Dr. Romantic Season 3

A Warm Reunion with Well-Loved Characters

Such a perfect team of characters at Doldam Hospital.

The Good:
• As always, I loved Kim Sa Bu: the way his fingers nimbly tied sutures, how he mentored his team, and the way he handled life's roadblocks. He went from comforting to chilling depending on the situation: a reliable supporter or a formidable opponent. I resonated with his hard choices: picking adversaries as teammates in order to complete his dream isn't something most of us could do. Although, as I've said to my loved ones, if we agreed all the time, one of us would be redundant and unnecessary.
• Mister Koo! AKA the Moving Mountain (in my mind).
• Kim Min Jae/Park Eun Tak's voice. Give that man more lines!
• O Myeong Sim losing her cool. She became a human megaphone.
• Finally, a villain I could understand. Um Hyeon Jeong's anger was justified. She was manipulative and underhanded, and I couldn't blame her. It was understandable that she wanted to destroy everything and everyone at Doldam.
• When Kang Dong Ju made his appearance he ramped up the viewing excitement. It was a great choice to bring him back in a very unsettled role: was he there to build or destroy? I'd love to have a season 4 to see what he does. The ending hinted at a continuation. Three seasons were golden. Maybe a fourth is asking for too much?

The Bad:
• Nurse Park Eun Tak was hesitant in the first season, but he was nearly standing in sludge for this one. He aggravated me. But Yun A Reum annoyed me, too. Talk to one another, for heaven's sake. They could have been beyond cute (what a missed opportunity), but they were annoying for far too long instead.
• That's all I have for bad, but one bullet point would have looked lonely. I'm not going to critique harshly on something I love. Aunt E's cinnamon rolls that she made each year were dry and not that tasty (not bad, but not good), but she baked them out of love, and the family all oohed and aahed over them in reciprocating appreciation. Some things you just accept and enjoy.

I added a half star because... Jung Byeol was so darned cute or I just felt like it.

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The best of the 3

If you’ve watched all 3 seasons, I think you’d appreciate this season the most.

The first one was kinda boring to me. Maybe because they had to lay the groundwork for the storyline? S2 was intense but S3 was the best. Not because of the actors, but because each episode had very interesting cases- very outrageous cases; just like Grey’s Anatomy! Things like forest fires, a tree branch stuck in the abdomen, building collapsing and on-site medical rescue etc.. so kudos to the writers for being very “American” in a sense. The pace is fast so I liked it. Minus the sleeping around with each other kind of antics.

If you’re looking for romance per se, it’s not so evident here. Just a hint here and there but it’s not the main focus. What I didn’t particularly fancy was how in every season, it’s the same ol ’ trope of higher uppers trying to disdain Master Kim and take over or close down Doldam Hospital. If there is a S4, I hope the writers come up with a different and new plot.

If you like medical dramas, this is a definite watch. Enjoy!

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Craving for more

A high-quality medical drama that consecutively showcases their greatness in their chosen genre. Three seasons and I wanted some more. I am totally hyped the moment they announced this sequel. The building of Doldam Trauma Hospital proves that the future of those who work hard will always be in good hands.

The stories are not as impactful compared to the two previous seasons and this may be the reason why this is my least favorite among the three. Yet, it is still as good as it is. The way they introduced Professor Cha’s character makes way for the viewers to realize that Master Kim does not always have the best solution that fits both the patient and the doctors. I like his intimidating character and his pride of him as an experienced professional. It’s a pity that he has to say goodbye and totally disappeared during the finale.

There is always a new beginning for some endings. The return of Kang Dong Joo brings more spice to the drama. The characters from the first season have always had a special place in my heart. I love his appearance as I am getting tired of seeing such a downgrade of attitude from Seo Woo Jin. Season three is not his season and his recklessness is too heavy to consume while watching.

I have a feeling that a fourth season is possible and all of the main characters from each season may get together. The finale of season three is too open-ended. I will patiently wait until the production dropped the announcement for another sequel with powerful castings. My expectation is high but I hope they can write another impressive batch of stories to be featured in a possible next season.

Byun Baekhyun is the back as well! He sang another emotional song, “Hello.” His voice is literally perfect for the vibes that Dr. Romantic has. “My Love,” the OST of the second season is still now one of my favorite K-OSTs of all time. The background music also from this show is exceptionally unique and perfect for medical cases.

