K-drama My Eyes Out

Judy and Linda are just brimming with PSAs after watching episodes 7-8 of "Because This Is My First Life" (이번 생은 처음이라), a TVN Korean drama starring Jung SoMin and Lee MinKi. Judy and Linda wonder if Koreans don't have the concept of "stranger danger", since Jiho (Jung SoMin) is completely lacking in street smarts in these two episodes. Judy is puzzled by people constantly reiterating that Boknam (Kim MinKyu) is amazingly good looking. Linda is disturbed by Horang's (Kim GaEun) use of sexual withholding to manipulate Wonseok (Kim MinSuk) into proposing. Digressions: 1:46 - Superpowers 36:21 - Pun time!   Some Korean terms: 과자: [gwa-ja] confectionary. 잠바: [jam-ba] jacket; Korean version of "jumper". 상남자: [sang-nam-ja] manly man. 알뜰하다: [al-ddeul-ha-da] frugal.   Audio credits: Henry Jackman - Captain America: The Winter Soldier - "The Smithsonian" BTS - "Go Go (고민보다 Go)" The Who - "Won't Get Fooled Again"   Linda desperately needs something new to watch! Send us your recommendations! Please send any questions, c

Judy and Linda are excited (?!) by the fake wedding in episodes 5-6 of "Because This Is My First Life" (이번 생은 처음이라), a TVN Korean drama starring Jung SoMin and Lee MinKi. As much as we enjoyed watching the events of these two episodes, we also cried quite a bit, mainly because of Jiho's mom (Kim SunYoung). And if we sound a bit downtrodden by Jiho (Jung SoMin) and her friends' unfortunate circumstances reflecting our own not-quite-perfect lives, well, we're allowed to feel sad sometimes, alright? Except for Sehee (Lee MinKi). Lucky emotionless bastard. Judy had to google "snake stew" so that our listeners wouldn't have to, and it was a terrible mistake. Just know that it's supposedly good for stamina (especially for men, nudge nudge). It is illegal to hunt wild snakes for consumption, but legal for traditional medicine practitioners to use snakes as an ingredient.  Some Korean terms: 상견레: [sang-gyeon-leh] official meeting between in-laws to plan a wedding. 한식: [han-sik] traditional Korean cuisine. 얌전하다: [yam-

Judy and Linda are falling into episodes 3-4 of "Because This Is My First Life" (이번 생은 처음이라), a TVN Korean drama starring Jung SoMin and Lee MinKi. Judy and Linda are concerned about Koreans' attitudes towards dating and marriage. Doesn't anyone get married because they actually genuinely enjoy each other's company? These two episodes also happened to coincide with the #MeToo campaign, which was bitterly apropos, considering the BS that Jiho (Jung SoMin) and Sooji (Esom) have to go through.   Some Korean terms: 눈치: [noon-chi] a combination of "tact" and "situation awareness"; to be lacking in "눈치" is an insult. 무뚝뚝한: [moo-ddook-ddook-han] terse.  사모님: [sa-mo-nim] way to address the wife of a boss; "Madam". 매력적인: [meh-ryeok-jeok-in] alluring. 쇼파: [sho-fah] mispronunciation of "sofa". 무표정: [moo-pyo-jeong] blank-faced. 털: [teol] hair; fur. 민: [min] shaven.   If you understood Robert's pun contribution this week, please let us know on Twitter! Please send any questions, comments or suggestions on Facebook and Twi

Judy and Linda are finally starting a new drama! We are loving episodes 1-2 of "Because This Is My First Life" (이번 생은 처음이라), a TVN Korean drama starring Jung SoMin and Lee MinKi. Judy and Linda are deeply moved by the drama's realistic portrayal of Korea's patriarchal society. SMASH THE SYSTEM!!! Ahem. Judy wants to know what lipstick brand Sooji (Esom) is using. How is that not a sponsorship moment? Linda wonders if all married Korean women have a secret stash of money. Digressions: 20:13 - Judy coins "Sheldonesque" and Linda still watches "The Big Bang Theory" 32:19 - Girl name vs. Boy name in Korean 57:45 - Pressure to get ahead in Korea ("Hell-Joseon")   Some Korean terms: 빙구: [bing-goo] a name typically given to a village idiot character. 누나: [noo-na] way for a male to address an older sister. 월세: [wol-seh] monthly rent system, which is what we're used to in Western countries. 전세: [jeon-seh] rent is paid by giving the landlord a large deposit, which they can then invest or put into a bank account to earn

