TV CHOSUN's weekend mini-series 'Dr. Shin' has delivered a shocking twist with the unexpected death of the real Momo by its fourth episode.
'Dr. Shin' (written by Phoebe, Im Sung-han) is a medical thriller drama about a genius doctor challenging the realm of the divine and a woman losing her soul as her brain deteriorates overnight. The show has maintained a 1% viewership rating for four consecutive episodes.
The tragic and unconventional storyline featuring genius doctor Shin Joo-shin (played by Jung Yi-chan) and top actress Momo (played by Baek Seo-ra) has captivated audiences.
The series began with Shin Joo-shin falling for top actress Momo after watching her in the drama 'A Girl's Prayer.' Through James (played by Jeon No-min), who is acquainted with Momo, Shin Joo-shin meets her and, despite her mother Hyun Ran-hee's (played by Song Ji-in) opposition, wins approval for an engagement before marriage. Shin Joo-shin and Momo share a passionate romance on a luxurious yacht and a romantic villa, eventually holding a secret engagement ceremony with his friend Ha Yong-jung (played by Ahn Woo-yeon).
However, their happiness is shattered when Momo falls into a coma following a scuba diving accident just before their wedding. Six months later, with Momo still unconscious, Hyun Ran-hee persuades Shin Joo-shin to perform a 'brain change surgery' to swap her brain with Momo's, saying, "Just transfer the brain to me. The eyes, nose, and mouth will remain the same. This is a mother's heart." The surgery succeeds, and Momo, now with Hyun Ran-hee's brain, exhibits a completely different demeanor. Although she looks like Momo, she speaks in Hyun Ran-hee's manner, saying, "It's confusing. I don't know if I'm Momo or looking at Momo in the mirror." Shin Joo-shin is left longing for the real Momo.
Meanwhile, Momo (with Hyun Ran-hee's brain) is tormented by her inability to walk properly and her body's inability to recover, leading her to manipulate her own body (Hyun Ran-hee with Momo's brain) into hypothermia, resulting in death. As Shin Joo-shin covers the body with a sheet, he recalls the Momo he truly loved and mourns the real Momo's death, questioning, "Momo, was this the right thing? Should I let you go like this?"
After the funeral for Hyun Ran-hee's body, Momo (with Hyun Ran-hee's brain) insists, "It's Hyun Ran-hee who died. Just accept what you see," but Shin Joo-shin remains conflicted. The situation escalates as Momo (with Hyun Ran-hee's brain) provocatively approaches Shin Joo-shin, raising curiosity about his future actions.
The production team stated, "Episode 4 of 'Dr. Shin' delivered an unpredictable narrative with the brain swap between Hyun Ran-hee and Momo. From episode 5, expect unimaginable twists and shocking developments that will shake the story once again."
Episode 5 of 'Dr. Shin' will air on October 28 at 9:10 PM, and episode 6 will air on October 29 at 10:30 PM on TV CHOSUN and Coupang Play, due to the broadcast of the South Korean national soccer team.
Tae Yuna, TenAsia Reporter youyou@tenasia.co.kr