Doctor Shin
| Doctor Shin | |
|---|---|
 Promotional poster | |
| Hangul | 닥터신 |
| RR | Dakteo Sin |
| MR | Takt'ŏ Sin |
| Genre | |
| Written by | Phoebe |
| Directed by | Lee Seung-hoon |
| Starring |
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| Opening theme | "Remember (Inst.)" by Hajin |
| Country of origin | South Korea |
| Original language | Korean |
| No. of episodes | 16 |
| Production | |
| Producers |
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| Production companies |
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| Original release | |
| Network | TV Chosun |
| Release | March 14 – May 3, 2026 |
Doctor Shin (Korean: 닥터신) is a 2026 South Korean medical melodrama thriller television series written by Phoebe, directed by Lee Seung-hoon, and starring Jung E-chan in the title role, along with Baek Seo-ra, Ahn Woo-yeon, Joo Se-bin, Cheon Young-min, Song Ji-in, Jeon No-min, and Ji Young-san. The series tells the story of a genius neurosurgeon, Doctor Shin, who dares to defy the boundaries of life and death, and a woman, whose soul is lost after a brain injury leaves her in a coma. It aired on TV Chosun from March 14, to May 3, 2026, every Saturday and Sunday at 22:30 (KST). It is also available for streaming on Coupang Play.
In contrast to the writer's previous commercial successes, the series was both a critical and commercial failure. Critics and audiences criticized it for its unclear storyline, brain-switching premise, and the performances of the cast, particularly actor Jung E-chan. The series marks Baek Seo-ra's acting debut. As a newcomer, she garnered notice for her "one person, four roles" performance, playing four different characters inhabiting the single body of "Momo".
Synopsis
Shin Ju-shin is a genius neurosurgeon and the accomplished director of a neurosurgery hospital. He is preparing to marry his fiancée, the top actress Momo. However, tragedy strikes when a sudden accident leaves her body entirely intact but fatally brain-damaged, plunging her into an irreversible coma. Devastated by losing the woman he loves, Ju-shin decides to challenge the realm of the divine and ventures into forbidden medical territory. In a desperate, final attempt to save her, he performs an unprecedented and experimental "brain change / brain swap" transplant surgery, effectively transferring another soul and consciousness into Momo's body. As Momo finally awakens, Ju-shin must face a heartbreaking truth, the spirit residing in her body is no longer the woman he cherished. This forbidden choice unravels into an unforeseen, chaotic chain of events. As the medical thriller progresses, multiple characters end up swapping bodies and consciousnesses.
Cast
Main
- Jung E-chan as Shin Ju-shin
- A genius brain surgery expert, he is the director of the neurosurgery department at Nua Hospital and the chairman of the Nua Foundation. He is a brain surgeon who inherited his father Dr. Shin Woo-pil's exceptional skill. After losing his love Momo, his obsessive love for her led him to attempt a dangerous procedure to revive her body through a brain swap. He is a character who acts on his desires, prioritizing control over emotions and disregarding others' feelings.
- Baek Seo-ra as Momo
- A top actress, engaged to Doctor Shin, suffers a catastrophic scuba diving accident in the ocean, loses consciousness, and her condition becomes critical. It severely damages her brain, leaving her in a coma, although her body is unharmed. Following a brain transplant performed by her fiancé, Momo’s soul is transferred into her mother's body, where she ultimately loses her sanity and passes away. Meanwhile, her own body becomes possessed by a succession of other characters' souls seeking to fulfill their own desires.
- Ahn Woo-yeon as Ha Yong-joong
- A successful game developer, who is Ju-shin's close friend, has a crush on Momo.
- Joo Se-bin as Geum Ba-ra
- Comes from the Nua orphanage, she is the youngest journalist in Seongwoo Ilbo's culture department. She has feelings for Yong-joong, who protected her and called her "baby" during their childhood. She is Momo's half sister.
- Cheon Young-min as Kim Jin-ju
- Momo's stylist at Jaeim Company, who also came from the Nua orphanage.
- Song Ji-in as Hyun Ran-hee
- Momo's mother, who is a gallery owner.
- Jeon No-min as James
- Yong-joong's older brother, whose real name is Ha Jae-im, lives in his late father's body after a successful brain swap. He is a top stylist and CEO of Jaeim Company.
- Ji Young-san as Paul Kim
- A western painter. He is searching for his biological daughter with Hyun Ran-hee, with whom he has a complicated relationship from high school. In Germany, he was in a traffic accident and had surgery that altered his face, which is why Hyun Ran-hee didn't recognize him when they reunited.
Supporting
- Cha Gwang-su as Kim Gwang-cheol
- Jin-ju's biological father.
