Doctor Cha: Episode 1 (First Impressions)
by Dramaddictally
My favorite noona, Uhm Jung-hwa, is back in Doctor Cha – a show that’s part light-hearted comedic fun and part jab to the jugular of a patriarchal system. So far, we’ve got high-energy characters, obvious antagonists, and a story that promises to have us rooting for our heroine until the end. We may be dealing with life and death on the operating table, but luckily the drama takes itself way less seriously than that.
Editor’s note: Continued drama coverage is pending based on Beanie feedback.
EPISODE 1
I wasn’t sure what to expect from this show but I should have known that with Uhm Jung-hwa at the helm, it was going to be good. Here, she plays CHA JUNG-SOOK — a woman who completed medical school, trained in a chaotic emergency room department, and then got pregnant and gave up her aspirations of being a doctor.
When we meet her, she’s been at home taking care of her husband, children, and mother-in-law for more than twenty years and is starting to feel the inkling that something just isn’t right. For one, her best friend from medical school is now a famous dermatologist (sans husband and kids) and seems to be happy and living the good life — all with fabulous skin! Jung-sook can’t help but look at her friend’s awards and think about what might have been.
In addition, Jung-sook is married to an awful man. Her husband, SEO IN-HO (Kim Byung-chul), is a high-ranking surgeon from an already wealthy family with all the egotism that goes along with it. We learn right away that their marriage is on the rocks. Ten years ago, he started sleeping in a separate room when he came home late from the hospital, but then it became his full-time pad — and neither has made the trek to the other’s bed in all that time.
While Jung-sook misses her husband and still tries to put the moves on him every now and then, he’s not interested in her at all — not as a woman or as a person. He criticizes her, talks down to her, and — as we find out pretty quickly — has had a long-time love affair on the side. His mistress, CHOI SEUNG-HEE (Myung Se-bin), is a colleague at the hospital — and also his first love, whom his mother wishes he had married.
I bring up In-ho’s mother because she’s a big part of the story here, much to my dismay. As a mother-in-law, KWAK AE-SHIM (Park Joon-geum) is not only traditional in how she expects Jung-sook to behave (i.e., she serves her like a housemaid), but she also completely controls her middle-aged son.
The story starts to take off when Jung-sook lands in the ER with acute hepatitis. In-ho is off with his mistress and decides not to cancel their trip to look after his wife, and Ae-shim just can’t be bothered to come to the hospital when she’s got other plans. Things get worse when we learn that Jung-sook’s condition is not reversible and she needs a liver transplant (yep — that’s the kind of show this is). The only person who’s a match for donation is In-ho — and his rotten-to-the-core mother blocks him from going into surgery to save Jung-sook’s life.
We end Episode 1 with Jung-sook waking from anesthesia — when she was supposed to have gotten the liver transplant — and realizing that In-ho didn’t go through with it. With the little breath she can muster, she calls him a bastard, and the music tells us it’s all hijinks to come.
While it’s clear who the antagonists are — because they’re very easy to hate! — there are some lovable saving graces in this show too. First up is Jung-sook’s mother, OH DEOK-RYE, played by the magnificent Kim Mi-kyung. She’s the one who comes to the hospital to be with her daughter when no one in Jung-sook’s household will make time for her. Deok-rye also stands up to Ae-shim when the latter throws a hysterical tantrum about her poor son being asked to undergo surgery for his wife.
The other totally lovable character is DOCTOR ROY KIM (Min Woo-hyuk) — Jung-sook’s transplant surgeon, who’s also becoming her confidant (with the sparks already flying). When she mentions to Doctor Kim that she almost became a surgeon and, lately, she’s been missing her time as a doctor, he lets her accompany him into the OR to watch a surgery. We see the light come back into her eyes and it’s pretty clear that he’ll be one of the catalysts when she decides to shake up her life and get back to practicing medicine (and, I’m guessing, leaving her husband).
