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Story/Plot:
The horse doctor gave a pure and perfect story on how a young veterinarian became a Royal Physician in a world of full discrimination and status in life was very important. Warning: if you are not used to watch a bloody and heart attack surgery, well you must prepare yourself. I watch this with my sister and every time Kwangho made a surgery we just scream because of the intensity of the scene. But then I will rewind it and watch it again.:) My favourite was when he treated the Queen Mother(it you’re curious you need to start this now.. ?) It made me engaged until the end how our hero will succeed and adapting in the environment from treating animals to human. The story made a perfect plot and giving me knowledge about the difference and similarities of being a vet to human Doctor. What I really love this was they didn’t rush the transition of the main lead from being a vet to a doctor instead they carefully plan it and apply his experience from the long journey.
Character:
There are many great characters in this story but I will give my top 5 characters in here.
(1) Baek Kwanghyon – played by my new favourite actor Jo Seung Woo. I saw him in the Classic and then there’s no turning back. I watched most of his drama now and he was really good in Stranger, God’s gift 14 days and Marathon. He gave an absolute stunning acting here as a kind, funny but has a strong sense of justice as a doctor. Kwanghyon will be my favourite doctor ever. He was funny but serious type when he treats his patient. Why Jo Seung Woo nailed his character? It’s because of a pure skill in acting together with his genuine smile and eyes.
(2)Dr Juman Ko- baek Kwanghyons’ mentor. Why he’s my top 2? Because he was the best mentor that I’ve ever watch. He’s so likeable and I bet all watchers will feel the same way. Grandpa gave a stunning performance indeed.
(3) The King- Most of the time when I watched sageuk drama I’ve never like the King and this is the first time that I admired the king until the end. He’s a just King. A faithful King to his nation and a loving member in a Royal family and friends.
(4) Princess Shukwi- A stubborn and childish princess which at first you will be annoyed. But what I admired is she won my heart because of that childish attitude added with a pure heart. The writer did a great job portraying a princess character. I laugh and cry with her. So many great moments.
(5) Dr. Yi- A villain is a villain indeed. I never thought I will hate his character so much because I have sympathy to him at first. The actor played this did an amazing job to be hate this much. Well he must be. Which means that he was a very effective a villain character.
There are many amazing characters that I will not describe. You need to watch it guys and appreciate their characters such as Nurse Inju,Master Saam, KaYoung, Kwanghyons’ vet buddy, all the royals and all the villains gave a stunning performance. I think you thought why I didn’t talk much about JinHyung. Her chemistry w/ Kwanghyon was a top notch and I love their relationship development it’s just that I cannot feel her character because she was overwhelmed with the character of Baek Kwanghyon. Since I’m an avid fan of romance in the drama, it’s a first for me to feel that I’m more interested on how Kwanghyon rise to the top and become a Royal Physician. If you watch this because you love her in Queen Seon Duk(one of my favorite) don’t be discourage. She did a good job here, its just that well Jo Seon Woo gave a strong character.
Soundtrack:
All the soundrrack here fits every scene. Hats off who organize all the songs. Actually my favourite of all was the BGM whenever Kwanghyon has a surgery. That was really intense.. ?
Overall it was 20/10 for me. To all saguek and medical fan out there or to those who wanted to start with medical dramas, this is the right choice for you. I savour every moment of this. Jeezzz.. So after this, I don’t have anything to watch because I cannot get over to this one… I just wanted to say that Jo Seoung Woo. Go get many contracts! I wanted to see you again in historical dramas ASAP!! ?
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Underrated, underrated, and underrated.
I don't usually write reviews soon after watching a drama.But this is an EXTREMELY UNDERRATED GEM that everyone is sleeping on.
A historical drama has never been this fun!
Like I always say about long dramas, skim through the first few episodes if you want to get to the plot faster.
I keep watching an episode after the other, and each consists of endless excitements.
It the most enjoyable historical drama I have seen yet. And a very enjoyable medical drama too! This is from someone who doesn't enjoy medical dramas a lot.
One thing I’ve surely learned (from 2 dramas) is that oriental medicine dramas are much more fun than modern medical ones.
Such a heartwarming story.
I like the braveness of the main character and his assertiveness.
The main character is an amazing person.
