References to Western Literature Mentioned in Five (5) Korean Dramas

Korean dramas often spark curiosity beyond the screen—whether it’s real events, food, or references to Western literature woven into the plot. 

These five dramas use real books as emotional and thematic markers to deepen character development and highlight Korea’s blend of global influences. For me, these literary references make the stories richer and inspire me to explore the books behind them; I wonder if they do the same for you.

(1) The Lucifer ~ Inside the Mind of a Dark Genius

• People of the Lie: The Hope for Healing Human Evil, a book written by M. Scott Peck.

The drama uses “People of the Lie...” to frame its exploration of human malice, self-deception, and moral corruption. Peck’s psychological insights become central to the protagonist’s investigation, shaping the entire narrative.

(2) Born Again ~ 3 People Reincarnated, Love Triangle Recreated

• Emily Brontë’s gothic classic novel about obsession and fate, Wuthering Heights.

The story mirrors “Wuthering Heights” through themes of longing, fate, and emotional obsession. Three souls connected in the 1980s are reborn to repeat a tragic love triangle across lifetimes.

(3) My Love From the Star ~ A Cosmic Romance Phenomenon

• The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, a children’s novel by Kate DiCamillo.

The drama references “The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane” to highlight Do Min Joon’s emotional evolution from detachment to love. Like Edward, he learns through loss, vulnerability, and connection what it truly means to care.

(4) The Nice Guy – I Just Want To Live Happily Ever After

• The Sun Also Rises, is a classic novel written by the Nobel Prize-winning author Ernest Hemingway.

A gentle-hearted heir trapped in a violent family clings to the hope symbolized by Hemingway’s “The Sun Also Rises”. The quote about the rising sun becomes his reminder that a peaceful life might still be possible.

(5) Notes From The Last Row ~ A Mentorship Turns Into Psychological Warfare

• The Sorrows of Young Werther by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Referencing "The Sorrows of Young Werther" signals the drama’s focus on obsession, unrequited longing, and emotional unraveling. The mentor-student relationship spirals into a tense psychological battle echoing Werther’s intensity.

Condensed from content published via PopGeeks.com.

The Cosmic Charm of Do Min‑joon: How the Korean Drama 'My Love From the Star' Became Iconic

The keyword for "My Love From the Star" is "destiny".

This classic Korean drama, released in 2013, is about Do Min‑Joon (played by Kim Soo-Hyun, “The Moon Embracing the Sun”,  “Queen of Tears”), a centuries‑old alien living secretly on Earth.  He is just months away from returning to his home planet when his quiet, carefully controlled existence is upended by Cheon Song‑Yi (played by Gianna Jun, “The Legend of the Blue Sea”), a glamorous actress whose chaotic life keeps pulling him closer.  Their "connection" is rooted in a girl he once failed to save in the Joseon Era.

When Cheon Song‑Yi crosses his path in modern-day Seoul, it forces him to confront emotions he has avoided for 400 years. His interactions with the snobby actress are further complicated by the people in her life who get tangled up in his quiet life.  

• a best friend who is really not a friend, 
• a close friend who insists he's her boyfriend, and 
• the brother of the alleged boyfriend who is murderous and ruthless.

Complications involving Song‑Yi’s "circle of friends(?)" threaten to expose the alien's true identity. 

As Do Min‑Joon struggles between duty and desire, "My Love From the Star" unfolds as a modern tale of star‑crossed lovers—destined to meet yet destined to suffer. 

The series remains beloved not only for its cosmic romance but also for its compelling characters, sharp humor, and, as of 2026, the real‑world resilience of actor Kim Soo‑Hyun, who overcame damaging AI‑generated allegations before returning to the screen.

This 2013 sci-fi romance is Kim Soo-Hyun’s most iconic role.

⭐

See full article at PopGeeks

Old But Gold Binge-Worthy Korean Drama: The Lucifer (2007)

While patiently waiting for new releases of Korean dramas to reach the American audience, I continue combing through old Korean dramas and finding lots of hidden gems. It's the best treasure hunt ever! 

• The Lucifer (aka “The Devil”) is a 2007 Korean drama, 20 episodes, categorized as Legal drama, Police Procedural, Thriller, Suspense, Revenge, Action, Legal Drama, Police Procedural, Crime, Mystery, Romance, and Fantasy. Streaming on KOCOWA+.  