All in all, this was a fun first episode with undeniable feminist undertones. We have the juxtaposition of Jung-sook and her dermatologist friend, currently representing the extremes of career versus family. But the journey for Jung-sook will be how she bridges that gap, maintaining the mom status that’s so important to her while also fulfilling her dreams of being a doctor.
The show also doesn’t shy away from discussions about income disparity between men and women and the observation that “women with a lot of talent and abilities strangely have no luck with men.” A fortune teller says to one character that she’s super talented as a doctor, but if she really wanted to be successful, she should have been born a man.
I also love that Uhm Jung-hwa is in her early fifties and the character she’s playing is roughly that age. There’s been mention of menopause, marriages fizzling out, and the kids being grown enough to take care of themselves. At the same time, our heroine’s later-in-life love interest is at least ten years her junior. Is it still considered a noona romance at this age? I say, yes. And bring it on!
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- Doctor Cha Jung-sook reboots her life in first teaser
- News bites: April 1, 2023
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- News bites: November 10, 2022
- Uhm Jung-hwa
- Kim Byung-chul
Tags: Doctor Cha, first episodes, First Impressions, Kim Byung-chul, Kim Mi-kyung, Min Woo-hyuk, Myung Se-bin, Uhm Jung-hwa
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1 jerrykuvira
April 17, 2023 at 8:27 PM
I love this one to bits. I wanted to spank In-ho through the screen during the donate don't donate your liver process. It's not something she'll think about twice if it was him needing the liver. She'll do it for him immediately, without anyone forcing her to, although I expect that stink eye of a MIL to still rub it in that it's her duty to save her(Jung-seok) husband's life just to take away her willingness in deciding on the matter. But, then I expect nothing honorable from the mother-son duo.
You're guessing that she ends up leaving her husband @dramaddictally , I want her to leave already. And I can't wait for it to be rubbed in the mother-son duo's faces that someone, a complete stranger has developed a liking and admiration for Jung-seok.
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2 Bunny Sonaki
April 17, 2023 at 10:14 PM
it was a good watch. I hope our heroine divorces that awful man sooner than later. And the mother-in-law is awful. She has been terrorizing every daughter-in-law she gets since Secret Garden drama. I liked the scene where Jung-sook bought the same designer bad and the mother-in-law was going about how expensive it is and Jung-sook was unfazed. Is it okay for you but bad for others?
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3 Nomorelisa
April 18, 2023 at 12:39 AM
Despite the serious scenes of almost dying from liver failure and despicable MIL and cheating husband, the first words she uttered to her husband and the slaps scenes was when I burst out laughing. This probably will be one of the better dramas that came out in 2023.
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indyfan
April 18, 2023 at 1:35 AM
I hate, hate all the familial violence in kdramas. But that slap was so satisfying, and funny. What the hell drama? I have to go recalibrate my moral compass now. ;-)
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Blue (@mayhemf)
April 18, 2023 at 10:44 AM
Lol. That slap was so perfectly executed. And that whole scene was hilarious.
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4 indyfan
April 18, 2023 at 12:52 AM
I'm in! My first ever Uhm Jung-hwa drama was her noona romance with the delightfully young PSJ. How can I not watch this?
I agree that the show keeps its message light but on point. And episode 2 gets better. It's gonna be a fun watch if it keeps it up.
I also can't remember the last time I heard the word menopause thrown around in a kdrama, esp. for our leading lady. Maybe never? But, progress!
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5 Blue (@mayhemf)
April 18, 2023 at 3:04 AM
Thanks for the recap. This was all the nudge I needed. Did you say Noona romance??? I am in. Looks like I just need to cross the first two episodes.
Please tell me atleast the kids are decent to her.
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zitless
April 18, 2023 at 3:37 AM
Somewhat. The kids are not rude, just entitled. I think the family take her for granted.
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sleigh_bells
April 21, 2023 at 11:37 AM
The kids were the ones that begged their dad to donate his liver. I'm guessing they won't take her for granted anymore. Actually I'm not sure they did anyway, besides one kinda bratty moment with the daughter, but she's also a teenager.
