There are many different genres represented in the Korean entertainment market. To mention a few, there are romcoms, thrillers, historical dramas, and even medical dramas. Korean medical dramas in particular are enjoyable to watch because they frequently incorporate other topics and genres, such romance or slice-of-life, to enhance the plot. Korea has made a lot of enjoyable medical shows over the years. The top Korean medical dramas are listed below in order of quality:
D-day (2015)
The plot of D-day keeps the audience on the edge of their seats by fusing the medical drama genre with the disaster theme. Although D-day is somewhat of a hidden gem, it truly makes the watch worthwhile when given the chance. Beginning with a catastrophic earthquake that paralyses Seoul, the drama follows the physicians and emergency professionals as they fight to aid others around them.
Fans of Alchemy of Souls will be happy to learn that Jung So-Min will be playing Jung Ddol-Mi, an intern doctor who travels from Busan to Seoul to transfer a patient but becomes involved in the catastrophe. The primary actor, Kim Young Kwan, who plays Lee Hae Sung, a great surgeon who will stop at nothing to assist his patients, is the true star of the show. One can’t help but become linked to every individual as the story goes on. Additionally, the pace of the show is excellent, leaving viewers wondering what will happen in the next episodes.
Descendants of the Sun (2016)
Nobody who like Korean entertainment could possibly not have seen Descendants of the Sun. The romance between a doctor named Mo-Yeon and a special forces captain named Shi-Jin, played by Song Joong-Ki and Song Hye-Kyo, is depicted in the drama. The romance between the two leads as well as the side couple Dae-Young (Jin Goo) and Myeong-Joo made the drama highly popular with viewers (Kim Ji-Won). Additionally as a result of Shi-Jin and Dae-friendship. Young’s
When Shi-Jin is making every effort to win over Mo-Yeon, it’s difficult not to melt. Additionally, it is difficult to criticise the drama’s fan service inclusion. Another perk for K-pop fans is that SHINee’s Onew not only performs in the drama but also sings the OST, You are my Everything. One of Mo-coworkers, Yeon’s the endearing Lee Chi-Hoon, is brilliantly portrayed by the idol.
Doctor John (2019)
The focus of Doctor John is on Cha Yo-Han, a former prisoner turned physician who starts working at Hanse Medical Hospital’s Pain Management Center. He encounters Kang Si Young, played by Lee Se-Young, who worked as a doctor in the jail where he was imprisoned, there. Patients with various types of chronic pain are treated by the two and other members of their team.
The best part about Doctor John is that, despite being a medical drama, it breaks down all the technical medical phrases for the viewer to understand. The programme also does a fantastic job portraying the characters as well as the storyline. Even supporting characters have so much depth that it’s impossible not to feel sorry for them.
Dr. Romantic (2016)
Dr. Romantic, in which Han Suk-Kyu played the title role, was a commercial success and received over 20% of the audience’s attention. A third season of the drama is scheduled to premiere in 2023 due to its popularity. The drama centres on Kim Sa-Bu, played by Han Suk-Kyu, a well-known surgeon who once worked at a prestigious hospital but left everything behind to live alone in a tiny town. He finally meets Kang Dong-Joo (Yoo Yeon-Seok), a small-town physician there, and Yoon Seo-Jung (Seo Hyun-Jin).
The drama’s overall plot is entertaining, but the primary cast’s portrayals of these characters really hold the audience’s attention. The core three of Seo-Jung, Dong-Joo, and Dr. Romantic makes it very simple for the spectator to develop a bond with them. Even the side characters’ characterization is excellently done. Also entertaining to watch is Yang Sejong’s Do In-feud bum’s with Dong-Joo. Although they first disagree, the two gradually grow apart and become collaborators.
Hospital Playlist (2020, 2021)
The ideal drama for individuals who want a light show with some slice-of-life components is Hospital Playlist. The drama follows the lives of a variety of hospital staff members, including nurses, doctors, and even some patients. Lee Ik-Joon (Cho Jung-Seok), Ahn Jeong-Won (Yoo Yeon-Seok), Kim Jun-Wan (Jung Kyoung-Ho), Yang Seok-Hyeong (Kim Dae-Myung), and Cha Song-Hwa (Jeon Mi-Do) are five of the main cast’s doctors. They have been friends since medical school and currently work together. Even the five of them have a band.
The drama is entertaining to witness since it is fairly levity. Although there are a few instances when emotions are stirred, overall it is quite quiet. Humor is also thrown in throughout Hospital Playlist. The relationship interactions between the five medical buddies, who are trying to balance their personal and professional lives, are unquestionably the best aspect of the show. When one wants to unwind, this is a fantastic show to watch. Even a second season is available.
Kill Me, Heal Me (2015)
Fans of Korean dramas would tell you that Kill Me, Heal Me is a classic among them. The love tale between Oh Ri-Jin (Hwang Jung-Eum), a first-year resident, and Cha Do-Hyun (Ji Sung), a guy from a wealthy family who has DID, is shown in the drama. Given that mental health being at the time a taboo subject in Korean society, it was praised for presenting mental illness and was unquestionably ahead of its time.
The drama does touch on mental health to some level, but it isn’t strictly a medical drama in the same sense as the others mentioned. The relationship between Do-Hyun and Ri-Jin is the major subject of the programme. Even if viewers haven’t seen the entire drama, there are a number of humorous parts that they’ve certainly seen many times in meme clips. Given that the drama is an older Korean production, it is advised to approach it with caution.
