MBC has officially locked in the main cast for its next Friday-Saturday drama, “Mind Doctor” (Korean title: 마인드 닥터). The broadcaster announced on November 9, 2026, that Kang Ha Neul, Kim Hye Jun, Huh Joon Ho, and Kim Sun Young will lead the medical series, which is scheduled to premiere in the first half of 2027. The confirmation ends months of speculation that began in July 2026, when both Kang Ha Neul and Kim Hye Jun were first reported to be in talks for the project. For both lead actors, this marks their first time playing doctors in a full medical drama since their debuts.
What Is ‘Mind Doctor’ About?
“Mind Doctor” follows Lee Si Chan (played by Kang Ha Neul), a brilliant surgeon who is known for his flawless surgical skills but is equally known for his cold, emotionless personality. After the death of his older brother, Lee Si Chan abandons his high-status career in surgery and moves to a branch hospital’s psychiatry department as a first-year resident.
The story tracks his slow transformation from a doctor who only understands the body to one who begins to understand the human mind. MBC describes the series as a “human medicine” drama that explores the process of understanding and healing the human heart, rather than focusing only on treating physical illness.
The drama is based on a web novel of the same name by the author Dowon. The original web novel was completed in 2022 and was published on Naver Series. The small-screen adaptation is being written by Jo Hyun Jin and directed by Wi Deuk Gyu.
Meet the Cast and Their Characters
Kang Ha Neul as Lee Si Chan
Kang Ha Neul takes on the role of Lee Si Chan, a former “genius surgeon” who gives up his prestigious title to become a psychiatry resident. Lee Si Chan has perfect surgical skills but lacks warmth and empathy. The death of his older brother becomes the turning point that pushes him toward psychiatry. The character slowly opens up to the hearts of others and begins to look into his own heart as well.
For Kang Ha Neul, this is his first medical drama role since he began his acting career. He is known for his work in series such as “Squid Game 2,” “When the Camellia Blooms,” and “Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo”.
Kim Hye Jun as Go Jung Hyun
Kim Hye Jun plays Go Jung Hyun, a second-year psychiatry resident who becomes Lee Si Chan’s senior and supervisor. Go Jung Hyun is full of pride and affection for her profession as a psychiatrist. She clashes with Lee Si Chan at every turn because he once looked down on psychiatry before joining the department as her junior.
This is also Kim Hye Jun’s first time playing a doctor in a medical drama. She previously appeared in “Kingdom,” “A Shop for Killers,” and “My Bias, My Boss”.
Huh Joon Ho as Kim Man Chul
Veteran actor Huh Joon Ho joins the cast as Kim Man Chul, the hospital director and Lee Si Chan’s former surgical mentor. When Lee Si Chan leaves surgery to join the psychiatry department at a branch hospital, Kim Man Chul tries every trick to bring the young surgeon back. Huh Joon Ho is known for his roles in “Bloodhounds” and “Kingdom”.
Kim Sun Young as Park Mi Ran
Kim Sun Young plays Park Mi Ran, the head of psychiatry at the branch hospital. Park Mi Ran is described as a legendary figure who once helped straighten out the branch hospital. She stands up to Kim Man Chul and protects her junior doctors, serving as a reliable support for them. Kim Sun Young’s previous credits include “When the Camellia Blooms” and “Queenmaker”.
A Different Kind of Medical Drama
MBC is positioning “Mind Doctor” as a medical series that moves past the usual focus on surgery and emergency rooms. The drama will spend time exploring the mysterious world of the human mind and the process of healing emotional wounds.
“‘Mind Doctor’ is a unique medical drama that goes beyond treating diseases to understanding the human heart,” MBC stated. “We hope you will anticipate the acting ensemble that these four actors will create.”
The series is planned as a 12-episode Friday-Saturday drama. MBC has not yet announced an exact premiere date within the first half of 2027.
Production Team and Source Material
The drama is a production of MBC (planning) and Blitzway Production. The source web novel by Dowon ran on Naver Series and built a following for its mix of medical procedure and psychological storytelling.
The adaptation is being handled by writer Jo Hyun Jin and director Wi Deuk Gyu. Wi Deuk Gyu previously worked as a co-director on the drama “My Dearest Nemesis” (also known in some markets as “Our Family”).
When and Where to Watch ‘Mind Doctor’
“Mind Doctor” will air on MBC in South Korea during the first half of 2027. The drama is scheduled for the Friday-Saturday time slot, which is one of MBC’s main weekly drama blocks.
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For international viewers, MBC has not yet confirmed a streaming platform for “Mind Doctor.” K-dramas from MBC typically become available on platforms such as Viki and Kocowa in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, India, and other global markets. Some MBC titles also arrive on Netflix in select regions, but no official announcement has been made for this specific series. Viewers outside South Korea should watch for updates from MBC or the production company as the premiere window gets closer.
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