K-Drama School

“For any fan of Korean dramas (these days, isn’t that all of us?) wanting to delve deeper into the turbulent history and intricate cultural dynamics that have informed and shaped the world’s most popular TV genre, Grace Jung’s K-Drama School is must-read—but, like the medium it explores, it’s much more than that. Jung’s book presents scathing social observation alongside darkly comic memories of childhood traumas and adult disappointment, while exploring how K-dramas have both reflected and helped her recover. It’s a book that’s funny, insightful, and smart in ways that only a media studies PhD-turned-stand-up comic could deliver.”
 

“Dr. Grace is revolutionary. Her creative approach not only educates you with history, social issues, and human rights, but also mental health, healing and inner peace through K-dramas and her personal stories, proving that vulnerability is power. This book is necessary to us all. You don’t need to know anything about K-dramas to read this book. Dr. Grace introduces each show tastefully. She is super funny in the most sophisticated way.”
 

"For anyone looking to learn more about the unique backstory of K-dramas or that 시원한 feeling, Jung's work is a must read!"

 

“Class is in session! K-Drama School drops knowledge on the deliciously addictive deluge of Korean pop culture that increasingly consumes our consciousness and bandwidth. Whether you're a critical scholar or a couch potato, whether you've gotten your drama fix through streamers or old school VHS bootlegs, Dr. Grace offers a personal and knowing journey through the history, culture and influence of Korean television.”
 

“[A]n astute examination of the themes and appeal of Korean television shows… Jung’s penetrating commentary showcases the variety of the K-drama format while assisting foreign readers in understanding the cultural context. It’s an essential companion for anyone who has binged Crash Landing on You or Squid Game. “

"Books on this subject are long overdue. Jung's book transcends being merely a chronicle of K-dramas' evolution. Instead, she employs a refreshingly structured storytelling approach to present K-drama characters and their illuminating perspectives, while weaving in her own experiences of abuse, depravity, and growth. In doing so, Jung crafts some of the most beautiful prose I have ever read."

“K-Drama School is equal parts entertaining, informative, and vulnerable. Grace masterfully shows the intersections and parallels between the world she grew up in and the world she consumed on TV. It is more than a deep dive into Korean television. These are essays that make sense of generational traumas and explore why certain behaviors were embedded in culture while using various TV shows as a guide. Grace elevates the discussion with her biting wit and dark sense of humor. But what shines the brightest in this work is Grace’s willingness to give the reader access inside of HER world.”
 

"Jung's book is both a thoughtful history of Korean television and a powerful memoir about living with intergenerational trauma. Asian American essential reading!"