“The Heirs” a decade ago, and “Doctor Slump” today.

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Doctor Slump

Ten years ago, Park Hyung-sik and Park Shin-hye portrayed youthful characters in “The Heirs.” Now, they are cast as doctors in their thirties in the series “Doctor Slump.” As time has unfolded and the world has evolved, the two actors, retaining their radiance, find themselves approaching their mid-thirties. “Doctor Slump” delves into the narrative of two formerly high-achieving elite doctors whose lives take a downturn into a slump.

The series “Doctor Slump” is scheduled to air on JTBC starting from January 27, 2024. The broadcast time is 10:30 PM on Saturdays and Sundays, and it is a 16-episode series. Streaming will be available on TVING and Netflix.

official trailer of “Doctor Slump”

synopsis of “Doctor Slump”

Two elite doctors, both former top graduates from a nationwide mock SAT exam in their senior year of high school, have built their careers without major setbacks. However, one halts their progress due to a medical accident, and the other grapples with burnout. Reuniting after more than a decade, the two discover a unique camaraderie, feeling that they are not alone in navigating their respective struggles. Somehow, they begin to offer comfort to each other.

casting of “Doctor Slump”

Park Hyung-sik Portrays Yeo Jung-woo

Despite his handsome appearance and the ability to maintain the top position without much studying. An overachiever, he graduates from the country’s leading medical school and establishes himself as a successful plastic surgeon. However, his smooth-sailing life takes an unexpected nosedive due to a mysterious medical accident. Facing failure for the first time, Jung-woo finds the experience incredibly awkward.

Park Shin-Hye Portrays Nam Haneul

She was incredibly driven, even resorting to chewing hot peppers (청양고추) to stay awake during relentless study sessions. Eventually, she realized her dream of becoming a doctor. However, one day, burnout compelled her to take a mandatory break. Yet, for someone unaccustomed to taking breaks, the concept of rest felt strangely awkward against the backdrop of a life that had always been on the go.

Yun Park Portrays Bin Dae-young

He attended the same university as Jeongwoo and envied him, a well-known medical YouTuber. Despite consistently expressing discontent by hitting the ‘dislike’ button and leaving negative comments on each of Jeongwoo’s YouTube pages, a strange mix of emotions arises when Jeongwoo faces difficulties. Married at a young age and raising his middle school daughter alone, he grapples with confusion about why he should buy certain items for his daughter, such as underwear or makeup tint products.

Gong Seong-Ha Portrays Lee Hong-Ran

Haneul’s university classmate and best friend, she is a single mom raising a 6-year-old son. Despite her constant efforts to shield her son from feeling the absence of his father, her heart continues to ache. Entwined with Bin Dae-young, a divorced man from the plastic surgery department across the aisle, they find themselves filling each other’s voids.”.

Jang Hey-jin Portrays Gong Wol-seon

At the age of 19, she became a mom while still in high school. During that time, being a teenage mom was challenging. Initially she struggled with the perceived taint on her past, but now, she doesn’t view it as negatively. She can share moments with her grown-up children like friends, and she appreciates that she’s still relatively young. The fact that she has a good nine years until her 60th birthday or 환갑 feels like a fortunate circumstance.

Yun Sang-hyun portrays Nam Bada

“However, observing his sister’s burnout due to relentless studying and subsequent unemployment has prompted him to a newfound realization: that it might be better to avoid such intensive studying.

Hyun Bong-Sik Portrays Gong Tae-seon

“The uncle of Haneul and Bada, he seamlessly connects with both of them. Managing a noodle shop on the first floor of the building, he gracefully navigates life’s challenges. In a practical sense, he relocated from Busan to Seoul, taking on the role of a father to the cousins. His presence ensures that his nieces and nephews feel the absence of their father less.

production crew of “Doctor Slump”

The director is Oh Hyun-jong, who previously directed dramas such as “Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo”, “About Two Cops”, and “Find Me in Your Memory.” The script is penned by Baek Sun-woo, known for writing “My Roommate is a Gumiho” and “What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim.”  

behind the scenes of “Doctor Slump”

  • This is a pre-produced drama that concluded filming at the end of October 2023.
  • The two lead actors, Park Hyung-sik and Park Shin-hye, are starring together for the first time in 10 years since the SBS seires “The Heirs.”

An acclaimed webtoon has been adapted into a Netflix series. Explore more at https://triviaaboutkorea.com/a-killer-paradox/

Enjoy watching “The Heirs” on https://programs.sbs.co.kr/drama/theheirs/vods/52900