- Cha Ji-hyuk as Ji An-hee
- A former soldier who was a childhood friend of Yong-joong and Ba-ra. He was killed by an unknown suspect in episode 2.
- Kang Na-eon as Tae Ye-jeong
- Daughter of an attorney and the high school "queen bee" who bullied Ba-ra and Jin-ju. In episode 4, she was found dead in her family's vacation home.
Episodes
| No. | Original release date | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | March 14, 2026 | |
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Captivated by Momo's performance in A Maiden's Prayer, neurosurgeon Shin Ju-shin arranges an introduction through stylist James. Despite Momo's initial coldness and rejection of his after-date plans, a connection forms. | ||
| 2 | March 15, 2026 | |
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Shin abruptly proposes to Momo. Overcoming initial opposition from her mother, Hyun Ran-hee, the couple secures her consent to get engaged before marriage. Later, a catastrophic scuba diving accident leaves Momo comatose and brain-dead, though her physical body remains unharmed. | ||
| 3 | March 21, 2026 | |
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Driven by obsession, Ju-shin performs an experimental brain transplant, placing Ran-hee’s brain into Momo’s body. While Ran-hee easily adapts to Momo's physical frame, Momo's soul—now trapped in Ran-hee's aging body—struggles with severe physical limitations. | ||
| 4 | March 22, 2026 | |
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Ran-hee (in Momo's body) clears her name with emergency responders. Meanwhile, the immense physical strain causes Momo (in Ran-hee's body) to pass away. Ju-shin arrives to find an ambulance, devastated by the news of Ran-hee's death, unaware it was actually Momo's consciousness. | ||
| 5 | March 28, 2026 | |
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Painter Paul Kim hires a private detective agency to track down his estranged biological daughter with Ran-hee. He arranges a tense face-to-face meeting with stylist Kim Jin-ju to verify their genetic relationship. | ||
| 6 | March 29, 2026 | |
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Following conflicts with Ran-hee (in Momo's body), Ju-shin seeks a new partner. Discovering her father's criminal history, a desperate Jin-ju accepts Ju-shin’s dangerous proposal to undergo a brain swap, aiming to permanently usurp Momo's identity and life. | ||
| 7 | April 4, 2026 | |
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The second brain transplant successfully places Jin-ju's mind into Momo's body. Ju-shin warns her that Jin-ju's identity is officially erased. While Jin-ju indulges in Momo's wealth, Ju-shin unexpectedly shifts his romantic interests toward journalist Geum Ba-ra. | ||
| 8 | April 5, 2026 | |
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Jin-ju (in Momo's body) discovers she is pregnant but rejects the fetus as not truly hers. To spite Ba-ra, whose feelings she envies, Jin-ju deliberately seduces Ba-ra's close childhood friend, game developer Ha Yong-joong. | ||
| 9 | April 11, 2026 | |
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Knowing Geum Ba-ra harbors unspoken feelings for Yong-joong, Jin-ju accelerates her seduction as revenge. After dissolving her engagement with Ju-shin, Jin-ju begs Yong-joong and Ba-ra to help her escape the control of the neurosurgeon. | ||
| 10 | April 12, 2026 | |
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Shin proposes marriage to Ba-ra but is firmly rejected. Meanwhile, James demands Ba-ra intervene to stop Yong-joong's relationship with the pregnant Momo (Jin-ju). During a night out, Jin-ju is struck by a violent, unexplainable headache. | ||
| 11 | April 18, 2026 | |
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Tensions peak when Yong-joong confronts Ju-shin at Ba-ra's house. After a night of drinking, Yong-joong and Ba-ra impulsively confess their love. Caught in a web of jealousy and Jin-ju's plotting, Ba-ra abruptly decides to flee Korea. | ||
| 12 | April 19, 2026 | |
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Regretful over their sudden encounter, Ba-ra breaks up with Yong-joong and agrees to marry Ju-shin for stability. Ju-shin shelters Ba-ra in his home to isolate her from Yong-joong, resulting in a complex network of rearranged marriages. | ||
| 13 | April 25, 2026 | |
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Ba-ra uncovers the horrifying truth of the hospital's illegal operations. Dropping her facade, Jin-ju openly drops hints about her true identity to a horrified Ba-ra by singing a specific song from their shared orphanage childhood. | ||
| 14 | April 26, 2026 | |
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After suffering a miscarriage, Jin-ju reconciles with Yong-joong, but her toxic spending habits strain their marriage. To prevent a divorce, Jin-ju tracks down a hiding Ba-ra and proposes another brain transplant. Concurrently, DNA tests reveal Paul Kim is Ba-ra's biological father, making Ba-ra and real Momo paternal half-sisters. | ||
| 15 | May 2, 2026 | |
