Get ready to clear your watchlist, K-drama fans! Netflix has officially greenlit its highly anticipated upcoming medical series, First Doctor. On June 23, 2026, the streaming giant sent social media into a frenzy by confirming a powerhouse cast lineup spearheaded by beloved actors Jung Ryeo-won and Kim Mu-yeol.
Adding to the massive buzz, the series marks a thrilling reunion for director Hong Jong-chan (Dear My Friends) and Baeksang Arts Award-winning writer Kim Min-seok—the brilliant creative duo behind the critically acclaimed Netflix legal smash hit Juvenile Justice. With production officially moving forward and filming scheduled to kick off in the second half of 2026, First Doctor is quickly shaping up to be Netflix’s next global standout.
What is Netflix’s ‘First Doctor’ About?
Unlike traditional high-stakes hospital thrillers that rely solely on intense operating room jump-scares, First Doctor promises a deeply realistic, human look at a healthcare system in crisis.
The drama centers on the pediatric surgery department of a university hospital that is facing the immediate threat of closure. Driven by a severe economic crisis and a declining national birth rate, the department is heavily underfunded and rapidly running out of young patients.
The narrative follows an unyielding team of medical professionals who perform a child’s first major surgery, opening the door to their long-term future. In doing so, these frontline physicians step up to become a child’s “first true adult” in life, weaving an emotional story about teamwork, systemic resilience, and quiet heroism.
Jung Ryeo-won Takes the Reins as a Devoted “Troublemaker”
Leading the stellar ensemble is Jung Ryeo-won, known for delivering masterclass emotional performances in hits like Witch’s Court and The Midnight Romance in Hagwon.
In First Doctor, Jung steps into the scrubs of Heo Ji-wan, a brilliant and fiercely dedicated professor of pediatric surgery. While she is profoundly committed to saving her young patients, her blunt, fearless, and uncompromising personality earns her the reputation of being the hospital’s ultimate “troublemaker.” Forced to return to Yeonhwa University Hospital after an unexpected incident, she vows to fight tooth and nail to protect her failing department.
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Kim Mu-yeol and Ha Yoon-kyung Elevate the Screen Value
Joining her in a leading role is Kim Mu-yeol, who is currently enjoying a massive career peak. Fresh off dominating the global charts with the hit series Teach You a Lesson, Kim plays Dr. Bae Su-wol, a charming, easygoing anesthesiology and pain medicine professor. Bae is a longtime colleague and close confidant to Heo Ji-wan, providing a warm, grounding presence amid the sterile hospital chaos. This project marks Kim’s third high-profile collaboration with director Hong Jong-chan.
The series also stars rising talent Ha Yoon-kyung (Extraordinary Attorney Woo, Hospital Playlist Season 2) as Ki Eun-gyeol. As a sharp-witted, rebellious third-year resident, Ki frequently clashes with her new mentor Heo Ji-wan, setting the stage for a compelling, high-friction dynamic.
Rounding out the institutional weight of the series are veteran actors Bek Hyun-jin (Taxi Driver) as the realistic Head of Surgery Son Sang-baek, and Kim Jong-soo as Vice Director Lee Chang-gon, adding layered political tension to the ward.
Why This Gritty New Series is a Must-Watch
Medical K-dramas have always held a special place in global viewers’ hearts, but First Doctor sets itself apart by tackling modern societal issues like population decline and healthcare sustainability. It moves past generic tropes to focus on profound human connection and the harsh realities of frontline medicine.
With its stellar casting finalized and production underway, expectations are sky-high. Stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes glimpses and trailer drops as Netflix prepares to bring this moving story to international screens!
