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Good Doctor: Episode 3

Just in case we forgot that we have a medical drama on our hands, another case throws our team of pediatrics for another loop as the stakes are raised higher, and more than one person puts their jobs on the line for our hero. Working in medicine may require the brains to react on a moment’s notice, but it also calls for the heart to accept the responsibility of those decisions, sometimes at a cost.

Good Doctor continues to lead the ratings pack with a 15.3% this episode while its contenders Empire of Gold and Goddess of Fire came in at 10.0% and 9.1%, respectively.

EPISODE 3 RECAP

Do-han is faced with the accusation that he dared to steal a patient from his old boss. Doctor Kim is here to find out who it was because the family said it was a male resident in pediatrics. And then Shi-on pipes up to say it was him.

A flashback reveals Shi-on had told the parents his department could save the baby and that Do-han would perform the surgery.

He claims responsibility for the order and says Do-han isn’t at fault at all, but that just adds more fuel to Doctor Kim’s fire to mock the pediatrics department’s disregard of hospital hierarchy. He tells Do-han to keep his team members in line.

Now that they’re alone, Yoon-seo demands an explanation from Shi-on as to why he acted of his own accord again. She doesn’t accept his honest answer that he did so because the other department wouldn’t do the surgery.

Shi-on flinches when she starts to yell, but they’re interrupted by the arrival of the preemie’s parents, who grow upset to hear that the surgery won’t happen after all. Yoon-seo explains their newest resident has a soft heart, and Do-han apologizes on behalf of his team as the mother breaks down in sobs.

The residents nag Shi-on about it outside, telling him how he’s dragged their boss into this mess. The family is led out and Yoon-seo lets out a sigh.

Shi-on follows the family back to the NICU where they contemplate whether to change hospitals for their baby’s sake. He listens as the mother wishes for the chance to do those things every mother does like to feed, hold, and change her baby’s diaper. Shi-on walks away with a heavy heart.

Do-han relays the news that the preemie patient has been transferred back, and assures his old boss that it won’t happen again. Doctor Kim wonders if part of the reason why Do-han chooses to stay in pediatrics is because of their chief of staff. He offers Do-han a promotion should he decide to return to their department.

As Yoon-seo walks by the NICU, she sees Shi-on standing by the preemie’s incubator, watching its tiny fingers curl and open. She thinks back to Do-han’s words about how Shi-on works like a mechanical robot, and it weighs on her mind.

Just then, Shi-on is led away by Doctor Kim’s minions, who bully him in the bathroom. Yoon-seo speaks up when one of them raises a hand to hit him, and it’s funny how they immediately cower in her presence.

She calls them out on their schoolyard antics and asks if it’s such a crime to see a patient in a different department. She scolds them for trying to lay a hand on one of her hoobaes and threatens, “Do you wanna die?” Heh, who’s the bully now?

They sit outside (and Shi-on eats ice cream, aw) and Yoon-seo asks him what he thinks it means to be a doctor. Shi-on recites the Hippocratic Oath in response, ha. She asks about a patient then, and he gives the textbook definition that patients are those who need a doctor’s help.

That prompts her to ask if he’s ever had an independent thought about his job apart from what he’s learned in his studies. Shi-on thinks for a moment and starts to rattle off the definition again before she cuts him off.

She tells him that she looked favorably upon Shi-on these past few days because he reminds her so much of herself back when she was a rookie, and she felt that a worthy candidate finally joined their team.

But now she realizes that Shi-on doesn’t act out of his own volition, and a doctor who works like that is no different than a robot in surgery. She urges him to develop his own conviction and thoughts before he goes to treat and save his patients.

Doctor Pomade lectures Do-han for disregarding his superiors’ authority by failing to report the preemie incident. Do-han doesn’t hesitate to knock him off his high horse, asking if it’s okay to ignore basic protocol then.

He means the medication order on the bile patient, and that shuts Doctor Pomade up. Ha. Then Doctor Pomade rises from his seat—he knows that Do-han doesn’t respect him, but can’t he at least pretend to when they’re at the hospital?

Do-han turns back towards him and bows at the waist. “Like this?” Doctor Pomade fumes, and he has one of the residents spy on Do-han and Shi-on for him.

Chae-kyung arrives at a fancy restaurant and smiles to see Do-han. But that smile quickly disappears when she sees her stepmother, president Lee, there as well.

She wastes no time to say that she doesn’t want to talk about the wedding. But that isn’t what president Lee is here to talk about, and she suggests that the two work overseas for a while.

It’s worth noting that Chae-kyung addresses her stepmother by her job title. Chae-kyung sees right through those words and explains that the reason why she’s angry with her stepmother is because she keeps interfering with her life. With a smile, she politely tells her stepmother to back off.

She rises to leave and Do-han catches up with her in the hallway. He understands that she may not regard the board president as a mother figure, but she should at least treat her like an adult. Chae-kyung says she’s doing what she can.

So Do-han asks if they should get married, and Chae-kyung laughs at the gruff proposal and tells him that as long as she has his heart, they don’t have to get married. And you want to marry this woman, why?

Nurse Jo scolds a pair of nurses gossiping about how it’s never a quiet day since Shi-on came on staff. He puts them in their place, saying every day is a hectic one.

The residents show up at the desk with Shi-on in tow, giving him stern instructions to stay here. They grumble over how they thought they would have less work with the rookie on board, only to end up with more.

A patient’s mother approaches them about her son who stubbornly refuses to eat. The residents readily shunt the task off to the new guy, and Shi-on gets hit with a pillow as soon as he walks in.

The little boy complains that he wants to eat pizza, and their attempts to calm him down fall on deaf ears. Then Shi-on’s eyes fall upon the toy robots on the shelf.

He eagerly asks the boy questions about them, which effectively gets him to stop crying. The little boy marvels at how Shi-on is the first doctor to have such an interest, but then Shi-on asks if he can borrow one for a day, and the little boy starts to cry again.

In an effort to stop the tears, Shi-on warns him that he’ll break it… and then it actually breaks in his hand. Twice. More tears. Hahaha.

The evil trio convenes again and they sigh over how the opportunity to oust the good guys keeps slipping through their fingers.

Doctor Pomade confirms that the preemie’s chance of survival with surgery is thin, so the assistant chief says the best way is to get the doctors to turn on themselves. Using a baseball analogy, he says they need one crucial error. He asks if there’s anyone whom they can trust.

We cut away to a group of mothers, who gripe about how someone with Shi-on’s condition could ever become a doctor at this hospital. When the bile patient’s mother talks about how Shi-on saved her son’s life, they remind her that it was Do-han who performed that surgery.

So they all head to the nursing desk to complain and request a different doctor. The nurses try to dissuade them just as Shi-on rounds the corner. And then one mother adds: “I heard he’s not all that right in the head.” Oof.

Shi-on scuttles away, having overheard that remark, and Doctor Choi finds him sitting outside a little later. He sits down beside Shi-on and listens as Shi-on says that he thinks that everyone hates him, but it doesn’t make him sad since it’s always been like this. Aw.

