Best Bangtan World Podcasts (2024)

1
Afternoona Uncensored: November Edition 1:05:39

27m ago1:05:39

1:05:39

Join Megan, Amy and Lia for a November K-Drama uncensored chat. This was recorded the day after the election so expect some reflection--with a side of K-drama meditation. But then we are going to hit you in the unexpected by driving a segue to Bull Durham like we are Megan on a Napa Valley wine tasting tour. And which K-drama would you want to watc…

1
It's Okay, That's Love 1:23:00

13m ago1:23:00

1:23:00

It's been a minute, but your Afternoonas are back with a deep dive with the 2014 drama, It's Okay, That's Love. This was a request from our podcast middle child, Lia, who thought Megan might like the drama and was pretty sure Amy wouldn't like the drama, and guess what? We all loved it! So hop on board and join us as we discuss such hard-hitting to…

1
Tropetastic First Episodes: I Am Not A Robot 1:09:36

21h ago1:09:36

1:09:36

We are starting a new series today where we examine a first episode for all its conflicts and tropes. Today's pick is Megan's choice: I Am Not A Robot. We get into why the first scene is so epic, why the conflict is dripping with butter, and why it makes us want to watch more. Article Inspiration: Fourth Wing Fantasy: Eleven Tropes in Three Pages C…

1
Petticoats and Portal Jumps: 3 K-Dramas That Inspired Puck & Prejudice 38:53

3d ago38:53

38:53

Lia is dropping in hot with a snack-sized episode celebrating her new release Puck and Prejudice and 3 K-dramas that use isekai (water portals) which served as her inspiration: Splash, Splash Love, Moon Lovers, and Mr. Queen. She also says she'll talk about the election and the world and romance for just a second, but spoiler: it's more than a seco…

1
Second Lead SOS 57:21

8d ago57:21

57:21

We were long overdue for this one! Welcome to our 2024 installment of Second Lead SOS where we take a beloved second lead from a drama, one who did NOT get a romantic happily ever after (or in Lia's case, did not even get to live), and we write them the story we know they deserve. Do our choices surprise you? Would you watch these dramas if they ac…

1
Monster Mash Up: Kdrama Version 1:27:00

15d ago1:27:00

1:27:00

Happy Almost Halloween! Lock your doors because today we're sinking our teeth into K-drama's most terrifying offerings. From a sexy Imugi "why choose" to that one dentist who definitely didn't take the Hippocratic oath, we're breaking down dramaland's scariest humans and not-so-humans. So grab your baseball bat, and join us for this spine-chilling …

1
No Gain No Love Deep Dive 1:46:04

22d ago1:46:04

1:46:04

In today's episode, we discuss No Gain No Love, a rom com starring Shin Min Ah and Kim Young Dae. Do we spend a lot of this episode talking about our scene-stealing second male lead Lee Sang Yi? Yes. Yes we do. This is a long one, so buckle up! Kpop Rec: GGUM by Yeonjun Ready to download your first audiobook? Don't forget to click HERE for your fre…

1
Trope Talk: Second Chance Romance 1:06:54

30d ago1:06:54

1:06:54

It's trope time, and today we're talking about Second Chance Romance! Join us as we share some of our favorite books and movies that showcase the trope, tackle heavy issues like Megan's Weighted Vest, and put the call out to K-Dramaland for more contemporary second chance romances...with bodyguards and idols. KPop Rec: Hwasa "NA" Ready to download …

1
Noonas Catch Up 1:05:55

1M ago1:05:55

1:05:55

The Noonas are back together, and we did a little catch up with each other--Megan tells her tale of woe about flying to Scotland, and we discuss some of the latest Kdramas we've been watching. Get back into it with us! Ready to download your first audiobook? Don't forget to click HERE for your free Audible trial. *Audible is a sponsor of Afternoona…

1
Deep Dive: Justice for Vincenzo 1:46:04

1M ago1:46:04

1:46:04

Join Sarah from Afternoona Asks, Megan from Afternoona Army and Lindsay from our Patreon, as they dive into a drama that has divided watchers since its debut. Vincenzo the 2021 drama starring Song Joong Ki as the eponymous hero and Jeon Yeo Been as plucky lawyer Hong Cha Young. With a strong supporting cast including Ok Taec Yeon from 2PM, Jo Han C…

