K-Drama Dialogues EP 10: "I am Human from Today" (2025)

Episode 10: Learning Korean with "I am Human from Today"(2025)

Today, we’re diving into the fascinating world of ‘I am Human from Today’, a fantasy drama where mythical beings begin living as humans and experience emotions, relationships, and society for the first time.

[1. Key Vocabulary Breakdown]

"In Human from Today, mythical beings try to adjust to human life, which introduces many useful expressions about learning, change, and emotions. Let’s go over some essential vocabulary!"

1. 적응하다 (To adapt)

Breakdown:

적응하다 (to adjust, to adapt)

Example Sentence:

새로운 환경에 적응하는 게 어려워. (It’s hard to adapt to a new environment.)
인간 세계에 적응하려고 노력 중이야. (I’m trying to adapt to the human world.)

2. 배우고 싶어 (I want to learn)

Breakdown:

배우다 (to learn)
-고 싶다 (want to do)

Example Sentence:

나는 인간 감정을 배우고 싶어. (I want to learn human emotions.)
새로운 문화를 배우는 게 흥미로워요. (Learning a new culture is interesting.)

3. 도와줄 수 있어요? (Can you help me?)

Breakdown:

도와주다 (to help)
-ㄹ 수 있어요? (Can you...?)

Example Sentence:

이 문제를 도와줄 수 있어요? (Can you help me with this problem?)
인간 생활에 대해 도와줄 수 있어? (Can you help me understand human life?)

[2. Grammar Focus ]

"Throughout Human from Today, characters express curiosity and growth. Let’s look at some grammar patterns that will help you talk about new experiences and adapting to changes."

1. -려고 하다 (Trying to do something)

Used when you’re attempting to achieve or do something.

Examples:

나는 새로운 것을 배우려고 해. (I am trying to learn something new.)
인간 세계에 적응하려고 노력하고 있어. (I’m trying to adapt to the human world.)

2. -고 싶다 (Want to do something)

Used to express desire.

Examples:

나는 친구를 사귀고 싶어. (I want to make friends.)
새로운 음식을 먹어 보고 싶어. (I want to try new food.)

3. -아/어 보다 (To try something for the first time)

Used to talk about new experiences.

Examples:

나는 처음으로 요리를 해 봤어. (I tried cooking for the first time.)
이 문화를 경험해 봤어요? (Have you experienced this culture?)

[3. Real-Life Conversation Practice ]

"Now it’s time to put what we’ve learned into practice with some conversation scenarios based on Human from Today."

Scenario 1: Adjusting to a New Environment
A: 새로운 도시에서 잘 지내? (Are you doing well in the new city?)
B: 적응하려고 노력하고 있어. (I’m trying to adapt.)

Scenario 2: Asking for Help
A: 이 문제를 해결하는 게 어려워. (It’s difficult to solve this problem.)
B: 걱정 마. 내가 도와줄 수 있어. (Don’t worry. I can help you.)

Scenario 3: Trying Something New
A: 한국 음식을 먹어 봤어? (Have you tried Korean food?)
B: 아직 안 먹어 봤어. 먹어 보고 싶어! (Not yet. I want to try it!)

[4. Cultural Insights ]

"Korean folklore is full of fascinating mythical beings like 도깨비 (dokkaebi), mischievous goblins known for their love of gold and trickery, and 구미호 (gumiho), the nine-tailed fox that often appears in modern K-dramas.

These mythical creatures represent different aspects of Korean culture, such as:

도깨비 represents unexpected luck and mischief.
구미호 symbolizes transformation and the challenge of adapting to human life.

This drama beautifully explores how these myths interact with modern society and how people face adaptation challenges in real life, such as moving to a new country or starting a new career."

[5. Practice Challenge ]

"Now it’s your turn! Here’s your challenge for today:

Try using ‘적응하려고 노력하고 있어’ when talking about new experiences.
Write a short paragraph about something you want to learn using ‘배우고 싶어.’

Keep adapting and learning, and I’ll see you next time! 안녕히 계세요!"

Beyond K-Lingo