From K-Drama Heartthrob to Island Doctor
Lee Jae Wook is trading his sleek city suits for scrubs in the upcoming Genie TV original drama ‘Cheonbo Doctor’ (working title)—his first role as a physician. Set to premiere in 2026, this medical rom-com promises laughter, love, and a dose of island mystery.
The Plot: Island, Intrigue, and a Whole Lot of Charm
Based on a popular Kakao webtoon by Kim Taepung, Cheonbo Doctor follows To Ji-wi (played by Lee Jae Wook), a former plastic surgeon at a top university hospital who gets exiled—er, reassigned—to the infamous Byeongdong Island as a public health doctor. It’s the last place he wants to be, thanks to a traumatic past involving the sea. But what starts as a nightmare quickly becomes a life-changing journey.
Enter Yuk Ha-ri (played by Shin Ye Eun), a nurse with secrets of her own. Calm, caring, and immune to gossip, she’s the kind of character who seems cold at a glance but warms every heart she meets. Together, they navigate quirky islanders, old wounds, and some undeniable romantic tension.
Director & Writer: Dream Team Alert
The drama is directed by Lee Myung Woo, known for hits like The Fiery Priest and Boyhood, and written by Kim Jisoo, whose delicate storytelling adds a human touch. With this creative duo behind the scenes, fans are expecting a blend of punchy humor and emotional depth.
Lee Jae Wook’s First Time in a Lab Coat
“I’m both excited and nervous to take on my first doctor role,” Lee shared. “Being part of a cast and crew this talented makes me want to give my best. I hope the viewers will see this as a meaningful project, just as it is for me.”
Known for switching up his image with every project—from fantasy to action and now medical drama—Lee Jae Wook keeps proving he’s one of the most versatile K-drama leads out there.
Shin Ye Eun Brings the Warmth
Shin Ye Eun described the project as “a fascinating story about a tight-knit island community.” She added, “After reading the script, I thought, ‘This is genuinely fun.’ I’m thrilled to work with a director and writer I’ve always admired, and I’m really looking forward to building this world with the rest of the cast and crew.”
With her signature mix of grit and grace, Shin is ready to melt hearts and raise eyebrows in this character-driven island tale.
Why ‘Cheonbo Doctor’ Could Be Your Next K-Drama Obsession
Take one remote island, mix in gorgeous leads with emotional baggage, a dash of island lore, and sprinkle in some romance—you’ve got the perfect recipe for a binge-worthy K-drama. Whether you’re here for the love story, the laughs, or Lee Jae Wook in scrubs, Cheonbo Doctor is bound to deliver.
Would you trust your heart (and health) to a doctor with a past? Tune in and find out.