"The Lucifer" (aka “The Devil”) is the second installment in a revenge trilogy, following “Resurrection [aka Rebirth, Revenge, or Life Again ] (2005)” and preceding “Don’t Look Back: The Legend of Orpheus (2013)” (literal title “Shark”).

Where to Watch

• Memorable Quote: “'People of the Lie' by M. Scott Peck.” … “When the trumpet of judgment stops to play and the new day dawns, the Gates of Hell shall be closed.” (Episode 20)

SUMMARY: The lives of a detective, a psychic librarian, and a mysterious lawyer collide in a series of tarot card-linked murders.

• Read my detailed review on PopGeeks.com.

TRAILER/TEASER:  KBS WORLD TV. “[ENG Sub] The Lucifer (마왕) Trailer.” YouTube, 10 May 2010, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81OiedBK4Jc.

Other K-Drama Trilogies:

• The Yi Sun-sin Trilogy
• The Vengeance Trilogy
• The Friend Trilogy
• The Lovers Trilogy: In Paris, In Prague, In China's Hainan Island

***

Five (5) Popular Korean Sci-fi Series Released in 2023, 2024, and 2025

It's one thing to be a sci-fi junkie and another thing to be a K-drama addict. What happens when you combine them? You get the best of both worlds. Awesome Korean drama science fiction series.

Free AI image created with DreamUp

(1) Black Knight (2023)

In a dust-choked future where breathable air is scarce, Korea is divided into rigid social classes controlled by a powerful corporation. Delivery drivers — known as “Black Knights” — risk their lives transporting oxygen and supplies across dangerous wastelands. When a legendary courier crosses paths with a refugee boy targeted by the regime, the two become unlikely allies in a fight against corruption. The series blends dystopian sci-fi with action and social commentary, offering a stylish, high-stakes vision of survival.

(2) Moving (2023)

A group of teenagers discovers they’ve inherited superhuman abilities from their parents — former government operatives who once participated in a secret program. As the kids struggle to control their powers, a mysterious assassin begins hunting enhanced individuals, forcing their families to confront buried pasts. Moving mixes superhero action with heartfelt family drama, earning praise for its emotional depth and character-driven storytelling.

(3) Parasyte: The Grey (2024)

Based on the iconic Japanese manga but reimagined in Korea, the series follows a young woman who becomes partially fused with an alien parasite after an invasion begins. Unlike other hosts, she retains her humanity — creating a tense alliance with the creature inside her. As authorities scramble to contain the outbreak, she becomes a key figure in the fight against the parasitic threat. The show blends body horror, sci-fi action, and moral ambiguity.

(4) The Silent Sea (2023 global release window)

In a future where Earth suffers from extreme water shortages, a team of astronauts is sent to a deserted lunar base to retrieve a mysterious sample. What they find instead is evidence of a catastrophic experiment — and a new form of life that challenges everything they know. The series combines hard sci-fi, mystery, and survival horror, with a slow-burning tension that builds toward a haunting finale.

(5) Glitch (2023–2024 streaming surge)

When a woman’s boyfriend disappears in a flash of strange light, she teams up with a UFO obsessed online community to uncover the truth. Their investigation leads to cults, conspiracies, and unexplained phenomena that blur the line between reality and belief. Glitch blends sci-fi mystery with quirky humor and social satire, making it one of the more unique Korean genre series in recent years.

***
But wait! There's more! Check out these lists.

• Movie Night! 20 Must-See Korean Sci-Fi Films ~ Time Travel, Tech Thrillers, Futuristic Adventures
• Seven (7) Korean Dramas With an AI Storyline

Korean Dramas Based On or Inspired by South Korea's First Serial Killer Investigation

The Hwaseong Serial Murders were a series of brutal crimes committed in rural South Korea between 1986 and 1991, in which at least 10 women were assaulted and murdered in the area around Hwaseong. 

The case became one of the country’s most infamous unsolved mysteries for decades, marked by investigative missteps and public fear. It was finally linked in 2019 to Lee Choon-Jae through DNA evidence, bringing long-awaited answers to a case that had deeply shaped South Korea’s criminal justice system and popular culture.

