The Korean entertainment landscape is set for a compelling new romance story with the official confirmation of lead actors for the upcoming drama 'Romance Doctor'. Stars Choo Young-woo and Kim So-hyun will headline this unique series, which is scheduled to premiere in the first half of 2026. The drama will be exclusively available on the streaming platform TV's premium service.
A Unique Love Story Born in a Robotics Lab
The narrative of 'Romance Doctor' is set within the innovative and challenging environment of a robotics laboratory. It promises to be a story where broken dreams intersect with the possibilities of advanced technology. The plot follows two graduate students carrying emotional and physical scars, who find an unexpected connection.
Choo Young-woo will portray Park Min-jae, a diligent doctoral student with a poignant past. Once a promising high school swimmer, his dreams were dashed when an illness led to the loss of his right leg. He channeled his resilience into the field of robotic engineering, rebuilding his life but remaining emotionally reserved.
His world collides with that of Im Yu-jin, played by Kim So-hyun. Yu-jin is a bold and fearless master's student who made a dramatic shift from fashion studies to robotics. Her transition came after she was branded a "troublemaker" for exposing misconduct within her previous department. The screenplay by writer Min Hyo-jung will explore how these two wounded individuals navigate unfamiliar academic territory and develop feelings for each other, a connection neither had planned.
The Vision of Acclaimed Director Ahn Pan-seok
Adding significant weight to the project is the involvement of the celebrated director Ahn Pan-seok. Known for redefining the Korean romance genre with critically acclaimed works like 'Something in the Rain', 'Secret Love Affair', and 'The White Tower', his participation sets high expectations. Director Ahn's signature style of nuanced emotional depth and mature storytelling is expected to be a cornerstone of 'Romance Doctor'.
The drama aims to capture the diverse realities of graduate student life through a warm and insightful lens. It will particularly focus on how Yu-jin's fearless determination acts as a catalyst for transformation in the cautious and careful Min-jae.
Excitement from the Lead Stars
Both actors have expressed immense enthusiasm for the project, particularly about the opportunity to work with director Ahn Pan-seok. Choo Young-woo, who is on a hot streak with consecutive hits like 'The Tale of Lady Ok', 'Trauma Center', and 'Gyeonu and Seonye', stated he is approaching this role with "a more scholarly mindset." Interestingly, Choo was born just one day before his co-star Kim So-hyun in 1999. This drama also marks his first collaboration with both the cable network and the legendary director.
Kim So-hyun, recently seen in 'Good Boy' and 'Useless Lies', called the chance to work with Ahn Pan-seok "an honor itself." She also praised her character Yu-jin's bold personality, describing it as a key trait that makes her a magnetic figure in the story.
With its unique setting at the crossroads of human emotion and robotic technology, a powerhouse creative team led by Ahn Pan-seok, and a promising pair of young leads, 'Romance Doctor' is already shaping up to be a highly anticipated entry in the 2026 K-drama lineup. The series is confirmed to air as a Monday-Tuesday drama, bringing a blend of heartfelt romance and intellectual pursuit to audiences worldwide.
