste. Seriously, so many recs! 

We also talk about why Kdramas hook watchers as well as the trend of multiple seasons, controversial endings, and age gaps.

If you haven’t listened to the Daebak K-Rambles podcast, where have you been? It’s one of my favorite Kdrama podcasts, so check it out if you have...

💬 Get in Touch! Share your Kdrama origin story.

S1 E6 / Are you up for a nerdy deep dive into why Kdramas have such a broad appeal? If you are, let your geek flag fly and come along for my one-hundred percent personal theories on the rise of Korean content. 

✅ This is a spoiler free episode. Enjoy! 

Links to podcast episodes mentioned:

💬 Get in Touch! Share your Kdrama origin story.

S1 E5 / Brian Meeks, who is an author as well as a fan of 3-D printing and pickleball, joins me to talk about his favorite Kdramas this week. 

We delve into his top recommendations and explore character growth arcs, especially redemption arcs. Plus, he sells me on Vincenzo and I sell him on Good Manager/Chief Kim.  

⚠️ Mild spoilers for the show mentioned below.  

💬 Get in Touch! Share your Kdrama origin story.

S1E4 / Kristi Rose, pediatric therapist and author of romance and mystery novels, joins me to talk about her passion for the Enemies to Lovers trope, the art of blending genres, character development, and the intense emotional storytelling in Kdrama. 

⚠️  Spoiler warning! Our wide-ranging conversation touches on the following shows: 

💬 Get in Touch! Share your Kdrama origin story.

S1E3 / Ever wondered why Crash Landing on You feels so nostalgic? 

🪖From World War II visuals to vintage fashion to restrained romance, I explore how the iconic kdrama's sentimental vibes added an intriguing layer to an already compelling story. I also dig into why nostalgia is such a powerful story-telling tool. 

🌪️ 💔 Plus discover how a tornado and a Casablanca-type relationship created the perfect storm in CLOY.

🚫 Spoiler warning for this episode!

Thanks for lis...

💬 Get in Touch! Share your Kdrama origin story.

S1E2 / Amy Boyles joins me to chat about our love for Kdramas and how they influence our writing and storytelling, discussing everything from tropes to cliffhangers to side characters and we try to answer the question of why Kdramas are so addictive.

Amy writes paranormal cozy mysteries and magical romcoms. She discovered Kdramas with Squid Game and then branched out to a variety of other shows, including Crash Landing on You and Extraordinary Attorney Woo. 

🚫Spoiler warning! Our wide-ranging conversation touches on the...

💬 Get in Touch! Share your Kdrama origin story.

S1E1 / It’s the first of the “five favorite” episodes with a look back on some of my favorite Kdramas of 2024. Did I have some quibbles with some of these dramas? Yes, but these were some of my overall favorites. 

I 💙 retrospectives, so let’s see what Kdramas surprised and delighted me as well as a few that didn’t. 

Shows mentioned: 

When the Phone Rings
The Atypical Family
Flex x Cop
My Sweet Mobster
No Gain No Love
Marry My H...

💬 Get in Touch! Share your Kdrama origin story.

✨ Every Kdrama fan has that magical moment when they discover the world of Korean dramas, but we all know how hard it is to find fellow Kdrama watchers IRL. How I Met My Kdrama podcast provides a place where we can share our origin stories as well as recommend shows we couldn’t stop watching.

📚Hi, I’m Sara Rosett. By day, I’m a mystery author, but at night, you’ll find me binge-watching Kdramas until the wee hours. (Who needs sleep, right? 🥱)

🚨Spoiler Alert: the interview e...