Sæson
Episode
Afspillerserver
Dr. Romantic
20168
Drama
Udgivet
07. nov. 2016
Land
Sydkorea
Produktioner
Samhwa NetworksStudio S
En excentrisk, tredobbelt bestyrelsescertificeret virtuos kirurg forlader et topjob i Seoul og ender på et provinsielt hospital, hvor han vejleder unge læger.
About
Quick guide
Dr. Romantic is a South Korean medical drama about a legendary surgeon who mentors young doctors in a provincial hospital.
Kim Sa‑bu, a triple‑board‑certified surgeon once based in Seoul’s top medical center, disappears after a traumatic event and takes a job at the modest Doldam Hospital. There he guides new doctors, teaching them to fight against corruption and power while focusing on patient care. The series explores mentorship, professional integrity, and the personal struggles of those who serve in a small, under‑funded medical facility.
What to know
- Kim Sa‑bu is a seasoned surgeon with a reputation for excellence and mystery.
- The story centers on Doldam Hospital, a rural facility with limited resources.
- Main cast includes Han Suk‑kyu, Yoo Yeon‑seok, and Seo Hyun‑jin.
- The show blends medical cases with character development and ethical dilemmas.
- Each episode runs about an hour, with slight variations in season two and three.
- The tone is serious but occasionally lightened by moments of humor.
- Dialogue is dense and often involves medical terminology.
- The series spans three seasons, airing from 2016 to 2023.
Watch if
If you appreciate grounded medical dramas that focus on mentorship, patient advocacy, and the moral challenges of doctors, Dr. Romantic offers a thoughtful, character‑driven storyline set in a small Korean hospital.
Skip if
If you prefer high‑budget, action‑filled medical shows with lots of graphic gore or fast pacing, you may find Dr. Romantic too slow and introspective.
mature themespsychological elementsdialogue heavyslow burnlanguage somelanguage strongromance elementssuspenseful
Series Overview
Dr. Romantic follows Kim Sa‑bu, a triple‑board‑certified surgeon who leaves a prestigious Seoul hospital after a personal crisis. He relocates to Doldam Hospital, a modest provincial facility, where he takes on the role of mentor to young doctors, challenging them to prioritize patient care over corporate interests.
Main Characters
Han Suk‑kyu plays Kim Sa‑bu, the enigmatic teacher. Yoo Yeon‑seok portrays Kang Dong‑joo, a promising young surgeon eager to prove himself. Seo Hyun‑jin is Yoon Seo‑jung, a determined doctor battling anxiety and past trauma. Their interactions form the emotional core of the series.
Setting and Tone
The series is set in Doldam Hospital, a rural Korean medical center with limited resources. The tone is introspective, focusing on interpersonal dynamics and ethical challenges rather than sensational drama or graphic violence.
Season Breakdown
Season 1 introduces Kim Sa‑bu’s backstory and the hospital’s challenges. Season 2 expands on institutional politics and the recruitment of new staff. Season 3 explores the opening of a regional trauma center and the evolution of the hospital’s culture.
Medical Realism
Surgeries and medical terminology are depicted with attention to detail, though some cases are simplified for narrative pacing. The show balances realistic medical scenarios with character development and mentorship moments.
Themes and Messages
Key themes include the importance of mentorship, the moral responsibilities of healthcare professionals, and the tension between profit and patient care. The series encourages viewers to reflect on the ethics of modern medicine.
FAQ
24 Q&A
Who is the main character in Dr. Romantic?
The main character is Kim Sa‑bu, played by Han Suk‑kyu. He is a triple‑board‑certified surgeon who becomes a mentor at Doldam Hospital.
What is Doldam Hospital?
Doldam Hospital is a provincial medical center in the series. It has limited resources and serves a small community, providing the setting for the show’s drama.
Why does Kim Sa‑bu leave Seoul?
After a traumatic incident and personal loss, Kim Sa‑bu chooses to step away from Seoul’s high‑profile hospital to start fresh and focus on patient care in a smaller setting.
How many seasons does the show have?
Dr. Romantic runs for three seasons, airing from 2016 to 2023. Each season builds on the previous one while expanding the cast and storylines.
Who are the other key characters?
Yoo Yeon‑seok plays Kang Dong‑joo, a young surgeon, and Seo Hyun‑jin portrays Yoon Seo‑jung, a doctor dealing with anxiety. They both work under Kim Sa‑bu’s guidance.
Is the show medical realistic?
The series pays attention to medical terminology and procedures, but some situations are dramatized for storytelling. It balances realism with character focus.
Does the show include graphic medical scenes?
There are some surgical scenes, but the series avoids excessive gore. The focus is more on ethical dilemmas than on graphic content.
What language is the show in?
Dr. Romantic is filmed in Korean with occasional English phrases. Subtitles are available for international viewers.
Does the series address hospital politics?
Yes, it explores the tension between profit motives and patient care, highlighting the political aspects of hospital administration.
What themes are explored?
Themes include mentorship, medical ethics, personal trauma, and the moral responsibilities of doctors.
How long is each episode?
Episodes run about 60 minutes, with slight variations in season two (63–90 minutes) and season three (70 minutes).
Are there any romance plotlines?
There are subtle romantic tensions between characters, but the main focus remains on professional relationships and patient care.
What is the tone of the series?
The tone is serious and reflective, with occasional humor. It emphasizes thoughtful dialogue over action.
Is Dr. Romantic available for streaming?
Yes. Seasons 1 and 2 are on Viu, while season 3 is available on Disney+ in selected regions.
What is the origin of Kim Sa‑bu’s nickname?
Kim Sa‑bu is an alias used by the protagonist after changing his name. He keeps the name to maintain anonymity while teaching.
Does the show have a strong female presence?
Yes. Yoon Seo‑jung and other female staff members play pivotal roles, showcasing professional women in medicine.
How does the show handle medical emergencies?
Emergency scenes focus on teamwork, quick decision‑making, and the emotional impact on patients and staff.
What is the relationship between Kim Sa‑bu and the hospital director?
Kim Sa‑bu serves as the chief surgeon and mentor, while the director handles administrative duties. Their relationship reflects differing priorities in hospital management.
Does the series have a conclusion?
Each season ends with a resolution of its main conflict, but the overarching story continues across seasons.
Are there any sequels or spin‑offs?
No official spin‑offs exist, but the series continues across three seasons, expanding its narrative.
How does the show depict patient care?
Patient care is shown as the central mission, with characters frequently debating the best medical approach versus institutional constraints.
Is there a strong moral message?
Yes, the series emphasizes integrity, compassion, and the duty of doctors to prioritize patients over profit.
How does the series treat the topic of trauma?
Trauma is explored through character backstories and the impact of medical accidents on both patients and staff.
What is the setting of the hospital’s location?
Doldam Hospital is located in the Gangwon province, a scenic rural area of South Korea.
