The medical drama that started in mid-April of this year gas gained quite a lot of popularity for not only portraying the life of a resident but also the life of a mother who has to manage both her personal as well as professional life. We follow the story of Mrs. Cha, who gave up on her career to take care of her kids, but now, in her middle age, she wants to get back to being a doctor and joins the same hospital in which her husband and son, in which they have to keep their relationship a secret.
But unexpectedly, she realizes that her husband doesn’t love her and is cheating on her instead. The way she deals with not only her husband and children but also her feelings for another doctor in the same hospital is what we explore. Despite being an ongoing series, Doctor Cha has managed to gain a huge fanbase as more and more people get interested in the protagonist and her story. Many are even able to relate to various characters, empathizing with them and getting attached on a personal level.
Doctor Cha is a drama that will make you root for the characters until the very end. We witness the transformation of a selfless and caring mother whose life revolves around her family to a career-oriented woman who realizes that her family doesn’t care about her as much as she does and that she should start prioritizing herself instead. Winning the hearts of not just the patients but also the viewers, Doctor Cha is an amazing drama that will get you hooked immediately.
A few other dramas that you would enjoy if you are a fan of Doctor Cha are:
1. Hospital Playlist
Revolving around five doctors who became friends at the start of med school and have managed their way through various problems but always stick by each other’s side, Hospital Playlist is a lighthearted drama that portrays friendship most beautifully.
We see a few secrets unravel throughout the series, but the friendship is never broken. They might have a little misunderstanding, but the rest will not let them break apart. Not just as doctors but also running a personal band as a hobby in their free time, the protagonists will keep you entertained throughout the two seasons for sure. We also watch them deal with personal problems and relationships as they help each other out.
From a couple being born from their friend group to dating a friend’s sister, this drama will surely not bore you in any part. With a phenomenal cast, perfect pace, and various lessons to offer about life but also making it very lighthearted, Hospital Playlist is a must-watch show. There is a high chance that you will like it so much and come back to it again and again.
- Director: Shin Won Ho
- Cast: Jo Jong Suk, Jeon Mi Do, Yoo Yeon Seok
- Number of episodes: 24
- Where to watch: Netflix
2. Descendents of the Sun
This drama is not completely about doctors or motherhood but about a surgeon that falls in love with a special forces officer. The cardiothoracic surgeon, who’s very passionate about her work and is quite capable of learning more in her job, has to work along with a special forces officer, the male lead, during a war.
The male lead is someone who believes that everyone should be protected and does exactly that, even if it means he’s going against the orders of his superiors. We see the main leads go through so many issues throughout while also having to deal with their attraction towards each other. Known as one of the most well-known and appreciated dramas in Korea, Descendants of the Sun is recommended to every K-drama newbie.
Though it is a little too cheesy, this drama still is binge-worthy and addictive, with the perfect plot progression. Song Joong Ki, the male lead, carried the whole show on his back, easily playing the role of a badass officer and winning millions of hearts. The perfect chemistry between the main leads and the good execution of this drama with mixed genres makes it a good watch for any first-timers.
- Director: Lee Eung-bok
- Cast: Song Joon Gi, Song Hye Kyo
- Number of episodes: 16
- Where to watch: Netflix
3. Dr. Romantic
We follow the main lead, who was once a famous doctor in a prestigious hospital but decided to give up the extravagant life and live in a secluded countryside while working as a doctor at the local hospital.
The neighborhood knows him as Dr. Romantic due to his good looks, and we also see two other major characters and their lives being impacted by his. Filled with stories of heart-touching patients and doctors, this drama makes you feel content.
Currently ongoing in its third season, this drama initially started in 2016. The amount of love and reception it received got it another season and now, another one. We see not only the professional lives of the doctors but also their personal lives and the inner demons that they try to overcome. Everything is interwoven perfectly in the storyline, and has quite great and strong character development.
More than a medical drama, this show is something everyone can relate to as it deals with human problems and emotions. Them being a doctor is just a part of it. Dr. Romantic is a binge-worthy drama that you will get hooked on instantly!
- Director: Yoo In-Shik
- Cast: Han Suk Kyu, Yo Yeok Seok
- Number of episodes: 45
- Where to watch: Viki
4. Doctor Stranger
Many of us know about the tension that has been going on between North Korea and South Korea. We also know that it is quite difficult for any citizen to get out of North Korea once they get in. In this drama, we follow the story of a boy and his father who end up in North Korea. The boy, who is the male lead, also ends up becoming a doctor like his father.
