A Must-Read Review of the K-Drama Series "Doctor Slump"

The K-drama Doctor Slump has quickly become a hit, captivating audience with its refreshing and realistic approach to romantic comedy.

Here's a deep dive into the series "Doctor Slump."

Doctor Slump is a K-drama that has gained much attention from people of all ages for its approach to discussing mental health issues and burnout while also including hilarious moments between the main leads. According to NME, a well-known British magazine, "While Doctor Slump is no My Liberation Notes, the K-drama is nevertheless an engaging, fast-paced watch, especially if you're a sucker for witty banter and newfound friendships." Doctor Slump provides a new look at what happens after people get their dream job and how life will be okay even if it doesn't always go our way.

Warning: This review contains spoilers.

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The Cast (5/5)

The show stars Park Shin-Hye in the role of Nam Ha-neul, the female protagonist, alongside Park Hyung-Sik, who portrays the main lead and love interest, Yeo Jeong-woo. Shin-Hye is best known for her main role as Cha Eun-sang in The Heirs (2013). The Heirs was a popular show that depicted teens from different social origins reuniting at a high school that only Korea's super-rich attended.

Park Hyung-Sik is famously recognized for his role as the love interest in the hit drama Strong Girl Bong-soon (2017). Strong Girl Bong-soon was a drama that quickly gained viewers' attention due to the female lead's witty personality and her unique dynamic with Hyung-Sik.

The main casting deserves a 5 out of 5 because both actors were excellent picks for their characters.

Summary

In their high school years, Ha-neul and Jeong-woo were rivals who were constantly competing for the top spot at school. Ha-neul's intelligence and, at times, intense dedication threatened Jeong-woo's reputation as the smartest kid in their school. As they grew up, they both became interested in the medical field. Ha-neul became an anesthesiologist, while Jeong-woo became a popular plastic surgeon.

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The Characters (4.5/5)

Park Shin-hye was the perfect person to play Nam Ha-neul. Ha-neul is a complex character who faces many challenges while constantly suppressing her emotions. I feel like Shin-Hye portrayed Ha-neul in a way that made the viewers connect and sympathize with her.

I know that I found myself getting emotional during some of her scenes. Shin-Hye made it easy for viewers to empathize with Ha-neul and continuously root for her during the series.

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Park Hyun-Sik brought Yeo Jeong-woo to life. Park Hyun-Sik first introduced the viewers to an energetic and enthusiastic Jeong-woo. It was interesting to watch as Jeong-woo's personality adjusted to the difficulties he was facing in his life.

I remember when the viewers first watched Jeong-woo emotionally break down, get rid of his happy facade, process his emotions, and learn how to become emotionally vulnerable around others. Jeong-woo is such a relatable and sensitive character that will touch the viewers' hearts.

Photo by 무릎팍타짱 CJH from Wikimedia Commons

Recognizing the fantastic work the other cast members did in bringing their characters to life is important. Some of the other main cast members include Yoon Park as Bin Dae-yeong, Yoong Sang-hyeon as Nam Ba-da, Gong Seong-ha as Lee Hong-ran, Hyun Bong Sik as Kong Tae-seon, and Jang Hye-jin as Kong Wol-seon.

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I gave the characters a 4.5 out of 5 because I felt like the viewers didn't know much about the other supporting characters. I would have liked to learn more about Ha-neul and Jeong-woo's family members and their dynamics.

Storyline and Plot (4/5)

The storyline and pacing of this show are fascinating to watch. In the first episode, the audience watched as Ha-neul got hit by a truck. The rest of that episode explains what led up to that situation.

I thought it was an interesting way to start the show's first episode. The show was sometimes confusing due to the constant flashbacks in each episode. Overall, I liked how the episodes didn't feel as long as they were.

In my opinion, the last couple of episodes of the series were a little weird. They lacked the original feel and excitement they had earlier in the season.

The ending was sweet because Ha-neul and Jeong-woo ended up getting married and fixed their career and mental health issues.

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Writer's Note

Doctor Slump has been added to the list of my favorite K-dramas. The drama provides a deeper, more realistic look into what challenges people could face in life after achieving their goals. As a person with big aspirations for my future, it is reassuring to see that while things may not always go our way, we can find a way to overcome struggles and get back on track.

This drama also teaches and reminds audiences to not be so quick to jump to conclusions about others, they might be struggling with problems that they don't talk about.

Check out “Doctor Slump” on Netflix today!