TV
Park Shin-hye and Park Hyung-sik reunite, causing overindulgence
The response to ‘Doctor Slump’, which first aired on the 27th of last month, is unusual. Immediately after the first and second episodes of 'Ruined Life' CPR aired on the first page, favorable reviews predicted the birth of a new life romantic comedy. In particular, in the dark times of the lives of Nam Ha-neul (played by Park Shin-hye), an anesthesiologist suffering from burnout, and Yeo Jeong-woo (played by Park Hyeong-sik), a plastic surgeon in a slump, their meeting as each other's light provides healing in itself and offers heartfelt heartfelt love. It sparked cheers.
The show has been receiving a warm response since the first week of airing. 'Doctor Slump' ranked first in 'Today's TOP 10 Series in Korea' released by Netflix on the 30th of last month, and ranked 9th in the Netflix Global TOP 10 TV (non-English) category. In addition, it was listed in the top 10 in 11 countries, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Sri Lanka, kickstarting its global popularity. (Netflix, from January 22nd to January 28th)
In this way, 'Doctor Slump' captivated viewers in just two episodes. The scene from their past school days that opened the narrative of Nam Ha-neul and Yeo Jeong-woo attracted attention. The first meeting between the two occurred when Nam Ha-neul transferred to the same school and class as Yeo Jeong-woo. Those who swept the national first place side by side drew laughter by depicting a childish but humorous hateful(?) structure in which they competed for first place in the entire school. On the other hand, as time passed and the two people met again at the worst point of their lives and at the end of the world, their relationship changed. 'Two-way healing' warmed the hearts of viewers as Yeo Yeong-woo pretended not to know and offered alcohol to Nam Ha-neul, who quit the hospital after being diagnosed with depression and burnout, and Nam Ha-neul believed in the false accusations of Yeo Yeo-jeong-woo, who was shunned by everyone due to a mysterious medical accident. .
It was also special that it dealt with 'mental illnesses' such as depression, burnout, and slumps that all modern people are likely to experience. Nam Ha-neul, who worked hard today, dreamed of the future, and put off today's happiness for tomorrow, was left with nothing but a lethargic daily life and emotional exhaustion. However, even though he was diagnosed with "a mental illness due to working too hard and not being able to rest," his appearance of ignoring this, denying it, and blaming himself for being okay, evoked empathy for the sad reality.
Meanwhile, Yeo Yeong-woo, who lost everything in an accident, had no family or friends left by his side. The sight of him, who by all accounts had been a successful life, facing his reality and repeating, ‘I was a crushing defeat,’ also made me feel sad and sad. Nevertheless, Nam Ha-neul gave a calm consolation to Yeo Yeong-woo, and Yeo Yeong-woo told Nam Ha-neul, leaving a deep impression on the viewers.
Here, we cannot leave out Park Shin-hye and Park Hyung-sik, who returned to their peak romantic comedy level. The two gathered attention for their reunion 11 years after the drama 'The Heirs' and their return to a romantic comedy after a long time. And as soon as the broadcast began, they boasted of their acting, visuals, and chemistry, instantly turning those expectations into confidence. It was once again proving the true value of ‘rom-com queen’ Park Shin-hye and ‘rom-com master’ Park Hyeong-sik. Above all, the 'romcom-optimized' passionate performance, which adds laughter with the delightful tiki-taka and heightens the excitement with just one look and breath, made me fall in love with the story of Nam Ha-neul and Yeo Jeong-woo, which will unfold in earnest.
Kang Min-kyung, Ten Asia reporter kkk39@tenasia.co.kr
