Dr. Romantic
"Dr. Romantic," a captivating Korean drama, centers around the life of Dr. Boo Yong Joo, famously known as Teacher Kim or Kim Sa Bu, portrayed by the renowned actor Han Seok Kyu. A genius surgeon with a mysterious past, Kim Sa Bu leads the Doldam Hospital, a small yet bustling establishment far from the city’s chaos. The drama beautifully blends medical cases with the profound emotional journeys of the hospital staff, creating a narrative that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
Yoo Yeon Seok stars as Kang Dong Joo, an ambitious young doctor who initially chases success and recognition. However, his life takes a transformative turn when he meets Teacher Kim, who guides him to rediscover the true meaning of being a doctor. The show also introduces Seo Hyun Jin as Yoon Seo Jung, a passionate and talented surgeon who carries the weight of her past mistakes. Together, they navigate the challenging yet rewarding world of Doldam Hospital under the mentorship of the enigmatic Teacher Kim.
The series masterfully combines intense medical procedures with the personal growth of its characters. Each episode delves into complex surgeries while unraveling the deeper stories behind each patient and doctor. The drama highlights the ethical dilemmas, the importance of teamwork, and the struggle between ambition and compassion in the high-stakes environment of emergency medicine.
"Dr. Romantic" has gained acclaim not only for its compelling storyline but also for its stellar cast. Han Seok Kyu's portrayal of the wise and compassionate Teacher Kim has become iconic, while Yoo Yeon Seok and Seo Hyun Jin deliver emotionally charged performances that resonate with the audience. With its gripping plot, unforgettable characters, and intense emotional depth, "Dr. Romantic" is a must-watch for fans of medical dramas and Korean television alike.
Details
🙂 Native Title: 낭만닥터 김사부 (Nangmandakteo Gimsabu)
🌎 Also Known As: Romantic Doctor, Teacher Kim
🎭 Genres: Medical, Drama, Romance
🏷 Tags: Genius Doctor, Medical Profession, Hospital Setting, Healing, Mentorship
✍ Screenwriters: Kang Eun Kyung
🎬 Directors: Yoo In Shik
🇰🇷 Country: South Korea
🎬 Episodes: 20
🗓️ Aired: November 7, 2016 – January 17, 2017
📅 Airing Days: Monday, Tuesday
📺 Original Network: SBS
⏰ Duration: 60 minutes per episode
🔞 Content Rating: 15+ (Teens 15 or older)
Best Scenes
- The high-stakes surgery where Dr. Kim Sa Bu (Han Seok Kyu) saves a patient’s life, showcasing his genius and calm under pressure.
- The emotional confrontation between Kang Dong Joo (Yoo Yeon Seok) and Yoon Seo Jung (Seo Hyun Jin), revealing their complex relationship.
- Teacher Kim’s heart-to-heart talk with his staff, where he imparts wisdom about what it truly means to be a doctor.
- The intense emergency room scenes that highlight the fast-paced and unpredictable nature of medical work.
- The final surgery scene of the season, where the entire team works together, illustrating their growth and teamwork.
Filming Locations
- The Doldam Hospital, a key location in the series, is a fictional hospital set built specifically for the drama.
- Various scenes were filmed in picturesque rural areas of South Korea, adding authenticity to the remote hospital setting.
- The exterior shots of the hospital were filmed in Wonju, Gangwon Province, providing a scenic backdrop.
- Some city scenes were shot in Seoul, giving a contrast between the rural and urban settings.
- The realistic surgery room scenes were filmed on detailed sets that replicated actual hospital environments.
Visual Design and Costumes
- The hospital’s muted color palette reflects the serious and intense atmosphere of the series.
- Dr. Kim Sa Bu’s simple yet authoritative wardrobe, including his iconic white coat, emphasizes his role as a seasoned mentor.
- The use of lighting in surgery scenes is carefully designed to highlight the tension and focus required in medical procedures.
- The characters’ costumes subtly evolve throughout the series, reflecting their personal growth and changing roles.
- The visual contrast between the sterile hospital environment and the natural beauty of the rural setting adds depth to the show’s aesthetic.
Themes and Messages
- Dr. Romantic explores the theme of healing, not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually for both patients and doctors.
- The show emphasizes the importance of mentorship, as Dr. Kim Sa Bu guides young doctors to become not just skilled, but compassionate practitioners.
- The series tackles ethical dilemmas in the medical field, questioning the balance between professional duty and personal morality.
- A recurring message is the value of teamwork and trust, as the hospital staff must work together to save lives under pressure.
- The drama also delves into the sacrifices and challenges of the medical profession, highlighting the personal toll it takes on those who dedicate their lives to it.
Interesting Facts
- Han Seok Kyu, who plays Dr. Kim Sa Bu, is a well-respected actor in South Korea, and his performance in Dr. Romantic earned him critical acclaim.
- The drama’s popularity led to a successful second season, with many original cast members returning.
- Dr. Romantic was praised for its realistic portrayal of medical procedures, with consultants ensuring accuracy in surgery scenes.
- The show’s script was written by Kang Eun Kyung, known for her ability to blend medical drama with deep character development.
- The series received several awards, including Best Actor for Han Seok Kyu, highlighting its impact in the Korean drama industry.
Awards
2016 SBS Drama Awards
- Grand Prize (Daesang): Han Seok Kyu
- Top Excellence Award, Actor in a Genre Drama: Han Seok Kyu
- Top Excellence Award, Actress in a Genre Drama: Seo Hyun Jin
- Excellence Award, Actor in a Genre Drama: Yoo Yeon Seok
- Best Supporting Actor: Jin Kyung
2017 Baeksang Arts Awards
- Best Actor (TV): Han Seok Kyu
- Best Director (TV): Yoo In Shik
- Best Technical Achievement (TV): Kang Dong Yoon for Production Design
2017 APAN Star Awards
- Top Excellence Award, Actor in a Miniseries: Han Seok Kyu
- Best New Actor: Yang Se Jong
2017 Seoul International Drama Awards
- Best Actor: Han Seok Kyu
2017 The Seoul Awards
- Best Actor (TV): Han Seok Kyu
2017 Grimae Awards
- Best Actor: Han Seok Kyu
These awards highlight the drama’s success and recognition in various categories, particularly for its outstanding performances and direction.
Real-Life Loves on Set
Seasons
Trailer
Music / OST
Gallery
