Korean. American. 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 is 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.
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 is 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.
Episodes
72 episodes
Episode 72: For The Love Of The Cheering (Sports)
This week Jun and Daniel discuss sports culture in Korea and America, prompted by their recent experience attending a KBO (Korean Baseball Organization) playoff game together. Through comparing stadium experiences, fan behavior, player salaries...
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1:44:05
Episode 71: Your Political View Here (Politics)
This week Jun and Daniel risk it all by using the charged 2024 US presidential election as a reason to compare and discuss the political systems and landscape in Korea and America. Our hosts attempt to discuss politics while remaining as neutra...
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1:41:34
Episode 70: Listener Comments - Read and Response #2-2 (Media)
This week Jun and Daniel continue their discussion of listener comments and reactions from social media, blogs, and other platforms. They explore the complex topic of Korean American identity, diving into experiences of discrimination, dual cul...
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1:04:41
Episode 69: Listener Comments - Read and Response #2-1 (Media)
This week Jun and Daniel dedicate an episode to reading and responding to comments from their social media channels over the past few months. From inverter AC technology to birthing experiences to racism and cultural differences, our hosts dive...
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1:47:13
Episode 68: Jjik or Treat! (Food)
This week Jun and Daniel dive into famous food debates and preferences that divide both Korean and American society. Starting from whether you dip (jjik) or boo (pour) the sauce with sweet and sour pork (tangsuyuk), our hosts explore the many f...
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1:19:41
Episode 67: MBTI (Culture)
This week Jun and Daniel dive into the world of MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator) and its popularity in Korea. They explore why MBTI has become such a cultural phenomenon in Korea, from its use in social settings to its integration into variou...
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1:49:56
Episode 66: Korean News Headlines - August/September 2024 (News)
This week Jun and Daniel discuss some major news headlines from August and September 2024 in Korea. They cover topics including a pilot program bringing Filipino nannies to Korea, the ongoing doctor strike, and a deepfake porn scandal. The host...
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1:03:29
Episode 65: Culinary Class Wars Review (Media)
This week Jun and Daniel review the popular Korean Netflix cooking competition show "Culinary Class Wars" (흑백요리사). They discuss the show's format, cultural aspects, and why it has become such a sensation in Korea. Our hosts compare fine dining ...
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1:07:54
Episode 64: Small Talk feat. Connecting (Culture)
This week Jun and Daniel explore the world of small talk through conversations with random strangers on the Connecting app. Our hosts discuss cultural differences in social interactions between Korea and America, practice their own small talk s...
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2:00:17
Episode 63: Kim Family Matters (Names)
This week Jun and Daniel dive into the world of Korean names and family genealogy. Listen as our hosts explore the cultural significance, history, and trends around names in Korea compared to America. What are the most common Korean last names ...
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1:38:31
Episode 62: Density of Water (Daily Life)
This week Jun and Daniel dedicate another episode to run through Daniel’s constantly growing and evolving list of notes on daily life in Korea. Our hosts tackle a 짬뽕 (hodgepodge) of topics ranging from apartment community life to driving habits...
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1:15:37
Episode 61: Lucky Vicky (Trends)
This week Jun and Daniel dive into the latest trends sweeping across Korea. From viral language catchphrases to K-pop sensations, luxury athleisure wear to running crews, and electric vehicles to trendy desserts, our hosts explore what's hot in...
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1:32:35
Episode 60: 2024 Paris Olympics (Sports)
This week Jun and Daniel discuss the 2024 Paris Olympics. They cover highlights from Korea's performance, memorable moments, and reflect on famous Korean Olympians throughout history. The hosts also explore cultural differences in how Korea and...
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1:28:04
Episode 59: Exhuma Movie Review and Shamanism (Media)
This week Jun and Daniel discuss Korean shamanism and occult practices through a review of the popular Korean movie "Exhuma" (or "파묘" in Korean). How integrated is shamanism in modern Korean society? What are some common superstitions and spiri...
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1:23:44
Episode 58: Korean News Headlines - July 2024 (News)
This week Jun and Daniel discuss some notable news headlines from July 2024. What led to the scandal surrounding popular mukbang YouTuber Tzuyang, and what does it reveal about Korea's entertainment industry and cyber bullying culture? How sign...
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1:34:39
Episode 57: US Trip Recap (Reflections)
This week Daniel shares his reflections after spending a month back in the United States with his family. Listen in as Daniel and Jun discuss the stark differences between life in Korea versus America, from diverse communities to driving habits...
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1:28:12
Episode 56: Keeping Up With The Kimses (Parenting)
This week Jun and Daniel are joined by special guests Young and Grace to discuss parenting in Korea vs. America. How does the Korean postpartum care system differ from the U.S.? What level of independence do Korean parents give their children c...
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2:04:08
Episode 55: E-sports and Gaming (Culture)
This week Jun and Daniel discuss E-sports and gaming culture with a friend of the show and professional gaming coach, Wizard Hyeong. Korea is famously known as the birthplace of Esports, where the Korean e-Sports Association (KeSPA), an arm of ...
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1:54:02
Episode 54: Listener Comments - Read and Response #1 (Media)
This week Jun and Daniel experiment with a new format in which they read and respond to various channels of fan and follower engagement. For the inaugural episode, our hosts look at comments left on their Instagram Reels and YouTube media. Afte...
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1:55:17
Episode 53: Han (Concepts)
This week Jun and Daniel take on another so-called pillar of Korean culture and society: han. How does Jun define han, and what issue does he take with the definition from its Wikipedia page? What was behind Jun’s initial reluctance to dedic...
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1:05:10
Episode 52: One Year Of Korean. American. Podcast (Reflections)
This week Jun and Daniel celebrate reaching the one-year anniversary of the podcast, and successfully releasing “1 Korean. 1 American. 1 Topic Weekly.” for the entire duration. Our hosts each reflect on their most recent trips to the US and how...
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1:21:04
Episode 51: Lovely Runner Episode 1 (Media)
This week Jun and Daniel discuss Korean culture through a recently trending popular K-drama: Lovely Runner (Episode 1). This time slip, romantic comedy drama series bounces between modern day and 2008 Korea. Our hosts watch the first episode an...
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1:39:36
Episode 50: Korea? North or South? (Stereotypes)
This week Jun and Daniel discuss common stereotypes Koreans and Americans might have of each other and to what extent they agree with them. While all stereotypes are neither accurate nor fair, there is no denying they exist and shape our percep...
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1:21:34
Episode 49: White Truck Of Doom (Media)
This week Jun and Daniel discuss a topic that is very near and dear to our American host’s heart: Korean dramas, or K-dramas for short. Daniel has been a casual viewer since his early 20s, long before Squid Game put them on the global stage, bu...
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1:22:19
Episode 48: Korean News Headlines - May 2024 (News)
This week Jun and Daniel discuss a few of the biggest headlines in Korean news during the month of May 2024: Min Hee Jin’s ongoing legal battle with HYBE, Naver being asked by the Japanese government to give up control of LINE, famous celebriti...
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1:08:44