He starts to ask Doctor Choi about “robots who perform surgery,” but he decides against it and runs back inside.

At least Jin-wook is around to cheer him up, and he tells Shi-on to keep his head up. Suddenly the little boy with the toy robots runs up to them and tells them to hurry.

They run into a room where the teenage girl from the previous episode (her name is In-hye) covers her eyes and cries that she’s in pain. Jin-wook is tipped off that it’s a prank, but he instructs Shi-on to examine their patient as usual.

Shi-on leans in… and In-hye moves her hands to reveal a pair of goofy glasses. The children erupt in a fit of laughter, but Shi-on doesn’t laugh with them.

He says that he didn’t find it funny in the least, and doesn’t like how they’re making fun of him. The children fall silent since they didn’t intend to hurt his feelings, and Shi-on shuffles away.

Jin-wook follows after him, but he runs into a pretty girl at the doorway. He breaks into a smile and sheepishly says that it’s been a while. This is In-hye’s older sister, and it’s apparent that Jin-wook harbors a crush for her. And In-hye knows it. Cute.

Do-han shares a drink with Doctor Choi, who apologizes and thanks him for keeping Shi-on on. Do-han sighs at this, as he finds those words of apology and gratitude infuriating and burdensome from his once stern teacher who used to yell at him at every misstep.

They’re about two bottles in, which means they both start slurring their words. Do-han asks why Doctor Choi continues to defend Shi-on when he does everything he hates the most.

Doctor Choi answers that Shi-on is a particularly special child who could have become an exceptional surgeon like Do-han is. Thus he wants to be able to make Shi-on’s life a little better. “It’s my last wish as a doctor to heal one person’s life.”

As Shi-on walks along the street on his way home, he stops at a store to watch an animal documentary on a 3-D TV. It sends him to another flashback with Hyung, who crafts a homemade kaleidoscope for his little brother.

Hyung asks Little Shi-on what he sees, and Shi-on names a whole slew of things. Hyung beams and ruffles his hair, calling his brother a genius.

And in the present, Shi-on wells up with tears at the happy memory, and puts the glasses back on.

Both Do-han and Doctor Choi are pretty tipsy as they stagger down the street. Do-han is clearly the drunker one between them, and in his drunken stupor, he tells his teacher to stand his ground.

It’s actually kind of funny to watch Do-han be an angry drunk, and he shouts that he’ll take the fall instead. Well, he starts to say it, but then he doubles over. Pfft.

Yoon-seo spots them on her way out of the hospital, and she offers to take Do-han home. As Doctor Choi watches them leave, he lets out a deep sigh.

She manages to get him back home, and she smiles at the collection of photos of the medical team in his room. We travel to one of these photographic memories which was taken at the Library.

It’s a departmental dinner and Yoon-seo sneaks glances towards Do-han at the table. She ends up pretty drunk afterwards and Do-han has to piggyback her home.

Yoon-seo tries her best to make coherent sentences in her inebriated state. She bucks up the courage to start to confess her feelings to her sunbae: “F-for the longest time, I..I..”

He prods her to say it, but she chickens out at the last second, and blurts out if he likes jorim (a kind of marinade) instead. Ha, it has the same starting syllable as the word “to like” or joah.

The memory brings a smile to her face, and she returns home with a hand to her shoulder where Do-han leaned on her.

Shi-on sleeps fitfully that night as he dreams about the time he and Hyung were stuck in the mine. But this memory is slightly different because we see Hyung’s fingers twitch with movement. Gasp, was he alive? Oh god, what happened down there?

Shi-on jolts awake, calling out for his hyung. He sits up on his bed.

The next day, Do-han thanks her for taking him home, and she teases that he was pretty heavy. He says the extra weight is from all the stress they’ve caused him. Ha. Then he oh-so-casually hands her a gift. It’s perfume, isn’t it?

It is, and he explains (without making eye contact, mind you) that he bought it out of respect for her patients who have to put up with her. Mmhm, o-kay.

When she steps out of the office, she notices Shi-on nervously fidget at his desk before leaving it soon afterwards. That strikes her as odd, so she follows him and catches him on his way back from the NICU.

She tears into Shi-on for doing as he pleases without consideration of the patient or his team. She told him to have his own set of thoughts, remember? Shi-on answers: “I’m not a robot.”

Yoon-seo argues that he’s only focused on saving his client and doesn’t feel for his clients. Shi-on disagrees with her—he can sense how the baby feels: “The baby… wants to live.”

Shi-on says the way the baby moves its hand is a way for it to show that it really, really wants to live. She counters that it’s just a reflex, but Shi-on shakes his head as he recalls how Hyung’s hand moved in a similar fashion.

He tells her: “Even though a baby can’t talk yet because they’re too young, too scared, or in too much pain… they want to live. They want to see their mother.”

Doctor Pomade’s spy flags Do-han down to chat, and bumbles through how he overheard Doctor Kim’s minions talk about Do-han behind his back about not doing the preemie’s surgery because he lacked the confidence.

Do-han beelines for the NICU to review the preemie’s charts. The evil little minions pop in to say this may complicate things, so Do-han makes things clear for them: he’ll do the preemie’s surgery. What would we ever do without you, Super Doc?

Do-han briefs his team on the preemie’s case, and says they’ll perform the surgery within 24 hours. He adds the caveat that the surgery’s rate of success is less than 20 percent.

Shi-on rises from his seat to point out a spot on the sonogram. Yoon-seo dismisses it as an error on the scan, but Shi-on is certain there’s something there. His observation gets glossed over.

Doctor Kim marches in in a huff, and is told that his “treatment” is no better than neglect. Do-han is prepared to take responsibility for performing the surgery.

Then Shi-on pipes up: “I take responsibility too! But… what am I taking responsibility for?” It’s not meant to be funny given the tense moment, but it’s still kinda funny. Unfortunately, it only solidifies the idea that Shi-on lacks in his comprehension of the situation to his fellow colleagues.

This course of events feeds into the evil trio’s plan, and the assistant chief wonders if they have to call for an ethics committee meeting. Since Shi-on’s name is still involved with the case, Doctor Choi is prepared to take responsibility for him. But the assistant chief says that won’t be necessary… yet. Eep.

Meanwhile, the residents start to fret—the preemie’s surgery hinges upon the ethics committee’s decision. Yoon-seo tells them that they’ll follow Do-han’s orders.

Shi-on seeks Do-han out to thank him for going ahead with the baby’s surgery. Do-han tells him that he’s not doing it for Shi-on’s sake, but he does tell Shi-on what he did wrong: “A doctor is not a religious man. You should never give people false hope or possibility.”

It doesn’t change the fact that he thinks Shi-on is the worst doctor he’s come across. He challenges Shi-on to finish his residency training, and practice on his own—then he’ll see the full impact of his mistakes on his patients. And should he realize it at that time: “Quit immediately.”

