Doctor Slump

When I was planning to watch the series when it was first coming out, a lot of people were bored by it and no one recommended it to me. I honestly understand them, because I was bored with the first few episodes, but because of Hyungsik and the second couple, I survived until the end. There were moments when I really laughed or had tears in my eyes, but there was nothing special going on. But I liked a lot of the treatment of how the two in medicine tried to be better than the other until it ended in love, without one of them expecting it. I also really liked that they put psychological problems into the series and showed that not only teenagers, but also adults, like doctors, face them. They show how important it is to have the right people around you, even if some of them doubt us or are not on our side, or how important family is (although I think that is shown in almost all series). I also have to mention the wonderful ost. It's really really nice and because of it I'm saving the whole ending with the previews for the end. As for the whole plot, I'd say it only started to get interesting at the very end, maybe around episode 10, otherwise it's a great series for beating boredom.

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Light hearted feel good drama

I enjoyed this light hearted drama with family dynamics. It's very refreshing to see romcom with very good plot but one thing is that it don't need 16 episodes. They would have just ended it with 12 to 14 episodes. I really felt like they dragged the story for 2 more episodes. Otherthan that everything was nice to watch and feel good. I started this because of park hyun sik and fell for him again.. too much of green flag in drama's.
Drama talks about mental health in a good very and you take many lessons along with you after finishing this drama. If you're looking for a light weight drama with family relations portraying in a good and supportive way, then go for it!!!

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Classic RomCom with nice moments

The story sounded good : 2 rivals in school meeting each other again several years later. Both having bad days (depression, work issue, burnout, bankrupt, …), supporting each other and falling in love and then finally getting better.

A good start but quickly turned into a classic and predictable RomCom (with all tricks and clichés of this kind of drama). Nice moments sometimes but no surprise after all…
So nothing special to say, not a bad or good drama, just a classic one…

Great casting but usual overacting (that I don’t like).
It was my first drama with Park Shin Hye as FL, I’ve liked her. And my second drama with Park Hyung Sik, I’ve prefered his acting in Soundtrack #1.
Actors of support roles were good too (interesting « support couple », too bad their love story hasn’t been not more developped).

Production and direction were good.
I didn’t really pay attention to OST.
No rewatch value for me

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Cliche but Execution saves the Plot

When Park Hyun-sik is in a drama, it’s almost always the FL is a strong & independent woman. I like that many Kdramas he’s in has some feministic vibe. It may not be perfect, but it does tackle serious problems people in their adult life are facing. It’s just a bit disappointing that this drama seems to hold back on saying or showing more, as if it was censored or scared to cause controversy. Hence, it gets lost in the basket full of RomCom dramas with not much uniqueness.

P.S. Finally a drama with Filipino cameo that does not put them as an "escape" country or something huhu

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So Much Potential, So Little Payoff

From the get-go, I was hooked by the promise of reunited rivals turned potential lovebirds. Picture this: two brilliant doctors, Yeo Jeong Woo and Nam Ha Neul, whose paths cross again after years of academic rivalry. Intriguing, right? The setup was golden—two professionals navigating life’s curveballs, all while sparks fly and awkwardness ensues. Cue the laughs and sighs of nostalgia!

The drama kicks off with some solid comedic moments, which had me chuckling into my popcorn. But hold up, here comes the plot twist: the romantic journey between our leads, Jeong Woo and Ha Neul, takes a detour into Teen Romance Land. I’m talking about cheesy antics and aegyo that would make even the most die-hard K-drama fans blush. Seriously, these are grown adults, folks! Let’s tone down the leg kicks and embrace some mature romance, please!

Speaking of which, Jeong Woo and Ha Neul's love story is a mixed bag of emotions. The chemistry was on and off. And there are lots of confusing with dark mysteries and awkward mental health discussions thrown into the mix. The drama attempts to balance these elements, but occasionally stumbles in maintaining a consistent tone.

On the bright side, the supporting cast adds depth and warmth to the story. Park Hyung Sik impresses with his charm, though his character occasionally treads the line between endearing and over-the-top. Moments of familial bonds and career challenges resonate well, grounding the drama amidst its more fantastical elements.

Now, let's talk about the real stars of the show—the second lead couples. Their storyline steals the spotlight, offering a refreshing take on romance and family dynamics. As they navigate the complexities of single parenthood and budding relationships within the chaotic world of medicine, their chemistry lights up the screen. It's a breath of fresh air amidst the main couple’s rollercoaster romance.

In conclusion, 'Doctor Slump' is a delightful yet imperfect drama. It blends humor with heart, introduces compelling second lead couples, and keeps viewers guessing with its mix of romance and mystery. While it may not always hit the mark, its ambition and charm make it a worthwhile watch for those seeking a blend of laughter and heartfelt moments.

