Best The Hallyu Wave Podcasts (2025)

1
Chicks Dig Scars: Moon Lovers Deep Dive 1:10:19

1d ago1:10:19

1:10:19

Is this our third podcast on Moon Lovers? Yes. Are we sorry? No. Join Megan and Lia as they get into all the masked goodness and why a season two doesn't make a whole lot of sense. Also, we discuss that while the Fourth Prince breaks a million romance hero rules, we still love him. Ready to download your first audiobook? Don't forget to click HERE …

1
Too Good to Go: April AfterNoona Uncensored 1:09:26

9d ago1:09:26

1:09:26

We chat about why Moon Lovers is not for Amy, why Park Hyung Sik can pull off any hair color, and our dreams for the Michael Learns to Rock concert. We answer some Patreon questions and discuss a controversial Marry, Mate, and Murder. Ready to download your first audiobook? Don't forget to click HERE for your free Audible trial. *Audible is a spons…

1
K-Dramas & Community 1:11:14

16d ago1:11:14

1:11:14

Finding your K-Drama community creates meaningful connections that extend far beyond the screen. We bond through shared emotional experiences, discussing character development and plot twists that resonate with us personally. These communities often develop across cultural and geographical boundaries, bringing together people who might never have c…

1
Jeong Hae-Seong and the Last Crusade: Undercover High School Deep Dive 1:32:00

23d ago1:32:00

1:32:00

Because Lia would never make it past the first scene without hating us, it's just Amy and Megan today with a deep dive of a drama we both loved, Undercover High School. Do we have questions? Sure. Are there plot holes? Absolutely! Do we care? Not. One. Bit. Seo Kang-Joon is a new favorite for both of us, and Jin Ki-Joo gives us a plucky heroine we …

1
A Plethora of Princes: Tropetastic First Episodes Moon Lovers 1:00:21

30d ago1:00:21

1:00:21

We're back with another First Episode study, and this time we're covering Moon Lovers which has just dropped in full on Viki in the US. Lia has loved this drama forever. Can she convince Megan and Amy to give the princes and IU a chance? Are we on board with the love triangle? Does the Fourth Prince have too many red flags? Let's talk about it! Rea…

1
Black Dragon vs. Strawberry: My Dearest Nemesis Deep Dive 1:09:07

1M ago1:09:07

1:09:07

This week we're back with another deep dive, another office romance, and another win for your noonas. While My Dearest Nemesis may not be breaking new ground, it's a great twist on a tried and true trope--enemies to lovers--with a message we've been trying to uphold since we started this podcast. Love what you love without shame. K-Pop Rec: "like J…

1
When a K-drama's Not For Me 1:36:11

1M ago1:36:11

1:36:11

Sometimes a K-drama just doesn't work for us--join Megan, Lia and Amy as we unpack the why's when this occurs. Note: this isn't a pile on or vent session, but more a reflection of how our tastes and "butter" preferences color definitions of meh, good or great. K-Pop Rec: Sweet Dreams by J-Hope of BTS Ready to download your first audiobook? Don't fo…

1
Competence is Hot: Love Scout Deep Dive 1:42:53

2M ago1:42:53

1:42:53

We discuss this year's Love Scout, a drama about a workaholic heroine and a single dad hero. We get into how Lee Jun Hyuk's Eun Ho is a female fantasy and can fix our doors anytime. And while the back half of the drama was slow for some of us, at least no one went to Argan... Kpop Rec: Too Bad by G DRAGON Ready to download your first audiobook? Don…

1
March 2025 Uncensored 1:00:54

2M ago1:00:54

1:00:54

When Lia is away, the sunbae and maknae will play. Sadly, we are without our middle child as she takes the night off to celebrate her husband's milestone birthday. So we took to Patreon to find out what everyone wants to know. As always, our listeners do not disappoint. They ask us everything from our favorite K-Drama opening credits, to our dream …

1
Love Like The Galaxy - Deep Dive 1:57:50

2M ago1:57:50

1:57:50

This episode we have guest hosts to discuss the Chinese historical drama Love Like The Galaxy. Sarah from our sister podcast Afternoona Asks is joined by previous guest Corinne from Sex, Love, Literature podcast as well as Patreon member Gavin to discuss this 2022 epic CDrama. If you haven't watched all 56 episodes of this drama but think you might…

1
Tropetastic First Episodes: Love Scout 1:13:24

2M ago1:13:24

1:13:24

It's another Tropetastic First Episode, and this week we're looking at all the tropey goodness in episode one of Love Scout. We gush over the great characterization of our heroine and hero, how the excellent cinematography helps tell the story, and a great enemies to lovers set up with a fantastically antagonistic, yet surprisingly romantic meet cu…

1
How We Would Improve Singles Inferno 1:10:51

2M ago1:10:51

1:10:51

We watched Singles Inferno 4, and we think it's time for an intervention with the producers. Why are there 3,586 models? Why aren't the singles cooking in Inferno? Where are the friendships? And for the love of Jimin, let's get some better games! We get into all the frustrations we felt over this season, and why we will still be tuning in for next …

1
Tropetastic First Episodes Pt 2: Misaeng 59:11

3M ago59:11

59:11

The second installment of our Tropetastic First Episodes mini-series where we examine a first episode for all its conflicts and tropes. Today's pick is Lia's choice: Misaeng. We get into the first scene, why the conflict is dripping with butter for some of us (but not all), and why it makes us want to watch more. Article Inspiration: Fourth Wing Fa…

