On the surface, a story about a royal physician framed for conspiracy against the royal family, and his quest to right the wrong done to him may not be a candidate for a feel-good show. However, Poong, the Joseon Psychiatrist was surprisingly chill with beautiful cinematography, soothing color palates for the sets and outfits and a great selection of songs and background music.

Even-keeled, endearing and easy to watch - this drama was one of those shows that go down smooth and make one smile. There were conflicts, melodrama and palace politics but nothing heavy that dragged me down and stressed me out. That said, there was also nothing intense that left me waiting in anticipation for the next episodes. Overall, it was the kind of show where one can leave the world behind for a bit, get a temporary mood boost and not think too much about it until the next episodes aired.

The story followed the adventures of physician Yoo Se Yeop/Poong, who after exile, ended up with a makeshift family headed by Kye Ji Han, a village doctor running the Gyesu clinic. Having suffered PTSD and unable to use his acupuncture skills, Poong ended up healing people by focusing on their emotional issues. Hence his transition to becoming more of a psychiatrist.

The Gyesu clinic family was hilarious and I enjoyed watching how they did so much to uplift and support each other in their own ways. Their interactions were so organic that I could feel the love, warmth, and camaraderie among the different characters. It was an ensemble cast guaranteed to constantly entertain. The villains fell flat though, almost farcical in how stereotypical they were.

There was romance but a slow burn kind; a perfect cocktail of sweet and silly as our young couple navigated through their awakening feelings of love and attraction for each other. Watching the natural buildup of a relationship between Poong and Sun Woo was time well spent.

In general, the cast did a great job. I see the potential in Kim Min Jae and Kim Hyang Gi but as main leads, they are not quite there yet. Something is missing, and they just don’t have the lead aura yet and they do need to hone their emoting skills further. I am sure that they will get there after a few more dramas.

Music-wise, some songs were not what I would expect from a historical drama. Still, they were fitting for this drama and I really like the instrumental pieces that underscored the more poignant scenes.

Ultimately, I enjoyed this drama and I felt that it never got the views and higher ratings that it deserved. While I would have preferred a lovely happy ending to Season 1, I am happy that there will be a season 2 which is expected to air in January 2023.

Soundtrack:

By Your Side (사랑스런 너의 곁에) - Solji (솔지)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKTfioKlWa8
https://open.spotify.com/track/3beMVL4X8krvydjvUToFTm

I Guess I Like You (그댈 많이 좋아하는가 봐요) - Hello Gayoung (안녕하신가영)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HF7YJY8rY08
https://open.spotify.com/track/7IP4kpJo2r5EGvKmQIpjtG

She (반짝이는 그대여) - Standing Egg (스탠딩 에그) 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-3dkb6AkIM
https://open.spotify.com/track/0BnIEkvcwpCH0UhPUqtUTg?si=005aa1e2a1ff43dd

Luminous (눈이 부시게) - Sohyang (소향)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OvufDr9GhwQ
https://open.spotify.com/track/3fQTr5geEQ2q8kgdqx44gl?si=f3c18dc76a32475e

Starlight (별빛처럼) - Xydo (시도)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KR6SfjFa0ms
https://open.spotify.com/track/24dSyqfPW6WNzdegehvuBw?si=70fa3a46920442bf