7 Medical K-Dramas That Push The Boundaries Of The Genre
These are not your typical case-of-the-week dramas.
South Korean showmakers have developed a formula that is winning more and more fans around the world every year. They take a simple (or sometimes wild) premise and infuse it with elements from multiple genres, resulting in truly one-of-a-kind projects.
This is why you won't often find a typical 'case of the week' medical drama in K-dramaland. Instead, doctor-driven stories come with subplots of romance, horror, or even time travel. And isn't that precisely what makes binge-watching so exhilarating?
If you're a fan of medical drama and looking for something fresh, check out these seven fan-recommended K-dramas. They might just blow your mind.
Heart Surgeons (2018)
IMDb rating: 7.8/10
Where to stream: Prime Video, Viki, Kocowa, SBS World
The series centers on three residents in the department of thoracic surgery. Park Tae-soo is a determined surgical resident racing against time to save his mother. Choi Suk-han is a brilliant surgeon who is constantly underestimated by others. And Yoon Soo-yeon is a newcomer who brings drama with her arrival.
Ghost Doctor (2022)
IMDb rating: 7.9/10
Where to stream: Netflix, Viki, iQIYI, TVING
In a bizarre twist of fate, renowned surgeon Cha Young-min finds himself in the body of first-year resident Go Seung-tak. The two couldn't be more different: Young-min is confident and highly skilled, while Seung-tak, a wealthy heir with extensive medical knowledge, is paralyzed by the fear of performing surgery.
Good Doctor (2013)
IMDb rating: 7.910
Where to stream: Viki, Kocowa
If you're a fan of the American series of the same name, starring Freddie Highmore, you should explore the original show that inspired it. Park Si-on is an autistic savant whose quest to become a pediatrician faces many challenges, including societal discrimination and personal obstacles.
Doctor John (2019)
IMDb rating: 8.0/10
Where to stream: Prime Video, Viki, Kocowa, SBS World
Doctor John isn't just a medical drama; it's also a thrilling mystery. Like the famous Dr. House, brilliant anesthesiologist Cha Yo-han and second-year resident Kang Shi-young delve into their patients' cases to uncover the root causes of their acute or chronic pain.
Live Up To Your Name (2017)
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IMDb rating: 8.0/10
Where to stream: Netflix
This medical drama comes with a surprising fantasy twist. Heo Im, a skilled acupuncturist from the Joseon era, finds himself transported to the present day. Here he meets a modern surgeon, Choi Yeon-kyung, and when the time comes to travel back, Heo Im takes the woman with him.
Dr. Romantic (2016-2023)
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IMDb rating: 8.4/10
Where to stream: Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Hulu, Viki, Kocowa, Wavve, SBS World
Once country's top surgeon, Boo Yong-joo suddenly vanishes from the limelight and re-emerges under a new name in a small-town hospital. Here, he finds solace in mentoring young doctors. The first season was so well-received that the show was renewed for two more seasons.
Hospital Playlist (2020-2021)
IMDb rating: 8.8/10
Where to stream: Netflix
The two-season series follows five lifelong friends, all doctors in their forties, who are lucky enough to work together at the same hospital. Adding to their daily medical adventures is their shared love for music, as they hilariously attempt to rock out in their not-so-great garage band.