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Director: Oh Hyun-Jong
Writer: Baek Seon-woo
What would you do if you ran into your high-school nemesis? Among a bunch of possible answers, we bet bunking up with them wouldn’t even be an option. But sometimes, fate can play cruel jokes. Netflix’s K-drama “Doctor Slump” follows the lives of overworked doctor Nam Ha-neul (Park Shin-hye) and renowned plastic surgeon Yeo Jeong-woo (Park Hyung-sik). Former high school rivals, their paths unexpectedly intersect once again, serving up an “enemies to lovers” tale to the audience.
Ha-neul grapples with the physical and emotional toll of pursuing a professorship under an abusive mentor, while Jeong-woo faces a career crisis after a patient’s tragic death tarnishes his reputation. Circumstances force them into each other life once again, leading to a rekindling of their rivalry. However, as the two spend more time with each other, warmer feelings replace their disdain for each other.
Despite its promising premise, “Doctor Slump” struggles to find its footing in the early episodes. While delving into themes of depression and burnout with sincerity, it falls into clichéd storytelling traps. The first episode, laden with exposition and erratic pacing, serves as a stumbling block for viewers seeking immediate engagement.
However, perseverance reveals glimpses of entertainment as the series progresses. Moments of genuine emotional depth emerge, particularly in Ha-neul’s exploration of depression. The chemistry between the leads occasionally sparks, but the overall narrative suffers from repetitive storylines and sluggish pacing. The series’ elongated runtime and meandering plotlines will test the patience of viewers seeking a more tightly woven narrative. On a positive note, the cinematography is engaging and colorful, with Korean food occupying significant screen time in each episode. Almost every second minute, character is either eating or drinking in “Doctor Slump”.
Park Shin-hye’s portrayal of Ha-neul exhibits depth, while Park Hyung-sik’s character, Jeong-woo, often comes across as too childish and inconsistent, with the actor occasionally overacting. The romantic dynamic between the leads, while charming in some scenes, often feels contrived and juvenile, failing to resonate with the maturity expected of professional adults. The supporting cast, however, delivers decent performances, with the secondary couple portrayed by Yoon Park and Kong Seong-Ha adding a touch of sweetness to the series. A lot of the comedy is generated by the Ha-neul’s family, which includes a slacker brother (Yoong Sang-Hyeon), a hilariously endearing mom (Jang Hye-jin), and a hippie-looking uncle (Hyun Bong-sik).
Despite its shortcomings, “Doctor Slump” offers moments of levity and warmth. However, its uneven execution and reliance on formulaic storytelling prevent it from reaching its full potential. With a more focused narrative and refined character development, the series could have transcended its clichés to deliver a more satisfying viewing experience. The climactic episode presents one last twist: Ha-neul is presented with an exciting career opportunity, only to have it snatched away from her. Despite introducing a progressive sub-plot emphasizing the importance of allowing couples room for professional growth, the writers don’t really follow through.
Spanning 16 episodes, “Doctor Slump” feels at least 4 episodes too long, struggling to balance its exploration of mental health with its derivative plotlines and uneven pacing. While it may appeal to fans of Park Shin-hye and Park Hyung-sik, others may find themselves disappointed by its failure to break free from the constraints of conventional K-drama tropes. But for those who are looking to watch a light-hearted romantic comedy, it can prove to be very entertaining. Maybe.
Stream “Doctor Slump” on Netflix.
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