Afternoona Asks

StudioAfterGlo

Annyeonghaseyo! We are Grace and Sarah, Asian KDrama fans who love to ask, and hopefully find answers to, all of our (and your) Asian drama questions. We cover everything, from silly topics to sensitive and serious issues that come up as we binge.

We'll also share some Korean and Chinese language tips, as well as our experiences as diaspora Asians living in the UK and US.

Join us as we delve into the details and societal context of the dramas we all love!

Episodes 21

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#85
September 16 · 1 hr 43 min
Six Flying Dragons Deep Dive - Part 1
The Patreon Dragon Squad—Katie, Carolien, Charlotte & Zoe—took over the Afternoona Asks podcast to persuade you to watch the epic drama SIX FLYING DRAGONS. We provide non-spoilery background information, gush over our favourite Dragons (no, not you, Sambong) and consider whether the better comp is Hamlet or Alchemy of Souls. But most of all we hope to infuse you with our enthusiasm so that you will press play as soon as you finish listening to us. Sarah & Grace would like to thank The Patreon Dragon Squad for all their enthusiasm and love of this drama and the time they gave us all to this podcast - we hope you enjoy their podcast and even better: discover this KDrama and love it too! Our 5 Dramas to Know Us Katie: https://open.spotify.com/episode/78JNJzyZCR91e27V5WcMb1?si=JQymLo0qQBSeMCwQPwn 9RQ Carolien https://open.spotify.com/episode/33jVPiDVZjOzy1UUNvT216 Charlotte https://open.spotify.com/episode/6tF9CNbVDNQcFWA48vPeBl?si=d9dd8b0f9aab4359 Zoe https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/chatting-the-1st-quarter-2026-in-asian-dramas/id1698849342?i=1000761349487 Historical Background Jackson, J. K. (2024). Korean Ancient Origins: Stories of people & civilization (Gen. Ed.). Flame Tree Publishing. Lee, P. H. (1975). Song of Flying Dragons: A critical reading. Harvard University Press. Robinson, T,. & Ji, M. (2023). A Flying Dragon: King Taejo, Founder of Korea’s Choson Dynasty. Heidelberg Asian Studies Publishing. .https://doi.org/10.11588/hasp.1158 Bodashiri’s List of SFD Historical Info with episode-by-episode links: https://www.tumblr.com/bodashiri/137740642551/the-list-of-sfd-historical-info Some Confucianism Basics Afternoona Asks: The History of Wuxia with William Han https://open.spotify.com/episode/5QavgvOYx5b8Nw6rKGn67C?si=d4bJbHgqQBCK2ettjDfClA&nd=1&dlsi=fdefb4d989fb4d4d Now and Then: Korean Philosophy of the Joseon Dynasty https://open.spotify.com/episode/4PcixCdqlS0BnrfJrJyC6H?si=OVAzpoxuQO-PxRok60a5YA&nd=1&dlsi=a059e814057748b1 Six Flying Dragons Material made by The Patreon Dragon Squad 6 Flying Dragons Affiliation Tracker https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vWl0RAhRBnKIDPSj9OpJ1nEgl7pY4iJn/view?usp=drive_link 6 Flying Dragons Relationship Tracker https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JGn4Ctbf2HsDkw9Hfu-A-THl2FCTkZEE/view?usp=drive_link
#84
August 31 · 2 hr 3 min
K-Drama Inspired Travel - Seoul & Quebec
Sarah and Grace are back together to catch up on their summers and share K-Drama inspired travel experiences and tips. We begin with a bit of a tangent about our first BTS concert experiences (!!!), before a short check-in on what K-content we're watching. Then (starting around 25:40), we discuss Sarah's most recent work trip to Korea. She squeezed in quite a few fun new K-drama inspired experiences and learned some new travel tips. Grace also offers some highlights of a spring family trip to Seoul, as well as an overview of her quick trip to Quebec City, where it was all things Goblin. We hope these highlights and tips inspire you to plan your own Asian-content inspired travel soon! Some tips and highlights mentioned: T-money app - can top up with credit card Naver map - good with buses Gangnam Gop (serves solo diners) Soha Salt Pond - salt bread MBC studio tour - Klook Daejanggeum Park tour - Viator Paradise Resort Incheon Bukchon Traditional Craft Center Seoul Children's Grand Park Naksan Park Namdaemun Market - upstairs/inside for bulk souvenirs/gifts Goblin Travel Spots Blog For more, find us at www.afternoonaasks.com
