Doctor Slump Ep 11-12 Review: Park Hyung Sik-Park Shin Hye's romance shines but mental health plot lags

In the latest episode of Doctor Slump, the focus is on Jeong Woo and Ha Neul's relationship, which brings moments of joy and provides comic relief. However, the overall plot seems stagnant.

Published on Mar 05, 2024  |  01:51 AM IST |  406.9K
Park Shin Hye and Park Hyung Sik in Doctor Slump; Image Courtesy: JTBC
Park Shin Hye and Park Hyung Sik in Doctor Slump; Image Courtesy: JTBC
Key Highlight
  • Episodes 11 and 12 of Park Hyung Sik and Park Shin Hye's Doctor Slump are out
  • Our thoughts on latest episodes of Doctor Slump

Drama Name: Doctor Slump

Premiere Date: January 27, 2024

Cast: Park Hyung Sik, Park Shin Hye, Yoon Bak, Kong Seong Ha

Director: Oh Hyun Jong

Writer: Baek Sun Woo

No. of episodes: 16

Genre: Medical, Romance

Language: Korean

Where to watch: JTBC, Netflix

Synopsis for Doctor Slump

Doctor Slump is a romantic-comedy medical drama portraying the intertwined lives of Nam Ha Neul (Park Shin Hye) and Yeo Jeong Woo (Park Hyung Sik), former high school adversaries turned doctors facing career setbacks. Ha Neul, a once-promising anesthesiologist, experiences burnout and leaves the profession due to mistreatment.

Meanwhile, Jeong Woo, a popular plastic surgeon, grapples with a career crisis following a medical accident. Both are forced out of their jobs; they find themselves cohabiting at Ha Neul's residence, leading to unexpected connections and a transformative journey from animosity to love.

The narrative also involves Bin Dae Yeong (Yoon Park), Jeong Woo's rival surgeon, and Lee Hong Ran (Gong Seong Ha), Ha Neul's supportive best friend. As their lives become intertwined, they confront personal and professional challenges, unraveling the essence of friendship, love, and resilience in the face of adversity.

Watch the trailer for Doctor Slump here:


Episode 11

In Doctor Slump Episode 11, Ha Neul and Jeong Woo embrace their newfound relationship, but misunderstandings arise, causing tensions at work. Wol Seon mistakenly thinks Jeong Woo has moved on and confronts him. Meanwhile, Ha Neul grapples with insecurities as Jeong Woo inadvertently creates complications.

The episode unfolds with humorous moments, including an unexpected revelation that leads to Ha Neul and Jeong Woo resolving their issues. As Wol Seon discovers the truth about Ha Neul, birthdays bring surprises and reconciliations. However, the episode hints at upcoming challenges, unveiling Jeong Woo's suspicions about a past incident involving Kyung Min.

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The narrative introduces complexities, setting the stage for future developments in the characters' personal and professional lives.


Episode 12

In Doctor Slump Episode 12, Ha Neul and Jeong Woo plan a surprise trip, exposing their endearing relationship. However, their attempts to treat friends result in comic misunderstandings. The couple's personal revelations, coupled with bromance tales, provide heartwarming moments. Meanwhile, suspicions surrounding Kyung Min intensified, leading Ha Neul to uncover unsettling details about Haesung Pharmaceutical's dubious practices.

As the episode unfolds, Dae Young discloses a dramatic past, intertwining with Jeong Woo's journey to fame. The camping trip becomes a backdrop for confessions and deepening connections. However, the revelation of Kyung Min's involvement in a questionable drug development scheme takes a dark turn, raising concerns about the characters' safety.

The episode concludes with a suspenseful car crash, leaving viewers eagerly anticipating the unfolding consequences of the tangled narrative.


Our thoughts on Episodes 11 and 12 of Doctor Slump

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In episodes 11 and 12 of Doctor Slump, viewers are treated to the endearing dynamics of Jeong Woo and Ha Neul's blossoming relationship. The episode cleverly weaves in delightful comic sequences, providing moments of levity that elicit genuine chuckles. The adorable chemistry between the lead characters becomes a highlight, offering a refreshing and enjoyable watch.

However, beneath the surface charm, the episode raises concerns about the overall plot's trajectory. It appears to have hit a temporary standstill, lacking the narrative depth to propel the story forward compellingly. The reintroduction of Kyung Min as a potential antagonist injects a semblance of conflict yet fails to evoke genuine curiosity from the audience. The plot development seems to hinge on this recycled villainous character, leaving viewers yearning for a more engaging storyline.

The series' exploration of mental health themes, initially a promising aspect, appears to be losing its substance. The trope, perhaps employed to tap into the success of recent K-dramas like Daily Dose of Sunshine, comes across as more superficial than profound. The show struggles to provide a nuanced portrayal of mental health concerns, missing an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the discourse.

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While the interactions between Ha Neul and Jeong Woo are undeniably charming, they occasionally teeter into cringeworthy territory. The stellar cast, exhibiting exceptional acting skills, and the visually appealing cinematography are unfortunately overshadowed by the lackluster writing and a vague vision for the show's direction.

The palpable hope among viewers for a more engaging narrative is tinged with reservations. As the series enters its next phase, the wish is for the upcoming episodes to alleviate the current sense of stagnation and fatigue. A plea is extended to the creators to infuse the storyline with the depth and momentum needed to rekindle the initial intrigue.

In conclusion, Doctor Slump continues to balance between moments of endearing romance and a narrative that struggles to find its footing. The show's potential lies in its ability to address mental health themes with authenticity and to navigate a plot that extends beyond recycled conflicts. As the series ventures into the next episodes, viewers remain cautiously optimistic, hoping for a resurgence of the show's initial promise.

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ALSO READ: Doctor Slump Ep 9-10 Review: Park Hyung Sik-Park Shin Hye's delightful twist delivers emotional rollercoaster

Credits: JTBC
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Saumya is a Journalism and Mass Communication graduate, with a knack for digital storytelling and over a

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