Best The Hallyu Wave Podcasts (2024)

1
The 2024 U.S. Presidential Election - What It Could Mean at Home and Abroad 1:23:28

4h ago1:23:28

1:23:28

June 28, 2024 - Join us for a bipartisan pair of Former Members of Congress to hear a forecast unpacking how America’s 2024 presidential and congressional elections will impact U.S. domestic politics, U.S. foreign policy, and America’s dynamic relationship with South Korea. The conversation features former Representative Bart Gordon, Former Senator…

1
Cornerstone of the Nation: The Defense Industry and the Building of Modern Korea under Park Chung Hee 1:21:35

1d ago1:21:35

1:21:35

June 25, 2024 - Join us for a conversation with Dr. Peter Banseok Kwon, Assistant Professor of Korean Studies at the University at Albany, State University of New York, on his newly released book: Cornerstone of the Nation: The Defense Industry and the Building of Modern Korea under Park Chung Hee. Newly released by Harvard University Press, this b…

1
Afternoona Uncensored: Love Triangles 1:14:03

2d 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
Empowering Women with Holistic Care: A Conversation with Rael's Co-Founder and CEO, Yanghee Paik 1:03:46

2d ago1:03:46

1:03:46

Recorded June 20, 2024 - The Korea Society is pleased to invite you to a fireside chat with Co-founder and CEO of Rael, Yanghee Paik. In 2017, Yanghee joined forces with two other Korean-American women to revolutionize the stagnant American feminine-care product market by introducing clean, high-performing holistic feminine care products. Their inn…

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

9d 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
Writing Short Stories with Gina Chung and Yun Ko-eun 35:51

9d ago35:51

35:51

June 18, 2024 - Is the short story a fiction writer’s laboratory where you can experiment with characters, plots, and ideas? or is it an art form of its own, telling a complete story in just a few words? What does a short story need to have in order to be successful that is different from a novel? And what makes the writers return to this form of w…

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

16d 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

23d 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
The Power of Money: How Governments and Banks Create Money and Help Us All Prosper 1:02:26

27d ago1:02:26

1:02:26

May 30, 2024 - Join us for the launch of the Korean translation of The Power of Money: How Governments and Banks Create Money and Help Us All Prosper by economist and bestselling author Paul Sheard. Money issues dominate the news, but economic jargon and the complexity of it all can be bamboozling. Leading economist Paul Sheard is known for his abi…

1
A Man And A Woman 1:17:23

1M 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

1M 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
New play 'Toni Stone' tells the story of one of America's forgotten baseball stars 24:22

1M ago24:22

24:22

In the days when professional baseball was segregated into white and Black teams, a Black woman named Toni Stone made history. Stone was a sports phenom, and she rose through the ranks to become the first woman to play regularly in the Negro leagues, a series of men's professional baseball leagues. The teams attracted talented players including Sat…

1
Worcester found a solution to the lifeguard shortage 33:38

1M ago33:38

33:38

This week on Under the Radar's Local News Roundtable — City Hall shifts, ballot questions, lifeguard news and more. Boston’s Environmental Chief is moving on. Rev. Mariama White-Hammond used her three-year cabinet tenure to amplify equity in the city’s environmental policies from expanding the city’s green jobs to reducing heat islands in neighborh…

1
Hallyu! The Korean Wave - The Curatorial Roundtable 48:57

1M ago48:57

48:57

May 16, 2024 - Today, South Korea is a cultural superpower—a global trendsetter producing award-winning films like Parasite, riveting dramas like Squid Game, and chart-topping music by K-pop groups such as BTS and BLACKPINK. But behind the country’s meteoric rise to the world stage, a phenomenon known as the Korean Wave, or hallyu, is the story of …

1
Character Likability 1:26:49

1M 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
June Hur: A Crane Among Wolves with Ellen Oh 51:43

