MANILA, PHILIPPINES — On July 24, Inquirer Podcasts will launch “Let’s Talk Oppa!” — a new podcast that teaches Korean phrases using dialogue from K-dramas and K-pop lyrics. The show, powered by pioneering podcast network PumaPodcast, helps listeners better understand the programs they watch and the music they listen to, and affords a deeper look at Korean culture.
Inquirer Super K section editor Ruth Navarra-Mayo hosts the podcast, where she interviews experts about the Korean language and lifestyle. The podcast will explain terms used in various shows like “Crash Landing on You” and “The King: Eternal Monarch,” and lyrics from popular K-pop artists like BTS.
“The popularity of K-dramas and K-pop have gained loyal Pinoy fans of all ages,” says Navarra-Mayo. “Their themes are often universal. But you have to experience the satisfaction of hearing a pick-up line or a joke and understanding immediately what it means without the subtitles.”
Navarra-Mayo herself is a Korean language student, and interviewing experts for the podcast has allowed her to understand a number of phrases better. “We’re learning about the culture of Korea through the language. I wanted to emphasize the differences and similarities between Korea and the Philippines. This is what sets the show apart from other Korean language lessons you will find anywhere else. This show is tailored for Filipino Hallyu fans,” she adds.
Navarra-Mayo pioneered the Philippine Daily Inquirer’s Korean entertainment section, Super K, two years ago. Super K continuously comes out with content that highlights the beauty of Filipino fandom.
“Let’s Talk Oppa!” will be available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Anchor, and other podcast apps starting July 24. A new episode will be out every two weeks. Follow Inquirer Podcasts and PumaPodcast on Facebook for more updates.
