Korean TV always brings us fresh and exciting shows, and every now and then, they give us a treat with a medical K-drama. These shows blend the personal and professional lives of those working in medicine, taking us into the heart of hospital life. Filled with tough choices and emotional scenes, medical dramas mix romance, suspense, and human stories, making them irresistible to watch.
In this list, we’ll take a look at a range of medical-themed shows, each with its own special appeal. From the heartwarming friendships in “Hospital Playlist” to the thrilling twists of “Emergency Couple,” there’s something here for everyone. Whether you’re into surgical dramas, patient-doctor relationships, or solving medical mysteries, you’re bound to find a series that grabs your attention.
So, grab your snacks and get ready to enjoy these beloved medical K-dramas. You’ll laugh, cry, and root for your favorite characters as they face life’s challenges while working at the hospital. With interesting plots, talented actors, and heartfelt moments, these shows will definitely leave a lasting impression.
1. Hospital Playlist
The everyday lives of people at the hospital may seem ordinary, but they are truly special. The hospital is a unique place where the full cycle of life happens: new lives begin and others come to an end. It’s a microcosm of life, capturing both the joy of birth and the sadness of loss. Within this setting, the stories of those who work and visit the hospital unfold in meaningful ways.
At the heart of this hospital are five doctors who have been close friends for 20 years. They all started their undergraduate studies at the same medical school back in 1999. Over the years, their bond has only grown stronger. Now, they are not only colleagues working together in the same hospital but also share a deep personal connection that goes beyond their professional lives.
In addition to their demanding jobs as doctors, these five friends share a unique hobby: they have a band together. This band is a source of joy and relaxation for them, providing a break from the stressful and often emotional work they do at the hospital. Through their music, they express their feelings and support each other, creating a harmonious balance between their personal and professional lives.
- Episodes: 12
- Cast: Jo Jung Suk, Yoo Yeon Seok, Jung Kyung Ho, Kim Dae Myung
- Where To Watch: Netflix
2. Doctor Stranger
As a child, Park Hoon and his father were kidnapped by North Korea. While in North Korea, Park Hoon was trained by his father, who was already a doctor. Under his father’s guidance, Park Hoon became a genius heart surgeon. Despite the difficult circumstances, he developed exceptional skills and knowledge in the medical field.
Park Hoon manages to flee to South Korea. Once there, he starts working at Myeongwoo University Hospital, one of the top hospitals in the country. Despite his incredible talent as a heart surgeon, Park Hoon feels like a complete outsider. He struggles to fit in and adapt to his new environment, facing many challenges along the way.
Park Hoon is driven by a powerful motivation: to bring his love from North Korea to South Korea. In his quest to reunite with her, he is willing to do anything to make money. This desperation leads him to take on various tasks and jobs, all with the hope of one day being with his beloved again. Despite the hardships, Park Hoon’s determination and love keep him going as he deals with his new life in South Korea.
- Episodes: 20
- Cast: Lee Jong Suk, Jin Se Yeon, Kang So Ra, Park Hae Jin
- Where To Watch: Viki, Netflix, SBS World, Kocowa
3. Doctors
Yoo Hye Jung was a tough bully during her school days, known for her prickly personality and rebellious nature. She often went off the rails and had a difficult time connecting with others.
Her rough exterior was a result of many emotional scars from her childhood. To protect herself from further pain, Hye Jung kept her heart closed off from other people, making it hard for anyone to get close to her.
Everything began to change when Hye Jung met her mentor, Hong Ji Hong. Hong Ji Hong saw something special in Hye Jung and believed in her potential despite her tough exterior. He became a key figure in her life, guiding and encouraging her to see beyond her past and to believe in a brighter future. Through his support and mentorship, Hye Jung started to transform her life.
Under Hong Ji Hong’s guidance, Hye Jung went from being a helpless gangster to becoming a compassionate doctor. She worked hard to change her ways, studying diligently and embracing the qualities needed to care for others.
