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<i>Dr. Ken</i> – “DK’s Korean Ghost Story” Review. I Ain’t Afraid of No Gwisin.

Season 2, Episode 5

Air Date: Friday, October 21, 2016, 8:30/7:30c on ABC

Rating: ★★★★★

“A ghost story on Halloween, groundbreaking.” – Dave

No more tricks or treats for Dave?

It’s Halloween and Dave (Albert Tsai) decides he’s too old to get wrapped up in the holiday. This doesn’t sit well with Allison (Suzy Nakamura), who longs for the time when her little boy was easily scared by the ghosts and goblins of the season. Thankfully, Ken’s (Ken Jeong) father D.K. (Dana Lee) has a solution—a scary Korean “Gwisin” (ghost) story.

With many of Dr. Ken storylines involving marital conflict, office drama, and teen dating, it’s easy to forget the cultural importance of the show, and others like Fresh off the Boat. Sure, the Parks and Huangs may represent your typical TV family but their ethnic background provides a deeper layer to their storylines that isn’t seen much on television when it comes to diversity. Holiday episodes like “DK’s Korean Ghost Story” provide a wonderful opportunity to shed some light on the Korean culture instead of just telling a more traditional American Halloween story.

Instead of the typical Dr. Ken episode that usually gives us scenes in both the Welltopia Medical Group and Park household, “DK’s Korean Ghost Story” has only a brief scene at the medical group while the rest of the episode takes place in the Parks’ living room. While I couldn’t stop laughing at Ken’s ongoing comments about Allison’s costume, the real focus of the episode is the scary story D.K. shares with Ken and Dave.

The addition of D.K. to the Park household allows the writers to inject some additional culture from Lee’s generation into the series. Written by Jim Brandon and Brian Singleton, “DK’s Korean Ghost Story” uses the cast to help D.K. tell the frightening story of a young boy, played surprisingly well by Jeong (in a rather adorable costume), who decides he’s old enough to walk to school alone. In the woods, he encounters a Gwisin, the Korean name for ghost. Most of the Gwisin stories are often about revenge in order to teach someone a lesson. Turns out, both Dave and the little boy in the story had something to learn about wanting to grow up too fast.

Three generations of Parks.

I really enjoyed watching three generations of male characters sitting on the couch as D.K. tells his story. The banter among the trio is entertaining and helps to draw the audience into the tale. Both D.K.’s and Dave’s reactions to some of Ken’s ridiculous comments are priceless, especially when D.K. turns to Dave and says, “He’s your father,” to which Dave replies, “He’s your son.”

Halloween is a fun time of year when people young and old can dress up and become someone or something else. Watching some of the lighthearted scenes, it’s clear the cast had fun making “DK’s Korean Ghost Story.” Jeong has been vocal on social media posting that this episode is one of his favorites. It’s easy to see why given the amusing costumes and Korean inspired story. Not to mention some of the touching moments shared by grandfather, father, and son.

Dr. Ken is an enjoyable series for all families, regardless of race. At the same time, it’s important for shows like Dr. Ken to continue injecting the culture of its characters into its storylines. Hopefully, as the series progresses, Jeong and those behind Dr. Ken will find more ways to share Korean traditions with the audience. It’s a fun way to learn.

One of my favorite TV comedies from years past was the show News Radio, which ran on NBC from 1995 to 1999. Starring Dave Foley, the series told the story of a fictional AM news radio station in New York City. Like Dr. Ken, News Radio featured an ensemble cast of talented comedians, including Andy Dick, Joe Rogan, Vicki Lewis, and the late Phil Hartman. Much like “DK’s Korean Ghost Story,” the News Radio writers occasionally set an episode in an unusual environment—like space or the Titanic. While Dr. Ken isn’t quite yet at the same level as News Radio, “DK’s Korean Ghost Story” elicited the same kind of enjoyment I felt watching that other show.

Tweet me @Staffaroadtrip or leave a comment below to let me know what you think about “DK’s Korean Ghost Story.”

Tune in to Dr. Ken Fridays at 8:30/7:30c, only on ABC.

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All photos © 2016 American Broadcasting Companies, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

 

Greg Staffa

I provide testosterone to the site. You won’t be reading about how nice a actress looks in a dress or how much of a hunk Matt Bomer is in my reviews. I describe colors using words like brown, not taupe. My twitter name is @staffaroadtrip because I love road trips and have done two different 48-state road trips since 2008. My favorite show is White Collar.

Greg Staffa

I provide testosterone to the site. You won’t be reading about how nice a actress looks in a dress or how much of a hunk Matt Bomer is in my reviews. I describe colors using words like brown, not taupe. My twitter name is @staffaroadtrip because I love road trips and have done two different 48-state road trips since 2008. My favorite show is White Collar.