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Cornered by her criminal biological father, Jin-ju uses her surgical scars and intimate childhood knowledge to prove her identity. Desperate to reclaim Ju-shin, Jin-ju pressures Ba-ra into a body swap. Ba-ra consents to protect Momo's body, but the procedure goes wrong, leaving Jin-ju brain-dead and Ba-ra trapped in Momo's body. | ||
| 16 | May 3, 2026 | |
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After Ba-ra's original body (holding Jin-ju's brain) dies and is cremated, Ba-ra (in Momo's body) mourns with Yong-joong. Jin-ju's spirit briefly manifests at the temple. In a final twist, Shin Ju-shin is murdered by Kim Gwang-cheol, only for his consciousness to wake up trapped inside the body of a dog. | ||
Production
The development of Doctor Shin began when screenwriter Im Sung-han (credited as Phoebe), who penned Durian's Affair (2023), Love (ft. Marriage and Divorce) (2021), and Princess Aurora (2013), joined Arc Media (now known as Syn&Studio) in August 2023. Scheduling discussions were already underway in March 2025 for TV Chosun. Five months later, Min Sun-hong, Baek Seo-ra, Ahn Woo-yeon, Song Ji-in, Ji Young-san, Joo Se-bin, and Cheon Young-min were cast to lead the series. The lead and supporting actors were all chosen through auditions. The series is a medical melodrama thriller directed by Lee Seung-hoon and produced by Syn&Studio and TME Group.
Principal photography commenced in July 2025 and ended after seven months. It concluded in the Eulwang-ri area of Incheon.
The screenwriter Phoebe describes the series as a story exploring how medicine and medical practice impact human lives and destinies, rather than a traditional medical drama. She named the protagonist Shin Ju-shin, using the character for 'spirit' (神), given the show's theme of altering the human brain. She and the producer sought novice actors who fit the characters' "unconventional, unique, and mysterious charm", and felt the auditions succeeded in finding them. Shin Ju-shin is described as a character who inherits his father's hospital, possessing confidence in his skills and a free spirit. To reflect the character's personality, Phoebe asked Jung E-chan to keep his hair long. This is the writer's debut medical thriller, exploring love's true target – body or soul – through brain swapping.
Baek Seo-ra, former main dancer of Hot Issue which disbanded in 2022, made her acting debut as the main character Momo. From the audition process, she stated that there were two rounds. After passing the first round, she participated in a second round that lasted 10 hours and was conducted in a tournament-style format. Baek stated that she was surprised by her casting. She noted that the audition for writer Im Sung-han was competitive, and said her approach was to focus on doing her best rather than on winning. She added that she aimed to avoid being overly ambitious and to perform without regrets, and believed the production team appreciated her effort. She earned the nickname "Im Sung-han's Cinderella" after being cast in the lead role as a newcomer, which was seen as demonstrating her potential. She stated that maintaining a stable career after being discovered through the writer's work is important to earning such a title. She expressed happiness at receiving the title and said she intends to work hard to continue her career. In the series, Baek Seo-ra portrays four roles following the brain swap, as the consciousnesses of Hyun Ran-hee, Kim Jin-ju, and Geum Ba-ra enter Momo's body. Baek said she was initially concerned when told she would portray multiple characters in addition to the lead role in her debut project. However, she viewed it as an opportunity to demonstrate her range as an actress and resolved to work harder to perform the roles successfully. Baek stated that the script clearly defined each character's traits, which helped her in differentiating them. She credited the writer and senior actors with helping her develop the roles during readings, including specific habits such as Jin-ju's lip-licking and Ran-hee's subtle eye-rolling. Distinct vocal characteristics were also established for both Ran-hee and Jin-ju. She described the original Momo as calm and said she emphasized the "sophistication" noted by the writer, which she felt distinguished Momo from Ran-hee and Jin-ju.
Release
Doctor Shin was reportedly scheduled to premiere on TV Chosun in the first half of 2026. By February 2026, the premiere date was confirmed to be on March 14, 2026, airing every Saturday and Sunday at 22:30 (KST). It is also available for streaming on Coupang Play.
Original soundtrack
Produced by Storypeak and XP, the original soundtrack for Doctor Shin was released every Sunday from March 22 to April 26, 2026. Notably, lead actress Baek Seo-ra and Joo Se-bin performed a song for the series. Baek performed "Call My Name" (이름을 불러줘) from the third installment, released April 5, 2026, depicting Momo's identity confusion, while Joo performed "Always" (언제나) from the sixth installment, released April 26, 2026, capturing Geum Ba-ra's emotions.
