Doctor Slump: 7 reasons to watch this 100% RT-scored K-drama

Right after Doctor Slump was released, it quickly gained immense popularity among the viewers. This K-drama received a 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes. This is pretty rare. However, this K-drama totally earned its rating. Doctor Slump is a perfect blend.a

It has heartwarming romance and genuine life struggles. The lead characters struggle, navigate, and find solace through the story. The plot is truly relatable. It perfectly captures the setbacks and struggles people go through in life.

Doctor Slump will make you laugh, cry, and go through so many emotions all at once. So, let’s talk about some of the best aspects of this K-drama.

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Doctor Slump: 7 reasons to watch this 100% RT-scored K-drama

1) Addressing mental health in a realistic manner

A significant aspect of Doctor Slump that has drawn the viewers in is the manner in which this show handles mental health. Mental health is a sensitive issue that needs to be handled with care and in a realistic manner.

Doctor Slump beautifully grabs the nuances of the struggles of mental health and the impact it has on a person’s mind.

Through Ha-neul and Jeong-woo’s characters, the viewers also experience the struggles of mental health. Ha-eul initially seemed to be able to achieve excellence in her career.

She slowly starts to struggle. On the surface, everything seems normal. However, she hides her true feelings from others. She is constantly suffering. Doctor Slump normalizes the conversations that focus on mental health and the overall struggles from it.

This can be seen in the second episode of Doctor Slump. Ha-neul visits the doctor to talk about her symptoms of depression. The doctor tells her to take care of herself as she is suffering from the symptoms.

The doctor beautifully compares her mental health with that of broken limbs. This resonates deeply with the viewers.

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2) Enemies to Lovers trope with a twist

Doctor Slump starts off with an enemies-to-lovers trope, but it is so much more than just that. From the very first episode, Jeong-woo and Ha-neul’s relationship was filled with competition.

Each of them competed with the other for not just better grades but for everything else as well. One wouldn't let the other win under any circumstances. In the first episode, Ha-neul’s character is introduced.

We see her struggle to achieve better grades. On the way from school to her house, she has a book in her hand, reading constantly. She is recognized for her good marks. Similarly, for Jeong-woo, his marks are equally significant to him.

There are numerous hilarious moments because of their competitive nature towards one another. However, years later, when they meet again and start to stay near one another, things start to change.

Each of them suffered significantly. They open up to one another. They also find solace in each other’s presence. This aspect of Doctor Slump resonates deeply with the viewers. There is a genuine and realistic development of feelings between them.

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3) Park Shin-hye and Park Hyun-sik

For the lovers of The Heirs, the iconic duo returns once again for Doctor Slump. Their onscreen chemistry is truly an intriguing aspect of this K-drama.

They were not the main couple of The Heirs, but the viewers truly loved how well they worked together. Seeing two talented artists collaborate for a K-drama is always exciting.

As Doctor Slump is filled with numerous intriguing concepts, this adds to the overall intense nature of the story. Both actors have done a commendable job in depicting their roles.

The highs and lows of Jeong-woo and Ha-neul’s characters have been brought to life by both of them. Hence, if you haven't already watched Doctor Slump, then start this K-drama right away.

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4) Balance of humor and depth

Many stories often bring forth a plot that is focused more on the serious aspects. While some stories are inclined more towards humor. Doctor Slump brings forth a perfect balance of both of these aspects.

Be it humor or serious issues, Doctor Slump caters to both aspects perfectly. As the story progresses, the intensity of the plot increases. Yet even though there are numerous serious issues, the moments of lighthearted humor never disappear.

It keeps the viewers grounded and helps to understand the depth of the story even more. The comedic scenes in Doctor Slump bring out the much-needed levity. These lighter scenes are well crafted.

They are also very witty. These moments give the viewers a chance to laugh and connect with the characters even more. The beauty of the balance between humor and depth in this K-drama makes it such a must-watch.

The viewers are not overwhelmed. The characters in Doctor Slump foster empathy. This makes the story feel more meaningful and impactful.

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5) Relatable characters and struggles

A significant reason why a story resonates deeply with the viewers is the relatability with the characters. The characters of Doctor Slump make the viewers place themselves in their position.

This helps the viewers to understand and connect more with the characters. Ha-neul’s struggles are not solitary. In the world of progress that we live in, feeling burned out and claustrophobic in certain situations happens more often.

Hence, when we see Ha-neul struggling with depression, Jeong-woo struggling with his career, or even the economic situation of the characters, it resonates. The pressure to succeed and the sting of failure are felt by everyone once in their lives.

If we consider Jeong-woo’s struggle, the manner in which he finds his world crashing down in a short span of time is both scary and realistic. It denotes the transient nature of the world.

He goes from being at the top of his game to hitting rock bottom. Beyond the individual battles of the characters, there is a struggle to find connection. We do not see any quick fixes in Doctor Slump, just like the real world.

It can be said that Doctor Slump offers a mirror for us. It is the mirror showing us the reality of the world.

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6) Soundtracks

Another intriguing factor that makes a K-drama stand out is the soundtracks. Sometimes the soundtracks of a K-drama become so popular that they become the identifying factors for the K-drama.

For Doctor Slump, each and every song from the album is soothing and memorable. These soundtracks truly set the overall mood for the storyline to blossom.

These songs are an integral part of the storyline. It weaves the emotional core with the highs and lows of Doctor Slump. The music builds an immediate connection with the viewers.

The soothing breezy tracks tackle the budding romance between Ha-neul and Jeong-woo. Along with it, the deeper aspects of mental health and struggles are also depicted properly through the music.

The music shifts seamlessly. Melancholic and poignant instrumental pieces emerge, creating an atmosphere of empathy and understanding. The dynamic range of the soundtracks of Doctor Slump is truly worth appreciating.

The songs are not just simply tagged along, but hold immense power in expressing the meanings.

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7) Supportive family dynamics

Doctor Slump deals with numerous grave and serious issues. From mental health to the struggle people go through when they feel burned out, this Doctor Slump gives us a realistic depiction.

However, one aspect that makes this K-drama truly worth watching is how a supportive family dynamic is shown. A supportive family can be the backbone of change.

Family members have the utmost ability to help a person suffering from mental health issues. In Doctor Slump, Ha-neul’s mother gives us a resonating depiction of this aspect. Initially, when Ha-neul opens up to her about her depression and struggle, she is dismissive.

Later, she understands the difficulty Ha-neul is facing. In the second episode, her single text message helps Ha-neul to understand that she is not alone in her journey.

Along with it, in episode 13, when Jeong-woo is struggling, Ha-neul’s mother stays by his side. She gives him support and makes him understand that what he is feeling is okay.

Familial bonds are the vital source of resilience in life. If a family member listens without judgment, even when mistakes are made, the emotional validation can truly change the life of the person suffering. Doctor Slump’s depiction of family dynamics makes it a must-watch.

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