South Korean creators have a unique approach to showmaking that continues to attract millions of global viewers. They would take a subject and wrap it in various genres to create a one-of-a-kind project.
That's why you will rarely find an average 'case of the week' medical show in K-dramaland. The stories led by doctors will always have subplots involving romance, horror or even time travel. But that's exactly what makes binge-watching so thrilling, right?
If you're a fan of a medical genre and in search of something new, check out these seven fan-recommended K-dramas.
Heart Surgeons (2018)
IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
Where to stream: Viki, Plex
The show revolves around the residents of the thoracic surgery department of a hospital. The protagonist is a fellow in the department and desperately wants to save his mother who needs a heart transplant. When a new resident joins the team, drama ensues.
Ghost Doctor (2022)
IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
Where to stream: Netflix, Viki, iQIYI, TVING
A bizarre incident leaves a top surgeon possessing the body of a first-year resident. The two are total opposites in everything, including their approach to work. While the surgeon is skilled and arrogant, the resident is a rich heir and has excellent theoretical medical knowledge, but is afraid to perform surgery.
Good Doctor (2013)
IMDb Rating: 8.0/10
Where to stream: Netflix, Viki, iQIYI, TVING
If you love the Freddie Highmore-led American series, you need to check out the show that inspired it, as well as a few other foreign dramas. Park Si-on is a savant on the autism spectrum with a dream of becoming a pediatrician. Of course, his path to success is not an easy one and is filled with societal discrimination.
Doctor John (2019)
IMDb Rating: 8.0/10
Where to stream: Viki, Kocowa, SBS World
In addition to being a medical drama, Doctor John is also something of a mystery. Gifted anesthesiologist Cha Yo-han and second-year resident Kang Shi-young 'investigate' their patients' cases and find the cause of their acute or chronic pain.
Live Up To Your Name (2017)
IMDb Rating: 8.0/10
Where to stream: Netflix, Plex
This show has a surprising fantasy twist for a medical drama. A talented traditional acupuncturist from the Joseon era travels to the present day, where he meets a female surgeon and begins an unlikely relationship through space and time.
Dr. Romantic (2016-2023)
IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
Where to stream: Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Viki, Kocowa, Wavve
Once the country's top surgeon, Boo Yong-joo suddenly changes his name and disappears from the spotlight. Now he works in a small town hospital, where his main solace is being a mentor to the young doctors working beside him. The first season received such favorable reviews that the show was renewed for two more chapters.
Hospital Playlist (2020-2021)
IMDb Rating: 8.8/10
Where to stream: Netflix
The two-season show centers on a group of five forty-something doctors who have been friends forever and are lucky enough to work at the same hospital. Their workdays are spiced up by their shared passion: a hilariously lousy garage band.