19 K-drama doctors who stole the show (and saved lives)
Above Dr Yang Jae-won can't deny his mentor's surgical brilliance. (Photo: screencap from 'Trauma Code: Heroes on Call,' Netflix)
Dr Yang Jae-won (Choo Yeong-woo) was a general surgery resident until trauma expert Dr Baek Kang-hyuk saw his potential and took him under his wing. And although Baek's unorthodox methods often leave him frazzled, Yang can't deny his mentor's surgical brilliance. As Baek's reluctant protégé, he gradually comes into his own, growing into a skilled trauma doctor who would make even prickly Dr Baek proud. Dr Lee Ik-joon from 'Hospital Playlist'
Above Resident matchmaker and mischief maker Lee Ik-joon (Photo: tvN)
The assistant professor of general surgery at Yulje Medical Center, Ik-joon is known as the resident matchmaker and mischief maker. Always effortlessly top of his class, his playfulness hides his exceptional surgical skills. Beyond the operating room, his wit, warmth and ability to connect with patients make him a beloved and well-respected doctor at Yulje Medical Centre. Dr Ahn Jeong-won from 'Hospital Playlist'
Above Yulje Medical Centre's 'Buddha' (Photo: tvN)
Paediatric surgeon Ahn Jeong-won's (Yoo Yeon-seok) devotion to his Catholic faith almost made him give up his white coat for a priest's robe. But in the end, his heart chose the right path forward. Nicknamed 'Buddha', he is warm and patient, constantly winning the trust and adoration of not just his young patients but the rest of the medical staff as well.
See also: 5 best Yoo Yeon Seok K-dramas to watch after 'When the Phone Rings' Dr Kim Jun-wan from 'Hospital Playlist'
Above Don't get on his bad side. (Photo: tvN)
Dr Kim Jun-wan (Jung Kyung-ho), thoracic surgeon at Yulje Medical Centre, has a reputation for being surly and brusque. Uncompromising and meticulous, his juniors see him as a terror professor. But beneath his gruff exterior lies a true softy. To his close friends, he can be silly and—unintentionally—funny. Dr Yang Seok-hyung from 'Hospital Playlist'
Above Shy mama's boy Yang Seok-hyung (Photo: tvN)
Yulje Medical Centre's OB-GYN professor Dr Yang Seok-hyung is a quiet homebody and mama's boy who would rather watch his favourite variety shows than socialise. Shy and gentle, it can be hard for his junior to get a read on him, but he always treats his patients with care and sensitivity. The one other thing that he enjoys aside from his job and his shows is band practice with his fellow Yulje doctors. Dr Chae Song-hwa from 'Hospital Playlist'
Above The heart of the 99s (Photo: tvN)
The saying 'all good things come in small packages' perfectly sums up Yulje's top neurosurgeon, Chae Song-hwa. Hardworking to a fault, she is beloved and respected by patients and peers. She's always open for professional—and often personal—consultations. She may be petite, but she also keeps the 99s in line by bossing them around. She also has a legendary appetite rivalled only by Jun-wan's. Dr Oh Yi-young from 'Resident Playbook'
Above Thinking of quitting again? (Photo: tvN)
Oh Yi-young (Go Youn-jung) has no interest in becoming a doctor, or working any job for that matter. But family circumstances and a mounting debt have forced her to return as a first-year resident at Jongno Yulje Medical Centre. Constantly on the verge of quitting a second time, she somehow resists the urge. And although she may not be aware yet, she is gradually becoming a competent and compassionate doctor, despite herself. Pyo Nam-kyung from 'Resident Playbook'
Above Ready for a break (Photo: tvN)
Going from always well put together to constantly dishevelled may not have been on Pyo Nam-kyung's (Shin Shi-A) bingo card when she joined the OB-GYN department at Jongno Yulje Medical Centre, but she quickly learns that a resident's life is far from glamorous. Sleepless nights and demanding patients have left her tired and stressed, but she soldiers on with a surprising amount of grit and determination. Um Jae-il from 'Resident Playbook'
Above One-time K-pop idol (Photo: tvN)
Dr Um Jae-il is always ready to point out his K-pop idol past to anyone who would listen. This first-year resident is bubbly, personable and charming, and a favourite among patients and nurses. He's as eager to please as he is to learn. But while his enthusiasm is endearing, his professors sometimes find his overzealousness a little overwhelming. Still, there's no denying his heart is in the right place.