The evil trio converse over drinks as they heartily laugh over how it was so easy to ruffle Doctor Kim’s feathers. Now all they have to do is bring Shi-on down with the chief of staff…

The assistant chief excuses himself, and heads to the batting cage. But he’s not just here to get a few swings in as a messenger drops off an envelope. It’s a file on Do-han and he notices that a name—Soo-han—has been stricken from the family record, as if he never existed.

At home, Do-han pulls out a children’s anatomy book. A picture of Do-han and another young man falls out of its pages. Do-han tears in half and crumples it in his hand. Might this be Do-han’s younger brother?

Do-han and Shi-on stand for their hearing in front of the ethics committee the next day. When they ask who made the order to transfer the patient, Shi-on starts to say that he did it, but then Do-han steps in to take responsibility.

Shi-on tries to correct him, but Do-han barrels through with the explanation that first-year residents don’t have the authority to make such a call. So they ask about the reason behind the decision, and Do-han answers that it was neglect within Doctor Kim’s department.

Doctor Kim rises to defend himself in his reasoning that he didn’t choose surgery out of consideration for the patient and family. But Do-han counters that Doctor Kim believed that option would mean certain death. Doctor Choi intervenes to defuse the situation.

Little do they know that things are looking bad for the preemie as they proceed. Doctor Choi summarizes the case and presents two options: either return the patient with a light punishment; or go ahead with the surgery with greater consequences.

He leaves the decision up to Do-han, who answers that he’ll proceed with surgery. Just then, Yoon-seo charges in to report that the baby’s vitals are failing.

Do-han rushes back to the NICU and orders his team to prepare for surgery here since sudden movement can endanger the preemie. Problem is, they’re without an anesthesiologist, surgical tools, or nurses due to the high risk of surgery outside the operating room.

The residents press that the patient’s life depends on it, but the nurse asks who will take the fall should things go wrong. That’s when Doctor Choi appears behind them and says he’ll take responsibility.

Do-han begins as the committee members stand outside. He makes an incision in the preemie’s abdomen and keeps his cool when the damage is worse than they initially expected.

Some time later, Do-han announces the end to the first part of the surgery, and the assistant chief asks if it’s going well. Doctor Choi answers that it’s exceptional and believes its success will be recorded in future medical journals.

Do-han calls for the next step in the procedure, but Shi-on says that he saw something under the baby’s liver. Yoon-seo says they have to wrap up surgery, but Do-han takes a look.

And sure enough, there’s a perforation in the bile tract. Oh it’s on now.

There’s a high risk of infection should they remove and reconnect the bile tract. Shi-on says they can’t do that. Yoon-seo says that’s their only option, but then Do-han admits that Shi-on is right.

The dramatic music swells as she asks if Do-han can think of any other way. Do-han admits: “No.”

COMMENTS

Now that’s what you call a medical drama. The suspense of lives hanging on the balance of one man’s hands, facing the impossible task, and asking yourself the question: “Will they make it?!” all make up the signature parts of this genre. But what I like about Good Doctor is that beyond the dramatics of surgery there’s a character conflict of what’s at stake behind the medical decision. Do you defy authority to make the riskier call or cower in fear and choose the safer route? Because then we’re dealing with matters of morality, values, and ethics that goes beyond the medical lingo.

While we’re on the subject, I’ve noticed that this show calls the viewer to suspend belief when we’re tackling the medical emergency of the week. There are times when the medical terminology flies over my head as well (bile tracts? enteritis?), but the point the show wants to drive home is that this one surgery is Important, Impossible, and Unpredictable; and goddamnit, Do-han is the best (or only) pediatric surgeon out there to handle the job. Who needs other residents or surgeons, who seem to merely shadow their sunbae, when you’ve got Super Doc, who can perform two surgeries simultaneously? I say all of this with a smile on my face because I find these procedures to be a much more enjoyable watch when I remind myself that these are dramatic, made-for-TV takes on surgery rather than focusing on how much of it is realistic or not.

That being said, it’s a different story when we look at the dynamics between Shi-on and his medical colleagues. The hospital politics and power play between the higher-ups are nothing new, but I liked the central conflict about whether Shi-on can feel the same emotions as his cohorts and how that dictates his medical judgment and actions. It’s in the quiet moments when he watches the preemie in the incubator or thinks of his hyung or when the little kids play a prank on him when we see that the answer is: Yes, he does.

I mentioned earlier that I appreciated that Shi-on is still held to the same professional standard as everyone else, and there’s been some talk in the comment thread about how the hospital staff should be aware of autism as medical professionals. I can’t speak to how much knowledge they would or should have about the condition, but I can talk about the cultural stigma that surrounds anything that deviates from seemingly normal behavior and development, should that be in regards to mental, emotional, or physical health. Sadly what often happens is that these issues are either dismissed or ignored because the society isn’t prepared to or doesn’t know how to tackle them. So although I do know that autism is fairly prevalent in Korea, I honestly have no idea if there are psychoeducative programs or other support networks in place. That isn’t to say that it justifies the struggles Shi-on faces at the workplace, but it’s another instance when I reflect on the idea that I want to keep rooting for our hero to overcome those societal obstacles in his path.

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thanks for the recap!

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Love this drama. The premie is so tiny,is it real?

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Wow, this comes out real fast. Thx.

The two actors who play the bad guys (the doc who plays hooky to go golfing, and an administrator who wants to oust the Good Old doc), how should I say, sure look like bad guys. The minute they show up, you know they r up to know up. Wonder if they can ever play good guys convincingly.

Love the two little boys who play Shi On and his brother.

Poor Shi On! A day doesn't go by when he doesn't miss his beloved brother and protector!

Looking fwd to tonight's ep 4:
Will Shi On be the one to come up with an all but impossible way to save the premie?
T-1.5 hours.

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Same here,can't wait to watch ep4, 20 min left...

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I love this drama. Thanks!

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Same here. There's something so heartwarming about this drama, I absolutely love it. Joowon is amazing in this, every single one of his scenes makes me want to cry somehow.

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Thank you for the recap and especially your insightful comment that I enjoy reading :)
Many scenes bring tears to my eyes in this episode, during the quiet moments you mentioned "when he watches the preemie in the incubator or thinks of his hyung or when the little kids play a prank on him"...

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Yes I was crying 2!!

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Me three! those quiet moments and flashbacks get me so much. ouf....I was feeling tears to my eyes for every episode so far too! Then my heart gets all warm and welled up. I feel better it wasn't only me. That or I'm battling another case of pms........errrr

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Ooooh the stakes have upped! Good to see the various themes gradually coming together like jigsaw pieces.

YES this is how you do a cliffhanger!

p.s. Thanks for the recap!

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Now, if only show can continue to give us good cliffhangers such as these.

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I have to admit that when I first read about this drama, it sounded incredibly gimmicky. A medical melo with an autistic doctor at its center? Come on. But "Good Doctor" has turned out to be incredibly poignant and compelling.

