"Doctor Stranger" is a 2014 South Korean television series that blends medical drama with romance and suspense. It aired on SBS from May 5 to July 8, 2014, consisting of 20 episodes. The series stars Lee Jong-suk as Park Hoon, a brilliant surgeon who escapes from North Korea, and Jin Se-yeon as Song Jae-hee, his lost love. Other notable cast members include Park Hae-jin and Kang So-ra.
The story begins with Park Hoon and his father, a skilled surgeon, being sent to North Korea to perform a critical surgery on Kim Il-sung. After being trapped in North Korea, Park Hoon is trained as a doctor and becomes a genius cardiothoracic surgeon. He eventually escapes to South Korea, where he begins working at the prestigious Myungwoo University Hospital. However, he struggles to adapt to his new environment and feels like an outsider due to his background.
As Park Hoon tries to establish himself in South Korea, he discovers a woman who looks exactly like Jae-hee but claims not to know him. This twist adds complexity to the narrative as Park Hoon grapples with his feelings for both women while navigating the challenges of hospital politics and personal vendettas. The series explores themes of love, betrayal, and the moral dilemmas faced by medical professionals.
"Doctor Stranger" received mixed reviews but was praised for its engaging plot and strong performances, particularly by Lee Jong-suk. The series combines elements of romance and thriller with the medical genre, making it distinct from typical hospital dramas. Its unique storyline and character development resonated with audiences, contributing to its popularity during its broadcast.
Overall, "Doctor Stranger" offers a compelling mix of medical intrigue and emotional depth, making it a notable entry in the realm of Korean dramas.