The tvN Saturday-Sunday drama ‘Doctor Slump’ is captivating audiences every weekend night. As of February 1, the first six episodes of ‘Doctor Slump’ have aired, consistently setting new personal viewership records and enjoying a successful run. According to Netflix’s official site Tudum, the show ranked fifth among non-English series on Netflix, demonstrating its growing popularity. It also reached the TOP 10 in nine countries, including South Korea, Hong Kong, and Vietnam, as of February 4. Furthermore, results for the first week of February from Good Data Corporation’s official platform FUNdex show ‘Doctor Slump’ taking the top spot in the TV drama category, marking two consecutive weeks at number one for popularity.
Acclaimed actress Park Shin-hye is a driving force behind the show’s success with her versatile performance. She impressively transitions between a charismatic 35-year-old securities inspector and a spirited 20-year-old junior employee, captivating viewers in each episode. The complex chemistry among the characters, centered around Nam Ha-neul (played by Park Shin-hye), enhances the show’s appeal. Viewers are enthusiastically praising Park’s performance as “flying,” “a master of modulation,” and “perfect, embodying the character without any superfluity.”
The drama’s central theme revolves around Nam Ha-neul’s undercover operation, which investigates the whereabouts of Hanmin Securities’ slush fund ledger and the identity of the whistleblower ‘Yeppeu.’ The mysterious identity of ‘Yeppeu’ encourages viewers to engage in solving the mystery, while strategically placed foreshadowing and clues make ‘Doctor Slump’ a drama worth revisiting. The uncovering of corruption and misconduct at Hanmin Securities also adds layers of intrigue to the storyline. Perfectly timed ending scenes from the first to the sixth episode provide weekly tension and keep viewers eagerly anticipating.
The synergy created by intertwining various storylines and characters, extending beyond just bosses, subordinates, or colleagues, charms viewers by reflecting real-life relationships. The roommates of Dormitory Room 301, who initially met with secrets and caution, gradually develop a heartfelt friendship. Similarly, diverse characters at Hanmin Securities, such as a tightly-knit group of colleagues affectionately known as ‘Sobangcha’ (소방차), impress viewers with their unique traits and camaraderie.
Characters, including protagonist Nam Ha-neul, enrich ‘Doctor Slump’ with charm. In recent episodes, new president Yeo Jeong-woo (played by Yoon Park) revealed he knew about Nam Ha-neul’s operation, raising curiosity about his true motives. Additionally, viewers discovered Lee Hong-ran (Ha Yoon-kyung) to be planning an escape from family violence. Kang No-ra (Choi Ji-soo), a naive chaebol successor, and single mother Kim Mi-sook (Kang Chae-young), who dreams of a stable home, reveal more about themselves. Oh Dong-min (Jo Han-gyeol), who suggests an unexpected plot twist, and Director Kim Young-jun (Kim Won-hae), who may seem unreliable but supports Nam Ha-neul’s mission, enhance the drama’s depth.
‘Doctor Slump,’ armed with irresistible allure, is climbing both viewership and popularity charts. Its unpredictable weekly developments keep audiences eagerly anticipating the next episode, which airs on February 7 at 9:10 PM.
Image source: tvN
