---
title: "Dr. Romantic"
year: 2016
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/dr-romantic-2016"
media_type: "tv"
tmdb_id: 68398
imdb_id: "tt6157190"
status: "Ended"
seasons_count: 3
episodes_count: 52
runtime_minutes: 60
community_rating: 8.2
vote_count: 125
content_rating: "TV-14"
---

# Dr. Romantic (2016) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/dr-romantic-2016

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

Dr. Romantic is a South Korean television series that first aired on SBS TV in 2016. The program follows an eccentric, triple board-certified virtuoso surgeon who was once a famous doctor at the peak of his career at a major hospital. After leaving his top position in Seoul, he relocates to a provincial hospital. Once there, he focuses on mentoring young doctors. The title role of Kim Sa Bu is portrayed by actor Han Suk-kyu. The first season of the series features Yoo Yeon-seok and Seo Hyun-jin alongside the lead. Subsequent seasons, specifically the second and third, include performances by Ahn Hyo-seop, Lee Sung-kyung, and Kim Joo-hun. The show, known natively as Nangman Dakteo Kimsabu, explores the professional and personal development of the medical staff working under the guidance of the experienced surgeon. The first season of the drama concluded its broadcast run in January 2017. The narrative centers on the intersection of medical practice and the personal growth of the characters within the hospital setting.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "A brilliant surgeon leaves his prestigious career to mentor young doctors at a humble provincial hospital."

### Why Watch
- compelling mentor-mentee dynamics
- focus on professional growth

### Caveats & Content Note
- intense medical drama settings
- Tone & Suitability: The series features realistic medical procedures and high-stakes hospital environments.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: medical, inspiring, character-driven, humanist

## Streaming Availability Matrix

| Region | Stream (Subscription) | Free / Ads | Rent / Buy |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **United States (US)** | Netflix, Hulu, Rakuten Viki, OnDemandKorea, Netflix Standard with Ads, Kocowa Amazon Channel, Kocowa | Rakuten Viki | None |
| **United Kingdom (GB)** | Netflix, Disney Plus, Netflix Standard with Ads, Kocowa | None | Amazon Video |
| **Canada (CA)** | Disney Plus, Netflix, Rakuten Viki, Netflix Standard with Ads, Kocowa | Rakuten Viki | None |
| **Australia (AU)** | Netflix, Disney Plus, Netflix Standard with Ads, Kocowa | None | None |

## Season Architecture & Lore Primers

### Dr. Romantic (20 Episodes)
Dr. Romantic is a television series that revolves around the lives of a group of doctors. The show centers around an eccentric, triple board-certified surgeon who leaves a top job in Seoul to work as a neighborhood doctor in a small town. He adopts the alias "Teacher Kim" and refers to himself as the "Romantic Doctor." The series also follows the stories of other doctors, including a young surgeon haunted by a past mistake, and a doctor who seeks to achieve success by treating VIP patients. The show explores the careers and personal lives of these doctors as they interact with Teacher Kim, whose unconventional approach to medicine has a profound impact on those around him.

## Filler vs. Essential Episode Classifier

- **Total Tracked Episodes**: 52
- **Crucial Mytharc Episodes**: 6 (12%)
- **Character Core Episodes**: 46 (88%)
- **Side Quest / Filler Episodes**: 0 (0%)

## Creative Credits

- **Created by**: Kang Eun-kyung, Yoo In-sik
- **Networks / Studios**: SBS

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Han Suk-kyu** as *Teacher Kim / Bu Yong-ju*
- **Lee Sung-kyung** as *Cha Eun-jae*
- **Ahn Hyo-seop** as *Seo U-jin*
- **Jin Kyung** as *Oh Myeong-sim*
- **Im Won-hee** as *Jang Gi-tae*
- **Byun Woo-min** as *Nam Do-il*
- **Kim Min-jae** as *Park Eun-tak*
- **Yoon Na-moo** as *Jeong In-su*
- **Kim Ju-hun** as *Park Min-guk*
- **Shin Dong-wook** as *Bae Mun-jeong*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: Who plays the lead role?
Han Suk-kyu stars as the title character, Kim Sa Bu.

### Q: What is the setting of the show?
The story takes place at a small, humble hospital called Dol Dam Hospital.

### Q: When did the first season air?
The first season aired on SBS TV from November 7, 2016, to January 16, 2017.

### Q: Who are some of the other cast members?
The series features actors including Yoo Yeon-seok, Seo Hyun-jin, Ahn Hyo-seop, Lee Sung-kyung, and Kim Joo-hun.

### Q: What is the premise of the show?
A triple board-certified surgeon leaves a top job in Seoul to mentor young doctors in a provincial setting.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [Find a Doctor | USF Health Care | USF Health](https://health.usf.edu/care/find-a-provider)
- [Two best friends navigate love, careers, and the ups and downs of ...](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DaBSEpkBVr-/)
- [Dr. Romantic - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dr._Romantic)
- [BayCare Medical Group](https://baycare.org/baycare-medical-group)
- [The art of listening. : Me Before You, available to rent or buy. | Prime Video](https://www.facebook.com/PrimeVideo/videos/the-art-of-listening-me-before-you-available-to-rent-or-buy/1750696176342402/)
- [Dr. Romantic (2016) - MyDramaList](https://mydramalist.com/19510-romantic-doctor-teacher-kim)

---
*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*