1M ago51:43

51:43

May 13, 2024 - To save her sister, a teen girl becomes entangled in a political conspiracy with an enigmatic prince in this fiery new YA novel. June Hur, bestselling author of The Red Palace, returns with a devastating and pulse-pounding tale based on a true story from Korean history. A Crane Among Wolves is set in 1506 Joseon, where people suffer …

1
'I'm the mother, that's why': Reflecting on the quirkiness and wisdom of motherhood 21:32

2M ago21:32

21:32

Mother expressions run the gamut of familiar advice. ”If everybody jumps off the bridge, will you do it, too?” “I’m the mother; that’s why.” “We have food at home.” These and other motherly quips have lasting resonance — not always positive. “If you came to my mom and told her you were bored, you got assigned a cleaning task. Can't be bored washing…

1
70 years after Brown v. Board of Education, work remains to integrate schools 36:28

2M ago36:28

36:28

On May 17, 1954, the Supreme Court overturned legal segregation in America’s public schools in the landmark ruling, Brown v. Board of Education. The decision dissolved the “separate but equal” doctrine, effectively ending legal segregation in American education. The ruling 70 years ago was a defining moment for the country’s racial progress — it al…

1
A Conversation with Min Jin Lee - Y. T. Hwang Family Foundation Series on Ethics & Common Values 1:03:27

2M ago1:03:27

1:03:27

May 8, 2024 - With the ever-growing need to understand ourselves and humanity as a whole, it is necessary to examine the concepts of morality, ethics and universal values as guiding principles of the human condition. With generous support from Y.T. Hwang Family Foundation, The Korea Society presents a Series on Ethics and Common Values. This series…

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

2M 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
Quick Take - Changes in US-Korea-China-Taiwan Relations with Sean King and Dr. Dean Chen 44:02

2M ago44:02

44:02

May 2, 2024 - Given heightened tensions and strategic competition in the Indo Pacific, how is South Korea navigating its diplomatic, economic, and security relationships with the US, China, and Taiwan? In a 2023 Joint Statement, US President Joseph Biden and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol “reiterated the importance of preserving peace and sta…

1
'One Last Word' finds the comedy in what happens when you tell someone how you really feel 24:07

2M ago24:07

24:07

Author Suzanne Park's new rom-com, “One Last Word,” is a novel centered around a Korean tech entrepreneur — and what happens when her new app accidentally sends intimate messages to all the important people in her life. “Her goal is just to get from point A to point B. I've been conditioned to work hard and get good grades and work hard at work, an…

1
A new group wants Mass. to be 'the first state to end hunger, permanently' 33:52

2M ago33:52

33:52

Organizations across the Bay State are joining together to take on a bold mission — eliminating hunger in Massachusetts. More than one million people in the state try to make ends meet with federal funds for food; many of those include families with children. The new Make Hunger History Coalition includes leaders of food banks, legislators and othe…

1
Something In The Rain 1:04:01

2M 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
A drop of ghost pepper with your clam chowder? A new Cambridge hot sauce festival will bring the heat 25:22

2M ago25:22

25:22

America loves hot sauce. A 2021 Instacart survey found 74% of consumers eat hot sauce with their food, and when there was a shortage of the popular Huy Fong Foods' sriracha hot sauce last year, one bottle would go for as much as $52 on Amazon. Right now, they go for $9. But given Greater Boston’s reputation for cuisine that is the opposite of spicy…

1
Over 1 million Americans start menopause every year. Why don’t we talk about it? 32:37

2M ago32:37

32:37

Each year more than one million American women begin menopause — an experience many don’t understand and few talk about. Often referred to as “the change,” the most common symptoms include — hot flashes, brain fog and fatigue. “I had insomnia for years,” Dr. Tina Opie, a management professor at Babson College, told Under the Radar. “I was sweating …

1
Quick Take - North Korea’s New Posture with Dr. Soo Kim 35:58

2M ago35:58

35:58

April 25, 2024 - In 2024, North Korea’s leadership has made a number of striking changes to its foreign policy, including abandoning its goal of unification and declaring South Korea its “principal enemy.” Pyongyang has also doubled down on its relationship with Moscow, shipping artillery and missiles off to Russia for use on the battlefields of Uk…

