Must-Watch Korean Medical Dramas! From Past Hits to Upcoming Series

As Korean drama content becomes increasingly diverse, many series delight viewers and move their hearts. Medical dramas, in particular, make audiences laugh and cry by focusing on various incidents that occur in hospitals.

Join Gangnam Smile Eye Clinic as we explore both past dramas that delivered immense fun and emotion, and new medical dramas set to air in 2020!

1. White Tower

‘White Tower’ is a weekend special drama that aired in 2007 and is considered Korea's first medical drama.

Based on Toyoko Yamasaki's novel, this drama, produced in Korea, deals with events that unfold in a university hospital.

However, unlike typical portrayals of doctors fiercely fighting for patients' lives, the story primarily focuses on the business relationships within the hospital.

Experience the intense struggles of university hospital doctors fighting for survival within the hospital, and the chilling performances of its acclaimed actors.

2. Golden Time

‘Golden Time’ is a medical drama from 2012 set in a trauma surgery department, focusing on the stories of patients and doctors without a love line.

It received critical acclaim for its realistic portrayal of the reality of trauma surgery in South Korea.

True to its title, ‘Golden Time,’ which refers to the limited time available to save a patient's life at a critical juncture, the drama realistically recreated urgent hospital situations.

This medical drama not only covered intense hospital stories but also shared the aftermath of patients who underwent surgery and were discharged, leaving viewers with a warm feeling until the very end.

3. Good Doctor

‘Good Doctor,’ which aired in 2013, is a medical drama set in a university hospital's pediatric surgery department, depicting the struggles and pains of pediatric surgeons.

The protagonist, a first-year resident diagnosed with Level 3 autism and Savant Syndrome, grows throughout the story, raising questions about what constitutes a ‘good doctor’ in terms of professionalism.

The PD's intention to create a drama that all social strata could empathize with, fostering a non-discriminatory social atmosphere between people with and without disabilities, was very well expressed through the journey of a young man with autism overcoming societal prejudice to become a pediatric surgeon.

4. Dr. Romantic 2

Thanks to viewer support, ‘Dr. Romantic 2’ aired this year! Easily surpassing 20% viewership, it continued the ‘Master Kim’ syndrome. It gained immense popularity as a story about true doctors, centered around the eccentric genius doctor ‘Master Kim’ at Doldam Hospital in a rural area, rather than a glamorous university hospital.

The addition of a diligent genius cardiothoracic fellow and a cynical surgical genius fellow enriched the story even further.

Moreover, the immersion was heightened by the fact that the severe trauma patients in the drama were based on real cases.

Immediately after the broadcast of the episode in ‘Dr. Romantic 2’ featuring an EMT who chose organ donation, ‘organ donation application’ became the number one search term on online portal sites.

‘Dr. Romantic 2,’ a drama that aimed to convey the sanctity, meaning, and importance of life to viewers through various cases of hospital trauma patients, is a medical drama that will be long remembered in the hearts of viewers.

5. Hospital Playlist

‘Hospital Playlist,’ which began airing in March of this year, has generated great anticipation even before its broadcast, with the release of its cast and teaser videos.

Set in a hospital, the drama tells the story of five friends who have known each other for 20 years and can understand each other with just a glance.

The director's determination to ‘show how powerful ordinary, small, and simple stories can be’ makes this the most anticipated drama of the first half of this year.

We've looked at some of the most popular dramas in Korea and upcoming highly anticipated works. We extend our applause to the production teams who worked hard to create these moving and entertaining dramas, as well as to the many medical professionals and hospital staff in Korea.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the first Korean medical drama?

The first Korean medical drama is ‘White Tower,’ which aired in 2007. Based on Toyoko Yamasaki's novel, it primarily deals with the fierce struggles of doctors for survival and business relationships within a university hospital.

What is the content of the drama ‘Golden Time’?

‘Golden Time’ is a medical drama from 2012 set in a trauma surgery department. It focuses on the stories of patients and doctors without a love line and received critical acclaim for its realistic portrayal of the reality of trauma surgery in South Korea.

What kind of character is the protagonist of ‘Good Doctor’?

The protagonist of ‘Good Doctor’ is a first-year resident diagnosed with Level 3 autism and Savant Syndrome. The drama shows his journey of overcoming societal prejudice and growing into a pediatric surgeon.

What hospital is ‘Dr. Romantic 2’ set in?

‘Dr. Romantic 2’ is set in Doldam Hospital, a rural hospital, rather than a glamorous university hospital. It gained immense popularity by unfolding the story of true doctors, centered around the eccentric genius doctor ‘Master Kim.’

When did ‘Hospital Playlist’ first air?

‘Hospital Playlist’ first aired in March of the first half of 2020. Set in a hospital, it tells the ordinary and simple stories of five friends who have known each other for 20 years, generating great anticipation even before its broadcast.

What impact did ‘Dr. Romantic 2’ have on viewers?

‘Dr. Romantic 2’ conveyed the sanctity and importance of life, with ‘organ donation application’ becoming the number one search term on online portal sites immediately after the broadcast of the episode featuring an EMT who chose organ donation.