During the first episode I was literally in tears most of the time, especially during the flashback scenes of Shi-On being tormented and Shi-On and Hyung's relationship. As someone who's volunteered with children with disabilities, it really struck a chord with me. I'm glad the following two episode lightened the mood somewhat with flashes of humor. And the medical cases, while largely unrealistic, have made for good drama.

I love the Yoon-Seo- Shi-On relationship because she's not condescending toward him. She's aware of his condition, but is holding him to the same expectations as she would any other doctor. In that way, she's actually helping Shi-On.

I think the show is doing very well by not having this "autistic doctor sweeps in and saves the day and is better than everyone," superhero-ish type of story. Shi-On is obviously very talented medically, but his autism is causing problems, and the show is depicting the very real challenges an autistic doctor would face. That scene with him being offended by the children's joking really drove it home for the viewers - in many ways, he is a child himself. Watching him navigate his unique challenges to become a "real" doctor will make for very compelling viewing, I believe.

Most of the other characters are pretty interesting as well, except for the uber-villian Dr. Pomade. I had to laugh at the commenter discussions in the previous threads on the depiction of Korean hospitals and politics. That part is all too realistic, and not just confined to Korea! My mother is at a pretty well-known US hospital (Johns Hopkins), and the politics, infighting, and unfortunate willigness to sacrifice patients to the doctors' own pettiness is a reality.

I'm looking forward to seeing where the show is going, not just for Shi-On but for the other doctors as well.

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+1

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"I think the show is doing very well by not having this “autistic doctor sweeps in and saves the day and is better than everyone,” superhero-ish type of story."

Definitely. One of the reasons I found Dr. Jin to be annoying.
Although I am saddened every time our shi-on is being misunderstood or yelled at, I know that it's not without reason.

For me, i find the politics part of this show one of the more boring parts (that i don't really give a rats arse about) but I'm glad to know at least it's realistic and not just there for the added drama.

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Thank you for your insight!

"And the medical cases, while largely unrealistic, have made for good drama.."

May I ask which medical cases so far have been largely unrealistic?
I am interested in practicing medicine and while I understand that this is a drama, it must be doing something right to portray the realness of a working hospital.
I'm assuming performing surgery on a patient solely based on parent permission is unethical. But if the patient requires surgery ASAP, and her/his life is on the line, can't the doctors do it?
Also, if the patient dies in the process of surgery, are the doctors at fault?

Ahhh ethics vs circumstances !

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I'd have to go back and look at each case for for the scientific aspects, which struck me at the time as requiring suspension of disbelief. But off the top of my head, the instant "double surgery" by one doctor would never have happened. In the case of all the instruments falling on the floor, once the sterility of the operating room was compromised like that, I'm not sure the surgery would have just continued in that location. For the case we saw with the child in episode 1, and again something in episode 2, I think, it seemed like Shi-On was the only one catching on to medical indicators at least one other doctor should have easily thought about. As for dismissing a spot on the MRI so readily, especially for a delicate case, that wouldn't have happened either.

I have a doctorate, not a Ph.D., and my degree is in neuroscience, not medicine - so if you're studying medicine and I'm wrong about my impressions, please feel free to correct me :)!

Regarding the need to do emergency surgery for the baby - it's easy to look at this as "oh, hospital politics, they just care about avoiding lawsuits more than human lives" - that would certainly be the perception in the U.S. I'm not certain how prevalent medical malpractice suits and the ensuing CYA maneuvers are in Korea. But you have to remember that, at least here, a lot of the checks and balances hospitals have in place now before signing off on surgery were necessitated not only by lawsuits, but by the "old days" when doctors would just push patients into all kinds of procedures, even unnecessary ones, resulting in a lot of pain, discomfort, and unnecessary cost to the patient.

You need a system of checks and balances and team decisions in place for the patient's protection. No one doctor should have unalloyed power to make these life and death decisions. I mean, we as viewers know Shi-On's intentions are pure, but the hospital can't act on that.

In terms of the patient requiring surgery ASAP, it seemed like the consensus (outside of Shi-On) was it would not help. Sometimes compromised patients, especially babies, are so fragile that surgery could cause immediate death, when there is still perhaps the possibility that something else could come up. And if that happened, absolutely the doctor could be considered at fault. It might be up to a jury to decide in the end, but I can see it going to trial.

Just my 2c . . .but I agree that ethics vs circumstances is a tough call, in this show and in real-life hospitals. They have entire departments to grapple with such issues!

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Thanks so much!
I'm a premed actually, and med school interviews asks ethical questions that deal with perhaps deals with cases like in the drama.

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That's awesome. Good luck with your studies.

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Good luck! Guess you can say that watching this show is 'research' :)

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I meant to say I have a Ph.D., not an M.D. This is what happens when you write on the run without proofing.

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I'm just asking because I don't know anything about medecine aside (US, i.e English not from my country) medical shows like E.R, Grey's Anatomy, House and Scrubs, so, not the best knowledge around.
But I'm still unsure about something. The new born was being taken care of a certain department that wasn't peds. Aren't children supposed to be special patients who have to be dealt with both a specific department and peds? I mean, peds surgeons are trained to work with smaller body parts, and all. So if they're not in charge, shouldn't they at least be included for a consult?

What I didn't get was that the one-and-only-super-peds-surgeon didn't actually check the baby's case when the parents came full of hope. He said something like, "the other surgeon is better than me so if he says no there's nothing I can do".
I think it reflects badly on the situation (on his own skills too) because he could've just have a look and then apologize for Shi On's rashness in talking for the peds department. Especially because he then took on the case rather rashly too.

Don't Korean surgeons try to collaborate on cases if needed? Or is it just me being influenced by bad medical shows?

Something else pisses me off in this show. And I know politics/power corrupt everything from mere individuals's to life and death matters, especially in the economy and health (well, everywhere...). But still, having three evil doctors wanting more powers though just acting like the usual kdrama shell of "evil" characters going against the apparent nice old director-doctor is a negative point in that show until now. I hope this story gets better or at least more realistic, maybe with the mysterious investigation going on behind super-doctor's back.

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the reason why that baby wasn't on the paeds floor was because its a baby, not a child. paeds look after children, while nicu looks after babies/new borns or premature babies, therefore they belong on the neonatal floor. im not sure if they have separate floors, but at the hospital i work at, they do.
this drama is realistic because of the "ongoing war" between the two docs is true. you cant simply just take another drs patient. its unethical. besides, you are not sure of what's the underlying problem of the patient is, so if anything goes wrong, you are to be blamed/sued and you might even lose your job. also, you have to have the consent of the parents/guardians in order for a transfer. i, also, dont like how they proceed to the surgery and how they disregard what SO pointed out....i mean, you can just check it to make sure and not just brush by it and blame it on a printing error.
now, on to the unrealistic side...you can't do two surgery at once. the intern wasn't wearing gloves nor did he kept it sanitary. plus, once you drop your instruments, you have to get new ones or you would risk (micro bacterial, etc) infections.
also, how the doctors handle SO case is fine, i dont think they were being harsh on him. he can't go around doing whatever he wants, hes a first year student that is on probation, if anything happens, its his fault. they have to be stern on him, in order for him to understand and not make choices on his own. he has to work as a team and figure it out as a team. he can't go around with the mindset "must save the patient lives first", its what he is capable of and what he is not and what the documents dictates. there are many more things then just sign the paperworks, and get the surgery going.
therefore, i dont think he will become a surgeon, BUT he will be the one to make the calls. however, since this is a kdrama, anything is possible.

