With Amy out on medical leave, Lia and Megan hold it down. Lia's fresh back from Seoul. Megan didn't die riding a Segway in Sonoma. But most importantly, we attempt to sell each other on K-dramas (and two movies and a JBL) that we've recently enjoyed. Offerings include: Ballerina, Love to Hate You, The Worst of Evil, Mood of the Day, My Personal Weatherman, and Doona (Lia is ready to throw hands against the Doona haters). Did we sell you on any? Let us know! Sign Up for Our Newsletter! Want our ...
Nov 01, 2023•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 171
What's a noona (Amy) supposed to do when Lia is in Seoul and Megan is riding a Segway through wine country? Replace at least one of them, of course! I kid! My co-hosts are irreplaceable, but I do have a pretty fabulous guest Megan for today's pod, Megan from Afternoona Army , or as we call her now, BTS Megan! Join us as we deep dive Destined With You, fan ourselves over our Roman Empire, and discuss why cotton candy is the now the sexiest candy to ever exist in the world. Ever. Full stop. 10/10 ...
Oct 25, 2023•1 hr 34 min•Ep. 170
The next few weeks are wild with Lia going to Seoul, Megan off to ride a segway in wine country, and Amy traveling for concerts. So we decided to squeeze in one group Uncensored for a little bonding joy. This month we do fantasy casting, discuss what makes a ride-or-die favorite, give some book recs based on drama vibes, and Megan ENRAGES Lia over her stance on Moon Lovers. In fact, even as Lia writes these words (in the third person) she is physically upset all over again and wants to debate. H...
Oct 18, 2023•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 169
While Lea and Becky (It's Bananas) enjoy the opening show of The Rose's Dawn to Dusk tour, Amy and Megan tackle the tough job of finishing a drama even when it fizzles. Join us for a story with a great premise, that gave us some major second male lead syndrome, and that maybe, possibly, at some points, went the way of Scooby-Doo. There is a lot to like about My Lovely Liar even if we didn't love it. K-Pop Rec: "Wonder" by The Rose Wonder-Venn Diagram Project-Official MV Sign Up for Our Newslette...
Oct 11, 2023•1 hr 25 min•Ep. 168
In today's episode, we delve into the 2023 film Past Lives, written and directed by Celine Song. We fangirl over the leads, Teo Yoo and Greta Lee, discuss inyun , and wonder if we're the same people we were twenty years ago (spoiler, sort of and sort of not). Take the romantic journey with us! Kpop Rec: Trouble by EVNNE Sign Up for Our Newsletter! Want our thoughts on why everyone should watch I'm Not a Robot in a 500-word essay? More thinky and/or thirsty writer takes on your favorite shows? Th...
Oct 04, 2023•1 hr 28 min•Ep. 167
Once again, our patrons delight us with the hard-hitting "This or That's" and other questions that make us go "Hmm..." But really, it all boils down to Amy and Megan learning the danger of having a full bladder while discussing "Kim Fin." Shark out with us, folks. It's September's Afternoona Uncensored. K-Pop Rec: Dual (the entire comeback album) by The Rose "You're Beautiful" One-Take MV The Rosearium App The Rose's Mindset Collection Sign Up for Our Newsletter! Want our thoughts on why everyon...
Sep 27, 2023•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 166
We are back with more trope talk. Tune in as we explore the secret ingredients that make romance stories delicious and the creative twists that keep them fresh. This week, Lia, Megan and Amy dissect and celebrate one of the most beloved tropes in romantic fiction..."Grumpy/Sunshine." From the brooder with a heart of gold (who often gets a redemptive arc) to the sunny optimist who brings warmth to even the coldest of hearts (and is usually good at banter), we explore how these contrasting persona...