I love the third season but as I mentioned earlier, not as much as I love the two previous seasons. Dr. Romantic is the perfect medical romance drama for people who wants to get inspired and get to know more about the superheroes' life of our medical practitioners.

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Great but lacking

Season 1 set a high bar for this series with its captivating storyline and performances. When Season 2 came around, I didn't expect it to surpass the first season, but the new cast delivered an exceptional performance. With such high hopes, Season 3 left me quite disappointed.

The characters, particularly Woojin and Eun Jae, felt underdeveloped. Yang Ho Jun's character seemed to lack depth, making him feel like a plot device to make others shine. Cha Jin Man's character was built up for 12 episodes, only to be abruptly dropped, replaced by Kang Dong Joo.

While Kang Dong Joo's return was nostalgic, the series took a downturn after his reappearance. Eun Jae's spoiled and problematic behavior was evident, but her disrespect toward Kang Dong Joo was a bit much. Woojin struggled to separate his personal and professional life, and Tryna's defense of her girlfriend felt out of place.

The boycott scene didn't contribute much to the story, and it highlighted the characters' irresponsibility as medical professionals. Overall, Season 3 falls short of its predecessors and lacks the captivating storytelling and character development that made the earlier seasons so engaging.

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"it's not other people's views of you that make you. it's your own views that make you."

doctor romantic is back with season 3 after 3 years. before that, it is amazing how season 2 cast members can all be back without saying anything... just for season 3. not going to lie, this is the series that i am into the most and here are my reviews!

it is a good watch as it highlights the struggles of being a doctor. medical malpractice that should not happen, doctors that are overworked that results in being distant with their family members. this season focuses a lot on the doctors which are different from from the previous seasons, focusing on the patients.

euntak's past was touched on and we get to see what exactly happened to euntak that made him came to doldam. we get to see more jung insoo.

however with the writing, the first few episodes were great, then it fall flat in the middle and got picked back up. i had some initial complaints such as cha jinman was not needed because there was kang dongju that preach about the same thing. with cha jinman (especially the actor), it was a hard watch and results in a loose end, him.

i was also disappointed on how they wrote cha eunjae. it would be nice to give her more meaningful scenes than crying and fitting into the stereotype of female are the emotional type. i think it would be nice if you have gotten a situation where everyone is worried of her instead of putting woojin into dangerous situation again and again. + i think they lacked exposure for cha eunjae. what does she feel after the collapse? did she talk to woojin about it?

another one was the dimple couple. they had only 1 minute screentime each episode and after the cold war, it was euntak staring at areum. like dude, stop staring, she isn't superwoman, she doesn't know what you're thinking. and they really dragged to the last episode to get back together (which i didn't mind hehe, as long as they are happy!)

overall, it was a comforting and stressful watch that i really enjoy it. you learn a lot from this drama! there are potential of season 4 which i am waiting for! doldam, please come back to me T-T

ost - 10/10
here are some of my fav tracks
track 2 - i will stay with you by gummy
track 4 - still you by seungkwan (svt)
track 7 - more than yesterday by seo dahyun (tripleS)
track 10 - thank you for the memories by doldam

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Creative - I am in love

Yes, we have another nonbeliever. They say an arrogant person considers himself perfect; this is the chief harm of arrogance. It interferes with a person's main task in life - becoming a better person—the difference between Kim Sabu and Cha Jin Man (I'm already tired of him, and we are just getting started) and anyone else that goes up against him. I missed everyone, and it's good to see them all back, but Im Won Hee is the best—I love him. It's so good to see him here again. I loved how Cha Eun Jae grew into herself in the second season despite all her challenges, especially regarding Seo Woo Jin. And this season doesn't look any different except that they would have to face them together. I hope their love is strong enough to withstand it all.

I love that there is always something new to learn from this drama. Acknowledgment, appreciation, recognition, and acceptance that's all anyone wants in what they do, how they do it, and where they do it, whether they are a doctor, a lawyer, a prosecutor, a plumber, or a janitor. It's the one thing we all have in common. Appreciation has the amazing habit of bringing more reasons to be grateful, do better, and be better. It's what Eun Jae wanted from her father and what Jang Dong Hwa needed to hear from Seo Woo Jin as his mentor to be confident in his choices.