It's unfortunate, but these murders might likely have been solved faster were it not for the serious weaknesses in South Korea’s law enforcement / investigative practices and procedures at the time. Police relied heavily on coerced confessions, lacked modern forensic tools, and struggled with coordination. This led to wrongful arrests and missed evidence.

Because of these murders, authorities modernized their approach to solving crimes. The use of DNA analysis was expanded, procedures for preserving evidence were improved, and standardized investigative procedures were introduced. In addition, reforms were aimed at protecting suspects’ rights and reducing reliance on forced confessions.

But the most significant change was that the serial murders played a key role in pushing South Korea to adopt criminal profiling as a formal investigative tool. Together, all of these changes transformed South Korea’s policing. Investigating, particularly investigations of major crimes, became a more scientifically grounded and accountable system.

Several K-drama series and films have been directly based on or inspired by the real-life Hwaseong serial murders. There is also a documentary.

Click here to view the listing on PopGeeks.com.

Korean Drama Review: "Search Out" ~ A Sick Way to Use Social Media

“Search Out” is a 2020 Korean movie, categorized as Crime, Mystery, Thriller, Suspense, Psychological, Thriller, and Police Procedural; and streaming on KOCOWA+. 

SUMMARY: Two friends unite with a hacker to find the person responsible for encouraging people to commit suicide. That person is a murderer. It could be more than one.

♦ That's Too Many Suicides. Aren't the Police Suspicious?

In “Search Out”, Joon-Hyeok has been diligently searching for a job with no success. Meanwhile, he created a profile for himself on social media and named himself “WishGiver”. Basically, if he can, he will grant your wish. One guy had an easy wish. 'Can you help me move my stuff?' He just needed some help moving out of his apartment. If only everyone's wishes were that easy.

Sung-Min is Joon-Hyeok's close friend. He is also jobless. Unlike Joon-Hyeok, who is open to job opportunities, Sung-Min just wants one particular job: to become a policeman. But he never passes the civil service exam. He even went to a shaman, and the shaman told him to give up because he'll never pass. That did not discourage him. This is a dream he won't give up. ...

See full article at PopGeeks

♦

TRAILER/TEASER:  

EMK17. “Search Out - Trailer (서치 아웃 예고편).” YouTube, 12 Apr. 2020, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJmkjL6t2ro&t=1s.

Where to Watch

Hulu Original Korean Drama ~ Light Shop (2024)

Light Shop (2024): GENRE: Fantasy, Supernatural, Crime, Mystery, Thriller, Suspense; No. of episodes: 8

This supernatural mystery explores a strange store that offers customers a chance to revisit moments from their past.

Main Characters:

• Jung Won-Young (played by Ju Ji-Hoon)

• Joo Hyun-Ju (played by Shin Eun-Soo)

• Lee Ji-Young (played by Seol Hyun)

A mysterious young woman appears human but may be something far more dangerous. No one knows her name or where she comes from, only that encounters with her rarely end well. A young man notices her sitting at the same bus stop every night with a suitcase, not moving. One rainy evening, he offers her help, unaware that her intentions may be far from innocent.

Nearby, Jung Won-young runs a small light shop at the end of a dark alley. He claims to see “strangers”—supernatural beings that move in darkness. A schoolgirl, Joo Hyun-ju, often stops by his shop, drawn to its safety and light. Jung Won-young warns her that if she ever encounters a stranger, she must pretend nothing is wrong to survive.

When Joo Hyun-ju finally faces one of the “strangers”, she escapes by reaching the light shop. It becomes clear that the light shop is protection, and darkness is danger. The light shop owner Jung Won-young is also mysterious. He may be guarding more than just the store. Maybe he's a “good stranger”???

OFFICIAL TRAILER: Hulu. “Light Shop.” YouTube, 2 Dec. 2024, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nUTranui_uY.

♦

Korean Drama ~ Memories of the Alhambra | A Video Game That Causes Reality Glitches?

2018 K-Drama "Memories of the Alhambra" Only on Netflix

"Memories of the Alhambra" follows a genius CEO whose life spirals into danger after encountering a mysterious augmented reality game that blurs the line between the digital world and real life. As the game grows deadlier, love, loss, and unanswered questions intertwine in a story where reality itself seems broken.

