Dr. Romantic released its first season in 2016 to an instantly captivated audience who loved the mix of romance, melodrama and slice-of-life. Since then, two more series of the medical drama have been released (2020 and 2023) with the same enthusiastic reception from the audience. And it is for good reason. Dr. Romantic is one of those rare K-dramas that have more than one season and the content is consistently great. Peek into the lives of the doctors at Doldam Hospital and catch a break with Dr. Romantic!

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Dr. Romantic or Romantic Dr. Kim revolves around the doctors at Doldam Hospital, a small countryside hospital and its general chief surgeon, Master Kim. Although the hospital is often flooded with trauma patients due to its central location as one of the only hospitals near multiple highways, it is always understaffed and suffers from a lack of resources. Master Kim, whose real name is Bu Young-ju, is an extremely talented doctor with “hands of god”, who had been ousted from his position at a Seoul hospital and had to take refuge at Doldam. However, he treats his patients with equal care and tries to save them at all costs, as per his motto. Brilliant and enigmatic, it is a delight to watch Master Kim work his magic while also mentoring and inspiring fellow doctors.

In the first season, we encounter Dr Yoon Seo-jung, an emotionally scarred yet passionate surgeon, and Dr Kang Dong-ju who gets transferred to Doldam, against his wishes, and to his disdain after being wrongfully setup and accused by the primary antagonist of the series, and longtime rival to Master Kim, President Do. His son, Do In-beom also joins the band of doctors at Doldam in the course of the season, reluctantly at first but inspired by Dr Kim and defiant to his despotic father at the end. Other characters include the dutiful Nurse Oh, Nurse Eun-tak and Dr Nam Do-il who assist the doctors on their cases.

Although Kang Dong-ju is initially troubled, angered and dismayed by his transfer, he is mentored by Master Kim and decides to stay back at Doldam. He also rekindles his romance with Yoon Seo-jung in the process. The second and third seasons primarily revolve around Seo Woo-jin, a genius yet troubled surgeon, and Cha Eun-jae, who initially has surgery anxiety and is unable to operate. Dr Yoon A-reum also gets transferred. Always smiling and optimistic, she brings some much-needed cheeriness to the emergency room at Doldam.

Throughout all three seasons, Dr. Romantic takes us on an emotional ride filled with laughter, tears, and heartwarming moments. It showcases the power of medicine and the resilience of the human spirit. In each season, the hospital faces new troubles, including fund crunches, recruiters trying to woo away doctors, as well as personal demons that haunt the personnel at Doldam. However, it is motivating and thrilling to watch how the staff band together to save their beloved hospital and continue treating patients against all odds.

What makes Dr. Romantic truly outstanding is its ability to combine intense medical cases with heartwarming character development. The show delves into the complexities of the medical field, exposing corruption and highlighting the struggles faced by doctors and nurses. It also showcases the dedication, sacrifice, and resilience of these healthcare professionals, ultimately emphasising the importance of compassion and humanity in medicine. One of its key strengths lies in its ability to balance intense medical procedures with personal and interpersonal stories.

Han Suk-kyu brings a commanding presence as Master Kim, portraying him as a wise and enigmatic figure. The personal developments of each of the doctors that he mentors and inspires every season are worth watching as well. The chemistry among the cast members is great to watch, and their performances complement one another, creating a sense of camaraderie and authenticity within the hospital setting. Each character brings their unique strengths and weaknesses to the table, making the series a rich and engaging ensemble drama.

In conclusion, Dr. Romantic is a compelling and well-rounded drama that not only entertains but also explores the complexities of the medical field and the human condition.

Sudarshana Ganguly