Dr. Romantic (2016)

A gripping South Korean medical drama following a maverick genius surgeon who trades Seoul prestige for purpose at a small rural hospital.

Dr. Romantic - Series Information

  • Original Title: 낭만닥터 김사부
  • First Air Year: 2016
  • Last Air Year: 2023
  • Created by: Kang Eun-kyung, Yoo In-sik
  • Type: TV Series
  • Genres: Drama
  • Content Rating (US): TV-14
  • Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 60 minutes
  • Number of Seasons: 3
  • Number of Episodes: 52
  • Status: Ended
  • Original Language: Korean
  • Spoken Languages: Korean
  • First Air Date: November 7, 2016 (United States - NR), November 7, 2016 (Germany - 12), November 7, 2016 (France - 12), November 7, 2016 (Brazil - 10), November 7, 2016 (Mexico - C), November 7, 2016 (Spain - 13), November 7, 2016 (South Korea - 15)
  • Networks: SBS
  • Alternative Titles: 낭만닥터 김사부 (KR), Doctor Romantic (US), Romantic Doctor (PH), דוקטור רומנטיקה (IL), 浪漫醫生金師傅 (TW)
  • Production Companies: Samhwa Networks, Studio S
  • Production Countries: South Korea

Dr. Romantic - Plot

An eccentric, triple board-certified virtuoso surgeon leaves a top job in Seoul and ends up at a provincial hospital, where he mentors young doctors.

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Dr. Romantic - Cast & Crew

Creator(s)

  • Kang Eun-kyung
  • Yoo In-sik

Main Cast

  • Han Suk-kyu
  • Kim Min-jae
  • Yoon Na-moo
  • Jin Kyung
  • Im Won-hee
  • Byun Woo-min
  • Lee Kyu-ho
  • Yoo Yeon-seok
  • Choi Jin-ho
  • Kim Hong-pa

Writers

  • Kang Eun-kyung

Executive Producers

  • Han Jung-hwan

Dr. Romantic - FAQs

Where can you stream Dr. Romantic online?

Dr. Romantic is available to stream on Netflix, Hulu, and Rakuten Viki. Additional platforms include OnDemandKorea, Netflix Standard with Ads, Kocowa, and Kocowa via Amazon Channel, offering a range of subscription and ad-supported viewing options in the United States.

Who plays Teacher Kim in Dr. Romantic?

Veteran South Korean actor Han Suk-kyu portrays Teacher Kim, whose real name is Bu Yong-ju. His commanding yet layered performance as the eccentric genius surgeon is widely considered the emotional and dramatic backbone of the entire series across all three seasons.

Is Dr. Romantic based on a true story?

Dr. Romantic is not based on a specific true story. It is an original fictional drama written by Kang Eun-kyung. However, the series draws on realistic portrayals of South Korean medical culture, emergency medicine, and the systemic pressures faced by doctors working outside elite urban hospitals.

How many seasons and episodes does Dr. Romantic have?

Dr. Romantic comprises 3 main seasons and a specials collection. Season 1 has 20 episodes, Season 2 has 16 episodes, and Season 3 has 16 episodes, bringing the total to 52 episodes. A Season 0 featuring 5 special episodes is also available.

Did Dr. Romantic win any awards?

Dr. Romantic earned significant recognition at South Korean broadcasting awards. Han Suk-kyu received multiple Best Actor honors, and the series won top drama prizes at the SBS Drama Awards. The show's consistent popularity across three seasons reflects its sustained critical and audience acclaim.

What is the content rating for Dr. Romantic?

Dr. Romantic carries a TV-14 content rating in the United States, indicating it may be unsuitable for children under 14. The series contains depictions of surgical procedures, medical emergencies, and mature dramatic themes, though it does not feature graphic violence or explicit content.

Why did Teacher Kim leave Seoul in Dr. Romantic?

Teacher Kim, formerly a celebrated Seoul surgeon named Bu Yong-ju, abandoned the corrupt elite medical establishment after becoming disillusioned with its politics and moral compromises. He retreats to the remote Doldam Hospital to practice medicine on his own terms and rediscover the true purpose of healing.

Is Dr. Romantic cancelled or has it ended?

Dr. Romantic has officially ended. The series concluded with its third season in 2023, wrapping up the story that began in 2016. All three seasons aired on SBS in South Korea, and the show is now complete with 52 episodes available to watch in full.

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