Part 1
| No. | Title | Lyrics | Music | Artist | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Remember" | Loner | Loner | Hajin | 2:39 |
Part 2
| No. | Title | Lyrics | Music | Artist | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "All You Left Me Was Your Scent" (그댄 내게 향기만 남기고) |
|
| Lee Solomon | 4:06 |
Part 3
| No. | Title | Lyrics | Music | Artist | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Call My Name" (이름을 불러줘) | Loner | Loner | Baek Seo-ra | 3:50 |
Part 4
| No. | Title | Lyrics | Music | Artist | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "The Day We Were" (그날의 우리) | Loner |
| Anda | 3:57 |
Part 5
| No. | Title | Lyrics | Music | Artist | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "The Wave" (파도) |
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| Aron | 3:38 |
Part 6
| No. | Title | Lyrics | Music | Artist | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Always" (언제나) |
|
| Joo Se-bin | 3:33 |
Part 7
| No. | Title | Lyrics | Music | Artist | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Memento Mori" | M1nu |
| M1nu | 3:16 |
Reception
Doctor Shin received generally negative reviews. According to Hankyung, the series faced criticism for its premise involving a brain-swap surgery between a leading actress and her mother. The outlet described the plot and character actions as "괴랄하다", meaning "bizarre" and "grotesque", and claimed the concept pushed beyond reasonable storytelling limits. Industry critics noted that while the writer had historically succeeded with extreme "makjang" elements, the series showed that shock-value tactics are an outdated concept that no longer resonate with modern streaming audiences. Lead actor Jung E-chan received significant public attention for his performance. IZE reported that while his acting did not meet conventional standards of quality, his distinctive delivery led to numerous memes and clips circulating on social media, which drew additional viewership. The finale ended with a character's brain transplanted into a dog that was later revealed to be Doctor Shin. Described as a "strange twist of fate", the scene stunned audiences and critics and left a lasting impression.
Face-reveal controversy
During the broadcast of the series in April 2026, it was promoted that the writer Im Sung-han (Phoebe) would make her first public appearance and face reveal in 36 years on a live YouTube broadcast hosted by comedian Eom Eun-hyang. However, during the actual stream on April 17, the expected face reveal did not take place. Instead, the writer only participated through a 75-minute phone interview, leaving viewers and fans disappointed.
Viewership
The series premiered with a 1.4% nationwide audience share, a figure also recorded in the Seoul metropolitan area. Ratings for subsequent episodes remained between 1% and 1.5%, lower than the screenwriter's previous works. In the second half of its run, viewership saw a modest increase, rising to over 2.2% for episode 14 and peaking at 2.3% for the final episode.
| Season | Episode number | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | ||
| 1 | N/A | N/A | N/A | 395 | N/A | N/A | 285 | N/A | 282 | 357 | 278 | 424 | 350 | 478 | 425 | 518 | |
| Ep. | Original broadcast date | Average audience share (Nielsen Korea) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nationwide | Seoul | ||
| 1 | March 14, 2026 | 1.4% (12th) | 1.354% (10th) |
| 2 | March 15, 2026 | 1.4% (14th) | N/A |
| 3 | March 21, 2026 | 1.3% (14th) | |
| 4 | March 22, 2026 | 1.501% (10th) | 1.430% (9th) |
| 5 | March 28, 2026 | 0.9% (18th) | N/A |
| 6 | March 29, 2026 | 1.2% (12th) | |
| 7 | April 4, 2026 | 1.307% (10th) | |
| 8 | April 5, 2026 | 1.2% (15th) | |
| 9 | April 11, 2026 | 1.2% (11th) | |
| 10 | April 12, 2026 | 1.466% (8th) | 1.583% (5th) |
| 11 | April 18, 2026 | 1.1% (12th) | 1.281% (7th) |
| 12 | April 19, 2026 | 1.839% (8th) | 1.802% (8th) |
| 13 | April 25, 2026 | 1.565% (5th) | 1.626% (3rd) |
| 14 | April 26, 2026 | 2.244% (2nd) | 2.171% (3rd) |
| 15 | May 2, 2026 | 1.792% (3rd) | 1.647% (2nd) |
| 16 | May 3, 2026 | 2.321% (2nd) | 2.257% (2nd) |
| Average | 1.483% | — | |
| |||
Notes
- ↑ Due to multiple unpublished ratings, the exact average rating is unknown.