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dept of neonatology! :) they're separate from peds

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@myungsoohyungsik
If we're talking about the patient being a minor as in this case, then parents would be the guardians.
so if doing the surgery (as opposed to not doing) is in the patient's best interests and the surgeon wishes to perform the surgery, then it's time to take consent.
In the consent, the parents have to know and comprehend what is being done, all the risks, benefits, alternatives (if any), and what happens if the procedure is not carried out. They're also allowed to change their mind anytime even after signing consent.

If the patient dies in the process of surgery, but this chance of mortality has already been conveyed to the parents and they still agreed to go ahead with surgery, then the doctors are not at fault.

(Note if the parents are not there, and say, the patient is in serious condition and can't talk etc., then the ethical thing would be simply to act in the patient's best interests.)

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So far so good. I can't wait for the next episode!!

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Wow! Recap already! If only I could watch here at my workstation. I was tempted earlier but I want to enjoy it later. Of the new dramas that premiered last week, this is the drama closest to my heart! Its nice to see actors from Gaksital!

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I LOVED this episode.

Well I'm still half way through the episode, net speed a bit down today.

The flashback of Shi On's brother making him the kaleidoscope made me tear up. This explains his fascination with 3D TV.

I know as the main male and female, Shi On and Yoon-Seo is supposed to be a love couple. Except I still don't see it just yet. She saved him from the bullies in the male bathroom, she's my hero. Is that how their relationship will be like, she is the guardian and protector of him?

If so, then I rather the love story between Yoon-Seo and Do Han. Dying to know the backstory to her secret crush on him, he clearly knows it, didn't acknowledge it, but it's not like he's not interest, then he's engaged to the daughter of the board who he is not interested in. Corporate ladder climber?

Ok back to EP 3 again!

Thanks for the super speedy recap!

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Do you think Shi-On and Yoon-Seo *are* supposed to be the love couple? I'm not really sure at this point. I see them more as noona-dongsang, or maybe friends of sorts at some point down the road. Not that someone with autism can't have a romantic relationship, but I just don't see them as one. I'm also interested in seeing Yoon-Seo Do-Han. I think there's a lot to be mined there, especially with her "contrariness" and independence and his ambition/giving in to politics versus his inherent goodness issues.

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Isn't the golden rule in Dramaland that male lead and female lead will have a romantic involvement, all the promo shots show Yoo-Seo leaning on Shi On's shoulder in a very "little girl leaning on oppo all sweet" kind of way.

Is Yoo-Seo meant to be older than Shi On? I know she's more senior in terms of hospital ranks.

Also so curious to know about Do-Han's mysterious dead brother, is the dead brother the reason why he's playing the political game and climbing the corporate ladder.

Can't wait for episode 4!

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I know that's the usual rule, but these are very unusual drama circumstances. I have to be honest - I would be *very* uncomfortable seeing Shi-On and Yoo-Seo in a romantic relationship right now. Of course, it could change, but at least as Shi-On is portrayed right now, it would not be a relationship between equals at all, certaintly not emotionally.

The fact that he really is at the emotional level of a child, basically (as evidenced by his interaction with the children) would make seeing Shi-On in a romantic relationship very unbelievable, and perhaps inappropriate. Of course, the character may change, and my assessment could change as well.

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I'm with you 100%. I try to imagine them even kissing and it just seems so awkward and strange.

I'm ok with her and Do-Han having a little bit of romance at first, then maybe see how things develop later one with her and Shi-On.

They did say in some of the show descriptions that there would be a "sweet romance" between her and Shi-On, but maybe they more just meant like a cute little friendship, I don't know.

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I always think the male lead doesn't have to be with the female lead, What i see kdrama viewer mostly think that the lead should always together, If i see US drama the leads doesn't always together too

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Yes,it's clearly has described in CYS's character description that she has grow feelings for shi-on. I dont know the storyline will go but I'm anticipated for how shi-on can fall in love with CYS. I think it's the highlight for this drama: Autistic person is human too

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I don't really have anything against guardian/protector roles. We've had quite a few instances in dramaland where one served as a protector over the other and in this case it came about naturally. Shi-On is pretty much on his own aside from that one director who is on his side. But that director isn't on his team of colleagues so he can't always be there for him. I'm sure everyone will come about to looooove shi-on. But right now everyone's acting like they're in highschool, or rather elementary school with the bullying. I think as on now shi-on sort of needs someone to help him out, as any rookie on his/her first day would. I think naturally, as we move forth, yoon soo will no longer have to protect him as much as she did from day 1.

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I thought so too! With the bullying thing, and ganging up on Si On whenever they have free time. Where did all respect go... Park Si- On HWAITING!

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Joo Won's acting really got to me in this episode.
The way his face sort-of fell after overhearing the mean mum's comment about him not being alright in the head.... Wow my heart felt this sharp pang of sadness for him even though his expressions were minimal.
Cannot wait for the rest of the staff in the hospital to see the hidden gem that he is and to appreciate him!

I am really liking this drama because the good-guy characters are very appealing - they are realistic in the way they react to situations but their morals and professional ethics always come up on top at the end of the day.
I looooveee how Yoon-Seo and Do-Han are so rooted to their beliefs despite the complicated situations, it reminds me of what Dumbledore said about choosing "between what is right, and what is easy.".

Excited about ep 4!

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Thanks for the speedy recap for this episode after you posted episode 2!

I don't typically watch medical dramas but there's something about this one...besides Moon Chae Won and Joo Won haha. Maybe it's Super Doc? But while I agree that Shi On probably shouldn't be all gung-ho about trying to save every patient, I can appreciate that he wants to try. I mean that's definitely feelings/emotions right? He's not entirely a robot if he wants to save everyone. Yes, naive but not emotionless! I think it's more dispassionate if you give up rather than try to think of every possible way to save someone.

I can't wait for the next episode.

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Yeah, i'm not understanding this "robot" comment, isn't he the one showing the most heart than his fellow doctors?

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I think the robot analogy they're using is a little off in that respect. Shi-On is definitely not unfeeling - he's driven almost completely by feeling, if anything (i.e. the need to do surgery to save the baby, even if it's ill-advised). What perhaps they're aiming at with the robot metaphor is his drive to just save-save-save everyone, without evaluating the circumstances or consequences. He's so single-minded in his purpose - "must save sick people" -that he does not consider the other factors people have to take into account.