1
September Uncensored 1:00:38

2M ago1:00:38

1:00:38

Good afternoon, good evening, and good night, everyone! It's September Uncensored time where we discuss what dramas we've rewatched, hate watched, or DNF'd (did not finish). Which dramas have we started and meant to finish but are still sitting in our watch list waiting for us to come back to them again. And do we think our top dramas from our baby…

1
Across Borders and Beyond K-Dramas 1:48:55

2M ago1:48:55

1:48:55

Join Lia and special guest Susan Lee for a candid conversation encompassing migration, belonging, and home. They'll explore how romance novels and Korean dramas have impacted Susan's life in these areas. Together, they'll discuss where we find common ground and universal experiences. They'll also delve into when nuance and cultural context matter. …

1
Fun With Tropes: 10 K-Drama Tropes and the Dramas That Do Them Well...Or Not 1:11:40

2M ago1:11:40

1:11:40

Today, while Megan is off frolicking in Scotland, Lia and Amy draw inspiration from Screen Rant's list of 10 Common Tropes Seen in K-Drama. We discuss whether the trope is a person thumbs-up or thumbs-down, which dramas use the trope well or not so well, and whether or not we've ever used the trope in a book! Join us for a trope-tastic Wednesday, a…

1
My Sweet Mobster Deep Dive 1:31:48

3M ago1:31:48

1:31:48

All three noonas are back with a review of this year's sleeper hit, My Sweet Mobster. We talk about why Um Tae Goo has the voice of romance writer dreams, how some of the plot lines felt socially relevant, and why this drama hit us in all the feels. Ready to download your first audiobook? Don't forget to click HERE for your free Audible trial. *Aud…

1
August Uncensored 1:08:16

3M ago1:08:16

1:08:16

On today's episode we unleash some of your noonas' deepest, darkest secrets...like Amy being a cheerleader in high school, Lia's questionable behavior at a Green Day concert when she was fourteen, and Megan's college encounter with a stairway beer bong. Don't worry...we ask and answer a lot of questions about K-Dramas too, thanks to our fantastic p…

1
K-Con and Special Guest, Lynne Martens! 1:22:20

3M ago1:22:20

1:22:20

Today Amy and Lia have the pleasure of talking to costume designer/maker Lynne Martens who scored a press pas to L.A.'s K-Con and got to breathe the same air as Park Min-Young, Rowoon, Kim Soo-Hyun, and Taemin, to name a few. We loved getting to hear Lynne's K-Drama and K-Pop origin story, how she's only two Kevin Bacons away from Ji Chang-Wook and…

1
All About Angst 1:17:16

4M ago1:17:16

1:17:16

When someone whispers "angsty" about a drama, buckle up! You're in for a ride that could twist your insides like a pretzel and possibly leave you ugly-crying into your mattress. So, what's your flavor? Are you the type who thrives on emotional turbulence, eagerly lapping up every tear and heartache? Or do you prefer your stories fluffy as a cloud, …

1
Queen of Tears 1:07:23

4M ago1:07:23

1:07:23

At long last, Amy and Lia do a Queen of Tears deep dive! Join us as we gush over Kim Soo-hyun's emotional range, Kim Ji-won's fantastic performance, Park Sung-hoon's emotional boo-boos, and Kwak Dong-yeon as our Queen's Group MVP. Content warning for Lia talking about toes and--despite all our gushing--your noonas not giving QoT a spot in their top…

1
July Uncensored 1:11:04

4M ago1:11:04

1:11:04

Summer schedules have been keeping us apart, but your Afternoona hosts managed to reunite for an uncensored episode. What have we been watching? What are we looking forward to (hint: Jung Hae In)? What drama actors would Amy re-cast in a Twilight remake? Megan dishes on Rain and Uhm Tae-Goo. Which drama caused Lia to cry the most? What's one of our…

1
Death's Game: No Filler, All Killer 1:31:05

4M ago1:31:05

1:31:05

Sarah from AfterNoona Asks joins Megan in discussing Death's Game, which might have come out in January, but better late than never, right? We get into the many lives, excellent acting and...squelching. Megan also gives an alternative ending idea to an already well-plotted drama. Kpop Rec: Klaxon by G(I-DLE) Seo In Guk interview with Kim JiHoon and…

