Byeong-won-seon

Hospital Ship had been on my watchlist for a long time, not because I'm a particular fan of medical dramas per se, but because it stars Ha Ji-won. The combination of my favourite Korean actress and a ship based setting provided a double attraction.

The Hospital ship is a small unit delivering essential services to remote islands. The ship itself, a modest vessel, is a far cry from what I'd expected. A western budget series would feel the need, I'm sure, for a bigger and better fitted out vessel to support a necessarily glamourous cast. However, the depiction of life on board, the close confines, the camaraderie, the professionalism, all chime closely with my own seagoing experience. The crew are typical seafarers, the medical staff a small team of doctors and nurses, some on their 'military' equivalent service, joined by Song Eun-jae, a skilled surgeon deemed to have overstepped her position by challenging her boss whilst working at a top hospital.

Much of the drama has an old fashioned feel to it, and the pace is slow at times. However, the core characters are convincing, the central love triangle refreshingly unconventional, and the multiple story lines maintain interest. The many medical challenges the team confront are clearly presented, whilst tenderness, compassion, drama and humour are sensitively worked into the story telling. The steady pace ensures many of the cast have the opportunity to develop and round out their characters' supporting roles.

Things reach some seriously gripping moments around episode 29 (there are forty 30 minute episodes all in!), emotional ones a few episodes later, and then, having recovered from those events, new directions and fresh ideas continue. There's a wonderful exchange between Song Eun-jae and the commercial director of a big city hospital about health care provision, capitalism, and those in greatest need - a debate we can all recognise and have opinions on - another example of K drama weaving everyday social considerations into a story without making it the sole purpose. The ending is something of a sprint finish, another not uncommon feature of K dramas; but the intensity of the story, the emotions evoked and the eventual outcome makes this series a joy to watch from beginning to end.

It's a very beautiful medical story about dedicated and decent doctors who really value human lives! During their struggles they found some time for romance, so a sweet love story evolved.

The two lead actors were great! Ha Ji Won was a top actress, as always. Kang Min Hyuk, although he was a relatively new as an actor, being mainly a musician, he managed to stand proudly by Ha Ji Won and acted bravely and wonderfully! He's also so handsome! OMG!!!

The rest of the crew was also great!

I loved this kdrama very much! Thank you!!!

The female lead is a great well - deserved surgeon. I won't give you spoilers, so you should watch it and see it yourselves

This one sails into the realm of Korean dramas with a mix of highs and lows. The show attempts to navigate the complexities of medical dramas while setting the stage on a ship, bringing a unique twist to the genre.

One standout feature is the refreshing setting - a hospital on a ship. It adds an interesting dynamic to the usual hospital drama backdrop. The maritime setting introduces a sense of isolation and unique challenges, providing a fresh canvas for medical stories.

The cast, led by Ha Ji-won, delivers solid performances. Ha Ji-won's portrayal of a compassionate doctor adds depth to the narrative, and the supporting cast contributes well to the ensemble. The medical cases presented are engaging, showcasing a variety of illnesses and conditions, which keeps the viewers on their toes.

However, the drama's journey encounters a few rough waves. The pacing at times feels uneven, with some episodes dragging on, while others rush through crucial plot points. This inconsistency in pacing can disrupt the overall flow of the storyline.

Character development is another aspect that leaves room for improvement. While the main characters are given adequate attention, some supporting characters lack depth and fail to evolve throughout the series. This oversight diminishes the potential impact of their stories on the audience.

Moreover, the romantic subplot within the medical setting, a common trope in Korean dramas, feels somewhat formulaic. While it adds a touch of romance to the storyline, it doesn't bring anything particularly novel or compelling to the table.

Despite its flaws, the drama does manage to deliver emotional moments, and the medical cases explored contribute to the overall appeal. The drama succeeds in creating a sense of camaraderie among the medical team, emphasizing the importance of teamwork in a challenging environment.

In summary, Hospital Ship is an average Korean drama with both strengths and weaknesses. Its unique setting and engaging medical cases make it worth a watch, but the uneven pacing and lack of depth in certain characters prevent it from standing out as a top-tier drama in the genre. If you're a fan of medical dramas and can overlook some narrative hiccups, you might find "Hospital Ship" to be a decent addition to your watchlist.

It's different from other medical drama. It's refreshing 😇 It shows that a leading character can be bear a sweet strong personality.