And I am a new fan of Jo Seung Woo.
The subtlety of the romance in the drama was so lovely. It makes me want to watch a drama with someone that looks at the one they love the way Baek Gwanghyun does.
The music was good too. I cant stop playing it in my head. And the BGM feels comforting and nostalgic when listen to it.
The writing is really good. No fillers and they managed to turn possible cliches into exciting stuff.
The plot might seem a bit repetitive at some point. Every time a different thing was used to cause the same results. Yet it was exciting every time.
And a plus? this drama has a really big number of likable characters.
JO SEUNG WOO (BAEK GWANG-HYUN ✨?) is a 100/10.
And this drama makes you say: “SO DAMN COOL” enough times to make you lose count.
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This review may contain spoilers
Having come off a couple of re-watches with Dong Yi and Jewel in the Palace, wanted to try a historical series I haven't seen before. And unintentionally, I started yet another series with the same director. A few episodes in, and it becomes quite obvious. So in this review, there will be a bit of a rant.Let's start with the positives. Right off the bat within the first two episodes, it had me in tears. What happened in these episodes triggered some tears later even during the flashbacks. This is probably also the first time where a spoiled princess (literally) became one of my favorite characters. The intention of the story was also pretty unique revolving around a horse doctor which is what initially had me intrigued. And as usual with this director, the supporting characters were the most likeable ones and did a great job in their roles.
However, because of the formula the director uses over and over again, it has exactly the same flaws as well. Dare I say his formula may have been great once but became outdated? The main leads in all his series are just over the top and dull, which is odd because the supporting characters are always much more lively. He tries too hard to emphasize this idealistic image and they are always portrayed as the underdog who is forever humble. But to me, they end up feeling arrogant because all you ever see is them being happy when someone offers gratitude. They accept it all and rarely ever passes along credit to those around them who've significantly helped them. Sure, they are the main sob story but they shouldn't always be portrayed as the ONLY capable hero. At some point, it is time to stop pitying them.
All three of his series I've seen so far all have similar plot lines as well. The royal family coming down with emergencies again and again, and the lead comes to the rescue. The plague-like disease that impacts the country occurs again and again, and the lead comes to the rescue. For this series in particular, there wasn't much chemistry between the main couple.
It was still enjoyable for the most part but I spent a lot of the series fast-forwarding or putting it on at least a 1.25x speed (which was done similarly with his other series). And as usual with his other series, I wish the vibe in the beginning was kept throughout. Nevertheless, still couldn't drop it so there's something to be said there. If you loved his other series, you should definitely check this one out.
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Horsing around
Why the hell do we need a love square in a horse/medical drama?! Really trying to inflate the 50-episodes runtime as much as possible for such a straightforward material. The drama itself was too vanilla and bland. I wish there was more to the drama than that, maybe exploring more interesting medical cases/areas. Speaking of medical, this is another drama with a godlike doctor and a godlike acupuncture skills that can resurrect the dead and create new life with little to no room in having reasonable stakes. Other dramas with godlike acupuncture skills that comes to mind are: Heaven's Order (2013) and Hur Jun (1999)/the Original Story (2013).Was this review helpful to you?
Human and Animals Patients are Life Being
I really enjoy "The King's Doctor" K-drama series because it tells us about the meaning of efforts and achievements in saving the human and animal patients alike as a surgeon/herbalist/acupuncturist.Doctor Baek Gwang Hyun and Nurse Kang Ji Nyung have good on-screen chemistry, even when they were still preteens, they look adorable as buddies. They enjoy each other company. Their smiles and happiness are priceless. Also, the actor/actress, Mr. Jo Seung Woo/Miss Lee Yo Won, seem to be comfortable working with animals. It is so heartwarming seeing them working with all the beautiful horses and other farm animals.
There is Love Triangle or rather three sided love triangle in "the King's Doctor". However, the second lead female (Princess Suk Hwi) and the second lead male (Lord Lee Sung Ha) characters have good hearts and do not destroy the first male/female lead characters. That is the beauty of friendships between Nurse Ji Nyung and Princess Suk Hwi, and Lord Lee Sung Ha's true love for Ji Nyung.
I find Nurse Jang In Joo is a benevolent and altruistic character, she is so lovely and classy. I cannot wait to see Nurse In Joo appearing on the screen. Nurse In Joo steals the show in her compassionate and calm manner.
