K-Botak: K-Drama and Korean Movies Jon

This episode is another special focused on one amazing actor through the lens of a few select works, in this case Lee Sung Min.Lee Sung Min had an incredible 2022, with standout roles in Juvenile Justice, Reborn Rich, Remember and Shadow Detective. This prolific actor has been a mainstay of cinema and increasingly dramas, providing studied and fascinating portrayals of troubled, difficult men and nuanced patriarchs. He was acclaimed for his role in The Spy Gone North and currently stars in th...

This action blockbuster starring Hwang Jung Min and Hyun Bin is a retelling of a hostage incident in Afghanistan. The South Korean government entered direct negotiations for the return of 23 Koreans in 2007, a nugget of history that director Yim Soon Rye has turned into a laser-focused dramatisation of those tense negotiations. Although it focuses on the activities of the Korean negotiators and captives, the movie hasn't been able to escape controversy for its portrayal of Afghanistan and its...

Big Bet is a saga of expatriate criminality, a story of casinos, overseas Koreans and ingenious schemes unfolding through the years. Oldboy's Choi Min Sik is Cha Moo Sik, tax fugitive turned power broker, and this is my (fairly glowing) review of the first 8 episodes in this 16 part K-drama.The K-botak Podcast is a podcast where I review Korean films and television series or K-dramas.Join the conversation on Twitter, be part of the K-botak community and discuss your favourite shows, movies, a...

Yeon Sang Ho and Kim Hyun Joo reunite for this exciting if flawed sci fi action film. The director of Train to Busan has had hits and misses, but I think he always has ideas worth exploring and is able to turn them into cool set pieces at the same time.Music used in this episode:‘UNATCO Theme’ from Deus ExThe K-botak Podcast is a podcast where I review Korean films and television series or K-dramas.Join the conversation on Twitter, be part of the K-botak community and discuss your favourite s...

Japanese horror auteur and creator of classic yakuza and samurai movies Takashi Miike bursts into the world of Kdramas with a grisly sci fi offering starring Jung Hae In, Go Kyung Pyo and Kim Hye Jun. On this episode I review the show and provide recommendations for Takashi Miike movies to check out if you enjoy the series.The K-botak Podcast is a podcast where I review Korean films and television series or K-dramas.Join the conversation on Twitter, be part of the K-botak community and discus...