A K-Drama That Once Hit 27% Ratings Returns With a Bang on Netflix in Just 4 Days

An SBS medical drama that captivated audiences in 2016 is experiencing a resurgence just four days after its release on Netflix.

The drama in the spotlight is The Doctors, starring Park Shin-hye and Kim Rae-won. Since its Netflix debut on February 28, The Doctors quickly climbed to No. 9 on Netflix Korea’s Top 10 series chart by March 4, proving its enduring popularity even nine years after its original broadcast. Competing against new and trending shows, Doctors is staging an impressive comeback, reaffirming the lasting impact of beloved dramas.

A Drama That Made History in 2016

The 20-episode drama, which aired from June to August 2016, follows the journey of Yoo Hye-jung (Park Shin-hye), a rebellious teenager who transforms into a skilled neurosurgeon under the guidance of her mentor and love interest, Hong Ji-hong (Kim Rae-won). The series also featured talented actors such as Yoon Kyun-sang and Lee Sung-kyung, delivering a strong ensemble performance.

Upon its premiere, The Doctors immediately caught viewers' attention, debuting with a 12.9% rating. It continued to rise with each episode, reaching 14.2% (Episode 2), 14.4% (Episode 3), 15.6% (Episode 4), 18.5% (Episode 5), and 19.7% (Episode 6). According to Nielsen Korea, its nationwide peak rating hit 20.2%, with a metropolitan high of 23.1%. The drama’s most memorable moment—Ji-hong’s romantic flower-filled proposal and Hye-jung’s heartfelt "I love you" response—soared to a staggering 27.38% in real-time ratings.

Throughout its run, The Doctors dominated Monday-Tuesday drama viewership, thanks to its emotionally resonant dialogues, the undeniable chemistry between Park Shin-hye and Kim Rae-won, and the realistic portrayal of medical professionals. Viewers praised its warmth, engaging characters, and strong performances, calling it a drama that left them smiling from start to finish.

While Doctors is primarily a romance, it also delivers a compelling blend of medical drama and human emotions. The series explores the intense challenges faced by doctors, their ethical dilemmas, and the deep bonds they form with colleagues and patients. One of the most touching moments comes in the final episode when Hye-jung, after years of conflict with Director Jin Myung-hoon (Eom Hyo-seop), chooses to assist in his surgery, showcasing her emotional and professional growth.

Reflecting on the drama after its conclusion, Park Shin-hye shared, "Just as Hye-jung grew throughout the series, I also experienced personal growth. Those four months were incredibly precious, and saying goodbye to this journey was bittersweet."

Now, nine years later, The Doctors is once again capturing the attention of both longtime fans and a new generation of viewers through Netflix. The accessibility of streaming platforms allows more people to rediscover the drama’s heartfelt story, making it clear that Doctors remains as beloved as ever.

With this resurgence, The Doctors is once again shining a light on Park Shin-hye and Kim Rae-won’s stellar performances, Ha Myung-hee’s well-crafted script, and the meticulous direction of Oh Choong-hwan and Park Soo-jin.

Here’s the Netflix Korea Top 10 Series Ranking as of March 4:

K-Foodie Meets J-Foodie

The Witch

Screwballs

The Potato Lab

Melo Movie

The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call

Please Take Care of My Fridge

Sakamoto Days

The Doctors

Try? Choo-ry!