For fans of compelling medical dramas with a heartwarming twist, look no further than “Good Doctor,” a celebrated Korean series that has garnered international acclaim and spawned adaptations worldwide. This isn’t just another hospital drama; it delves into the extraordinary world of Park Shi On (played brilliantly by Joo Won), a pediatric surgeon with autism spectrum disorder and savant syndrome. While navigating the demanding environment of a top-tier hospital, Shi On confronts prejudice, skepticism, and the emotional complexities of human connection, all while showcasing his exceptional medical abilities.
Initially, I stumbled upon “Good Doctor” while searching for another drama featuring Joo Won, an actor whose work I admire despite some previous mixed experiences. What immediately grabbed my attention was the premise: a doctor with autism. However, the official synopses I encountered online felt reductive and frankly, misleading. One summary questioned, “Can a man with the mental capacity of a 10-year-old carry out his work as a brilliant pediatric surgeon?” This description immediately felt off-key. It seemed to misunderstand the nuances of autism and savantism, implying a blanket intellectual deficit rather than recognizing the specific challenges and exceptional strengths associated with the condition.
Another synopsis described Shi On as “struggling to succeed in a competitive ‘adult’ world where everyone is at least emotionally and mentally 20 years older than he is.” Again, this felt like a gross oversimplification. Autism isn’t about being emotionally or mentally younger; it’s about processing the world differently. Individuals with autism often rely heavily on logic and reason, which, in a world often driven by fleeting emotions, can actually be a sign of profound maturity. DramaLand, as many K-drama fans know, is often overflowing with characters who are emotionally impulsive, making Shi On’s logical approach a refreshing contrast.
My personal connection to autism runs deep, with over two decades of firsthand experience raising a son on the spectrum. This experience has given me a unique lens through which to view portrayals of autism in media. Like Shi On, my son has faced societal misconceptions and underestimated expectations. He, too, has navigated a world that often isn’t designed for neurodiversity. Therefore, I approached “Good Doctor” not just as entertainment, but with a critical eye, eager to see if it offered a respectful and insightful representation of autism.
What “Good Doctor” gets right is showcasing the societal barriers and prejudices faced by individuals with autism. Park Shi On’s journey is fraught with obstacles, not due to a lack of competence, but because of others’ preconceived notions and unwillingness to understand. His early life, as depicted in flashbacks, is heartbreakingly typical for many with autism in environments lacking understanding. His parents, overwhelmed and misinformed, react with frustration and ultimately, abandonment. This sadly reflects the high divorce rates in families raising children with disabilities, a reality that adds a layer of poignant realism to Shi On’s backstory.
Image: Young Park Shi On engrossed in drawing, highlighting his early savant abilities and intense focus, crucial elements of his character in the Korean drama “Good Doctor”.
Fortunately for Shi On, a kind doctor recognizes his extraordinary talent – his ability to visualize and remember complex medical illustrations – and becomes his mentor. This pivotal relationship allows Shi On to pursue his dream of becoming a doctor, overcoming the initial hurdle of medical school and board exams. However, the prejudice persists as he enters the hospital. The hospital administration and even some senior doctors are reluctant to grant a “handicapped” person a medical license, forcing Shi On to prove his competence through a probationary period in the pediatric ward.
Here, he encounters Kim Do Han (Joo Sang Wook), the head pediatric surgeon, who embodies the skepticism and outright hostility Shi On faces. Do Han is initially portrayed as a harsh and bullying figure, constantly undermining Shi On, assigning him menial tasks, and publicly criticizing him. While Do Han’s behavior can be frustrating to watch, especially for viewers rooting for Shi On, it serves to highlight the systemic prejudice Shi On must overcome. Do Han’s backstory, revealing a personal tragedy involving a younger brother with a disability, provides a somewhat understandable, though not excusable, motivation for his harsh treatment of Shi On.
Image: Dr. Kim Do Han’s skeptical gaze towards Park Shi On, capturing the initial resistance and prejudice Shi On faces from senior doctors in the Korean drama “Good Doctor”.
In contrast to Do Han, Han Ji Wook (Kim Young Kwang) represents a more open-minded and supportive colleague. Ji Wook’s positive attitude and willingness to see Shi On’s potential offer a refreshing counterpoint to the prevailing negativity. His subplot, involving a compassionate relationship with a woman working to support her sister’s medical treatment, further underscores his empathetic nature and makes him a genuinely likeable character.
Cha Yoon Seo (Moon Chae Won), a second-year resident, also plays a crucial role in Shi On’s journey. Initially puzzled by Shi On, Yoon Seo gradually recognizes his exceptional abilities and becomes a staunch supporter and eventually, his love interest. Their developing relationship is handled with sensitivity, acknowledging the social challenges and personal vulnerabilities involved. The drama realistically portrays Yoon Seo’s initial hesitations and Shi On’s own concerns about being a “burden,” reflecting the real-world anxieties faced by individuals with autism in romantic relationships.
Image: Dr. Cha Yoon Seo and Dr. Park Shi On in a scene illustrating their developing relationship, showcasing Yoon Seo’s growing understanding and support for Shi On in “Good Doctor” Korean drama.
One minor but distracting subplot involves hospital politics and a takeover attempt, which feels somewhat tangential to the central narrative of Shi On’s journey. While it adds some dramatic tension, it could have been streamlined to maintain focus on the core themes.
The portrayal of the romantic relationship between Yoon Seo and Shi On is one of the drama’s strengths. It avoids overly sentimental or unrealistic tropes, instead focusing on the genuine connection and mutual respect that develops between them. Shi On’s expressions of love may not be conventionally romantic, but they are sincere and deeply meaningful. His straightforward honesty and unwavering loyalty, often characteristic of individuals with autism, are presented as valuable and endearing qualities. As someone with personal experience with autism, the author of the original blog post humorously points out the benefits of dating someone like Shi On: unwavering loyalty, routine, and honesty.
However, the drama stumbles slightly with the ending’s implication that Shi On is “cured” of his autism. This is a problematic and inaccurate representation. Autism is not a disease to be cured; it’s a neurodevelopmental condition that shapes how a person experiences and interacts with the world. Framing it as something to be overcome or cured undermines the value of neurodiversity and the unique strengths that individuals with autism possess. It would have been more impactful to emphasize that society, rather than Shi On, needed to change its perceptions of “normal.”
Despite this misstep, Joo Won’s performance as Park Shi On is truly exceptional. He embodies the character with remarkable sensitivity and nuance, capturing the subtle physical mannerisms, speech patterns, and emotional expressions often associated with autism. His portrayal avoids caricature and instead offers a deeply human and empathetic depiction of a complex individual. It’s genuinely surprising that Joo Won didn’t receive more accolades for this role, as it is arguably one of the most compelling and memorable performances in Korean drama history.
Image: Close-up of Joo Won as Park Shi On, capturing the actor’s detailed and sensitive portrayal of the character, highlighting his exceptional performance in the “Good Doctor” Korean drama.
“Good Doctor” is more than just entertainment; it’s a thought-provoking drama that encourages viewers to reconsider their perceptions of autism and disability. It prompts a dialogue about inclusivity, acceptance, and the untapped potential within individuals who think and experience the world differently. While it may not be a perfect representation, its strengths lie in its compelling characters, heartwarming relationships, and Joo Won’s unforgettable performance. If you are looking for a doctor Korean drama that is both emotionally resonant and intellectually stimulating, “Good Doctor” is definitely worth watching. It offers a glimpse into a different perspective and ultimately leaves you with a message of hope and the importance of embracing neurodiversity.
