Episode 1: Why I Started This Newsletter

Peeking Into My Story

Hi there, and welcome to the very first issue of Peeking Inside! Before we dive into the fun stuff, let me share a little about why I started this newsletter.

I’m a huge fan of The Big Bang Theory. Watching Sheldon, Leonard, and the gang navigate their nerdy lives is always entertaining. But sometimes, there were moments when everyone was laughing, and I just couldn’t join in. Why? Because I didn’t understand the references—Star Wars, Star Trek, and other pop culture touchstones were totally unfamiliar to me at the time.

And let’s face it, stopping the show to Google every reference kind of kills the vibe. I thought, Wouldn’t it be great if someone could just explain these things in a quick, fun way so I could laugh along too?

Peeking Into Korean Culture

That’s the idea behind this newsletter. Just like I struggled to catch The Big Bang Theory’s cultural jokes, I know there are people out there who watch Korean dramas, enjoy Korean food, or follow K-pop and feel the same way.

• Why do Koreans eat ramen straight out of the pot instead of a bowl?

• Why is the “green bowl” such an iconic part of Korean dining?

• what’s the deal with names like 영희(Younghee) and 철수(Chulsoo) in Squid Game?

Through Peeking Inside, I want to answer these kinds of questions in a way that’s simple, fun, and easy to understand. It’s not about diving into academic history—it’s about making you smile when you notice these cultural details, just like a local would.

What to Expect

In each issue, I’ll explore quirky Korean cultural topics—like why 붕어빵 (fish-shaped pastries) are a winter obsession, or why Infinite Challenge is a legendary variety show in Korea. You’ll get a peek into the details, a few laughs, and maybe even some tips to impress your friends with your newfound knowledge of Korean culture.

Thank you for being part of this journey. I hope this newsletter helps you connect with Korean culture in a way that’s meaningful and enjoyable.

Until next time, keep peeking inside! 😊

Your Peek Guide