Netflix Announces New Medical Drama First Doctor with Ha Yun-Kyung, Jung Ryeo-Won and Kim Moo-Yul

Netflix is poised to deliver a new Korean medical drama, tentatively titled First Doctor, featuring a powerhouse lineup that includes Ha Yun‑Kyung, Jung Ryeo‑Won, Kim Moo‑Yul and Baek Hyun‑Jin. The announcement comes as part of the streaming giant’s continued push to broaden its Korean original catalogue, particularly in the medical‑drama niche that has resonated with global audiences.

Ha Yun‑Kyung is set to play Ki Eun‑Gyul, a seasoned surgical resident who initially clashes with the series’ protagonist. Her agency, HODU&U Entertainment, confirmed on June 18 that the actress has received an offer from the First Doctor production team and is reviewing it positively, leaving the final decision pending. The agency’s statement also highlighted Ha’s recent credits in Hospital Playlist (2020‑2021), Extraordinary Attorney Woo (2022), See You in My 19th Life (2023) and the forthcoming Undercover Miss Hong (2026).

In addition, Australian‑born actress Jung Ryeo‑Won is reportedly in talks to portray Heo Ji‑Wan, a pediatrician who returns to Yeonhee University’s department of pediatrics after a career‑shattering incident during her residency. The role places her at the center of a provincial university hospital’s struggle with institutional reform and ethical dilemmas. Veteran actor Kim Moo‑Yul has been offered a major role, and Baek Hyun‑Jin is slated to play Professor Son Sang‑Baek, the head of surgery. Kim’s prior collaborations with director Hong Jong‑Chan on Juvenile Justice and Teach You A Lesson would mark a third reunion if the project proceeds.

The drama’s narrative follows Heo Ji‑Wan’s return to a provincial university hospital after a controversial residency incident, positioning her as the new head of pediatrics. She confronts institutional challenges and a skeptical staff, while Ki Eun‑Gyul—initially resistant—gradually comes to respect Ji‑Wan’s dedication. The series promises to probe medical ethics, institutional reform, and personal redemption, setting it apart from Seoul‑centric Korean medical dramas.

Filming is slated to begin in the second half of 2026, aligning with Netflix’s typical release model of dropping all episodes simultaneously once post‑production is complete. The project underscores the platform’s strategy to capitalize on the popularity of Korean medical dramas while offering a fresh setting—a provincial university hospital—rare in the genre.

At this stage, First Doctor remains in pre‑production. Stakeholders await final casting confirmations and the green light to commence filming. While no official release date has been announced, the series is expected to follow Netflix’s standard release schedule upon completion. Fans of the involved actors and viewers of Korean medical dramas can anticipate further updates as the project advances.