Sep 20, 2023•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 165
At long last, Amy gets to gush about her Ahn Bo-Hyun awakening. Megan gets to say, "I told you so." And Lia gets to process why this drama just couldn't reel her in. Plus, we explore a question that has come up before: Can a drama move you enough to ignore plot holes and lapses in logic? If you listened to our "If You Wish Upon Me" episode, then you know where Amy and Megan stand on this one. Let's dive in with all our clothes on, folks. It's "See You In My 19th Life!" K-Pop Rec: "I Love My Body...
Sep 13, 2023•1 hr 25 min•Ep. 164
We discuss the delicious, tried-and-true trope of forced proximity and which Kdramas do it best, from office projects gone wrong (or right) to only one bed. We also make another plea for a bodyguard and idol romance. We mention lots of books and Kdramas so tune in! Kpop Rec of the Week: Social Path by Stray Kids Books mentioned: The Alien's Escape by Ella Maven Snowbound at Winter: Hot Winter's Night by Lia Riley Best Worst Mistake by Lia Riley Show Me Wonders by Riley Nash (this is the train ro...
Sep 06, 2023•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 163
Lia was told to watch MY BEAUTIFUL MAN by Alison. Then Megan. Then Alison. Then Megan. Then Alison just decided to bug her every single week about it until she relented. And guess what...she did love it Sam I Am! In fact, this is in her tippy top tier of dramas now. She rewatched three times in a week. With no friends and a stutter, Hira Kazunari ( Riku Hagiwara ) isn’t exactly enjoying his life as a high schooler. Things get complicated when he falls for the class’s “King”, Kiyoi Sou ( Yusei Ya...
Aug 31, 2023•46 min•Ep. 162
"Because This Is My First Life" is a South Korean drama that follows the lives of Seoul professionals in their 30s, struggling with societal expectations, relationships, and personal aspirations. Nam Se-hee, a programmer who values his solitude, enters into a marriage contract with Yoon Ji-ho, an aspiring writer in need of affordable housing. As they navigate the complexities of their unconventional arrangement, they become entangled in the romantic and professional challenges faced by their fri...
Aug 30, 2023•1 hr 38 min•Ep. 161
It's another edition of Afternoona Uncensored! We're still sad without Megan, but we made it through! Lia shares a surprisingly intimate dog story. We answer lots of fun questions from the Patreon. And Amy tries once again to teach Lia the etiquette of saying goodbye. Hop on board, everyone! Sign Up for Our Newsletter! Want our thoughts on why everyone should watch I'm Not a Robot in a 500-word essay? More thinky and/or thirsty writer takes on your favorite shows? This is the place to get it. Si...
Aug 23, 2023•1 hr 29 min•Ep. 160
We may be missing Megan this week, but today we have a very special guest on the pod, Devin from Banter English! Join us as we discuss how we manifested our connection with Devin, her edtech start-up, and her involvement with the K-entertainment industry. Plus, we get into all our favorite Korean content and how Amy wants to eat her way through Seoul trying all of the street food. K-Pop Rec: Love Me Again by V Banter English : Banter English equips Korean entertainment companies with the English...
Aug 16, 2023•1 hr 23 min•Ep. 159
We get into all things filthy rich, discussing what it is about chaebol dramas that hooks us, gushing about our favorite chaebol characters, and reminiscing about our first richie rich crushes. Stay tuned for a live, real-time reaction of THE dating news of the summer. With special guest Tonya from AfterNoona Army. Kpop Rec: Cure by The Rose Black Rose by The Rose Sign Up for Our Newsletter! Want our thoughts on why everyone should watch I'm Not a Robot in a 500-word essay? More thinky and/or th...
Aug 09, 2023•1 hr 28 min•Ep. 157
It all started with a message from Tonya to Amy on Instagram. "The Rose is playing a special Lollapalooza after show on Friday, August 4 in Chicago...would you want to go?" Spoiler alert. I said "YES," and I am now a changed woman. Join us for a very special Afternoona Delight and Afternoona Army collaboration with me (Amy) and Tonya as we recap the experience of seeing The Rose at their post Lolla midnight show at The Vic Theatre in Chicago. We take you on a meandering tour through the Chicago ...