I so appreciate this drama for how it tackles the social, medical, personal, and professional issues that arise as doctors work hard to save patients in a world where the main concern is who takes responsibility for a doctor's oath to do whatever it takes to save a patient's life -- that a Kim Sabu is an anomaly to squash rather than the benchmark to strive for and emulate. I can only imagine how hard it must be to become a doctor; the schooling, training, residence, sacrifices, yelling, humiliation, and hurtful words residents and fellows are subjected to, and it's why I understand the many Jang Dong Hwa's out there.

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Season 3 Doesn’t Disappoint!

{{If you haven’t watched seasons 1 or 2, I HIGHLY suggest you watch those first to get the full effect of all three seasons, otherwise you’ll miss out on some key points & nuances of the characters}}

Once again chief surgeon Dr. Kim is back & ready to help all in need with the faithful Doldam family by his side. Despite the many rivals & haters who try to intervene, they remain a team that values the patient over any profit.

Season 3 brings us back to our beloved Reset Couple who are still such a dynamic duo, both as colleagues & as lovers. There’s family drama this season as the FL’s father takes a lead position at Doldam. His rivalry & hatred for Dr. Kim causes tension for our FL as she tries to navigate familial loyalty while following her own heart & morals. I loved that, no matter the obstacle or opposition, our Leads never even considered letting go of each others hand. Their bond is solid & I’m so grateful to the writer(s) for that! 🫶🏻

We see so many familiar faces from the previous seasons, as well as adding more fun characters to the team. It’s fun to watch the crew supporting one another through the hard times & celebrating the good times together.

Note: this is a medical drama. All seasons have side stories & romances but they aren’t the focus. The medical cases take center stage.

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Blood, Egos, and Ideals

Dr. Romantic may sound like a romance drama from its title, but across all three seasons, romance is really secondary. At its core, the series is about Master Kim Sabu and his uncompromising belief that patients should be saved at all costs — regardless of hospital politics, personal sacrifice, or financial reward.

Season 3 turns the intensity up another level. The surgical and trauma scenes are relentless, graphic, and surprisingly convincing. On the occasions I looked up the medical terms and procedures mentioned in the drama, they matched the conditions being portrayed remarkably well. The production clearly had an excellent trauma or surgical consultant behind the scenes. Some operations are so bloody and visceral that viewers who are squeamish about surgery may struggle to get through them.

What keeps the drama from becoming emotionally exhausting is its humour. Amid the chaos are genuinely funny moments: mistaken assumptions about a homosexual relationship, confusion over fatherhood, and one hilarious scene where a hopeful suitor asks a colleague who the woman he likes is dating — only for the colleague to calmly reply, ''You are looking at him.” Then there is the unforgettable entrance of the resident clown of the series walking through the doors while everyone is lined up to solemnly welcome the new Trauma Centre head.

The child actors also deserve praise. Dr In-su’s daughter is not merely there to look adorable — she is expressive, natural, and memorable enough to steal scenes from the adults.

One of the drama’s strengths is how sharply it portrays personalities within the medical profession. There is the arrogant young doctor desperate to prove himself while terrified of appearing incompetent — something very believable among inexperienced professionals still learning the ropes. There are senior doctors too proud to admit weakness, and endless clashes between stubborn, strong-willed personalities and the guilt of a doctor when a healthy young patient dies. Master Kim and Dr Seo are both brilliant but impossibly obstinate. The power struggles between the Trauma Centre leadership, senior doctors, and nurses even escalate into boycotts and stand-offs.

Of course, the drama has its share of melodramatic nonsense. If phone calls fail, surely someone could send a text. And scenes like Dr Seo and Nurse Park entering the basement of a collapsing building are pure drama logic — saving patients should not mean recklessly creating more victims. The trapped surgeon storyline was clearly designed for suspense because everyone knows a surgeon’s hands are their career.

There are moments where the melodrama becomes excessive. Kim hearing the imagined voice of a woman during a fire evacuation and wandering off — triggering a search operation while the hospital is under threat — feels absurd for someone normally so rational. And when Nurse Oh finally finds him, the two pause to reminisce instead of evacuating immediately. Likewise, the relationship crisis between Dr Yoon and Nurse Park is prolonged by some spectacularly bad advice from people around them.

One amusing distraction throughout the drama is the hairstyle choice for some characters — especially Seo and Jang — with thick fringes hanging heavily over their eyes like teenage-era Prince Harry. It constantly gives the impression of people trying to hide from the world while performing life-saving surgery.

