ktown konnection #52 | "Trauma Code" premieres strong, "Study Group" promises zippy ride

IN THIS ISSUE:

• “The Trauma Code” hits #2 in first week

• “Study Group” gives sleeper hit vibes

• The third and final season of “Squid Game” announces release date

• Naver boosting short-form video content

PREMIERES

• February 1 “For Eagle Brothers” (KBS)(Viki)

Happy Seollal aka Lunar New Year. May your rice cake soups and/or dumplings be bountiful.

Latest premieres A widow takes over a family brewery in “For Eagle Brothers.” Honestly I haven’t seen much pre-release coverage of it, and since it’s taking over the “Iron Family” KBS time slot I wonder if it’ll take on a similar tone based on the trailer. We shall see.

What I’m watching “The Trauma Code” dropped all 8 eps last week and quickly charted; it’s an entertaining but familiar medical series ‘a la “ER” - minus romance.

BUT “Study Group” was my most enjoyable watch of late; it’s got sleeper hit vibes. I’m usually reluctant when it comes to shows with high school settings (and that hip hop track screams “youth”), but this one started off light enough, with some dumb-but-pure-fun sequences.

The bland title belies how its narrative and action-packed fight scenes conjure up a comic book delight in tone and cinematography. It was easy to begin the zippy ride and meet the lead characters, who stand on their own (so far) even without A-list stars, wasting no time in raising the stakes in episode two. (Note: there are a number of violent scenes.)

And rewatching I’m rewatching ”Be Melodramatic” (2019) and I forgot how good it was. Its unique tone blends offbeat yet likable comedy in heartwarming and heart-wrenching moments as we follow three thoughtfully portrayed besties - a single mom, a documentary filmmaker, a screenwriter.

Our leads navigate the daily grind, relationships, and mental health with whip smart dialogue and the solid pillars of a chosen family; but it’s the writing that hits you the heart. (Plus: it’s especially endearing if you have the painful calling of being a writer.)

(Be warned: I don’t recommend watching while hungry. What is friendship without meals shared?)

Freshly bingeable “Who Is She” (12 eps), “Iron Family” (36 eps), “The Trauma Code: Heroes On Call” (8 eps), “Namib” (12 eps).

Wednesday-Thursday January 29-30
“Unmasked” (Disney+)
“Study Group” (TVING)(Viki)

Friday-Saturday January 31-February 1
“Love Scout” (SBS)(Viki)
“Motel California” (MBC)(Viki)

Saturday-Sunday February 1-2
“For Eagle Brothers” (KBS)
“Check-in Hanyang” (Channel A)(Viki)
“When The Stars Gossip” (tvN)(Netflix)

Monday-Tuesday February 3-4
“The Queen Who Crowns” (tvN)(Viki)

(*Streaming platforms shown are for U.S. only; distributors vary by country.)

KDRAMA/FILM/TV/ETC.

Among Top 10 Global Titles Today (1/30/25) 🌎 “The Trauma Code: Heroes On Call,” “Squid Game 2,” “Marry My Husband” (again!). FlixPatrol 

Korea’s watching: 📺 “Iron Family,” “The Tale of Lady Ok,” “Love Scout” (Jan 20-26). dramabeans