[Aisha's Take] Green Flag Vs Red Flag: A Guide From "Doctor Cha"

"Doctor Cha" is the latest on-going drama starring Uhm Jung-hwa, Kim Byung-chul, Min Woo-hyuk, and Myung Se-bin to lead the show.

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In a world filled with countless possibilities of red flags, it is about time we learn to recognize them. This is perhaps why K-Drama serves more than just entertainment. Like how "Doctor Cha" has been enlightening us about red-flagged people and those who wear green flags!

"Doctor Cha"'s story centers around Cha Jung-sook (Uhm Jung-hwa) who returns to the medical field after twenty years.

On one hand, we have Seo In-ho (Kim Byung-chul), Cha Jung-sook's husband, whilst on the other hand, there is Roy Kim (Min Woo-hyuk), the charming doctor who works in the same hospital. Which is the red flag and which gives the green signal? Let's dig in to find out.

Supporting Your Dream Vs Stopping You For Selfish Reasons

Cha Jung-sook had separated pathways with the medical field after an incident. Twenty years of serving the family as a faithful homemaker, Jung-sook realizes that afterwards, it's now time to put herself first and carry out her dream of becoming a doctor. Unfortunately for her, being a first year resident at that age brings many complications and her husband's unsupportive attitude doesn't help a bit. He is persistent about making her leave her job by either working slyly or at times attacking her openly. Like the time he humiliated her before the other residents and took her off from all her patients. All that, to hide his extra-martial affair.

But on the brighter side, there is someone cheering for her, Professor Roy Kim. What is even more inspirational is that it was Roy who made her wish to go back. They first met when Jung-sook was pushed in a situation where she had to save a passenger's life, but her lack of practice had her baffled. Just then, Roy stepped onto the scene and joined her. Their fate did not stop them there. The two met again when Jung-sook fell awfully sick and required surgery. Roy Kim was in charge of her.

Roy saw her ambitious gaze and even took her to the operation theater with him. He was also the one to suggest her working again. Even during her period of being a resident, Roy was there to cheer her on when everyone else was busy pushing her down.

Once A Cheater Always A Cheater Vs The Loyal One

The biggest blaring red flag about Seo In-ho is his extra-martial affair with Choi Seung-hee (Myung Se-bin). The two were the infamous perfect couple back at their campus. But things fall apart when In-ho cheats on her with Jung-sook. Jung-sook becomes pregnant. Hence, the two marry.

Once, a cheater will always be a cheater. Though we can blame Jung-sook or Seung-hee for getting closer to him while he was committed- we realise that In-ho is the real problem. He also has an illegitimate child with Seung-hee, but he has never offered her any affection as a real father. Even with Sueng-hee, he has no intentions of leaving Jung-sook and tying a knot with her.Roy might have not confessed his feelings, but it is certain that he liked Jung-sook. And he is himself sure about it. He refuses to make a move because Jung-sook is married and loyal to her family, but still won't allow himself to look elsewhere.Jung-sook's friend, Baek Mi-hee (Baek Joo-hee) tries to flirt with him. He did not give her any signal even though he caught the hint.A Coward Vs BoldIn the initial episodes, he refused to become a donor for his dying wife and right then, we knew that In-ho was a coward and this was stuck through him the entire show. He never shows his real self before others, even when he is angry he will put a wide a smile. He seems to have created an image of himself- a glorious one- that he has to m

aintain, but behind the scenes, he has completely different desires. He would fulfill all those desires but in secret.
Roy is shown as brave and confident. He may seem rowdy with a motorbike, but he is a true gentle person and he keeps that treatment with everyone. He also would not bother to show his likes or dislikes. He provokes In-ho from time to time and when he discovers about his affair- he confronts him because it greatly angers him.

Which side are you on?

 

By Aisha Adnan

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"Doctor Cha" is directed by Kim Dae-jin, Kim Jung-wook-II, written by Jung Yeo-rang, and features Uhm Jung-hwa, Kim Byung-chul, Min Woo-hyuk, Myung Se-bin, Song Ji-ho, Jo Aram. Broadcasting information in Korea: 2023/04/15~Now airing, Sat, Sun 22:30 on JTBC.