Over time, Hye Jung’s heart softened, and she learned to open up to people, showing kindness and empathy. Her journey from a troubled youth to a dedicated doctor highlights the power of mentorship and the ability to change one’s life with the right support and determination.
- Episodes: 20
- Cast: Kim Rae Won, Park Shin Hye, Yoon Kyun Sang, Lee Sung Kyung
- Where To Watch: Viki, Netflix, Apple TV, Prime Video, Kocowa
4. Dr. Romantic
Kim Sa Bu was once a highly respected and famous surgeon at the peak of his career in a major hospital. Despite his success and recognition, he suddenly decided to leave it all behind. Seeking a simpler life, he moved to a small town and began working as a neighborhood doctor.
In this new chapter of his life, he goes by the name “Teacher Kim” and refers to himself as the “Romantic Doctor.” He is known for his unique approach to medicine and his dedication to his patients.
Meanwhile, Kang Dong Joo became a doctor driven by his desire to rise above his impoverished upbringing. He is highly ambitious and aims to achieve success by treating VIP patients, believing that this will bring him the recognition and wealth he longs for.
His journey is focused on climbing the professional ladder and making a name for himself in the medical field. However, his approach to medicine is primarily influenced by his personal ambitions.
Yoon Seo Jung is a young surgeon filled with passion and dedication, but she is haunted by a mistake from her past. This mistake weighs heavily on her, affecting her confidence and her approach to her career. She is determined to overcome her past and become the best surgeon she can be.
When both Dong Joo and Seo Jung meet the quirky and wise Teacher Kim, their lives and careers are profoundly impacted. Teacher Kim’s unconventional methods and deep wisdom challenge their perspectives, leading them to reevaluate their goals and approaches to medicine. Their interactions with Teacher Kim set them on a transformative journey, changing their lives in unexpected ways.
- Episodes: 20
- Cast: Han Seok Kyu, Yoo Yeon Seok, Seo Hyun Jin, Choi Jin Ho
- Where To Watch: Netflix, WeTV, Wavve, Viki, Kocowa
5. Emergency Couple
Jin Hee was a dietitian who enjoyed a fulfilling and satisfying life. Everything changed when she met Chang Min, a medical student. Despite facing strong opposition from Chang Min’s wealthy family, they decided to get married. Their love for each other was strong, but the pressure and disapproval from Chang Min’s family created tension in their relationship. Chang Min left his medical studies and became a pharmaceutical salesman, which only added more strain to their marriage.
The continuous disapproval from Chang Min’s family and the growing stress in their lives led to their divorce. After their separation, Jin Hee decided to change her career path and pursue her dream of becoming a doctor. She worked hard and eventually became a medical intern.
During this time, Chang Min also completed his medical education and began working as an intern. Their paths, which had diverged, unexpectedly crossed again when they both ended up working in the same hospital’s emergency room.
Now, Jin Hee and Chang Min find themselves having to work together in a high-pressure environment. Despite their complicated past and the lingering feelings from their marriage and divorce, they must put aside their differences to collaborate and provide the best care for their patients.
Their reunion in the hospital brings new challenges and opportunities for growth, both personally and professionally, as they face their renewed relationship while striving to succeed in their medical careers.
- Episodes: 21
- Cast: Song Ji Hyo, Choi Jin Hyuk, Lee Pil Mo, Choi Yeo Jin, Clara Lee
- Where To Watch: iQIYI, Viki, Tubi, Apple TV
6. Blood
Park Ji Sang is a doctor who specializes in hepato-pancreato-biliary surgery at the best cancer research hospital in the country. However, he has a secret: he is also a vampire. Despite appearing cold and emotionless, Ji Sang hides a soft heart and deep inner pain. He longs for closeness with people but must suppress his thirst for blood. He believes strongly in the sanctity of human life and is dedicated to treating terminally ill patients and saving lives.
