Doctor Slump Review 2024

Doctor Slump Review 2024 Park Hyung-shik and Park Shin-hye deliver a heartwarming enemies-to-lovers story, portraying former high school rivals who must lean on each other when they hit rock bottom.

Despite dedicating her life to becoming a doctor, Nam Ha-neul (Park Shin-hye) finds herself overwhelmed by an abusive workplace and an unbearable workload, pushing her to the brink of depression and thoughts of suicide. Yeo Jeong-woo (Park Hyung-sik), once a successful surgeon, faces a downfall when a routine surgery ends in a malpractice lawsuit, leaving him with little left to his name. As he moves into a rooftop apartment above Ha-neul’s, the former high school rivals cross paths again, both at their lowest points.

After hitting rock bottom, Ha-neul and Jeong-woo realize they have no choice but to support each other, gradually forming a new friendship as they strive to overcome their challenges. Their journey becomes a touching tale of reconciliation, self-discovery, and embracing second chances. Park Shin-hye and Park Hyung-sik shine as the central figures in this intricate web of relationships, exuding warmth, reassurance, and humor both as former rivals and as adults.

Credit goes to writer Baek Seon-woo, who skillfully utilizes the strengths of the show’s leads – from Park Hyung-sik’s innate humor to Park Shin-hye’s grounded charm, creating compelling interactions between the duo. Whether it’s Jeong-woo’s humorous reaction to finishing second in his exams and fainting from shock, or Ha-neul’s emotional outpouring upon receiving her mother’s unwavering support during a depressive episode, these moments resonate deeply with viewers.

While Ha-neul and Jeong-woo find solace in each other during their lowest moments, they carefully navigate a delicate balance, avoiding the pitfalls of quick co-dependency. However, the gradual evolution of their unlikely friendship is hindered by clichéd tropes from their past, including Jeong-woo’s unrequited feelings for Ha-neul during high school, which may feel predictable to some viewers.

The show’s impactful narrative, which tackles mental health issues with surprising realism and sensitivity, is somewhat diluted by the predictable storyline. As Ha-neul grapples with the toll of an abusive workplace on her spirit and health, viewers easily empathize with her struggles, particularly as she begins to dread the career she once tirelessly pursued.

However, the true highlight of Ha-neul’s journey lies in her dynamic with her mother, Kong Wol-seon (Jang Hye-jin), which vividly portrays a quintessentially Asian familial relationship – simultaneously relatable and heart-wrenching. Like many Asian parents, Ha-neul’s mother initially interprets her daughter’s depressive diagnosis as a personal failure, but she ultimately evolves into a caring and supportive figure. Though her methods may seem overbearing at times, her unwavering spirit shines through in her efforts to nurture and protect her child.

Although “Doctor Slump” may not reach the heights of “My Liberation Notes,” it remains a captivating and briskly-paced K-drama, particularly enjoyable for fans of clever dialogue and evolving friendships. While the initial rivalry between the leads sets the stage, the real intrigue lies in discovering how this narrative “slump” ultimately resolves itself.

Catch “Doctor Slump” every Saturday and Sunday on JTBC, and stream it anytime on TVING and Netflix.

FAQ