Korean. American. Podcast
- Episódios
- 130
- Publicação
- quinzenal
- Último episódio
- 20 ago 2026
Sobre o podcast
How does modern day Korea compare to America? Join co-hosts Daniel and Jun every week as they explore a topic and discuss it from both the American and Korean perspective. If you're looking to learn more about Korean society and culture, are a part of the Korean diaspora and curious how Korea has changed since you, your parents, or your grandparents left, or are simply interested in broadening your personal worldview and perspective, then we hope you'll listen in and join us on this journey!
Host Bios
Daniel, a Korean American in his 30s, was born and raised in the US, having lived in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and California. During the pandemic, realizing that time is precious, he moved with his wife and young children to Korea in 2021 to help them connect with their cultural heritage and to expand their global cultural awareness. He has a background in software engineering, works as an investor, and enjoys basketball and gaming.
Jun, a native Korean in his 30s, was born in Daegu, where he also spent his childhood years. After moving to Seoul for college, he went to the US (Boston) for grad school, but returned to Seoul after and has lived there ever since. He has a background in architecture, works as a product designer, makes ice cream, and is a drummer in a band.
Episódios 130
The Finale: One Korean. One American. One Last Conversation.
After nearly 130 episodes and three years of conversations, Korean. American. Podcast. is coming to a close.What began as a naive and unassuming attempt to deepen our understanding of each other's cultures …
Notas do episódio
After nearly 130 episodes and three years of conversations, Korean. American. Podcast. is coming to a close.
The Starter | Music, Memory & the Songs We Keep
What began as a naive and unassuming attempt to deepen our understanding of each other's cultures grew into something neither of us could have ever expected: an English-language learning podcast. Jokes aside, as the episodes got longer and the topics became more complicated, we discovered that when it comes to cultural differences, there rarely is a right and wrong. There is simply different. And if you approach those differences with an open mind and try to understand where they come from, you won't just learn more about others—you'll learn more about yourself.
In preparing for our final episodes, we've had a chance to look back and reflect on the journey: the late nights and early mornings; the laughter and tears; the fears, frustrations, doubts, and insecurities; but also the excitement, joy, and yes, jeong, that we've experienced along the way. We're continually amazed by how much our perspectives have changed, and by the conversations and connections this podcast has created.
From the beginning, our mission was to spark self-reflection and conversation about the intersections of Korean and American culture—to challenge assumptions, deepen understanding, and explore the ways culture shapes our identity, heritage, and worldview. To that, we can both proudly say: mission accomplished.
And what we've come to understand through all of those conversations is that, yes, our cultures are very different, and yes, we are deeply shaped by the cultures we grow up in. Yet, in the end, we are all similar in that each of us is simply trying to do our best with the circumstances we've been given.
As much as this is a goodbye to our podcast, it is mostly a thank you. To our friends and families, thank you for supporting and believing in us. To our listeners, thank you for laughing with us, listening to us, challenging us, and encouraging us. Your emails, comments, messages, and in-person conversations have not just been heartfelt, encouraging, and thought-provoking, but reading them has truly brought us so much happiness. Thank you.
But while this podcast is ending, we hope the conversation doesn't. Continue to observe, introspect, learn, grow, share. If this podcast has taught us anything, it's that thoughtful conversation can broaden our perspectives, challenge what we think we know, and ultimately create greater empathy and connection. The world needs as much of that as we can provide.
We know our own journeys of trying to better understand ourselves and one another will never end, and we hope yours won't either.
Thank you for being a part of ours, as much as we were a part of yours.
You hear a song, and a memory opens up. Personal audio essays by Stephen Hollowell.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey!
Support us on Patreon:
https://patreon.com/user?u=99211862
Follow us on socials:
https://www.instagram.com/koreanamericanpodcast/
https://twitter.com/korampodcast
https://www.tiktok.com/@koreanamericanpodcast
Questions/Comments/Feedback? Email us at: [email protected]
Member of the iyagi media network (www.iyagimedia.com)Capítulos
Carregando capítulos…
Episode 128: The Final Ssamary Pt.2
This week, Jun and Daniel sit down for Part Two of their final podcast summary, diving deep into the core pillars of Korean culture they’ve explored over the last 125+ episodes. Attempting to create a …
Notas do episódio
This week, Jun and Daniel sit down for Part Two of their final podcast summary, diving deep into the core pillars of Korean culture they’ve explored over the last 125+ episodes. Attempting to create a definitive "Korean American Podcast Dictionary," the hosts debate the true definitions of Jeong, Han, Nunchi, and Guk-rule. Daniel challenges the romanticization of Jeong by highlighting the healthiness of American boundaries, while Jun explains how Nunchi acts as the ultimate tool for social efficiency in a high-context, homogeneous society.
The Starter | Music, Memory & the Songs We Keep
The hosts also tackle the deep psychological differences between Korea's scarcity mindset and America's abundance mentality. They explore why Korea's struggle with modern economic inequity—highlighted by the recent Samsung strikes over SK Hynix bonuses—directly stems from a post-1950s history where equality meant fairness. Finally, Daniel and Jun reflect on the unfulfilled goals of the podcast—from exploring K-Pop and Korean Adoptee stories to the lack of morning culture in Seoul—and reminisce over their terrible early audio quality and hilariously creative old episode titles like "The Cleaning Towel of Evil".
As a reminder, we publish our episodes bi-weekly from Seoul, South Korea. We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey!
You hear a song, and a memory opens up. Personal audio essays by Stephen Hollowell.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey!
Support us on Patreon:
https://patreon.com/user?u=99211862
Follow us on socials:
https://www.instagram.com/koreanamericanpodcast/
https://twitter.com/korampodcast
https://www.tiktok.com/@koreanamericanpodcast
Questions/Comments/Feedback? Email us at: [email protected]
Member of the iyagi media network (www.iyagimedia.com)Capítulos
Carregando capítulos…
Episode 127: The Final Ssamary Pt.1
This week, Jun and Daniel escape the studio for a special 24-hour "vacation" to a modern hanok in Seoul's Seochon neighborhood to record their final wrap-up episodes. With the podcast winding down, the …
Notas do episódio
This week, Jun and Daniel escape the studio for a special 24-hour "vacation" to a modern hanok in Seoul's Seochon neighborhood to record their final wrap-up episodes. With the podcast winding down, the hosts take a moment to reflect on their incredible journey, starting with a recap of their very first in-person listener meetup. Daniel shares his awe at seeing 60 listeners gather at a Korean pub to mingle in an "American-style" standing party, highlighting the beautiful culture clash of the event.
The hosts also dive into the lifetime stats of the Korean American Podcast. They reveal they’ve reached nearly 1 million downloads on Buzzsprout and over 380,000 views on YouTube, with a surprisingly balanced 50/50 male-to-female gender split among their video audience. Jun confesses a secret about his Myers-Briggs personality type and the late-night sacrifices he made to keep the podcast's Instagram Reels growing, while Daniel reflects on why staying true to their "sincere" format was the proudest achievement of their three-year run.
As a reminder, we publish our episodes bi-weekly from Seoul, South Korea. We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey!
The Starter | Music, Memory & the Songs We Keep
You hear a song, and a memory opens up. Personal audio essays by Stephen Hollowell.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey!