January 2 is National Science Fiction Day.

Memorable Quotes:

• “If this isn’t reality, then what is?”

• “The game doesn’t end just because you want it to.”

• “Some memories refuse to disappear.”

• “You can’t log out of real life.”

Interesting Facts & Trivia:

1. Hyun Bin’s Tech-Savvy Role:  Hyun Bin personally studied startup culture and gaming terminology to make his CEO character feel authentic.
2. High-Budget Production:  The series was one of the most expensive Korean dramas at the time due to its heavy use of CGI and visual effects.
3. Filmed in Spain and Korea: Major scenes were shot in Granada, Spain, making the Alhambra Palace a symbolic and visual centerpiece of the story.
4. Park Shin-hye’s Musical Training: Park Shin-hye practiced guitar extensively for her role, even though her character’s music becomes more symbolic than central.
5. Divisive Ending:  The drama is especially known for its open-ended conclusion, which sparked intense fan debates and theories long after the finale aired. 

Without a doubt, the best sci-fi mystery series ever! A guy gets trapped in an AR video game. The mystery began when the game's creator disappeared. Then two (2) entrepreneurs wanted to purchase the rights to that game, and they do battle, playing/challenging each other in the video game. One of them was killed DURING the video game.

Meaning? It wasn’t a real death! The other player left the scene because … ??? It was just a game. But then he learned that the man he had left sitting on the bench had died. That’s not all. The video game keeps reactivating, and the guy who supposedly died keeps coming back to fight him! Will the game ever end? What about the game creator? Did he die too? (O.o)

This K-drama is set in a foreign country, Spain, and the soundtrack for this Netflix original series is haunting.

REFERENCE: Treathyl Fox aka cmoneyspinner. “Korean Dramas Only on Netflix [You’ll Want to Watch and Re-Watch).” Nothing But Love For Korean Drama ❤️, 30 Apr. 2025, https://medium.com/nothing-but-love-for-korean-drama/korean-dramas-only-on-netflix-youll-want-to-watch-and-re-watch-6008985823c7.

TRAILER:  Netflix. “Memories of the Alhambra.” YouTube, 22 Nov. 2018, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Lcy3XUDd_A.

Nine (9) Must-Watch Historical Fantasy Korean Dramas (Part 3 of 3)

Part 3 of the 3-part list of nine (9) must-watch historical fantasy Korean dramas.

---

(7) Kingdom (2019) & Kingdom: Ashin of the North (2021)

A Joseon-era zombie thriller where political corruption, a deadly resurrection plant, and one woman’s revenge unleash a kingdom-ending plague.

Set in 17th-century Joseon, three years after the Imjin War, Kingdom reimagines the zombie genre through historical horror. A mysterious plague spreads across the land, turning the dead into flesh-eating monsters. The source is not demonic possession or alien parasites, but a deceptively beautiful “resurrection plant” capable of reanimating corpses. As the outbreak worsens, corrupt ministers conceal the truth because the king himself has been infected. The crown prince, isolated and unsure whom to trust, sets out to uncover the origin of the disease and save the kingdom.

The prequel, Kingdom: Ashin of the North, reveals how the horror began. Ashin, a young girl from a border village, loses her family after Joseon officials betray her father and massacre her people to appease the Jurchens. As the sole survivor, Ashin learns the truth and plots devastating revenge—using the resurrection plant that turns humans into monsters. Her tragedy becomes the catalyst for the kingdom’s collapse.

---

(8) Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (2016)

A modern woman time-travels to the Goryeo era, where palace intrigue, tragic romance, and destiny shape a love that defies time.

In modern-day South Korea, Hae-Soo is questioning the value of her life when she impulsively jumps into a lake to save a drowning stranger. Instead of resurfacing in her own world, she awakens in the Goryeo era, surrounded by royal princes bathing in the palace. Disoriented and vulnerable, Hae-Soo must quickly adapt to a dangerous world governed by rigid hierarchies, political intrigue, and ruthless power struggles.

