Today, I'm talking to broadside ballads singer, Jennifer Reid. Although Jenn has been involved in researching and singing these songs for a decade, I'm ashamed to say that she only turned up on my radar when she appeared as the ballad-singing bar owner, Barb, in the recent BBC adaptation of The Gallows Pole. I've since discovered that she's a force…

It’s been a while, hasn’t it? But, like buses, you wait ages for an Old Songs Podcast episode and then two come along in quick succession. Because this edition is the first in a two-part thing. Today, we’re chatting to Jim Moray about passing the two-decade mark as a professional musician, about one of my favourite of his traditional arrangements, …

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 fas…

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, actors and more. Follow K-botak on Buzzsprout and catch the show on Spotify, Apple, Google and most places you get podcasts.…

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 …

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 fi…

Episode 8 of the second series of The Old Songs Podcast, supported, so very kindly, by the English Folk Dance and Song Society, is an unusual one as it focuses on an old tune rather than an old song. Prepare yourself to delve into the background of one of the most well-known Morris dancing tunes, 'Princess Royal'. Joining Jon Wilks to discuss the t…

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 Ex The K-botak Podcast is a podcast where I…

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…

Happy New Year! Here are the Top 20 Korean Movies of 2022. From action to historical warfare to noir to romance to gore to socially conscious drama, there’s been something this year for everyone - even if it has felt like there hasn’t really been a standout horror film. Fingers crossed for next year. Enjoy! The K-botak Podcast is a podcast where I …

Jeon Jong Seo is a remarkable acting powerhouse making an impression in South Korea and internationally, with acclaimed and awarded roles in Burning (2018) and The Call (2020) that have led to her being in demand for dramas and OTT projects. Not least Money Heist Korea: Joint Economic Area, which now has two batches of six episodes available on Net…

This Christmassy episode of the Old Songs Podcast turns the tables slightly, as Nick Hart interviews Jon Wilks about a traditional folk song of wintery note, 'The Gloucestershire Wassail' [Roud 209]. The pair chat about the history of the song, where it was collected, where it travelled to, what the lyrics might refer to, the definition of wassaili…

The star of Squid Game is on his way to a starring role in Star Wars - but he has over two decades of excellent work in tv and film under his belt, in K-dramas, blockbuster Korean films and fun genre movies. This episode features a review of his directorial debut, Hunt, as well as reviews of Warriors of the Dawn, Assassination and New World as well…

Roud 2 goes under so many titles, it might be easier just to stick with 'Roud 2' and be done with it. Whether you know it as 'When I was on Horseback' or 'The Unfortunate Rake', or any of the other titles you may find, it's a grizzly old song with a fascinating history. And who better to discuss it with than Debbie Armour of Burd Ellen, always a fu…

Ma Dong Seok is the greatest beefcake of our time, a one man industry of stellar action films that have had exponential success since his breakout in Train to Busan. His recent accolades include a role in a Marvel film, Eternals, and the biggest selling box office hit of 2022 in South Korea, The Roundup. If you liked The Roundup or even his MCU app…

Emily Portman, Rob Harbron and Jon Wilks discuss the traditional ballad, ‘The Trees They Do Grow High’ [Roud 31], a song that Emily and Rob have recorded for their new album, Time Was Away. Subjects covered include the duo’s first encounter with traditional folk music, their work with the English Folk Dance and Song Society, Emily’s interpretations…

Welcome to a special episode of the K-Botak Podcast! Listeners have written in with their favourite Korean horror movies, and I’ve got my own top ten at the end. Plus, a very special guest to introduce the show! 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 …

Get in touch with your inner demon with this special episode on exorcism and possession films from South Korea, including The Priests (starring Gang Dong Won!) and Metamorphosis. 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 disc…

A Tale of Two Sisters is a psychological horror film with some all time classic ghosts and scares, directed by Kim Jee Woon. 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, actors and more. Fol…

'Shallow Brown' [Roud 2621] is a much-loved and rather mysterious traditional folk song. Collected on both coasts of the United States, as well as the South coast of England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland and Canada, the most common versions of this mesmerising sea shanty hint at heart-breaking experiences of the transatlantic slave trade. In this, the …

Narco Saints is an epic crime saga set in Suriname. It was directed by Yoon Jong Bin, the director of Nameless Gangster, The Spy Gone North, Kundo: Age of the Rampant and more. With a stuffed cast of A-listers like Hwang Jung Min, Ha Jung Woo, Jo Woo Jin, Park Hae Soo and more as well as on-location shoots, this became the most expensive per episod…