They do manage to return to South Korea, after which the main lead starts working in one of the most famous hospitals in Seoul, the capital city. However, he is treated like an outcast by his peers. But he still keeps working as hard as he can to earn money to bring his lover to South Korea. We are shown the struggles of the citizens and North Korea and the cruel world that they live in.
Doctor Stranger has a very unique plot line that has never been done before. With fantastic acting and addictive music, the drama managed to gain a huge fan base, becoming a huge success not only within Korea but also on a global scale. The medical scene received more recognition for being quite entertaining and accurate.
- Director: Hong Jong-chan
- Cast: Lee Jong Suk, Jin Se Yeon
- Number of episodes: 20
- Where to watch: Viki
5. Kill Me, Heal Me
In this drama, the male lead suffers from Disassociative Personality Disorder, also known as Multiple Personality Disorder, due to the trauma he suffered when he was young. Having seven alter egos and having to manage them is quite a difficult task as he, at times, doesn’t know who he is.
This causes him to be in a lot of distress, and wanting to take back control, he asks a psychiatric resident, the female lead to help him with his issue. However, things only seem to get even more complicated as the resident falls in love with him instead.
Not just the fact that she comes from a poor family but also because she violated the code of medical ethics could pose various problems for her, while the male lead can very conveniently escape it due to his influence.
The title is very appropriate to the story- which is also very well written and has perfect progression. The execution was also done perfectly, hooking the audience in just after a couple of episodes. Though it is a pure melodrama, it never seems overdone because the actors portray every small detail perfectly.
- Director: Sung Chi Uk, Kwak Seung Yeol
- Cast: Ji Sung, Hwang Jung Eum
- Number of episodes: 20
- Where to watch: Viki
Also Read: K-dramas likes Tempted
6. Emergency Couple
Destiny seems to play a very important role in this drama. Two people fall in love despite all odds and even end up marrying each other despite the difficulties they face. However, they can’t keep their relationship intact due to a few issues and get divorced. But of course, destiny has other plans because sometime later, both of them cross paths once again as they end up working in the same Emergency room of a hospital.
The plot and the story development were quite great, pulling the audience right in. With quite a new kind of plot that has never been done before, this drama shows the ex-lovers that can’t stop bickering. They do realize at a point in time that their love has never died, and it was the circumstances that were at fault due to which the divorce happened.
They do try to keep everything professional but can’t help it as the feeling inside them keep surfacing anytime that they are close to each other. Though it could be a little cliche, this drama does keep you entertained.
- Director: Kim Cheol-kyu
- Cast: Song Ji Hyo, Choi Jin Hyuk
- Number of episodes: 21
- Where to watch: Viki
7. Hi Bye, Mama!
Very similar to Doctor Cha, in this drama, we follow the life of a doting and caring mother who unfortunately dies. All the work of raising a child falls on the father, who is a doctor. While on the journey of reincarnation, she discovers she can come and help the family- who now have moved on as the father married another woman to help with the family.
This drama is quite heart-touching and will make you cry. We see how pure a mother’s love is and how even after she’s dead, her priority is to still take care of her kid. While teaching you a lot of life lessons, this drama also makes you reflect on your life and think about whether you are going to die tomorrow, whether you will have any regrets, and, if given a chance, whether you will be willing to make things right again.
Hi Bye, Mama! is a drama that will definitely make you tear up and feel such deep emotions that you won’t forget. With a great character arc and plot pace, this drama will steal your heart and make you rewatch it again and again.
- Director: Yoo Je Won
- Cast: Kim Tae Hee, Lee Kyu Hyung
- Number of episodes: 16
- Where to watch: Netflix
8. Ghost Doctor
Switching bodies isn’t a new kind of plot line, but this drama makes everything interesting about it. When a genius doctor, due to an accident, switches his body with a very incapable doctor- the trap is that both of the professionals have polar opposite personalities, and chaos ensues as they try to figure everything out. This all happens while the genius doctor is in a coma, and his soul possesses another doctor.
This unique plotline is something that makes the audience quite curious. When he realizes how cold-hearted he’s being, he tries to change his ways and become a better doctor and an even better person. Though the story is said to become a little draggy in the end, it is still a great and unique watch that you would experience for the first time.
While dealing with the problems in the hospital as well as their personal life, these doctors also have to figure out how to set everything to normal, all while making sure no one is harmed. With great actors and good execution that will keep the viewers intrigued, this drama will deliver a performance that you will hardly ever forget for a long time.