My perspective here is as someone whose mother is a clinician/researcher at a big hospital, Johns Hopkins, and who did my own doctoral fellowship there. While these big institutions can get bogged down in politics, infighting, etc., often to the detriment of patients, one can't just ignore the realities of life. Of course doctors want to save patients (most of all) -but if you have cases where surgery really is contraindicated, as with the baby, you can't just jump in and do it. You have to consider factors like the potential for the doctor and hospital to be sued for giving treatment they knew would not help, and just caused additional expense and aggravation for the parents.

Maybe a robot wasn't the best way to convey that Shi-On has to learn a different approach to medicine, but I think the point they're trying to make -that isn't just about the treatment, it's about a host of other factors -is valid, and one that will be central to his evolution as a character (hopefully).

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They are misunderstanding him on this point. His "robotic" responses are his attempt at communicating his philosophy because spontaneous language is so difficult for him. Some people with autism need scripts to communicate because the burden of thinking up something on the fly is so difficult. For example, I have seen kids use lines from their favorite TV shows to express wants and feelings because they don't know the words to use to say what they need to directly.

Also, it is not likely that the doctors who are specialists in other areas know a great deal about autism. There is so much to know that communication disorders will be low priority for a pediatric surgeon.

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Ann - exactly. I had one kid who quoted Finneas and Ferb or however you spell that in order to communicate!

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That's the irony about them categorizing Shi-On as the "robot" because, in fact, the other doctors are the robots. They lack heart and worry about malpractice lawsuits and cost to the hospital, etc. when deciding how to treat a patient. Even Moon Chae Won's character places the reputation of her "team" above the priority of saving a patient.

Just because Shi-On spews out facts doesn't equate him with a robot. And that's the sad commentary about these so-called doctors.
What good is saving a life when you jeer and bully others for their differences? What hypocrisy. They need to re-examine the value of a life.

Ooh, they get me so mad. One thing I can't stand is mistreatment of others with disabilities.

Lastly, this episode made me cry b/c of the tiny baby in NICU.

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So many questions in this episode.
What happened to Shi On's hyung? Is Shi On the cause of his death?
What happened to Do Han's dongsaeng? Is he the dead he visited in a hurry and why is he deleted from the family register? Is Soo Han like Shi On?
How did Chairman and Chae Kyung arrive with this dynamics?
Also, what is with Doctor Pomade's minion, his medical credits?

What a cliffhanger, indeed. Thank you for the recaps. Smile

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Really good point, maybe Do-Han's brother was autistic like Shi On too. Then why does Do-Han harbour so much angst against his brother?

Maybe Shi On and Do-Han will have a brotherly kind of relationship, since both of them have lost a brother, and through the progress of the show, redeem themselves in a way.

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If Do-han's brother was autistic too... than his behaviour towards Shi-on, esp. in the second episode, makes little sense. He needed to be told why Shi-on was acting the way he was...

Unless he's a totally immature character that was acting out his anger at his brother at Shi-on (it was immature already as a doctor towards people below him, but it would be even more so if he actually had full experience of autism through an autistic brother of his own).

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I thought that the brother might have been autistic too. But you are right, Do-han's reaction to Shi-on shows him to be clueless on how to deal with him. But it could be that is basically his problem, he is angry at the deceased brother because he Do han, a doctor, was unable to intervene for the brother and the brother died. So, he is projecting that anger. Worse, if the brother committed suicide and it would leave him totally hopeless and angry.

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That kind of brotherly love or a little bromance from Do Han and Shi On, would not hurt, right? I want that to happen.

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I'd have no objections to it. :-D

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honestly, i don't like this drama much as a medical drama. feels too artificial... and impossible. but i'm watching it (tentatively) for shi-on's journey :)

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I think the doctor left his hyung when he could be saved. That explains a lot.

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Indeed. That scene that took us back to the collasped tunnel looks like a nightmare to Shi On with all that sweat. Those seconds when his eyes flickered because of the light...The moment he told us that the baby wanted to live because of his/her hand...

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Oh, I hadn't thought of that. Not a happy thought. Unless an 'only one could be saved' kind of thing happened...and the guilt that comes with that resulted in the doctor overseeing Si On's upbringing...

I do think there will be a bromance connection down the road with the Professor (who lost a younger bro) and Si On (who lost his older bro).

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Thanks for the review! :)

The thing with autistic as professional really intrigues me since my course of current study in the uni allows me to interact and do therapy sessions with autistic kids as well. I can totally see young Shi-On and his emotions with hyung. Even though he is an adult now there's no telling how seriously is he still affected by those childhood abuse by his peers! I wanna hug him tight in my arms! aww! :)

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dropping this.
sorry, Joo Won, but I expected more from you. an emotional, intense character works better for you than a quiet one.plus, I really can´t make myself care for anything they are doing. they are pushing the obvious in my face too much.

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Sayonara then. But i have to disagree, the role really suits him and it shows his versatility as a diverse actor.

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I have to disagree with you. I think subtle and natural acting is a lot more challenge than emotional and intense character...bcoz you have the chance to bring all high tension emotions and clear expression...but when a lot of things happened inside you and you are not allowed to express it...that subtle and natural acting..joo won nails it completely.

I love him at gaksital but there r moments when he overacted. Here...I feel like its so natural. He surely has done his homework well.

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"an emotional, intense character works better for you than a quiet one"...

You don't think an autistic savant who knows a great deal about medicine and cares more about the patients than most people on that staff but who doesn't have the skills to communicate his feelings effectively or his knowledge without sounding like he is reciting book information to them is NOT an emotional and intense character?

If this isn't an emotional and intense char, I don't know what is!

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Whoo! That was long. Cheers to that!

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lol i politely disagree.

Joo Won has been known to overact and often times I find some of the best actors to be the ones who are "quiet" or rather subtle and nuanced -- and still able to get so much emotions across. I find that a skill that some of the best actors in the industry can achieve. Sometimes one simple facial expression can get viewers to bawl -- or whatever other feels comes along with it.

For this role, i'm sure alot of people will be taken out of the moment if he really did overact. I think his acting so far in this show is the least of its problems, and given this role, so far, he has done the best he can, and then some.
Quite frankly it's a breather(for me) to see joo-won in a role like this since i'm so used to him screaming and angry.

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pays off posting something you disagree with, most answers I ever had in such a short time. but I still dont like it. it doesnt feel natural. the voice especially...

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Before this drama aired, I was quite concerned with how Joo Won will act out the 'voice' of Park Si On. It didn't help that the synopsis wrote the character as having a mental age of a 10 year old. Thankfully, Joo Won nailed it in this aspect. I have read many comments from people who work with autistic adults that he got the voice pat down.

Joo Won is one actor who puts a lot of details into his acting. If you have watched his dramas, you will realize that he speaks differently in each. In Good Doctor, he does not speak like a child but his voice bears characteristics of an autistic person - higher pitch and odd prosody.

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ok, ok, I get it, dont be so defensive. I have a right for an opinion, sheesh. besides, I have 4 autistic friends. enough material to compare.

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I think so far everyone has very nicely put their disagreeing opinions in a rather respectable way.
It's not fun being in the minority but usually you'll have alot of people to back up their opinions. I think it's nice to have varying opinions cause that means more discussion and more insight. :)

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oh, of course. I just like to keep it short is all.