Her fate becomes intertwined with Prince Wang So, a feared and enigmatic royal who will later rise to the throne through bloodshed and betrayal. As Hae-Soo grows closer to him, she realizes that her knowledge of future events gives her insight—but not control. Though she foresees tragedy, changing history may be impossible. Love blossoms amid violence, betrayal, and forbidden desire, leading to irreversible consequences. The series asks whether fate can be rewritten or must be endured, and whether love can survive in a world where power always comes at a terrible cost.

---

(9) The Haunted Palace (2025)

A Joseon fantasy where ghosts haunt the palace, a fallen dragon possesses a man’s body, and a reluctant shaman holds the key to salvation.

The Haunted Palace blends Joseon-era intrigue with supernatural fantasy. Yeo-Ri, a young woman born with the ability to see ghosts, is the granddaughter of a powerful shaman. Despite her gifts, she longs for a quiet life selling eyeglasses in the countryside. Her childhood friend Yoon Gab, now a palace official, seeks her help to cure the king’s tormented son—but deceives her about the true purpose of her visit.

Tragedy strikes when Yoon Gab is murdered in the forest, and a fallen dragon, Gang Cheol—an imugi who has followed Yeo-Ri for years—possesses his body. Unaware of the possession, Yeo-Ri awakens in the palace amid ghostly attacks and mounting danger. As spirits haunt the royal family, Yeo-Ri must confront her shamanic destiny while struggling with her feelings for Yoon Gab’s body and Gang Cheol’s presence within it. Trust, identity, and love blur as she fights to protect the palace from restless spirits.

Nine (9) Must-Watch Historical Fantasy Korean Dramas (Part 2 of 3)

Part 2 of the 3-part list of nine (9) must-watch historical fantasy Korean dramas.

(4) Our Blooming Youth (2023)

A Joseon-era mystery where a cursed crown prince and a fugitive noblewoman uncover conspiracies, false crimes, and a hidden truth from the past.

Set during the Joseon dynasty, Our Blooming Youth follows Crown Prince Lee Hwan, a man haunted by rumors and fear. Whispers claim he murdered his brother to secure his position, and when he receives a mysterious “ghost letter” predicting his downfall, he begins to believe he is truly cursed. A series of frightening incidents only deepens his paranoia and isolation.

Min Jae Yi, a noblewoman with a sharp mind, faces her own nightmare after being falsely accused of murdering her family. Hunted as a fugitive, she remembers her father’s dying words: “Protect the crown prince.” To reach him, she disguises herself as a eunuch named Go Soon Dol. Jae Yi convinces Lee Hwan that the curse and ghostly events are elaborate tricks rooted in science, not superstition. They form an alliance—he will help clear her name if she helps uncover the truth. Their investigation reveals a dark incident from a decade earlier that links both their fates.

---

(5) The Forbidden Marriage (2022)

A Joseon romantic comedy where a grieving king bans all marriages and a bold con artist pretends to channel his dead queen’s spirit.

Set in the Joseon era, The Forbidden Marriage tells the story of King Lee Heon, who remains devastated seven years after the death of his beloved queen. Declared a suicide, her death left him so traumatized that he refused to remarry—effectively banning marriage throughout the kingdom. Each year, on the anniversary of her death, another young woman is found hanging, reopening the king’s wounds and worsening his fragile mental state.

Ye So-rang, a clever con artist imprisoned for fraud, sees an opportunity for survival. Claiming to be possessed by the spirit of the late crown princess, she convinces the desperate king that she can channel his beloved from the afterlife. In truth, it is all an act. Ye So-rang is a noblewoman presumed dead after her stepmother’s failed murder attempt, now living by her wits alone. Her plan is simple: deceive the king long enough to escape the palace. But as emotions deepen and secrets unravel, the line between deception and healing begins to blur.

---

(6) Detective K: Secret of the Living Dead (2018)

A Joseon-era mystery comedy where a brilliant detective investigates vampire rumors, strange deaths, and a sinister quest for immortality.

In Detective K: Secret of the Living Dead, eccentric genius Detective Kim Min and his loyal assistant Seo-pil are summoned by the king to investigate a string of mysterious deaths in a remote village. The victims have been drained of blood, sparking rumors of a vampire—or “living dead”—terrorizing the countryside. As fear spreads, the unlikely duo encounters suspicious villagers and a mysterious woman with possible ties to the undead.

