Doctors

Wholesome and Heartwarming Romance

I'm actually quite surprised this drama doesn't have an overall higher rating on MDL. I think it should average at about 8.2 AT LEAST.

What really turned me away from kdramas for a while was how I just was not coming across true love stories that were just pure and actually full of love. This is probably the only one I've watched, that I can think of, with such a beautiful and strong bond between the main leads. This is the kind of love that does not leave you questioning at the end. There is no doubt in my mind how much they actually love each other.

The two leads were MADE for each other. MADE, I'm telling you. None of that misunderstanding nonsense that drags on for episodes. These characters get to the point and actually communicate and it is so gosh darn refreshing to watch! The acting is superb as well, and I'm genuinely so impressed by the leads. Kim Rae Won played the gentle and charismatic male lead so freaking well, as did Park Shin Hye. They were so convincing on screen and the chemistry was so incredibly cute! There are many touching moments between the two, and cheesy ones, but everything just makes sense. I can't even nitpick anything about their relationship. I really can't!

This really is a drama that's slice-of-life, like Hospital Playlist. Honestly, if I'd watched this earlier when it'd first aired, I'd probably be thinking that Doctors walked so HP could run lol. The script for this drama actually impressed me in a couple of episodes (like I had to PAUSE the video and sit and think about how great the script was) and I had to admit that it was genuinely good writing. Being a medical drama, there are also many heartwarming scenes of patients and interactions with their doctors. I guess the only thing I can nitpick about this is how choppy some of the appearances of these patients are. What happened to the Congressman? I wish they could've stuck to the traditional, let's wrap up minor patient stories within the episode, or two episodes. Sometimes they introduce patients at the end of an episode and don't bring them up again for a while and then you're just left wondering what the hell happened in the middle. Or some longer term patients just pop up randomly for a few minutes an episode, or even not appear at all, so it's a game of Guess Who sometimes.

Patients are so important to this story though, and the integration of these real people with mundane lives (like those of us who are watching the drama), brought a smile to my face. This drama doesn't shy away from hard hitting topics like orphans, abandonment, trust issues, suicide, depression, etc. There's a lot in the 20 episodes. And it's all painfully realistic. We don't even have a clear cut villain. We really just have a more-or-less regular guy who seems to be evil because he fucks up something related to our main leads. It's just like real life.

If you're gonna watch this though, watch it for the love story. It's so fucking beautiful because it's so REAL. There's something fairytale about it, but a lot of it is what adults actually go through with the person they love. It's about sacrifice, communication, and commitment. Beautifully done. Excellently cast. I wish I had watched this one sooner. (Kim Rae Won really has a chokehold on me!)

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A commonly used plot for a drama which the lead actress wants revenge, But very impressive I was not expecting the plot-twists. Smooth-flowing story and I loved the ost's as much as shinhye-raewon's tandem. Ending is a bit short but very cute! Sungkyung's acting was on point. She could definitely be antagonist to protagonist type of actress real quick! A great director for picking the supporting roles, the drama could not be complete without them. I wasn't either hooked to the 2nd lead but somewhat feels sorry that he had been dumped. All in all definitely a must watch :)

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Cute romance almost ruined with the dragging

If you like medical dramas with romance, emotional growth, and a strong female lead who slowly comes into her own, then you’ll probably enjoy this drama. I liked this one overall, but I won’t lie — it definitely tested my patience at times. It’s one of those older-format K-dramas where you can feel the episode count, but when it’s good, it’s really good.

LIKES
-I liked the romance overall, especially once it actually settled
-Strong character growth, especially for the female lead
-The emotional moments worked and felt earned
-The acting was solid and their chemistry was so nice.
-I liked seeing the medical world paired with personal healing
When they were together and communicating, it was really nice

DISLIKES
-Why is no onr talking about this man falling for an underaged girl. It was not tastefully done at all. I cam't belive they tried to act like that's okay.
-Too much breaking up and getting back together
-Had to start skipping towards the end. Watching became a chore.
-The push-and-pull went on longer than it needed to. I got frustrated watching them separate when they didn’t need to

FINAL THOUGHTS
I did like this drama, but it’s not one I would rush to rewatch. It’s a good example of an older K-drama style where the romance is there, the emotions are there, but the pacing and repeated conflicts can wear you down. Still, the journey was meaningful, the ending was satisfying, and I don’t regret watching it.
Overall, a good watch if you’re in the mood for a medical romance, just be prepared for some patience-testing moments along the way.
Rating: 7.5/10 (enjoyable, but dragged too long)

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A solid story-telling by a strong cast...

Unlike most K-dramas Doctors isn't melodramatic which is a plus. Instead the story-telling is solid with few surprises and twists and the medical stories in each episode helps to drive the story.