- Director: Boo Seong-Cheol
- Cast: Rain, Kim Bum
- Number of episodes: 16
- Where to watch: Viki
9. 18 Again
Though we don’t deal with doctors or any medical drama, 18 Again shows the story of a mother who is going through a divorce due to her irresponsible husband and tries her best to be the perfect mom for her children. However, when the time to divorce comes, the male lead is nowhere to be found.
This is because he magically turned into his 18-year-old self and is trying to make the relationship right with his children. He then realizes how much his wife is suffering. We see the wife be a strong woman and responsible mother, trying her best to stay sane even in the worst times. This drama makes you feel all her emotions and empathize with her. It wins your heart with its perfect execution and phenomenal actors.
The storyline is quite relatable, too, and never too unrealistic or overdone. Though it may seem like a cheesy story, it isn’t. It’s quite a realistic story and a fan favorite that is loved by many. Not just the protagonist, but we see the stories of most characters and the issues they deal with too. This drama can be enjoyed by all ages, irrespective of the genre they’re into.
- Director: Ha Byung Hoon
- Cast: Kim Haneul, Yoon Sang Hyun, Lee Do Hyun
- Number of episodes: 16
- Where to watch: Viki
10. Doctors
We follow the story of an outcast who turns out to be a merciless gangster. She had to undergo so much trauma and abuse that she became cold-hearted. She is feared by many and has no idea of changing, that is until another doctor tries to warm up her heart and change her into a kind-hearted person.
She is surprised by the way that the male lead knows the easiest ways to her heart, making her fall for him. Because of the past trauma that she had experienced, it isn’t easy for her to come to terms with her feelings, but she tries her best to show that she appreciates him and likes him a lot. This is the most straightforward series that will portray doctors or hospital life with no over-the-top drama or exaggerated plot lines.
This drama somehow has each element in the most perfectly depicted way possible. Be it the love triangle or the antagonist, everything seems perfectly well, not too less or not too much. With great actors and fantastic execution with the perfect plot progression, this drama is the one that should be added to your weekend watchlist.
- Director: Oh Choong-hwan
- Cast: Kim Rae Won, Park Shin Hye
- Number of episodes: 20
- Where to watch: Viki
Also Read: Best Rom-coms of all times
11. Crash Course in Romance
Crash Course in Romance also follows the issues and problems of a mother. Despite that not being the central theme, it does have a major part in the show. We follow the life of an aspiring athlete who leaves everything behind- even her dream to raise a girl. She has lost her youth and everything while trying to be the ideal mother and provide for her daughter.
However, she doesn’t regret any of it. But when her daughter is in her final year of high school and needs a math tutor, she does everything in her power to get her access to the classes of the best math tutor in the country, but it’s not all that easy. What makes everything more complicated are her daughter’s friends, who don’t want her to go ahead and try their best to put obstacles in her path.
While she makes sure she does everything to make her daughter’s life a little better, some hope starts blooming in her life, too, as she develops feelings for the math tutor. How they deal with the controversies that follow is what we explore. Crash Course to Romance is a much-loved drama in the K-drama community, admired for its characters, story, and unique concept.
- Director: Yoo Je Won
- Cast: Jeon Do Yeon, Jung Kyung Ho
- Number of episodes: 16
- Where to watch: Netflix
12. Life
Rather than dealing with the dynamics of doctors and patients, this drama deals with the politics that happen in a hospital and the power roles happening that will cause a lot of chaos. This unique perspective brings to us that doctors who have the power to save lives also have the power to take them- whether they are the lives of patients or even fellow doctors who they perceive as threats.
This is a heavy drama that is slow-paced and will slowly reveal itself and its secrets as a kind of sly poison. It focuses on the politics and societal issues that are quite predominant in South Korea and what the citizens there face. It shows the twisted side of doctors and hospitals that we usually don’t see on any platform. This drama will keep you intrigued and captivated throughout and is quite an experience that you probably won’t come across again.
Laying out the foundation in the start and slowly picking up the pace as it only gets more intense with each episode, this drama will leave you in awe at its ending. Every element only helps heighten the drama even more and lure the audience in, making them feel speechless in the end.
- Director: Hong Jong-chan
- Cast: Lee Dong Wook, Cho Seung Woo
- Number of episodes: 16
- Where to watch: Netflix
13. The Good, Bad Mother
This ongoing drama deals with a strict mother who traumatizes her son and his childhood, causing him to develop resentful feelings toward her. However, due to a huge accident, he has lost his memories, and the mother-son duo must work on their relationship.