Support us on Patreon:
https://patreon.com/user?u=99211862
Follow us on socials:
https://www.instagram.com/koreanamericanpodcast/
https://twitter.com/korampodcast
https://www.tiktok.com/@koreanamericanpodcast
Questions/Comments/Feedback? Email us at: [email protected]
Member of the iyagi media network (www.iyagimedia.com)Capítulos
Carregando capítulos…
Episode 126: Thank You, Halmonis
This week, Jun and Daniel sit down for a deeply personal and emotional episode dedicated to honoring the lives, sacrifices, and unconditional love of Daniel’s two halmonis (grandmothers). With his family's …
Notas do episódio
This week, Jun and Daniel sit down for a deeply personal and emotional episode dedicated to honoring the lives, sacrifices, and unconditional love of Daniel’s two halmonis (grandmothers). With his family's impending move back to the US, Daniel shares one of his biggest regrets: failing to formally archive his 102-year-old grandmother’s incredible life story before her memory faded.
Daniel recounts the awe-inspiring resilience of his paternal grandmother—who survived Japanese occupation and fled south during the Korean War with his one-year-old father strapped to her back, dodging guards and riding atop crowded train boxcars to reach Daegu. He then reads a touching eulogy written for his maternal grandmother in 2008, remembering her not just as an immigrant who moved to America to raise him, but as a college-educated woman, an orphanage director in Baengnyeongdo, and a living example of unconditional love. The hosts also discuss the broader generational shift in Korea, mourning the loss of the profound wisdom and history held by the last generation to live through the war.
As a reminder, we publish our episodes bi-weekly from Seoul, South Korea. We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey!
The Starter | Music, Memory & the Songs We Keep
You hear a song, and a memory opens up. Personal audio essays by Stephen Hollowell.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey!
Support us on Patreon:
https://patreon.com/user?u=99211862
Follow us on socials:
https://www.instagram.com/koreanamericanpodcast/
https://twitter.com/korampodcast
https://www.tiktok.com/@koreanamericanpodcast
Questions/Comments/Feedback? Email us at: [email protected]
Member of the iyagi media network (www.iyagimedia.com)Capítulos
Carregando capítulos…
Episode 125: A Stockholm Castle Wedding, Jeonse Stress, and Kids’ Milestones
This week, Jun and Daniel delay the topic they were supposed to discuss and instead catch up after Daniel's recent trip to Stockholm, Sweden. Daniel brings back some authentic Swedish Fish and speed-runs …
Notas do episódio
This week, Jun and Daniel delay the topic they were supposed to discuss and instead catch up after Daniel's recent trip to Stockholm, Sweden. Daniel brings back some authentic Swedish Fish and speed-runs his observations on Nordic life—from the beautifully balanced philosophy of lagom, the prevalence of dads out alone with their young children, and the sheer amount of bicyclists flying about town. He also recounts his deeply emotional "Avicii pilgrimage," surviving Finnish airport security, and the highly structured, chant-filled festivities of a Swedish castle wedding, while Jun adds on with the "SwedenGate" hospitality debate that went viral in Korea.
If you're interested in learning about what Daniel’s biggest stress is, logistics-wise, with his impending move back to the US, some recent trends our hosts have observed, or what surprisingly expensive item Jun may or may not have, tune in to hear Daniel and Jun discuss all this and more! The hosts also take a moment to express their heartfelt gratitude for the flood of touching listener emails following the announcement of the podcast's end.
As a reminder, we publish our episodes bi-weekly from Seoul, South Korea. We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey!
The Starter | Music, Memory & the Songs We Keep
You hear a song, and a memory opens up. Personal audio essays by Stephen Hollowell.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey!
Support us on Patreon:
https://patreon.com/user?u=99211862
Follow us on socials:
https://www.instagram.com/koreanamericanpodcast/
https://twitter.com/korampodcast
https://www.tiktok.com/@koreanamericanpodcast
Questions/Comments/Feedback? Email us at: [email protected]
Member of the iyagi media network (www.iyagimedia.com)Capítulos
Carregando capítulos…
A Special Announcement
🎉 We're finally doing it!After a year and a half of talking about it, we're having our very first (and probably only 😅) in-person Korean. American. Podcast meet-up!Come hang out with us, grab some …
Notas do episódio
🎉 We're finally doing it!
After a year and a half of talking about it, we're having our very first (and probably only 😅) in-person Korean. American. Podcast meet-up!
Come hang out with us, grab some food and drinks on us, ask us anything, take a photo, and meet fellow listeners. We'll also have a small giveaway for attendees.
📅 Monday, June 22
🕖 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
📍 Tap Public (Pangyo Station Branch)A few reasons to come:
🍻 Food & drinks on us
📸 Photo opportunities
🎙️ Ask us anything🎁 Small giveaway
We've had so many people suggest a meet-up over the years, and before Daniel heads out, we wanted to make it happen at least once.
No formal agenda. No speeches. Just a relaxed evening hanging out, chatting, and getting to know everyone.
We know this is very short notice, and we're sorry about that. But we're genuinely excited to finally meet some of you in person.
Hope to see you there! ❤️
— Daniel & Jun
We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey!
Support us on Patreon:
https://patreon.com/user?u=99211862
Follow us on socials:
https://www.instagram.com/koreanamericanpodcast/
https://twitter.com/korampodcast
https://www.tiktok.com/@koreanamericanpodcast
Questions/Comments/Feedback? Email us at: [email protected]
Member of the iyagi media network (www.iyagimedia.com)Episode 124: The One With the Little Guests
This week, Jun and Daniel sit down for a very special, one-of-a-kind episode featuring four unprecedented guests: Daniel’s children! Ranging in age from 3 to 11, the kids have spent the last five years growing …
Notas do episódio
This week, Jun and Daniel sit down for a very special, one-of-a-kind episode featuring four unprecedented guests: Daniel’s children! Ranging in age from 3 to 11, the kids have spent the last five years growing up in South Korea, and with the family’s impending move back to the United States, Daniel and Jun wanted to capture their unique perspectives as a family time capsule.
If you’re interested in what third culture kids think about transitioning from Korean elementary schools to American ones, how playground politics are divided by language fluency, or the hilarious ways children interpret adult podcast conversations (hint: interest rates and elevators), this episode is a must-listen. The kids also share their earliest memories of moving to Korea during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic—including the two-week mandatory quarantine, daily cotton swabs, and the indoor arcade in their temporary housing. We even get a live, unscripted Pokémon card unboxing!
As a reminder, we publish our episodes bi-weekly from Seoul, South Korea. We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey
The Starter | Music, Memory & the Songs We Keep
You hear a song, and a memory opens up. Personal audio essays by Stephen Hollowell.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey!
Support us on Patreon:
https://patreon.com/user?u=99211862
Follow us on socials:
https://www.instagram.com/koreanamericanpodcast/
https://twitter.com/korampodcast
https://www.tiktok.com/@koreanamericanpodcast
Questions/Comments/Feedback? Email us at: [email protected]
Member of the iyagi media network (www.iyagimedia.com)Capítulos
Carregando capítulos…
Episode 123: A Busan Birthday, Tank Day Disaster, and Spitting Watermelon Seeds
This week, Jun and Daniel sit down for their final "regular" episode before Daniel's upcoming move back to the US. Daniel shares the stressful reality of his international moving logistics, from the …
Notas do episódio
This week, Jun and Daniel sit down for their final "regular" episode before Daniel's upcoming move back to the US. Daniel shares the stressful reality of his international moving logistics, from the staggering drop in the USD-KRW exchange rate destroying the value of his Jeonse deposit, to the uniquely Korean anxiety of landlords holding deposits hostage until a new tenant moves in. Meanwhile, Jun recounts his birthday trip to Busan's trendy Jeonpo-dong and his observations from the Seoul Jazz Festival, where leaving luxury bags unattended on picnic blankets and organizing synchronized audience light shows is perfectly normal.