Among Ji Sang’s colleagues is Yoo Ri Ta, a brilliant physician who entered medical school at the young age of 17. She is also the niece of the chairman of the chaebol group that owns the hospital. Ri Ta is highly capable but often comes across as snooty and prideful. Despite her haughty demeanor, Ji Sang finds himself falling for her. Their interactions reveal different sides of their personalities and gradually bring them closer together.
As Ji Sang faces his complex emotions and relationships, he becomes entangled in a conflict between good and evil. He encounters Lee Jae Wook, the hospital chief who is trusted by everyone for his gentle demeanor but secretly harbors dangerous ambitions for power and a talent for cruelty.
Ji Sang must confront Jae Wook’s sinister plans while managing his own internal struggles and his growing feelings for Ri Ta. This battle between light and darkness shapes Ji Sang’s journey as he strives to protect the people he cares about and uphold his commitment to saving lives.
- Episodes: 20
- Cast: Ahn Jae Hyun, Gu Hye Seon, Ji Jin Hee
- Where To Watch: Viki, Netflix, KBS World, Kocowa
7. Faith
Eun Soo is a talented plastic surgeon living in the 21st century. One day, she is kidnapped and transported 700 years into the past to the Goryeo era. The people who bring her back in time believe in her extraordinary healing powers and need her help. Suddenly finding herself in an ancient world, Eun Soo struggles to adapt to the drastically different surroundings and customs.
In the Goryeo era, Eun Soo meets General Choi Yeong, a skilled bodyguard to the king. Choi Yeong is known for his intelligence and bravery, but he is also a bit naive and rarely smiles. Initially, Eun Soo and Choi Yeong clash frequently due to their different backgrounds and perspectives. Eun Soo’s modern ways and outspoken nature often create conflicts with the stoic and traditional general.
Despite their differences, as they spend more time together, Choi Yeong begins to feel a growing attraction towards Eun Soo. He is drawn to her unique personality and strength. Similarly, Eun Soo starts to see beyond Choi Yeong’s serious exterior and appreciates his dedication and kindness. Their evolving relationship becomes a central part of their journey, blending the challenges of the past with the unexpected bond they form.
- Episodes: 24
- Cast: Kim Hee Sun, Lee Min Ho, Ryu Deok Hwan, Park Se Young, Yoo Oh Sung
- Where To Watch: Apple TV, Viki, Kocowa
8. Good Doctor
Park Shi On is an autistic savant with incredible medical skills, but he faces challenges because of his lack of mental maturity and empathy. Despite these difficulties, he graduated from medical school with high honors. His exceptional abilities make him a promising doctor, but he struggles to interact with his superiors and patients due to his limited interpersonal skills.
As Shi On begins his career, he faces significant obstacles in adapting to the demands of his job. His colleagues and patients often misunderstand him, and he has a hard time connecting with others. However, some of his fellow doctors recognize his talent and dedication. They become his friends and offer their support during the tough times, helping him face the complex environment of the hospital.
Shi On’s journey is a test of his resilience and determination. While his medical skills make him a great candidate for a pediatrician, he must overcome systemic bias and discrimination in the hospital. The support of his friends and his unwavering dedication to his patients drive him forward. The question remains whether he can continue to fight against the prejudices he faces or if the constant struggle will lead him to give up his dream.
- Episodes: 20
- Cast: Joo Won, Moon Chae Won, Joo Sang Wook, Kim Min Se, Ha Kyu Won
- Where To Watch: Netflix, Viki, Kocowa
9. Doctor Slump
During his school days, Yeo Jeong Woo was always at the top of his class, excelling in academics and attending the best medical school in the country. Now, as a popular plastic surgeon, his life seems to be going perfectly. However, everything changes due to a mysterious medical accident that pushes his life to the brink. It is during this difficult time that he meets Nam Ha Neul, a former rival from his past, at the lowest point in his life.