1
Summer Rogue Episode: Twinkling Watermelon with Amy, plus Grace and Sarah from Afternoona Asks! 1:38:30

5M ago1:38:30

1:38:30

Your noonas are still going rogue, and this week Amy teams up with Grace and Sarah from Afternoona Asks to finally do a deep dive on Twinkling Watermelon! Join us as we gush over the drama that burrowed its way into all of our hearts and as we unanimously agree that we don't care how time travel happens or if it follows any rules...We just love tha…

1
Summer Rogue Episode: Lia and Megan Take NYC 47:25

5M ago47:25

47:25

Your Afternoonas are in summer vacation mode...but don't worry, we won't leave ya'll hanging. In order to get some time off, but also keep content coming, we developed the concept of three summer rogue episodes. Each host will be in charge of one and can do whatever it is their little heart desires. Lia is up first. She brought in a very special, v…

1
Lovely Runner Deep Dive 1:33:09

5M ago1:33:09

1:33:09

Amy and Megan discuss 2024's Lovely Runner, a Kdrama with time travel, romance, and a serial killer. How can this not be a favorite? We get into what we liked, why Byeon Woo Seok is a new favorite Kdrama hero, and some fan theories that may or may not make sense. Either way, it's a fun one, so get into it with us! Kpop Rec: WORK by Ateez Ready to d…

1
Afternoona Uncensored: Love Triangles 1:14:03

5M ago1:14:03

1:14:03

It's time for another Afternoona Uncensored, and today we're talking love triangles. Love 'em? Hate 'em? Hope they give you the best second lead syndrome? Plus, Megan admits she's never read or seen Twilight, and Lia and Amy are still deciding if the friendship can be salvaged. WE KID, folks. But also, weigh in--on K-drama love triangles, Twilight,…

1
The Significance of Soju: How This Famous Spirit Lubricates K-Drama Plots 1:06:03

5M ago1:06:03

1:06:03

In the world of Korean dramas, you'll often spot a green-tinted bottle making frequent appearances - that's Soju, Korea's beloved spirit. Traditionally distilled from rice, Soju boasts a flavor profile reminiscent of vodka. These days, it comes in a variety of tantalizing flavors like strawberry and peach. Even celebrities are getting in on the act…

1
Marry/Mate/Murder: 2024 Edition 1:28:36

6M ago1:28:36

1:28:36

We are back with another edition of Marry/Mate/Murder among Kdrama characters. The last time we did this game was in 2021. Have our choices changed? Does Lia want Lee Rang to eat her liver? Can Amy choose who to murder between her time travel loves? Which serial killer does Megan want to mate? Listen and play along with us! Kpop rec: WOKE UP by XG …

1
Trope Talk: Grumpy/Sunshine 1:32:58

6M ago1:32:58

1:32:58

All three noonas are back together this week for a trope talk on one of our favorites--Grumpy/Sunshine! Join as we comb through our backlists to see if we've ever written a grumpy/sunshine, as we discuss our favorite romantic and platonic grumpy/sunshine pairings, and for drama recs that use the trope well. Plus, we take it to the Patreon to hear s…

1
A Man And A Woman 1:17:23

6M ago1:17:23

1:17:23

Join Lia and Special Guest Lexi as we do a dive deep into the 2016 South Korean film, "A Man and a Woman". Directed by Lee Yoon-ki (Love Talk, One Day), this spare and affecting story follows two individuals, both struggling with their personal lives, who find solace and unexpected love in each other. Starring Jeon Do-yeon and Gong Yoo, the film ex…

1
Afternoona Uncensored: Why Cliffhangers Keep Us Coming Back For More 1:13:03

6M ago1:13:03

1:13:03

On this month's Uncensored episode, Megan and Lia touch on cliffhangers--a tried-and-true narrative technique that writers use to keep their audience on the hook. It's all about creating suspense and leaving the story unresolved at a pivotal moment, making readers itching to know what happens next. Writers employ cliffhangers strategically, often a…

1
Character Likability 1:26:49

7M ago1:26:49

1:26:49

Today we're talking about what makes a fictional character likable, unlikable, and everything in between. Is there such thing as a universally likable character? How do our own internal biases affect our judgment of whether or not a character is likable? And can an unlikable hero or heroine redeem themselves to become likable in the end? Join us fo…

