[HanCinema's News] Kong Seong-ha Attracts Particular Attention as Second Lead in "Doctor Slump"

With the initial episodes of "Doctor Slump" focusing on the lead characters, there wasn't too much for Kong Seong-ha to do. Kong Seong-ha plays Hong-ran, a gynecologist and the only friend of the generally work-obsessed lead Ha-neul played by Park Shin-hye. When Ha-neul refuses an offer by Hong-ran to have fun over the weekend, Hong-ran nevertheless continues to fret over Ha-neul's condition and works with Han-neul's mother to try and resolve her depression.

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This all leads to a comedy of errors that gives "Doctor Slump" some much needed levity, as Hong-ran's attempts to help Ha-neul lead to her meeting Dae-yeong, a YouTuber played by Yoon Park with advice on how to have fun by yourself. The confusion of Hong-ran's attempts to set Ha-neul up on a blind date via Dae-yeong prove charming in subsequent scenes. The fourth episode of "Doctor Slump" thus closes with this intriguing plot hook further stoking viewer interest.

Despite her aggressively helpful role to Ha-neul, Hong-ran herself is noteworthy as a character who's raising a son on her own, with her own backstory convoluted enough that Dae-yeong is only naturally confused as to which parts of Hong-ran's story he was supposed to be paying attention to. Hong-ran's good intentions coupled with her overinvolved personality beg further questions as to her own life experiences. And indeed, what regrets may cause her to empathize with Ha-neul so much.

While Kong Seong-ha had another medical role last year with "Daily Dose of Sunshine" via Netflix her main experience for this role may well end up being as her lead from the independent film "First Child" from 2022, where Kong Seong-ha also played a mother. In that character study, she's pressured to give up her work for a baby she only ever had modest interest in. Such socially conscious message is on brand for many JTBC projects.

"Doctor Slump" d shot up to 6.738% ratings in its most recent episode, the fourth, up from first episode ratings of only 4.06%. Many JTBC dramas have been relying more on popular recommendation than concept to become popular in the last year, and "Doctor Slump" is no exception. The medical drama is also airing worldwide via Netflix.

Written by William Schwartz

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"Doctor Slump" is directed by Oh Hyeon-jong, written by Baek Seon-woo, and features Park Shin-hye, Park Hyung-sik, Yoon Park, Kong Seong-ha, Oh Dong-min, Jang Hye-jin. Broadcasting information in Korea: 2024/01/27~Now airing, Sat, Sun 22:30 on JTBC, Netflix.