Nam Ha Neul is an anesthesiologist who was often called a genius while growing up due to her exceptional intelligence. She dedicated herself to her studies and eventually became a doctor, but her life has been dominated by work and academics, leaving no room for enjoyment or personal fulfillment.
One day, she realizes that despite her professional success, she is unhappy and yearns for a change. It is then that she encounters Jeong Woo, who is also going through a tough time.
As Jeong Woo and Ha Neul cross paths during their respective struggles, they find comfort and support in each other. Their shared experiences and the challenges they face together help them form a strong bond.
This connection gradually blossoms into a romantic relationship, bringing new hope and happiness into their lives. Through their journey together, they learn to balance their demanding careers with their personal lives, finding joy and fulfillment along the way.
- Episodes: 16
- Cast: Park Hyung Sik, Park Shin Hye, Yoon Park, Kong Seong Ha
- Where To Watch: Netflix, TVING
10. Doctor Cha
Cha Jung Sook is married to Seo In Ho, who’s a top surgeon at a big hospital. He’s strict and really focused on his job. Cha Jung Sook, on the other hand, has been a full-time housewife for 20 years, giving up her dream of being a doctor long ago. But now, she’s decided to start her medical training all over again.
It’s a big change for her after so many years away from medicine. She’s excited but also nervous about going back to school. For Jung Sook, this is a chance to pursue her passion for helping others and being a part of the medical world once more.
With the support of her family and her determination to succeed, Jung Sook goes into her medical residency. It’s a journey of rediscovery as she faces the challenges of balancing her studies with her family life and reigniting her love for medicine.
- Episodes: 16
- Cast: Uhm Jung Hwa, Kim Byung Chul, Myung Se Bin, Min Woo Hyuk
- Where To Watch: Netflix
11. Ghost Doctor
Cha Young Min is a genius surgeon known for his exceptional skills in the operating room. However, his brilliance is overshadowed by his arrogance and selfishness. Young Min is focused solely on his career and has little regard for the personal stories or struggles of his patients. He believes that his talent alone makes him superior and distances himself emotionally from those he treats.
One day, Young Min gets involved in a serious accident that changes everything. As a result of the accident, his spirit ends up possessing the body of another doctor named Seung Tak. Unlike Young Min, Seung Tak is the luckiest and richest resident doctor, coming from a privileged background.
His grandfather founded Eunsang Hospital, and his mother is the hospital’s chairman. Despite his advantages, Seung Tak never aspired to be a dedicated doctor and lacked the drive and passion for the medical profession.
The two doctors are complete opposites in every way. While Young Min is arrogant and career-driven, Seung Tak is laid-back and uninterested in the demands of being a good doctor. This unexpected possession forces them to work together, blending Young Min’s medical expertise with Seung Tak’s privileged background. As they deal with this strange situation, both doctors learn valuable lessons about humility, empathy, and the true meaning of being a healer.
- Episodes: 16
- Cast: Rain, Kim Bum, Uee, Son Na Eun
- Where To Watch: Viki, Netflix, TVING
12. Daily Dose of Sunshine
Jung Da Eun starts a new job as a nurse in the neuropsychiatry department after being transferred from internal medicine. Everything feels difficult and strange for her in this new environment, but she gives her best to care for the patients. With guidance from Chief Nurse Song Hyo Jin, Jung Da Eun learns and grows in her role, gradually becoming more confident in her abilities.
Dong Go Yoon, a doctor specializing in proctology, notices Jung Da Eun’s sincerity and kindness. He finds himself smiling more often when she’s around and feels comforted by her presence. Despite their different roles in the hospital, Dong Go Yoon begins to develop feelings for Jung Da Eun as he witnesses her compassion and dedication to her work.
Jung Da Eun also shares a close friendship with Song Yoo Chan, who appears cheerful on the outside but hides inner pain. Despite his bright demeanor, Song Yoo Chan carries burdens that he keeps hidden from others. As their stories intertwine within the hospital’s walls, each character faces personal challenges and finds support and understanding in unexpected places.
