TV CHOSUN's weekend mini-series 'Dr. Shin' has opened the curtain on Phoebe's first medical thriller drama.
In the premiere episode aired on the 14th, the story unfolds with the genius doctor Shin Joo-shin (played by Jung Yi-chan), known for his near-miraculous brain surgery skills, and top actress Momo (played by Baek Seo-ra) beginning a fateful romance. However, tragedy strikes as Momo suffers a catastrophic accident. The episode also introduces the intertwined relationships of reporter Geum Bara (played by Joo Se-bin), who grows close to Momo while covering her, Ha Yong-jung (played by Ahn Woo-yeon), who shares a poignant childhood story with Geum Bara, and Momo's stylist Kim Jin-joo (played by Chun Young-min).
The tension escalates when Momo, who was scuba diving, loses consciousness and is rushed to Shin Joo-shin's hospital while he is deeply focused on a brain surgery. Meanwhile, Geum Bara, who was stood up by Momo, heads home only to be informed about Momo's accident by Kim Jin-joo, who was waiting outside her house.
The narrative then shifts back six months to reveal past events. A flashback shows Geum Bara meeting Ha Yong-jung for an interview, reminiscing about her time in an orphanage where she was cared for like a sibling by Ji An-hee (played by Cha Ji-hyuk) and his warm-hearted friend Ha Yong-jung. However, Ha Yong-jung fails to recognize Geum Bara, leaving her to hide her disappointment. Meanwhile, Shin Joo-shin becomes enamored with Momo after seeing her intense performance in a TV drama and asks his friend Ha Yong-jung's brother, James (played by Jeon No-min), to arrange a meeting. Momo, however, declines Shin Joo-shin's dinner invitation, citing a reshoot, and dismisses his advances, saying, "I'm not as charming as my character in the drama."
Six months after Momo's accident, she is shown in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber, deep in sleep, heightening the sense of tragedy. Momo's mother, Hyun Ran-hee (played by Song Ji-in), visits Shin Joo-shin and discusses brain change surgery she heard about from Shin's father. When Shin Joo-shin says there is no suitable donor, Hyun Ran-hee offers herself, saying, "Just transfer the brain to me; everything else stays the same. That's a mother's heart."
The episode concludes with a dramatic scene of Momo and Hyun Ran-hee on the operating table, their hair being cut, as Shin Joo-shin, reminiscing about happier times with Momo, picks up the scalpel to begin the brain surgery, leaving viewers eager for the shocking storyline to unfold.
The first episode of 'Dr. Shin' uses a cross-cutting narrative, moving between the past and present, six months before and after Momo's scuba diving accident, emphasizing unpredictable plot twists and the complex evolution of characters.
Song Ji-in delivers a powerful performance as Hyun Ran-hee, a mother whose pride and love for her daughter Momo are palpable yet enigmatic. Jeon No-min impresses with his transformation into James, a character marked by his smooth-talking and humorous demeanor.
Tae Yuna, TenAsia Reporter youyou@tenasia.co.kr