The weekend mini-series Doctor Shin on TV CHOSUN made a strong impression with its bold storyline from the very first episode. However, the drama got off to a somewhat disappointing start in terms of ratings, remaining in the 1% range.
The first episode, which aired on March 14, introduced the beginning of the relationship between genius neurosurgeon Shin Ju-shin, played by Jung Yi-chan, and top actress Momo, portrayed by Baek Seo-ra. The story quickly escalated when Momo suffered an unexpected accident. At the same time, several other characters were drawn into the situation, including reporter Geum Bara, played by Joo Se-bin, game company CEO Ha Yong-jung portrayed by Ahn Woo-yeon, and Momo’s stylist Kim Jin-joo played by Cheon Young-min, revealing a complex web of relationships.
During the episode, tension rose when Momo—who had gone scuba diving—was involved in an accident and urgently transported to the hospital while Shin Ju-shin was in the middle of performing surgery. Around the same time, reporter Geum Bara returned home after her scheduled meeting with Momo was canceled. She then learned about the accident from Kim Jin-joo, who had been waiting outside her house. Jin-joo urged her not to reveal the incident to the public.
A Story That Moves Between Past and Present
The narrative then shifted back to six months before the accident. Geum Bara met Ha Yong-jung for an interview and was reminded of memories from her childhood at an orphanage, where Ji An-hee—played by Cha Ji-hyuk—had once cared for her alongside Ha Yong-jung. However, even after the interview ended, Ha Yong-jung failed to recognize her, leaving Geum Bara with mixed emotions as she quietly walked away.
Meanwhile, Shin Ju-shin became interested in Momo after watching her powerful acting performance in a drama. Through James, Ha Yong-jung’s brother played by Jeon No-min, he attempted to arrange a meeting with her. However, Momo declined the dinner invitation due to her busy filming schedule, and she also firmly rejected Shin Ju-shin’s later request to meet again.
A Mother’s Proposal for a “Brain Change” Surgery
The timeline then returned to the present, revealing Momo’s condition. Since the incident, she had remained unconscious and was receiving treatment inside a hyperbaric oxygen chamber.
In this desperate situation, Momo’s mother Hyun Ran-hee, played by Song Ji-in, approached Shin Ju-shin with a shocking proposal: a “brain change” surgery as a way to save her daughter.
Hyun Ran-hee even suggested that if there was no suitable donor, she herself would be willing to become the donor. When Shin Ju-shin expressed concern about the risks, she insisted that all he needed to do was transfer the brain. Ultimately, recalling his past moments with Momo, Shin Ju-shin decided to proceed with the operation. The episode ended dramatically with both women on the operating table as the brain surgery began.
Writer Im Sung-han’s First Medical Thriller
Doctor Shin marks the first medical thriller written by Im Sung-han. The drama unfolds by alternating between the present timeline after the accident and events that occurred six months earlier. Its unpredictable plot twists and distinctive dialogue style—hallmarks of the writer’s work—add to the suspense and immersion.
Director Lee Seung-hoon also showcased visually striking direction, particularly in underwater sequences and character-driven dialogue scenes. Moments such as Shin Ju-shin’s encounter with Momo and the intense brain surgery sequence were highlighted with dynamic camera work that heightened the tension.
Strong Performances but Modest Premiere Ratings
The cast delivered notable performances throughout the episode. Jung Yi-chan portrayed the calm yet emotionally restrained doctor Shin Ju-shin, while Baek Seo-ra captured the distinctive personality of top star Momo. Ahn Woo-yeon brought depth to the role of successful gaming CEO Ha Yong-jung, and Joo Se-bin expressed the complex emotions of reporter Geum Bara. Cheon Young-min added to the drama’s atmosphere as stylist Kim Jin-joo. Song Ji-in portrayed the desperate mother Hyun Ran-hee willing to make a dangerous decision for her daughter, while Jeon No-min appeared as James, presenting a different side of his acting.
Despite the attention-grabbing premise and dramatic storytelling, the show’s ratings started relatively low. According to Nielsen Korea, the premiere episode of Doctor Shin recorded nationwide ratings of 1.3% for part one and 1.4% for part two on March 14. Competition with other programs airing at the same time likely made it difficult for the drama to secure higher viewership.
Episode 2 of Doctor Shin will air on March 15 at 10:30 p.m. on TV CHOSUN, and it will also be available on Coupang Play.
Sources: wikitree
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