Dr. Romantic title image

Dr. Romantic

SBS · 2016–present · 3 Seasons · 48 Episodes · Returning
dramamedicalkoreanromance
86
Fan Heat
By the TVCeleb Editorial Team Last updated How we research & score

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About Dr. Romantic

Dr. Romantic (Korean title Nangmandakteo Kim Sabu) is a South Korean medical drama that premiered on SBS in 2016. The series centers on a reclusive, eccentric genius surgeon known only as Teacher Kim, who works far from the spotlight at Doldam Hospital, a small and underfunded facility in a rural region. Once a celebrated star surgeon in Seoul, he has chosen self-imposed exile, and he uses his hard-won skill to mentor ambitious young doctors while championing medical ethics over hospital politics and profit.

Each season pairs Teacher Kim with a new cohort of talented but troubled trainees who arrive at Doldam carrying personal wounds, professional setbacks, or impossible expectations. Under his demanding and often unconventional guidance, they confront life-and-death cases in an emergency setting with limited resources, learning what it truly means to be a doctor. The drama balances tense surgical sequences with character study, exploring burnout, integrity, and the cost of compassion within a strained healthcare system.

Created by writer Kang Eun-kyung, Dr. Romantic became one of SBS's signature franchises, drawing strong domestic ratings and a wide international following. Its first season established the tone and the figure of Teacher Kim, while later seasons rotated in new lead doctors and expanded the world of Doldam Hospital. The series is frequently cited alongside other beloved Korean medical dramas for its blend of heartfelt mentorship, ethical conflict, and ensemble storytelling.

Production Details & Legacy

Dr. Romantic was created by Kang Eun-kyung and originally aired on SBS, with streaming available on Disney+ / Viki (varies by region). The series ran for 3 seasons and 48 episodes from 2016–present, establishing itself as a landmark entry in the drama and medical and korean and romance genres. The series continues to captivate audiences with each new season, maintaining strong viewership and active fan engagement across social media platforms and streaming.

The series features a rich ensemble of characters that have become iconic within television fandom. TVCeleb profiles 3 key characters from Dr. Romantic, including Teacher Kim (Boo Yong-joo) (Han Suk-kyu), Kang Dong-joo (Yoo Yeon-seok), Yoon Seo-jung (Seo Hyun-jin). Each character has inspired dedicated fan communities, extensive analysis, and passionate debate about their motivations, relationships, and story arcs throughout the series.

Dr. Romantic holds a Fan Heat Score of 86 out of 100 on TVCeleb, reflecting the intensity and passion of its fanbase. This strong score reflects sustained fan engagement and cultural relevance that extends well beyond its original air dates. The series is notable for its k drama, medical, mentor qualities, which have contributed to its enduring appeal and cross-generational viewership.

Characters (3)

Dr. Romantic

Teacher Kim (Boo Yong-joo)

Played by Han Suk-kyu

Seasons 1–3 (2016–present) 0
Dr. Romantic

Kang Dong-joo

Played by Yoo Yeon-seok

Season 1 (2016) [FLAG: per-season lead casting — see note] 0
Dr. Romantic

Yoon Seo-jung

Played by Seo Hyun-jin

Season 1 (2016) [FLAG: per-season lead casting — see note] 0
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Explore More on TVCeleb

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? Frequently Asked Questions

Dr. Romantic has three seasons. The first aired on SBS in 2016, with a second season in 2020 and a third in 2023. Across its run the series totals roughly 48 episodes, and it has been treated as a returning franchise rather than a finished story. (Episode and season details are AI-summarized and should be verified against reliable sources.)

Teacher Kim is the nickname of Boo Yong-joo, a reclusive but brilliant surgeon played by Han Suk-kyu. Once a famous Seoul star surgeon, he retreats to the small rural Doldam Hospital, where he mentors younger doctors and insists on putting patients and medical ethics ahead of hospital politics and profit. He is the central figure who anchors all three seasons.

Dr. Romantic originally aired on the South Korean network SBS. Internationally it has been available on streaming platforms such as Disney+ and Viki, though availability varies by region and over time. Viewers should check the services active in their country for current options. (Streaming availability is AI-summarized and should be verified.)