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

2M 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
From ancient art to K-Pop, 'Hallyu! The Korean Wave' celebrates South Korea's global influence 23:48

2M ago23:48

23:48

From Oscar-winning movies like “Parasite” and the Oscar-nominated “Past Lives,” to the innovative modern fashion and the thumping beats of K-pop groups like BLACKPINK and BTS, South Korean culture has risen to global prominence. It’s known as the Korean Wave, or Hallyu. The Boston Museum of Fine Arts is highlighting Korean culture with “Hallyu! The…

1
Maine legislature rallies for gender-affirming care with a new bill 34:10

2M ago34:10

34:10

This year 21 anti-transgender laws have passed nationwide with hundreds more under consideration. But Maine’s legislature has gone against the trend, instead approving a new “shield law” protecting health care workers who provide gender-affirming care. It is headed to the desk of Democratic Gov. Janet Mills. It is incredibly important “to protect s…

1
Quick Take - South Korea’s New Foreign Policy and Public Opinion with Dr. Kuyoun Chung 19:03

2M ago19:03

19:03

April 19, 2024 - This program examines shifts in South Korea’s foreign policy posture, featuring insights and analysis from Dr. Kuyoun Chung, Assistant professor of the Department of Political Science at the Kangwon National University. The Yoon Suk Yeol administration aims to transform Korea into a “Global Pivotal State.” How has Seoul pursued thi…

1
Korea: A New History of South and North with Victor Cha and Ramon Pacheco Pardo 1:11:19

2M ago1:11:19

1:11:19

April 18, 2024 - Join us for a book talk with authors Professor Victor Cha and Professor Ramon Pacheco Pardo, who discuss their new book, Korea: A New History of South and North with policy director Jonathan Corrado. The Korea Society is proud to be a stop on the famous pink book tour! This important new work of history draws on “decades of researc…

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

2M 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
Bay Staters' attitudes on abortion reflect nationwide consensus 31:17

3M ago31:17

31:17

When the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, abortion rights were pushed into a blazing spotlight. The intense fallout from the 2022 decision resulted in new state-sponsored legal limits to abortion access as well as the successful blocking of would-be abortion bans in states like Kansas. Despite the highly charged ongoing national debate about a…

1
Rhode Island taxpayers gawk at the $132 million price tag of a new stadium 26:43

3M ago26:43

26:43

Rhode Island taxpayers are feeling sticker shock as they may shell out over $130 million in debt payments for a soccer stadium in Pawtucket. One reporter noted it was similar to the amount the government of Pakistan is charged to borrow money. Plus, the bids are in for major offshore wind projects that could bring energy and jobs to Connecticut, Rh…

1
Rapid Reaction: Unpacking the Korean Election 51:36

3M ago51:36

51:36

April 11, 2024 - Join us for a rapid reaction analysis of the Republic of Korea’s high stakes 2024 legislative election, held in South Korea one day prior on April 10. This election could shift the control of power in the National Assembly, resulting in an emboldened electoral mandate for President Yoon Suk Yeol, or else creating a new challenge fo…

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

3M 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
Recapturing Lost Ground on North Korean Human Rights, with Ambassador Julie Turner 1:19:23

3M ago1:19:23

1:19:23

April 9, 2024 - Join us for a conversation about recovering lost ground in the international effort to address North Korea’s human rights violations, featuring: Ambassador Julie Turner, U.S. Special Envoy for North Korean Human Rights Issues, James Heenan, UN Human Rights Office representative in Seoul, Dr. Katrin Katz, Korea Society Van Fleet Seni…

1
'Relinquished' aims to challenge our understanding of adoption in America 25:48

3M ago25:48

25:48

"Relinquished" is an industry term used to describe the process where parents give up their children for adoption. The term is also the title of author Gretchen Sisson's new book, “Relinquished: The Politics of Adoption and The Privilege of American Motherhood” which profiles the stories of birth mothers and breaks down the myths and misunderstandi…

