Actress Lee Sung Kyung discussed Season 3 of “Dr. Romantic” and honestly confessed the reason she decided to return.
“Dr. Romantic”, which depicts genius doctor Kim Sa Bu (Han Suk Kyu), young doctors who grow after meeting him, and the medical staff at Doldam Hospital facing struggles to keep their beliefs, is a well-loved series that recorded the highest viewer rating peak of 27% after airing Season 1 in 2016 and Season 2 in 2020.
Following Season 2, Lee Sung Kyung is returning in Season 3 as CS fellow Cha Eun Jae. In the drama, Cha Eun Jae overcame her surgery anxiety after meeting Dr. Kim and developed her dream and romance as a real doctor. Lee Sung Kyung drew sympathy from viewers and received favorable reviews by perfectly portraying the growth of young doctor Cha Eun Jae.
Returning to the familiar filming set for “Dr. Romantic 3”, Lee Sung Kyung expressed deep affection for the drama, saying she felt like coming home.
Receiving the question about the meaning of being on the set of “Dr. Romantic 3”, the reason for their strong teamwork as well as what to expect from Season 3, Lee Sung Kyung recalled the first filming day and shared, “I felt like I was on a time machine traveling back to the day after we finished shooting Season 2 three years ago. It was strange and amazing to feel like that I’ve always been in that place like three years ago.”
Regarding her feelings after hearing the news of Season 3 production and how she joined the cast, the actress said, “I was very happy throughout the filming of Season 2. The people I worked with, the moments we acted together, and everything about Doldam Hospital were so precious to me. Actually, I had imagined and hoped for Season 3 even before Season 2 ended.”
She emphasized, “Upon hearing the news of Season 3, I was so happy though I couldn’t believe it was real. As a member of Doldam Family, I naturally thought I had to do it without any special decision-making process”, adding “Of course, it was actually very difficult and challenging to gather all the actors together due to their busy schedules. No matter how much the actors want to do it, it is not easy to make it happen immediately. However, we were able to come together again because we sincerely love and miss Doldam.”
Regarding the teamwork in “Dr. Romantic 3” cast, Lee Sung Kyung said, “More than a team, we are like a real family now. When I was with them, even the most difficult filming became enjoyable”. She also expressed her gratitude towards veteran actor Han Suk Kyu, saying “He is like a real teacher to me. A person I want to resemble and learn from”
In addition, she shared, “Han Suk Kyu sunbaenim always asked questions with generous and kind manners. He was not just greeting, and I could feel his sincerity in the way he took care of everyone. We often refer to him as ‘Sabu-nim’ (teacher), rather than just senior”, revealing the family-like atmosphere on set.
As for the reason the production team decided to make Season 3, Lee Sung Kyung explained, “It was possible because many viewers loved it. This work has its own ‘hot romance’. It’s a story that everyone, regardless of age and gender, can sympathize with.”
Regarding the changes Cha Eun Jae, who chose Dol Dam Hospital instead of a bigger and more modern hospital at the end of Season 2, went through in the three years, Lee Sung Kyung said, “With season 3, I wanted to show a more mature tone and a more professional side of Eun Jae”.
She continued, “Director Yoo In Sik helped me not to forget Eun Jae’s lovely and cute side. Eun Jae is still a simple and clumsy girl, but I hope I can express her as a true doctor who has matured not only in skills but also in her way of thinking, and who is still growing as a person.”
The actress added, “I was amazed to realize that not only me but everyone was so skilled in surgical and treatment acting. They really looked like doctors and nurses (laughs). We gained a lot of strength from the support sent by viewers in the last season, and I hope everyone will continue to support and love us this time.”
SBS’s new Fri-Sat drama “Dr. Romantic 3”, which is returning on the small screen after three years, tells the story of a genius doctor against the backdrop of Doldam Hospital in the countryside. It is scheduled to air the first episode at 10 p.m. on April 28th.
In celebration of the Season 3 release, the Youtube channel of SBS DRAMA will hold live broadcasts of “Dr. Romantic 2” from the 17th to the 23rd.
Source: Wikitree