Judy and Linda are flabbergasted by episodes 37-40 of "Hospital Ship" (병원선), the MBC Korean drama starring Ha JiWon, Kang MinHyuk and Lee SeoWon. We're relieved and sad that it ended like this. Welp, the telemedicine threat is resolved! We...cared? Judy and Linda are so uninterested in the romance between Eunjae (Ha JiWon) and Hyun (Kang MinHyuk), that even the provocative night at a hotel together for sexy times doesn't even merit any discussion. Judy is furious with Eunjae for being such a control freak. Linda suggests a way, way, WAY better "Eunjae has cancer" storyline. Some Korean terms: 기생: [gi-seng] Korean term for "geisha"; female entertainer. 기도하는 마음으로: [gi-do-ha-neun-ma-eum-eu-roh] "In the mindset of prayer". 돌다리도 두들겨보라했는데: [dol-da-ri-do-doo-deul-gyuh-bo-ra-het-neun-deh] "Even when crossing a stone bridge, one should knock it first". 다리: [da-ri] homonym of "leg" and "bridge", hence the confusion in the Dramafever subtitles. 얼굴도 상해가면서: [uhl-gool-do-sang-heh-ga-myun-suh] "Even as your face deteriorate

Judy and Linda struggle through the dreaded penultimate week (i.e. episodes 33-36) of "Hospital Ship" (병원선), the MBC Korean drama starring Ha JiWon, Kang MinHyuk and Lee SeoWon. The drama decides to introduce the threat of telemedicine this week, but the evil chairman's plot is so nonsensical that Judy and Linda find it more boring than sinister. This is aggravated by the fact that Eunjae (HaJiWon) and Hyun (Kang MinHyuk) act so nonchalantly for most of the time. Judy borrows one of her favourite phrases from "Scrubs": "bastard-coated bastards" or "B.C.B" for short. Linda, ever the teacher, reminds us all about the story mountain, which must surely be taught in Korea as well, especially if one is studying to be a writer? Some Korean terms: 휘두르다: [hwee-doo-reu-da] to brandish; to flail. 시장: [see-jang] market. 정말: [jung-mal] truly; really. 어이없다: [uh-ee-up-da] to be flabbergasted. 저런: [juh-run] "Oh dear". Do you have a solution for the dreaded K-drama penultimate week syndrome? Can you think of a catchier name f

Judy and Linda yadda yadda and cringe through episodes 29-32 of "Hospital Ship" (병원선), the MBC Korean drama starring Ha JiWon, Kang MinHyuk and Lee SeoWon. Judy and Linda discuss the use of blood as a weapon. Judy theorizes that Hyun's (Kang MinHyuk) body cavity is radioactive, because how else would Eunjae (Ha JiWon) have such flattering lighting during surgery? Linda struggles to remember how the "love" (insert giant air quotes) between Eunjae and Hyun actually started. Judy was so uninterested in this relationship that she watched an actually interesting scene from "Beauty and the Beast" (1991) to make up for it. Digressions: 1:13:03 - Judy reveals her weakness! 1:19:43 - Judy gets sidetracked by her love for Jo JinWoong. Some Korean terms: 언니: [un-ni] way for a woman to address an older sister. 한의사: [han-ui-sa] doctor of oriental traditional medicine.   If you know which episode Judy is talking about (and Linda is trying to deny), please let us know. Prove Judy right! Please send any questions, comments o

Judy and Linda were amused but also impatient with episodes 25-28 of "Hospital Ship" (병원선), the MBC Korean drama starring Ha JiWon, Kang MinHyuk and Lee SeoWon. This week, it's Hyun's (Kang MinHyuk) turn to wrap up his family drama. Just like last week, Judy and Linda find it unbelievable that Hyun's sister, a heartless harpy who wanted to tell people that her father was dead, suddenly turns into a loving daughter who missed her father so much. Hyun's mom is still godawful, though. Judy starts to like Jaegul (Lee SeoWon) more and more for laying some truth bombs on Eunjae (Ha JiWon). Linda makes predictions on how the gunmen attack will end.   Digressions: 13:32 - Judy looked at the "Hospital Ship" website. 27:50 - Professional personas at work. 38:21 - Expert corner: Linda's sister, an OR nurse, comes to the rescue! 54:02 - Pun time! 1:10:33 - Pun time 2!   Some Korean terms: 금수저: [geum-soo-juh] "gold spoon"; this is a relatively new term that has taken the place of the Western expression, "born with a silve

