
Doctors
Doctors is a heartwarming and inspiring Korean medical romance drama that follows Yoo Hye Jung (played by Park Shin Hye), a rebellious and tough high school student with a troubled past. After facing abandonment and hardship, Hye Jung's life takes a dramatic turn when she meets her compassionate mentor Hong Ji Hong (played by Kim Rae Won), a skilled neurosurgeon who helps her discover her passion for medicine. Years later, Yoo Hye Jung transforms into a brilliant and determined neurosurgeon, working at Guk Il Hospital. Reuniting with Hong Ji Hong, who is now her colleague, their professional relationship blossoms into a touching romance. As they navigate complex surgeries, ethical dilemmas, and personal struggles, their bond deepens, bringing healing not only to their patients but to each other’s emotional scars. The drama also introduces strong supporting characters like Jung Yun Do (played by Yoon Kyun Sang) and Jin Seo Woo (played by Lee Sung Kyung), who add tension and depth to the story with their own ambitions, rivalries, and feelings. The intense hospital environment, combined with intricate emotional conflicts, creates a gripping narrative that keeps viewers hooked. Doctors stands out as a Korean medical romance K-drama that beautifully blends inspiring career journeys, hospital drama, emotional healing, and love stories. With its outstanding performances, relatable characters, and moving storyline, Doctors captures the hearts of viewers seeking both medical intrigue and heartfelt romance.
Details
🙂 Native Title: 닥터스 (Dakteoseu)
🌎 Also Known As: Doctor Crush
🎭 Genres: Medical, Romance, Drama
🏷 Tags: Neurosurgeon, Strong Female Lead, Teacher-Student Relationship, Hospital Setting, Redemption
✍ Screenwriter: Ha Myung-hee
🎬 Director: Oh Chung-hwan
🇰🇷 Country: South Korea
🎬 Episodes: 20
🗓️ Aired: June 20, 2016 – August 23, 2016
📅 Airing Days: Mondays & Tuesdays
📺 Original Network: SBS
⏰ Duration: Approximately 60 minutes per episode
🔞 Content Rating: 15+ – Teens 15 or older
Best Scenes
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Popsicle Walk: In Episode 2, Go Ho strolls while eating popsicles to cool down after a spicy meal, leading to a heartfelt phone call from her ex-boyfriend, Kang Tae Ho.
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Office Rating Game: A humorous scene where five male colleagues rate themselves on a whiteboard to prove who deserves Go Ho’s affection.
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Nami Island Date: Go Ho and Kang Tae Ho share a romantic date on Nami Island, showcasing the serene beauty of the location.
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Convenience Store Encounter: A cameo by Park Shin Hye as a cashier adds a delightful surprise for fans.
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Final Confession: The series concludes with a heartfelt confession, tying up the romantic storyline beautifully.
Filming Locations
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Bukhangang Railroad Bridge: Featured in Episode 2, this picturesque bridge in Yangpyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do, serves as the backdrop for a memorable cycling scene between Hong Ji Hong and Yoo Hye Jung.
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Ihwa-dong Village Museum: Used as the location for Yoo Hye Jung’s and Chun Soon Hee’s house in multiple episodes, this charming museum in Seoul adds a cozy, authentic feel to the series.
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Guk Il Hospital: The primary hospital setting in the drama, showcasing various medical scenarios and character interactions.
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Seoul’s Urban Landscapes: Various scenes capture the bustling city life, reflecting the characters’ professional and personal journeys.
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Traditional Korean Houses: Some episodes feature traditional hanok houses, emphasizing cultural heritage and family dynamics.
Visual Design and Costumes
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Professional Attire: Characters are often seen in crisp white coats and formal wear, highlighting their roles in the medical field.
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Casual Looks: Off-duty scenes showcase the characters’ personal styles, adding depth to their personalities.
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Color Symbolism: Use of color in costumes reflects character development and emotional states.
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Minimalist Aesthetics: The set design emphasizes clean lines and modern interiors, aligning with the medical theme.
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Attention to Detail: Props and accessories are carefully selected to enhance realism and immersion.
Themes and Messages
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Redemption and Growth: Yoo Hye Jung’s transformation from a troubled youth to a dedicated doctor underscores the power of personal growth.
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Mentorship: The guiding relationship between Hong Ji Hong and Yoo Hye Jung highlights the impact of positive mentorship.
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Love and Sacrifice: Romantic relationships in the series explore the balance between personal desires and professional responsibilities.
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Ethical Dilemmas: Medical cases often present moral challenges, prompting characters to make difficult decisions.
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Family and Relationships: The series delves into complex family dynamics, emphasizing the importance of understanding and support.
Interesting Facts
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Alternate Title: The series is also known as “Doctor Crush,” reflecting the romantic elements intertwined with the medical narrative.
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High Ratings: Upon its release, Doctors achieved impressive viewership ratings, cementing its popularity.
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Star-Studded Cast: Featuring renowned actors like Park Shin Hye and Kim Rae Won, the series boasts strong performances.
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Realistic Medical Scenes: The drama is praised for its accurate portrayal of medical procedures and hospital life.
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Cultural Impact: Doctors contributed to the global popularity of Korean medical dramas, attracting international audiences.
Awards
🏆 2016 SBS Drama Awards
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Best Actor (Genre/Fantasy Drama): Kim Rae-won (Winner)
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Best Actress (Genre/Fantasy Drama): Park Shin-hye (Winner)
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Ten Star Award: Park Shin-hye (Winner)
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New Star Award: Kim Min-seok (Winner)
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New Star Award: Moon Ji-in (Winner)
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Best Couple Award: Kim Rae-won & Park Shin-hye (Nominee)
🏅 2016 Korea Drama Awards
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Top Excellence Award, Actor: Jang Hyun-sung (Winner)
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Top Excellence Award, Actress: Park Shin-hye (Nominee)
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Grand Prize (Daesang): Kim Rae-won (Nominee)
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Best Drama: Doctors (Nominee)
🌟 2016 APAN Star Awards
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Best New Actor: Yoon Kyun-sang (Winner)
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Top Excellence Award, Actor in a Miniseries: Kim Rae-won (Nominee)
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Top Excellence Award, Actress in a Miniseries: Park Shin-hye (Nominee)
🎖 2017 Baeksang Arts Awards (53rd)
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Best Actress – Television: Park Shin-hye (Nominee)
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Best New Actor – Television: Kim Min-seok (Nominee)
Real-Life Loves on Set
Despite the compelling on-screen chemistry between Park Shin Hye and Kim Rae Won in the 2016 Korean drama Doctors, there was no real-life romantic relationship between the two actors. Their portrayal of Yoo Hye Jung and Hong Ji Hong captivated audiences, leading to widespread speculation about a possible off-screen romance.
However, both actors have addressed these rumors, clarifying that their relationship was strictly professional and akin to that of close colleagues. Kim Rae Won described Park Shin Hye as a junior colleague who felt comfortable around him, likening himself to an older brother figure on set. He emphasized that their strong on-screen rapport stemmed from mutual respect and open communication during filming.
Park Shin Hye, on her part, appreciated Kim Rae Won’s guidance and support throughout the production. She highlighted the positive working environment and the collaborative efforts that contributed to their convincing performances.