I thought the character Apprentice Yoon Tae Joo (Mr. Jang Hee Woong) would steal the show like Legolas in "The Lord of the Rings" or Scholar/Warrior TalTal in "Empress Ki". Apprentice Tae Joo's initial appearance as a top student/his good look is an instant eye catcher, however, the script does not allow him to shine. At least he wins Nurse So Ga Young's heart at the end.
A happy ending for both Royal Physician Baek Gwang Hyun and Nurse Kang Ji Nyung, a match made in heaven. I hope they make more historical K-drama series like this one, about the lives of ordinary people.
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A good watch!
Ok so this will be my first review ever on a drama after a few years of watching various drama myself, because I think the drama is worth for me to start reviewing from here. Also I base myself a lot on the comments before I decide whether or not to start watching a new drama so thought I should be a part of the community. First let me clear this up. Whether or not everyone here agrees, I still believe this drama is a must watch. An 8/10 for me. But for the sake of those who require an insight, give this review a further read.Firstly the pros.
1) A semi-cliched but beautiful story line. As someone who gives a lot of attention to the plot, I give this drama a big thumbs up. The plot in this drama had a very full-filling and satisfactory development till the end, making sure all loose ends are tied up, giving justice to each and every character of the drama.
2) I don't think surgery would have been a part of Joseon during the time period in this drama, but there was a very good insight into the work arounds for the various instruments if used and such comparing them to the modern era. I loved watching the medical practices and various surgeries being performed in this show, each and every one of them. I can see the writers put in a lot of effort just by the pure detail of it, so if anyone thinks why is this a historical MBC drama, think no further, for it definitely can be said it is.
3)The romance was one of sacrifice and time spent apart but yet still kept sweet. I liked that they kept most of the romance aspects sweet and full-filling in the drama till the end and didn't introduce unnecessary second female leads to complicate it and take away the focus from the main plot.
4)Also the plot focused on the prejudices, and discrimination of classes of that time period very well, so might throw you on a learning curve on that one.
5) Agreed on this, the drama showed a great and patient character development. Especially loved the acting of the lead protagonist Mr. Jo Seung Woo. Also kudos to all the antagonistic characters of the drama, their acting was marvelous and very realistic.
5) As a musician myself, I can tell you this, great music!
Now for the cons
1) The lead protagonist in this story is basically GOD! He can do everything. His learning capability is a 100 times faster than everyone else. Not only this, he can fight villains away pretty much unscathed, figure out complicated political work arounds that even the king has no idea about sometimes. Basically the power, talent and focus on the lead was far too much to be believable most times. Also he is put through numerous atrocities through and through but still manages to remain not just good, but the kindest of angels. It was so exaggerated, the antagonist of the plot, the so called "Chief Physician" was basically useless as soon as he clashes with the protagonist. Like why would the kingdom place responsibility on a so called useless quack doctor, who can't heal anyone and only aims to stay in power. This was a little too much to be called "realistic" for my taste, and this coming from me who loves powerful protagonists.
2) The romance plot was great, but the chemistry between the protagonist and female lead honestly felt vague or non-existent to me. Also the female lead acting was just sad, reminds me of one of my cousins whom I cringe at for the way she speaks and carries herself. Worst kisser. You can see scripted effort being put in by the side characters to improve the image of the lead actress since she cannot do it herself. If your one like me though who likes to focus on plot aspect too and not just acting, you won't mind it too much.
4) Performing surgery requires that the place/room where its performed be extra clean and isolated, but in this drama, surgery was being performed practically anywhere and everywhere, without too much thought into it. I'd say the complications of this would probably be a teeny bit more than what's been shown on the drama, but then again, that's how fiction works. I'll leave it to any medical experts or doctors on board here to judge this.
3) The plot was predictable and cliched to an extent, but as I said before I did not mind that much.
All in all the effort of the cast and team was great, their hard work paid off. Even though there are aspects of this drama that I just didn't couldn't digest, it was one of the few long dramas that I binged to the end and did not stop and leave losing interest, as the plot kept me interested till the end, especially the medical, and surgical scenes of this drama. Give it a watch while you wait for other dramas or episodes to release.
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