#83
July 31 · 2 hr 52 min
Secret Love Affair KDrama - Deep Dive
We are back with another deep, deep, deep dive into an Ahn Pan Seok classic drama - Secret Love Affair, a 2014 Korean Drama starring Yoo Ah In and Kim Hee Ae - this is an Afternoona Patreon fave for a set of slice-of-life, melodrama lovers. Sarah is back with Katie & Charlotte (who you may have heard discussing The Art of Negotiation, another Ahn Pan Seok directed drama) to chat through this, one of their joint faves. As ever, there is a spoiler free section where we discuss the show so you can listen in to see if this will or won't work for you - how is the adultery handled, will it give you the ick? For fans of this show already the back half spoiler free section will allow you to indulge your inner geek. And for many, including Sarah, Katie's explanation of what actually happened with all the slush funds might prove useful! Show Notes The Art of Negotiation Deep Dive with Katie & Charlotte - Afternoona Asks Episode 54 https://podcasts.apple.com/bw/podcast/the-art-of-negotiation-deep-dive/id1698849342?i=1000715307674 Our 2023 Year End Review with Katie - Part 1 (to hear Katie's 5 to know yous) https://open.spotify.com/episode/78JNJzyZCR91e27V5WcMb1 Something in the Rain Deep Dive - Afternoona Delight Episode 183 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KECBbwqvazE My Liberation Notes - Afternoona Delight Episode 175 https://podcasts.apple.com/qa/podcast/my-liberation-notes-worship-weariness-and-whoa-baby-mr-gu/id1551567801?i=1000636891228
#82
July 15 · 2 hr 2 min
Second Quarter 2026 Review of Asian Dramas
Sarah is back with two new Patreon guests - Amber and Vicki - to take a look at this year's second quarter Asian dramas. We discuss releases this quarter such as My Royal Nemesis, Filing for Love, Yumi Cells 3, The Perfect Crown and many others. We also get to know Amber and Vicki and their tastes in dramas. Note there will be some small spoilers for dramas discussed. Show Notes Something in the Rain Deep Dive - Afternoona Delight Episode 183 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KECBbwqvazE My Dearest through a Confucian Lens Deep Dive - Afternoona Asks Episode 25 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/my-dearest-unpacked-with-a-confucian-lens/id1698849342?i=1000650987080 Under the Queen’s Umbrella Deep Dive - Afternoona Asks Episode 81 https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/under-the-queens-umbrella-deep-dive/id1698849342?i=1000775028303 Blackout Deep Dive - Afternoona Delight Episode 286 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/black-out-a-twisty-whodunit-thriller/id1551567801?i=1000741668873 Death Game - Afternoona Delight Episode 210 https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/deaths-game-no-filler-all-killer/id1551567801?i=1000663186888 Alice Coldbreath novels (Medieval Romance, Victorian Historical Romance: https://www.alicecoldbreath.com/ June Hur - Behind Five Willows https://www.junehur.com/
#81
July 1 · 1 hr 55 min
Under the Queen's Umbrella - Deep Dive
Sarah and Grace are back together to deep dive a 2022 top Kdrama, Under the Queen's Umbrella. If you have not yet seen this drama, join us as we discuss the incredible acting by two of our favorite female leads supported by a stellar ensemble cast, the amazing writing by a relatively unknown screenwriter we expect more great things from, and what made this drama resonate with us, in the spoiler-free section. And for those who have watched this drama, relive the drama with us as we reflect on the themes of motherhood and revenge, the positive impact a well-written, multifaceted villain can have in a drama, and our favorite healing and heart-wrenching moments. References: K-Actor Fan Events with Jasmine https://open.spotify.com/episode/2Ix8SpJtQ9aeO3j1zuarSY?si=6F-HW6G_SD-j-3eUsxcw0A Meeting Your KDrama Fave IRL: Jung Hae In's 10th Season https://open.spotify.com/episode/0WDjbONoNaYkyGvfOiwqaM?si=ZWJKr_xwRoiBvxNMPqzkhQ Sarah's posts from the Lee Jehoon HK fanmeet: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DXw3m4kylTt/?igsh=MTc4MmM1YmI2Ng== https://www.instagram.com/reel/DXw3m4kylTt/?igsh=MTc4MmM1YmI2Ng== For more, find us at www.afternoonaasks.com