Though it hasn’t even been completed yet, this drama has already acquired a huge fan base for its extraordinary storyline and amazing characters. It has various layers that unfold as the episodes are released. We feel the pain and guilt of both the mother and the son and witness them regret their past but also try their best to work on their relationship in the present.
The good, bad mother is quite relatable and will make you cry along with the characters. The actors are quite phenomenal, easily portraying the roles and winning our hearts. The drama is not just about one mother but all mothers and makes us question whether there is a completely “good” or completely “bad” mother in this world. They humanize mothers instead of treating them as a supreme entity and accept them with their flaws, stating that mothers, too, are human after all.
- Director: Shim Na Yeon
- Cast: Ra Mi Ran, Lee Do Hyun
- Number of episodes: 10(ongoing)
- Where to watch: Netflix
14. Good Doctor
We have seen a fair share of dramas with autistic characters like Move to Heaven, Its okay not to be okay, Crash Course in Romance, and even recently, Extraordinary Attorney Woo Young Woo. One thing that is clear from these dramas is that autism is not a restriction to intellect. In Good Doctor, we see the autistic main lead who has graduated from one of the top medical schools and works in a famous hospital.
Though his skills are extraordinary, he has a hard time interacting with people. He has to face discrimination from the higher-ups, which makes him reconsider all his decisions. Some colleagues do help him out, but there is only so much they can do. The character development is quite satisfying as we watch how evil people turn out to be understanding once they get some sense.
With fantastic execution and great actors, this drama maintains the right pace as it keeps the viewers hooked until the very end. This is a drama that you can rewatch several times and still not get bored.
- Director: Ki Min Soo, Kim Jin Woo
- Cast: Joo Won, Moon Chae Won
- Number of episodes: 20
- Where to watch: Viki
15. Birth-care Center
Dealing with the struggles of motherhood, this is yet another drama that will warm up your heart. Our protagonist is a successful woman who suddenly gets pregnant. She decides to have the baby, but it’s more challenging than she thought, as she has no clue about pregnancy or even how to take care of a baby.
So she goes and enrolls herself in a famous Birth-care center where a lot of famous people go to. At first, she is very insecure as most mothers there seem to know what they are up to and are significantly younger than her. However, this isn’t an issue as the others welcome her with warm hands and don’t mock her. She realizes a lot of valuable lessons from here, quite surprised that despite their struggles, these mothers find comfort in parenting and each other.
The birth center becomes a safe space for them where they can share their worries and concerns. This lighthearted drama will make you feel happy as you watch how they win against the expectations society has for them as all-rounders and perfect mothers.
- Director: Park Su-won
- Cast: Uhm Ji Won, Park Ha Sun
- Number of episodes: 8
- Where to watch: Netflix
Also Read: Best K-drama actors of all time
16. Penthouse
Though this drama isn’t based on doctors or anything similar, it is based a little on mothers and how they try their best for their children. Various characters in this drama revolve around the mechanics of family and the betrayal and separation that happens in it.
Mostly based on the melodrama of politics of social status, this drama also talks about how mothers from various statuses want the same in the end: their children to be powerful and comfortable. How they achieve this is sometimes by hard work, the other times by cruel means. Despite not being the main theme of the drama, the mother-child/children relationship plays an important role in the series, leading to making conflicts as well as resolutions.
Penthouse is quite a famous and enjoyable drama that is filled with various amounts of twists that will leave you in absolute disbelief. With insane characters that will leave you pulling your hair out and unbelievable plot turns that will make you question everything, even confusing you to the point where you don’t know what’s going on, this drama surely will get infused into your mind for its absolute chaos.
- Director: Joo Dong Min
- Cast: Lee Ji Ah, Kim So Yeon, Eugene
- Number of episodes: 48
- Where to watch: Viki
17. SKY Castle
Quite similar to Penthouse, SKY castle also deals with how the elite section of the society, who is already in quite high positions, tries to make sure their children keep up the image after them. We see the lives of mothers, who are shown as responsible for their children’s success, as they try their best to get them the best resources possible, even going to twisted ways to get it in the end.
They are bashed by their husbands and family if their child fails and is seen as useless. Sometimes, even their children blame them for not getting them the most demanded tutor or the new edition of the laptop. Known as one of the best dramas in South Korea that is loved by various generations, SKY Castle is a classic and must-watch drama for everyone.
With perfect execution and mind-bending plot twists, this drama will, for sure, play with your mind with the amount of information it unravels at times. An amazing cast and addictive OSTs only make the experience even more enjoyable and exciting, as the drama leaves you with nothing but a feeling of amazement.
