Say Kimchi

As Australian-born Koreans, it can be difficult to make friends with other Koreans. Sometimes it’s because there simply aren’t many Korean people in the area you live in, sometimes it’s because you can only understand Korean, but not speak it very well. In this final episode of the season, Shona and Harry share their journey in finding and making Korean friends. They recount their experiences navigating uniquely Korean cultural dynamics such as the sunbae/ hoobae (senior/ junior) dynamic, honorific language, and showing respect to your elders. Shona and Harry each recall the first Korean friends they ever made, and offer some advice for anyone who may want to connect with Korean culture and communities.

The migrant experience is full of challenges. For many second-generation children growing up with immigrant families hearing about the struggles and sacrifices of the generation before them can form a barrier to voicing their personal challenges. In this episode, Shona and Harry explore what mental health means for Korean migrant communities in Australia. Joined by Clinical Psychologist Judy Song, this episode is packed with insights, discussions and personal stories about mental health and wellbeing.

When thinking about popular sports in Korea, football, baseball and even esports are often the first that come to mind. But basketball was the most popular sport in South Korea in the 1990s and it's steadily rising in popularity again. Shona and Harry sit down with professional basketballer Hyun-Jung Lee, who shares his experience and insights on training in America, Korea and Australia, where he now plays with the Illawarra Hawks.

Rain, snow or shine, South Koreans love to sip on an ‘Iced Americano’ (iced long black). Shona and Harry are joined by barista and roaster from Normcore Coffee Roasters, a speciality coffee supplier in Australia. They unpack the different ways coffee is enjoyed in South Korea and Australia. From milk alternatives to grading coffee, get a Korean-Australian lens on what makes coffee culture enjoyable and different in both countries.

Korea is a popular destination for beauty products, skincare and cosmetic surgery. The 10-step Korean skincare routine is known worldwide. What are K-beauty standards and how do they compare to Australian beauty standards?

You’ve probably heard of BTS and Blackpink but there’s more to Korean music than just K-pop. With the spread of Korean culture around the world, Korean music is having its moment in the spotlight. Beyond the catchy tunes and cute dance moves that make up the K-pop industry, discover the world of K-indie, K-rap and more. Joined by emerging Korean-Australian musicians AnSo and JYLPO, Shona and Harry delve into how Korean music impacts Korean-Australians.

What do you mean there’s more to Korean food than fried chicken? From K-BBQ to Korean fried chicken, Korean food has firmly placed itself as a top choice for foodies across the nation. But there’s more to Korean food and dining than fried chicken and sizzling pork belly barbeque. Joined by Illa Kim, director of SOUL Group, Shona and Harry dig into how Korean food is changing in Sydney and how it has impacted our experience as Korean-Australians.

Say Kimchi is a podcast about Korean culture but not as you know it - it's a snapshot of Korean culture through a Korean-Australian lens. In this first episode, meet hosts Shona Yang and Harry Jun. They talk candidly about unpacking their cultural identity and experiences growing up as Australian-born Koreans, as well as stereotypes and the popularity of K-beauty, K-pop, Korean food and more.

What does it mean to be Korean Australian? Say Kimchi is a podcast about Korean culture, but not as you know it. Hosts Harry Jun and Shona Yang offer a snapshot of Korean culture through a Korean-Australian lens. Listen for candid chats about growing up Korean Australian, Korean beauty standards, K-pop, Korean food, battling stereotypes and more.