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6 Helenya
April 18, 2023 at 3:46 AM
Yup, the write up and comments have convinced me to try this one out
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7 zitless
April 18, 2023 at 4:01 AM
Certainly enjoyed the first episodes. Episode 1 boiled my blood with the whole "donate and do not donate" toggle...like someone is dying!
I'm glad the kids spoke to their father, even though they were not persistent enough (blame filial piety).
I'm also glad she doesn't have to be indebted to her husband. Even the FL knew things would have turned for the worse and her apologetic and grateful attitude would have made her even more subservient. That's why episode 2 was so cathartic.
So far the show doesn't shy away from calling things and people out, even how she got knocked up. Being self-aware of your flaws and mistakes means you are ready to grow, and our FL is ready to soar like an Eagle.
And the fact that she has a cute younger doctor already in her corner is 🥰.
However, the relationship I am highly expectant to watch develop is the mother-son relationship. I have a feeling it will tug at my heartstrings.
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Blue (@mayhemf)
April 18, 2023 at 10:42 AM
Yes! I like her relationship with the kids. There is genuine love and affection. Yes the kids are a bit spoilt but they are nice kids.
And I loved that she outscored get son in the exam :)
Also relieved it wasn’t his liver! Phew.
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8 emsel
April 18, 2023 at 4:58 AM
The recap made Ep 1 seem light compared to what I watched because it had a combination of worst possible tropes for a married women that left me angry. I can also sense the MIL becoming a major trouble in the second half which is why I'm dropping it here. Why can't there be shows which can encourage women to restart their career after a break without having to sacrifice on the family front?
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indyfan
April 18, 2023 at 7:58 AM
Yeah, episode 1 is hard. She hits rock bottom. But episode 2 is a really quick turnaround. It's a little unbelievable actually, but she's quite determined and level headed with her family that her priorities have shifted. And it lightens up a fair bit.
I do think her goal now is to have it all, career as well as family. Obvs with the awful husband, that's not gonna last.
It does seem a trope that women returning to their careers must burn it all. Just started Pale Moon, whole another vibe, but the same. Also, no doubt there will be screechy MIL drama. It's a little makjangy overall. I can tolerate that in small doses so keeping fingers crossed.
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9 Sona03
April 18, 2023 at 6:18 AM
I really liked the first 2 eps .Its on my current watch list
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10 Sona03
April 18, 2023 at 6:20 AM
I m hete for kim byung chul .Really loved in pegasus market.
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11 vienibenmio
April 18, 2023 at 7:04 AM
I am REALLY digging this, but only if she ends up with Roy Kim.
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12 pohonphee
April 18, 2023 at 7:11 AM
The one time, I knew the husband is cheating. I stopped watching. Like it no point of it. Fatigue with a drama with plot men with power who have affair.
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13 bbstl 🧹
April 18, 2023 at 7:17 AM
I like it! At first sight I thought, oh of course they’re using the actress who always plays the worlds worst MIL … and then she was so sweet, raving about her DIL. Until she wasn’t! Nice twist.
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Blue (@mayhemf)
April 18, 2023 at 10:40 AM
I like that she isn’t written outright evil or makjang mean. She is just selfish to the core. And she got away because the DIL was willingly making those sacrifices for her family.
And how does this woman look the same in all these years? Does she even age????
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14 Blue (@mayhemf)
April 18, 2023 at 10:38 AM
I thoroughly enjoyed the two episodes. I loved the humor! I like that it’s handling some heavy topics without going overboard. It manages to tread the humor and depth quite well.
And I had no idea Kim Byung-Chul can be so funny! Omg his body language and facial expressions is priceless. The whole post slap conversation had me in splits.
Also this whole scene.
I hope the recap will continue and more beanies watch this show!
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Blue (@mayhemf)
April 18, 2023 at 10:42 AM
Also, healer Ajhumma is the best Ajhumma!
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Diana Hansen
April 18, 2023 at 10:50 AM
" I like that it’s handling some heavy topics without going overboard. It manages to tread the humor and depth quite well."