Don't miss: 7 hidden details in 'When Life Gives You Tangerines' that fans spotted—but you might have missed Kim Sa-Bi from 'Resident Playbook'
Above Academically gifted Kim Sa-bi (Photo: tvN)
Academically gifted, first-year OB-GYN resident Kim Sa-Bi (Han Ye-Ji) is the one you go to if you need literal textbook answers to your medical questions. But when it comes to building rapport with patients, she's still a work in progress. Her preoccupation with being first at everything hasn't won her many fans, but beneath the competitive streak is a young doctor eager to prove herself, both in skill and heart. Dr Jung Se-ok from 'Hyper Knife'
Above Brilliant and unhinged (Photo: Disney+)
Mentored by the great Choi Deok-hee, Dr Jung Se-ok (Park Eun-bin) skills as a neurosurgeon are unparalleled. Unfortunately, she's also disturbingly unhinged and murderous. Brilliant, obsessive and endlessly curious about the workings of the human brain, she walks the fine line between genius and madness.
Don't miss: Park Eun-bin's top 7 roles that prove the K-drama queen's versatility and range Dr Choi Deok-hee from 'Hyper Knife'
Above Unhinged mentor (Photo: IMDb)
If anyone could rival Jung Se-ok's surgical brilliance, it's the man who trained her—Dr Choi Deok-hee (Sol Kyung-gu). Calm, cool and methodical, he is an expert at wielding a scalpel on—and off—the operating table. Because just like Se-ok, Deok-hee hides a dark side. Like mentor, like mentee. Dr Kim Sa-bu from the 'Dr Romantic,' 'Dr Romantic 2,' 'Dr Romantic 3'
Above 'The Hand of God' (Photo: SBS)
Kim Sa-bu (Han Suk-kyu) has been nicknamed 'The Hand of God' for good reason. He is the only doctor in South Korea to be certified in general surgery, cardiac surgery and neurosurgery. Beyond the OR, he is also a legendary mentor, teaching his juniors with tough love and deep compassion, and creating extraordinary doctors out of ordinary ones. Dr Kang Dong-ju from 'Dr Romantic' and 'Dr Romantic 3'
Above Yoo Yeon-seok's first doctor role (Photo: SBS)
Kang Dong-joo (Yoo Yeon-seok) carries a chip on his shoulder and a desperate need to prove himself—which makes him ambitious, cocky, and just a little rebellious. But more than his sharp mind and even sharper surgical skills, it's his emotional growth under Kim Sa-bu's mentorship that transforms him into a true doctor. Dr Yoon Seo-Jung from 'Dr Romantic'
Above Passionate and driven Dr Yoon Seo-jung (Photo: screencap from 'Dr Romantic,' Netflix)
A passionate trauma surgeon with a complicated past, Yoon Seo-jung (Seo Hyun-jin) is driven by guilt, grit and a desperate desire to prove herself. Inspired by her mentor Kim Sa-bu, she strives to earn her cardiothoracic surgery certification and grow into the doctor she always wanted to be. Dr Seo Woo-jin from 'Doctor Romantic 2' and 'Dr Romantic 3'
Above Seo Woo-jin overcomes his troubled past (Photo: SBS)
Under Kim Sa-bu's mentorship, Seo Woo-jin (Ahn Hyo-seop) is finally given the opportunity to hone his raw surgical skill despite his difficult past and unfortunate reputation. Cynical and standoffish at first, Woo-jin slowly begins to lower his guard thanks to his time at Doldam Hospital, under Kim Sa-bu's guidance.
See also: Ahn Hyo-Seop on being perfectly imperfect, his sources of joy, and his most challenging roles Dr Cha Eun-jae from 'Doctor Romantic 2' and 'Dr Romantic 3'
Above Getting past her OR anxiety (Photo: SBS)
Bright and diligent, Cha Eun-jae (Lee Sung-kyung) has what it takes to become an excellent surgeon, if she can only overcome her anxiety at performing surgeries. Thankfully, Kim Sa-bu sees her potential and takes him under his wing, helping her become a compassionate and capable doctor. Dr Park Shi-on from 'Good Doctor'
Above The first ever 'Good Doctor' (Photo: screencap from 'Good Doctor,' Netflix)
Park Shi-on (Joo Won) is a paediatric surgeon with savant syndrome who is blessed with eidetic memory but struggles with social cues. Often misunderstood and underestimated, he overcomes harsh work discrimination by showcasing his brilliant skills and unwavering dedication.
