Our Kind Of Vitamin K: 5 Binge-Worthy Medical K-Dramas

The K-drama Resident Playbook is finally streaming on Netflix! Since it’s an ongoing drama, waiting for new episodes to drop might be agonising. Hence, in the meantime, we’ve curated 5 of the most binge-worthy medical dramas available for streaming in Singapore. Get ready to be injected with all the laughter and feels as you add shows such as Hospital Playlist and The Trauma Code to your watchlist.

A chaotic and charming show. (Photo from: netflix.com)

But first, why do we viewers love medical K-dramas?

Beyond all the jargon and complex illnesses, medical K-dramas offer a deeper look into the stories happening inside the hospital. These shows portray the heroism and struggles of doctors, nurses, and staff as they deal with countless patients every day. They also often feature themes of personal growth, friendships forged in fire, and sometimes a healthy dose of romance to keep you hooked till the final episode.

Now, let’s dive into the medical K-dramas that we bet will cheer you up when you’re feeling blue. 

Binge-worthy medical K-dramas to boost your mood

1. Hospital Playlist

Five doctors who have been friends since their med school days now work in the same hospital, Yulje Medical Center. Lee Ik Jun (Jo Jung Suk), Ahn Jeong Won (Yoo Yeon Seok), Kim Jun Wan (Jung Kyung Ho), Yang Seok Hyeong (Kim Dae Myung), and Chae Song Hwa (Jeon Mi Do) will take you on a memorable journey as they save the lives of their patients by day and bond together during their band practise sessions by night. 

Add this to your watchlist if: you’re a fan of the heartfelt storytelling of Director Shin Won Ho and screenwriter Lee Woo Jung of the Reply series. The two have a knack for portraying the beauty of friendships and the ups and downs of life in their projects. It has the perfect blend of relatable characters, humour, and music that will truly warm your heart.

Resident Playbook is a spin-off brought about by the popularity of Hospital Playlist.

Stream Seasons 1 and 2 on Netflix.

2. The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call

The Trauma Code broke the internet and ranked third on Netflix’s global charts with its refreshing blend of action, comedy, and depth. It follows a brilliant but blunt trauma surgeon, Dr. Baek Kang Hyuk (Ju Ji Hoon), who takes on the challenge of reviving a failing trauma team at Hankuk National University Hospital. With his war-zone experience and no-nonsense personality, he clashes with the hospital administration's financial priorities as he strives to save lives. 

He selects a dedicated team of medical professionals, including nurse Cheon Jang Mi (Ha Young) and surgery fellow Yang Jae-won (Choo Young Woo), to overcome obstacles and beat the system.

Add this to your watchlist if: you’re on the lookout for a show with intense, fast-paced medical action with great comedic relief. You can’t help but root for the leads as they’re part of the underdogs of the hospital. We bet that you’ll also fangirl over Ju Ji Hoon’s charisma in this drama. 

Stream it on Netflix.

3. Dr. Romantic 

Kim Sa Bu (Han Seok Kyu) is a renowned surgeon at the far-flung Doldam Hospital. With his sometimes gruff yet compassionate personality, he trains young doctors disillusioned by the corrupt medical system. Season 1 introduces the core characters, Kang Dong Ju (Yoo Yeon Seok) and Yoon Seo Jung (Seo Hyun Jin). Season 2 sees Kim Sa Bu recruit new surgeons Seo Woo Jin (Ahn Hyo Seop) and Cha Eun Jae (Lee Sung Kyung).

Finally, Season 3 focuses on the opening of Doldam Hospital's Regional Trauma Center, which brings a greater volume of complex cases and challenges for the Doldam team. You can find a more detailed breakdown of Seasons 1 to 3 here.

Add this to your watchlist if: you’re ready for a drama that sheds light on the dark side of the medical industry with its greedy hospital boards and corrupt practises. You’ll enjoy rooting for your favourite characters and feeling the satisfaction of seeing the downfall of the villains in the show.

Stream Seasons 1 and 2 on Netflix and Season 3 on Disney+.

4. Doctor Slump

What happens when two successful doctors hit rock bottom? Watch the comedy and chaos that unfold in Doctor Slump. Plastic surgeon Jeong Woo (Park Hyung Sik) and anesthesiologist Ha Neul (Park Shin Hye) were high school rivals in the past, went their separate ways, and then reunited during the lowest points of their lives.

As they start to open up to each other, they begin to share their pain and go through the process of healing together. 

Add this to your watchlist if: you need a sweet, healing romance with two swoon-worthy leads. It also portrays one’s struggles with depression, the pressures of career and perfectionism, and the value of having a support system, which makes the show very relatable.

Stream it on Netflix.

5. Daily Dose of Sunshine

Jung Da Eun (Park Bo Young) works as a nurse who was transferred to neuropsychiatry from the internal medicine department. There, she faces the unfiltered realities of various mental illnesses while battling her own issues. 

Nevertheless, she tries her best to connect with the patients with the help of Chief Nurse Song Hyo Jin (Lee Jung Eun). The series is infused with comedy but is able to handle the issues surrounding psychological problems in a sensitive way.

Add this to your watchlist if: you’re ready to cry. It paints a solemn picture where it doesn't sugarcoat the emotional toll of psychiatric care and its overwhelming situations. While it doesn't promise to be a happy mood booster, this tear-jerking yet heartwarming drama is still worth a watch as it'll help you learn a little more about empathy after the credits roll.

Stream it on Netflix.

We've only scratched the surface of the flourishing genre of medical K-dramas! Whether you’re into action-packed, slice-of-life, or romantic shows, there’s definitely an enjoyable Vitamin K for you. 

You can also check out other medical K-dramas with stellar casting such as the medical comedy Doctor Cha, the gripping Doctor John, and the inspiring Good Doctor, which contains a story that has spawned remakes worldwide. 

(Cover photos from: @tvn_drama, netflix.com) 

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