Doctor Slump ticks off all the boxes that make an enemies-to-lovers story appealing. It has the right amount of angst and just the perfect mix of heartwarming moments to go with it. But it is not just another romantic drama; it is also a sensitive and nuanced portrayal of mental health issues and societal expectations that come with it. Starring Park Hyung-shik and Park Shin-hye as the leads, Doctor Slump has proven to be a mellow yet layered watch.

Plot Pot

Nam Ha-neul (played by Park Shin-hye) and Yeo Jeong-woo (played by Park Hyung-shik) are former high-school rivals who unexpectedly reunite during their lowest points in life. Ha-neul, known for her academic excellence, stands up against workplace mistreatment, unfortunately leading to her resignation from a hospital job and a diagnosis of depression. Meanwhile, Jeong-woo, a highly successful plastic surgeon, faces allegations and a lawsuit for medical malpractice following a tragic incident in the operating room, forcing him to liquidate his assets and seek refuge in a modest rooftop room at Ha-neul’s house. Their reunion at their lowest points marks the beginning of a journey filled with unexpected twists and turns.

Park Hyung-shik’s impeccable comic timing adds an element of fun to what seems to be a gloomy premise, while Park Shin-hye nails it in yet another role as the underdog girl next door. The lead actors play up to their strengths while keeping it conducive to the story, making the drama an entertaining watch. At the same time, the plot deals with several sensitive topics with a nuanced perspective.

While more and more K-dramas are starting to include mental health awareness in their plots, Doctor Slump stands out by looking at specific incidents of a varied nature, and how they can lead to trauma and depression, including things like academic pressure, parental expectations as well as accidents at the workplace. This also makes the drama different from medical dramas, which usually tend to focus more on bravado. Ha-neul and Jeong-woo’s highschool days make for a fun element in the drama as well. At the same time, their stressful daily routines from those days and peer pressure become more than just funny anecdotes — they are pointed commentary on the faults in the education system of the nation.

While the series may start to feel slightly drawn out after the seventh episode, the ensemble cast and well-developed subplots ensure that viewers remain engaged. For both Jeong-woo and Ha-neul, their personal victories not only become inspiring but also urge one to follow along. Overall, it is definitely an entertaining yet poignant watch.