A royal physician once known as the “Divine Acupuncturist” is exiled from the palace after the death of the King he was treating.  The trauma has left him unable to hold a needle.  But when he finds himself at a small country clinic, he learns that there are many ways to treat patients, and that there is often a link between a person’s physical health and their emotional well-being.  Taking in a young widow as his apprentice, the pair work together to treat difficult medical cases, both physically and mentally.  

Kim Hyang Gi as Seo Eun Woo

Seo Eun Woo grew up as the daughter of the Magistrate of Sorak, and when the region was in need of a medical examiner, she often stepped in to fill the position.  She left home when her family arranged a marriage for her, but her groom died before she even got to see his face.  Because of this, she is mistreated by her mother-in-law, until she finally cuts ties with them and moves to Soonpoong Clinic to continue her study of medicine.  She studies acupuncture from Se Poong and treats the patients as he walks her through the steps.  Over time, their close working relationship turns to something more romantic.  But as a widow, she is prohibited from remarrying, unless the couple can find a way around their circumstances.  

Seo Eun Woo is independent and outspoken.  But she is also a dutiful daughter who would never purposefully bring shame to her family.  Luckily for her, her father has always supported her pursuit of medicine.  Eun Woo fits right in with the family at the clinic and she is at peace for the first time since her tragic marriage.  She is also a gifted doctor, who helps Se Poong save lots of patients.  Kim Hyang Gi has a spunky personality and an expressive face that help her easily convey strong emotions.  I feel like she was well cast in this role and I liked her chemistry with Kim Min Jae, although they spent much more time apart than I would have liked.  

Jung Won Chang as Jo Shin Woo

Jo Shin Woo is a childhood friend of Eun Woo and her family.  He is also the adopted son of the corrupt Left State Councillor.  Now he works for the King as a Royal Inspector.  He has feelings for Eun Woo, but she sees him more as a big brother than a love interest.  In secret, Shin Woo is investigating the death of Se Yeop’s father and the mysterious death of the former King.  

 ♥ Medical Theme

I am a fan of medical dramas in general, but I really enjoyed the blending of acupuncture and mental health that this drama focused on.  The cases were unique and interesting, they touched on some interesting historical and social issues of the time, and the people involved added a depth to the main plot.  I enjoy the episodic nature of medical shows that allow us to get to know the patients they meet along their journey.  

♥ Country Setting

It’s always fun when a Joseon period historical drama takes us outside the palace walls and looks at life for the non-royals.  This drama focuses most of it’s scenes in the Village of Gyesu and around the clinics run by Kye Ji Han.  One of the surprising things that this setting did was give us lots of interesting conversations as characters walked from one place to another.  I really liked listening to the characters as they strolled through some beautiful scenery.

Second Lead Change

It’s true that Shin Woo is exiled at the end of the first season, but I feel like they could have still found a way to bring him back.  Changing second leads between seasons didn’t really work for me.  And honestly, Kang Il wasn’t a very interesting character.  Maybe if he had more episodes to let his character develop a bit, I might have liked him more.  As it was, there just wasn’t enough story for me to care about him much at all.  I would have much rather left the double agent work to the villains and had Shin Woo back.

No Secondary Love Story

Especially with the addition of a second season, it would have been nice if they had included a secondary love story, even just at the very end.  Maybe that wouldn’t have been on my mind so much if they hadn’t hinted at romance for Ib Bun, Man Bok, and Ji Han.  But I felt like they were setting us up for someone to find true love along the way.  And then nothing.  And I know that Eun Woo is cute, but it doesn’t seem fair that she managed to make 3 men fall in love with her during this seris and no one else managed to turn a single head.  

“Poong, the Joseon Psychiatrist” gives us the standard rom-com ending.  The villains are all held responsible for their crimes and our couple end up happily married.  We do have to say goodbye to the beautiful soul that is granny.  Her illness finally claimed her mind and her life.  Se Poong and Eun Woo end up back running the clinic together.  Ji Han is travelling the countryside, playing Robin Hood with food and goods for those in need.  But he comes home whenver he gets a chance.  The rest of the clinic family have stepped up to fill in for his absence.  The final scene shows all of them teasing the newlyweds about the possibility of them welcoming a new member to their happy little family soon, and judging by the glances exchanged between Poong and Eun Woo, their suspicions are definitely correct.