Just became a fan of "Blood Free" and already good news is here: Kim Moo-yeol shows a surprisingly gentle side in new medical drama "First Doctor" with Jung Ryeo-won

Key highlights

• The new medical K-drama “First Doctor” has announced Kim Moo-yeol and Jung Ryeo-won as its leads.
• This marks leading man Kim Moo-yeol’s third collaboration with director Hong Jong-chan, following “Blood Free.”
• In the drama, Jung Ryeo-won plays Heo Ji-wan, a pediatric surgery professor at a low point in her life.
• Screenwriter Kim Min-seok of “Juvenile Justice” and director Hong Jong-chan are reuniting for the drama.

Just as viewers were won over by the handsome inspector in the all-black suit in Netflix’s hit series “Blood Free,” the new 2026 K-drama “First Doctor” has arrived with a surprise announcement. This time, acclaimed actor Kim Moo-yeol is trading his hard-hitting action scenes for a white coat, taking on the role of a gentle doctor with a strong sense of mission for the first time. The contrast of going from a “suited thug” to the front lines of pediatric surgery in an instant is enough to set the hearts of fans of heartwarming dramas racing.

• Related reading: Capturing the realities of turning 30: Hyeri returns to romantic comedy after 5 years in the new K-drama “For Your Dream”

A heartwarming story of pediatric surgery

Officially unveiled by Netflix, “First Doctor” is a humanistic medical drama centered on a hospital’s pediatric surgery department. It follows a group of doctors with a warm sense of mission who, amid the harsh reality of population decline and the threat of their department being shut down, fight on alone to perform the first surgeries of their young patients’ lives and become the “first adults” in those children’s lives. Rather than the fast pace, gore, and power struggles of traditional medical series, the drama uses sensitive camerawork to portray the care and emotional bonds shared by first-time pediatric patients, their families, and the doctors.

Jung Ryeo-won plays a troublemaking professor

Joining Kim Moo-yeol in the drama is the poised and talented Jung Ryeo-won. She will play pediatric surgery professor Heo Ji-wan, who may be highly skilled but is known throughout the hospital as a “troublemaker” for her blunt, outspoken, and sharp personality. After an incident leaves her at a low point in life, she is forced to return to Yeonhwa University Hospital. Faced with the threat of the department being shut down and numerous obstacles, she begins a compassionate fight to protect the children’s future.

The “Juvenile Justice” golden trio reunites for the third time

Beyond the chemistry viewers can expect from its two accomplished leads, the production team is another assurance of the drama’s quality. “First Doctor” will be directed by Hong Jong-chan and written by Kim Min-seok. It also marks Kim Moo-yeol’s third collaboration with director Hong, following the sharp social commentary of “Juvenile Justice” and the recent ratings hit “Blood Free.” The reunion of this “golden trio” of director, screenwriter, and leading man has further raised viewers’ expectations for the drama’s realistic portrayal and emotional depth.

“First Doctor” has already completed its first script reading and will soon begin filming. While the official release date and details of simultaneous broadcasts in Hong Kong and Taiwan have yet to be announced, this warm drama, which brings together a golden team and contrasting charms, is certainly one to add to your future watchlist.

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