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Dr. Romantic

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Adapted from the English Wikipedia article Dr. Romantic, available under CC BY-SA 4.0Updated 10 August 2025
Dr. Romantic
IndustryTelevision series
FoundedNovember 7, 2016; 10 years ago (2016-11-07)
Headquarters
South Korea
ProductsTelevision drama

Dr. Romantic () is a South Korean television series featuring Han Suk-kyu in the leading role, alongside Yoo Yeon-seok and Seo Hyun-jin in its initial season. Seasons two and three introduce Ahn Hyo-seop, Lee Sung-kyung, and Kim Joo-hun to the main cast. The debut season was broadcast on SBS TV from November 7, 2016, through January 16, 2017, airing on Mondays and Tuesdays at 22:00 (KST) with a total of 20 episodes. The second installment aired between January 6 and February 25, 2020, occupying the same weekday time slot at 21:40 (KST) for 16 episodes. The third season was shown from April 28 to June 17, 2023, on Fridays and Saturdays at 22:00 (KST), also consisting of 16 episodes. Streaming options include Viu for the first two seasons and Disney+ for the third season in selected locations.

The inaugural season garnered impressive viewership ratings surpassing 20%, earning praise for its narrative and Han Suk-kyu’s acting.

Season 1

The storyline centers on Boo Yong-joo (Han Suk-kyu), a surgeon with triple board certifications who previously worked at the prestigious Geosan University Hospital in Seoul. Following a life-altering incident, he assumes a new identity as Kim Sa-bu and takes up work at Doldam Hospital, a modest medical center in Gangwon Province. There, he serves as a mentor to Kang Dong-joo (Yoo Yeon-seok) and Yoon Seo-jeong (Seo Hyun-jin), both of whom have been transferred from Geosan. His guidance emphasizes prioritizing patient welfare over ambitions related to status or wealth.

Season 2

Set three years later, Kim Sa-bu returns to Geosan University Hospital with the aim of recruiting Seo Woo-jin (Ahn Hyo-seop), a general surgeon burdened by a difficult past. Cha Eun-jae (Lee Sung-kyung), who faces suspension due to an error in surgery, joins them at Doldam Hospital. Park Min-gook (Kim Joo-hun) becomes involved after witnessing Sa-bu risking his life during a bus accident. Sa-bu assumes the role of director at Doldam but confronts treachery from colleagues at Geosan, prompting him to dedicate himself entirely to supporting Doldam. By the conclusion of this season, the Doldam Hospital Foundation is established as an independent entity with Boo Yong-joo serving as chairman.

Season 3

Three years following Season 2, Doldam Hospital finally inaugurates its Regional Trauma Center—Kim Sa-bu’s long-held vision. This center manages an increased number of critical cases, spotlighting Kang Dong-joo’s (Yoo Yeon-seok) return as Chief of Trauma Surgery and exploring the rivalry between Kim Sa-bu and Dr. Cha Jin-nam, who is Cha Eun-jae’s estranged father.

Character appearances

Character Played by Season
1 2 3
Main
Kim Sa-bu (Teacher Kim) / Boo Yong-joo Han Suk-kyu colspan="3" Template:CMain
Kang Dong-joo Yoo Yeon-seok rowspan="2" Template:CMain rowspan="2" Template:N/A Template:CGuest
Yoon Seo-jung Seo Hyun-jin Template:CGuest
Seo Woo-jin Ahn Hyo-seop rowspan="3" Template:N/A rowspan="3" Template:CMain
Cha Eun-jae Lee Sung-kyung
Park Min-gook Kim Joo-hun
Supporting
Yeo Woon-young Kim Hong-pa rowspan="8" Template:CRecurring Template:N/A
Oh Myung-sim Jin Kyung rowspan="5" Template:CRecurring
Jang Gi-tae Im Won-hee
Nam Do-il Byun Woo-min
Jeong In-soo Yoon Na-moo
Park Eun-tak Kim Min-jae
Do Yoon-wan Choi Jin-ho rowspan="6" Template:N/A
Song Hyun-cheol Jang Hyuk-jin
Do In-bum Yang Se-jong rowspan="3" Template:CRecurring Template:CGuest
Chairman Shin Joo Hyun rowspan="2" Template:N/A
Woo Yeon-hwa Seo Eun-soo
Chairman Shin's assistant Seo Young colspan="2" Template:CRecurring
Bae Moon-jeong Shin Dong-wook rowspan="9" Template:N/A rowspan="5" Template:CRecurring
Yoon Ah-reum So Joo-yeon
Uhm Hyun-jung Jung Ji-ahn
Joo Young-mi Yoon Bo-ra
Yang Ho-joon Go Sang-ho
Shim Hye-jin Park Hyo-joo Template:CRecurring Template:CGuest
Jang Dong-hwa Lee Shin-young rowspan="3" Template:N/A rowspan="3" Template:CRecurring
Lee Sun-woong Lee Hong-nae
Cha Jin-man Lee Geung-young
Minor
Mr. Gu Lee Gyu-ho rowspan="2" Template:CGuest
Chief Lee Kim Yong-jin
Heo Yeong-gyoo Bae Myung-jin colspan="2" Template:CGuest


