Doctors is the first and probably one of the best K-dramas I ever watched. It was really shocking to know that how underrated the drama is (I actually prefer this to the much popular DOTS which was released in the same year). I am a sucker for coming-of-age dramas. Doctors has the character sketch of a protagonist which is so well written.
It might seem to many as just a medical drama. But it is an incredible coming-of-age drama, at the heart of which is a beautiful love story. The story also runs on a revenge motive. So, it’s really not just a medical drama. It has medical field as its background and setting.
The Story
The story is the soul of this drama. It is the story of a girl who sets out to find the mystery of her grandmother’s death and avenge that. But it is really interesting how the story develops and turns out. It is not the typical kind of revenge. She does not carry out her revenge in a traditional way. But it is rather mature and karma plays an important role in it as well.
The Writing
Ha Myung Hee‘s tight screenplay is what makes Doctors what it is. I don’t know how accurate the portrayal of medical field is, but characterization is on point. Even some of the minor characters and guest appearances stays with you (By the way, the series has some really solid guest appearances). It is a linear narrative for most part except for the flashbacks and the past and present is made so distinct from each other.
The Acting
Park Shin Hye plays Yoo Hae Jung who carries the main weight of the story. Even though the series has two protagonists, the screenplay gives more weightage to the female protagonist. Another reason for that is, Yoo Hae Jung is the most developed character in the drama. Park Shin Hye plays her with a vulnerability and at the same time with determination and ferocity. This has to be one of her best performances.
Kim Rae Won is very natural as Prof. Hong Ji Hong. He exhibits effortlessness even in the most intense scenes. He is a perfect foil to Park Shin Hye’s character. It is also amazing how he does not shy away from being a little weaker physically than the female protagonist considering how great a star he is.
The entire supporting cast is as brilliant as the lead actors. Lee Sung kyung plays a complicated character here which she nails. It is a very complex character and she is impressive here. Jang Hyun Sung, Kim Min Seok and Kim Ji Soo are equally amazing.
The Setting
Most part of the story takes place in a hospital. Each episode has a case that the doctors have to tackle. These sub stories are so well-written that they also stay with you longer.
The Music
As underrated as the series is the music (Again I can’t help but compare it with DOTS. The music is also better here). Doctors has the best album of 2016. All the tracks are soulful. My favorites are (it is really hard to pick) “No Way” by Urban Zakapa and “That Love” by Jung Yup (These songs are always in my playlist. Links down below). The great thing about the music here is that how accurately it displays the emotions in the story. Doctors also has an unbelievably good background score. I especially love the one called Hurt and Heart (mainly violin) which is the dominant theme.
Doctors definitely occupies the top position in my favorite Kdramas. I actually read some negative reviews about the series online. I really don’t understand those reviews. It is really a great series. (About DOTS, I might need to write a separate article titled Unpopular Opinion).
Arya is a curious soul and nerd who loves books and cinema. You can read her articles on Medium. You can also follow her on Instagram where she talks about her favourite books and movies.
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