'Doctor Cha' Episode 1 Review: Netflix's heartwarming K-drama leaves viewers wanting more

While the first episode started off brilliantly, only time can tell if the show will continue to hit the right chords
Uhm Jung-hwa as Cha Jung-sook in 'Doctor Cha' (Netflix)
Uhm Jung-hwa as Cha Jung-sook in 'Doctor Cha' (Netflix)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'Doctor Cha' on Netflix has already gathered attention for its great script and fine performances by the actors. The Korean drama tells the tale of a housewife who was once a budding doctor but later left her blossoming job to care for her home and raise her children after getting married. Korean dramas are revolutionizing the way that cinema views the world and setting new standards for other filmmakers to aspire to. Women's emancipation could appear to be a motif in 'Doctor Cha' but it is more nuanced than that. While addressing a variety of subjects, including adultery, betrayal, and extramarital affairs, the narrative keeps Uhm Jung-hwa's character at its center.

The cast of Korean drama consists of Uhm Jung-hwa as Cha Jung-sook, Kim Byung-chul as Seo In-ho, Myung Se-bin as Choi Seung-hee, and Min Woo-hyuk as Roy Kim in the lead. 

RELATED ARTICLES

Netflix's 'Doctor Cha' Episode 1 Takeaway: Will Jung-sook return to work as a doctor after 20 years?

What is 'Doctor Cha' about? Plot of Netflix K-drama explained

Teeth sinking drama

'Doctor Cha' is going to be a fun ride for people who love K-drama shows that tickle your funny bone, while tackling some important societal issues. The story will take a turn for the better and send Jung-sook into the world of white coats and medicines. There is also a chance of Jung-sook finding a love interest in Roy Park, who was her doctor for the liver transplant surgery. There are sparks flying between them, and we will see where it all leads soon. The leads have delivered a great acting sequence and by the end of the episode, the show leaves you asking for more. 

Kim Byung-chul, the guy who plays In-ho, is charming in his role as an abhorrent husband, and while the balance between comedy and drama is quite hard to get right, Byung-chul does it stylishly. Byung-chul's body language is peak cinema and makes the audience believe in his character and the depth he has for In-ho. 

A rollercoaster ride

There is so much happening in the first episode that it is quite hard to keep up with it. There are many revelations on the way, as the preview for the second episode showed Jung-sook stopped being a pushover and started to take the front seat of her life. Jung-sook's transformation into a confident person and how she changes her life around would be great to watch in the upcoming episodes. 

Uhm Jung-hwa in 'Doctor Cha' (Netflix)
Uhm Jung-hwa in 'Doctor Cha' (Netflix)

'Doctor Cha' is available to watch exclusively on Netflix. New episodes release every Saturday and Sunday. 

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

HBO's 'Harry Potter' has found its Gilderoy Lockhart in an actor who previously auditioned for the titular role in the 2000s
18 minutes ago
Season 2 has reached a key production milestone, but the long delay between seasons continues to keep fans waiting.
8 hours ago
Quinn Shephard’s eight-episode series blends Catholic horror with prophetic visions and teenage drama.
10 hours ago
Shane Gillis is ready to return in 'Tires' Season 3, along with Steve Gerben, Chris O'Connor, Kilah Fox, Stavros Halkias, and Thomas Haden Church.
11 hours ago
'The Rookie' showrunner plans to bring back this recurring antagonist who has some unfinished business with the force.
14 hours ago
'St Denis Medical' will welcome another doctor to replace Dr. Ron, who will be seen recovering from surgery in Season 3
17 hours ago
John Oliver is set to start his three-episode guest stint on ‘Days of Our Lives’ from the August 11 episode.
19 hours ago
Mariska Hargitay is heading to the Emmys as host, and NBC is celebrating it with a special marathon of her best ‘Law & Order: SVU’ episodes.
22 hours ago
'Big Brother' Episode 1,000 will give fans a chance to participate in the proceedings
23 hours ago
Alan Ritchson is set to return as the lead character, Jack Reacher, alongside Maria Sten as Frances Neagley
1 day ago