Main

  • Han Suk-kyu portrays Kim Sa-bu (Teacher Kim) / Boo Yong-joo
Also known as Boo Yong-joo, he adopts the name Kim Sa-bu. He stands out as the sole South Korean surgeon holding triple-board certifications in general surgery, cardiac surgery, and neurosurgery. Following the death of his protégé at Geosan University Hospital, he retreats from the medical community but eventually assumes the role of Chief Surgeon at Doldam Hospital. In the second season, faced with a shortage of general surgeons, he recruits talented doctors Seo Woo-jin and Cha Eun-jae from Geosan University Hospital. His vision is to develop Doldam into a trauma center that delivers care impartially, without regard to social status or nationality. By the conclusion of season two, he ascends to chairman of the newly established Doldam Hospital Foundation.
A general surgery specialist motivated by the loss of his father due to medical negligence. Despite possessing exceptional skills, his disadvantaged background limits his career prospects. After a failed surgery involving a VIP patient leads to his transfer to Doldam, he seizes this opportunity to demonstrate his capabilities.
  • Seo Hyun-jin as Yoon Seo-jung
    • Shin Yi-joon as young Yoon Seo-jung
Initially driven by a desire for approval from her guardian, President Do. Following a car accident that claims her fiancé’s life, she vanishes from Geosan University Hospital. Rescued and treated by Kim Sa-bu, she overcomes PTSD and commits herself to practicing at Doldam Hospital. Originally certified in ER, she pursues cardiac surgery certification inspired by Teacher Kim and aspires to assist him in operations.
A second-year general surgery fellow and sole survivor of his family’s suicide. Branded a whistleblower and suspended after rumors surfaced about part-time jobs he took to repay educational loans. Recommended to Kim Sa-bu for residency at Doldam due to his surgical talent but limited opportunities. Initially motivated by financial necessity, he gradually comes to respect Teacher Kim’s guidance and recognizes his own professional worth. Secretly harbors feelings for Eun-jae since their medical school days.
A second-year cardiac surgery fellow and former top-ranking student who often competes with Woo-jin. Suffers from anxiety that prevents her from performing surgeries without medication. When others decline to train her, Kim Sa-bu mentors her discreetly, transferring her to Doldam Hospital where she conquers her anxiety and hones her skills. Ultimately decides to stay at Doldam after realizing her affection for Woo-jin.
General surgery professor who takes on the role of director at Doldam Hospital. After risking his life in a bus accident involving Teacher Kim, he experiences insecurity and challenges Kim’s principles despite acknowledging his integrity. Later betrayed by his team at Geosan, he overcomes self-doubt and supports Teacher Kim’s vision by the end of season two.