#80
June 15 · 2 hr 13 min
An Intro to Japanese Language for Asian Drama fans
Welcome to our latest episode! This is now the third in our series of Asian language introductions for Asian Drama fans. We are delighted to be joined by Shogo, an old University friend of Sarah's and tri-lingual Japanese, English and Mandarin Chinese speaker to the podcast - where he gives us an intro to Japanese and comparisons with Chinese and Korean. All three of us share cultural and linguistic experiences and we also get into some Japanese culture questions sent in by listeners. For previous episodes on Korean and Chinese check out links below: An Intro to Korean for KDramas Intro to Chinese Language for Asian Drama fans
#79
June 1 · 1 hr 58 min
Lost - Deep Dive
We deep dive the beautiful and criminally underrated Korean Drama Lost in this episode. Sarah is joined by fellow Patreon guests Cate and Angela. We discuss why this slice of life drama is such a cult fave for KDrama watchers that love a slower, character centred and inner conflict driven drama. If you have yet to watch this drama, check out our non-spoiler section to see if this drama might work for you - we cover what makes it stand out, how amazing the cast are and talk through our favourite scenes. Show Notes Cate’s first podcast - 1st Quarter 2025 drama review with Erin - Episode 49 Mr Plankton Through a Confucian Lens - Afternoona Asks Podcast - Episode 46 Mr Plankton Deep Dive - Afternoona Delight Podcast- Episode 232 Let Free the Curse of Taekwondo - Afternoona Delight Podcast - Episode 244
#78
May 15 · 1 hr 52 min
Can This Love Be Translated? - Deep Dive
Sarah and Grace are back together to deep dive one of our first-quarter-2026 top Kdramas, Can This Love Be Translated. If you have not seen this drama yet, join us as we discuss what made this drama a bit polarizing and why it worked for us, as well as the theme of communication across languages and life experiences, in the spoiler-free section. Grace also shares an update on what's been keeping her extra busy and touches on how much of a difference she found there is between subbed and dubbed translations for Kdramas. And for those who have watched this drama, relive the drama with us as we reflect on how much we missed Kim Seonho and his dimples, how the show highlights what courage it takes to love, and how, despite moments of confusion throughout, this drama reached a satisfying resolution consistent with its overall vulnerable, healing, and heart-felt vibes. For more, find us at www.afternoonaasks.com
#77
April 21 · 1 hr 19 min
Pursuit of Jade - Part 3 - Q&A
Welcome back to Part 3 of our monster episode of Pursuit of Jade - we've never done a two-part Deep Dive on a drama before, let alone three! Sarah is joined by Patreon guests Cynthia and Saraiah to discuss the 2026 smash hit Chinese Drama Pursuit of Jade that has taken the Asian drama world by storm. Starring Zhang Ling He and Tian Xi Wei, this historical drama delivers all the feels, swoons and romance that has swept the Patreon away. If you've yet to watch this drama, this episode will give a non-spoiler intro to the drama. Otherwise if you've seen and want to get into all the details, we do that too! This Part 3 answers questions and discusses cultural and language questions raised by the drama. Part 1 contains an introduction to our guest hosts Cynthia and Saraiah as we get to know them and their drama tastes. Part 2 covers the deep dive of the drama itself. We hope you enjoy our 3-part podcast! Show Notes Deleted Scene Pursuit of Jade - backstory explainer Reddit thread