NOW READ
Unforgettable chart-topping songs from K-drama OSTs—and why we still can't stop listening to them
9 of the most memorable K-drama weddings
Meet the future of K-drama: 5 breakout actors you need to know
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Tatler Asia
04-07-2025
- Tatler Asia
Desserts and traditions: 10 fascinating sweet rituals in Asia
2. Kakanin (Philippines) Derived from the word 'kanin', the Tagalog word for rice, kakanin is the Philippines's umbrella term for sticky rice-based desserts (or snacks, depending on what type of day you enjoy it). Each piece is a showcase of colour and texture: the indigo sheen of puto bumbong, the layered jewel tones of sapin-sapin or the rustic caramelised top of bibingka. Rooted in community and often tied to Catholic traditions like Simbang Gabi, kakanin is as much about ritual as it is about taste. For heritage versions, Via Mare in Manila remains a staple, while Wildflour and other modern bakeries offer reimagined takes for the next generation of dessert lovers. See more: Grain of nostalgia: Honouring kakanin across the Philippines 3. Luk chup (Thailand) A legacy of the Thai royal kitchens, luk chup is where desserts become miniature sculptures. Mung bean paste is carefully moulded and hand-painted to resemble hyper-realistic fruits and vegetables, then glazed for shine. A symbol of culinary sophistication and status, these tiny works of art were once reserved for aristocratic tables. Today, you'll find them displayed with pride at Bangkok's Or Tor Kor Market or reinterpreted at Baan Khanitha Thai Dessert Café, where artisans continue the painstaking tradition. 4. Kuih (Malaysia and Singapore) More than just sweets, kuih (or kueh) embodies a tapestry of Southeast Asian culinary history, with influences from Malay, Peranakan and Chinese cultures. Bite-sized and often steamed or baked, kuih comes in vibrant hues and playful textures: layered kuih lapis, molten-centred onde-onde or coconut-studded kuih talam. Essential to tea time, religious festivities and family milestones, kuih is both daily comfort and ceremonial showstopper. 5. Banh da lon (Vietnam) Translating cheekily to 'pig skin cake' thanks to its chewy, elastic texture, banh da lon is a Vietnamese steamed layer cake made with mung bean, pandan and rice flour. The green and yellow layers, translucent and glistening, speak of good luck and harmony, making the dessert a fixture at family celebrations and ancestral offerings. Street vendors across Vietnam sell banh da lon in humble plastic trays. 6. Khao niew moon (Thailand and Laos) Above A modern interpretation of mango sticky rice (Photo: Michala Li / Unsplash) Sticky rice never looked this elegant. Khao niew moon, with its coconut-sweetened grains, is often paired with ripe mango (as in Thailand's iconic mango sticky rice) or lush durian. Its lustrous finish, thanks to a generous drizzle of coconut cream and a scatter of toasted mung beans, makes it as photogenic as it is filling. Beyond tourist dessert lists, khao niew moon holds deep cultural weight, marking new year celebrations like Songkran and Pi Mai Lao. 7. Mont lone yay baw (Myanmar) A playful, almost participatory dessert, mont lone yay baw are glutinous rice balls stuffed with palm sugar, boiled until they float, then rolled in shredded coconut. Traditionally made during Thingyan, the Burmese New Year water festival, they're as much about the making as the eating. Friends and family gather to roll the dough, sometimes mischievously slipping in one chilli-filled dumpling for comic effect. Look for them at neighbourhood celebrations in Yangon or in local eateries, where traditional desserts still hold space on the menu. 8. Num ansom (Cambodia) Above Num ansom (Photo: Dion Hinchcliffe / Wikimedia Commons) One of Cambodia's most symbolically charged desserts, num ansom is a sticky rice cake often filled with mung beans or pork belly, wrapped in banana leaves and steamed until firm. Traditionally prepared for Pchum Ben (Ancestor's Day) and Khmer New Year, the cylindrical shape and intricate wrapping techniques speak to themes of continuity and familial bonds. While homemade versions are common, markets like Phsar Chas in Siem Reap sell ready-to-eat bundles for travellers curious to taste Cambodian festive sweets. 