- Director: Jo Hyun Tak
- Cast: Yum Jang Ah, Lee Tae Ran, Yoon Se An
- Number of episodes: 20
- Where to watch: Netflix
18. Green Mothers Club
In this drama, we explore the story of the mothers who meet because all of their children go to the same elementary school. They all have to deal with difficult, challenging situations as they also try their best to get their life together and be the best mothers possible.
We see their struggles and happiness and go on this wonderful journey along as we watch them get across various hurdles in life, all while having each other’s back. Though there is some tension between a few of them at times, and they’d have to pick sides even at a point, then end up looking beyond the indifferences and uniting over motherhood and friendship.
The child actors- who are also very essential, have done a great job of portraying the characters perfectly. The plot development is also great as we watch it inch towards a happy ending for everyone involved. The drama shows various aspects such as mental health, the strict and competitive education system that doesn’t spare even elementary kids, and, most importantly, family and friendship.
- Director: Ra Ha Na
- Cast: Lee Yo Won, Chu Ja Hyun, Kim Gyu Ri
- Number of episodes: 16
- Where to watch: Netflix
19. High Class
This drama deals with the most elite women in society who are friends and compete with each other while maintaining a facade of friendship. Though, on the surface, they seem perfect, in reality, they hide several dark truths that, if revealed, will put them in huge trouble. This thriller mystery drama also deals with how women struggle to maintain their status in society by hook or by crook.
The various things they have to do to stay on top are scary and show us a new perspective that we’ve never seen before. We see how messed up they become trying to achieve all this, and when they realize that, it’s too late. This drama will have you biting your nails in anxiety and entertain you in a way that you wouldn’t expect.
Though it may seem boring or dragged on, this drama still makes the audience come back to unravel the layers that it keeps hidden perfectly. High Class is a must-watch that will show you the most unexpected horrors behind the diamond faces we see daily and make you question reality.
- Director: Cho Byeong Gil
- Cast: Cho Yeo Jeong, Kim Ji Soo, Kim Young Jae
- Number of episodes: 16
- Where to watch: Viki
20. It’s Okay, That’s Love
A bad meeting between a psychiatrist and a host triggers a love-hate relationship between them as they keep crossing paths with each other. Due to an issue, he has to lay low, during which he moves into a house, and his roommate is none other than the woman he hates the most in the world- the psychiatrist with whom he had a horrible interview.
They hate and bicker with each other but slowly start showing empathy as they realize that they both have unhealed emotional scars that taunt them to this day. How they help each other defeat their inner demons, and the love that ensues out of it form the main idea of the drama. They also have to deal with accepting their feelings for each other, which is quite hard due to their pasts.
There is a feeling of dread along the drama that will make even the viewers feel low. Addressing very serious mental issues and quite mature topics such as intimacy and the process of making a relationship work. It’s Okay; that Love hits too close to home. The turmoil they face is depicted perfectly and in a way that most audiences can relate to it.
- Director: Kim Kyu Tae
- Cast: Jo In Sung, Gong Hyo Jin
- Number of episodes: 16
- Where to watch: Viki
Also Read: Best Fantasy and Supernatural K-dramas
21. It’s Okay Not To Be Okay
Another drama that deals with mental issues and trauma is It’s Okay Not To Be Okay. In this drama, the mother, though an insignificant character, plays a huge role in the protagonist’s life. When she meets the male lead, a psychiatric caretaker who is battling his demons and has problems to take care of, they realize that they were also connected in the past.
They help each other in their lowest states and become stronger, embracing and accepting their turmoil before finally defeating it. They also have to deal with their undeniable feelings as they keep calling each other out frequently and denying the other’s accusations just to seem strong.
This top, most-famous drama will win your heart. Moving from the routine female lead who is caring and nurturing, we are introduced to new characters. Broken characters that we see in our everyday lives and characters that have flaws. And those characters are the beauty of this drama. People aren’t perfect, and neither are relationships sometimes the overall message.
- Director: Park Shin Woo
- Cast: Kim So Hyun, Seo Yea Ji
- Number of episodes: 16
- Where to watch: Netflix
22. Doctor John
Normally we are quite familiar with the concept of doctors healing pain. But what if the pain is due to mysterious causes? In Doctor John, we explore the characters of doctors who find out the cause of the patient’s pain and work accordingly to heal it. We follow the story of two anesthesiologists who are very skilled at their work and are the most famous doctors in the hospital.