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JW's always been very hardworking and I think he puts in a lot of effort in studying and thinking through his characters. Hhahaha. In 1d2n, there was an ep where they crashed JW's place impromptu-ly. And the hyungs found out that he actually studies really hard on trivia because he's so stressed that he's a general knowledge blackhole.

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Redfox- I can't blame you for not liking it, but I will comment on the voice. He is rather dead on with the voice. However NOT all people with autism have the high pitched monotone. This is just one of the most "typical" speech scenarios you see in the field. It's rather unnerving sometimes, right? Anyway, happy sailing on the drama front! Have you been watching Who ARe You?

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yeah, well, maybe I will try and see if it grows on me.
but there are so many factors for me why I can´t watch it and why it irks me.

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Like others I disagree, I think he's killing it. But actually, I'm really excited Joo Won took this role, because he has normally gravitated to those intense roles in the past. This role will if nothing else help him hone some of those more subtle acting skills. Imagine a character with the intensity of Kang-To and quiet subtlety of Shi-On...that's what I look forward to in the future for this actor.

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awww.. poor Si-On, he is such an unwanted puppy. He is so immune that he doesn't even feel sad.

My heart always beat like crazy every time their is a surgery scene in this drama.

by the way, thank you for recapping this drama! :)

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I think he does feel sad, though, which is so heartbreaking. He isn't that immune little child anymore; he's aware of people's contempt toward him, and it does affect him. Look at how sensitized he was toward the children he thought were making fun of him, coming off the heels of his co-workers attacking him. What makes it so poignant is that I think you can see that desire to connect in there somewhere; he just doesn't know how to express it or overcome his limitations in that area.

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Faye, he SO needs an aide. I seriously think so. His social limitations are enough so that he needs a guide, at least for now. Someone to tell him the intentions of others in ways he can understand and guide him through the emotional mindfield of the hospital. And the social politics. Heck, I'm typical and I dont' get social politics. They are sometimes so bass ackwards!

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Excellent idea! And I think if this were "real life" he would have one. I anticipate that one of the other characters will learn to understand him and will fill that role.

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I agree with you. It will take away from their doctoring though. It should be a trained aide. But what can you do?

So far Nurse Jo seems to have the most effective empathy. Yoon-seo empathizes, Woo-seok empathizes, but they don't interact with him in a way that makes a difference in his behavior or understanding. Jo does. Even if it was one scene, how he explained how to fist bump was damn perfect. No judgement, just patient teaching and pure, positive emotion.

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I think that regarding the patients, nurse Jo is really on a wavelength with Shi On. He doesn't care much about protocol and looks at the need to help the children first. He also recognises this in Shi On, I think - he knows that Shi On isn't a robot.

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@Raine - I forgot to mention in my original comments how much I loved Nurse Jo. He reminds me of some of the best types of workers/volunteers I've seen who have experience working with autistic people. He didn't talk down to Shi-On or condescend, he just gave an explanation in a way he could understand. Hope we get to see more of them interacting.

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Shi-on's the best thing about this drama so far.

Don't care much for all the politics.

I think Do-han's going to end up supporting Shi-on.
And I somehow had a spark of sympathy for Do-han's fiancée... at least her telling off the stepmother was very satisfying... not sure why, since I'm not quite clear on who the baddies are here.

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At the end of this episode; i was like OH YEAH.
Let this fcking bromance hit us FULL FORCE.
I think it's going to be sort of a tough love brotherly relationship.
That picture with Do-han and a younger boy (i'm assuming will be a younger brother that passed) -- is an indication that he'll take shi-on under his wing and treat him as a brother.
This is just speculation but i'm pretty good at predicting drama relationships lol

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I am with you on this. Do Han is actually showing some tough love to Shi On in the past episodes like DH ignoring him but still listening to him and that talk they had after SO thanked him...telling him to see his own mistakes and auit after that..

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I hope you are right – the hints of tough brotherly love he was showing in this episode definitely made him a much more interesting character than he was in ep 1 + 2.

Question though, why did he tear the picture with his brother up? It's quite negative...

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I don't quite get this side story at all. Chae Kyung and Do Han's stepmother President Lee have demonstrated their caring sides in these episodes so far, and I'm not sure who I'm supposed to support in their exchange. Even though nurse Jo at the hospital doesn't like President Lee, she isn't quite the baddie, right? And why does Do Han want to marry Chae Kyung? Who does Do Han like?

Very confused indeed.

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Yeah those are some of the questions i have for this show too.
President lee seems to be one of the few people on our director/shi-on's side -- as evident from the meeting. But I could see how one could classify her as a baddie simply because of her hand in the unwanted chae kyung/do han marriage and from nurse Jo's reactions. I guess that makes her a more interesting character, you could say.
I personally think do-han's fond of yoon seo because of that one phone call in the other episode. And from typical k-drama formula he'll be part of the love triangle with shi-on and yoon-seo. But i do hope show doesn't focus too much on that but rather the good aspects of this show, like the heartwarming journey of shi-on.

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I'm not sure either, though I have to admit I haven't been very close attention to all the baddies or potential baddies. At the moment, I am not invested in that part of the story line at all because so far they've all given me the 'cliché baddies' type. If someone starts being three-dimensional though, I'll start paying attention.

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this drama is really good.. am i the only one whose rooting for doc han and CYS to be together in the end.. i like their chemistry more... CYS and Shi-on looks like noona-donsang..

lets see how the drama unfolds.. its getting interesting..

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One of the things that always get me into tears every episode is : because I know that Park Shi On CAN feel all of the things that happened to him..when he was bullied, rabbit died, hyung died while protecting him all the time, happy memorable moments with hyung, underestimated by his coworkers and patients' parents...all those situations that made a person cries and breaks...Lil shiOn just sat there with blank stare.. adult shi won did the same. Feel it but unable to express it. So, we the audiences have to express it somehow. We have to cry for him..coz we know exactly how his everyday life is...when people said that he's robotic...I felt so sad to see how he knows he is not but he can't explain himself.

Btw, I don't know why...I have a feeling that the administrator guy is actually a good guy in a way that he is on do han's side. That he wanted to replace all the incompetent people by being the spy...

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EXACTLY. When he told Yoon-seo that he wasn't a robot, my heart broke for him. They need to realize that while he may be focused only on saving the patient, he feels and hurts just like everyone else.

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Seriously we the audience see everything that other characters just don't see.
And really it's just painful to watch shi-on's inability to express his feelings. I think that's one of the many factors that make us root so much for him. To some viewers, this may be a bit of a frustration to watch. But it is all too real for those with autism. They have feelings too, and they have the same emotions we have. It's just harder to translate that into words and that's where it gets me.

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Yes. The robot comparison hits the spot.
Im kind of 50/50 with the administrative guy. His face is somewhat angelic/innocent but the way he joins Doctor Pomade and investigates Do Han is kind of hmmm...