References
- ↑ Han, Su-jin (May 4, 2026). 아이돌에서 '임성한의 아이'로…김형신에서 백서라로 1인 4역까지 [인터뷰+] [From Idol to 'Im Sung-han's Child'... From Kim Hyeong-shin to Baek Seo-ra, Playing Four Roles in One [Interview+]]. Hankyung (in Korean). Retrieved October 3, 2026.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 Kim, Hyo-jin (February 20, 2026). '임성한표 메디컬 스릴러 드라마' 온다…정이찬→지영산, '닥터신' 캐스팅 확정 [Im Sung-han's medical thriller drama is coming... Jung E-chan → Ji Young-san confirmed for Doctor Shin]. Ilgan Sports (in Korean). Retrieved February 20, 2026.
- ↑ Choi, Yi-jung (March 18, 2026). "그렇게 별로예요. 내가?" 임성한 드라마에 꼭 있는 것 ('닥터신') ["Is it really that bad? Me?" Something that is a must-have in Im Sung-han's dramas ('Doctor Shin')]. The Chosun Ilbo (in Korean). Retrieved March 26, 2026.
- ↑ Lee, Joo-in (March 12, 2026). 강나언, 임성한 '픽' 됐다…'닥터신' 깜짝 합류 "주요 배역" [Kang Na-eon and Im Sung-han are the "picks" for Doctor Shin, joining the cast in key roles]. Ilgan Sports (in Korean). Retrieved March 12, 2026.
- ↑ Jo, Yeon-gyeong (March 15, 2026). 첫방 '닥터신' 명불허전 피비신(神)의 귀환 [Premiere Doctor Shin: The Return of the screenwriter Phoebe]. JTBC (in Korean). Retrieved March 15, 2026.
- ↑ Park, Yang-soo (March 16, 2026). ‘닥터신’ 뇌수술 후 깨어난 백서라 소름 미소 엔딩,임성한표 치명적 스릴러 맞네 [Doctor Shin Ending with Baek Seo-ra's chilling smile after waking up from brain surgery—it really is an Im Sung-han signature deadly thriller]. Newsen (in Korean). Retrieved March 17, 2026.
- ↑ Park, Yang-soo (March 22, 2026). ‘닥터신’‘잔혹한 운명에 처한 송지인 사망 엔딩 [Doctor Shin Song Ji-in's Death Ending Facing a Cruel Fate]. Sports Kyunghyang (in Korean). Retrieved March 23, 2026.
- ↑ Choi, Yu-na (March 22, 2026). “안아줘야 하는 거 아냐?” 딸의 남자들 향한 욕망 터졌다 (닥터신) [“Shouldn’t you be giving her a hug?” Daughter’s desire for men explodes (Doctor Shin)]. Sports Donga (in Korean). Retrieved March 23, 2026.
- ↑ Lee, Min-ji (March 28, 2026). ‘닥터신’ 쳔영민-지영산 만났다, 판도 뒤흔드는 혈연 서스펜스 [Doctor Shin Cheon Young-min and Ji Young-san Meet, a Game-Stopping Blood Suspense]. Newsen (in Korean). Retrieved March 30, 2026.
- ↑ Choi, Yu-na (March 30, 2026). ‘닥터신’ 어디까지 가나…뇌 체인지 또 성공 [How far will 'lDr. Shin go?… Another brain swap success]. Sports Donga (in Korean). Retrieved March 30, 2026.
- ↑ Baek, A-young (April 5, 2026). ‘닥터신’ 어디까지 가나…뇌 체인지 또 성공 [Jung E-chan (Doctor Shin), desires brain swap with Joo Se-bin… Attempts 3rd surgery?!]. iMBC (in Korean). Retrieved April 6, 2026.
- ↑ Seo, Yoo-na (April 6, 2026). 약혼녀 유산 겪은 정이찬, 주세빈♥안우연 질투 삼각관계 되나(닥터신)[어제TV] [Jung E-chan, whose fiancée suffered a miscarriage, will a jealousy love triangle develop between Joo Se-bin and Ahn Woo-yeon? (Doctor Shin) [Yesterday TV]]. Newsen (in Korean). Retrieved April 6, 2026.
- ↑ Park, Yang-soo (April 11, 2026). ‘닥터신’ 정이찬 백서라 “파혼하구 끝내요, 맞으면서 안 살래요”비뚤어진 욕망 폭주 [Doctor Shin Jung E-chan and Baek Seo-ra: “Let’s break off the engagement and end it. I don’t want to live being beaten.” A rampage of twisted desires.]. Newsen (in Korean). Retrieved April 13, 2026.
- ↑ Seo, Yu-na (April 13, 2026). 뇌수술로 몸 바꾼 천영민, 생부 추적에 자신만만 “백날 찾아봐”(닥터신) [Cheon Young-min, whose body was swapped via brain surgery, is confident in tracking down his biological father: “Look for him all day long” (Doctor Shin)]. Newsen (in Korean). Retrieved April 13, 2026.
