Wasn’t really excited for the drama bcs of the title which clearly indicated a blended profession and I’m honestly bored of it due to the recent developments even though Ji Sub is one of my faves. I started it regardless, expecting something decent out of it, which it is to to some extent but with no eye-catching development and with typical element, I found myself struggling post the interval yet somehow managed to finish, with no overall feeling.

Developed by Kim Ho-jun and produced by Celltrion Entertainment & Mongjakso, Doctor Lawyer (닥터 로이어) is a medico-legal thriller drama, marking So Ji Sub’s comeback to the screen. Written by Jang Hong-cheo and directed by Lee Yong-seok, the drama was originally broadcasted on MBC TV and internationally distributed by Disney+.

The drama keeps at centre, Han Yi Han (So Ji Sub), a lawyer who was a doctor 5 years back and lost his license following a major malpractice, which he think was a conspiracy to oust him from the hospital. With the intention to bring those matter to surface, he starts working from the root by legally assisting other medical malpractice cases in the courtroom. Joins him Prosecutor Geum Seok Young (Im Soo Hyang) who lost her brother in the same case and is eager to do anything in order to reveal the truth.

Jyaden Lee (Shin Sung Rok) is a master lobbyist and investor at an American company Honor Hands and Im Yoo Na (Lee Joo Bin) is the youngest director in Banseok Foundation. Lee Kyung Young (Goo Jin Ki) is the Director of Banseokwon Hospital and his son Lee Dong Ha (Goo Hyung Sung) is a cardio-thoracic surgeon. Other familiar faces in major roles are: Choi Jae Young, Choi Deok Moon, Kang Kyung Hoon, Nam Myung Ryul, Park Joon Hyuk, Jo Hyun Shik and Kim Ho Jung.

Plot development is moderately fine, not good or not bad, simply mediocre. The pilot episode and its furtherance in the next were not appealing to me; the premise and the background didn’t excite, ngl. But I was still expecting it to get better, and admittedly, it did to some extent, however, it continued to feel bland. Okay but I was also intrigued by Jayden Lee’s appearance in the show and whenever he came to the screen, I was excited; he’s a fabulous actor anyways.
The first short-term and the following elaborate legal battle were both executed well but after that it felt dragged and they were only blabbering inside the courtroom. There are multiple cardio OT scenes and the cases didn’t feel any exaggerated though the surgeries were not jaw-dropping or something. The mystery part was good for me, despite being more than a lil suspenseful it did keep up the questions for a quite a time (my rough assumption proved right though). The show became boring for the last 6 episodes and there was nothing left for to look forward to but I managed to finish with 1.5x. Honestly, I got no hard feelings about the ending or the overall quality of the show.

I don’t know much about Jang Hong Chul jakka-nim except for the fact that his previous and first work was an underrated gem though its 3 years old now. I think the writer took a fair span of time to to create this calculative and thoughtful piece with a new kinda blend but the theme and core concept of the story could have been better utilized, in terms of both screenwriting and representation. I would have loved to see the motivating muse of Yi Han that made him a lawyer or the process itself, even so as a flashback narration, if not an episode long showcase.

I have watched only one drama by Lee Young Seok PDnim which happens to be his previous work and it was good but despite of the genre difference, if I compare them, this one was lacking in many aspects. The direction is not particularly to blame but the team could have attempted a positive compromise with the writer. The editing and set up were all fine, nothing eye-catching, except for few revelations and on-the-edge moments.

So Ji Sub’s acting was as amazing as always but this drama couldn’t make it upto his skills. Han Yi Yan was definitely an idealistic man with miraculous capabilities though he also seeked help from others but to tell that Jisub justified the role would be like underestimating his skills. Regardless, I hope he gets back to the track soon.
Im Soo Hyang why? Why doesn’t she get good offers these days? Despite her features in not so extraordinary dramas in old times, in my eyes she had been acing her powerful characters. And now, she picks up these lousy and poorly written female characters who only act like the side kick for the ML or a script that itself is a disaster.
Shin Sung Rok’S entry had me in awe bcs I had almost forgotten about his presence in the drama. Him as Jayden won hearts which was clear from the response he got but I personally think the character and his skills could have been better utilized and had some more exposure.
Lee Joo bin also went beyond what was expected of her; firstly I didn’t think she’ll be of any importance but then I was wrong and she also put good efforts in carrying out what she was offered. I am honestly impressed.
Goo Jin ki is definitely one of the best antagonist of recent times which he was able to present again through the drama but for someone who has been closely following him, the character didn’t feel any new to me, it’s the same as few of his recent dramas and so I wasn’t paying any particular attention towards him.

There are a total of 4 OSTs
# “Freedom” by Lee Chang Sub (BtoB)
# “An Unfamiliar Day” by Chen (EXO)
# “Fight On” by Yoo Hwe Seung (N. Flying)
# “My Shadow” by Yi Ra On

Final Remarks… Well, that was a barely decent watch and as it reflects in my review throughout, again, I have no hard feelings about this one and would not really think of ot when someone asks me for recommendations. You can watch If you are a Jisub oppa admirer or are looking for something light.