The cast - lead and support - is generally good. Having said this, on a number of occasions Kim Rae Won seemed a bit self-aware as Professor Hong Ji Hong with too many dramatic pauses as if he's waiting for an applause - perhaps he was following the director's direction. The casting of Park Shin Hye as Dr Yoo Hye Jung was good although she wasn't totally convincing as an eighteen year-old even though she was only twenty-five at the time of filming; Moon Ji In (Soon Hee), Lee Sung Kyung (Seo Woo) and Kim Ji Soo (Kim Soo Chul) did better jobs.

I liked the character played by Yoon Kyun Sang (Dr Jung Yoon Do) and rooted for him even though it was clear from the start that he wasn't going to get the girl. I also liked the residents especially Dr Choi Kang Soo (Kim Min Seok) but found Kim Kang Hyun's character Dr Kang Kyung Joon and all the shouting and hitting a bit annoying after a while; luckily he eventually redeemed himself.

The surgery scenes were very impressive and OST didn't intrude. One thing that puzzles me is why K-dramas insist on having the young MLs, in this case Yoon Kyun Sang, made up as pale as the FLs when this is totally unnecessary. I'm not sure there's enough story for a high score on rewatch value.

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Weak story but strong heart

Let's get the negative out of the way first -
1) Weak writing and too many episodes. The first episodes were strong, then a big gap in the middle, then the last couple of issues tied everything up.
2) Often felt like a pout-fest. Between Park Shin Hye and Lee Sung Kyung, someone was always pouting.
3) Absolutely didn't buy Uhm Hyo Sub and Jeon Gook Hwan as father and son, there's only a 14-year difference between them.
4) The friend with the restaurant and the guy that quits and hangs out at her house. They could have both been eliminated with no loss of anything important.
5) The ridiculous breakup of the main couple. First, she tells him to change and then she pouts through the next episode. Just seemed like filler to me.
6) They always seemed to be having coffee or drinks throughout the day. I was wondering when they actually worked.

What I liked:
1) The main couple were so freaking cute together! I'm not normally a fan of student-teacher things, but that didn't bother me here. Once the years have passed and the first thing he does are asking if she's married or has a boyfriend, loved it!
2) I LOVED the story line of Yoon Do. Yoon Kyun Sang did a great job. He was true to his feelings throughout the entire drama, but wasn't obnoxious or trying to break up the main couple all the time.
3) I HATED Seo Woo! But that's a sign of good acting. Lee Sung Kyung made this a character you love to hate.
4) I was surprised to see Namkoong Min in episodes 13-15. That was a treat, he's always excellent.
5) Uhm Hyo Sub was also excellent as Seo Woo's father. I hated that character and felt that he got off too easy.
6) A couple of episodes were very touching.
7) Park Shin Hye downplayed the loud out of control crying.
8) Since this is an older drama, it was fun seeing so many actors that I've enjoyed in other projects.

So, it's not rocket science, but there were a lot of times that just made me smile.

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A drama that I came across on viki by chance and decided to watch. I thought I would drop it right after episode 5, but in the end it didn't happen and I watched it until the end. In the series we see how people can change (our main character for example, who I found extremely thick) and also the relationships between doctors (there are a million surgeries and some drama of course). I have to say that considering that the series is not that well-known and I haven't actually seen it anywhere, it was good. I think it's a great series to beat boredom (and it also has a catchy pun). So for lovers of doctor series, the relationship between them and this drama in general, this series is the right one

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I've read online reviews on this drama that say it doesn't have enough angst, that it plays like an American medical drama (sort of a Grey's Anatomy). My response to these criticisms is - once in a while a viewer would like to have a stress-free viewing experience instead of the emotional turmoil caused by meddling love rivals, meddling parents and the insanity called 'noble break ups'. That being said, ‘Doctors’ did not lack emotion/conflict/suspense. It had plenty with the power struggles, patient issues and the doctor relationships. The leads’ relationship was not smooth sailing although certainly not as angst filled as other dramas. Both characters had to learn how to involve the other in their life – in other words, don’t shoulder the burden alone.

I absolutely loved ML. He was so upbeat, good-humored, cheerful and smiles, smiles, smiles! He could be playful and just plain FUN! As soon as he and FL meet again after a 13 year separation, he pretty much makes his intentions known. He immediately asks her if she's married or has a boyfriend. Shortly afterwards, he's plowing full steam ahead, suggesting they date - no mixed messages here. I guess he didn’t want to see her ride off on the back of a motorcycle again. Still, he did hide his troubles with a smile so he wasn’t always forthcoming. This is a complaint the FL had early on that caused them to give each other the silent treatment for a couple episodes. Considering the fact that FL was a prickly pear whenever he involved himself in her problems, she really had no leg to stand on. It was the pot calling the kettle black.

