The South Korean drama series, The Great Doctor, also known as Faith, offers a unique blend of historical fantasy and romance, making it a memorable watch for KDrama enthusiasts. While the subtitles might present a slight challenge, the captivating storyline and compelling characters more than compensate, drawing viewers into a world where past and present collide. Originally aired in 2012, this series continues to resonate with audiences who appreciate a touch of the extraordinary in their historical dramas. You can find The Great Doctor available for streaming on Viki.
**Full show spoilers below the image. If you do not wish to be spoiled, do not proceed**
Lee Min Ho and Kim Hee Seon in The Great Doctor KDrama
Image: Lee Min Ho and Kim Hee Seon star in the popular historical fantasy KDrama, The Great Doctor, also known as Faith.
Ending and Overall Story
The Great Doctor delivers a happy ending, although some viewers might crave a slightly more extended epilogue to fully witness the central couple’s reunion. The narrative centers around General Choi Young, portrayed by Lee Min Ho, a valiant warrior from the Goryeo period. To safeguard the Queen amidst political turmoil, he journeys through a mysterious portal he believes leads to heaven, but actually transports him to modern-day Seoul. His mission is to bring back a “divine doctor” capable of healing the Queen. This divine doctor turns out to be Yoo Eun Soo, a pragmatic plastic surgeon who is abruptly pulled from her contemporary life into the dangers and intrigues of the past. Eun Soo, thrust into this unfamiliar era, finds herself caught between those who seek to exploit her perceived medical miracles and those who wish her harm.
Character Depth and Performances
The drama shines brightly due to its well-developed characters, especially the leads.
- Choi Young (Lee Min Ho): In a departure from some of his earlier roles, Lee Min Ho embodies General Choi Young with a quiet intensity and unwavering moral compass. He is not the typical arrogant chaebol, but a deeply honorable warrior, haunted by his past and fiercely loyal to his king. Choi Young is a character viewers instinctively trust and root for, even with his stoic demeanor and penchant for excessive sleep. Lee Min Ho delivers a nuanced performance, making Choi Young a standout hero in the KDrama landscape.
- Yoo Eun Soo (Kim Hee Seon): Kim Hee Seon’s Yoo Eun Soo is the perfect counterpoint to Choi Young’s seriousness. She is initially out of her element, providing moments of levity with her modern sensibilities and occasional silliness. However, Eun Soo is far from helpless. She is intelligent, resourceful, and adapts remarkably well to the perilous situations she faces in the past. Her modern medical knowledge becomes a valuable asset, and she demonstrates surprising resilience in a world completely foreign to her. Eun Soo’s journey is compelling as she navigates court politics, dangerous enemies, and the complexities of time travel.
While the secondary characters, Princess Nogook (later Queen) played by Park Se Young, and King Gongmin portrayed by Ryu Deok Hwan, are less central, they contribute significantly to the overall storyline. The bromance between Choi Young and King Gongmin is a highlight, adding emotional depth. However, King Gongmin’s initial portrayal as indecisive and weak might test some viewers’ patience, although he does undergo significant character development throughout the series, eventually growing into a capable ruler. Queen Nogook is depicted as gracious and supportive, but her character arc is less explored compared to the leads.
The antagonist, Ki Cheol, played by Yu Oh Seong, evolves from a typical power-hungry villain into a more complex and almost desperate figure. Initially driven by ambition, his motives shift as the series progresses, culminating in a near-obsessive desire to traverse worlds, seeking new domains to conquer. Ki Cheol, along with Choi Young and some of his followers, possesses unexplained spiritual powers, adding a mystical dimension to the conflicts within the drama. While the origins and nature of these powers are not fully elucidated, they serve to elevate the stakes and differentiate these characters.
Intriguing Relationships
Several relationships form the emotional core of The Great Doctor:
- Queen Nogook and Doctor Eun Soo: This unexpected female friendship is a delightful aspect of the drama. Despite their vastly different backgrounds and eras, the Queen and Eun Soo forge a bond based on mutual respect and support. They utilize their unique strengths and wisdom to aid and protect each other, representing a strong and positive portrayal of female solidarity across time.
- King Gongmin and Queen Nogook: Their romance is a slow burn that evolves from a politically arranged marriage into genuine affection. Initially, King Gongmin’s coldness towards the Queen is frustrating, but his gradual realization of his mistreatment and subsequent efforts to earn her love are touching. Their relationship arc provides poignant moments, especially when they face difficult choices between their personal feelings and the needs of the kingdom.
- King Gongmin and General Choi Young: The bromance between the King and his loyal General is a standout element. As King Gongmin learns to trust and rely on Choi Young, their interactions become filled with mutual respect and unspoken affection. While lacking the overt humor often seen in KDrama bromances, their bond is deeply felt and adds a layer of emotional resonance to the series.
- Choi Young and Eun Soo: The central romance between General Choi Young and Doctor Eun Soo is carefully developed and deeply satisfying. Their initial interactions are far from romantic, given Choi Young’s abduction of Eun Soo from her time. However, his unwavering commitment to protecting her and his promise to return her home slowly builds a foundation of trust and loyalty. Eun Soo, in turn, brings vitality and a fresh perspective to Choi Young’s somber world. Their contrasting personalities complement each other beautifully, and their devotion grows organically throughout the series. While the question of whether Eun Soo’s choice to remain in the past is fully justified is open to interpretation, their eventual reunion after time travel mishaps provides a heartwarming conclusion to their intertwined destinies.
Highlights of the Series
- Lee Min Ho’s Performance: Witnessing Lee Min Ho in a role that diverges from his typical portrayals is a significant highlight. His portrayal of Choi Young is compelling and demonstrates his range as an actor. It’s a role that deserves more recognition in discussions of his best works.
- Time Travel Concept: The drama’s handling of time travel lore is consistent and intriguing, adding a layer of fantasy that blends seamlessly with the historical setting.
- Positive Relationships: The emphasis on positive friendships and relationships, particularly the female friendship and bromance, elevates the emotional depth of the series.
- Eun Soo’s Adaptation: The realistic portrayal of Eun Soo’s experiences adapting to the past, reminiscent of Outlander but uniquely Korean, showcases her strength and adaptability in extraordinary circumstances.
Minor Drawbacks
- Lack of Humor: While the series is engaging, it leans towards a more serious and quieter tone. A touch more humor could have broadened its appeal and prevented it from feeling somewhat less impactful compared to more overtly melodramatic or lighthearted KDramas. This tonal balance might contribute to why it’s sometimes overlooked in broader KDrama discussions.
Final Thoughts
The Great Doctor is a highly enjoyable KDrama that successfully merges historical drama with fantasy and romance elements. While not flawless, it offers a captivating storyline, memorable characters, and strong performances, particularly from Lee Min Ho and Kim Hee Seon. It is definitely a recommended watch for fans of historical KDramas with a touch of the fantastical and those who appreciate character-driven narratives and well-developed relationships.