- ↑ Im, Chae-ryung (April 19, 2026). 안우연X주세빈, 지퍼 내리는 밀착 스킨십 "사랑해"…'임성한 표' 막장 시작 ('닥터신') [종합] [Ahn Woo-yeon X Joo Se-bin, Intense Skinship with Zipper Down: "I Love You"... 'Im Sung-han Style' Melodrama Begins in Doctor Shin [Roundup]]. Ten Asia (in Korean). Retrieved April 25, 2026.
- ↑ Lee, Kyung-ho (April 19, 2026). '닥터신' 정이찬·주세빈VS 백서라·안우연, 맞바뀐 결혼...충격에 자체 최고 1.8%[종합] [Doctor Shin Jung E-chan & Joo Se-bin VS Baek Seo-ra & Ahn Woo-yeon, Swapped Marriages... Shock Leads to All-Time High of 1.8%]. IZE (in Korean). Retrieved April 25, 2026.
- ↑ Seo, Yu-na (April 26, 2026). 주세빈, 백서라 몸 안 천영민 뇌 알고 충격 “빙의 된 줄”(닥터신) [Joo Se-bin shocked to discover Cheon Young-min's brain inside Baek Seo-ra's body: "I thought she was possessed"]. Newsen (in Korean). Retrieved April 26, 2026.
- ↑ Seo, Yu-na (April 27, 2026). "파혼에 이혼까지 모양 빠져" 백서라, 주세빈에 뇌 체인지 제안(닥터신)[어제TV] ["Broken engagement and now divorce—how embarrassing." Baek Seo-ra proposes brain swap to Joo Se-bin (Doctor Shin) [Yesterday TV]]. Newsen (in Korean). Retrieved April 27, 2026.
- ↑ Seo, Yu-na (May 3, 2026). 차광수, 뇌 체인지 수술 비밀 알고 사위 안우연 몸 욕심 소름(닥터신) [Cha Gwang-su, Knowing the Secret of the Brain Swap Surgery, Gets Goosebumps from His Greed for Son-in-Law Ahn Woo-yeon's Body (Doctor Shin)]. Newsen (in Korean). Retrieved May 4, 2026.
- ↑ Yeon, Hwi-sun (OSEN) (August 16, 2023). "임성한 작가 차기작, '카지노' 만든 아크미디어 제작 확정 [공식]" [Im Sung-han's next project has been confirmed for production by Arc Media]. The Chosun Ilbo (in Korean). Retrieved March 6, 2026.
- ↑ Park, Jong-seo (NewsPim) (September 3, 2025). "콘텐츠 제작사 씬앤스튜디오, 사명 변경 후 새 출발" [Content production company SYN&studio makes a fresh start after changing its name]. NATE (in Korean). Retrieved March 6, 2026.
- ↑ Kim, Myung-mee (March 28, 2025). '결사곡' 임성한 작가, 신작 '닥터신'으로 복귀...TV조선 "편성 논의 중"[공식] ["Decision Song" writer Im Sung-han to return with new drama Doctor Shin... TV Chosun: "Scheduling discussions underway" [Official]]. Newsen (in Korean). Retrieved January 21, 2026.
- ↑ Kim, Jin-seok (February 20, 2026). 민선홍→정이찬, 임성한 作 '닥터신' 주연 [Min Sun-hong → Jung E-chan, Im Sung-han's Doctor Shin to star]. My Daily (in Korean). Retrieved February 20, 2026.
- ↑ Jang, Jin-ri (August 13, 2025). [단독]핫이슈 형신, 배우 백서라로 '임성한 신데렐라' 된다...'닥터신' 여주 전격 발탁 [Exclusive: Hot Issue Hyeongshin, actress Baek Seo-ra, becomes "Im Sung-han's Cinderella"... Surprise casting as the female lead in Doctor Shin]. SPOTV (in Korean). Retrieved January 21, 2026.
- ↑ Lead cast confirmation:
- Park, Soo-in (August 13, 2025). 신예 민선홍, 임성한 작가 픽 됐다 "'닥터신' 출연 확정"[공식입장] [Official Statement: Rookie Min Sun-hong Confirmed for Doctor Shin by Writer Im Sung-han]. Newsen (in Korean). Retrieved January 21, 2026.
- Jang, Jin-ri (August 13, 2025). [단독]안우연, '닥터신' 캐스팅...데뷔 10년 만에 '임성한의 新남자' 됐다 [Exclusive: Ahn Woo-yeon cast in Doctor Shin... 10 years after debut, he becomes "Im Sung-han's new man"]. SPOTV (in Korean). Retrieved January 21, 2026.
