[Official] Jung Ryeo-won and Ha Yoon-kyung to Showcase ‘Womance’ in ‘First Doctor,’ the New Work by the Director of ‘Juvenile Justice’... Netflix Production Confirmed

Netflix’s new series "First Doctor" (written by Kim Min-seok, directed by Hong Jong-chan) has completed its star-studded cast with Jung Ryeo-won, Ha Yoon-kyung, Baek Hyun-jin, Kim Jong-soo, and Kim Moo-yeol.

Jung Ryeo-won, who has continued to redefine her signature roles with every project, will return as a pediatric surgeon in "First Doctor." She plays Heo Ji-wan, a pediatric surgery professor who is suddenly pushed into a corner. She is highly skilled and deeply committed to her work, but her blunt and uncompromising personality has made her a troublemaker at the hospital. After an unexpected accident forces her back to Yeonhwa Hospital against her will, Heo Ji-wan fights to protect pediatric surgery and the future of the children. Jung, who has earned praise for transforming into characters with a wide range of professions, from prosecutor to lawyer to instructor, is drawing attention for how she will portray Heo Ji-wan.

Ha Yoon-kyung, who drew notice through "Undercover Miss Hong," "Extraordinary Attorney Woo," and seasons 2 and 3 of "Hospital Playlist," will take on the role of the bold and spirited third-year resident Gi Eun-gyeol at Yeonhwa Hospital. Though she may seem rebellious, Gi is sharp and quick with her hands, which earned her the attention of the head of surgery from her first year. She is expected to clash with Heo Ji-wan at every turn, creating a tense and intriguing relationship. Interest is growing in the special mentor-student chemistry Jung Ryeo-won and Ha Yoon-kyung will create.

Expectations are also rising for Baek Hyun-jin and Kim Jong-soo, two actors whose names alone inspire trust. Baek, who left a strong impression in works such as "Not Found," "Taxi Driver," and "The Devil Judge," will transform into Son Sang-baek, the head of surgery at Yeonhwa Hospital, and is set to deliver a highly realistic performance. Veteran actor Kim Jong-soo will play Vice Director Lee Chang-gon and help heighten the drama’s tension. Viewers are curious to see what kind of relationship the two leading figures at Yeonhwa Hospital will build with the underdog Heo Ji-wan.

Kim Moo-yeol, who has stood out in every project including "Juvenile Justice," "Juvenile Justice," and seasons 2 and 3 of "Sweet Home," will play Baek Su-wol, a professor of anesthesiology and pain medicine. Warm and easygoing, Baek is a fellow doctor who has known Heo Ji-wan for a long time. Kim’s third collaboration with director Hong Jong-chan is another point of anticipation.

The project also reunites director Hong Jong-chan, who was praised for "Juvenile Justice," and writer Kim Min-seok. Hong has consistently delivered layered character storytelling and realistic direction through works such as "Dear My Friends," "Juvenile Justice," and "Mr. Plankton," while Kim earned recognition for his writing by winning the Best Screenplay Award for TV at the 2022 Baeksang Arts Awards for "Juvenile Justice." "First Doctor," created by the two, is set in pediatric surgery, a department fighting for survival, and tells the story of people struggling to protect the smallest lives. The series is expected to resonate deeply as it portrays the intense daily lives of medical staff, their warm solidarity, and the precious moments of life.

"First Doctor" is a fast-paced story about doctors pushed to the brink, a pediatric surgery department facing an existential crisis, and the frontline of life where the most fragile lives are treated. Jung Ryeo-won, Ha Yoon-kyung, Baek Hyun-jin, Kim Jong-soo, and Kim Moo-yeol star in the series, with Kim Min-seok of "Juvenile Justice" writing the script and Hong Jong-chan of "Juvenile Justice" and "Not Found" directing.

Jo Ji-young, soulhn1220@sportschosun.com