Credit: JTBC
Fans have been reveling in their emotions over the weekend as the finale of Doctor Slump really tugged at our heartstrings and was met with a variety of thoughts from viewers across the globe. Episode 16 was more than just an episode that provided closure but also reminded viewers to relish in self-care and to remember the important lessons each of the characters provided us in the end.
The hit Korean drama series that aired on January 27th of this year and officially finished on March 17th remained in the Top Watch list for quite some time on Netflix and was a global phenomenon for K-Drama fans. Of course, the drama kept us on our toes after Jeong Woo (played by Park Hyung Sik ) proposed to Ha Neul ( Park Shin Hye ) at the end of episode 15 but Ha Neul is soon suddenly conflicted with her career opportunity to go abroad. While the dinner scene left us suspenseful because it would determine whether Ha Neul is going to respond to Jeong Woo’s proposal or drop another bombshell on us, I enjoyed that her journey of self-healing didn’t come without conflicting emotions and irrational decisions. It forced her hand often and I loved that the drama gave power to Ha Neul and portrayed her as a character with her own desires and goals to accomplish from start to finish.
In episode 1, Ha Neul was merely a woman experiencing burnout and fatigue but it was much deeper than that. Her therapist opened her eyes to the importance of self-care and how crucial her perspective is. She is in control of these decisions and has the ability to fight her way out of her slump through healing. In the end, she is successfully discharged from her therapist and it reflects many real-life situations while also breaking many stigmas looming in Korea regarding mental health treatment and therapy. I believe Ha Neul’s ability to start therapy, return to therapy, and leave the door open to come back to it when needed is an act of self-love in itself and highlights her realistic healthy growth.
However, Haneul’s journey wasn’t the only one met with closure. The drama did an excellent job of juggling stories and keeping tabs with each character’s walk of life. Haneul’s uncle is seen dilgently working at her Dad’s factory while showing a change of heart. Bada shows persistence in his life work and found himself dedicated to his talents more than before, cooking away on a Friday night. He understands the importance of effort, despite Haneul doubting the consistency. Perhaps Bada will also need to be aware of burnout too! Fans already expressed how they felt about all the individualized character endings on Twitter and still crave the warmth of the drama.
My best healing drama my best comfort couple my happy pills thanks to park shinhye and park hyungshik for choosing this drama and to all doctor slump cast you did so well thank you for everything 🥹❤️ #DoctorSlumpEp16 #DoctorSlump pic.twitter.com/ixpYC8HxOU — Mansi (@wooneul2521) March 18, 2024