The Starter | Music, Memory & the Songs We Keep
If you're interested in the disastrous Starbucks Korea "Tank Day" marketing fail that mocked the Gwangju Uprising and led to the CEO's resignation, why Korean men are increasingly embracing Kkeul-gyeo (shaved armpits) to match the asexual aesthetic of K-Pop idols, or the massive FOMO driving Samsung employees to strike over SK Hynix's insane profit-sharing bonuses, this episode is a must-listen. The hosts also discuss the cultural etiquette of spitting watermelon seeds, the depressing reality of Korea's only legal casino for locals, and unbox some incredibly thoughtful listener gifts sent from around the world.
As a reminder, we publish our episodes bi-weekly from Seoul, South Korea. We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey!
You hear a song, and a memory opens up. Personal audio essays by Stephen Hollowell.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey!
Support us on Patreon:
https://patreon.com/user?u=99211862
Follow us on socials:
https://www.instagram.com/koreanamericanpodcast/
https://twitter.com/korampodcast
https://www.tiktok.com/@koreanamericanpodcast
Questions/Comments/Feedback? Email us at: [email protected]
Member of the iyagi media network (www.iyagimedia.com)Capítulos
Carregando capítulos…
Episode 122: The Beginning of the End
This week, Jun and Daniel sit down for a very special, albeit bittersweet, episode disguised as a fake media review of the movie Decision to Leave. After five beautiful and transformative years of living in …
Notas do episódio
This week, Jun and Daniel sit down for a very special, albeit bittersweet, episode disguised as a fake media review of the movie Decision to Leave. After five beautiful and transformative years of living in South Korea, Daniel makes the official announcement: his family is packing up and moving back to the United States this summer.
The hosts spend the episode reflecting on Daniel’s incredible five-year journey from a temporary visitor to a seasoned local. They discuss the logical factors driving the move (specifically, navigating the education system as their kids approach middle school), Daniel’s evolution from being terrified of the Korean bus system to finding peace in the culture, and why maintaining a "temporary visitor mentality" for five years remains his biggest regret. Daniel also shares his most cherished memory of experiencing true, spontaneous neighborhood Jeong over convenience store ice cream.
If you’re interested in why Jun's lack of an "American fantasy" makes him feel more Korean than his peers, what Daniel's retirement plans in Busan might look like, or the ultimate fate of the Korean American Podcast once Daniel crosses the Pacific, this episode is a must-listen. Finally, the guys announce their plan to donate all their accumulated Patreon and YouTube earnings to a good cause, and they need your help deciding where it should go!
As a reminder, we publish our episodes bi-weekly from Seoul, South Korea. We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey!
The Starter | Music, Memory & the Songs We Keep
You hear a song, and a memory opens up. Personal audio essays by Stephen Hollowell.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey!
Support us on Patreon:
https://patreon.com/user?u=99211862
Follow us on socials:
https://www.instagram.com/koreanamericanpodcast/
https://twitter.com/korampodcast
https://www.tiktok.com/@koreanamericanpodcast
Questions/Comments/Feedback? Email us at: [email protected]
Member of the iyagi media network (www.iyagimedia.com)Capítulos
Carregando capítulos…
Episode 121: A Spontaneous Dinner Guest, Spring Smiles, and The Joy of Defamiliarization
This week, Jun and Daniel ditch the "News and Trends" segments for a massive, all-encompassing "Daily Life" episode. Daniel shares his recent family trip to Gyeongju, reviewing the underwhelming scale of the …
Notas do episódio
This week, Jun and Daniel ditch the "News and Trends" segments for a massive, all-encompassing "Daily Life" episode. Daniel shares his recent family trip to Gyeongju, reviewing the underwhelming scale of the Cheomseongdae observatory and the endless street food options on Hwangridan-gil, before showing off his incredibly lucky $3 denim jacket find at a Korean Goodwill. Daniel also recounts a rare, magical streak of spontaneous social interactions—from hosting their kids' tutor for a homemade taco night to a five-hour, impromptu neighborhood playground hangout that gave him a heartwarming preview of what community life in America might look like.
If you're interested in the traumatic, old-school Korean school gate "hair checks", why Jun desperately avoids making eye contact with the older men at his 7:30 AM gym sessions, or why Daniel no longer feels the urge to offer help to the growing number of foreigners in Pangyo, this episode is for you. The hosts also dive into a deep culinary debate about American vs. Korean snack profiles, explaining why US Doritos and gum pack a much heavier punch, and analyzing the cultural divide between Korean sweet potatoes (Goguma) baked into pizzas and cakes versus American yams smothered in marshmallows.
As a reminder, we publish our episodes bi-weekly from Seoul, South Korea. We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey!
Sponsorship Note:
This episode contains a paid sponsorship for KimlyParc. KimlyParc is the premiere instant coffee brand with amazing flavors and the highest quality ingredients. This week, we are so excited to highlight their brand new Sweet Potato Latte! Made with real Korean sweet potato (Goguma) extract and naturally sweetened with allulose, it's a rich, caffeine-free treat that tastes amazing both hot and iced. If you’re in the US, head to kimlyparc.com and use the code “KAP20” at checkout to get 20% off your order today. If you’re in Korea, search “킴리팍” on Naver.
US: https://kimlyparc.com/discount/KAP20
Korea: https://smartstore.naver.com/kimlyparc
The Starter | Music, Memory & the Songs We Keep
You hear a song, and a memory opens up. Personal audio essays by Stephen Hollowell.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey!
Support us on Patreon:
https://patreon.com/user?u=99211862
Follow us on socials:
https://www.instagram.com/koreanamericanpodcast/
https://twitter.com/korampodcast
https://www.tiktok.com/@koreanamericanpodcast
Questions/Comments/Feedback? Email us at: [email protected]
Member of the iyagi media network (www.iyagimedia.com)Capítulos
Carregando capítulos…
Episode 120: A Korean 1st Grade Entrance Ceremony (입학식), BTS Comeback, and The Gift of Perspective
This week, Jun and Daniel catch up on their busy lives. Jun rants about his tech startup's obsession with AI efficiency over actual value, sparking a deep dive into why the Korean mindset fixates on …
Notas do episódio
This week, Jun and Daniel catch up on their busy lives. Jun rants about his tech startup's obsession with AI efficiency over actual value, sparking a deep dive into why the Korean mindset fixates on perfecting "methodology" and process rather than focusing on the big picture. Meanwhile, Daniel navigates his first Korean elementary school Iphaksik (entrance ceremony), observing everything from a surprisingly sobering speech by the principal to the painstakingly meticulous cultural requirement of labeling every single colored pencil with a name sticker.
If you're interested in why Daniel's midnight comfort food has evolved into a bizarre "Spam Dubu Kimchi" hybrid, the game-theory brilliance behind Korea's shared traffic accident liability rules (where it's rarely 100-to-0), or why K-Pop idols are ironically wearing retro floral "Kimjang vests," this episode has it all. We also review BTS's massive, city-stopping comeback performance at Gwanghwamun Palace, marvel at Apple's genius Korean pun for their new M5 chip, and unpack a listener's email that leads to Daniel's realization that Pangyo might be the absolute worst place in Korea to experience true community and "Jeong."
As a reminder, we publish our episodes bi-weekly from Seoul, South Korea. We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey!