Supporting

Staff at Doldam Hospital
  • Kim Hong-pa as Yeo Woon-young
Specialist in internal medicine and former director of Doldam Hospital. A devoted physician who lost motivation following his wife’s passing. In Season 2, he is dismissed by Do Yoon-wan.
Head nurse with a strong character who can confront Kim Sa-bu when necessary. She is strict but deeply caring towards patients.
The hospital manager known for opportunistic behavior focused on promoting Doldam by any means necessary.
  • Byun Woo-min as Nam Do-il
Freelance anesthesiologist who also operates a restaurant frequented primarily by hospital staff.
Nurse and nurse practitioner at Doldam inspired to enter nursing after a transformative patient experience.
Staff member interested in Dong-joo; later returns as a physician at Doldam.
  • Lee Gyu-ho as Mr. Gu
Orderly and hospital security responsible for managing agitated patients.
Senior colleague specializing in orthopedic surgery, mentor to Woo-jin and Eun-jae.
Fourth-year emergency medicine resident drawn to Doldam by Teacher Kim’s reputation.
Emergency medicine physician; the sole doctor remaining at Doldam following closure of Geosan University Hospital's branch in 2016.
  • Jung Ji-ahn as Uhm Hyun-jung
Nurse working in the emergency room.
Newly appointed emergency room nurse at Doldam.
  • Kim Yong-jin as Chief Lee
Head of Administration at Doldam Hospital.
The youngest doctor at Doldam representing the MZ generation; revealed to be younger sibling of one of Kim Sa-bu's late patients.
First-year fellow in thoracic surgery and ex-military doctor with strong ambition.
Specialist in cardiothoracic surgery; former rival of Kim Sa-bu and father of Eun-jae.
Personnel from Geosan University Hospital
Son of Do Yoon-wan and college peer of Dong-joo; seeks paternal approval and professional achievement. Supports Doldam before returning to Geosan University Hospital; later assists during an investigation involving Doldam.
Director of Geosan University Hospital and Chairman of Geosan University Foundation. Skilled in hospital politics with intentions to restructure Doldam Hospital.
Chief surgeon from humble origins with strong ambitions for success.
Owner of Jungsun Casino and secret chairman of Geosan Foundation.
Park Min-gook’s team
  • Go Sang-ho as Yang Ho-joon
Third-year general surgery fellow loyal to Park Min-gook; follows him to Doldam despite fears.
Anesthesiology professor at Geosan University Hospital; authoritative yet empathetic, shaped by personal tragedy.
  • Bae Myung-jin as Heo Yeong-gyoo
Nurse working at Geosan University Hospital.

Additional Cast

  • Seo Young in the role of Chairman Shin's aide
  • Kim Ji-eun portraying Yoon-wan's secretary
  • Park Min-jung as the character Min-jung
  • Kim Bo-jung and Lee Chae-eun featured as nursing staff
  • Jin Ah-rin
  • Lee Yong-yi appearing as a patient's mother (Episodes 3)
  • Ri Min cast as a truck driver (Episode 4)
  • Lee Jin-kwon
  • Ko Jin-ho
  • Lee Cheol-min playing Kang Seung-ho (Episodes 7–8)
  • Lee Myung-haeng as a psychotherapist (Episodes 8–9)
  • Shin Seung-hwan in the role of a webtoon artist and patient at Doldam Hospital (Episodes 9–10)
  • Park Seung-tae appearing as a patient (Episode 10)
  • Kim Joon-won as Inspector Choi
  • Kim Dan-woo portraying Inspector Choi's daughter
  • Shin Yeon-suk
  • Lee Kang-uk playing a patient and driver responsible for a six-car accident caused by drunk driving
  • Lee Jae-wook
  • Heo Joon-seok
  • Kang Eui-sik as Park Joo-hyuk, a soldier who deserted
  • Han Kab-soo in the role of Park Joo-hyuk's father
  • Son Yeong-Soon portraying a patient's spouse
  • Park Yeong-soo as the general manager of the Disease Control Center Department
  • Park Doo-shik cast as Soo-jung's boyfriend (Episodes 13–14)
  • Jo I-hyun in the role of a patient
  • Jeon Min-seo
  • Jung Soo-hwan playing a high school student
  • Kim Se-joon as a paramedic transferring patients to Doldam Hospital
  • Kim Min-sang portraying Reporter Oh Sung-jae (Episodes 16–17)

---

  • Lee Ho-cheol and Lim Cheol-soo featured as loan sharks
  • Kim Jong-tae in the role of Professor Oh, a cardiothoracic surgeon at Geosan University Hospital
  • Kang Yoo-seok portraying Joon Young, both prisoner and patient
  • Kim Jin as Choi Soon-young, a paramedic and organ donor
  • Lee Ji-hyun playing Soon-young's mother
  • Ji Hye-won as Seo Se-young, a nurse intern
  • Kwon Hyeok-soo voicing Mr. Ryu, Minister of National Defense
  • Kim Dong-hyun cast as an abusive husband

---

  • Ha Dong-joon appearing as Kang Sung-jin, coast guard (Episode 1)
  • Kwon Hyeok-soo again voicing Ryu Woon-gil, Minister of National Defense
  • Oh Min-ae portraying Ko Kyung-sook, Provincial member
  • Woo Ji-hyun as Jeon Kyung-soo, a hiker
  • Lee Ji-ha in the role of Cha Eun-jae's mother
  • Kim Cheol-yun cast as a North Korean defector (Episodes 1–2)
  • Seo Dong-hyun
  • Jung Han-seol playing Jo Seong-yoon (Episodes 3–4), a national ski jumping athlete recovering from injury surgery

Guest Appearances

  • Tae In-ho portraying Dr. Moon Tae-hwa, Yoon Seo-jung's boyfriend who passed away from brain hemorrhage following a car crash (Episodes 1–2)
  • Moon Ji-in as a doctor and friend to Yoon Seo-jung (Episode 1)
  • Hwang Chan-sung in the role of Young Gyun (Episodes 8, 11–12)
  • Kim Jung-young playing Dong-joo's mother
  • Kim Hye-eun cast as Shin Hyun-jung (Episodes 14–18)
  • Kim Hye-soo appearing as Dr. Lee Young-jo (Episodes 20–21)

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Season 1

The initial script reading for Season 1 was held on September 13, 2016, at SBS Ilsan Production Studios located in Goyang, South Korea. Filming began shortly thereafter, starting on September 23.

Season 2

In September 2019, the first script reading for the second season took place at the same SBS Ilsan Production Studios. Returning main cast members included Han Suk-kyu, Kim Hong-pa, Jin Kyung, Im Won-hee, Byun Woo-min, Kim Min-jae, Choi Jin-ho, Jang Hyuk-jin, Yang Se-jong, Lee Gyu-ho, and Yoon Na-moo.

Season 3

Although Season 3 production was initially slated to commence in late 2021, it faced postponements due to scheduling conflicts among actors and impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic. Filming is now planned with the objective of airing during the first half of 2023. Confirmed cast members comprise Han Suk-kyu, Ahn Hyo-seop, Lee Sung-kyung, Byun Woo-min, Jung Ji-an, Im Won-hee, Jin Kyung, So Joo-yeon, Yoon Na-moo, Kim Min-jae, Shin Dong-wook, Yoon Bo-ra, Lee Shin-young, and Lee Hong-nae.

Season 2

{{Track listing | headline = Released on | extra_column = Artist

| title1 = My Love | note1 = | extra1 = Baekhyun (Exo) | length1 = 3:15

| title2 = Your Day | note2 = | extra2 = Gummy | length2 = 3:31

| title3 = Go Away Go Away | extra3 = | length3 = 3:50

| title4 = That's All | note4 = | extra4 = Heize | length4 = 3:10

| title5 = Love | note5 = | extra5 = Yang Da-il | length5 = 3:47

| title6 = I Miss You | note6 = | extra6 = Mamamoo | length6 = 4:26

| title7 = You Don't Know | note7 = | extra7 = Monday Kiz | length7 = 3:36

| title8 = My Love | note8 = | extra8 = Chungha | length8 = 3:36

| title9 = Dr.Romantic 2 | note9 = Opening Title | extra9 = | length9 = 2:05

| title10 = Emergency | extra10 = | length10 = 1:02

| title11 = Western Lonely | extra11 = | length11 = 2:20

| title12 = Lie Two | extra12 = | length12 = 4:48

| title13 = Have Breakdown | extra13 = | length13 = 3:07

| title14 = Love & Hatred | extra14 = | length14 = 3:59

|}


Viewership


Awards and nominations

Overview of award ceremonies, years, categories, nominees/works, and outcomes
Award event Year Category Nominee / Production Outcome Source
ABU Prizes 2017 Grand Prize (Daesang) Dr. Romantic Template:Won Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; refs with no name must have content
APAN Star Awards 2021 Best OST "My Love" (Baekhyun) Template:Nom Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; refs with no name must have content
Best New Actor Ahn Hyo-seop Template:Nom Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; refs with no name must have content
2023 Top Excellence Award Lee Sung-kyung Template:Won Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; refs with no name must have content
Seoul League Actors Award Template:Won
Art Awards 2020 Highest Viewership Ratings Dr. Romantic 2 Template:Won Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; refs with no name must have content
Asia Artist Awards 2020 AAA Best Actor Ahn Hyo-seop Template:Won Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; refs with no name must have content
AAA Best Actress Lee Sung-kyung Template:Won
Asian Television Awards 2017 Best Drama Series Dr. Romantic Template:Nom Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; refs with no name must have content
Baeksang Arts Awards 2017 Best Drama Template:Nom Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; refs with no name must have contentCite error: Invalid <ref> tag; refs with no name must have content
Best Director (TV) Yoo In-sik Template:Won
Best Actor (TV) Han Suk-kyu Template:Nom
Best Screenplay (TV) Kang Eun-kyung Template:Nom
Best New Actor (TV) Kim Min-jae Template:Nom
2020 Ahn Hyo-seop Template:Won Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; refs with no name must have content
Korea Drama Awards (2017) Grand Prize (Daesang) Han Suk-kyu Template:Nom Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; refs with no name must have content
(2023) Best Supporting Actress So Joo-yeon Template:Won