This slow-burn romance with the main leads having an age gap is all you need this weekend. As expected, Ji Sung, who plays the main lead, doesn’t disappoint. Not just him but all the characters on the screen amaze you with the way they portray the role perfectly, as if it was made just for them. This drama might not be the best medical drama bite one of them.
Also, focusing on euthanasia- which is something doctors even of this day have to deal with, this drama sheds light on various controversial topics and the turmoil that doctors go through when a patient is in such a state. This drama is a must-watch for anyone, irrespective of their preferred genre.
- Director: Jo Soo Won
- Cast: Ji Sung, Lee Se Young
- Number of episodes: 16
- Where to watch: Viki
23. Doctor Prisoner
When an ace doctor who works in the emergency center of a university is suspended because of an unreasonable excuse, he has to go back as an intern to treat prisoners. He is quite furious at his suspension and uses this to make sure he gets his revenge. The character is surely a shock to us because the typical views on doctors are that they are kind, patient, and save lives.
But watching this doctor go behind lives is also another kind of experience. It shows the greed and politics that happens in every profession, due to which so many hard-working and capable people are affected. The protagonist will go to any extent to get back at the people who fired him and to get to a better position.
He uses the help of the prisoners in doing so, and we kind of root for him halfway through after seeing that what he is doing is satisfying because of what he had to go through. With characters outsmarting one another, this fast-paced drama will make you feel a huge array of emotions as you wonder who will emerge as a winner in the end.
- Director: Hwang In-hyuk
- Cast: Namkoong Min, Kwon Nara
- Number of episodes: 32
- Where to watch: Viki
24. Doctor Detective
Based on an industrial setting and the casualties that arise from it, we follow a duo of doctors who goes undercover to do their investigation on why so many people are injured or falling ill in industries. The secrets they uncover are quite astonishing to not only them but also the viewers.
They also have to deal with the antagonists that are trying to cover everything up to keep the reputation of the company. The supporting cast and the antagonist were so phenomenal in their roles that they would leave a bigger impact than the doctors. This drama, though completely fictional, is also scarily realistic.
From the gripping narrative to the fantastic cast, Doctor Detective has everything a drama needs. Forgetting the story and focusing on the technical standpoint, this drama did an amazing job.
Though it has many dysfunctional relationships and, at times, a few main characters may not seem as good at what they are doing, this drama still is quite great for a one-time watch as it has an amazing plot potential that would have made it gain more attention if executed in another way.
- Director: Park Joon-woo
- Cast: Park Jin Hee, Bong Tae Gyu
- Number of episodes: 16
- Where to watch: Viki
25. Risky Romance
This story revolves around a neurosurgeon and an endocrinologist who t off on really bad terms. This rivalry begins when the female lead finds out that the neurosurgeon’s character has drastically changed from a warm and kind person to a cold-hearted man. She runs tests on him and takes it upon herself to find out why this sudden change happen, causing the male lead to start resenting her and her nosy attitude.
However, neither of them can deny that they eventually start falling for each other. They keep fighting with each other and also their inner selves, which seem to magically pull them towards the other person. Though it might seem like a typical rom-com with cliches, we also deal with various other perspectives as well.
The chemistry of the main characters is so amazing that it is solely enough for you not to regret watching the drama. Risky Romance is quite literally what it says because even after they do accept themselves and each other, they also have to deal with their work, where it isn’t ethical for colleagues to be dating.
- Director: Lee Chang Han
- Cast: Ji Hyun Woo, Lee Si Young
- Number of episodes: 32
- Where to watch: Viki
Also Read: K-dramas Like Happiness
26. Cross
This is yet another revenge medical drama that deals with various other topics. The protagonist becomes a doctor to avenge the death of his father a decade ago. That is the sole driving force behind his dream. But now, with this input, we are made to question whether it is right to become a doctor for your vengeance and whether someone would be a righteous doctor that way.
As we watch, we find the answer to our question, realizing that the protagonist isn’t a monster but just a person who is longing for justice. We see the doctor still do his duties and be very kind to his patients like other doctors. Though the theme may seem very dark at times, the drama also has lighthearted moments in which we watch the main lead find happiness in also helping people.
We watch him find the peace and solace he’s longing for, and we go on a journey along with him too. With wonderful supporting characters and no other cliches romance plot lines, Cross is a new kind that you might have never watched before.