- Episodes: 12
- Cast: Park Bo Young, Yeon Woo Jin, Jang Dong Yoon, Lee Jung Eun
- Where To Watch: Netflix
13. Doctor John
Doctor John is a medical drama that focuses on pain management specialists. The show presents a unique perspective by treating the doctors’ quest to find the source of their patients’ mysterious pain like a thrilling detective story. Each case becomes an exciting journey to find out hidden medical truths, drawing viewers into the suspense and challenges of pain diagnosis and treatment.
Cha Yo Han is a brilliant anesthesiologist and the youngest professor at his medical institution. He is famously known as “10 Seconds” because of his extraordinary ability to diagnose patients within the first 10 seconds of their consultation. His sharp mind and quick assessments make him a standout figure in the medical field, charming both his colleagues and patients with his exceptional skills.
Kang Shi Young is another highly skilled anesthesiologist who consistently ranked at the top of her class in medical school. She inherited her calm and logical approach from her mother and her compassionate and caring nature from her father. These qualities make her an excellent doctor who is both attentive and warm in her interactions with patients. Together, Cha Yo Han and Kang Shi Young deal with the challenges of pain management, combining their talents to solve medical mysteries and provide relief to their suffering patients.
- Episodes: 32
- Cast: Ji Sung, Lee Se Young, Lee Kyu Hyung, Hwang Hee
- Where To Watch: Viki, Netflix, Apple TV
14. If You Wish Upon Me
Yoon Kyeo Re’s life has been filled with suffering since childhood, enduring abuse and hardship in an orphanage and later in a juvenile detention center. As an adult, he continues to face struggles, eventually leading to a prison sentence. With beatings and despair as his constant companions, he feels like he’s reached the end of the line, facing an uncertain future.
However, everything changes when a court orders him to fulfill his community service at an end-of-life care facility for the terminally ill. Here, he encounters Kang Tae Shik, a dedicated leader of the volunteer team known as Team Genie. Kang Tae Shik is passionate about fulfilling the final wishes of the patients, no matter how big or small. Alongside him is Seo Yeon Joo, a compassionate nurse who refuses to give up on her patients, striving to keep them engaged and active until their last moments.
As Yoon Kyeo Re immerses himself in the work of the facility, he begins to witness acts of kindness and compassion that he has never experienced before. The selflessness of Kang Tae Shik and Seo Yeon Joo, along with the opportunity to bring comfort to those facing the end of their lives, sparks a glimmer of hope in Yoon Kyeo Re’s heart.
- Episodes: 16
- Cast: Ji Chang Wook, Chi Soo Young, Sung Dong Il
- Where To Watch: Wavve, Viki, Hulu
15. A Beautiful Mind
Lee Yeong Oh, a brilliant neurosurgeon returning to Korea after completing his studies abroad, joins his father, Lee Gun Myung, at Hyunsung Hospital, where his father heads the cardio-cerebrovascular center. Despite his exceptional medical skills, Yeong Oh struggles with empathy due to his antisocial personality disorder, making it difficult for him to connect with patients on an emotional level.
When traffic policewoman Gye Jin Sung witnesses a murder disguised as a traffic accident, she rushes the victim to Hyunsung Hospital, where her crush, Surgeon Hyun Suk Joo, and Yeong Oh are tasked with saving him.
Tragically, the patient dies during surgery, leading Jin Sung to suspect foul play, particularly from Surgeon Yeong Oh. Meanwhile, a series of mysterious patient deaths grips the hospital, prompting Yeong Oh to launch his investigation into the disturbing occurrences.
As Jin Sung goes deeper into her suspicions about Yeong Oh, and Yeong Oh investigates the unusual deaths plaguing the hospital, their paths become intertwined. Despite their initial distrust, they must work together to find out the truth behind the sinister events happening at Hyunsung Hospital, setting the stage for a thrilling medical mystery that challenges their beliefs and perceptions.
