'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

Netflix’s ‘Little House on the Prairie’ strived to stay true to the book while bringing the family drama to life.
1 day ago
Danny Reagan is heading back to Boston sooner than expected, as a new promo appears to reveal when the hit ‘Blue Bloods’ spinoff returns.
1 day ago
Caleb Groen faces off against Kristal LeMaistre from Texas and Chris Bergman from Florida in his sixth game of 'Jeopardy!'.
1 day ago
David's toughest battle is still ahead. The biblical drama is preparing to tackle one of the most dangerous chapters in the future king's journey.
1 day ago
Ariana Grande’s planned appearance in the FX horror anthology has received a disappointing update ahead of its September return.
1 day ago
Eddie and Susie take their operation to Italy, where new allies and dangerous rivals emerge, putting their partnership to the ultimate test.
1 day ago
Production begins in London as three new actors enter the FX sci-fi series ‘Alien: Earth’ alongside Peter Dinklage.
1 day ago
Task Season 2 introduces a surprise crossover connecting 'Mare of Easttown' with the Philadelphia-set crime drama series, expanding the shared world.
2 days ago
A DNA test led Sophia Maddox to a family secret she never imagined, uncovering a connection to one of history's most infamous criminals
2 days ago
The series revisits the Ingalls family's early years while introducing the story to a new audience
2 days ago