- Director: Shin Yong-hwi
- Cast: Go Kyung Pyo
- Number of episodes: 16
- Where to watch: Viki
27. Hospital Ship
As the title suggests, the drama is exactly about a group of doctors who travel on a ship to help people living on islands lead more healthy and better lives. Of course, they aren’t here out of goodwill. These doctors in their thirties have already seen the cruel realities of the world and know that no matter how kind and virtuous they try to be, life still won’t return their good karma.
So they end up turning very materialistic. However, while on the ship, they think back on their life and realize a lot of new things as they find the path to be compassionate doctors yet again and to lead satisfying and fulfilling lives. The cliches and absurd plot might seem a little offputting to a few viewers, but the cast did an amazing job of carrying the drama throughout their backs.
There are various lessons this drama teaches us and makes us rethink our life and our choices. The music is so addictive that it is one of the best aspects of the drama and has gained more recognition than the drama itself. This drama is an easy watch that can help you pass the time on a boring weekend.
- Director: Park Jae-bum
- Cast: Ha Ji Won, Kang Min Hyuk
- Number of episodes: 40
- Where to watch: MX player
28. Blood
This isn’t just a medical drama but also has a supernatural twinge to it. Can you guess what the supernatural element is based on the title? If you guessed a Vampire, you are totally right. A Vampire and a doctor is a combination that is quite new to watch. The vampire doctor, however, is quite warm-hearted and has practiced for decades to perfectly control his thirst in front of people so he could help them instead.
He falls for his colleague, who is a genius physician and quite famous around the hospital for her looks, potential, and background. While he deals with concealing his identity and feelings, he also has to deal with the chairman, who acts like he’s nice and warm but, in reality, is only greedy and will do anything for fame and money.
Dealing not just with the supernatural part but also the evils of humans, we are left to wonder who the real threat is- the vampire or the human. The supporting characters are also quite phenomenal and stick with you the most after watching the drama. Blood is surely worth a watch for its unique and intriguing plot line.
- Director: Ki Min-soo
- Cast: Ahn Jae Hyun, Ji Jin Hee
- Number of episodes: 20
- Where to watch: Viki
29. Chocolate
This drama will surely touch your heart with its soft and heart-touching themes. We follow the story of a neurosurgeon who initially had another dream. He was so passionate about it that he inspired another person to also become a chef like he wanted to. When they grow up and are well settled in their careers, the male lead can’t help but feel the regret washing over him.
Coincidentally, at exactly the same time, he crosses paths with the female lead, who became a chef because she was inspired by him. They try to heal each other’s inner issues as they start preparing meals for the patients there. This drama beautifully shows how you can make someone fall in love with something you love.
Some people’s passion is so great that it inspires others and makes them fall in love with both the passion as well as the person. Chocolate does exactly that and portrays it in such a perfect way that you will be left in awe. It also has quite sad parts to it, like abandonment and trauma, and isn’t lighthearted. This will leave you in shackles at times with its intense themes, but it’s surely a must-watch.
- Director: Lee Hyung Min
- Cast: Yoon Kye Sang, Ha Ji Won
- Number of episodes: 16
- Where to watch: Netflix
30. Syndrome
We follow the story of first-year neurosurgeons who are very enthusiastic about their work and desire to be the best in their respective fields. They try to overpower each other to stand out, and there is always competition between them. When one of the experienced and senior neurosurgeons who is considered a saint for treating patients with no family is shown his dark side, where he wouldn’t mind sacrificing his wife for the sake of experimentation and development in his field, we are made to question the ethics of this man.
We are also made to question the complexities of the human brain- some of which abilities we still don’t know yet, and how despite being neurosurgeons, the last things they care about are the cognitive processes of the mind, instead more focused on the physical aspects instead.
Slowly as secrets start to unravel, the young doctors must try to understand them and figure a way out. The cast was quite fantastic, doing an amazing job of portraying the character perfectly. The music is perfect, as it fits the dark theme aptly. This drama is an overall amazing experience and needs to be added to your watchlist right now.
- Director: Lee Sung-Joo
- Cast: Han Hye Jin, Song Chang EUi
- Number of episodes: 20
- Where to watch: Viki
Also Read: Best Korean Dramas on Youtube
31. A Poem a Day
This lighthearted drama is about the various kinds of professionals at a hospital, like physical therapists, radiologists, nurses, and more. We see the daily life of these people and even some aspects of their personal life as well. Though the story might not seem very extraordinary, it will make you feel warm and content on the inside and make you come back to it again and again.
The romance between the protagonists was so soft and warm, the typical K-drama style romance. The poems that go along with each story are also perfect, fitting them the right way. The cast is not someone people would be familiar with, but they did a great job at portraying the characters easily.