The Starter | Music, Memory & the Songs We Keep
You hear a song, and a memory opens up. Personal audio essays by Stephen Hollowell.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey!
Support us on Patreon:
https://patreon.com/user?u=99211862
Follow us on socials:
https://www.instagram.com/koreanamericanpodcast/
https://twitter.com/korampodcast
https://www.tiktok.com/@koreanamericanpodcast
Questions/Comments/Feedback? Email us at: [email protected]
Member of the iyagi media network (www.iyagimedia.com)Capítulos
Carregando capítulos…
Episode 119: No Other Choice (어쩔수가없다) Media Review
This week, Jun and Daniel sit down for a dedicated media review of Park Chan-wook's newly released dark comedy thriller, No Other Choice (어쩔수가없다). Starring heavyweights like Lee Byung-hun and Son Ye-jin …
Notas do episódio
This week, Jun and Daniel sit down for a dedicated media review of Park Chan-wook's newly released dark comedy thriller, No Other Choice (어쩔수가없다). Starring heavyweights like Lee Byung-hun and Son Ye-jin, the film follows a desperate man who loses his corporate job and resorts to lethal measures against his competitors to win it back. The hosts break down the film's stark social commentary on the "American Dream" in a Korean setting, the brilliant subversion of the corporate rat race, and the terrifying reality of an AI-driven dystopian future.
If you’re interested in why Koreans historically associate eel and "Bokbunja" (raspberry wine) with male stamina, the quirky 1980s history behind naming dry cleaners "Computer Cleaning," or why giving shoes as a romantic gift in Korea is a terrible idea, this episode is for you. We also discuss the shifting symbols of luxury cars—from the classic 90s Hyundai "Gak-Grandeur" to the Cadillac Escalade—the Korean cultural stigma surrounding layoffs compared to the US, and why the idiom "an aching tooth falling out" perfectly captures the film's chaotic climax.
As a reminder, we publish our episodes bi-weekly from Seoul, South Korea. We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey!
The Starter | Music, Memory & the Songs We Keep
You hear a song, and a memory opens up. Personal audio essays by Stephen Hollowell.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey!
Support us on Patreon:
https://patreon.com/user?u=99211862
Follow us on socials:
https://www.instagram.com/koreanamericanpodcast/
https://twitter.com/korampodcast
https://www.tiktok.com/@koreanamericanpodcast
Questions/Comments/Feedback? Email us at: [email protected]
Member of the iyagi media network (www.iyagimedia.com)Capítulos
Carregando capítulos…
Episode 118: Korean Mu-ism, Spiritual Tarot Reading and Western Magic ft. Claire
Disclaimer: Everything shared in this conversation represents the guest's own personal experiences and perspectives — not advice, instruction, or advocacy of any kind.This week, Jun and Daniel welcome a …
Notas do episódio
Disclaimer: Everything shared in this conversation represents the guest's own personal experiences and perspectives — not advice, instruction, or advocacy of any kind.
This week, Jun and Daniel welcome a very special guest, Claire, who bridges the gap between the corporate world and the spiritual realm. As a global business development manager by day and a practicing psychic and tarot reader by night, Claire shares her fascinating journey of navigating her dual identities. She opens up about her transition from practicing Western "Wiccan" magic to dealing with the realities of Korean Mu-ism (shamanism), including her intense experience with "Shin-byeong" (spirit sickness) and undergoing a "Nu-reum-gut" ritual to suppress her spiritual calling.
If you’re interested in learning the fundamental differences between Western magic and Korean shamanism, this episode is for you. The trio dives deep into the surprising parallels between shamanic visions and Christian prophecies and Claire's unique take on how Korean, Japanese, and American ghosts differ based on her own supernatural encounters. We also feature a live tarot reading session where Claire predicts the future of the podcast, advises Jun on his housing dilemmas, and reveals why Jun's cat Gorong feels "poor" despite living a highly privileged life.
As a reminder, we publish our episodes bi-weekly from Seoul, South Korea. We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey!
Guest bio:
A TCK based in Korea, Claire balances a career in Business Development with a deep practice as a Tarot reader. Her identity is defined by the spaces in between: the cultural bridge between Korea and the U.S., and the spiritual bridge between the mundane and the magical. After years as an eclectic witch, her journey has led her toward the ancestral roots of Korean Mu-ism, where she continues to explore life at the crossroads.
Claire’s teacher’s socials for people in spiritual trouble:
- https://www.instagram.com/youngsan409
- https://www.threads.com/@dodong_7981
The Starter | Music, Memory & the Songs We Keep
You hear a song, and a memory opens up. Personal audio essays by Stephen Hollowell.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey!
Support us on Patreon:
https://patreon.com/user?u=99211862
Follow us on socials:
https://www.instagram.com/koreanamericanpodcast/
https://twitter.com/korampodcast
https://www.tiktok.com/@koreanamericanpodcast
Questions/Comments/Feedback? Email us at: [email protected]
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Episode 117: A House Fire, The 5-Minute Dentist, Salad Utensils, and Matters of National Pride
This week, Jun and Daniel catch up on a whirlwind of events, starting with a frightening story about a fire at Jun's parents' house in Daegu that led to an unexpected fridge-clearing catharsis. Daniel …
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This week, Jun and Daniel catch up on a whirlwind of events, starting with a frightening story about a fire at Jun's parents' house in Daegu that led to an unexpected fridge-clearing catharsis. Daniel shares observations from his recent trips to a Korean dentist, as well as a recent conversation with his kindergarten that perfectly illustrates the indirectness of the Korean language discussed last week. The hosts also debate the cultural mechanics of eating rice: why do some Korean poke places not give out chopsticks by default, and what is the primary utensil used to eat rice in Korea?
If you're interested in the recent online turf war between Korean netizens (“Knetz”) and Southeast Asian K-pop fans (“SEAblings”) over concert etiquette, why Korean national pride during the Winter Olympics seems to be waning, or why Bad Bunny’s culturally charged Super Bowl Halftime show might have ruffled some feathers, this episode is for you. We also discuss Korea's first single malt whiskey (Ki One), debate whether vinyl records are genuinely making a comeback or just a leftover "mid-century modern" prop, and reflect on a touching listener email regarding racial blindness and microaggressions.
As a reminder, we publish our episodes bi-weekly from Seoul, South Korea. We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey!
The Starter | Music, Memory & the Songs We Keep
You hear a song, and a memory opens up. Personal audio essays by Stephen Hollowell.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey!
Support us on Patreon:
https://patreon.com/user?u=99211862
Follow us on socials:
https://www.instagram.com/koreanamericanpodcast/
https://twitter.com/korampodcast
https://www.tiktok.com/@koreanamericanpodcast
Questions/Comments/Feedback? Email us at: [email protected]
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Episode 116: A 2964% Bonus, Indirectness Overload, and The Complexity of Taking a Stand
This week, Jun and Daniel dive back into their regular programming with a packed episode. Daniel shares his recent first-time shopping experience for men's skincare at Olive Young and his realization that …
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This week, Jun and Daniel dive back into their regular programming with a packed episode. Daniel shares his recent first-time shopping experience for men's skincare at Olive Young and his realization that he completely missed the start of the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics and the Super Bowl. Meanwhile, Jun gives a quick update on starting his new job and feeling the generational gap with his surprisingly young coworkers. The hosts also cover a wide range of news, from Samsung adopting English as its official internal language and SK Hynix's massive employee bonuses, to a somber discussion about the recent ICE controversies in the US and the complexities of political protests.