This week, Judy and Linda are talking about episodes 21-24 of "Hospital Ship" (병원선), the MBC Korean drama starring Ha JiWon, Kang MinHyuk and Lee SeoWon, and they cannot believe there are still four weeks left. Linda is angry about Youngeun's (Wang JiEun) emotional blackmailing of Hyun (Kang MinHyuk) while Judy doesn't think that Eunjae (Ha JiWon) is never given enough time by the writers to show any emotional struggle with this development. Judy and Linda are shocked that the drama states that it's not illegal to operate on one's family member. This better be made up just for the drama. Some Korean terms: 물에 빠진 사람 구해줬더니 보따리 내놓으라 한다: [mool-eh-ppa-jin-sa-ram-goo-heh-jwot-duh-nee-bo-dda-ree-neh-noh-eu-ra-han-da] "I saved a drowning person and he asked me for the bag he was carrying"; Korean version of "No good deed goes unpunished". 껍데기: [ggup-deh-gee] outer shell; peel. 상: [sang] table. 제사: [jeh-sa] ceremony to show respect to one's dead relatives on major holidays and death days. 도시락: [do-see-rak] packed meal

Judy and Linda can't believe what's going on in episodes 17-20 of "Hospital Ship" (병원선), the MBC Korean drama starring Ha JiWon, Kang MinHyuk and Lee SeoWon. Judy and Linda are confused about how Youngeun (Wang JiEun) and Eunjae's dad (Cho SungHa) plan on getting away with their respective scams. Linda is having a lot of trouble imagining Jaegul (Lee SeoWon) actually being a rival for Eunjae's (Ha JiWon) love for many reasons. On the other hand, Judy doesn't really feel passionate love from Hyun (Kang MinHyuk), which is why no one wanted this forced romance in this drama, goddammit. Some Korean terms: 짝사랑: [jjak-sa-rang] one-sided love.   Do you guys want to know the details of Judy's James Bond dream? It made as much sense as these episodes of "Hospital Ship". Please send any questions, comments or suggestions on Facebook and Twitter (@kdramamyeyesout) or e-mail us (kdramamyeyesout(at)gmail.com). Download this and other episodes and while you're there, write us a review: Apple Podcasts Google Play Music Stit

Judy and Linda are getting whiplash this week from the romantic subplots in episodes 13-16 of "Hospital Ship" (병원선) starring Ha JiWon, Kang MinHyuk and Lee SeoWon. Our desperate wish for Eunjae (Ha JiWon) and Hyun (Kang MinHyuk) to remain supportive friends has been dashed. This week introduces their romantic interest in each other, and then adds two more characters into the mix to form the most slapdash love quadrilateral.  Linda posits that there's a magical portal that transports characters to wherever they conveniently need to be. The scene with Hyun's neverending puns was almost enough to make Judy like Jaegul (Lee SeoWon) more. Linda declares that the flashback with Youngeun (Wang JiEun) and Hyun is the most awkward scene she has ever seen in any Korean drama.    Some Korean terms: 마음이 여리다: [ma-eum-ee-yuh-ree-da] to be tenderhearted. 떨리다: [ddul-lee-da] to be nervous; to tremble. 할아범: [hal-ah-bum] informal way of addressing a grandfather. 멍때리다: [mung-ddeh-ree-da] to space out. 작가: [jak-ga] writer.  간수하다:

Judy and Linda get very emotional about episodes 9-12 of "Hospital Ship" (병원선) starring Ha JiWon and Kang Minhyuk. Even as we were feeling devastated by the events in this week's episodes (but in a good way?), we were also reeling from the drastic in shift in tone from one scene to the next. This week, we examine the medical ethics of treating one's family or friends and the concepts of "informed consent" and "patient's right to die with dignity", which Eunjae (Ha JiWon) callously ignores. For such a good doctor, Eunjae doesn't seem to understand why this makes Hyun (Kang MinHyuk) upset. This was such a great opportunity for Eunjae to realize her own shortcomings and try to improve herself as a medical professional in an interesting way. Instead, the drama simply glosses over the character's lack of deep self-reflection by saying, "Well, her mom's dead. Did you know her mom's dead?" There are better ways to do this and step one is re-reading your bloody script at least once.     Digressions: 3:00 - Judy loves