1
Kdramas and Tropes Chat: Interview with Jennifer Blackwood 1:46:26

7M ago1:46:26

1:46:26

On today's episode, we welcome USA Bestselling Author Jennifer Blackwood as we talk about her first foray into Kdramas. After giving her a few options, she chose to watch a listener favorite--Semantic Error. We chat about her observations on her first Kdrama and her favorite tropes. We also get into some author antics of our past, including how Meg…

1
Something In The Rain 1:04:01

7M ago1:04:01

1:04:01

Join Lia, Sarah (Afternoona Asks/Kdrama This) and Megan (Afternoona Army) for a deep dive in the 2018 drama Something In The Rain (aka Pretty Noona Who Buys Me Food) starring Jung Hae-in and Son Ye-jin. This drama is about a thirty-something woman (whose routine has gotten stale) and the romance she strikes up with her little brother's best friend.…

1
April Afternoona...Uncensored? Afternoon Check-In? What should we call this thing? 1:24:08

7M ago1:24:08

1:24:08

Happy Wednesday, everyone! We're back with another Afternoona Uncensored...or maybe it's Afternoona Check-in? Your noonas can't decide. Maybe you have a better name for it? If so, let us know! This week we discuss drama retellings, K-drama slumps, how we can still love a drama even if the ending doesn't stick the landing, and lots more! ★ Support t…

1
Love to Hate You Deep Dive 1:17:39

8M ago1:17:39

1:17:39

In today's episode, we review Love to Hate You, a 2023 rom com that stole our hearts. We talk about why the heroine is for the girls, why Yoo Teo is a favorite mature hero, and why we love this mature, sexy romance. We also discuss the latest Baeksang nominees. Kpop rec: Midas Touch by Kiss of Life Baeksang nominees: https://www.soompi.com/article/…

1
Beyond the Laughs: An Exploration of the Rom-Com 1:41:47

8M ago1:41:47

1:41:47

Romantic comedies, aka rom-coms, have long been a beloved staple in the world of romance storytelling. But what exactly defines a rom-com, and what is the secret sauce that makes them so irresistible? It's not all that straight forward. In this podcast, we'll dive into the world of romcom, exploring defining characteristics, the tropes and clichés …

1
Afternoona Check-in: Chicken Nugget 1:21:36

8M ago1:21:36

1:21:36

We're back for another Afternoona Check-in...this time the conversation revolves around about Chicken Nugget-the 2024 drama airing on Netflix where a woman turns into...wait for it...a chicken nugget. Now it's up to her dad and his employee (who has a giant crush on her) to try to turn her back into a real live person. Two of your hosts took a bite…

1
Marry My Husband 1:26:51

8M ago1:26:51

1:26:51

We are missing Lia this week, but that means we (Megan and Amy) get to talk about a drama we both loved, Marry My Husband. Join us as we discuss why we like revenge stories, what makes a great villain, and how the white truck of doom works best when there is urgency rather than time to grab a latte before your imminent demise. Also, midway through …

1
Himbos of Kdrama 1:26:43

8M ago1:26:43

1:26:43

Inspired by a recent episode of romance novel podcast Fated Mates, we are taking a deep dive into himbos, the lovable hero archetype that is all brain, no brains. We talk about why modern day himbos are feminist, what we like about them, and our favorite himbos from Kdramas. Kpop Rec: Eenie Meenie by Chungha Sign Up for Our Newsletter! Want our tho…

1
A Shop For Killers 1:25:19

9M ago1:25:19

1:25:19

This week we've got all the action, a panic room of a house, and assassin drones, which, coincidentally, are not a few of Lia's favorite things. Join us as we jump straight into the melee of A Shop For Killers where a world weary Jeong Jin-Man (Lee Dong Wook) just wants to raise his niece Jeong Ji-An (Kim Hye-Jun) to be the badass shop owner she wa…

1
Kdrama and Kpop Chat: Interview with Jay Crownover 1:26:39

9M ago1:26:39

1:26:39

In today's episode, we welcome special guest New York Times bestselling author Jay Crownover who is not only a New Adult romance pioneer, but also a kpop and kdrama fan. If you've ever wondered who kicked off Megan's kpop obsession, blame Jay! We chat about how kdramas have influenced our writing, and Jay's latest book-turned-movie news. Visit Jay …