- Episodes: 14
- Cast: Jang Hyuk, Park So Dam, Yoon Hyun Min
- Where To Watch: Viki, Kocowa
16. Chocolate
Lee Kang, a neurosurgeon, had always harbored a dream of becoming a chef. In contrast, Moon Cha Young’s passion for cooking was ignited when she met Lee Kang as a child at a small seaside restaurant. Lee Kang’s culinary skills left a lasting impression on Cha Young, inspiring her to pursue a career as a renowned chef in adulthood.
Years later, fate brings Lee Kang and Cha Young together once again, this time at a hospice ward. Despite their divergent paths, they find common ground in their shared love for cooking. Working side by side, they prepare meals for the patients, using food as a means to provide comfort and solace to those in need.
As they collaborate in the kitchen, Lee Kang and Cha Young not only nourish the bodies of the patients but also begin to heal their own emotional wounds. Through the act of cooking and sharing meals, they go on a journey of self-discovery, finding redemption and fulfillment in each other’s company.
- Episodes: 16
- Cast: Yoon Hye Sang, Ha Ji Won, Jang Seung Jo, Min Jin Woong
- Where To Watch: Netflix
17. Live Up To Your Name
Heo Im, born into a concubine family during the Joseon era, possesses remarkable medical talents. Despite his skills, he faces frustration in his career due to societal barriers and is unable to advance in the government ranks because of his background. However, his life takes a drastic turn when he accidentally travels through time, finding himself in modern Seoul four centuries into the future.
In modern Seoul, Heo Im encounters Yeon Gyung, a contemporary doctor. Initially, Yeon Gyung regards him as peculiar, and she seeks to rid herself of Heo Im. However, their fates become intertwined when they inadvertently travel back to the Joseon era together. Despite their differences and initial misunderstandings, they find themselves dealing with the challenges of the past side by side.
As Heo Im and Yeon Gyung journey back to Joseon, they must confront not only the issues of the era but also their own preconceptions and biases. Together, they go on an unexpected adventure, forging an unlikely bond as they face the challenges of time travel and the opinions of their respective worlds.
- Episodes: 16
- Cast: Kim Nam Gil, Kim Ah Joong
- Where To Watch: Netflix
18. Yongpal
Kim Tae Hyeon, a skilled surgeon, faces financial strain as he endeavors to cover his sister’s medical expenses. To generate income, he assumes the alias Yong Pal, clandestinely providing medical aid to individuals who cannot seek treatment openly due to their connections to organized crime or corrupt elites. Engaging with dangerous underworld figures, Tae Hyeon faces a precarious path to fulfill his dual roles as a healer and a provider.
During one such clandestine operation, Tae Hyeon encounters Han Yeo Jin, a wealthy heiress who lies comatose under suspicious circumstances. Acting on his principles as a doctor, Tae Hyeon intervenes to save Yeo Jin, inadvertently entangling himself in a web of intrigue and perilous consequences. This impulsive act sets off a chain of events that will alter the course of both their lives in unforeseen ways.
As Tae Hyeon and Yeo Jin deal with the aftermath of their unexpected encounter, they find themselves drawn together by circumstances beyond their control. Bound by a shared desire for survival and justice, they form an unlikely partnership, going on a journey filled with danger, deception, and the promise of redemption.
- Episodes: 18
- Cast: Joo Won, Kim Tae Hee, Jo Hyun Jae
- Where To Watch: Viki, Netflix, SBS, Kocowa
19. Doctor Prisoner
Doctor Prisoner revolves around a talented doctor working in an emergency care center at a university hospital. Known for his dedication and unbiased treatment of patients, he finds himself embroiled in controversy when a medical malpractice incident instigated by the hospital’s board director leads to the suspension of his medical license. Determined to seek justice, he obtains a certificate as a medical internist and takes on a new role at a prison facility.