Judy and Linda are relieved that episodes 5-8 of "Hospital Ship" (병원선) were posted on Dramafever in time for them to be able to record this episode of K-Drama My Eyes Out. This MBC medical drama features Ha JiWon, Kang MinHyuk, Lee SeoWon and Kim InSik. Linda and Judy are horrified by the terrible family members and hospital corruption in this drama. Linda has given up on being angry about wrist-grabbing, whereas Judy vows to be upset about it forever. Judy isn't surprised by Eunjae's (Ha JiWon) offputting bedside manners, but Linda rightfully suggests that the drama needs to show more of a cause and effect to her efforts to connect with her patients. 1:26:22 - Health benefits of lotus root  1:29:27 - Why are scalpels called "mes" in Korean? Some Korean terms: 병신: [byung-shin] cripple. 목포: [mok-po] a port city on the southwestern coast of the Korean peninsula. 숙취해소: [sook-chwee-heh-so] hangover relief. 소주: [so-joo] traditional Korean distilled alcohol beverage; Koreans like to compare their drinking abilities

Judy and Linda are finally starting a new Korean drama! We watched the first four episodes of "Hospital Ship" (병원선), an MBC drama starring Ha JiWon, Kang MinHyuk, Lee SeoWon and Kim InSik. Judy is annoyed that she couldn't tell apart Kim Jaegul (Lee SeoWon) a.k.a. "Short Face", "Oriental medicine doctor" from Cha Joonyoung (Kim InSik) a.k.a. "Long Face", "Dentist". Linda is weirded out that Kwak Hyun (Kang MinHyuk) is writing his progress notes in English. Is...is that a real thing? Linda feels left out that she's the only one who doesn't seem to know who Albert Schweitzer is. Click here to read the Wikipedia page of Dr. Schweitzer.  At 0:51:52, we launch into a philosophical digression about reincarnation. At 1:17:15, Judy asserts that the hospital ship captain has a Gyungsang provincial accent, but it actually appears to be a Choongchung accent. Sorry! The mother in the "Reply 1997/1994/1988" series does have a Gyungsang accent.   Some Korean terms:   진짜 사나이: [jin-jja-sa-na-ee] "Real Men"; Korean reality sh

Happy first anniversary to all our listeners! The idea for this episode comes from our listener, Christina, on our Facebook page. Thank you, Christina! Judy and Linda examined all the Korean dramas they have ever watched and picked their favourites and...what is the antonym of 'favourite'? Please keep in mind that these are our personal opinions! 0:02:57 - Our top 3 Korean dramas 0:13:51 - What Linda watched addictively 0:16:39 - Our bottom 3 Korean dramas 0:26:30 - The worst Korean dramas (that we couldn't even finish) 0:29:03 - Our top 3 Korean actors 0:34:17 - Our bottom 3 Korean actors - This could be controversial! 0:40:21 - Our top 3 Korean actresses 0:48:32 - Our bottom 3 Korean actresses 0:51:59 - Best OSTs 1:02:19 - Favourite characters 1:05:59 - Memorable moments 1:13:51 - What are we looking forward to watching?   What do you think of our list? If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please contact us on Facebook and Twitter (@kdramamyeyesout) or e-mail us (kdramamyeyesout(at)gmail.com)

Next week is our one year anniversary! Judy and Linda watched some of the Korean dramas that were on air during our first year, but were not featured on our podcast.  0:02:05 - Listener Q&A 0:06:39 - "Cinderella and Four Knights" (신데렐라와 네명의 기사) is a TVN drama that "stars" Park SoDam, Ahn JaeHyun, Jung IlWoo and Lee JungShin. Judy is shocked - shocked! - that the main character's father has not been paying for his dead wife's spot in the columbarium for 5 years. Linda is shocked - shocked! - that the male lead is offering to buy a date from the female lead! And of course, there's the terrible makeover at the end of the episode. 0:25:16 - The most impressive thing about MBC's "Shopping King Louis" (쇼핑왕 루이) is that they found actual French-speaking actors. It stars Seo InGuk, Nam JiHyun and Yoon SangHyun. 0:39:56 - We were profoundly confused by the evil scheme in the first episode of "The K2". Who knew which parts of the scheme and what was the point of it? Judy wants to know what a "First Lady candidate" i

