If you are a fan of medical dramas, here are six Korean series to watch and anticipate in 2023, listed in alphabetical order:
1. Brain Works
KBS2’s Brain Works (2023) is a brain science comic investigation drama about a neuroscientist who possesses a special brain and a detective who has an altruistic brain. They work together but fight each other as they solve a crime case that involves a rare brain disease. The 16-episode drama was written by Park Kyeong-seon, helmed by Lee Jin-seo, and played by Jung Yong-hwa, Cha Tae-hyun, Kwak Sun-young, and Ye Ji-won. It premiered on January 2, ended on February 28, and is available for binge-watching on Viu.
2. Daily Dose Of Sunshine
Daily Dose Of Sunshine (2023) is a Netflix original series that explores mental health and healing around patients and nurses at a psychiatric ward. It is based on the webtoon, “Morning Comes To The Mental Ward” by Iraha and the real-life experiences of a psychiatric nurse, with screenplay to be written by Kim Da-hee, Lee Nam-gyoo, and Oh Bo-hyeon. The medical-psychological, slice of life drama will be helmed by Lee Jae-gyoo and performed by Park Bo-young, Yeon Woo-jin, Jang Dong-yoon, and Lee Jung-eun. Netflix has confirmed its release this year.
3. Doctor Cha
JTBC’s Doctor Cha (2023) tells the story of a doctor who gives up her medical career to focus on her family as a full time housewife, only to find herself getting back on medical school as a resident student after 20 years, starring Uhm Jung-hwa and Kim Byung-chul. The medical drama is written by Jung Yeo-rang, helmed by Kim Dae-jin, and set to premiere on April 15. It will be available for international viewers on Viki.
4. Doctor Slump
JTBC’s Doctor Slump (2023) tells the story of two doctors who are in a slump, trying to resuscitate their lives after quitting their medical jobs, written by Baek Sun Woo and helmed by Oh Hyeon-jong. It will be Park Shin-hye’s drama comeback after getting married and she will portray a hardworking anesthesiologist who suffers from burnout syndrome. Park Hyung-sik will play a famous plastic surgeon whose medical career gets shaken after being embroiled in an accident. Actors Yoon Park and Kong Seong-ha will also join them and the medical drama is expected to be released this year.
5. Dr. Romantic 3
SBS’ Dr. Romantic (2023) is officially returning for its third season this year. The medical drama follows the stories of doctors working at a rundown hospital in the countryside, starring Han Suk-kyu, Ahn Hyo-seop, and Lee Sung-kyung. The screenplay is written by Kang Eun Kyung and Lim Hye Min, and helmed by Kang Bo-seung. It is set to be released in April and available to watch for international audiences on Disney+.
6. Poong, The Joseon Psychiatrist 2
tvN’s Poong, The Joseon Psychiatrist 2 (2023) is the follow-up story of the historical-medical drama about a genius physician for the royal family who faces expulsion from the palace after getting himself involved in a conspiracy. He meets an eccentric teacher and a widow in the mysterious and beautiful Gyesu Village, and is reborn as a true doctor who aims to heal people’s hearts, writing the prescription of happiness. It stars Kim Min-jae, Kim Hyang-gi, and Kim Sang-kyung. The two seasons are available for binge-watching on Viu.
KORB 