General Hospital 2? Got General Hospital 1 meh?Do I think that this is a good drama ? Yes.
Do I think this is an entertaining drama? Not really.
Compared to the other Hospital dramas, it this better? Um....yes and no.
Yes, because the Doctors and patients are the main deal in this drama , not just a background story like in New Heart and Cain and Abel and Cloud Staircase.
No, because, somehow, I don't get the excitement like in most Korean dramas. It's kinda laid back. Perhaps that's the way it's intended to be. I dunno.
But this drama is the only one that reminded me of my days working as a Medical Social Worker at a Tertiary Hospital in the West and the Specialised Hospital in Hougang. My 11 years of working with House Officers (the"Aini, need me to complete any forms?" lot), Medical Officers (the "Aini, this case got financial problem, can help or not?" lot) and the Consultants (the "Aini, how come this patient still not discharged?" lot) . Brings back good memories of working with the wonderful nurses in the wards and the clinics. They are the ones who know the patients the best - the ones who made OUR jobs that much more pleasant and easier.
Anyway, back to the drama. As usual, you can expect good acting from Kim Jung Eun, funny acting from Cha Yae Hyun , and kinda robotic acting from Ryoo jin (Ok, ok...I am being unkind here. There are a few parts where he was kinda good ... too bad his character is not as developed as I would have liked it).
I think the thing that sets this drama apart from other Hospital dramas is that the people behind this drama took more time researching the deeper issues in the lives of doctors and patients. I saw more emotions in this drama where they portray relationships between Drs and Patients , and also focuses more on the fact that these doctors actually have feelings too.....
Romance is there - but repressed....argh...Ryoo Jin is a perfect Cheesecake wrapped in Chocolate Brownie coating. I am biased lah. I have always liked men who're repressed and quiet- just waiting for the time to ooze out all his love and affection....
The Gist
The lives of first year Residents. I am not sure how the Korean Medical system is . Perhaps they are equivalent to M.Os? Each episode looks at different encounters with patient, medical dilemmas that made the doctors start to question their principles and ethics.
I especially like the episode where the Doctors were in dilemma about the liver transplant case - reminded me of my time being in the Liver Transplant team - counselling patients and the family, especially about the financial aspect of the very expensive transplant (then), and the aftercare of the pateint.
I give it 3 popcorns. You can give it a miss if you don't like hospital stories (like my hubby) or watch it online.
The MV - Kim Bum Soo's song - Dr Baek and Dr Jung's Love theme