1
My Demon: Hell Of A Ride or Hell on Earth? 1:51:02

9M ago1:51:02

1:51:02

In this whopper of an episode, Amy, Lia and special guest Afternoona Army Megan, discuss the good, bad and infernal about My Demon. My Demon stars Kim Yoo-jung and Song Kang and aired from November 2023 to January 2024. It's about a demon from hell who ends up as a bodyguard and then in a contract marriage with a beautiful but damaged heiress. Amy …

1
Afternoona Check-In: Sex in K-Dramas 1:01:21

9M ago1:01:21

1:01:21

It's a little bit scripted, a little bit uncensored, and--as always--a whole lot of K-Drama fun! This month we're talking about sex in K-Dramas. We share our favorite sexy moments in our favorite dramas, discuss which dramas could have benefited from a little more on screen sexy times, but also argue that a drama can still be sexy without any on sc…

1
Trope Study: Fake Dating and Marriage of Convenience 1:01:43

10M ago1:01:43

1:01:43

Happy Valentine's Day/Galentine's Day or...really, Happy Wednesday, because we all get a treat--a new episode of the pod! We're back with another trope study, this time with two related tropes: Fake Dating and Marriage of Convenience. We share our favorite romance books that use the trope well, discuss our top fake dating and marriage of convenienc…

1
Second Lead SOS: Part Three 1:23:49

10M ago1:23:49

1:23:49

We are back giving your favorite second leads their much deserved happily ever afters. We write stories for Lee Gang Min from My Lovely Liar and Kyung Eun Ae from My Dearest, as well as a very sweet first date with two second leads from A Time Called You. Also, we fight over the order of Rock, Paper, Scissors and discuss why Lia is wrong. :) Enjoy!…

1
Castaway Diva Deep Dive 1:24:17

10M ago1:24:17

1:24:17

The sister pods have taken over the Afternoona Delight podcast again to discuss Castaway Diva, a 2023 drama starring Park Eun Bin. Sarah from Afternoona Asks and Megan from Afternoona Army are back to debate whether this drama managed to mix its genres. Listen to find out who really loved this show and who had too many issues with it. We get into w…

1
Afternoona Check-In: Our Ideal K-Drama Date 1:09:39

10M ago1:09:39

1:09:39

It's a little bit scripted, a little bit uncensored, and--as always--a whole lot of K-Drama fun. Listen to Megan's take on which dramas are still worth the watch even for those of us who might get a little squeamish with violence and gore. Find out why Amy's bundled like a burrito; and learn about the lack of indoor pools in Lea's part of Californi…

1
Listener Line Up: Patreon Edition 1:12:38

10M ago1:12:38

1:12:38

Once upon a time Lia, Megan and Amy watched our first few Korean dramas and began an obsessive text chat. Then we started a podcast and the rest was history. Fast forward three (for real THREE) years later and look...we get really curious about ya'll. Who is listening? How did you get involved in this fandom? So we decided to flip the script and pu…

1
Singles Inferno 3 1:19:51

11M ago1:19:51

1:19:51

It's time for Singles Inferno 3! We have a new host, new Inferno, new Paradise, high heels on a rocky beach, and so much drama...PLUS a surprise twist that threw us and the contestants for quite a loop. Join us as we unpack what we loved, what we miss from previous seasons, and what we're looking forward to in season 4. *Make sure you hang out afte…

1
Doona Deep Dive 1:31:03

11M ago1:31:03

1:31:03

In today's episode, we fall headfirst into Doona, a 2023 Netflix drama about messy love. We discuss how well it fits into the New Adult genre of publishing, the messiness of our own New Adult lives, and why we suddenly want pink toe socks. Oh, and we talk about the kiss--yes, THAT kiss--and the controversial ending. Kpop Rec Mr. Vampire by Itzy Art…

1
Trope Study: Fated Mates 1:25:54

11M ago1:25:54

1:25:54

Kim Shin and Ji Eun Tak...Orchid and Moon Supreme...Jacob and Renesmee...Lia and a dying Christmas tree? What do they all have in common? If you guessed werewolf imprinting on an ovum, sorry. That only applies to one of our couples. But if you said, fated mates...you win the covted prize of...being right. It's time for another trope study, and toda…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Bangtan World Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide