Dr. Romantic 2

Dr. Romantic

Industry	Television series
Founded	2016
Headquarters	South Korea
Products	Television drama

Dr. Romantic () is a South Korean television series featuring Han Suk-kyu in the lead role, with Yoo Yeon-seok and Seo Hyun-jin co-starring in the first season. Seasons two and three introduced Ahn Hyo-seop, Lee Sung-kyung, and Kim Joo-hun to the main cast. The inaugural season was broadcast on SBS TV from November 7, 2016, through January 16, 2017, airing Mondays and Tuesdays at 22:00 (KST) across 20 episodes. The second season aired from January 6 to February 25, 2020, at 21:40 (KST) for a total of 16 episodes. Season three was shown from April 28 to June 17, 2023, on Fridays and Saturdays at 22:00 (KST), also spanning 16 episodes. Streaming availability includes Viu for the first two seasons and Disney+ for the third season in select regions.

The drama garnered substantial viewership, with its debut season exceeding a 20% audience share. It was praised by critics for its captivating storyline and Han Suk-kyu's compelling acting, solidifying its status as a prominent medical drama within South Korea's television industry.

Season 1

The narrative centers on Boo Yong-joo (Han Suk-kyu), a surgeon holding triple board certifications who previously worked at the prestigious Geosan University Hospital in Seoul. Following a distressing incident, he vanishes and adopts the alias Kim Sa-bu while taking up a position at Doldam Hospital in Gangwon Province. There, he mentors Kang Dong-joo (Yoo Yeon-seok) and Yoon Seo-jeong (Seo Hyun-jin), both newcomers from Geosan, guiding them to value patient welfare above ambition and financial gain.

Season 2

Set three years later, Kim Sa-bu returns to Geosan University Hospital intending to recruit a general surgeon. He encounters Seo Woo-jin (Ahn Hyo-seop), a marginalized physician whom he hires. Concurrently, Cha Eun-jae (Lee Sung-kyung) faces suspension and joins the team at Doldam Hospital. Park Min-gook (Kim Joo-hun), deeply affected by seeing Kim Sa-bu again, witnesses Sa-bu risking his life during a bus accident. Sa-bu assumes leadership as Doldam’s director but confronts betrayal from his former colleagues at Geosan. Ultimately, he dedicates himself to supporting Doldam permanently, culminating in the creation of the independent Doldam Hospital Foundation with Boo Yong-joo serving as chairman.

Season 3

Three years after the events of Season 2, Doldam Hospital inaugurates its long-anticipated Regional Trauma Center, fulfilling Kim Sa-bu’s vision. This development expands the hospital’s capacity to manage more complex emergencies. Season three also features the return of Kang Dong-joo (Yoo Yeon-seok) as Chief of Trauma Department and explores the rivalry between Kim Sa-bu and Dr. Cha Jin-nam, father of Cha Eun-jae.

Character appearances

Character	Portrayed 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	Template:CMain	Template:N/A	Template:CGuest
Yoon Seo-jung	Seo Hyun-jin	Template:CGuest	Template:N/A	Template:N/A
Seo Woo-jin	Ahn Hyo-seop	Template:N/A	Template:CMain	Template:CMain
Cha Eun-jae	Lee Sung-kyung	Template:N/A	Template:CMain	Template:CMain
Park Min-gook	Kim Joo-hun	Template:N/A	Template:CMain	Template:CMain
Supporting
Yeo Woon-young	Kim Hong-pa	Template:CRecurring	Template:N/A	Template:N/A
Oh Myung-sim	Jin Kyung	Template:CRecurring	Template:CRecurring	Template:CRecurring
Jang Gi-tae	Im Won-hee	Template:CRecurring	Template:CRecurring	Template:CRecurring
Nam Do-il	Byun Woo-min	Template:CRecurring	Template:CRecurring	Template:CRecurring
Jeong In-soo	Yoon Na-moo	Template:CRecurring	Template:CRecurring	Template:CRecurring

Main

• Han Suk-kyu portrays Kim Sa-bu (Teacher Kim) / Boo Yong-joo

Known primarily as Boo Yong-joo, he adopts the name Kim Sa-bu and holds the unique distinction of being South Korea’s only surgeon certified in three specialties: general surgery, cardiac surgery, and neurosurgery. After the loss of his protégé at Geosan University Hospital, he retreats from the public eye but later assumes the role of Chief Surgeon at Doldam Hospital. In the second season, he brings aboard promising surgeons Seo Woo-jin and Cha Eun-jae to transform Doldam into a trauma center dedicated to providing care irrespective of patients’ social status. By the conclusion of that season, he ascends to become chairman of the Doldam Hospital Foundation.

• Yoo Yeon-seok as Kang Dong-joo
  • Yoon Chan-young as young Kang Dong-joo

A talented general surgery expert motivated by childhood trauma stemming from his father’s death caused by medical negligence. Despite having minimal connections, he demonstrates his skills after moving to Doldam following a failed VIP surgery, turning this setback into a new beginning.

• Seo Hyun-jin as Yoon Seo-jung
  • Shin Yi-joon as young Yoon Seo-jung

Driven by a longing for approval from her guardian, President Do, she wrestles with guilt after a fatal car accident involving her fiancé. Rescued and treated by Kim Sa-bu, she develops PTSD but resolves to continue her medical career at Doldam. Initially certified in emergency medicine, she pursues cardiac surgery certification inspired by Teacher Kim’s expertise and aspires to assist him in the operating room.

• Ahn Hyo-seop as Seo Woo-jin

A second-year general surgery fellow who survived family tragedy through suicide, Woo-jin endures workplace bullying and suspension after exposing malpractice and struggles financially. Recommended by one of Kim Sa-bu’s seniors, he joins Doldam Hospital, where he gains confidence and grows to admire Teacher Kim’s guidance. He secretly harbors romantic feelings for Cha Eun-jae.

• Lee Sung-kyung as Cha Eun-jae

A second-year cardiac surgery fellow and top graduate with a complex rivalry and relationship with Woo-jin. She battles anxiety that hampers her surgical skills until Teacher Kim mentors her at Doldam. Overcoming these challenges, she decides to stay at Doldam after realizing her love for Woo-jin.

• Kim Joo-hun as Park Min-gook

Former professor of general surgery who becomes director of Doldam Hospital. After risking his life in a bus accident involving Teacher Kim, he experiences insecurity and challenges Kim’s leadership but ultimately overcomes his doubts and endorses Kim’s vision by the end of season two.

Supporting

Staff at Doldam Hospital

• Kim Hong-pa as Yeo Woon-young

An internal medicine expert and former director of Doldam Hospital. A proud physician who lost his drive following his wife’s passing. In Season 2, he is dismissed by Do Yoon-wan.

• Jin Kyung as Oh Myung-sim

Head nurse known for her strong will, able to confront Kim Sa-bu when necessary. She is strict yet compassionate toward patients.

• Im Won-hee as Jang Gi-tae

Manager of Doldam Hospital recognized for his opportunistic nature and efforts to promote the hospital.

• Byun Woo-min as Nam Do-il

Freelance anesthesiologist who owns a restaurant frequently visited by Doldam doctors.

• Kim Min-jae as Park Eun-tak

Nurse practitioner at Doldam Hospital inspired to enter nursing after encountering Teacher Kim as a patient.

• Seo Eun-soo as Woo Yeon-hwa

Staff member promoted to doctor at Doldam; shows interest in Dong-joo.

• Lee Gyu-ho as Mr. Gu

Orderly and security personnel responsible for managing agitated patients.

• Shin Dong-wook as Bae Moon-jeong "Dr. Bones"

Specialist in Orthopedic surgery, senior to both Woo-jin and Eun-jae; joined Doldam shortly before them.

• So Joo-yeon as Yoon Ah-reum

Fourth-year emergency medicine resident known for her cheerful personality; joined after witnessing Teacher Kim’s work firsthand.

• Yoon Na-moo as Jeong In-soo

Emergency medicine specialist; the sole doctor who remained at Doldam following the opening of Geosan University Hospital branch in 2016.

• Jung Ji-ahn as Uhm Hyun-jung

Nurse working in the emergency room.

• Yoon Bo-ra as Joo Young-mi

Recently hired emergency room nurse at Doldam Hospital.

• Kim Yong-jin as Chief Lee

Administrative chief at Doldam Hospital.

• Lee Shin-young as Jang Dong-hwa

The youngest physician at Doldam representing the MZ generation; younger sibling of Jang Hyun-joo, a late medical student patient of Kim Sa-bu’s.

• Lee Hong-nae as Lee Sun-woong

First-year thoracic surgery fellow with a background in military medicine; known for his passion and determination.

• Lee Geung-young as Cha Jin-man

Specialist in thoracic surgery, former rival of Kim Sa-bu and father of Eun-jae.

Personnel at Geosan University Hospital

• Yang Se-jong as Do In-bum

Son of Do Yoon-wan and classmate of Dong-joo; seeks his father’s approval and struggles with feelings of inadequacy despite strong abilities. Supports Doldam until returning to Geosan University Hospital; investigates an incident at Doldam during Season 2 and remains temporarily based on Woo-jin’s advice.

• Choi Jin-ho as Do Yoon-wan

Director of Geosan University Hospital who later becomes Chairman of Geosan University Foundation; politically astute with strategic plans involving Doldam Hospital.

• Jang Hyuk-jin as Song Hyun-cheol

Chief surgeon at Geosan University Hospital with humble origins and strong ambition.

• Joo Hyun as Chairman Shin

Owner of Jungsun Casino and secret Chairman of Geosan Foundation.

Associates of Park Min-gook

• Go Sang-ho as Yang Ho-joon

Third-year general surgery fellow serving as surgeon assistant to Park Min-gook; loyal but fearful, follows Min-gook to Doldam Hospital.

• Park Hyo-joo as Shim Hye-jin

Anesthesiology professor at Geosan University Hospital; authoritative yet compassionate, shaped by experiences with life and death situations.

• Bae Myung-jin as Heo Yeong-gyoo

Nurse employed at Geosan University Hospital.

Additional Cast

• Seo Young portrays Chairman Shin's assistant
• Kim Ji-eun appears as Yoon-wan's secretary
• Park Min-jung takes on the role of Min-jung
• Kim Bo-jung and Lee Chae-eun feature as nursing staff
• Jin Ah-rin in an undisclosed role
• Lee Yong-yi plays the mother of a patient (Ep. 3)
• Ri Min acts as a truck driver (Ep. 4)
• Lee Cheol-min appears as Kang Seung-ho (Ep. 7–8)
• Lee Myung-haeng is cast as a psychotherapist (Ep. 8–9)
• Shin Seung-hwan plays a webtoon creator and patient at Doldam Hospital (Ep. 9–10)
• Park Seung-tae features as a patient (Ep. 10)
• Kim Joon-won portrays Inspector Choi
• Kim Dan-woo acts as the daughter of Inspector Choi
• Lee Kang-uk is cast as a patient and the driver responsible for a six-vehicle crash due to drunk driving
• Kang Eui-sik appears as Park Joo-hyuk, a soldier who fled service
• Han Kab-soo plays Park Joo-hyuk's father
• Son Yeong-Soon portrays the wife of a patient
• Park Yeong-soo acts as the general manager of the Disease Control Center Department
• Park Doo-shik features as Soo-jung's boyfriend (Ep. 13–14)
• Jo I-hyun, Jeon Min-seo, Jung Soo-hwan, Kim Se-joon, Kim Min-sang, and Lee Jae-woo fill supporting roles

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• Lee Ho-cheol and Lim Cheol-soo depict loan sharks
• Kim Jong-tae appears as Professor Oh, a cardiothoracic surgeon at Geosan University Hospital
• Kang Yoo-seok plays Joon Young, a prisoner and patient
• Kim Jin acts as Choi Soon-young, a paramedic and organ donor
• Lee Ji-hyun portrays Soon-young's mother
• Ji Hye-won features as nurse intern Seo Se-young
• Kwon Hyeok-soo voices Minister of National Defense Mr. Ryu
• Kim Dong-hyun appears as an abusive husband

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• Ha Dong-joon takes on the role of coast guard Kang Sung-jin (Ep.1)
• Kwon Hyeok-soo returns as Minister of National Defense Ryu Woon-gil
• Oh Min-ae plays Ko Kyung-sook, a provincial assembly member
• Woo Ji-hyun portrays hiker Jeon Kyung-soo
• Lee Ji-ha acts as Cha Eun-jae's mother
• Kim Cheol-yun features as a North Korean defector (Ep.1-2)
• Seo Dong-hyun in an unspecified role
• Jung Han-seol appears as national ski jumper Jo Seong-yoon (Ep.3-4), recovering from surgery after an injury during training

Guest Appearances

• Tae In-ho appears as Dr. Moon Tae-hwa, Yoon Seo-jung's boyfriend (Ep. 1–2)
• Moon Ji-in features as a doctor and friend to Yoon Seo-jung (Ep. 1)
• Hwang Chan-sung plays Young Gyun (Ep. 8, 11–12)
• Kim Jung-young acts as Dong-joo's mother
• Kim Hye-eun portrays Shin Hyun-jung (Ep. 14–18)
• Kim Hye-soo takes on the role of Dr. Lee Young-jo (Ep. 20–21)

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• Joo Hyun appears as Shin Myung-ho (Ep. 1)
• Son Sang-yeon plays Kang Ik-joon (Ep. 11–14)
• Kang Hyung-seok features as Kang Ik-joon's brother (Ep. 14)
• Yang Se-jong acts in the role of Do In-beom (Ep. 10, 14–15)
• Jung Hyeon-jun portrays Lee Dong-woo's son (Ep. 13)
• Jeong Bo-seok plays Bae Moon-jeong's father (Ep. 15–16)
• Seo Young returns as Manager Joo (Ep. 15–16)
• Kim Hye-eun reprises Shin Hyun-jung (Ep. 16)

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• Ha Yoon-kyung, Joo Hyun-young, Joo Jong-hyuk, Im Seong-jae, and Moon Sang-hoon appear as candidates interviewing for new doctor positions at Doldam Hospital (Ep. 2)
• Ryu Seung-soo features as coach for the national ski jumping team (Ep. 3)
• Yoo Yeon-seok acts as Kang Dong-joo (Ep. 12–16)
• Park Hyo-joo portrays Shim Hye-jin (Ep. 15–16)
• Kim Hye-jun appears in the role of Jang Hyun-joo (Ep.16)

Season 1

The initial script reading session was held on September 13, 2016, at SBS Ilsan Production Studios located in Goyang, South Korea. Principal photography commenced on September 23.

Season 2

Season 2's first script reading took place in September 2019 at the same SBS Ilsan facility. Returning 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 filming for Season 3 was initially slated for late 2021, it was postponed due to scheduling issues and the COVID-19 pandemic. The shooting is planned with an anticipated broadcast during the first half of 2023. The confirmed cast features 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.