I liked FL despite her flaws. She was too obsessed with grandma's death - let it go, girl! - and her ‘chip on the shoulder’ attitude was annoying at times. Nevertheless, I liked her calm, no nonsense demeanor and her confidence - she didn’t back down when faced with difficult decisions/situations. However, you could tell that ML was the wiser, more mature partner in this relationship. He advised her rightly to stop seeking revenge. Her stubborn tenacity was annoying, and I wanted to smack her around episode 16-17. She had strength, but she wasn’t wise. Her rash behavior towards Jin caused Ji Hong to accept consequences on her behalf. What a guy! Noble but not ‘stupid’ noble.

Now Seo Woo...what can I say? Massive inferiority complex. She was also incredibly immature. This immaturity is seen in episode 8 when she feels unjustly reprimanded for her comments during an 'awake' surgery. ML is absolutely right - doctors should remain calm so as not to panic the patient. Rather than liking men who like her, she goes up to whoever she likes and declares that they're going to be hers, which doesn't work out so well for her. Both Ji Hong and Yoon Do are men that know their own minds. Did Yoon Do deserve to be slapped silly? Yeah, he's a pompous ass at times but come on! I'm glad the scriptwriter didn't allow him to end up with her bc I just didn't see them as a couple. Frankly, I don’t think Seo Woo deserved ANY of the guys in this drama.

Yoon Do and his ‘homeless heaven’ added amusement. I’m surprised that a person called ‘knife’ at work would allow the ‘beagles’ to take over his home. Guess his bark is worse than his bite. I really liked In Joo once she ‘grew up’ and got over her crush on Ji Hong. Kang Soo was such an adorable puppy. He’s got the best blonde dye job I've seen on a Korean male. It actually looked good on him. Hated it when he had to shave off his lovely locks. Soon Hee should have kept the dark hair, but she played the bubbly BF well, and I thought her relationship with Joong Dae was cute. I could have done without all the old dudes and their power struggle, but I guess it added filler and intrigue.

Eye roll moment: I really had a hard time believing that both kids (episodes 13-15) had brain tumors at the same time. That’s scriptwriter overkill.

Favorite scene: end of episode 6 - ML dances in the rain and then gets FL to dance with him. Some online reviewers didn't like the 'awkward' kiss at the end of their dance, but it's supposed to be awkward since FL is panicking and pulling away. Future kisses made up for it!

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Decently done!

This is my second time watching Park Shin Hye portray a doctor. The plot is actually quite good, and as someone in the medical field myself, I can understand some of the details in the series. The story follows Dr. Yoo Hye Jung, a tough and rebellious high school bully with a prickly personality. Due to her traumatic childhood, Hye Jung keeps her emotions locked away from others. Her character has great development, and after her grandmother's death, she decides to become a doctor, determined to investigate what went wrong with her grandmother’s surgery. This is one of the reasons she transferred hospitals. In terms of character writing, she stands out.

As for the romance, I think it could have worked, but not with the male lead, Professor Hong Ji Hong. I’ve watched a lot of series with significant age gaps, and while the age difference between them didn’t bother me, their chemistry did. It felt off, and I couldn't fully root for them. Part of the issue might be the writing; it was a bit unsettling at first. Teenage Hye Jung didn’t fall for her professor until she was an adult, but it seemed like the professor had feelings for her even when she was a teenager. Despite their relationship starting in adulthood, it was hard for me to support it knowing he was her former teacher.

I wasn't a fan of the professor's character either. Although the actor is talented and a veteran, his character felt stiff and uninteresting to me. On the other hand, Hye Jung had much better chemistry with her best friend Ji Soo or even the mafia guy she treated in the first episode.

Overall, I managed to finish the series, though it was painful at times, and I skipped quite a bit in the second half. While I might rewatch a few good scenes, I wouldn’t sit through the entire series again. The music, however, was quite soothing.

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I'm finally writing a review on this drama! will be keeping this short.

no regrets watching this drama.. I love this drama, though I'm not a fan of Park Shin Hye and seldom watch medical dramas. Though I do not like a relationship to develop between a teacher and a student, the one between PSH & Kim Rae Won characters was believable. Thankfully the focus of the drama was mainly on the patients and the things happening within the hospital. fun fact, PSH did her own action scenes.

though this drama, I discovered actors Kim Min Seok and Uhm Hyo Sub. Kim Min Seok's impressive performance moved me to tears! Despite watching numerous dramas, I can still recall the storyline. this is what I'd call a good drama!!

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