This week, Judy and Linda examine the sageuk framework by watching "Tree with Deep Roots" (뿌리깊은 나무) and "Moon Embracing the Sun" (해를 품은 달).  "Tree with Deep Roots" is a 2011 SBS drama, starring Jang Hyuk, Song JoongKi, Han SukKyu, Shin SeKyung and Jo JinWoong. This is a straightforward sageuk about a revered historical figure. We take a quick look at the early Joseon kings (19:17) and why King Sejong deserves the title, "Great King" (37:24). "Moon Embracing the Sun" is a 2012 MBC drama, starring Kim SooHyun, Han GaIn and Jung IlWoo. This is set in a fictional version of Joseon, and focuses more on the prophecy entwining the three main characters into a love triangle. We talked about the examinations that noblemen took to become government officials (1:01:40).  Some Korean terms: 사극: [sa-geuk] historical fiction. 대왕: [deh-wang] title "great king".  세종대왕: [seh-jong-deh-wang] "The Great King Sejong"; fourth king of Joseon; click here to read his Wikipedia article. 태종: [teh-jong] King Taejong; third king of Joseo

You've waited a long time for this! Judy and Linda have finally finished watching the critically acclaimed drama, "Signal" (시그널), starring Jo JinWoong, Kim HyeSoo and Lee JeHoon.  There are major spoilers in this episode, so if you haven't watched "Signal" already, go and watch it immediately. Don't say we didn't warn you! This drama was so good and Judy was so enamoured with Lee Jehan (Jo JinWoong) that she was able to overlook Lee JeHoon's overacting. Linda also loved this drama, but found the character of Cha Soohyun (Kim HyeSoo) unsatisfying.  Some Korean terms: 양말: [yang-mal] socks. 양: [yang] sheep. 말: [mal] language.    Seriously, watch "Signal". We definitely recommend it. Please send any questions, comments or suggestions on Facebook and Twitter (@kdramamyeyesout) or e-mail us (kdramamyeyesout(at)gmail.com). Download this and other episodes and while you're there, write us a review: Apple Podcasts Google Play Music Stitcher Libsyn RSS The KDMEO theme music is 'Cute', by Bensound (www.bensound.com), an

Judy and Linda slog through episodes 15 and 16 of "Fight My Way" (쌈 마이웨이), starring Park SeoJoon, Kim JiWon, Ahn JaeHong and Song HaYoon. Judy and Linda get whiplash from the sudden change in the personalities of stalker dude, Jooman's mom and Hyeran. Linda wonders how the Crazy Fantastic Four came to live at the Namil villa, which just happens to be owned by The Red Lady (Jin HeeKyung), aka Aera's mom. Judy is annoyed that Dongman (Park SeoJoon) and Aera (Kim JiWon) are so cool about their breakup, since apparently they loved each other so much.  Some Korean terms:  속시원하다: [sok-shi-won-ha-da] literally "My insides are cool"; expression of "I am so relieved" (because an annoyance has now been resolved). 왕따: [wang-dda] bullied; isolated. 고등어: [go-deung-uh] mackerel. 찜: [jjim] dish that's steamed in a sauce or marinade. 공손하게: [gong-son-ha-geh] politely. Next week's episode is a "Signal" special! If you haven't already watched the series, we strongly recommend doing so. It'll be full of spoilers, so don't say we

Judy and Linda are pretty disappointed with episodes 13 and 14 of "Fight My Way" (쌈 마이웨이), starring Park SeoJoon, Kim JiWon, Ahn JaeHong and Song HaYoon. The penultimate week of most Korean dramas seem to suffer from the production staff scrambling to kill time with pointless garbage. Yes, we reviewed the penultimate episodes of all the dramas we've talked about in this podcast to confirm this. "Fight My Way" decided to spend two whole episodes doing nothing but set up red herrings that anyone could see from a mile away. Judy and Linda find it weird that Dongman (Park SeoJoon) would compliment Aera (Kim JiWon) by telling her that she smells like seaweed soup. Linda wonders what it actually means to be a "또라이" (translated in Viki as "psycho"). 32:00 – We love soondae and want Korean restaurants that have an efficient delivery system like in Korea. 50:42 – Pun time! Some Korean terms: 양아치: [yang-ah-chi] thug; apparently it's a shortened version of "동냥아치" [dong-nyang-ah-chi] referring to groups of orphans beggin