#76
April 21 · 2 hr 36 min
Pursuit of Jade - Part 2 - Deep Dive
Welcome back to Part 2 of our monster episode of Pursuit of Jade - we've never done a two-part Deep Dive on a drama before, let alone three! Sarah is joined by Patreon guests Cynthia and Saraiah to discuss the 2026 smash hit Chinese Drama Pursuit of Jade that has taken the Asian drama world by storm. Starring Zhang Ling He and Tian Xi Wei, this historical drama delivers all the feels, swoons and romance that has swept the Patreon away. If you've yet to watch this drama, this episode will give a non-spoiler intro to the drama. Otherwise if you've seen and want to get into all the details, we do that too! This Part 2 episode will cover the deep dive on the drama itself - for an introduction to our guest hosts Cynthia and Saraiah, check out Part 1 as we get to know them and their drama tastes. Part 3 answers questions and discusses cultural and language questions raised by the drama. We hope you enjoy our 3-part podcast! Show Notes The obligatory Fast Cars and Superstars Zhang Ling He Catwalk The meme of same music set to Pursuit of Jade scene
#75
April 21 · 1 hr 1 min
Pursuit of Jade - Part 1 - Introductions
Welcome to our monster episode of Pursuit of Jade - we've never done a two-part Deep Dive on a drama before, let alone three! Sarah is joined by Patreon guests Cynthia and Saraiah to discuss the 2026 smash hit Chinese Drama Pursuit of Jade that has taken the Asian drama world by storm. Starring Zhang Ling He and Tian Xi Wei, this historical drama delivers all the feels, swoons and romance that has swept the Patreon away. If you've yet to watch this drama, this episode will give a non-spoiler intro to the drama. Otherwise if you've seen and want to get into all the details, we do that too! This first episode is an introduction to Cynthia and Saraiah as we get to know them and their drama tastes. Part 2 will cover the deep dive on the drama itself and Part 3 answers questions and discusses cultural and language questions raised by the drama. We hope you enjoy our 3-part podcast! Show Notes: The History of Wuxia with William Han - Afternoona Asks Episode 20 Vincenzo Deep Dive - Afternoona Delight Episode 205 Prisoner of Beauty Deep Dive - Afternoona Asks Episode 57 Love Like The Galaxy Deep Dive - Afternoona Delight 245
#74
April 14 · 2 hr 14 min
Chatting the 1st Quarter 2026 in Asian Dramas
We've just finished the first quarter in Asian dramas - join us to discuss the winners and the duds of the quarter so far. Sarah is joined by Patreon guests Yarrow and Zoe to chat through our favourite dramas, performances and the ones we dropped. See if you agree with our takes or perhaps find new dramas you wish to start. Show Notes Hometown Cha Cha Cha Deep Dive (Sarah's first podcast! With Afternoona Delight) - Episode 45 Liberation Notes Deep Dive - Afternoona Delight - Episode 175 Love Next Door Deep Dive - Afternoona Asks - Episode 43 I am Not a Robot Deep Dive - Daebak Podcast - Episode 99 Twinkling Watermelon Deep Dive - Afternoona Delight - Episode 194 Singles Inferno Season 5 - Afternoona Delight - Episode 296 Queen In Hyun's Man Deep Dive - Daebak Podcast - Episode 103
#73
March 31 · 1 hr 46 min
Meet Yourself Deep Dive
Sarah and Grace got together in late 2025 to discuss the 2023 C-drama Meet Yourself and are excited to finally share the episode now. If you have not seen this drama yet, join us as we discuss what made this slice-of-life + slow-burn romance drama such a healing and impactful watch, in the spoiler-free section. And if you've watched, come relive favorite moments and storylines of the drama with us. As always, we discuss some language and culture questions too! #cdrama #cdramalovers #cdramapodcast #chinesedrama #chinesedramas #cdramareview #asiandrama #asiandramapodcast
