18 Recommendations for Popular and Best Doctor K-Dramas, Can Watch While Learning

Kapanlagi.com - Korean Dramas have indeed become one of the entertainment options that many people choose today. There are various genres you can choose from in Korean dramas, one of which is the medical genre. Yes, for those of you who enjoy thought-provoking dramas or those with knowledge, this doctor drama recommendation could be a great choice.

This recommendation for doctor dramas not only provides interesting stories for your entertainment but can also offer new knowledge that is exciting for you to watch. In fact, new things that you might not be able to imagine can happen in dramas with medical themes. So it would be a shame for you to miss them.

So, what are some of the popular and best doctor drama recommendations? Here are some doctor dramas that you can choose for entertainment. Let’s check them out, KLovers.

1. HOSPITAL PLAYLIST

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The first recommendation for a doctor K-drama is the drama titled HOSPITAL PLAYLIST. Yes, this Netflix drama that aired for two seasons has indeed captured the attention of viewers from various countries, including Indonesia. In fact, the drama HOSPITAL PLAYLIST was a success in its home country and is considered one of the best dramas.

The drama HOSPITAL PLAYLIST focuses on the story of five friends who meet in medical school. In addition, this drama also tells various life challenges faced by the characters, including when they all raise their children, failed marriages, career-changing decisions, and other family issues.

2. GOOD DOCTOR

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Then the second recommendation for doctor-themed dramas is a show titled GOOD DOCTOR. Yes, this drama, which is a remake of a Western drama, truly captures attention and is just as successful as the original. The Korean drama titled GOOD DOCTOR tells the story of Park Si On, an autistic graduate with detailed memory and spatial skills.

He quickly enters the hospital as a pediatric surgery resident but struggles to prove his worth to other doctors due to his autism and emotional capabilities. Si On eventually succeeds in a relatively short time of just six months to prove that he can be a doctor.

3. DR. ROMANTIC

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For those of you who love Korean dramas, you must be very familiar with this one. Yes, the drama DR. ROMANTIC has become one of the most liked medical dramas among its viewers. The drama DR. ROMANTIC, released in 2006, received positive reviews. In fact, this drama, which already has 3 seasons, does not disappoint its audience and they hope for more seasons to come.

This drama tells the story of a head surgeon at a small hospital who is incredibly skilled and competent. Initially, he was a renowned surgeon in Seoul. However, due to the power and greed of his friend, he was forced to be ousted. This situation leads him to become a surgeon with principles that he creates and teaches to young doctors.

4. DOCTOR STRANGER

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Then there is also a drama titled DOCTOR STRANGER, which is one of the must-watch medical dramas. This drama has a storyline that is not only about doctors, but also intertwined with a love story.

The drama DOCTOR STRANGER tells the story of a child and his father who are tricked into going to North Korea and are denied access to leave. Forced to stay, he eventually becomes a renowned cardiothoracic surgeon. When his father dies, he sees it as an opportunity to escape to South Korea with his girlfriend.

However, as they try to escape, Park Hoon loses contact with his girlfriend. He then continues his life in the South at a top hospital and meets Doctor Han Seung Hee, who looks exactly like his past love.

5. DOCTOR JOHN

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DOCTOR JOHN might be one of the recommended medical dramas with a fairly long episode count, specifically 32 episodes. This drama tells the story of two doctors with a recurring moral theme surrounding euthanasia. It features a top anesthesiologist who has a rough and cold demeanor.

He once served a prison sentence for putting a terminally ill patient to sleep whom he could no longer help. Then there is a second doctor who collaborates to diagnose patients and uncover the root cause of their pain. This makes it one of the must-see medical dramas that you shouldn't miss.

6. GHOST DOCTOR

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GHOST DOCTOR is one of the newer recommended medical dramas, which aired in 2022. This drama features a unique fantasy concept and is guaranteed to entertain with many comedic scenes that you will witness. The drama stars Rain, Kim Bum, Naeun A Pink, and UEE, making the story even more interesting.

Set in the medical world, GHOST DOCTOR tells the story of two doctors with different backgrounds, skills, and personalities who swap bodies and souls. Rain plays Cha Young Min, an arrogant and selfish thoracic surgeon. Meanwhile, Kim Bum plays a character named Go Seung Tak, who is born into a wealthy family.

This drama not only provides an exciting story with a medical backdrop but also offers us entertaining moments. It's no wonder that GHOST DOCTOR has become one of the most popular and widely watched medical dramas.

7. DOCTOR PRISONER

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Then the recommendation for another doctor drama is a show titled DOCTOR PRISONER. This drama DOCTOR PRISONER is a Korean drama with a medical theme that will take us into the dark story of a doctor's revenge after being wrongfully accused.

Nam Koong Min will play the role of a very skilled surgeon, who is accused of malpractice in an accident that was not his fault. As a result, he is eventually expelled from the hospital and his reputation is ruined. He then decides to work as a doctor in a prison with a specific intention.

He subsequently gathers enough connections while working in the prison to exact revenge on those responsible for his misfortune. This recommendation for a doctor drama is also one you shouldn't miss.

8. HOSPITAL SHIP

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And the last recommendation for doctor-themed dramas is a show titled HOSPITAL SHIP. Yes, this drama HOSPITAL SHIP tells the story of several doctors from various fields who work on a hospital ship to help the residents of a remote island. In this drama, Ha Ji Won will play the role of a surgeon from a large hospital in Seoul.

She has extraordinary abilities and is crowned as the youngest surgeon, but she faces challenges because she is transferred to the hospital ship. This drama will provide us with a story about power, friendship, and even exciting love stories.

