Doctor Slump (2024) – A Rom-Com That Heals More Than Just Patients
Release Date: January 27, 2024
Episodes: 16
Genre: Romantic Comedy, Medical Drama, Slice of Life
Starring: Park Hyung-sik, Park Shin-hye
Platform: JTBC / Netflix
🩺 A Unique Take on Burnout and Love
“Doctor Slump” follows the lives of Yeo Jeong-woo (Park Hyung-sik) and Nam Ha-neul (Park Shin-hye), two former top-of-their-class medical school rivals who reunite as adults — not as doctors, but as two people in a personal crisis.
Jeong-woo was once a star plastic surgeon until a medical scandal destroyed his career. Ha-neul, a hardworking anesthesiologist, is dealing with depression and work burnout. When they end up living under the same roof, they discover that sometimes, rock bottom is the best place to start over.
💖 Enemies to Lovers – With Depth
While the drama plays into the popular “enemies to lovers” trope, it’s far from shallow. Jeong-woo and Ha-neul slowly rebuild their lives — and their friendship — in ways that feel real and vulnerable.
Their witty banter is balanced by emotional honesty. It’s not just about falling in love, but learning how to take care of yourself — mentally and emotionally — before you can truly care for someone else.
😂 Laughter and Lightness
Despite its themes of depression, failure, and mental health, Doctor Slump keeps things warm and funny. The humor is natural and relatable, especially when it comes to adulting struggles, annoying relatives, and career confusion.
It never mocks its characters — instead, it finds humor in life’s most honest and awkward moments.
🎠Outstanding Cast Chemistry
Park Hyung-sik is charming and vulnerable as Jeong-woo, a man trying to recover his confidence.
Park Shin-hye, in her long-awaited comeback after marriage and motherhood, delivers a wonderfully grounded performance as Ha-neul.
Their chemistry is strong, built on years of friendship and rivalry — making every interaction feel natural and layered.
🧠Mental Health Representation (Done Right)
One of the standout features of this drama is its honest depiction of burnout and depression. Ha-neul’s struggle with overworking and Jeong-woo’s shame and anxiety are portrayed with empathy and without over-dramatization.
The drama sends a clear message: it’s okay to rest, to ask for help, and to redefine success.
🌇 Final Thoughts
Doctor Slump (2024) is more than a love story — it’s a life story.
If you’re looking for a drama that mixes romance, comedy, and emotional healing in a beautiful way, this one’s for you.
❤️ Watch It If You Like:
- Slow-burn romance
- Healing K-dramas like It’s Okay to Not Be Okay or Hospital Playlist
- Realistic adult struggles
- Rom-coms with meaning
💬 What Did You Think?
Did Doctor Slump help you reflect on your own ups and downs?
Were you team Jeong-woo or team Ha-neul from the start?
Leave your thoughts in the comments!