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Refreshing

very cute cozy kdrama with also a lot of angst and melodrama. I loved how they discussed mental health and so many other important themes such as burnout, friendship, single parents, grief, absent parents and so on. Great chemistry, great delivery by all actors and great plot. I don't really have nothing to say to this drama and maybe that's why I stop at a 8.0 grade. It was great, meaningful, cute but nothing incredibly memorable. I had lost interest at one particular episode (I think after episode 9) but thankfully after a two weeks break decided to try it again and I was very pleased with the ending.

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Self-aware drama

Story: Two rivals from high school met again on their lowest moment. The story is about how they will overcome their burnout and traumas from work. It’s nothing very deep but it will make you be aware of yourself, of what you are doing in life, if what you are now, is what you want to be.

Acting: I believe they did great in serving their roles however, the main couple just don’t have the chemistry despite acting really well. Their kissing scenes were great too but I just couldn’t feel the chemistry.

Music: most songs are appropriate for each scene, whether it’s emotional or happy moment.

Rewatch Value: I could rewatch most of Park Hyung Sik’s hysterics, although he had a few scenes that could be quite ‘too much / fake’, he was still cute & fun.

Overall: it’s been a long time since I finished this drama but I do remember that I recommended it to some friends ‘cos it’s a feel-good drama and perfect for binge-watching. It’s refreshing with some thought-provoking realizations as an adult.

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A drama to be seen without biases or high expectations

This was a nice drama to watch, a plot that merges comedy and more serious parts. I found a lot of food for thought but the funny scenes made the drama enjoyable and not too heavy or boring.
By the way, talking about the balance between funny and serious parts, PHS acting reminds me a lot of Jim Carrey and his versatile talent.
What bothered me were the too many drinking scenes (I don't think that drinking so much alchool is suggested when dealing with depression and taking drugs) and the fact that a lot of subjects where brought up without really focusing on one or the other remaining on a shallow level.
Lastly...the sub-plot of the friend betrayal was really unecessary.

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A healing drama ruined by too many clichés

I was excited to see PSH and PHS act together in a medical drama too about burnout, but I was dissatisfied, disappointed, and unentertained. Overall, the drama had a slow story and pace that matched the MC's wish to take a break and refresh and her unsteady mental health. But it got boring often and was a bit of a chore to finish this. Side couple was a bit more interesting than the main couple though, shoutout to the single parents. The romance-couple moments were very cliché which was sad to see in a progressive story about directly confronting burnout and depression. I just feel like the cliché events could have taken a different and more realistic route. Comedy was a bit forced. It was a fine story but rather uneventful and unmemorable besides the two top-actor leads. ML's story wasn't spotlighted equally either so it felt rushed. It was kinda weird to see some of the guys in the drama wearing high school uniforms too.

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great telling of mental health mixed with silliness

i loved the portrayal of mental health here compared to other shows that mention it. in doctor slump, at least they acknowledge that depression and anxiety are ongoing struggles, even ptsd. it’s not something you overcome within a few episodes and some heartfelt and inspiring speeches. and the two main leads helping each other though the worst of it was a nice touch 🥹

i loved jeongwoo’s silliness and puppy attitude, even when he’s going through touch times—very accurate depiction of someone who could be struggling with mental health. it doesn’t always look like gloom and sadness.

also haneul’s struggles as a woman in a male-dominated field leading to her breaking point was very important, and i’m glad they didn’t shy away from it, and even made a good friend the bad guy even if he wasn’t inherently bad.

overall enjoyable, wonderful family and cast, and relatable asf 😭💔💗 thank god jeongwoo didn’t reconcile with his parents LMAO frick that. 🤠

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A consistent drama

Doctor Slump has a good start focusing on what hustle culture and burnout does to the mental health of a professional who is used to be outstanding and has found a wall they can't pass by. I found this storyline, regarding Park Shin Hye's character, the most engaging and I think she delivered a really solid portrayal of a person living with a depression diagnosis and going totally under the radar. We usually wonder how people get to a certain point in life and if her character hadn't been able to ask for help, one would have to wonder if her story might have been different.

On the other hand, Park Hyun Shik's character takes a more conventional arc that we are used to see in this kind of dramas: the hot shot doctor who finds himself abandoned by everyone, except this story finds way to give us glimpses at this life and how utterly lonely it has been. Almost alienated and finding a difficult time to make real connections. His downfall, I think, it's a blessing in disguise because he finds himself with the possibility of exploring other ways to form lasting relationships.

The two main characters are the perfect fold of each other and their arc together it's very endearing to watch. Going from childhood rivals, to comrades in sadness, friends and finally falling in love with each other. They have seen themselves and the other in their worst and find a way to hold up each other, only like a true friend can. And that's why they are so darn cute to watch.

There are other characters dealing with certain social status and mental health issues but theirs are never properly developed until the last minute, which is a shame because it would have given one particular character a much more nuanced story.

This is when I have to admit the story fizzles a little when it moves away from its original premise and goes into other genres that, sure, made for an interesting watch but ultimately fell flat.

Nevertheless, Doctor Slump manages to maintain the viewer entertained for its entire run thanks to the great chemistry between all the characters.

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