The SBS medical drama that gained explosive popularity during its 2016 broadcast is once again garnering much attention in just four days after its release on Netflix.
'The Doctors,' starring Park Shin Hye and Kim Rae Won, was released on Netflix on February 28, and entered the South Korean Netflix TOP 10 series chart at No. 9. Despite premiering nine years ago, 'The Doctors' is competing against newly released series and made it to the top 10. The drama's climb into the rankings highlights its enduring appeal and nostalgic value for viewers.
Originally broadcast from June to August 2016, the 20-episode drama follows the transformation of Yoo Hye Jung (played by Park Shin Hye), a rebellious teenager, into a skilled neurosurgeon under the guidance of her warm-hearted mentor, Hong Ji Hong (portrayed by Kim Rae Won). The series also featured notable actors such as Yoon Kyun Sang and Lee Sung Kyung, contributing to its strong ensemble cast.
During its original run, 'The Doctors' made an immediate impact, premiering with a nationwide rating of 12.9%. It continued to gain momentum, reaching 20.2% nationwide and an impressive 23.1% in the Seoul metropolitan area, according to Nielsen Korea. The highest recorded minute-by-minute rating soared to 27.8%, with its most memorable scene being Kim Rae Won’s flower-filled proposal to Park Shin Hye, which captivated viewers.
The drama was highly praised for its heartfelt dialogues, Park Shin Hye and Kim Rae Won’s undeniable chemistry, and the dynamic portrayal of the hospital staff. Viewers appreciated its blend of romance, medical challenges, and human emotions, making it the undisputed No. 1 Monday-Tuesday drama throughout its run.
Despite nearly a decade since its first broadcast, 'The Doctors' has once again captured the attention of domestic and international audiences, benefiting from Netflix’s accessibility. New viewers who missed it the first time and longtime fans eager to relive their favorite moments are driving its resurgence. The drama’s strong narrative, which seamlessly intertwines medical themes with human relationships, continues to resonate with many.
As 'The Doctors' experiences this unexpected revival, renewed appreciation is being directed toward Park Shin Hye and Kim Rae Won’s performances, writer Ha Myung Hee’s compelling script, and the meticulous direction of Oh Choong Hwan and Park Soo Jin.
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