1
Isn't It Romantic: Valentine's Day 2025 1:28:58

3M ago1:28:58

1:28:58

Grab your Galentines and Valentines because today we celebrate what brought us to K-Dramas in the first place, romance done right. We gush about the heroes and heroines who make us swoon, the second leads who will always have our hearts, and the beauty of the subtle romantic gesture. But first, for those with strong stomachs and a lot of patience, …

1
Squid Game 2 Deep Dive 1:38:26

3M ago1:38:26

1:38:26

Megan and Lia discuss Squid Game 2 with a side rant on the evils of capitalism, why the message of this drama matters, and how the current political climate affected our viewing in contrast to season one. We talk about our favorite characters, explain why Lia is back on her Kang Ha Neul bull#&$#, and make predictions for part two. Ready to download…

1
Afternoona Awards 2024 - Our Year End Poll results 1:20:18

3M ago1:20:18

1:20:18

We asked and the Patreon replied - who won our Afternoona Awards for 2024. Join our sister podcast co-hosts Sarah and Grace from Afternoona Asks as they run through the categories and the winners of our Year End poll. Sarah and Grace also discuss what Lunar New Year means for them and other Korean and Chinese people. Find out who was the outstandin…

1
Touch Your Heart Deep Dive with Afternoona Asks 1:28:15

3M ago1:28:15

1:28:15

Join Sarah, Grace, and Fran from Afternoona Asks as they crash the pod this week to dive deep into the 2019 legal romcom Touch Your Heart. This was a rewatch for all of our guest hosts, and amazingly, they all loved it MORE the second time around. They discuss the legendary chemistry between Lee Dong-wook and Yoo In-na, the alternating laughs, butt…

1
AfterNoona Uncensored: January Edition 2025 1:06:52

4M ago1:06:52

1:06:52

In this month's Uncensored, we discuss who would be the most likely to survive Squid Game (Spoiler: It's the Slytherin one), what we're currently watching, why Singles Inferno remains iconic, and take Patreon questions. Ready to download your first audiobook? Don't forget to click HERE for your free Audible trial. *Audible is a sponsor of Afternoon…

1
Deep Dive: When the Phone Rings 1:22:01

4M ago1:22:01

1:22:01

Today's drama wowed us all out of the gate. We love Yoo Yeon-seok. We love Chae Soo-bin. Their chemistry in the first half of the drama is off the charts! And then...? And then...well...we have some thoughts. A lot of thoughts. Join us as we ponder age old questions such as, How many kidnappings is TOO many kidnappings? Should one bring a roller ba…

1
Deep Dive: A Frozen Flower (movie) 1:04:20

4M ago1:04:20

1:04:20

Today we interrupt our regular K-Drama watching to deep dive a film with one of your Noonas' favs, Zo In-Sung, as he lays it all on the line (of a sword?) for love. WTF are we talking about? Well, you'll just have to watch A Frozen Flower, but you still might be scratching your head and asking yourself, "WTF?" even after you do that. So maybe just …

1
The Trunk Deep Dive 1:43:50

4M ago1:43:50

1:43:50

Amy and Megan tackle The Trunk, an atmospheric Netflix drama, to close out the year. We discuss what we want for Gong Yoo, how we felt about the villain, and why the chandelier might have deserved title credit over the trunk. Did we like it? Well... like this drama, it's complicated. Kpop Rec of the Week: toxic till the end by ROSE Ready to downloa…

1
Afternoona Uncensored: December Edition 1:04:43

4M ago1:04:43

1:04:43

Happy Holidays and happy end of 2024! We can't believe we are closing in on almost FOUR years of the Afternoona Delight Podcast, and we are thrilled to be with you for many, many more! Join us as we take a look back at some of our favorite K-Drama moments of 2024 and as we invite listeners to join us on a new segment: Hear Me Out! Thank you for hel…

1
Mr. Plankton Deep Dive 2:05:02

5M ago2:05:02

2:05:02

Mr. Plankton-a top 2024 drama that Amy and Megan get emotional in discussing. Lia is a cautionary tale in getting spoiled. Romance? Love story? The science is clear, but battle lines are drawn. Bottom line is: marine sea organisms are poetic, Woo Do Hwan can do no wrong, Lia is barking after a whole other subplot. Junha Park "The Town" Lyric Video …

1
Gyeongseong Creature Deep Dive 1:29:25

5M ago1:29:25

1:29:25

In today's episode, Megan is joined by special guest, Patreon member Carolien, to discuss both seasons of the monster-ful Gyeongseong Creature. We talk about what we like, how Park Seo Joon is delightful in any decade, and what we consider a big miss in season two. Will there be a season three? The jury is still out, but we will be watching if ther…

1
Tropes, Idols, Audiobooks and More with Author, Lily Chu! 1:09:47

5M ago1:09:47

1:09:47

We are so excited to welcome special guest Lily Chu to the podcast! Lily is the bestselling author of Drop Dead, The Stand-In, The Comeback, and The Takedown. Join us as we talk tropes, audiobook narrators (um...hello...Phillipa Soo and John Cho!), Idols as romance heroes, and the community we've all found in our love of K-Pop and K-Drama! Lily Chu…

1
Afternoona Uncensored: November Edition 1:05:39

5M 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

6M 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

6M 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

6M 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

6M 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

6M 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

7M 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

7M 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

7M 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

7M 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

8M 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

8M 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

8M 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

8M 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

8M 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

9M 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

9M 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

9M 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

9M 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

10M 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

10M 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

10M 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

10M 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

11M 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

11M 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…

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The Hallyu Wave Podcasts

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