They made the audience feel the right emotions through their actions. The music is also very apt to the drama and will make you fall in love with the drama even more. This drama is quite close to reality and will make you feel fuzzy and warm for sure. A Poem a Day is perfect for when you want to watch something without a lot of melodrama or plot twists.
- Director: Han Sang-jae
- Cast: Lee Yu Bi, Lee Joon Hyuk, Jang Dong Yoon
- Number of episodes: 16
- Where to watch: Viki
32. Live Up To Your Name
This medical drama is very different from the others because it contains time travel. A Joseon-era skilled doctor who is struggling to climb up the social ladder despite his immaculate skills time travels to the 21st century, where he meets the female lead, who is also a doctor. She does manage to send him back but also, surprisingly, is transported along with him back in time.
How they deal with the changes in each era while trying to keep their job and doing their best as doctors is what we explore in the story. The plot isn’t too complex, and the characters learn more about each other as well as themselves during this supernatural journey. It still is quite lighthearted, even when it deals with heavy topics.
The romance and chemistry of the main leads are very natural and realistic, making us fall in love with the series. The amazing execution and phenomenal cast are only a plus, as the drama hooks you in from the first episode itself. It is a must-watch drama for anyone who’s into medical dramas or rom-coms.
- Director: Hong Jong-chan
- Cast: Kim Nam Gil, Kim Ah Joong
- Number of episodes: 16
- Where to watch: Netflix
33. Yong Pal
A talented surgeon who treats people illegally for money is our main lead. Due to not having enough money for his sister’s surgery, he turns to operating on illegal gangs and other criminals for money. During this process, he saves a famous rich heir from a coma and has to deal with taking responsibility for his actions, also while making sure that he doesn’t get into any trouble.
But things only seem to get complicated when he starts to catch feeling for her soon. Yong Pal is the modernized concept of sleeping beauty which happens from the point of view of the male lead instead of the princess herself. The story mostly focuses on the medical aspects, like the doctor’s life and how he treats his patients, more than the romance aspect.
In the second part, the drama takes an unexpected turn and is almost like a sequel to the drama itself. This surprisingly entertaining series will keep leaving in amazement at the layers it unfolds and the twists that happen. It is a drama that needs to be appreciated more as it is quite underrated in the K-drama community.
- Director: Oh Jin-suk
- Cast: Joo Won, Kim Tae Hee
- Number of episodes: 18
- Where to watch: Viki
34. Once Upon a Small Town
When a veterinarian from Seoul has to go to the countryside because his grandfather looks like he is in a problem, he realizes that it is just a plan. In reality, his grandfather had gone on a tour in Europe and wanted his grandson to manage his animal clinic for a year until he came back. In the same village, the police officer who helps everyone is the female lead.
It isn’t hard for them to meet in a small neighborhood. Though it’s quite a routine story with no originality, there is something to it that pulls the audience in. From the cute kids to the nosy neighbors, this drama is any typical drama that you watch. The chemistry of the main leads is what drives the show and keeps the audience engaged for the most part.
It has a short run time and doesn’t drag, and is a very easy and lighthearted watch. With the stiff male lead who is salty that he is tricked but will warm up soon enough, the drama has quite a great cast that never disappoints. With the right amount of angst and without being artificial, Once Upon a Small Town is a very easy and quick watch to pass your time.
- Director: Kwon Seok-Jang
- Cast: Park Soo Young, Cho Young Woo
- Number of episodes: 12
- Where to watch: Netflix
35. Heart Surgeons
This drama has quite a unique plot. We follow the thoracic surgeon whose mother needs a heart transplant. Another surgeon from the same department isn’t respected well due to graduating from a mediocre local university. Then we have the female lead, who is a mysterious woman who almost dies and starts working as a resident in the same department.
This drama is known as one of the best medical dramas in the K-drama community. With an amazing cast, great plot, perfect execution, and fantastic music, this drama is the epitome of a perfect drama, at least from the non-technical standpoint. The supporting characters were quite a delight to watch, playing important roles.
The show ended perfectly instead of dragging on unnecessarily just for the sake of having many episodes. Heart Surgeon is a perfect watch for anyone who is a fan of medical dramas or slice-of-life dramas. It is an easy watch over the weekend that you will most probably end up binging because of how good it is.
- Director: Jo Young-kwang
- Cast: Go Soo, Uhm Ki Jun, So Ji Hye
- Number of episodes: 32
- Where to watch: Viki
Also Read: Best Political K-dramas