#72
March 15 · 1 hr 43 min
Culinary Class Wars Season 2
We are back! Sarah & Grace are joined once again by Lisa for a deep dive on the Korean Cookery Reality TV show that we love - Culinary Class Wars. The Netflix show returned for a second season late 2025 so we just had to get the gang back together to break down the drama and relive the dishes. If you've not watched the programme, we have a short spoiler free section to tell you all about it before heading to the spoiler section to discuss the competition and highlight our faves and compare it to Season 1. Show Notes Culinary Class Wars Season 1 Deep Dive with Lisa https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/culinary-class-wars-cooking-the-stories-of-our-lives/id1698849342?i=1000712395641 Joint Security Area Deep Dive with Lisa (and her intro) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jsa-and-korean-american-experiences-of-hallyu/id1698849342?i=1000671258111 Lisa's BTS Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ARMYAuntie777
#71
February 28 · 1 hr 59 min
Let's Get Physical (kind of) - Physical Asia debrief
Grace and Sarah are back to discuss another type of K-Content they both love - Korean Reality TV shows! This time it's the turn of the Physical series and they are delighted to be joined by sister podcast Afternoona Delight co-host Megan (and also fellow fan) to discuss. The trio cover both the series of Physical 100 but do an in-depth discussion to the 2025 released version, Physical Asia which was a big hit for Netflix. We have a spoiler-free section where we discuss the Physical series as a whole, how they find Korean Reality TV differs from Western shows of this type, what appeals and who might enjoy this show - so if you've not watched but have been tempted check out the first part of this podcast. If you've seen and are ready for our takes on who were the best teams and participants - and who were the ones we didn't love so much - join us for the whole podcast to dissect the fun and games that were Physical Asia. We also go into what we want to see in future seasons of this franchise. For fans of Singles Inferno, check out the Afternoona Delight podcast on Season Five
#70
February 15 · 1 hr 15 min
Our 2025 Patreon Survey Results
Each year we survey the Afternoona Delight Patreon for their views on dramas - so join us to check out the 2025 results! Our Patreon have fantastic taste, watch widely and have plenty to say, so tune in to find out who were our fave characters, the best performances and what they want to wag their finger at in dramaland. Sarah is joined by fellow patreon Erin as Grace couldn't make this record to run through the results and give us her take too. We hope you all enjoy the run down and find some recommendations that you didn't catch in 2025. Show Notes: Erin's previous podcasts: Erin's Review 2023 (with her 5 get to know you dramas) KDramas 2024 so far First Quarter review 2025 Patreon Survey Results 2024
#69
January 31 · 1 hr 40 min
Behind the Scenes of Tempest - with Silas and Ryan
We are delighted to welcome Busan-based artists Silas Jennings and Ryan Estrada to the show to discuss the 2025 South Korean drama Tempest. Silas and Ryan share their experiences as extras on the show as well as other insights about being Western actors on South Korean drama productions. We also discuss the drama's target audience, its highlights, our quibbles, and whether it lived up to high expectations for its esteemed writer/director team. Join us for a fascinating look behind the scenes! Find a further introduction to Ryan Estrada from his first guest appearance here: Banned Book Club and the South Korean Culture of Protest with Ryan Estrada Find our guests on Instagram: @liquidartsnetwork @ryanestradadotcom Ryan's website: www.ryanestrada.com
#68
January 15 · 1 hr 14 min
Tips for a Seoul Beauty Trip!