Aug 07, 2023•38 min•Ep. 158
The tagline of Dream (2023, co-written and directed by Lee Byeong-heon) is: You are hopeless, helpless and homeless? No, you are NOT! Dream leans in hard to the classic underdog tropes and is loosely based on the real-life 2010 Homeless World Cup. Maybe you were moved and shed a tear like Megan or perhaps you felt a bit more meh like Amy and Lia. Either way, kick the sports ball plot down the (very small) field and ponder why IU was recording an entire documentary on her hand-held camera. Also, ...
Aug 02, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 156
Good Bad Mother Deep Dive - A Good or Bad KDrama? We have an Afternoona sister pod mashup as Afternoona Army Megan and Afternoona Asks Sarah crash the podcast to do a Deep Dive on Good Bad Mother. Megan & Sarah gush over Lee Doh Hyun’s performance, disagree on the humour in the drama and give a wag of the finger at the parental abuse depicted. However, these two romance fans loved the central couple and their love story. We go into why this drama isn’t quite what you’d expect from the fluffy...
Jul 27, 2023•1 hr 34 min•Ep. 155
It's another episode of Afternoona Uncensored, and you know that means! We've got Lia's harrowing travel story from the West Coast to not the East Coast; Would You Rathers; and a thoughtful discussion on why we discuss some of the things we discuss. That's a lot of discussing, but hey...That's what we do! Sign Up for Our Newsletter! Want our thoughts on why everyone should watch I'm Not a Robot in a 500-word essay? More thinky and/or thirsty writer takes on your favorite shows? This is the place...
Jul 26, 2023•1 hr 29 min•Ep. 154
We want to love every show. But sometimes...we don't. Join Lia and friend-of-the-pod (and Afternoona Army co-host) Alison for a frank discussion on what happens when you just aren't into a BL. Worse, what if it's a situation where one of you (Lia) doesn't love a drama that you (Alison) clutch to your heart? Dramas discussed: HIStory 3: Trapped and Candy Color Paradox. Pod update: Lia tried to watch more HIStory 3: Trapped. She just CANNOT. SHE IS SORRY, ALISON! Sign Up for Our Newsletter! Want o...
Jul 20, 2023•52 min•Ep. 153
In today's episode, we celebrate one of our favorite actors who we want to see in all the meaty roles, Kim Sun-Young. We take a look back at all she's already done. We fangirl over how she knocks it out of the park with every character she plays. And we toss out a few story ideas to give this amazing performer the spotlight she deserves. Kpop Rec of the Week: "Bet on Me" by ITZY Sign Up for Our Newsletter! Want our thoughts on why everyone should watch I'm Not a Robot in a 500-word essay? More t...
Jul 19, 2023•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 152
Today we throw in our opinions on the battle of this summer's rom coms between King the Land and See You In My 19th Life. We watch the first episode of each drama and weigh in on everything from chemistry, humor, and conflict. Which rom com are you on board with? Let us know if you agree with us! Sign Up for Our Newsletter! Want our thoughts on why everyone should watch I'm Not a Robot in a 500-word essay? More thinky and/or thirsty writer takes on your favorite shows? This is the place to get i...
Jul 12, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 151
Dun. Dun. Dun. This is the moment where the conflicts your protaganists have struggled with since the beginning of the story come to a head and all hope seems lost. Maybe the leads thought they could get past their issues, but a setback has happened to make them realize they were capital W wrong. The strongest black moments feed on the characters’ weaknesses and make them think those conflicts truly are insurmountable. This is the time for the writer to be as mean as possible. Take characters to...
Jul 05, 2023•1 hr 33 min•Ep. 150
Welcome back Sarah and Grace! We got so much positive feedback about the Korean Language section of our first Afternoona Asks guest episode that Sarah and Grace decided to dive a little deeper into Korean language nuances, as well as answer some listener questions. Wondering about the different ways to say "I love you" in Korean? Confused about what "oppa" really means? Tune in to learn a bit more about the Korean language, with emphasis on words and phrases you've heard in your favorite Kdramas...