At the prison, the doctor devises a strategic plan to ingratiate himself with influential inmates, including business magnates, celebrities entangled in drug scandals, and sports figures implicated in gambling activities.
By building partnerships with these high-profile individuals, he aims to exact revenge on the hospital administration responsible for his downfall. His scheme involves displacing the current chief doctor at the prison to assume the position himself, granting him the authority and resources needed to pursue his vendetta.
As the doctor deals with the complex hierarchy and clandestine dynamics within the prison, he faces numerous challenges and obstacles in his quest for retribution. Despite the risks and uncertainties, he remains steadfast in his determination to expose the truth behind his suspension and restore his reputation as a respected medical professional.
- Episodes: 32
- Cast: Namkoong Min, Kwon Na Ra, Kim Byung Chul, Choi Won Young
- Where To Watch: Netflix, Apple TV, Viki, Kocowa
20. A Poem A Day
In this series, the focus is on the diverse lives of the individuals who form the backbone of the hospital’s workforce. From physical therapists to rehabilitation specialists, radiologists to nurses, and medical trainees, each person plays a vital role in the complex ecosystem of healthcare delivery. Their stories shed light on the challenges and triumphs experienced by those who dedicate their lives to healing others.
Ye Jae Wook emerges as a central figure, balancing his role as a physical therapist with teaching responsibilities. As he assumes the position of team leader at the hospital, he deals with the challenges of leadership while striving to make a positive impact on his patients’ lives.
Meanwhile, Woo Bo Young’s journey reflects the aspirations and struggles of many who pursue careers in healthcare. Despite her initial dream of becoming a poet, Bo Young’s dedication to her family leads her to pursue a career as a physical therapist, where she brings compassion and skill to her work.
On the other hand, Shin Min Ho’s story highlights the pressures and expectations placed on individuals by their families and society. Despite lacking interest in physical therapy, Min Ho finds himself pursuing the field due to his parent’s influence and his academic limitations. As he deals with his own ambitions and desires, Min Ho’s journey underscores the complex interplay between personal aspirations and external expectations in the pursuit of a medical career.
- Episodes: 16
- Cast: Lee Yoo Bi, Lee Joon Hyuk, Jang Dong Yoon
- Where To Watch: Apple TV, Prime Video
21. Angel Eyes
Park Dong Joo, a smart and caring teenager, faces adversity after losing his father. He works hard to support his family, crossing paths with Yoon Soo Wan, a blind girl, during his early morning jobs. Despite their connection, their families’ pasts force them apart, leaving their love unfulfilled.
Twelve years later, Dong Joo returns as a skilled surgeon, hoping to reconnect with Soo Wan. However, she has undergone a life-changing surgery, restoring her sight but erasing her memories of him. Now, Dong Joo must face the challenges of their changed circumstances and the obstacles that still stand in their way.
As Dong Joo and Soo Wan grapple with their past and present, they must confront their unresolved emotions and the challenges that kept them apart.
- Episodes: 200
- Cast: Gu Hye Seon, Lee Sang Yoon, Kim Ji Suk
- Where To Watch: SBS World, Viki, Kocowa
22. Jewel In The Palace
In ancient Korea, during the Chosun Dynasty, society was deeply rooted in hierarchy and male dominance. Despite these rigid social structures, the remarkable true story of Jang Geum, a legendary girl, unfolds. Born into poverty and facing discrimination as a low-class girl, Jang Geum defies societal norms and goes on a journey of resilience and determination.
Initially working as a royal cook, Jang Geum’s unwavering determination and exceptional skills catch the attention of the royal court. Overcoming numerous obstacles and challenges, she rises through the ranks to become the first woman appointed as the supreme royal physician. Her ascent to this prestigious position marks a significant triumph over the prevailing gender and class barriers of her time.
