Medical kdramas are of the most favourite genres of Korean shows as it portrays a wide variety of emotions and thrillers that fascinate the audience and gives an insight into the medical work culture.
1. Doctor Stranger
Casting Lee Jong-Suk, Kang So-Ra, and Jin Se-Yeon as the main leads. The storyline is based in North Korea as Lee Jong-suk and his father, a surgeon, are stuck in the north after his father performs surgery on one of the leaders in North Korea. As the story progresses, Lee Jong Suk is trained by his father to become a doctor. While living in North Korea, he meets Jin Se-Yeon and falls in love with her. After his father and his lover's death, with whom he plans to escape the country, he finally reaches South Korea. In South Korea, he joins a prestigious hospital. This drama portrays various medical procedures, heart surgeries, brain surgeries, organ transplants, and his struggle to manage his work with the political tension between the two nations.
2. Descendants Of The Sun
Though this KDRAMA is one of the most romantic and most liked kdrama worldwide, it also depicts the critical role played by medical professionals, which goes unnoticed most of the time. Starring Song Joong Ki as Yoo Shi-Jin, Captain of the Special Forces of South Korea and Song Hye Kyo as Kang Mo- Yeon, a doctor. This show depicts doctors' various situations in a war-like case or a natural calamity. The show also highlights the importance of cooperation, understanding, and communication between medical staff and army personnel. Although the medical aspect is not the main focus of this show, it has become an essential part of the show as it clearly shows all the medical procedures and surgeries.
3. Hospital Playlist
This Korean series revolves around five doctors who are colleagues and good friends at the university hospital. This drama is different from others as it focuses mainly on the medical aspect, as the cases depicted in the series show how it affects the doctor's personality. Hospital Playlist also portrays doctors' daily challenges and how they affect their personal lives. This show is much more realistic from the medical aspect and beyond their roles as life saviours.
4. Ghost Doctor
This drama has an exciting take as the leading skilled surgeon is involved in an accident and is in a coma while his spirit roams in the hospital, observing the patients and doctors. With the help of a resident who can see ghosts, he assists in operations and helps in diagnosing the cases. With its talented cast and unique storyline, this show is a must-watch for medical drama enthusiasts.
5. Life
This show revolves around the unseen side of the medical profession: the power struggles and ethical problems faced by doctors and administration at a university hospital in South Korea. Life shows the practical side of medical work and the ethical challenges in a hospital. The show highlights the importance of balancing the hospital's profits and patients' well-being.
6. Good Doctor
This medical drama series revolves around a young and brilliant autistic doctor who begins his residency at a well-renowned hospital but faces discrimination from his colleagues due to his condition. Nevertheless, with his prodigy mind and exceptional memorising skills, he proves his worth and gains everyone's respect in the hospital. This series deals with how different people can pursue careers like others usually do and also admirably unfolds medical cases. This show was later adapted into an American series.
7. Heart Surgeons
This series is based on the lives of cardiologists and presents the severe cases they handled. The story revolves around two heart surgeons competing for the post of Chief of cardiothoracic surgery. Though they have very different personalities and ways of working, what is admired the most is how they coordinate with each other in situations. With its complex and robust plots, this show is a must-watch for medical drama fans.
8. D-Day
This Korean medical drama shows the post-scene of an earthquake in Seoul. The series shows the challenges the medical staff faces as they work day and night to save lives. Doctors are prone to make more practical decisions and adapt to the changing and challenging environment. This is also an emotional drama that also gives a thought- provoking look into the world of emergency medicine.
9. Obstetrics And Gynecology Doctors
This very engaging medical drama focuses on the lives and work of obstetrics and gynecology doctors who work in a large hospital. The doctors sail through the complex relationships within their hospital while providing the best care to their patients. This show is fascinating as it shows a different side of women's health without hesitation.
10. Dr. Romantic
This drama features many compelling cases and medical procedures showcasing the skills and expertise of the doctors at Doldam Hospital. Throughout the series, Teacher Kim mentors young doctors, teaching and guiding them with valuable lessons required in the medical profession.