If you're interested in learning the Korean term for a cat "making biscuits", the current state of Korean men wearing make-up, or the cultural meaning behind mallard ducks at traditional Korean weddings, this episode has it all. Our hosts also explore linguistic trends like the (over)use of indirect phrasing, taste-test a viral, lazy-person "icebox cake", and read an email from a listener living in Boston.
As a reminder, we publish our episodes bi-weekly from Seoul, South Korea. We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey!
The Starter | Music, Memory & the Songs We Keep
You hear a song, and a memory opens up. Personal audio essays by Stephen Hollowell.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey!
Support us on Patreon:
https://patreon.com/user?u=99211862
Follow us on socials:
https://www.instagram.com/koreanamericanpodcast/
https://twitter.com/korampodcast
https://www.tiktok.com/@koreanamericanpodcast
Questions/Comments/Feedback? Email us at: [email protected]
Member of the iyagi media network (www.iyagimedia.com)Capítulos
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Episode 115: Dubai Chewy Cookies, The K-Town Time Capsule, and The Sacredness of Goodbyes
This week, Jun and Daniel return from a month-long hiatus packed with international travel. Jun shares his experience in Los Angeles, discussing the eerie perfection of Waymo’s autonomous taxis, the specific …
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This week, Jun and Daniel return from a month-long hiatus packed with international travel. Jun shares his experience in Los Angeles, discussing the eerie perfection of Waymo’s autonomous taxis, the specific "80s accent" found in Koreatown, and a confusing dining experience that sparked a debate on microaggressions. Daniel recounts his family trip to Australia, covering everything from the shock of "Iced Coffee" (which includes ice cream) to a troubling incident of casual racism on a flight, and why Bluey World left the parents more exhausted than the kids.
If you’re interested in hearing about the "gym police" in Tokyo who enforce 20-minute timers on machines, what about Australian airport security feels like 1990s America, or a deep emotional reflection on aging parents triggered by a stranger's goodbye, this episode is for you. We also finally taste test the viral "Dubai Chewy Cookie" (Dujjoncoo) to see if it lives up to the hype, briefly touch on the intense geopolitical news starting 2026, and respond to a heartwarming listener message about Korean-American identity.
As a reminder, we publish our episodes bi-weekly from Seoul, South Korea. We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey!
The Starter | Music, Memory & the Songs We Keep
You hear a song, and a memory opens up. Personal audio essays by Stephen Hollowell.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey!
Support us on Patreon:
https://patreon.com/user?u=99211862
Follow us on socials:
https://www.instagram.com/koreanamericanpodcast/
https://twitter.com/korampodcast
https://www.tiktok.com/@koreanamericanpodcast
Questions/Comments/Feedback? Email us at: [email protected]
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Episode 114: Culinary Class Wars 2 Media Review
This week, Jun and Daniel sit down to review the highly anticipated second season of "Culinary Class Wars" (흑백요리사). In a break from their usual format, the hosts dedicate the entire episode to dissecting the …
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This week, Jun and Daniel sit down to review the highly anticipated second season of "Culinary Class Wars" (흑백요리사). In a break from their usual format, the hosts dedicate the entire episode to dissecting the show, noting how this season felt less like a global competition and more like a "love letter" to Korean cuisine, ingredients, and geography. They discuss the shift in casting—notably the lack of foreign chefs compared to season one—and analyze the distinct narrative arcs that made this season emotionally resonant, from the "Loner Chef" to the tear-jerking backstories of the "Black Spoon" underdogs.
If you’re interested in understanding why a "vegan Dweji-gomtang" (pork soup) is a cultural oxymoron that made a judge smirk, the ethics of cooking live crabs in Korea versus the US, or why Koreans consider tofu to be a "perfect food" while Americans might find it bland, this episode is for you. We also dive into the cultural pressure to be humble versus confident, and a deep philosophical discussion sparked by the show’s finale about "doing things for yourself" versus living for societal expectations.
As a reminder, we publish our episodes bi-weekly from Seoul, South Korea. We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey!
The Starter | Music, Memory & the Songs We Keep
You hear a song, and a memory opens up. Personal audio essays by Stephen Hollowell.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey!
Support us on Patreon:
https://patreon.com/user?u=99211862
Follow us on socials:
https://www.instagram.com/koreanamericanpodcast/
https://twitter.com/korampodcast
https://www.tiktok.com/@koreanamericanpodcast
Questions/Comments/Feedback? Email us at: [email protected]
Member of the iyagi media network (www.iyagimedia.com)Capítulos
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Episode 113: Outside the Seas Vacations, D+4 Kimchi, and Yet Another Data Leak
This week, Jun and Daniel kick off 2026 (while still technically in 2025) with a travel-centric episode filled with cultural observations. Daniel recounts his family trip to Okinawa, sharing his struggles with …
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This week, Jun and Daniel kick off 2026 (while still technically in 2025) with a travel-centric episode filled with cultural observations. Daniel recounts his family trip to Okinawa, sharing his struggles with driving on the "wrong" side of the road and his honest takes on local culinary quirks like taco rice and fruit sandwiches. Jun shares his recent experience in Beijing, contrasting the city's futuristic, cashless convenience with its lingering "old school" habits like indoor smoking and the stark contrast between state-run and private architecture.
Where did Jun find himself shocked to be working out, and what did Jun do recently that had Daniel incredibly jealous? What does our podcast’s resident architecture expert think of the architectural legacy of the late Frank Gehry? Our hosts also dive into the social implications of the recent Coupang data leak, note the staying power of Dubai Chocolate in Korea, and answer a listener's question about common K-Drama tropes and sayings.
As a reminder, we publish our episodes bi-weekly from Seoul, South Korea. We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey!
The Starter | Music, Memory & the Songs We Keep
You hear a song, and a memory opens up. Personal audio essays by Stephen Hollowell.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey!
Support us on Patreon:
https://patreon.com/user?u=99211862
Follow us on socials:
https://www.instagram.com/koreanamericanpodcast/
https://twitter.com/korampodcast
https://www.tiktok.com/@koreanamericanpodcast
Questions/Comments/Feedback? Email us at: [email protected]
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Episode 112: 2025 Year End Wrap Up “SSAMary”
This week, Jun and Daniel celebrate Christmas and close out 2025 with their third annual "Ssamary"—a comprehensive year-end wrap-up. The episode begins with a look at their current holiday vibes, exploring why …
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This week, Jun and Daniel celebrate Christmas and close out 2025 with their third annual "Ssamary"—a comprehensive year-end wrap-up. The episode begins with a look at their current holiday vibes, exploring why Daniel is struggling to feel festive this year and Jun's memories of his father's unique "sparrow" surveillance tactic for behavior. As they transition into the review, they break down the podcast's statistics, celebrate milestones like surviving creative burnout to find a sustainable schedule, and share their personal highs and lows of the year, including Daniel’s journey toward finding peace in Korea and Jun’s resilience through career turbulence.
If you’re interested in hearing about the surprising history behind December 25th, the exorbitant price of Korean hotel Christmas cakes, or Daniel's daughter’s ambitious Christmas wish list asking for a new house and baby twins, this episode offers plenty of laughs and insights. We also dive deep into our personal resolutions for 2026, including Jun’s "9th inning" career mindset and Daniel’s candid thoughts on whether his family will stay in Korea or move back to the US next summer. Whether you want to know which episodes were our favorites or just hear us reflect on the reality of aging and job stability, tune in for this special holiday edition.
As a reminder, we publish our episodes bi-weekly from Seoul, South Korea. We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey!