SBS Drama Awards

Year

Category

Nominee / Production

Result

Reference

|- !2016 |"Grand Prize (Daesang)" |"Han Suk-kyu" |

| Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; refs with no name must have contentCite error: Invalid <ref> tag; refs with no name must have content |- !2016 |"Excellence Award, Actor in a Genre Drama" |"Yoo Yeon-seok" |

| Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; refs with no name must have content |- !2016 |"Excellence Award, Actress in a Genre Drama" |"Seo Hyun-jin" |

| Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; refs with no name must have content |- !2016 |"Best Couple" |"Yoo Yeon-seok and Seo Hyun-jin" |

| Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; refs with no name must have content |- !2016 |"Top 10 Stars" |"Han Suk-kyu" |

| Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; refs with no name must have content |- !2016 |"Top 10 Stars" |"Seo Hyun-jin" |

| Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; refs with no name must have content |- !2016 |"New Star Award" |"Kim Min-jae" |

| Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; refs with no name must have content |- !2016 |"Idol Academy Award – Best Kiss" |"Yoo Yeon-seok and Seo Hyun-jin" |

| Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; refs with no name must have content

|- !2020 |"Excellence Award, Actor in a Miniseries Genre/Action Drama" |"Ahn Hyo-seop" |

| Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; refs with no name must have contentCite error: Invalid <ref> tag; refs with no name must have content

|- !2020 |"Excellence Award, Actress in a Miniseries Genre/Action Drama" |"Lee Sung-kyung" |

| Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; refs with no name must have content

|- !2020 |"Best Supporting Actor" |"Kim Joo-hun" |

| Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; refs with no name must have content

|- !2020 |"Best Supporting Actress" |"Jin Kyung" |

| Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; refs with no name must have content

|- !2020 |"Best New Actress" |"So Joo-yeon" |

| Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; refs with no name must have content

|- !2020 |"Grand Prize (Daesang)" |"Han Suk-kyu" |

|

|- !2023 |"Grand Prize (Daesang)" |"Han Suk-kyu" |

| Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; refs with no name must have content

|- !2023 |"Best New Actor" |"Lee Shin-young" |

| Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; refs with no name must have content

|- !2023 |"Best New Actor" |"Lee Hong-nae" |

|

|- !2023 |"Best Young Actor" |"Han Ji-an" |

| Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; refs with no name must have content

|- !2023 |"Scene Stealer Award" |"Go Sang-ho" |

| Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; refs with no name must have content

|- !2023 |"Scene Stealer Award" |"Byun Jung-hee" |

|

|- !2023 |"Top Excellence Award, Actor in a Seasonal Drama" |"Ahn Hyo-seop" |

| Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; refs with no name must have content

|- !2023 |"Top Excellence Award, Actress in a Seasonal Drama" |"Lee Sung-kyung" |

|

|- !2023 |"Best Supporting Team" |"Dr. Romantic 3" |

|

|- !2023 |"Best Couple Award" |"Ahn Hyo-seop and Lee Sung-kyung" |

|

|- !2023 |"Best Young Actress" |"Lee Ga-yeon" |

|

|- !2023 |"Best Supporting Actor in a Seasonal Drama" |"Yoon Na-moo" |

|

|- !2023 |"Excellence Award, Actress in a Seasonal Drama" |"So Joo-yeon" |

|

|- !2023 |"Excellence Award, Actor in a Seasonal Drama" |"Kim Min-jae" |

|

|- !2023 |"Best Supporting Actress in a Seasonal Drama" |"Jin Kyung" |

|

|- !2023 |"Best Supporting Actress in a Seasonal Drama" |"Jung Ji-ahn" |

|}


External links


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