Viewership

Average Television Ratings (Season 1) Ep. Air Date Average Audience Share Nielsen Korea TNmS Nationwide Seoul Nationwide November 7, 2016 | 9.5% | 10.5% | 9.5% |- November 29, 2016 | 21.7% | 23.3% | 19.5% |- January 16, 2017 | 27.6% | 29.0% | 24.7% |- Average 20.4% 21.9% 18.4%

Average Television Ratings (Season 2) Ep. Part Air Date Average Audience Share Nielsen Korea TNmS Nationwide Seoul Nationwide 1 | 1 | January 6, 2020 | 10.8% | 11.4% | 10.2% |- 2 | " | 14.9% | 15.5% |13.3% |- 16 |1 | February 25, 2020 |21.1% |21.9% |20.6% |- 3 | " | 27.1% | 27.2% | 24.4% |- Average 18.3% 19.0% 17.1%

Average Television Ratings (Season 3) Ep. Air Date Average Audience Share Nielsen Korea TNmS Nationwide Seoul Nationwide April 28, 2023 |12.7% |13.1% |10.2% |- May 13, 2023 | 12.0% | 11.3% | 9.7% |- June 17, 2023 | 16.8% | 16.8% | 12.4% |- Average 13.7% 13.8% 10.7%

Awards and nominations

Best Director (TV) Yoo In-sik Won Best Actor (TV) Han Suk-kyu Nominated Best Screenplay (TV) Kang Eun-kyung Nominated Best New Actor (TV) Kim Min-jae Nominated style="text-align:center"|2020 Best New Actor (TV) Ahn Hyo-seop Won style= "text-align:center"|2017 Grand Prize (Daesang) Han Suk-kyu Nominated style= "text-align:center"|2023 Best Supporting Actress So Joo-yeon Won

Award event, year, category, nominee/work, and outcome

Award Event	Year	Category	Nominee / Work	Outcome
ABU Prizes	2017	Grand Prize (Daesang)	Dr. Romantic	Template:Won
APAN Star Awards	2021	Best OST	"My Love" (Baekhyun)	Template:Nom
		Best New Actor	Ahn Hyo-seop	Template:Nom
	2023	Top Excellence Award	Lee Sung-kyung	Template:Won
		Seoul League Actors Award		Template:Won
Art Awards	2020	Best Viewership Ratings	Dr. Romantic 2	Template:Won
Asia Artist Awards	2020	AAA Best Actor	Ahn Hyo-seop	Template:Won
		AAA Best Actress	Lee Sung-kyung	Template:Won
Asian Television Awards	2017	Best Drama Series	Dr. Romantic	Template:Nom
Baeksang Arts Awards	2017	Best Drama	Template:Nom
		Korea Drama Awards

Grand Prize (Daesang)

SBS Drama Awards	2016	Category	Nominee	Outcome

SBS Drama Awards	2020	Category	Nominee	Outcome	Excellence Award, Actor in a Miniseries Genre/Action Drama	Ahn Hyo-seop	Won	Excellence Award, Actress in a Miniseries Genre/Action Drama	Lee Sung-kyung	Won	Best Supporting Actor	Kim Joo-hun	Won	Best Supporting Actress	Jin Kyung	Won	Best New Actress	So Joo-yeon	Won	Grand Prize (Daesang) Nomination for Han Suk-kyu | Top Excellence Award, Actor in a Miniseries Genre/Action Drama Nomination for Han Suk-kyu |

SBS Drama Awards	2023	Category	Nominee	Outcome	Grand Prize (Daesang) Nomination for Han Suk-kyu | Best New Actor Winners: Lee Shin-young, Lee Hong-nae | Best Young Actor Winner: Han Ji-an | Scene Stealer Award Winners: Go Sang-ho, Byun Jung-hee | Top Excellence Award, Actor in a Seasonal Drama Winner: Ahn Hyo-seop | Top Excellence Award, Actress in a Seasonal Drama Winner: Lee Sung-kyung | Best Supporting Team Winner: Dr. Romantic 3 | Best Couple Award Nomination: Ahn Hyo-seop and Lee Sung-kyung | Best Young Actress Nomination: Lee Ga-yeon | Best Supporting Actor in a Seasonal Drama Nomination: Yoon Na-moo | Excellence Award, Actress in a Seasonal Drama Nomination: So Joo-yeon | Excellence Award, Actor in a Seasonal Drama Nomination: Kim Min-jae | Best Supporting Actress in a Seasonal Drama Nominations: Jin Kyung, Jung Ji-ahn | } External links