The Starter | Music, Memory & the Songs We Keep
You hear a song, and a memory opens up. Personal audio essays by Stephen Hollowell.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey!
Support us on Patreon:
https://patreon.com/user?u=99211862
Follow us on socials:
https://www.instagram.com/koreanamericanpodcast/
https://twitter.com/korampodcast
https://www.tiktok.com/@koreanamericanpodcast
Questions/Comments/Feedback? Email us at: [email protected]
Member of the iyagi media network (www.iyagimedia.com)Capítulos
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Episode 111: Pizza Injustice, American Jeong, and A Growing Sense of Home
This week, Jun and Daniel catch up on a busy month of events, kicking things off with Daniel’s participation in "No Shave November" and the cultural stigma surrounding beards in Korea. The conversation moves to …
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This week, Jun and Daniel catch up on a busy month of events, kicking things off with Daniel’s participation in "No Shave November" and the cultural stigma surrounding beards in Korea. The conversation moves to a visit to a US Army base for Halloween, which sparks a debate about cultural differences in fairness and connections highlighted by a specific incident involving a pizza order. Daniel also vents about his frustration with household items constantly breaking in Korea, leading to a broader discussion on consumerism, manufacturing quality, and the "fast fashion" mindset that permeates daily life.
If you’re interested in hearing a deep dive into why Americans identify so strongly with their driver's licenses compared to Korea's centralized resident ID system, or the sociological flip where Americans trust their neighbors but distrust the government while Koreans generally feel the opposite, this episode is for you. We also discuss the intense fitness culture of HYROX, differing attitudes toward pregnancy and activity, the reality of job stability and layoffs in the AI era, and Daniel’s realization that after four years, he finally feels completely settled and comfortable living in Korea.
As a reminder, we publish our episodes bi-weekly from Seoul, South Korea. We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey!
The Starter | Music, Memory & the Songs We Keep
You hear a song, and a memory opens up. Personal audio essays by Stephen Hollowell.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey!
Support us on Patreon:
https://patreon.com/user?u=99211862
Follow us on socials:
https://www.instagram.com/koreanamericanpodcast/
https://twitter.com/korampodcast
https://www.tiktok.com/@koreanamericanpodcast
Questions/Comments/Feedback? Email us at: [email protected]
Member of the iyagi media network (www.iyagimedia.com)Capítulos
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Episode 110: Silla Gold Crown, London Bagel Museum Controversy, Suneung English
This week Jun and Daniel discuss recent news and cultural trends from November 2025. The episode covers APEC 2025 hosted in Gyeongju where Korea gifted Trump a Shilla gold crown, contrasting Korean labor …
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This week Jun and Daniel discuss recent news and cultural trends from November 2025. The episode covers APEC 2025 hosted in Gyeongju where Korea gifted Trump a Shilla gold crown, contrasting Korean labor debates between the London Bagel Museum overwork death and dawn delivery service bans, the viral Gwangjang Market pricing scandal, and the election of Zoran Momdani as New York City's first Muslim and youngest mayor in over a century. The hosts also discuss Gen Alpha slang, tackle Suneung English questions, and respond to listener comments.
If you're interested in any of these topics, tune in to hear Daniel and Jun discuss all this and more! This episode offers cross-cultural analysis on labor rights, cultural diplomacy, and social responsibility.
As a reminder, we publish our episodes bi-weekly from Seoul, South Korea. We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey!
The Starter | Music, Memory & the Songs We Keep
You hear a song, and a memory opens up. Personal audio essays by Stephen Hollowell.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey!
Support us on Patreon:
https://patreon.com/user?u=99211862
Follow us on socials:
https://www.instagram.com/koreanamericanpodcast/
https://twitter.com/korampodcast
https://www.tiktok.com/@koreanamericanpodcast
Questions/Comments/Feedback? Email us at: [email protected]
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Episode 109: The Wailing(곡성) Review (Media)
This week Jun and Daniel dive deep into a media review of "The Wailing" (곡성), the critically acclaimed 2016 Korean horror film directed by Na Hong-jin. They begin by unpacking the clever wordplay behind the …
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This week Jun and Daniel dive deep into a media review of "The Wailing" (곡성), the critically acclaimed 2016 Korean horror film directed by Na Hong-jin. They begin by unpacking the clever wordplay behind the Korean title—"Gokseong" doubles as both the name of the real Korean city where the film is set and the Chinese character meaning "wailing." The hosts explore the film's complex narrative structure, debating whether the mysterious Japanese man is truly a demon or just an unfortunate scapegoat, analyzing the deacon character's true motivations, and discussing the tragic ending where the protagonist's choices lead to devastating consequences. They examine the film's commentary on faith, superstition, and mob mentality, while also touching on the masterful cinematography, the haunting shaman ritual scene, and the unforgettable performances.
If you're interested in understanding why this film is considered one of Korea's most important horror achievements, how Korean shamanism and religious syncretism create the story's ambiguity, why the film's open-ended interpretation makes it endlessly rewatchable, or Daniel's instant regret watching a horror film late at night in the dark, tune in to hear Daniel and Jun discuss all this and more! This episode also features discussion about recognizing famous Korean actors (including Hwang Jung-min, one of Korea's top movie stars), comparisons to The Blair Witch Project, and reflections on how the film uses the real city of Gokseong as its setting.
As a reminder, we publish our episodes bi-weekly from Seoul, South Korea. We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey!
The Starter | Music, Memory & the Songs We Keep
You hear a song, and a memory opens up. Personal audio essays by Stephen Hollowell.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey!
Support us on Patreon:
https://patreon.com/user?u=99211862
Follow us on socials:
https://www.instagram.com/koreanamericanpodcast/
https://twitter.com/korampodcast
https://www.tiktok.com/@koreanamericanpodcast
Questions/Comments/Feedback? Email us at: [email protected]
Member of the iyagi media network (www.iyagimedia.com)Capítulos
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Episode 108: Chuseok Recaps, Scammers, No Kings Protests and Tapgol Park Changes
This week Jun and Daniel return from their extended Chuseok holiday break to discuss a range of topics starting with daily life observations about technology, from wireless floor fans to Tesla's …
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This week Jun and Daniel return from their extended Chuseok holiday break to discuss a range of topics starting with daily life observations about technology, from wireless floor fans to Tesla's touchscreen interfaces to the state of autonomous vehicles in both the US and Korea. They then share their Chuseok vacation experiences, with Jun describing his MT-style trip to Gapyeong and Daniel reflecting on his trip to Seodaemun prison and museum. The conversation then shifts to significant news including the No Kings protests—massive nationwide demonstrations against Donald Trump's second presidential term in 2025—the controversial ban on Chinese chess at Tapgol Park in Seoul, the tragic incident involving Koreans in Cambodia, and the W Magazine Breast Cancer Awareness campaign controversy. The episode concludes with listener questions about Korean apartment uniformity and a spirited debate about nunchi, sparked by a question from a previous guest episode.
If you're interested in understanding how Korean efficiency and collectivism shape everything from apartment design to consumer products, learning about the No Kings movement and its significance in American politics, exploring the concept of nunchi and indirect communication in Korean culture, or hearing about nonprofit youth programs bridging Korean and American communities, tune in to hear Daniel and Jun discuss all this and more!
As a reminder, we record one episode a week in-person from Seoul, South Korea. We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey!:
Sponsored Content
This episode is sponsored by City Youth Martial Arts, a nonprofit taekwondo program serving Milwaukee's diverse urban neighborhoods. Find out more at https://cityyouthmartialarts.org
The Starter | Music, Memory & the Songs We Keep
You hear a song, and a memory opens up. Personal audio essays by Stephen Hollowell.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey!
