Doctors, also known as Doctor Crush, which premiered in June 2016, is a Korean drama series that blends medical drama, redemption arc, and slow-burn romance into a compelling 20-episode package.
The series achieved peak ratings of 26.6% in South Korea and garnered international acclaim on platforms such as Netflix and Viki.
But is it worth your binge time in 2025? Let’s break it down
Doctors Plot
Doctors tells the story of Yoo Hye-jung, played by Park Shin-hye, a tough, delinquent high school girl scarred by childhood trauma and family loss who finds herself on the wrong path and struggles with authority figures.
Her life transforms when she encounters Hong Ji-hong, played by Kim Rae-won, a compassionate teacher who sees her potential and guides her toward a better future.
Flash forward 13 years, and Hye-jung is now a skilled neurosurgeon at a prestigious hospital, reuniting with Ji-hong, her former mentor-turned-colleague as a neurologist.
Amid hospital politics, revenge plots tied to her grandmother’s mysterious death, and rivalries including jealous intern Jin Seo-woo, played by Lee Sung-kyung, Hye-jung confronts her past while navigating love and ethics.
The series alternates between high school flashbacks and adult hospital drama, emphasising themes of healing, personal, and professional.
Doctors production and direction
Doctors, directed by Oh Choong-hwan and written by Ha Myung-hee, benefits from crisp cinematography, well-paced storytelling, and realistic hospital settings.
The series balances emotional drama with medical suspense, keeping viewers invested in both the characters’ personal and professional arcs.
Its soundtrack complements the narrative well, with poignant tracks underscoring emotional and romantic moments.
What Makes It Binge-Worthy
Park Shin-hye shines in dual roles as a fiery teen rebel and a poised surgeon, earning praise for her emotional range.
Kim Rae-won’s understated charm as the patient mentor/lover creates irresistible chemistry.
Medical scenes feel authentic, with real-life inspirations like ethical dilemmas and hospital hierarchies, appealing to Grey’s Anatomy lovers.
Pacing ramps up post-episode 4, balancing romance, revenge thriller elements, and feel-good moments.
What fans said about the series
While some Korean drama lovers enjoyed the series, others had a different opinion.
“I think there was enough I liked about the show to get past my ickiness about the student-teacher thing,”a user stated on Reddit.
“I’ve watched this 3 times over the last month, and really liked it. I think the student teacher thing is a realistic take on the actual thing that is happening in society, where it is not uncommon to see students showing affection towards their teacher,” another user stated.
“Let’s not forget that they included lines which indicate the illegality of adult courting with a student, or when SoRyui confesses her feelings to Hong and asks him to wait for her for a few more years, and of course, the whole plot of getting Hong and HuiChang expelled from the school.”