Jun 30, 2023•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 149
If you’re part of our Patreon, then you know we ask our patrons for suggestions of which dramas to cover for the pod. We also toss the calendar back and forth to each other to pick dramas that we really want the others to watch. So today, we have a double whammy because it’s both a patron pick AND an Amy pick! Join Amy and Lea as they nerd out on all the meta writerly goodness of a drama about characters who realize they are in a comic; as they ponder the reasons why high school dramas can still...
Jun 28, 2023•1 hr 42 min•Ep. 148
It was touch and go, folks. This episode almost didn't make it to you due to a password debacle, but we have solved the mystery and are up and running in just enough time to get this month's Uncensored in your ear holes. So buckle up as Megan and Amy endure some truly cruel This or Thats from Lea, and as Lea poses the question we've all been wanting to ask (or maybe not)...Would we date ourselves? It's Afternoona Uncensored, the June edition! Ready to download your first audiobook? Don't forget ...
Jun 21, 2023•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 147
We are back for the second round of Sell Me On a Drama. Megan, Amy, and Lia try to sell each other on My Liberation Notes, Unlock My Boss, and Legend of the Blue Sea. Also tune in for bonus (and anonymous) unpopular opinions from our Patreon (Amy is still salty about some of them). Kpop Rec: Shalala by Taeyong Afternoona Delight Newsletter! Want longer reviews? Our thoughts on Kim Woo Bin's hair in a 500-word essay? This is the place to get it. Sign up HERE ! Ready to download your first audiobo...
Jun 14, 2023•1 hr 40 min•Ep. 146
Lia, Megan, and Alison from AfterNoona Army chat about the latest BLs they've watched -- The Eighth Sense and Jack O' Frost. We talk about the sexual tension of Korean BL The Eighth Sense and the clever second chance romance of Japanese BL Jack O' Frost Bonus discussion of our worst dates and the lengths we have gone to for our crushes. Afternoona Delight Newsletter! Want longer reviews? Our thoughts on Kim Woo Bin's hair in a 500-word essay? This is the place to get it. Sign up HERE ! Ready to ...
Jun 09, 2023•1 hr 26 min•Ep. 145
Park Chan-Wook’s (Oldboy) “The Handmaiden” is a love story, thriller and subversive Gothic film set in Japanese-occupied Korea (and Japan itself) in the 1930s. It is by turns beautiful, bestial, occasionally brutal. The story centers around a plucky pickpocket ( Kim Tae-ri), who gets a job as a handmaiden at the estate of a rich and eccentric book collector (Lee Yong-nyeo), serving him and Lady Hideko (Kim Min-hee), the niece of his late wife. There's also a scheme devised by a poor Korean fishe...
Jun 07, 2023•1 hr•Ep. 144
At long last, Kim Woo Bin is here! We have been WAITING for Black Knight, so you better believe we had high expectations. Did the drama live up to those expectations? We'll get into that. Does Megan Confuse WALL-E and The Lorax? Absolutely. Does Lia spoil Silent Sea at about the 64 minute mark? Maybe. And does Amy ignore plot holes and enjoy a ridiculous death race? She sure does. But Kim Woo Bin is perfection as 5-8, his eyebrows are fantastic as the second male lead, and neither of them look a...
May 31, 2023•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 143
Most of us are conflict averse...but when it comes to stories...it keeps the reader turning the pages or the viewer hitting "next" for just one more episode. Without conflict your characters might be at peace, but they will also be hella boring. Our characters need to want things, and conflict are the obstacles that prevent them from getting them. Join Megan and Lia for a candid chat on external and internal conflict within the context of their own storytelling as well as using examples from dra...
May 24, 2023•1 hr 23 min•Ep. 142