This! I love this kind of writing and your comment sealed the deal for me. Its hard to balance heavy yet keep it watchable.
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jerrykuvira
April 18, 2023 at 12:18 PM
Kim Byung-chul has great comedic timing. Although his stint in Sky Castle was on the other side of right(the first time I watched him on my screen), he still flexed his comedic chops there. Just his eye movement alone can send you laughing, not to talk of his facial expressions. So be prepared to clutch your stomach here.
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larelle79
April 19, 2023 at 3:15 PM
If you have not seen Pegasus Market, do. He is a comic genius in that.
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15 OldLawyer
April 18, 2023 at 3:34 PM
My wife and I liked the first episodes. We will continue watching. Mm and son as Residents at the same hospital will certainly add some humor but we are also looking at her husband's cheating, etc. I have little hope that he will change for the better.
Her kids are all right, if a bi spoiled, and it is time that they both cut the apron strings and learn to take care of themselves. How else will they appreciate what she did for them? This is actually the best thing that could happen to them.
MIL needs a good spanking. Hopefully she gets one.
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16 sakuradaydream
April 18, 2023 at 5:17 PM
I despise cheating spouses in storylines & I wasnt able to finish ep1 of this show but I might just give it a shot after seeing the weecap & comments!
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17 amfalulawatching
April 18, 2023 at 7:21 PM
I decided to give this a try. Generally, I really can't handle medical shows, and often avoid them. Sword fighting OK. Scalpels not OK. I had to look away during that first episode. Still, I was entertained. I like second chance stories with characters that have a lived a little. Lots of familiar faces playing familiar roles with very familiar musical choices. As long as the medical themes are kept at a minimum---I think this might be a nice watch.
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18 Britney
April 19, 2023 at 9:26 AM
I'm less than 10 minutes in and 1 thing that came to mind was wouldn't she need to take recertification courses? Ken Jeong said even though he's not a practicing doctor, he still has to take courses or go to seminars to keep his medical license. If she hasn't done anything in over 20 years, does she still count as a doctor?
Genuine question.
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Diana Hansen
April 19, 2023 at 10:17 AM
My thought too and yes she would need to.
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kdramacurious
April 21, 2023 at 6:17 AM
Lol, yes, the same thought occurred to me—wouldn't she need to take continuing medical education courses and renew her license to remain a doctor? But maybe they're being deliberately vague about "Doctor = passed the board exam" vs "Doctor = still licensed to practice."
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19 CasualDramaFan
April 19, 2023 at 10:38 AM
I kind of liked first two episodes. They have established main players and put me firmly in protagonist corner.
The antagonists – the husband and mistress have no redeeming qualities. The MIL is horrible.
The good thing about the show they have evened out horrible characters with loveable ones.
One side we have the husband, the mistress, and the MIL; at other side we have the mother, would be friend / supporter, and the bestie.
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20 Britney
April 19, 2023 at 8:22 PM
I don't know how much I should or shouldn't say. Well, one thing is I think I would have binge this after all the episodes are available because I just kept thinking "I wish she would find out about his affair already so we can move on to whatever is going to happen with the surgeon". Her husband and his girlfriend give me King Charles & Camilla vibes (except he chose to cheat on his girlfriend way back when leading to all this now). Funny enough *because* they give me those vibes, I already feel some complicated feelings for the mistress. As of the 2nd episode, I don't necessarily feel hate for her but a few steps away from pity; I think she's kinda pitiful. It's sad.
I think the husband, the mistress, and the mother in law are supposed to be the trifecta of evil to be defeated by our heroine but currently all I want is her find out about the affair, split from the husband & mother in law, and prove herself the independent, succesful doctor she has within herself.
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21 Asha13
April 20, 2023 at 2:23 PM
You guys convinced me to watch this and I am glad I did. The husband and MIL are so evil and I am going to love hating them for 16 episodes 😬
The ML ..so handsome
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Asha13
April 20, 2023 at 3:40 PM
BTW I have never enjoyed a slap more.
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