Though this is Detective K’s first brush with the supernatural, he remains firmly grounded in logic and reason. Refusing to believe in vampires, he searches for a scientific explanation behind the horrors. The investigation leads to a hidden laboratory where rogue scientists are experimenting with an immortality potion. As secrets surface, Detective K must determine whether the living dead truly exist—or whether fear itself is being used to disguise darker human crimes.

---

Neo-Noir Korean Drama {Review]: Decision to Leave (2022)

Neo-noir is a modern take on classic film noir, which thrived in the 1940s–1950s. South Korea began embracing neo-noir elements in cinema during the late 1990s and early 2000s, with films like Oldboy (2003) and Memories of Murder (2003) setting the tone.

Neo-noir K-dramas are highly popular among international audiences, especially fans of psychological thrillers and crime dramas. Their appeal lies in:

• Complex antiheroes and morally gray characters

• Stylized visuals with moody lighting and urban landscapes

• Themes of revenge, corruption, and existential dread

Directors like Park Chan-wook (“Decision to Leave”) helped elevate the genre globally.

• Me, Mashable. “‘A Bittersweet Life’, ‘The Handmaiden’, and More: Top South Korean Neo-Noir Movies That Will Keep You Hooked.” Mashable ME, 26 July 2023, .

• Shinnosuke_Lee. “Guide To Korean Action & Noir Dramas (45 Shows).” MyDramaList, 24 Mar. 2025.

Decision to Leave is actually a South Korean neo-noir romantic mystery film, not a K-Drama. It was directed by Park Chan-wook, who co-wrote the screenplay with Jeong Seo-kyeong. Here’s what you need to know:

• Based on OR Inspired by? The film is an original story, not based on any existing work.

• Release Date: Premiered at the Cannes Film Festival on May 23, 2022, and was released theatrically in South Korea on June 29, 2022.

• Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Romance, Drama.

• Filming Locations: Primarily filmed in South Korea, including Busan.

• Where to Watch: Available on Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu.

• Main Characters:

  • Tang Wei as Song Seo-rae

  • Park Hae-il as Detective Jang Hae-jun

  • Lee Jung-hyun as Jung-an

  • Go Kyung-pyo as Soo-wan.

Plot Summary:

Detective Jang Hae-jun, a dedicated investigator suffering from insomnia, is assigned to a case involving the mysterious death of a retired immigration officer, Ki Do-soo, found at the base of a mountain he frequently climbed. As Hae-jun delves into the case, he meets Song Seo-rae, the deceased’s enigmatic widow. Though Seo-rae’s lack of grief and suspicious injuries make her a prime suspect, Hae-jun finds himself drawn to her in ways that compromise his judgment.

As the investigation unfolds, Hae-jun becomes obsessed with Seo-rae, watching her from afar and engaging in intimate conversations that blur the lines between detective and suspect. His growing infatuation leads him to cover up evidence, despite realizing that Seo-rae may have orchestrated her husband's death. Their relationship is a delicate dance of trust, deception, and longing, culminating in a tragic separation.

A year later, Hae-jun, now struggling with depression, encounters Seo-rae again—this time married to a wealthy businessman. When her new husband is found dead, Hae-jun is once again drawn into her orbit, suspecting her involvement. As he pieces together the truth, Seo-rae makes a final, haunting decision, leaving Hae-jun devastated and forever searching for answers.

♦♦

(NOTE: The content above is AI-Generated.)

Check out my Kdrama review – original content published via PopGeeks.com: Decision to Leave ~ Am I Attracted to a Murderer?

Korean Drama TV Series: The Scholar Who Walks the Night (2015)

I am not a fan of the horror genre. But I do like Korean historical period dramas. That's why when I first came across this TV series titled “The Scholar Who Walks the Night,” which was about vampires during the Joseon Dynasty, I wasn't sure if I wanted to watch it.

First of all, my background is Christian, and all the vampires that I have ever seen were weakened or even killed by a crucifix. So I'm thinking … how are they going to kill vampires in Korea??? Surely they won't use a cross. Nevertheless, I decided to watch the show because the main actor is Lee Joon-gi and I'm a fan.