- Jang, Jin-ri (August 13, 2025). [단독]송지인, '결사곡' 이어 또 임성한 픽…'닥터신' 주연으로 '임성한 월드' 재입성 [[Exclusive] Song Ji-in, following Decision to Leave, re-enters the "Im Sung-han World" with her lead role in Doctor Shin]. SPOTV (in Korean). Retrieved February 15, 2026.
- Jang, Jin-ri (August 13, 2025). [단독]지영산, '임성한 프린스' 맞았다...'닥터신'으로 3연속 '임성한 픽' [Exclusive: Ji Young-san, "Prince Im Sung-han," is now the third consecutive "Im Sung-han pick" for Doctor Shin]. SPOTV (in Korean). Retrieved January 21, 2026.
- Jang, Jin-ri (August 13, 2025). [단독]주세빈, 임성한이 선택한 새 얼굴이었다...'닥터신' 캐스팅 [Exclusive: Joo Se-bin, the new face chosen by Im Sung-han... Cast in Doctor Shin]. SPOTV (in Korean). Retrieved January 21, 2026.
- Jang, Jin-ri (August 19, 2025). 배우 천영민, 임성한 신데렐라 되나...'닥터신' 전격 합류 [Actor Cheon Young-min to become Im Sung-han's Cinderella... Joining Doctor Shin]. Edaily (in Korean). Retrieved January 21, 2026.
- 1 2 Choi, Ji-yoon (August 13, 2025). 막장대모 임성한 온다…첫 의학물 '닥터신' [The godmother of the makjang drama, Im Sung-han, is coming… The first medical drama, Doctor Shin]. Newsis (in Korean). Retrieved February 26, 2026.
- 1 2 Lee, Kyung-ho (February 19, 2026). 피비 작가의 뇌 체인지 '닥터신', 3월 14일 첫방[공식] [Phoebe's brain-changing Doctor Shin premieres March 14th [Official]]. Ize (in Korean). Retrieved February 19, 2026.
- ↑ Kim, Jin-seok (February 25, 2026). [단독]'막장 대모' 임성한의 '닥터신'… 오늘(25일) 대장정 끝 [[Exclusive] Im Sung-han, the "godmother of the worst", stars in Doctor Shin… The epic journey concludes today (the 25th)]. My Daily (in Korean). Retrieved February 25, 2026.
- ↑ Park, A-reum (March 11, 2026). 임성한 작가 메디컬 스릴러로 3년만 컴백 "'겟아웃' 있기에 용기냈다"(닥터신) [Writer Im Sung-han returns with a medical thriller Doctor Shin after three years: The film Get Out gave me courage"]. Newsen (in Korean). Retrieved March 11, 2026.
- ↑ Kim, Na-yeon (May 4, 2026). ‘임성한의 신데렐라’ 백서라, 뇌 체인지→1인 4역 투혼..“투박한 진심, 알아주길”[인터뷰 종합] ['Im Sung-han's Cinderella' Baek Seo-ra, Brain Switch → Fighting Spirit Playing 4 Roles... “I Hope People Recognize My Rough Sincerity” [Interview Roundup]]. OSEN (in Korean). Retrieved May 4, 2026.
- ↑ "Korea's 'shock twists queen' returns with brain-swap thriller 'Doctor Shin'". The Korea Times (in Korean). March 3, 2026. Retrieved March 10, 2026.
- ↑ Kim, Soo-jin (February 23, 2026). 정이찬, 장발의 천재의사..임성한 '닥터신' 모습 첫 공개 [Jung E-chan, a long-haired genius doctor... Im Sung-han's first appearance as Doctor Shin revealed]. Star News (in Korean). Retrieved February 24, 2026.
- ↑ Kim, Soo-jin (April 8, 2026). '임성한의 신데렐라' 백서라, '닥터신' OST 직접 불렀다 [Im Sung-han's Cinderella Baek Seo-ra sang the Doctor Shin OST herself]. iMBC (in Korean). Retrieved April 9, 2026.
- ↑ Park, Se-hyun (April 27, 2026). 주세빈, '닥터신' OST '언제나' 발매...M1NU 곡 끝으로 전곡 공개 완료 [Joo Se-bin releases 'Always' from Doctor Shin OST... Full track release completed with M1NU's song.]. KStar News (in Korean). Retrieved April 29, 2026.
- ↑ Kim, So-yeon (March 17, 2026). 뇌 수술로 딸 몸을 차지한 엄마, '괴랄'한 임성한 월드 '닥터신' [리뷰+] [Mother Who Possesses Daughter's Body After Brain Surgery, 'Bizarre' Im Sung-han World Doctor Shin [Review+]]. The Korea Economic Daily (in Korean). Retrieved October 3, 2026.