Support us on Patreon:
https://patreon.com/user?u=99211862
Follow us on socials:
https://www.instagram.com/koreanamericanpodcast/
https://twitter.com/korampodcast
https://www.tiktok.com/@koreanamericanpodcast
Questions/Comments/Feedback? Email us at: [email protected]
Member of the iyagi media network (www.iyagimedia.com)Capítulos
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Episode 107: On Moving to Korea For A Mid-Life Gap Year (ft. Raychel)
This week, Daniel and Jun sit down with Raychel McKelvy, a Black American teacher and aspiring actor who just moved to Korea from Chicago less than a month ago. Raychel shares her unique journey from living …
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This week, Daniel and Jun sit down with Raychel McKelvy, a Black American teacher and aspiring actor who just moved to Korea from Chicago less than a month ago. Raychel shares her unique journey from living across multiple U.S. cities to taking a "midlife gap year" in Seoul to study Korean at Yonsei University's language institute. They discuss her incredibly diverse upbringing and friend group, spanning Japanese, Indian, Latino, and Korean American communities, and how those experiences shaped her worldview. The conversation explores the stark differences between being a minority in America versus being a "super minority" in Korea, navigating the challenges of staring and othering, and finding beauty in cultural differences. Raychel opens up about her language learning journey, the reality of living in a co-living space in Yeongdeungpo, and adjusting to Korean social norms around public transit etiquette, restaurant timing, and high-context communication.
If you're interested in hearing a fresh perspective on moving to Korea, understanding the complexities of race and diversity across cultures, learning about the unexpected challenges and joys of language immersion, or gaining insights into how collectivism and individualism shape American versus Korean society, tune in to hear Daniel, Jun, and Raychel discuss all this and more. This episode offers an honest, thoughtful look at cultural adaptation, the privilege of diversity, and the courage it takes to completely upend your life for personal growth.
As a reminder, we publish our episodes bi-weekly from Seoul, South Korea. We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey!
Guest bio:
Raychel is an American currently living in Korea and attending Korean language school. When she is not studying Korean, she can be found talking to her family or nerding out on her 2 podcasts: MultiNerds Podcast and Tavern of Tomes.
Follow her Korean adventures on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/raychelmckelvy
Links:
MultiNerds:
https://open.spotify.com/show/6cDn8vhL0XRTTBxl5z5xaL?si=PrrWuVz4TDyMA-d_sz0esQ
Tavern of Tomes:
https://open.spotify.com/show/3sx3q8fhQ7mNLvt2I9PRJk?si=FTh-4cX3T-Sw_mLY5fEcoQ
The Starter | Music, Memory & the Songs We Keep
You hear a song, and a memory opens up. Personal audio essays by Stephen Hollowell.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey!
Support us on Patreon:
https://patreon.com/user?u=99211862
Follow us on socials:
https://www.instagram.com/koreanamericanpodcast/
https://twitter.com/korampodcast
https://www.tiktok.com/@koreanamericanpodcast
Questions/Comments/Feedback? Email us at: [email protected]
Member of the iyagi media network (www.iyagimedia.com)Capítulos
Carregando capítulos…
Episode 106: Cilantro Sundae, Political Polarization, Violence in Media
This week Jun and Daniel discuss the evolution of acquired tastes in food, turbulent political news from America, controversial tech updates, and a thought-provoking listener perspective on violence in Western …
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This week Jun and Daniel discuss the evolution of acquired tastes in food, turbulent political news from America, controversial tech updates, and a thought-provoking listener perspective on violence in Western vs. East Asian culture. Daniel shares his milestone of finally accepting sundae (Korean blood sausage) after years of trying, prompting a broader conversation about cilantro, kimchi, and how palates develop differently across cultures. The hosts then dive into heavy news topics including immigration enforcement affecting Korean nationals and the deeply polarizing assassination of Charlie Kirk. Jun analyzes recent tech updates from Apple's "liquid glass" iOS design to KakaoTalk's controversial Instagram-like interface changes, examining the concept of originality versus imitation. The episode concludes with a powerful listener message from Portugal about perceptions of violence in American society versus the emotional intimacy of East Asian media, sparking reflection on whether the global rise of K-content represents a cultural backlash against Western chaos.
If you're interested in any of these questions, tune in to hear Daniel and Jun discuss all this and more!
As a reminder, we publish our episodes bi-weekly from Seoul, South Korea. We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey!
The Starter | Music, Memory & the Songs We Keep
You hear a song, and a memory opens up. Personal audio essays by Stephen Hollowell.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey!
Support us on Patreon:
https://patreon.com/user?u=99211862
Follow us on socials:
https://www.instagram.com/koreanamericanpodcast/
https://twitter.com/korampodcast
https://www.tiktok.com/@koreanamericanpodcast
Questions/Comments/Feedback? Email us at: [email protected]
Member of the iyagi media network (www.iyagimedia.com)Capítulos
Carregando capítulos…
Episode 105: Summer Recaps, August News and Trends, and Podcast Updates
This week Jun and Daniel return after a two-and-a-half-month break with updates on the future of their podcast and stories from their summer European travels. They announce changes to their recording schedule …
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This week Jun and Daniel return after a two-and-a-half-month break with updates on the future of their podcast and stories from their summer European travels. They announce changes to their recording schedule required to maintain a predictable and sustainable release cadence. The hosts explore their different European experiences, comparing notes on coffee culture, American tourists abroad, and the stereotypical beauty of European cities. They then discuss the latest news and trends from August 2025 before closing by reading a meaningful email they received from a listener. Additionally, they reflect on taking breaks from creative work and how refreshing time off can be, even from something you love doing.
If you're interested in learning about any of these topics, tune in to hear Daniel and Jun discuss all this and more! This episode also touches on items such as Korea’s credit card fraud protection, Daniel's first time in Europe, and predictions on a Korean fast food chain's launch in the US.
The Starter | Music, Memory & the Songs We Keep
You hear a song, and a memory opens up. Personal audio essays by Stephen Hollowell.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey!
Support us on Patreon:
https://patreon.com/user?u=99211862
Follow us on socials:
https://www.instagram.com/koreanamericanpodcast/
https://twitter.com/korampodcast
https://www.tiktok.com/@koreanamericanpodcast
Questions/Comments/Feedback? Email us at: [email protected]
Member of the iyagi media network (www.iyagimedia.com)Capítulos
Carregando capítulos…
Episode 104: K-Pop Demon Hunters Review (Media)
We’re back!This week Jun and Daniel finally tackle the highly anticipated media review of "K-Pop Demon Hunters" (or "케데헌" in Korea). After discussing the massive global success of the Netflix animated …
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We’re back!
This week Jun and Daniel finally tackle the highly anticipated media review of "K-Pop Demon Hunters" (or "케데헌" in Korea). After discussing the massive global success of the Netflix animated film—which became the number one Netflix original movie of all time—they dive deep into various aspects of the production. From analyzing what defines authentic K-pop versus generic pop music, to exploring the typical K-pop group format and how the film made Korean culture accessible to non-Korean audiences, our hosts examine everything from the nostalgic snack spread featuring classic treats like 새우깡 to the film's blend of traditional and modern Korean cultural elements. They also grapple with complex questions about cultural authenticity, discussing director Maggie Kong's Korean Canadian background and whether Korean Americans can represent "authentic" Korean culture, while exploring the natural evolution of cultural export from origin countries to diaspora communities.