9. Mango pomelo sago (Hong Kong) Above The original mango pomelo sago (Photo: Blowing Puffer Fish / Wikimedia Commons) Born in the late 1980s at the Hong Kong fine-dining institution Lei Garden, Mango Pomelo Sago is arguably one of the city's most famous modern dessert exports. Originally created by the restaurant's culinary team as a refreshing finale for Cantonese banquets, the dessert blends fresh mango purée, pomelo sacs, chewy sago pearls and coconut milk into a bright, creamy bowl of tropical flavours. It's since become a staple in dessert shops across Hong Kong and beyond. 10. Wagashi (Japan) Above Wagashi (Photo: Vicky Ng / Pexels) Japan's approach to dessert is as much about aesthetics and seasonality as it is about taste. Wagashi, the umbrella term for traditional Japanese sweets, are often crafted to reflect the time of year—think cherry blossom-shaped sakura mochi in spring or autumn leaf-themed nerikiri in fall. Made from ingredients like sweetened red bean paste, glutinous rice and agar jelly, these confections are delicate, intricate and meant to be enjoyed alongside a cup of matcha. Beyond the visual appeal, each wagashi carries poetic symbolism tied to Japanese nature and philosophy. For a taste of tradition, head to Toraya in Tokyo or Kyoto, a centuries-old wagashi maker still revered for its meticulous craftsmanship. See more: 5 places to cool down with Japanese shaved ice desserts
Tatler Asia
01-07-2025
- Tatler Asia
8 Korean shows remade from Taiwanese and Chinese dramas
2. 'Fated to Love You' (2014) This fizzy rom-com starring Jang Hyuk and Jang Na-ra is based on the 2008 Taiwanese hit of the same name. Both follow a meek office worker who accidentally spends the night with a wealthy, soon-to-be-married chaebol heir, only to find herself pregnant. The Korean version amps the emotion and family drama while toning down some of the sillier elements of the original. The K-version became a beloved reinterpretation with deeper emotional beats thanks to Jang Hyuk's eccentric charm and Jang Na-ra's tearful grit. 3. 'Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo' (2016) Based on the time-travelling Chinese mega-hit Scarlet Heart , this K-drama had all the makings of a phenomenon: Lee Joon-gi, IU and a parade of flower-boy princes in Goryeo-era power struggles. The Korean version swaps Qing Dynasty for Goryeo and heightens the melodrama with trademark emotional intensity. Despite lacklustre domestic ratings, it gained massive international fandom thanks to its gut-wrenching love triangle and tragic ending. Bonus: the OST still haunts hearts. Don't miss: No swords or spells: 10 highly recommended Chinese dramas that aren't wuxia or xianxia 4. 'Boys Over Flowers' (2009) Though technically adapted from the Japanese manga Hana Yori Dango , it was the 2001 Taiwanese Meteor Garden that first brought the story to Asian screens and served as a blueprint for all adaptations. Arguably, it paved the way for the Korean adaptation. The K-drama took the F4 story global with Lee Min-ho as the curly-haired chaebol heir and Ku Hye-sun as the plucky scholarship student. Shinier and more stylised than its predecessors, it launched careers, started fashion trends and turned high school hierarchy into a soap opera of epic proportions. In case you missed it: 5 K-dramas that aged well (and 5 that didn't) 5. 'Mr Queen' (2020-2021) This time-travelling comedy, starring Shin Hye-sun and Kim Jung-hyun, is loosely based on the 2015 Chinese web drama Go Princess Go . Both follow a modern man who suddenly wakes up in the body of a Joseon-era queen. However, the K-version smooths out the raunchy, slapstick edges of the original. What remains is a bold, gender-bending satire with razor-sharp performances and surprisingly heartfelt politics. Mr Queen became one of tvN's highest-rated comedies, proving that a little cross-cultural absurdity goes a long way. Don't miss: 10 timeless Asian period dramas 6. 