As Jang Geum faces the challenges of palace intrigue and societal expectations, her story becomes a poignant tale of success and struggle. Alongside her professional achievements, the show explores her personal journey, including her experiences of love and heartbreak. Through her resilience and courage, Jang Geum leaves an indelible mark on history, earning the esteemed title of “The Great Jang Geum” from the king himself.
- Episodes: 54
- Cast: Lee Young Ae, Ji Jin Hee, Hong Ri Na, Im Ho
- Where To Watch: Viki, Kocowa
23. Hospital Ship
When army doctors board a hospital ship, they enter a world where medical care meets the open sea, serving remote island communities. However, their motivations aren’t purely altruistic. Among them is Eun Jae, a precise and reserved surgeon whose career hit a snag, and Kwak Hyun, an army doctor volunteering for the floating hospital. Alongside them is Jae Geol, an oriental medicine practitioner reluctantly assigned to the ship.
Thrown together by circumstance, this diverse group of doctors faces the challenges of practicing medicine at sea. Despite their advanced skills honed through years of study, they grapple with personal setbacks and emotional emptiness. In their thirties, they’re no longer young, yet they’re still searching for meaning and fulfillment in their professional and personal lives.
As they deal with the issues of the hospital ship, these doctors go on a journey of self-discovery and redemption. It’s a story of resilience and growth as they learn to embrace compassion and reconnect with their humanity. Through their experiences in the floating hospital, they find new purpose and forge bonds that transcend the confines of their past setbacks.
- Episodes: 40
- Cast: Ha Ji Won, Kang Min Hyuk, Lee Seo Won
- Where To Watch: Netflix, Kocowa
24. Partners For Justice
Baek Beom has spent a decade as a forensic doctor, mastering his craft with precision and skill. Despite his expertise, he keeps to himself and struggles to connect with others on a personal level. In contrast, Eun Sol is a newly minted prosecutor known for her cheerful demeanor and hails from a privileged background. Despite their differences, fate brings them together to tackle a daunting challenge.
When a series of heinous crimes rocks their community, the mismatched duo finds themselves thrust into an unlikely partnership. As a forensic scientist with a prickly personality and a compassionate prosecutor, they must set aside their differences and work together to track down a cunning serial killer. Their collaboration tests their limits and forces them to confront their own biases and preconceptions.
Amidst the high-stakes investigation, Baek Beom and Eun Sol go on a journey that transcends professional boundaries. As they go deeper into the case, they uncover hidden truths and forge an unexpected bond. Together, they face the challenges of the criminal underworld, determined to bring justice to the victims and closure to their community.
- Episodes: 32
- Cast: Jung Jae Young, Jung Yoo Mi, Park Eun Seok
- Where To Watch: Apple TV, Kocowa
25. Life
In this series, the hospital is portrayed as a battleground where power dynamics play out in complex and sometimes sinister ways. While doctors possess the ability to heal and save lives, they are also subject to the whims of the hospital board, whose decisions can have life-altering consequences. Despite the noble mission of promoting public health, personal agendas, and vendettas often take precedence over patient care and professional ethics.
Within the hospital’s walls, conflicting interests and egos collide, creating an environment fraught with tension and intrigue. The struggle for power between doctors and administrators underscores the precarious balance of authority within the institution. As individuals jockey for position and influence, the lines between right and wrong blur, exposing the darker underbelly of the medical profession.
Despite its noble purpose, the hospital becomes a symbol of corruption and abuse of power, where personal vendettas and hidden agendas drive the actions of those who walk its halls. In this high-stakes environment, the battle for control extends far beyond medical expertise, revealing the inherent flaws and vulnerabilities of an institution tasked with safeguarding public health.
- Episodes: 16
- Cast: Lee Dong Wook, Cho Seung Woo, Won Jin Ah, Lee Kyu Hyung, Yoo Jae Myung
- Where To Watch: Viki, Netflix