Train to Busan’s director Yeon Sang Ho co-writes this fast paced horror thriller series with excellent lead turns by Shin Hyun Been and Koo Kyo Hwan. 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, mov…

'The Brisk Lad' [Roud 1667] was collected from Edith Sartin by the Hammond brothers in 1906 in Corscombe, Dorset. Also known as 'The Sheepstealer' and 'All I Have is My Own', it has been performed and recorded by many traditional folk singers over the ensuing century (and a bit). Jimmy Aldridge and Sid Goldsmith chose to speak about the song here f…

Kim Hye Soo amazes in this gripping and characterful courtroom drama. Tune in and be riveted by one of the most memorable, complex characters on tv this year. 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 s…

These Korean films may have passed you by this year, but you might find something to like here. From the divisive Carter to Park So Dam in a ferocious turn as an action star, and a lively political drama with Kingmaker, these are worth a second look. As mentioned on the podcast, check out Stig's Letterboxd at https://letterboxd.com/stuartbakeruk/ f…

This episode I’ve got 8 reasons you should watch Pachinko, the generational historical epic drama that released on Apple this year to wide acclaim. With a sterling cast, gorgeous cinematography and Lee Min Ho wearing some incredible suits, there’s plenty to enjoy in these eight episodes. The K-botak Podcast is a podcast where I review Korean films …

Emergency Declaration (비상선언) This unassumingly titled airplane thriller has a shockingly stacked cast, including Song Kang-Ho, Lee Byung-Hun, Jeon Do-Yeon and Kim Nam-Gil. While overlong and prosaic in parts, it does make for a good loud cinema trip! This is a (mostly) non-spoilery review. The K-botak Podcast is a podcast where I review Korean film…

'Sweet Lemany' [Roud 193] is a traditional folk song that has entranced countless singers, not least Hannah Martin of Edgelarks, SykesMartin, Gigspanner and Saltlines. The song is an aubade (a piece of music for the morning) and features mystical lyrics that may (or may not) refer to a druidic figure and the magic of early summer. Ahead of her perf…

Decision to Leave (헤어질 결심) is a noir romance and mysterious police procedural from Oldboy and The Handmaiden director Park Chan-Wook, starring Tang Wei and Park Hae-Il. This is a NON-SPOILERY review, so please enjoy! The K-botak Podcast is a podcast where I review Korean films and television series or K-dramas. Join the conversation on Twitter, be …

Life is But a Dream (일장춘몽) is a Park Chan-Wook directed, 20-minute short film. It is a romantic martial arts fantasy film starring Kim Ok-vin, Park Jeong-min and Yoo Hae-jin. It has amazing music inspired by pansori, rock and '70s prog, and despite being shot on an iPhone looks amazing. By default the best advert you will see all year, because Park…

Everything you ever wanted to know about the traditional ballad, ‘Lucy Wan’ [Roud 234] can be found in the first episode of the second series of The Old Songs Post, featuring the English traditional ballad singer, Nick Hart. On this page you’ll find all the notes, links, track listings, etc, mentioned in the podcast itself. It can be heard by click…

You need to watch Extraordinary Attorney Woo (이상한 변호사 우영우)! This wonderful South Korean drama series is 6 episodes in at the time of recording, and tells a brilliantly written story of a young autistic lawyer Woo Young Woo making her way at the Hanbada law firm. Starring Park Eun-bin and Kang Tae-oh, the show has an addicting case-per-episode struc…

This supernatural action horror from South Korea is the latest by director Park Hoon-Jung, and plays out like a hyper-violent blend of Stranger Things, The Matrix, Akira and Logan. In this episode I give a brief overview of Park as a director and his filmography so far, a recap of The Witch Part 1: Subversion, and my review of Part 2: The Other One…

Have you been enjoying Cafe Minamdang? On this bonus episode, I'll be going over some first impressions of the new K-drama procedural comedy mystery hybrid, starring Seo In-guk. This show blends hilarious physical and character comedy with an intricate murder mystery, and I think you'll enjoy it. The K-botak Podcast is a podcast where I review Kore…

This is a spoiler review for MONEY HEIST KOREA – JOINT ECONOMIC AREA. I have already posted a first impressions pod which gave some of the first takes and the vibes of the show, talked about the cast, this has a lot of spoilers so if you haven't seen it go and get it watched, it's all on Netflix globally, and then come back. This is a Korean-langua…

This is a 2022 drama film directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda, his first Korean-language feature. Broker is Kore-eda's return to Cannes for the first time since he won the Palme d'Or for 2018's Shoplifters. It got a 12 minute standing ovation at Cannes beating the incredible Thirst by Park Chan-wook for longest Cannes standing ovation for a Korean film. …