'A Time Called You' (2023) This time-bending romance starring Ahn Hyo-seop and Jeon Yeo-been is an elegant Korean take on the Taiwanese Someday or One Day (2019). Both narratives begin with yearning—loss of a love—and crescendo into parallel lives. In this version, the lead travels through time to 1998, inhabiting the body of a young woman, and meets the man who resembles her late boyfriend. While the Taiwanese original leans into mystery and slow-burn emotion, the K-drama adds a more polished cinematography and streamlined pacing, using nostalgia and era-specific details (from Walkmans to Y2K fashion) to heighten the emotional rewind effect. It became a sleeper hit on Netflix, praised for its heartfelt tone and beautiful visuals. 7. 'A Witch's Love' (2014) This Korean rom-com is a direct remake of the hit Taiwanese series My Queen (2009), which starred Ethan Ruan and Cheryl Yang. In the Korean version, Uhm Jung-hwa is a 39-year-old workaholic tabloid reporter known for her fierce demeanour and is nicknamed a 'witch' by her colleagues. Park Seo-joon stars as Yoon Dong-ha, a charming and mysterious 25-year-old who enters her life and slowly chips away at her emotional walls. While the Taiwanese original leaned into melodrama and slower pacing, the Korean adaptation focuses more on zippy dialogue, modern city life and chemistry-forward storytelling. The series helped solidify Park Seo-joon's status as a rising star and offered one of the more refreshing takes on noona romances at the time. In case you missed it: 6 noona romance K-dramas where love blossoms against the odds 8. 'The Time We Were Not in Love' (2015) Adapted from the Taipei hit In Time With You (2011), this Korean version, starring Ha Ji-won and Lee Jin-wook, reframes the original's exploration of friendship and unspoken longing into a more romantically charged and formalised narrative. While the Taiwanese drama unfolds with measured melancholy, the Korean remake streamlines each episode into sharper emotional beats, easier to digest in a 16-episode arc. The result: a glossy, feel‑good take on friends‑to‑lovers with more plot closure. Plus, what Korean shows do that Taiwanese and Chinese dramas don't? More scenic date-avoidance rom-com moments.
Tatler Asia
01-07-2025
- Tatler Asia
9 K-drama actors who've nailed both red flag and green flag roles
Gong Yoo Above Making hearts swoon in 'Goblin' (Photo: tvN) Above Surprising fans as the mysterious recruiter in the global hit K-drama 'Squid Game' (Photo: IMDb) Green flag: Goblin Red flag: Squid Game Having built a career as one of South Korea's most celebrated romantic leads in K-dramas like Coffee Prince and Goblin , fans were not a little shocked when he went against type in his much-talked-about cameo as the mysterious recruiter in Squid Game Season 1. He then doubled down in Season 2, leaning fully—and almost gleefully—into the dark and sinister tones, revealing a chilling intensity that stands in stark contrast to his swoon-worthy roles. Don't miss: 16 no-romance K-dramas that still pack an emotional punch Ahn Bo-hyun Above Naive and romantic in 'See you in My 19th Life' (Photo: tvN) Above Vindictive and cruel in 'Itaewon Class' (Photo: JTBC) Green flag: See You in My 19th Life Red flag: Itaewon Class In Itaewon Class , Jang Geun-won, a character who clearly wasn't hugged enough as a child, is vindictive and cruel, relentlessly bullying Park Sae-ro-yi (Park Seo-joon) out of a deeply personal vendetta. Ahn Bo-hyun embodied the role with such conviction that it's no surprise many assumed he was tailor-made for villain roles. But subsequent roles in K-dramas like My Name , Yumi's Cells and See You in My 19th Life quickly showed he was more than capable of playing sweet romantic heroes, too. Lee Jun-young Above Earnest and affectionate in 'When Life Gives You Tangerines' (Photo: IMDb) Above An agent of chaos in 'Weak Hero Class 2' (Photo: IMDb) Green flag: When Life Gives You Tangerines Red flag: Weak Hero Class 2 In When Life Gives You Tangerines , Lee Jun-young played Ae-sun's (IU) completely enamoured first love. Affectionate, innocent and earnest, there's no question about how deeply he loves Ae-sun. His