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 24

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#88
Saturday · 1 hr 44 min
Better Late Than Single
Sarah and Grace are back together to discuss Season 2 of Better Late Than Single, which aired on Netflix this summer. For those who have not yet seen this show, we chat about what makes Korean dating shows appealing, the societal resonance of this show, and some cultural considerations in the spoiler-free section. Then we discuss our favorite castmates, which couples we were rooting for, and how we would tweak the format of the next season in the spoiler section. Whether you are curious if you would enjoy this show, or have already seen it, we hope you have as much fun as we did reliving this earnest, awkward, funny, and relatable dating show. For those interested in more Better Late Than Single content, Afternoona Delight also covered both seasons: Afternoona Delight: Better Late Than Single? Or Better an Eternal Single? Afternoona Delight: Better Late Than Single Season 2 For more information on our pod, find us at www.afternoonaasks.com
#87
October 15 · 2 hr 13 min
The Story of Kunning Palace Deep Dive
We are delighted to be back with another Chinese Drama deep dive featuring one of the biggest CDrama actors of 2026 - Zhang Ling He - this is an older drama of his and Sarah is joined by Tania and Eileen to discuss why we think this is a must watch drama. We start with a spoiler-free intro to review why it might work for you and how it won't really fit any Pursuit of Jade hole you might have in your life, but is still absolutely worth it any way. Then we get into a spoiler section to discuss the drama's plots and twists and one of the darkest romances in CDrama. There are also cultural explainers for the use of Cinnabar in Chinese Culture and some of the reasons behind traditional Chinese wedding traditions. Show Notes To hear Tania's 5 dramas to get to know her, please check out her first episode here: https://player.fm/series/afternoona-asks/part-3-our-2023-year-end-review-with-tania-heather
#86
October 1 · 2 hr 39 min
Our Third Quarter Review of Dramas in 2026
How did it become the third quarter already?! We like to think time is flying by because we've had some good dramas this quarter to keep us entertained. Sarah is joined by new Patreon guests Reb & Beth as well as returning guest Susan to discuss this quarters dramas in detail. Join us to hear our thoughts on A Bona Fide Killer, Scandal, My Spooky Love, My Bias, My Boss and many other dramas. We also chat through what we're looking forward to for the final quarter of the year. Show Notes Susan’s previous Korean Food episodes with us, including her 5 to know you dramas: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/an-introduction-to-korean-food-part-1/id1698849342?i=1000702015847 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/an-introduction-to-korean-food-part-2/id1698849342?i=1000702842890 Second Quarter Review Podcast Episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/second-quarter-2026-review-of-asian-dramas/id1698849342?i=1000776896027 First Quarter Review Podcast Episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chatting-the-1st-quarter-2026-in-asian-dramas/id1698849342?i=1000761349487 Lost Afternoona Asks Deep Dive with Angela & Cate https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lost-deep-dive/id1698849342?i=1000770565287 Reb’s Contacts & Social Media Links https://www.instagram.com/mynameisreb https://workingcreativestudy.substack.com/ https://www.instagram.com/thegalleryatx/ Susan’s Instragram: https://www.instagram.com/josuhome/
#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

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