1
From Billie Eilish to Stevie Wonder, musicians demand creative protections against AI 32:11

3M ago32:11

32:11

Billie Eilish, Stevie Wonder and the Jonas Brothers have joined more than 200 U.S. musicians in an open letter demanding protections against artificial intelligence. The group argues the new tech could undermine or replace human artists. Plus, Beyonce’s record-breaking album, “Cowboy Carter” is pushing boundaries in country music highlighting the g…

1
The Philosophy of Korean Tea 52:03

3M ago52:03

52:03

April 3, 2024 - Darye–"etiquette for tea" or "tea rite"– has been an integral part of Korean history and culture for over a thousand years. Donghyun Kim, a Korean heritage curator, discusses the history of tea practices and aesthetics in Korea and the landscape of contemporary Korean tea culture. YouTube version with images can be found here: https…

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

3M 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
Paper Soldiers: How the Weaponization of the Dollar Changed the World Order 1:01:30

3M ago1:01:30

1:01:30

April 2, 2024 - Join us for a discussion with the Senior Washington Correspondent for Bloomberg News Saleha Mohsin on her newly released book Paper Soldiers: How the Weaponization of the Dollar Changed the World Order, in cooperation with the National Committee on American Foreign Policy (NCAFP). As the global order continues to evolve, it seems th…

1
From fadeaways to the runway, 'Fly' documents the world of NBA fashion 26:28

3M ago26:28

26:28

March Madness wraps up this week as top college basketball players compete for the coveted NCAA championship. Some of the most talented collegiate players will go on to join the pros in the NBA — and while it's likely they want to play like superstars LeBron James, Jason Tatum and Stephen Curry, to name a few, more and more it appears they also wan…

1
How community fridges continue to fight food insecurity across the commonwealth 31:31

3M ago31:31

31:31

The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the national hunger crisis across the country. In Massachusetts, the number of households struggling with food insecurity more than doubled, from about 8% pre-COVID to a record high of 19% during the pandemic. Emergency food access programs, food pantries and even targeted pandemic food subsidies did not eliminate …

1
Starry Field with Margaret Juhae Lee and Grace M. Cho 54:26

3M ago54:26

54:26

March 27, 2024 - In her intimate and touching debut, Starry Field: A Memoir of Lost History, journalist Margaret Juhae Lee uncovers her family’s lost history that had been buried in the darkness of Korea’s colonial decades. Growing up in Houston, Margaret Juhae Lee was never told about her grandfather, Lee Chul Ha. His memory was submerged in 1936 …

1
Marry My Husband 1:26:51

3M 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
Colloquy: Translating Korean Poetry 1:03:24

3M ago1:03:24

1:03:24

March 25, 2024 - The Korea Society is delighted to present Colloquy: Translating Korean Poetry, featuring five poets and translators –Stine An, Eunice Lee, Seo Jung Hak, Megan Sungyoon, and Soje– for an evening of poetry reading and conversation. Colloquy: Translators in Conversation is an event series presented by World Poetry Books in collaborati…

1
Trump continues to signal he won't accept a loss in November 58:01

3M ago58:01

58:01

From immigration to reproductive rights, issues that ignited the country in the last presidential election will be re-litigated in the rematch between President Biden and former President Trump. As the contest heats up, former President Trump’s speeches are reaching new levels of violent rhetoric — at a recent rally he predicted a "blood bath" shou…

1
The Dynamic U.S.-ROK Trade and Investment Relationship: Current Issues and Prospects 1:03:09

3M ago1:03:09

1:03:09

March 20, 2024 - Explore insights into the dynamics of the U.S.-ROK economic relations and the critical issues impacting trade and investment between the two nations in our inaugural program, “The Dynamic U.S.-ROK Trade and Investment Relationship: Current Issues and Prospects” kicking off the new series, U.S.-ROK New Economic Paradigm. Join a dist…

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