Top 3 Korean Medical Dramas Based on Keywords

1. Hospital Playlist Series: Life

The "Hospital Playlist" series is a drama that aired in 2020 (Season 1) and 2021 (Season 2). The main characters are five doctors who are college classmates. They specialize in different fields of medicine, but maintain their friendship through their shared band activities. Since the main characters are in a band, there are many scenes of them practicing and performing in the drama. The drama's OST, which was sung by the actors themselves, topped music charts. Many viewers reacted that the drama brought back memories of the late 1990s and early 2000s because it featured cover songs from that era.

Although there are five main characters, the drama balanced their individual stories well. It covered a variety of doctors' stories through their respective fields: obstetrics and gynecology, cardiothoracic surgery, pediatrics, hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery, and neurosurgery. It also didn't neglect the patients' stories. By realistically depicting the experiences of patients and their families, it resonated with a large number of viewers.

The "Hospital Playlist" series can be summed up with one word: 'life.' It delves into the lives of both the doctors and the patients, resonating deeply with viewers. While it is a medical drama, it focuses more on stories about life than medical details. This makes it enjoyable even for those who aren't particularly interested in medical dramas. However, those who primarily want to watch a medical drama or dislike romance elements may find it unsuitable.

Due to the drama's immense popularity, a spin-off, "Resident Playbook," is in production and scheduled to be released in 2024.

You can watch the "Hospital Playlist" series on TVING and Netflix.

2. Dr. Romantic Series: Conviction and Growth

The "Dr. Romantic" series is a medical drama that aired over three seasons from 2016 to 2023. It tells the story of doctors at a small hospital in a rural area called Doldam Hospital. They learn about true conviction and value from a doctor who calls himself 'Kim Sa-bu.' The series effectively portrays the various inner conflicts faced by doctors, such as overcoming trauma, struggling with the conflict between their sense of duty as a doctor and power, and grappling with ethical dilemmas they may face in the field, such as treating an injured criminal, responding to disaster situations, and dealing with the cessation of life support. It prompts viewers to reflect on what values a doctor should prioritize.

Although there are romantic subplots between doctors, they don't dominate the narrative, providing a good balance with the medical aspects. Despite handling heavy themes, the drama doesn't feel overwhelmingly serious. The final epilogue of Season 3 hinted at a possible future season, leading fans of the "Dr. Romantic" series to express anticipation.

You can watch the "Dr. Romantic" series on Wavve, Disney+, and Hulu.

3. Live Up to Your Name: Fusion

“Live Up to Your Name” is a medical drama that incorporates fantasy elements. It tells the story of Heo Im, a Joseon-era traditional Korean medicine doctor, and Choi Yeon-kyung, a modern-day surgeon, who meet in the present day. Heo Im possessed exceptional medical skills, but due to the social hierarchy of Joseon, he was unable to achieve high office. However, he was recommended by the greatest Joseon physician, Heo Jun, to treat the king. Driven by his desire for a high-ranking position, he falters in his abilities, endangering the king. In an attempt to escape, he is injured by an arrow and subsequently time-travels.

The fantasy element of the main character time-traveling after a severe injury offers a unique and enjoyable aspect not found in typical medical dramas. The scenes highlighting the differences between modern medicine and traditional Korean medicine also serve as a unique selling point for the show.

You can watch the Korean drama "Live Up to Your Name" on TVING and Netflix.