We are delighted to welcome our fellow Patreon member Lorna to share her latest Seoul trip with her. Lorna went to Seoul primarily to try their skincare and beauty treatments, following months of extensive research! We are lucky that she's happy to come and discuss them on the podcast with us. She also took an MBC studio tour and tells us about that and her other experiences in Seoul. Join us for a virtual trip to Seoul this January! Show Notes Color analysis at Color Lab. Included face shape, glasses shape rec, skin tone, season, etc. $48. 8/10. A little rushed but very interesting. LeeKaja Hair Salon. $30, Consult, great shampoo, haircut, blowdry, style. 10/10. Half-day Hanaro health checkup. $475. Treated well, 15 different tests, no non-Koreans, 9/10. JW Dental teeth cleaning. $35. Just like US. Beautiful office. Moclock Scalp Treatment 5/10. Meh. More $ than SF. Paid $85 Insadong Sauna & Spa. Great, local experience. 2 hr package $90. Body scrub is incredible. Very naked. Karin Clinic in Myeongdong. Did Shurink 300 shots (high intensity ultrasound device). Rushed. Smoe upselling. Lovely office. $90 7/10. Ocean Clinic in Gangham, Pico toning laser, Genesis V laser and IPL (intense pulsed light). $95. Modeling mask, next big thing. “Factory,” I guess, but nice. 9/10. Orta Clinic in Gangham. Pico toning neck, LDM (ultrasound) hydration mode, Aqua Peel, masseter botox 50 units $15. Total $120. Lovely space, efficient, good consult, no upselling. Great first-timer prices. 9/10. Repic Clinic in Gangham. 3 areas botox $35! Botox in general is around $1/unit vs $15-18 in US. Chose Korean brand, Great skin analysis. Limited in botox areas offered. 8/10. MBC Studio tour booked via Viator (also available via Klook) Hotel - Maker Hotel in Jongno
#67
January 6 · 2 hr 24 min
BL 2025 Recap - Guest Hosts Takeover!
Patreon Guest hosts take over the podcast to discuss the year in BL dramas! We welcome Nicole, Alison, Heather, and Gavin to discuss the highs and lows of BL in 2025, while asking and answering questions like what country had the best year in the world of BL? Is Heesu in Class 2 underrated? Which of us are My Stubborn stans and who is Team Khemjira? Listen and find out the answers to these questions and more in this BL recap episode of Afternoona Asks. Show notes: BLs talked about by country: Chinese BLs: Revenged Love ABO Desire Secrets Happened on Litchi Island To My Shore Korean BLs: Secret Relationships Heesu in Class 2 Ball Boy Tactics Thundercloud Rainstorm My Bias is Showing Match Play Peach Trap Checkered Shirt Thailand: Khemjira My Stubborn Top Form Reset Shine Boy Next World ThamePo: You Steal My Heart The Wicked Game My Magic Prophecy The Ex Morning The Next Prince Mystique in the Mirror Lover Merman Me and Thee Pit Babe 2 Sangmin Dinaew My Golden Blood Goddess Bless You From Death Burnout Syndrome Taiwanese BLs: Secret lover A Perfect Match Japanese BLs School Trip: Joined A Group I’m Not Close To When It Rains, It Pours 10 Dance Love Begins in the World of If Punks Triangle 10 Things I Want to Do Before I Turn 40 Therapy Game Proper Way to Write Love
#66
Dec 31, 2025 · 1 hr 54 min
2025 Year End Drama Review Part 2
Join us for our annual Year End Review of Korean and other Asian dramas for 2025! As with our previous year end episodes, Sarah and Grace are joined by Afternoona Delight Patreon guests to discuss the drama year. We are delighted to be joined by Kate B and Jimmy this year. In this Part 2 episode, Jimmy and Grace discuss their faves, their misses, and the winners of their own drama awards. Hope you have fun reliving 2025 with us! Other podcast episodes mentioned in this episode: Afternoona Delight - Our Blues Daebak Pod - I Am Not a Robot Korean History for Kdrama Viewers Part 1 Our Unwritten Seoul Spoiler alerts: Spoilers for Love Alarm at 8:10-9:20 Spoilers for Dear Hongrang at 1:18:12-1:20:24

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