- ↑ Lee, Seung-mi (April 1, 2026). '닥터신' 시청률 1%대 굴욕…임성한 표 ‘막장 서사’, 이젠 안 통하는 이유 [Doctor Shin suffers the humiliation of 1% viewership ratings... Why Im Sung-han's signature 'makjang narrative' no longer works]. Sports Donga (in Korean). Retrieved October 3, 2026.
- ↑ Han, Su-jin (April 10, 2026). [퍼스널리티] "연기 이상하다고? 오히려 좋아"…'닥터신' 정이찬, 숏폼 삼킨 임성한의 새 왕자님 [[Personality] "You think my acting is weird? I actually like it"… Jung E-chan, Im Sung-han's new prince who has embraced short-form content]. IZE (in Korean). Retrieved October 3, 2026.
- ↑ Jang, Woo-young (May 4, 2026). '36년만 얼굴 공개 불발' 임성한 작가, 주인공 뇌 빼서 대형견에게…'닥터 신' 충격 엔딩 ['Face Reveal Fails After 36 Years' Writer Im Sung-han Takes Protagonist's Brain and Gives It to a Giant Dog... Doctor Shin Shocking Ending]. OSEN (in Korean). Retrieved October 3, 2026.
- ↑ Kim, So-yeon (April 17, 2026). 임성한 작가, 유튜브 출격 이유…"다들 엄은향 아냐고" [Writer Im Sung-han explains his YouTube debut… "Is everyone asking if they know Eom Eun-hyang?"]. Maeil Business Newspaper (in Korean). Retrieved October 8, 2026.
- ↑ Han, Hae-seon (April 25, 2026). "말 있잖아요"..임성한 작가에 대한 오해, 궁금증과 진실 [★FOCUS] ["You know what I mean"... Misunderstandings, Curiosities, and Truths About Writer Im Sung-han [★FOCUS]]. Star News (in Korean). Retrieved October 8, 2026.
- ↑ Kim, Min-ji (March 15, 2026). 피비의 귀환…파격적인 '닥터신', 1.4% 출발 [N시청률] [Phoebe's Return... Unconventional 'Doctor Shin' Starts at 1.4% [N Ratings]]. News 1 (in Korean). Retrieved October 6, 2026.
- ↑ Kim, No-eul (May 4, 2026). '닥터신' 정이찬, 사망 후 리트리버 됐다..권선징악 엔딩→최고 시청률 돌파[종합] [Jung E-chan Becomes a Retriever After Death... Good triumphs over evil ending → Breaks highest viewership ratings [Roundup]]. Star News (in Korean). Retrieved October 6, 2026.
- 1 2 Nielsen Korea ratings:
- "Ep. 1" (in Korean). Nielsen Korea. March 14, 2026. Retrieved March 15, 2026.
- "Ep. 2" (in Korean). Nielsen Korea. March 15, 2026. Retrieved March 16, 2026.
- "Ep. 3" (in Korean). Nielsen Korea. March 21, 2026. Retrieved March 22, 2026.
- "Ep. 4" (in Korean). Nielsen Korea. March 22, 2026. Retrieved March 23, 2026.
- "Ep. 7" (in Korean). Nielsen Korea. April 4, 2026. Retrieved April 5, 2026.
- "Ep. 9" (in Korean). Nielsen Korea. April 11, 2026. Retrieved April 12, 2026.
- "Ep. 10" (in Korean). Nielsen Korea. April 12, 2026. Retrieved April 13, 2026.
- "Ep. 11" (in Korean). Nielsen Korea. April 18, 2026. Retrieved April 19, 2026.
- "Ep. 12" (in Korean). Nielsen Korea. April 19, 2026. Retrieved April 20, 2026.
- "Ep. 13" (in Korean). Nielsen Korea. April 25, 2026. Retrieved April 26, 2026.
- "Ep. 14" (in Korean). Nielsen Korea. April 26, 2026. Retrieved April 27, 2026.
- "Ep. 15" (in Korean). Nielsen Korea. May 2, 2026. Retrieved May 3, 2026.
- "Ep. 16" (in Korean). Nielsen Korea. May 3, 2026. Retrieved May 4, 2026.
- ↑ 닥터신 시청률 [Doctor Shin ratings] (in Korean). Nielsen Korea. Retrieved March 15, 2026.
External links
- Official website (in Korean)
- Production website at Syn&Studio (in English and Korean)
- Doctor Shin at IMDb
- Doctor Shin at HanCinema