There is a good vampire and a bad vampire. Lee Joon-gi plays the “good vampire”. He was close friends with the crown prince. The crown prince was fully aware that there was a vampire who was attacking people in the palace, and he wanted to get rid of that vampire. Scholar Kim Sung-yeol (played by Lee Joon-Gi) had no idea he was going to become a vampire. 

What happened was that the crown prince knew another good vampire who was trying to help him get rid of the bad vampire. He told his friend, the scholar, what his plans were and introduced him to the good vampire. 

Long story short. He was taken by surprise when the good vampire bit him! The good vampire told him that it was the only way for him to save the kingdom from that menacing, wicked vampire. Lee Soo-hyuk plays Gwi, the bloodthirsty evil vampire who wants to rule over all the humans.

Oh! What did they use instead of a crucifix? Something called Chinese hawthorn.

It was 20 episodes, and to my surprise, I really enjoyed it!  Glad I stepped outside my comfort zone.

Leejoongitalianfamily 2. “Trailer Scholar Who Walks the Night (2015) Sub Ita/Eng/Esp.” YouTube, 14 Jun. 2020, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UArSnKa1FqI.

Watch on KOCOWA+ with English Subtitles

     Download the app.

“Interior Chinatown” (2024) ~ A Hilarious Hulu Original Series Starrng Jimmy O. Yang

Interior Chinatown is a hilarious Hulu Original series, with 10 episodes, adapted from a 2020 award-winning novel by Charles Yu; released November 19, 2024.

"Feel like I'm a background character in someone else's story." - Willis Wu

This series pokes fun at Hollywood's stereotypes of Asians while making you laugh and also get involved with the main character, Willis Wu, who has always thought that nothing significant or important ever happens in his life. Then a female detective asks for his help in solving a crime and in the process, he learns things about his own family that he never knew.

If you liked Jimmy O. Yang as a stand-up comedian, you'll probably be happy that he got the opportunity to spread his wings. Getting the lead role in “Interior Chinatown” is definitely something significant and important in his life. In an interview with The Wrap, Yang indicated the his character was very much like him in that he had similar experiences early in his career where he felt invisible or not represented. (Interior Chinatown: Jimmy O. Yang Talks Stepping Into Lead Role |The Wrap)

The reviews on this Hulu Original series are mixed. It figures. Asian-Americans rarely speak out about the racism and discrimination they experience. So when a TV show gets released pointing it out and poking fun at the unfairness and inequality, and it's very IN YOUR FACE, that might strike a nerve with some people. Me? I like Jimmy O. Yang and am happy for this major step he has taken with his career. All of the actors in “Interior Chinatown” were an impressive cast.

CAST: Jimmy O. Yang, Ronny Chieng, Chloe Bennet

GENRE: Comedy, Crime, Murder Mystery, Police Procedural

FILMING LOCATIONS: Filmed mainly in Los Angeles, California (on-location shoots and studio spaces, including the Fox Studio Lot and Universal Studios Lot). Certain scenes were in the actual Chinatown neighborhood in Los Angeles.

• Rajasini. “Where Was Hulu’s Interior Chinatown Filmed? All Filming Location Explored.” Sportskeeda, 21 Nov. 2024, https://www.sportskeeda.com/us/shows/where-hulu-s-interior-chinatown-filmed-all-filming-location-explored.

Viewership and Rating:

• IMDb: 7.1 out of 10 stars

Watch “Interior Chinatown” (2024) | Hulu/Disney+

LINKS OF INTEREST:

JimmyO. Yang Shines in Excellent "Interior Chinatown" |TV/Streaming | Roger Ebert

‘Interior Chinatown’ Struggles to Turn an Allegorical Novel Into a Show: TV Review | Variety

TheHollywood Reporter | 'Interior Chinatown': Jimmy O. Yang in CharlesYu's Meta Hulu Mystery

InteriorChinatown review – ambitious, yet tiring, adaptation of CharlesYu’s novel | Television | The Guardian

Hulu's'Interior Chinatown' impresses viewers and critics with bold satire |YAHOO! Entertainment

Review:‘Interior Chinatown’ is too weird and ambitious for its own good| Datebook

(Original Source)

♦