What We Know So Far

Picture (L to R): Jung Ryeo Won and Kim Mu Yeol

A new medical K-drama is in development on Netflix and will star Jung Ryeo Won and Kim Mu Yeol. Filming is to get underway on First Doctor in the second half of 2026. Here’s everything we know so far about First Doctor on Netflix.

First Doctor is an upcoming South Korean Netflix Original medical drama directed by Hong Jong Chan (Teach You a Lesson) and written by Kim Min Seok (Juvenile Justice). The series will be produced by Gil Pictures.

What is the plot of First Doctor?

The synopsis has been sourced from MyDramaList’s translation:

“A human medical drama set in the pediatric surgery department of a university hospital on the brink of closure due to a population decline and resulting management crisis. The story follows dedicated doctors who take on a child’s first surgery, open the door to their future, and embrace the responsibility of becoming a child’s “first adult,” delivering a powerful and heartfelt message. “

Who are the cast members of First Doctor?

So far, only two cast members have been reported for the First Doctor: Kim Mu Yeol and Jung Ryeo Won.

Kim Mu Yeol is a familiar face on Netflix, having starred in Queen Woo, Sweet Home, Trolley, and Juvenile Justice. He will also be seen in Netflix’s upcoming K-drama adaptation of Teach You a Lesson, and has been cast in the action comedy Granny. Outside of Netflix, he has starred in K-dramas such as No Way Out: The Roulette, High Cookie, and Grid.

Picture (L to R): Kim Mu Yeol in Teach You a Lesson, Queen Woo, and Sweet Home

Jung Ryeo Won will play the role of Heo Ji Wan. The actress has yet to star in a Netflix project, and has led in K-dramas such as The Midnight Romance in Hagwon, Diary of a Prosecutor, May It Please the Court, Wok of Love, and Witch’s Court.

The character of Heo Ji Wan has been described as:

“A pediatric surgeon who seems impervious to pain but harbors a warm human touch within.”

Picture (L to R): The Midnight Romance in Hagwon, Diary of a Prosecutor, and May It Please the Court

What is the production status of First Doctor?

The series is in pre-production, with filming set to begin in the second half of 2026, but no filming dates have been announced. 

When is First Doctor coming to Netflix?

At the time of writing, there is no official release date for First Doctor.

With filming scheduled for the second half of 2026, it’s realistic to expect a late 2027 or early 2028 release.

Are you looking forward to watching First Doctor on Netflix? Let us know in the comments below!