The latest episode of the Korean drama Doctor Cha has achieved its highest viewer rating to date, with an impressive 18.5% according to Nielsen Korea. It continues to dominate the ratings among dramas airing in the same time slot.
Before we dive into a preview of the next episode, let’s take a moment to recap the dramatic developments that unfolded this week.
Conflicts Unveiled: Tensions and Chaos in Doctor Cha
Our familiar trio, Seo In Ho, Cha Jeong Suk, and Choi Seung Hi, found themselves at the center of the turmoil. Unexpected clashes occurred between Seo In Ho and Roy Kim, while Cha Jeong Suk and Choi Seung Hi engaged in relentless confrontations.
Cha Jeong Suk directly confronted the cheating couple, only to discover that everyone in the family was aware of the extramarital affair except for her. Demanding that Choi Seung Hi leave her position at the hospital, she faced resistance from her superior. Surprisingly, Cha Jeong Suk’s “time off” from her relationship with Seo In Ho did not imply a desire for separation.
Meanwhile, Roy Kim learned about Seo In Ho’s illegitimate child, leading to a sharp exchange of banter that escalated into a full-blown physical fight in the emergency department, witnessed by all the patients. The hilarious brawl only came to an end with Jeong Suk’s intervention.
Choi Seung Hi expressed her displeasure at being asked to quit her job and reciprocated by urging Jeong Suk to resign. Her only leverage over Jeong Suk is their hierarchical relationship as superior and subordinate.
Character Growth and Relationships in Doctor Cha: Unexpected Bonds and Unanswered Questions
Doctor Cha finds solace in a diverse group of individuals who offer support during challenging times. From her children’s unwavering encouragement to her insightful best friend and the enigmatic Roy Kim and Jeon So Ra, unexpected connections shape her journey. However, not all relationships unfold smoothly.
After the drive in the rain the previous week, Jeong Suk’s budding rapport with So Ra takes an unexpected turn. They grow closer, shifting Jeong Suk’s perception of So Ra, leaving room for potential developments with the former’s son, Seo Jung Min.
In moments of catharsis, Jeong Suk confides in her trusted confidante, dermatologist Baek Mi Hee, whose candid remarks about Seo In Ho supporting dual families leave this writer in stitches.
Amidst these complex dynamics, Roy Kim’s motives remain shrouded in mystery. Following the recent dorm fire, his gesture of providing shelter to the displaced female staff, including Jeong Suk, raises questions about his feelings for her.
After their weekly run, Mi Hee lures him to hang out for drinks and confronts him about his feelings for her best friend. The scene cuts off right when Roy Kim is about to answer, leaving viewers to stew in curiosity.
Life-Altering Choices in Doctor Cha: Decisions and Consequences Explored
The latest episode of our beloved drama showcased pivotal moments where characters donned their metaphorical decision-making pants. The standout was undoubtedly Cha Jeong Suk’s courageous choice to initiate a conversation about divorce proceedings.
Our resilient female lead has finally reached a point of acceptance, deciding to coexist with Seo In Ho solely as parents to their children. She is emotionally exhausted from the roller coaster of feelings, transitioning from disbelief to resentment, until ultimately arriving at a state of indifference towards her husband.
Contrasting Jeong Suk’s resolve, Choi Seung Hi remains resolute in her refusal to end the relationship. She fiercely threatens Seo In Ho with physical harm should he dare broach the subject. Her persistent desire to reclaim what she believes is rightfully hers echoes repeatedly, as she yearns for her daughter to be publicly acknowledged by her father. However, this topic has resurfaced one too many times within the past fortnight, raising questions about the limits of her insistence.
Meanwhile, Jeon So Ra, still grappling with her boyfriend’s decision of hiding his mother’s identity, reaches a breaking point and ends her relationship with Seo Jung Min. The aftermath of this decision leaves both parties in a state of uncertainty and emotional turmoil.