Money Heist Korea is here, starring Jeon Jong-seo, Park Hae-soo and Yoo Ji-tae in this South Korean adaptation of the Netflix hit La Casa de Papel. Join me as I catch up with a very different Tokyo, Berlin and Professor, for some first impressions on this remake and spin-off. The K-botak Podcast is a podcast where I review Korean films and televisi…

On this special episode I am talking about SYMPATHY FOR MR VENGEANCE, OLDBOY, AND LADY VENGEANCE, all directed by Park Chan-Wook. Park Chan-wook is a South Korean film director, an auteur known for these films in addition to Joint Security Area, I'm a Cyborg But That's OK, Thirst, The Handmaiden and the (at time of recording) upcoming Decision to L…

Why aren’t there more monster movies from South Korea? I’d love to see more creature features hit the box office from such a fine film market. On this episode I’m covering THE HOST, dir. Bong Joon-Ho and starring Song Kang-Ho and Bae Doona, and MONSTRUM, a Joseon action drama featuring Choi Woo-shik and Hyeri. The K-botak Podcast is a podcast where…

Mr. Sunshine is a critically lauded drama romance from South Korea. It is one of the smash K-dramas that has come from the creators of shows like Descendants of the Sun, The Guardian: Great and Lonely God, Sweet Home and Jirisan. Lee Byung-hun and Kim Tae-ri dazzle as the leads in this gorgeously staged and photographed period piece. The K-botak Po…

The Pirates and its sequel, The Last Royal Treasure, are swashbuckling action comedies set on the high seas of the early Joseon dynasty period. With ensemble casts including the likes of Kim Nam-Gil, Son Ye-Jin and Sulli Choi (RIP) among others, you might be wondering if these are worth a watch. Well, one of them is! Tune in to find out what I thou…

I Saw the Devil is an inarguably brilliantly made film that may make you very unhappy. This staggeringly violent revenge thriller stars Lee Byung-hun as an NIS agent hellbent on tormenting the serial killer, played by Choi Min-sik, who murdered his wife. The K-botak Podcast is a podcast published 3-4 times a month, where I review Korean films and t…

In a break from my normal theme I’m covering the best movie of the year so far: Everything Everywhere All At Once. When an interdimensional rupture unravels reality, an unlikely hero must channel her newfound powers to fight bizarre and bewildering dangers from the multiverse as the fate of the world hangs in the balance. The K-botak Podcast is a p…

In this episode we'll be talking about four South Korean crime films from the past ten years, including one of my favourite crime films ever: Nameless Gangster (2012) Asura: The City of Madness (2016) Tomb of the River (2021) Yaksha: Ruthless Operations (2022) The K-botak Podcast is a podcast published 3-4 times a month, where I review Korean films…

The voice you hear at the beginning of this episode is the voice of the late, great traditional singer, Cecilia Costello, one of Birmingham’s finest, explaining how her father would present this week’s song back in her childhood in Victorian England. ‘The Cruel Mother’ is a huge song, and even that’s an understatement, but it’s also a song that rea…

The Man From Nowhere, No Tears for the Dead, and Jo Pil-Ho: The Dawning Rage are a trilogy of hyperviolent noir action crimers created and released over about ten years that aren't linked narratively, but are arguably linked thematically. Each present dangerous, violent men with specialist training as an anti-hero lead and uses them as a way to exp…

Episode 12 of The Old Songs Podcast opens with the earliest known recording of this week’s Old Song, The Banks of Green Willow [Roud 172]. It’s the sound of David Clements, singing in either 1906 or 1909 – we’ll come to that later – recorded on wax cylinder by either Charles Gamblin and George Gardiner, or the legendary composer, Ralph Vaughan Will…

In the last episode, number 10, we chatted with Jim Moray, so I thought for a bit of consistency I’d use his version of this episode’s song to kick us off. That’s off his album The Outlander, and that’s the wonderful Josienne Clarke – who we must get on this podcast one day – singing with him. So, the song is Lord Gregory, and my guest this week is…

Rampant, The Odd Family: Zombie for Sale and The Cursed: Dead Man’s Prey are the films covered in this episode. The K-botak Podcast is a podcast published 3-4 times a month, 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, actor…

OK then. This one’s an epic. In this episode, Jim Moray and Jon Wilks discuss the traditional song, “The Leaving Of Liverpool” [Roud 9435], where it came from, and the fascinating journey it went on to become one of the best-known songs in the cannon. Along the way they touch on the history of sea shanties, the idea that songs can have a nationalit…