'Love Doctor,' the final work of the late Ahn Pan-seok, a revered director known for classics like 'White Tower,' 'Secret Affair,' and 'Something in the Rain,' is set to warm the hearts of viewers this autumn. The drama, which captures the youthful vibrancy and deep emotions of young adults, is devoid of sensationalism.
On October 2, a production presentation for the new ENA drama 'Love Doctor' was held at CGV Yongsan I-Park Mall in Seoul. Attendees included KT Studio Genie’s Kim Hyun-jung, along with actors Choo Young-woo, Kim So-hyun, Kim Min-seok, Lee Chang-hoon, and Lim Jin-hyo, who shared their thoughts on the project and expressed their deep nostalgia for the late director.
'Love Doctor' (written by Min Hyo-jung and directed by Ahn Pan-seok) will premiere on October 5. The story revolves around Park Min-jae (played by Choo Young-woo), a doctoral student who lost a leg to illness while being a high school swimmer, and Lim Yoo-jin (played by Kim So-hyun), a master’s student who finds a new path after losing her direction in life. This collaboration marks the first time in 25 years that Min Hyo-jung and Ahn Pan-seok have worked together, having previously created hits like 'Rooftop Cat' and 'Full House.'
The drama holds special significance as it is Ahn Pan-seok's last project, following his sudden passing due to a brain hemorrhage while battling lung cancer in August. Prior to the event, the production team shared a tribute video featuring messages from his junior colleagues and footage of Ahn passionately directing, evoking a sense of loss.
Kim Hyun-jung, who worked closely with the director, recalled, "Even while recovering during filming, he brought so much energy to the set. It was shocking and heartbreaking to see him go."
Ahn was known as a 'true elder' who offered meticulous editing and generous praise to his junior actors, even during his illness. Kim added, "He expressed admiration for Choo Young-woo's performance, saying, 'I was wrong; this young man has perfectly captured the essence of a graduate student in 2026.' He also praised Kim So-hyun as a 'top actress who will lead Korean dramas.'"
The cast also fondly remembered the warm and intense atmosphere on set. Choo Young-woo shared, "When the director said, 'What you are doing is art. If it feels like a job or a way to make money, go home,' it really struck me. He was a remarkable and inspiring figure who greatly influenced my acting career."
For Kim So-hyun, who has built a solid foundation since her childhood acting days, meeting Ahn was a turning point. She reflected, "I had a fixed mindset about my acting, thinking, 'This is good enough.' But the director immediately recognized that and encouraged me to break out of that mold. He always pointed out the 'best of the day,' which created a healthy competition among the actors to earn praise during filming."
Kim Min-seok described working with Ahn as feeling like meeting the 'Pope of Drama,' stating, "It helped me shed my old habits and rediscover the essence of my craft." Lee Chang-hoon and Lim Jin-hyo also expressed gratitude, saying he was someone who believed in and respected the actors' ability to grow.
The drama portrays the ironic yet warm journey of two incomplete youths experiencing loss and confusion as they grow through love. To prepare for his role as Park Min-jae, who lost his right leg to osteosarcoma, Choo Young-woo meticulously learned how to walk with a prosthetic leg. He described his character as someone who, due to an incurable illness, constantly feels anxious and dreams of having a 'real romance' as part of his bucket list before he dies.
The chemistry between Choo Young-woo and Kim So-hyun, both playing characters navigating their paths, is another highlight. They maintained a respectful distance during filming, using formal language until midway through to preserve their characters' relationship.
Choo Young-woo noted, "So-hyun is much more experienced, and I relied on her a lot. She is mature and patient. Our comedic timing and acting chemistry matched perfectly, creating a seamless collaboration."
Kim Hyun-jung emphasized, "In an era where sensational themes are rampant and stories fade quickly, this drama is rare in that it allows viewers to slowly follow the characters' emotions without events. Each episode will have an emotional climax, ensuring a high level of engagement."
The heartfelt record of youth left by the late master, 'Love Doctor,' will premiere on October 5 at 10 p.m. on ENA and will also be available on KT Genie TV and Disney+.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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