If you're interested in understanding the cultural significance of K-pop group roles (visual, rapper, leader, maknae), learning about the differences between how Korean Americans and Korean Koreans preserve traditional culture, exploring questions of cultural appropriation versus cultural evolution in the context of Korean content, or hearing Daniel and Jun's personal reactions to a film that has captivated audiences worldwide, tune in to hear them discuss all this and more! This episode also touches on the broader K-wave phenomenon, comparisons to other Korean cultural exports like Squid Game, and the emotional impact the film's soundtrack has had on families.
The Starter | Music, Memory & the Songs We Keep
You hear a song, and a memory opens up. Personal audio essays by Stephen Hollowell.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey!
Support us on Patreon:
https://patreon.com/user?u=99211862
Follow us on socials:
https://www.instagram.com/koreanamericanpodcast/
https://twitter.com/korampodcast
https://www.tiktok.com/@koreanamericanpodcast
Questions/Comments/Feedback? Email us at: [email protected]
Member of the iyagi media network (www.iyagimedia.com)Capítulos
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Episode 103: Korean Etymology, Language Purification, and Hidden Origins ft. Byeong (Language)
⚠️Disclaimer⚠️This episode was recorded in early May while Daniel was traveling, as an experiment during their regular recording schedule. Some references may feel slightly dated as it's being released …
Notas do episódio
⚠️Disclaimer⚠️
This episode was recorded in early May while Daniel was traveling, as an experiment during their regular recording schedule. Some references may feel slightly dated as it's being released during their summer break.
This week Jun and Byeong explore the fascinating evolution and cultural layers of language, particularly focusing on Korean linguistic heritage and cross-cultural language acquisition. Through Byeong's perspective as a Korean Canadian with deep knowledge of linguistics, they dive into how Korean has been influenced by Chinese characters (hanja), Japanese colonial period vocabulary, and modern English borrowings. The conversation covers everything from discovering that everyday Korean words like "sukgarak" (spoon) and "tamaneegi" (onion) have unexpected origins, to examining how government language purification efforts selectively target Japanese words while embracing English ones. They also discuss the cultural implications embedded in common phrases, the challenges of learning Korean as a heritage speaker, and how understanding etymological roots can deepen one's connection to both language and culture.
If you're interested in learning about the historical layers that shape modern Korean vocabulary, understanding why certain borrowed words feel more "foreign" than others, discovering how language reflects cultural attitudes and hierarchies, or hearing insights about navigating multiple languages as a heritage speaker, tune in to hear Jun and Byeong discuss all this and more! This episode also features discussions about the politeness levels embedded in seemingly casual Korean expressions, the connection between Chinese characters and Korean subway station names, and Byeong's personal journey of discovering Japanese loanwords he thought were originally Korean.
The Starter | Music, Memory & the Songs We Keep
You hear a song, and a memory opens up. Personal audio essays by Stephen Hollowell.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey!
Support us on Patreon:
https://patreon.com/user?u=99211862
Follow us on socials:
https://www.instagram.com/koreanamericanpodcast/
https://twitter.com/korampodcast
https://www.tiktok.com/@koreanamericanpodcast
Questions/Comments/Feedback? Email us at: [email protected]
Member of the iyagi media network (www.iyagimedia.com)Capítulos
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Episode 102: 100 Weeks of Korean. American. Podcast pt.3 (Podcast)
This week Jun and Daniel conclude their three-part series commemorating their 100th episode milestone by reflecting on episodes 67-99 of their podcast journey. They explore the evolution of their show from deep …
Notas do episódio
This week Jun and Daniel conclude their three-part series commemorating their 100th episode milestone by reflecting on episodes 67-99 of their podcast journey. They explore the evolution of their show from deep cultural discussions to more structured formats including regular news episodes, listener comment segments, and media reviews. The hosts discuss memorable episodes covering topics like Korean food debates (Jjik or Treat), MBTI personality types and their cultural significance in Korea, Korean cinema through films like Lady Vengeance, and various cultural phenomena from Korean masculinity terminology to strawberry quality comparisons between countries. They also reflect on how their podcast found its groove through consistent episode formats and regular guest appearances, making content creation more sustainable while maintaining freshness.
If you're interested in understanding how a podcast evolves over time, learning about the cultural significance of personality typing in Korean society, exploring Korean food debates that reveal deeper cultural identity patterns, or hearing nostalgic reflections on two years of cross-cultural conversations between Korea and America, tune in to hear Daniel and Jun discuss all this and more! This episode also features their thoughts on podcast longevity, the importance of structured content formats, and appreciation for their growing community of listeners and Patreon supporters.
A heartfelt thank you to all our incredible listeners for joining us on this amazing journey through 100 episodes! From our very first recording with just one microphone between us to this milestone moment, your support, thoughtful engagement, and wonderful comments in our Discord community have truly made this podcast what it is today. Whether you've been with us since episode one or just discovered us recently, knowing that you're out there listening, learning, and sharing in these cross-cultural conversations has meant the world to us. We'll be taking a temporary summer break to recharge and plan for the next chapter of our conversations. Until we meet again!
The Starter | Music, Memory & the Songs We Keep
You hear a song, and a memory opens up. Personal audio essays by Stephen Hollowell.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey!
Support us on Patreon:
https://patreon.com/user?u=99211862
Follow us on socials:
https://www.instagram.com/koreanamericanpodcast/
https://twitter.com/korampodcast
https://www.tiktok.com/@koreanamericanpodcast
Questions/Comments/Feedback? Email us at: [email protected]
Member of the iyagi media network (www.iyagimedia.com)Capítulos
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Episode 101: 100 Weeks of Korean. American. Podcast pt.2 (Podcast)
This week Jun and Daniel continue their milestone celebration by tackling episodes 34-66 in the second part of their three-part series honoring 100 episodes. From exploring the N-Po Generation's societal …
Notas do episódio
This week Jun and Daniel continue their milestone celebration by tackling episodes 34-66 in the second part of their three-part series honoring 100 episodes. From exploring the N-Po Generation's societal pressures to diving deep into Korean concepts like jeong and han, our hosts reflect on their middle third of episodes that covered some of their most meaningful cultural discussions. They revisit topics ranging from the unique Korean rental system to daily life observations, guest interviews with former coworkers and visitors, and media reviews of trending K-dramas and films. The conversation spans cultural phenomena like sports day (운동회), hygiene differences, food debates, and the evolution of Korean-American identity, while the hosts note how this period represented their "sweet spot" with deeper guest perspectives and more challenging topics.
If you're interested in hearing Daniel and Jun's reflections on covering major Korean cultural concepts, their experiences with viral social media content and reaching #1 on Korean podcast charts, insights into the evolution of their episode formats, or simply enjoying their nostalgic journey through episodes covering everything from trending words to Netflix shows, tune in to hear them discuss all this and more! This episode also features discussions about their growth during this golden era of the podcast, memorable interactions with listeners, and how their understanding of Korean culture deepened.
The Starter | Music, Memory & the Songs We Keep
You hear a song, and a memory opens up. Personal audio essays by Stephen Hollowell.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and we're so excited to have you following us on this journey!
Support us on Patreon:
https://patreon.com/user?u=99211862
Follow us on socials:
https://www.instagram.com/koreanamericanpodcast/
https://twitter.com/korampodcast
https://www.tiktok.com/@koreanamericanpodcast
Questions/Comments/Feedback? Email us at: [email protected]
Member of the iyagi media network (www.iyagimedia.com)Capítulos
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