Regrettably, it appears that our female protagonists are the primary decision-makers this week. During the Seo family meeting, with the exception of Cha Jeong Suk, Seo In Ho finds himself cornered, forced to take a stand about the aftermath of his revealed affair. Later in the episode, he acknowledges his excessive reliance on his wife, leading him to contemplate severing ties with his second family, and seeking forgiveness from his wife to salvage their relationship.
With pivotal choices set in motion, the consequences of these decisions are poised to shape future episodes, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting the next captivating developments.
Supporting Characters in Doctor Cha: Their Stories Unfold
While our main characters take center stage, it’s time to delve into the lives of our supporting cast members.
Seo I Rang, visibly affected by the revelation of her father’s extramarital affair, struggles with plummeting grades and a lack of focus in her art classes. Her withdrawn demeanor has raised concerns at school, prompting her homeroom teacher to contact her mother. To address the situation, Jeong Suk takes her daughter for a bonding experience at an art gallery, where they explore Jeong Suk’s unconventional parenting style and discover the source of I Rang’s artistic talents.
On the other hand, Seo In Ho’s other daughter, Choi A Rin, finds herself in distress after a confrontation with I Rang leaves her with a wrist injury, preventing her from participating in an upcoming art competition. A Rin’s anguish over her uncertain identity and yearning for her father’s love is powerfully portrayed as she seeks solace in the arms of her mother, Choi Seung Hi. This poignant scene, juxtaposed with the daytime outing of In Ho’s legitimate family, highlights the stark differences between the lives of In Ho’s two families.
Meanwhile, Seo Jung Min experiences professional growth as a doctor. Patient Yoo Ji Seon, aware of her impending death, visits the hospital for a final visit before her newborn daughter’s discharge. Despite experiencing abdominal pain, Jung Min recommends her for discharge, unaware of the gravity of her condition. Tragically, Ji Seon passes away, leading to her parents threatening to sue the hospital.
Feeling overwhelmed, Jung Min disappears briefly but is later found by Jeon So Ra, who offers him both physical and emotional support. This weekend provided valuable insights into So Ra’s character, and we find ourselves rooting for her to reconcile with Jung Min and become part of Jeong Suk’s extended family.
In a heartfelt moment, Jung Min finds comfort in his father’s wise words, drawing on his father’s residency experience to guide him in making better decisions as a doctor. Although his father may have faltered as a husband, he proves to be an exceptional doctor and father. Seo In Ho, determined to shield his son, plans to shift the blame for Ji Seon’s death onto the Family Medicine department, even if it means opposing Seung Hi.
As for In Ho’s mother, her behavior remains perplexing. She flatters Jeong Suk’s mother, hoping to keep her in the dark about In Ho’s affair. She mistakes Jeong Suk’s return home to prepare for In Ho’s father’s memorial service as a permanent reunion. In an unexpected turn, In Ho suggests that the mother-son duo assist Jeong Suk in organizing the memorial service, resulting in some resistance but eventual cooperation.
Additionally, the modern mother-in-law is currently involved in a dating relationship, although doubts linger regarding her new partner’s trustworthiness, particularly after urging her to invest in a project earlier this week.
Exciting Preview: What’s Next in Doctor Cha Korean Drama?
Tensions rise as Seo In Ho collapses upon Cha Jeong Suk’s mention of divorce. In a twist of fate, Jeong Suk’s mother falls ill and is admitted to the hospital where her daughter and son-in-law work. Adding to the irony, her attending doctor happens to be Choi Seung Hi. With In Ho’s mother-in-law unaware of his infidelity, he may seize this opportunity to win her favor and potentially sway Jeong Suk’s decision.
To uncover the exciting developments in store, be sure to catch the upcoming episodes of Doctor Cha on Netflix this weekend. Experience the conflicts, emotional turmoil, and growth of the characters as they navigate their intertwined lives in Doctor Cha.
Yet to start watching Doctor Cha? Here’s a sneak peek into what you’re up for.