one fatal flaw? His inability to stand up to an overbearing, snobbish mother. But that's nothing compared to Geum Seong-je, his character from Weak Hero Class 2 . Seong-je is an agent of chaos, a sadistic bully who finds joy in violence and gets his kicks from watching others suffer. Don't miss: The breakout stars of 'Weak Hero Class': Meet the next generation of K-drama talent Choo Young-woo Above Young, naive and dedicated in 'Trauma Code' (Photo: IMDb) Above Power-hungry and ruthless in 'Mercy for None' (Photo: IMDb) Green flag: Trauma Code: Heroes on Call Red flag: Mercy for None In Trauma Code: Heroes on Call , Choo Young-woo plays Yang Jae-won, one of the titular 'heroes on call'. As Baek Kang-hyuk's (Ju Ji-hoon) reluctant protégé, Jae-won is initially timid and prone to panicking. Still, he is compassionate and dedicated to saving his patients, and eventually becomes a competent trauma doctor. Meanwhile, Lee Geum-Son, the character he plays in Mercy for None , is the son of a mafia boss. Ambitious, power-hungry and ruthlessly manipulative, he is prone to fits of violence and is willing to betray anyone to dominate the criminal underworld. Don't miss: Meet the future of K-drama: 5 breakout actors you need to know Kim Seon-ho Above K-drama heartthrob in 'Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha' (Photo: tvN) Above Unhinged and psychopathic in 'The Childe' (Photo: IMDb) Green flag: Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha Red flag: T he Childe His charming turn as 'Good Boy' in Start-Up and his heartfelt portrayal of the emotionally sensitive jack-of-all-trades Hong Du-sik in Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha established Kim Seon-ho as the next K-drama heartthrob. But in The Childe , he completely flips the script, playing a mysterious, psychopathic hitman who delights in the chaos he creates and his chilling brutality. Don't miss: 9 fan-favourite K-drama opening credits you wouldn't want to skip Byeon Woo-seok Above The greenest flag in 'Lovely Runner' (Photo: tvN) Above Cold and cunning in 'Strong Girl Nam-soon' (Photo: JTBC) Green flag: Lovely Runner Red flag: Strong Girl Nam-soon Lovely Runner 's Ryu Sun-jae is the greenest of green flags, the kind you bring home to meet your parents. The man would defy space and time to be with the woman he loves, after all. But aside from being utterly devoted to Im Sol (Kim Hye-yoon), he is also a dutiful son and a good friend. Ryu Si-o from Strong Girl Nam-soon , on the other hand, is cold and cunning. Raised in the criminal underworld and the product of an abusive upbringing, he has a frightening appetite for violence, and not even his tragic backstory or his affection for Nam-soon (Lee You-mi) is enough to redeem him. Don't miss: 9 romantic K-dramas where the male lead fell in love first—and fell the hardest Choi Woo-shik Above Sweet and introspective in 'Our Beloved Summer' (Photo: SBS) Above Giving major ick in 'Fight for My Way' (Photo: KBS) Green flag: Our Beloved Summer Red flag: Fight for My Way Choi Woo-shik's role as the duplicitous Park Moo-bin in Fight for My Way is enough to give anyone the ick—he's pushy, disregards boundaries and, as it turns out, is already engaged to someone else while pursuing Choi Ae-ra (Kim Ji-won). Meanwhile, in Our Beloved Summer , he plays the endearing and introspective Choi Ung, a talented and passionate illustrator who cares deeply for the people he loves, and whose unwavering affection for Kook Yeon-su (Kim Da-mi) made him a fan-favourite green flag K-drama character. Lee Dong-wook Above Sweet and misunderstood in 'Goblin' (Photo: tvN) Above A manipulative serial killer in 'Strangers from Hell' (Photo: IMDb) Green flag: Goblin Red flag: Strangers from Hell After making fans fall in love with him in Goblin as the sweet and misunderstood Grim Reaper—whose undying love for Sunny (Yoon In-na) had everyone swooning—Lee Dong-wook took a dark turn in Strangers from Hell . As the psychotic serial killer Seo Moon-jo, he doesn't just terrorise Yoon Jong-woo (Im Si-wan), he infiltrates his psyche, determined to mould him into a killer in his own image.
