Hey, everyone! How’s it going? Today I’m here to review the drama Poong, the Joseon Psychiatrist, which has warmed hearts on Netflix with its unique blend of historical Korean medicine, mental health awareness, and heartfelt healing stories that prove sometimes the best medicine is understanding and compassion.
Poong, the Joseon Psychiatrist premiered on Netflix on August 1, 2022, with its second season airing from January to February 2023. The first season features 12 episodes while the second season has 10 episodes, each running approximately 76 minutes. This Korean historical medical drama delivers a compelling narrative that combines traditional medicine with early psychological treatment, creating a viewing experience that explores themes of trauma, healing, redemption, and the power of human connection in overcoming mental anguish.
The series takes viewers to the Joseon Dynasty, where a disgraced royal physician discovers a new calling in treating not just physical ailments, but the emotional and psychological wounds that plague people’s hearts and minds. Based on a novel that won the Excellence Award in the 2016 Korea Story Contest, Poong, the Joseon Psychiatrist stars Kim Min-jae, Kim Hyang-gi, and Kim Sang-kyung in performances that perfectly balance the show’s medical cases with deep character development and romantic elements.
From Royal Disgrace to Village Healer
Poong, the Joseon Psychiatrist follows Yoo Se-poong, a talented royal physician who gets expelled from the palace after becoming entangled in a conspiracy and finds himself in the strange but beautiful Gyesu Village, where he learns to heal souls and treat psychological illness alongside the mysterious Gye Ji-han and widow Seo Eun-woo. Se-poong’s journey begins at his lowest point, contemplating ending his life after losing everything he worked for, only to discover a new purpose in helping people with their emotional and mental struggles.
The genius of the series lies in how it translates modern understanding of mental health into a historical context, showing how timeless human suffering has always required compassion, understanding, and innovative approaches to healing. The village becomes a sanctuary where broken people can find hope and restoration through Se-poong’s unique combination of medical knowledge and empathetic care.
Yoo Se-poong’s Transformation from Arrogance to Empathy
Kim Min-jae delivers a masterful performance as Yoo Se-poong, a character whose transformation from a proud, skilled physician to a humble healer of hearts forms the emotional core of the series. His portrayal captures the journey of someone who must rebuild not just his career, but his entire understanding of what it means to be a doctor. Se-poong’s character development shows how personal trauma can become the foundation for deeper empathy and more meaningful healing.
What makes Se-poong’s character particularly compelling is how Kim Min-jae shows his gradual evolution from someone focused on technical medical skills to someone who understands that true healing often requires addressing the emotional and psychological roots of suffering. His growing ability to connect with patients on a deeper level mirrors his own healing process.
Seo Eun-woo’s Strength and Hidden Pain
Kim Hyang-gi brings depth and resilience to Seo Eun-woo, a widow who assists Se-poong in his medical practice while harboring her own secrets and emotional wounds. Her character represents the strength of women in the Joseon era who had to navigate loss and societal limitations while maintaining their dignity and compassion. Eun-woo’s relationship with Se-poong develops naturally from mutual respect and shared dedication to healing others.
Eun-woo’s journey throughout the series showcases her evolution from someone helping others while avoiding her own pain to someone who learns to trust and open her heart again. Her chemistry with Se-poong provides the romantic foundation while never overshadowing the show’s focus on mental health and healing.
When Past Trauma Threatens New Beginnings
The series reaches its most emotional moments when Se-poong’s past catches up with him, threatening not only his new life in Gyesu Village but also the people he has come to care about. The second season particularly focuses on deepening the romantic relationships while introducing new challenges that test the characters’ growth and commitment to their healing mission. These climactic episodes showcase the series’ ability to balance personal drama with meaningful exploration of mental health themes.
The turning points in Poong, the Joseon Psychiatrist are particularly effective because they show how healing is not linear and how past trauma can resurface even after progress has been made, requiring continued courage and support from loved ones.
Success on Netflix
Poong, the Joseon Psychiatrist has found success among Netflix audiences who appreciate historical dramas that tackle contemporary issues with sensitivity and warmth. The series has been praised for its unique approach to mental health within a historical setting, its outstanding performances, and its ability to balance medical cases with character development and romance. Critics have noted Kim Min-jae’s exceptional performance and the show’s thoughtful handling of psychological healing, making it accessible to viewers seeking both entertainment and meaningful social commentary about mental health awareness.
A Healing Historical Drama Worth Your Time
If you love historical Korean dramas that combine medical themes with mental health awareness, romance, and character-driven storytelling, Poong, the Joseon Psychiatrist is the perfect series to binge on Netflix. The show succeeds in creating a uniquely Korean approach to historical medical drama while delivering genuinely touching stories about healing, redemption, and the power of human compassion.
Tags: Korean historical drama, medical drama, mental health, Joseon Dynasty, healing romance
Why You Should Experience This Healing Journey
Positive Aspects:
- Outstanding performances from the entire cast, particularly Kim Min-jae’s nuanced portrayal of a physician learning to heal hearts and minds
- Thoughtful exploration of mental health themes within a historical context that feels both educational and emotionally resonant
- Beautiful cinematography and production design that authentically recreates Joseon-era villages and medical practices
- Perfect balance of medical cases, character development, and romantic elements across two satisfying seasons
- Meaningful representation of how trauma and healing affect individuals and communities in universal ways
Negative Aspects:
- The episodic nature of medical cases may feel repetitive to viewers seeking more serialized storytelling
- Some romantic elements in the second season may feel rushed or underdeveloped compared to the medical storylines
- The historical setting may require cultural context that could be challenging for international viewers
- Certain medical treatments may seem simplistic to viewers familiar with modern psychological therapy approaches
- The pacing can be slow at times, focusing more on character development than dramatic plot progression
Poong, the Joseon Psychiatrist stands as one of the most heartwarming examples of how historical dramas can address contemporary social issues while maintaining authentic period detail and genuine emotional depth.
Series Details
- Number of Episodes: 22 episodes total (12 episodes in Season 1, 10 episodes in Season 2)
- Platform: Netflix
- Release Year: 2022-2023
- Current IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
- Genre: Historical Drama, Medical Drama, Romance, Comedy
- Production Type: Korean K-drama (based on novel)
- Status: Completed (2 seasons available)
- Protagonists: Kim Min-jae (Yoo Se-poong), Kim Hyang-gi (Seo Eun-woo)
- Antagonist: Various political conspirators and characters from Se-poong’s past