Ghost Doctor (고스트 닥터) is a supernatural-medical Korean drama series directed by Boo Seong-cheol and starring Rain, Kim Beom, Uee, and Son Na-eun, alongside other cast members. The series has 16 episodes, each with a runtime of 60 minutes.
– Ghost Doctor review does not contain spoilers –
Ghost Doctor is a show that is primarily trying to be funny. I mean, it is funny but the medical drama has some very profound thoughts to share about guilt, death and what it means to learn your mistakes the hard way. It’s also about the connections that we make with people when our heads are not up our butts and when we have empathy for those around us.
Cha Young-min is absolutely insufferable – a genius doctor by profession, you’d wish you never met him when you first come across him. Arrogant and seemingly without empathy, he feels more like a robot than someone in charge of saving people’s lives. Thank god he’s good at what he does because he’s just too selfish for you to have even an ounce of sympathy for his eventual hardships.
Of course, there’s an arc for him but then we meet the silly but relatable Go Seung-tak, the resident goofball who is supposed to help him go through said arc. The series is entertaining, with most of its runtime thoroughly watchable.
It’s funny in most parts and somewhat serious in others, with things getting very up-close and gnarly a lot of the time. Those with a weak stomach might just have a difficult time sitting through looking at a beating heart up close (yes, literally).
Regardless, Ghost Doctor has its merits and the episodes go from light-hearted to conspiracy theory very soon and quickly. Although it holds on to its playful mood, the series goes deep into the themes of greed that keep you occupied. These two coupled together make this a serious drama that is fun in most parts, keeping the precarious balance maintained throughout.
The relationship between Seung-tak and Young-min is infectious. Although, as usual, it starts off rocky, their relationship grows from “sworn enemies” to two people who support and grow together. Both have their own demons to face off against but come together to fight a greater problem at hand.
Also Read: Why Her Episode 6 Recap and Review: Time For a Blast
There’s also a small mystery about Seung-tak and Young-min’s connection. Why Seung-tak, of all people? Why is he special? Does he know that he’s being possessed by Young-min? Lots of questions all around that the series tries to deal with and throughout its 16 episodes, it slowly opens up those petals to give us a clearer and (possibly) satisfying conclusion to all of your questions.
I think what makes Ghost Doctor such a good watch is the chemistry between the leads. Rain and Kim Beom are very capable actors who do a splendid job working off of each other. Rain’s arrogant but kind genius persona coupled with Beom’s goofiness makes for a balanced runtime where nothing is too much. The moment one of their personalities starts to overwhelm a scene, the other one saves the day.
Plus, there is the medical drama part involving countless heart surgeries and suspicious activities in the hospital itself. It goes well with the bickering of the leads and gives the show an air of suspense. Although I did feel a tad bit annoyed sometimes with the bickering, the mystery surrounding the hospital is solid and kept me engaged throughout the show’s runtime.
Also Read: Link: Eat Love Kill Episode 6 Recap and Review: Fear Street
The show is excellent when it comes to showcasing the different relationships we share with people other than romantic ones. The love and appreciation we foster for those around us, especially in chaotic situations like in a hospital, and the trust that we develop are portrayed very well. Character arcs through these relationships are solid and keep you invested thanks to the emotional points that it showcases.
Apart from these, Ghost Doctor also gives us some really nice moral questions that are interesting and very much prevalent in medical dramas. However, what makes it different is that it feels very realistic, thanks to the setting of the show and the push and pull between the protagonists. You wonder what you’d do in similar situations and the ambiguity leaves you feeling a little uncomfortable but a whole lot satisfied.
Summing up: Ghost Doctor
Ghost Doctor is an entertainer that makes you think. Funny, witty and thrilling in some parts, the series has all it takes for you to binge it over a weekend and have tons of fun while at it. The all-star cast is another addition to this interesting tale and they don’t disappoint. If you’re someone who wants a healthy dose of a medical drama that has supernatural elements to it and is extremely humorous, then this is the show for you.
Ghost Doctor is streaming on Viki and will be available to stream on Netflix from June 23.