'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
UPDATED APR 16, 2023
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. 

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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. 

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