9. CROSS

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The next recommendation for doctor-themed dramas is titled CROSS. Doctors are portrayed as a noble profession, which is different from what is depicted in the drama CROSS. The story revolves around Kang In-kyu, who enters medical school because he wants to take revenge after his father was murdered by an unknown person.

Since then, In-kyu decides to become a doctor so that one day he can take revenge on the murderer. In-kyu is also known to be a genius after experiencing an accident that enhances his brain's abilities. This becomes his motivation to study medicine and seek his long-held revenge.

10. THE DOCTORS

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THE DOCTORS is also one of the must-watch medical dramas that you should not miss. This drama tells the story of Yoo Hye-jung, who is a bullying perpetrator at school. However, it turns out that Yoo Hye-jung's actions are a result of her bitter childhood experiences.

Yoo Hye-jung then changes when she meets Hong Ji-hong, who becomes a valuable figure in Hye-jung's life. Hong Ji-hong successfully transforms Hye-jung from being closed off and anti-social to being more open. Even Hye-jung, who was initially a bully, eventually graduates and continues her studies in medicine.

11. LIFE

Next on the list of recommended medical dramas is a Korean drama titled LIFE. This medical drama can be said to be unique and different from other similar dramas. The reason is that this drama also presents conflicts filled with intrigue from the politics of hospital ownership. However, in this hospital filled with power struggle conflicts, there is a charismatic and warm doctor. He is the one who then strives to uncover the truth and improve the system.

12. EMERGENCY COUPLE

If you are looking for recommendations for a romantic medical drama, EMERGENCY COUPLE could be the answer. True to its title, this drama features a romantic story between a medical student named Oh Chang-Min and a nutritionist named Oh Jin-Hee. Unfortunately, their relationship faces opposition from their families due to their differing social statuses.

Eventually, six years later, they are reunited as intern doctors in the emergency room. Starting as colleagues, their old love slowly begins to blossom again.

13. DOCTOR LAWYER

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This last recommendation for a medical drama is relatively new, namely DOCTOR LAWYER. True to its title, this medical drama recommendation is quite unique, as it not only showcases the profession of a doctor but also that of a lawyer. DOCTOR LAWYER tells the story of a surgeon who gets embroiled in a malpractice case.

As a result of this case, his career as a doctor is abruptly ruined. He also spent time in prison. After being released, the former doctor decides to switch careers and become a lawyer. He is motivated to defend doctors who are in the same predicament—doctors whose careers are threatened due to allegations of malpractice.

14. The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call (2025)

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Baek Gang Hyeok is a genius trauma surgeon with experience in conflict zones who joins a university hospital. His tough personality clashes with the hospital's limited financial conditions.

Step by step, Baek Gang Hyeok leads a heavy trauma team that initially was just a formality. Together with Yang Jae Won, Cheon Jang Mi, and Park Gyeong Won, this unit evolves into a team actively saving patients.

15. Daily Dose of Sunshine (2023)

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Jung Da Eun is transferred to the neuropsychiatry department and must adapt to a completely new work environment. This challenge gradually shapes her into a more professionally mature nurse.

With the support of Head Nurse Song Hyo Jin, Jung Da Eun finds her work rhythm. Her relationship with Doctor Dong Go Yun and her friendship with Song Yu Chan reveal the emotional side behind the medical world.

16. Resident Playbook (2025)

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The story centers on the Jongno branch of Yulje Medical Center, following the lives of young obstetrics and gynecology residents. They choose a department that is less popular amid declining birth rates.

Every stage of hospital life showcases the friendships and conflicts that grow among the residents. The process of learning to become a doctor goes hand in hand with the dynamics of their personal relationships.

17. Partners for Justice (2018)

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Baek Beom has worked as a forensic doctor for ten years and is known for being very meticulous in his job. His closed-off demeanor limits his social relationships with others.

His collaboration with rookie prosecutor Eun Sol becomes the core of the story's development. A serial murder case pushes them to build trust and complement each other.

18. Doctor Slump (2024)

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Yeo Jeong U is a successful plastic surgeon until a medical accident changes the course of his life. He is at his lowest point when he reunites with Nam Ha Neul, his rival from the past.

Nam Ha Neul is known as a smart anesthesiologist who has always focused solely on work. Their meeting during tough times helps both of them to support each other and opens up space for change.

19. Questions Related to Doctor Drama Recommendations

Q: What is meant by doctor-themed K-dramas?
A: Doctor-themed K-dramas are Korean dramas that focus on the lives and work of medical professionals.

Q: Are doctor-themed K-dramas suitable for all ages of viewers?
A: Generally suitable, but some heavy medical themes need to be adjusted to viewer preferences.

Q: Are doctor-themed K-dramas always serious in tone?
A: No, some titles also feature friendships and light dynamics in a hospital setting.

Q: What makes doctor-themed K-dramas always appealing to viewers?
A: Doctor-themed K-dramas depict high work pressure wrapped in emotional conflicts that are close to real life.

Q: Do doctor-themed K-dramas focus solely on medical actions?
A: No, many doctor-themed K-dramas also highlight personal relationships and character development.

Q: Which doctor-themed K-drama depicts the medical team's work in detail?
A: Several titles portray the collaboration of doctors, nurses, and other medical staff within a single storyline.

Q: Is the element of romance always present in doctor-themed K-dramas?
A: Not always, but some stories do develop emotional relationships amidst medical conflicts.

Those are some recommendations for doctor-themed K-dramas that KLovers can choose as one of their entertainments. Not only will they present interesting stories, but some of these dramas will also provide you with a lot of knowledge about medicine.

(kpl/gen/dhm)