Still, beneath all the theatrics lies a sincere moral core. The drama repeatedly asks what medicine should really stand for: prestige and power, or patients. Dr Kang Dong Ju’s aspiration that no patient should ever be turned away because of lack of care made me wish the New Zealand health system could uphold the same uncompromising vision, especially given the long waiting times many patients face for treatment. Of course, reality is far more complicated — in a publicly funded healthcare system, the unavoidable question is always: where will the money come from, especially when a country’s coffers are already stretched thin?

Three seasons of surgeries, blood, shouting, collapsing buildings, and hospital politics can admittedly feel overwhelming at times. Yet the series remains highly entertaining because it combines adrenaline-filled medical drama with genuine ethical questions about what makes a good doctor. We have all encountered doctors more interested in prestige and money than patients — but this drama is a tribute to those who still practise medicine with humanity, compassion, and conviction, like Master Kim.

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Watched it on air but put on hold after episode 13

Nov. 28, 2024

Whoa, I finally finished Dr Romantic Kim 3 after almost 1.5 years of putting it on hold.

The season 3 started with a blast and it was amazing. The hospital genre definitely has its limit as it can make or break the plot progression. Given how the past 2 seasons unfolded. I must say that the latter half of season 3 put me unease as I slowly fell out of hook with the plot hence why I put it on hold.

Maybe its due to the fact that the first two season were a solid 10 for me. But this one, I just could not say the same. I think that they juggled way too many things at times per episode like the trauma centre, the doldam hospital, all of the political / corporate functions and power trip. I think that maybe the 16 episodes were too short of a time frame for them to execute all the stories.

Needless to say, I am very much looking forward to the season 4 of Dr Romantic Kim. I sure hope for that one they are able to execute it more precisely and smoothly like how they did in the first two seasons.

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Back at the sharp(er) end!

Feb 2025
Taken me a while to get around to watching this, as I don't always subscribe to the channel. WHY on earth did Netflix miss out to Disney+ after screening S1 & 2?! 😠 Anywho....

A new set of challenges, hierarchical politics, personal problems, and medical casualties, assault Doldam Hospital... and us!

It's ages since I watched S2, but slotting back into the story was easy. A lot is pretty far fetched (nothing new), and it can get cheesy, but overall it's as entertaining a watch as ever.

I find it easy to forgive its many shortcomings, because I like so many of the characters, and the actors portraying them. I feel Kim Sa-bu/Teacher Kim, has mellowed through each of the series and I loved him in this... Han Suk-kyu is just perfect.

Characters I found so easy to dislike... definitely intern Jang Dong-hwa (for some reason, every now and then, I got a Jin [BTS] vibe from his features... whom I definitely DON'T dislike 😆); Cha Eun-jae's mother (I really wanted to poke her in the eye); and awful Assemblywoman Oh Min-ae (well played by Ko Kyung-Sook), who I lost all sympathy and respect for, with each episode she showed up in. (Note: she's missing from MDL's casting.)

The drama does also attempt to touch on real issues facing health care (not just a problem in S.Korea), such as staffing, overwork and funding.

There is more action this time around, it was definitely more thrilling, with some interesting and different story lines. That meant slightly less time for emphasis on the intricacies of personal relationships; although that is still present, too. A very interesting insight into a favourite character of mine, Nurse Park Eun-tak (Kim Min-Jae).

For those who love the series, I really don't think you'll be disappointed! I was thrilled with the appearance of one character, too 😃

I'm not sure if a 4th series is planned, or if it's needed, but I'd doubtless watch.

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In this season I found the injuries and rescue missions much bigger than in previous seasons, therefore more deaths were present and also politics were often mentioned. I liked to see how these kinds of accidents were handled and especially the episodes with the natural disasters kept me on my toes.

Again the added characters brought their purpose and story to make the story even more interesting, however, I found some twists not as surprising or interesting as previous seasons, but still very worthwhile to watch the show. The love story in this season was for sure more prominent and I noticed that they had fewer funny or comedic scenes to add more to the love story. I would have to say this season had a bit too much suspense and I would have liked it to be a bit more light-hearted at times. I missed that there were less funny moments.

Even though there were more serious scenes, I would have to see that I was so moved by the character's acting. For sure respect their acting.

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