Ep 8: "The hibiscus flowers bloomed"- Surviving Squid Game, Covid Shenannigans, and 2021 in a nutshell. We made it, y'all‪.‬ The Kwerk Tartz

In this episode the hosts recap 2021, reflecting on their personal lives as well as some of their favorite television, film and media- gotta love escapism. Squid Game resonated with people all over the world (warning, there are spoilers, but if you haven't watched it by now, you are late to the party). "Mugunghwa kkoci pieot seumnida" (the hibiscus flowers bloomed), is still circulating the internet months after Squid Game's release with hilarious and ironic spins on the Korean version of the "red-light-green-light" children's game. Hosts also express their take on 2021's interesting (but not that interesting) K-drama line-up. BTS sweeps the American Music Awards, and K-pop is everywhere. It seems that things are changing in the public's willingness to watch and support new kinds of stories, diverse characters, and BIPOC artists, but are Hollywood gatekeepers catching up?

We dedicate this episode to bell hooks, who passed away a few days after we recorded. May her legacy and light live on. 

Though we're still navigating difficult times, we still have joy and hope for a better future. We hope that everyone listening is safe, healthy, and bringing 2021 to a positive close. Happy Holidays and best wishes for 2022.