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MJ - your response is so awesome! Yeah, that's the sad thing. When they can't express it and get hated on for it. But as long as there are people in his life who get him, he'll be okay. Everyone needs a support network, even cute little robots who aren't really robots.

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Agree with this completely. Including the administrator guy potentially being a good guy. We must be on the same page, MJ! :)

There were two scenes that particularly stood out to me with the Si-on feels

1) when Yoon-Seo called him like a robot and
2) when he heard about being "not all mentally there" from the parent

Joo Won did something with his face which while not overtly obvious, still conveyed hurt and pain at hearing the words and yet also seemed completely in character with his autistic inability to express that pain, if that makes any sense.

Maybe it was the eyes that conveyed the hurt that the facial muscles couldn't show, but whatever it is goes straight to my heart so that I'm feeling the hurt that Si-on feels and want to defend him from the unfeeling others who think that he doesn't feel/understand anything and so carelessly ridicule and denigrate him.

I was even feeling that way about Yoon-Seo and I LIKE HER and her personality, and actually hope that she is a romantic lead opposite Si-on. I guess there's just something in Joo Won's portrayal that touches a protective instinct within me where I want to defend him from the evil and heartless world outside.

To which I say, bravo, Joo Won!

I also want to thank gummimochi for recapping this series.

I'm not normally a medical drama watcher as I don't like seeing the procedures and all, but I love the thinking that this drama provokes and that the completely different hero here changes all aspects of what would probably otherwise be a rather generic drama into something engrossing and amazing.

The industry needs more dramas like this.

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I noticed that too. In that moment he looked right up at her. Shi-On rarely looks right at people. You could see the surprise and hurt in his eyes.

I think Joo Won has been brilliant so far. The thing with this character is that the physical acting is sorta in your face while the emotional acting is super subtle. He hits the perfect balance. For those who think he's not doing a good job, I think all it would take would be for a less-talented actor to be in this role, and then they'd see what overdone acting would do to the character and the show.

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joowon ♥

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I think I was watching a different drama than everyone else, because the drama I was watching was after the first episode exactly the same as Golden Time, or New Heart, or any number of other Korean medical dramas. Oh well, maybe I should give it another chance, with Moon Chae Won it shouldn't be all that hard to convince myself to do so.

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It is political exactly like Golden Time, but without some of the incredibly over-the-top characters GT had. There are some good characters in this show that I think are worth watching.

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I'm really loving this drama. The plot may not be fresh and new but I find myself very much emotionally invested in the unique main character. Joo Won exceeds my expectations in his portrayal of Park Shi On. Never have I seen such a versatile actor in Kdramaland.

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Very nice commentary! I really think this is the way to do it...focus on the message of the show instead of how realistic or accurate the whole show is as to its medical scenes...

It is still not shown here in Manila but I am so looking forward to it...because of Joowon and how he will portray the role.... :)

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I think Shi On does feel the full range of emotions, but being autistic, he can't express himself properly. It breaks my heart whenever I watch every episode of him getting bullied and he defends himself by doing something that'll anger those who don't understand him. That obviously heart-breaking expression when the mother said that he's not normal.
Hey mother, just cause you want a change in doctors, it doesn't give you the right to insult the current doctor. Shi On is a good doctor, in his own way. From what I see, he cares too much about the patient that he'll disregard the ranks and everything in the hospital.
I also see that it seems that ranking and seniority seems more important in the hospital than SAVING THE PATIENTS.

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Sakura- you actually brought up one of my FAVORITE issues. Sounds bad right? What I mean is, the mothers are a typical scenario for misunderstanding. The show had so much to work with there to showcase how to deal with ignorance...and it dropped the ball....

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The ratings definitely reflected how good this drama is. Not just because of the actors and actresses playing the role, but most importantly the story that touches human heart. Every scene with Shi On is heartbreaking. My heart has the biggest space for those children who they took as patients and most of all for for those kids who have this kind of disability. They don't deserve to be bullied. They need more love, affection, and most importantly understanding. This drama helps me to appreciate life more. To live it right. To care for others. To be a blessing.

This drama is one of kind. Thank you Joo Won for portraying an excellent role. You are indeed one of the most talented actors I've seen so far. You're parents must be so proud of you. Job well done!

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I think Yoo Seo (Moon Chae Won) and Do Han (Joo Sang Wook) look so good together. Love the flashback!

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Wish I could watch it. Alas. *sigh*
So a big thank you for the recap!

Question: for what reasons should a name be stricken from the family record in SK?

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Could Shi-on and Do-han be actual brothers?

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Huhhhh, no. I highly doubt it. You've been watching way too many makjangs :D enough dramas for you! ;)

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Right, I have to be more selective with dramas or I'll loose the sense of reality. :)

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But watching dramas is to escape reality, so I kind of liked your suggestion of the possibility of them being brothers. Because in a drama, it could happen!

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I just wanted to say thank you so much Gummi for recapping this series. Perhaps it was not on the top of your want-to-recap list out of the bunch that recently premiered but you just made alot of people happy by taking on Good Doctor. So for that, thank you. We love you! Fighting!
And seriously, you are wonder woman churning out recap after recap, so fast. (: Much love from the beanies!!

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Wow, it has been a longtime since I cried for a drama lol.
I'm completely addicted and I'm pretty confident that I wouldn't drop the drama mid way. At least, this is what I hope.
Since Dating Agency Cyrano, nothing really interested me so I'm really glad that I found this drama. At first, it was a big MEH compared to the other upcoming medical drama (Medical Top Team) but gosh', the hero being an autism doctor and facing a lot of hardships ? Count me in ! I really love Joo Won's portrayal. Before I have never understood the hype surrounding him but with that performance, he completely nailed it. Such a talented guy :D

I know the whole dramaland's rules about how main male and female have to end together and all but for once, I'm shipping Do Han and Yoo Seo. Their chemistry is DAEBAK and I don't know, I find the senior/junior thing completely hot XD. But also, I don't really picture YS and Shi On together like in a real relationship. Maybe it will change over the episodes but for now, I'm shipping DH and YS :D

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I do think it's possible...I mean they had those cute flashback scenes for a reason, right? They want us to ship Do Han and Yoo Seo. Can't imagine myself jumping ship in future episodes when they finally light the fire between Yoo Seo and Shi on.

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I agree with everything gummimochi said! The hospital staff are educated on autism but there's a difference between knowing and handling. They know with their knowledge what, how, and why autism occurs in a person but they don't understand how to handle it. That's a completely different topic in and of itself. That being said, it's completely understandable that everyone on staff is struggling to accept Shi-On.
Theres also the cultural aspect of it too. I'm Korean and I lived in Korea for two years of middle school and two years of high school before moving back again to the States. I can say with confidence that the culture in Korea is still extremely narrow-minded when it comes to the health and well-being of a person. There are parents who still will not allow their little kids to play with kids who have AIDS even though the whole world now knows that AIDS can't be contracted through external physical contact. Families still very easily abandon family members who are disabled on the streets or at care homes. And it's the same with autism, people KNOW but they can't ACCEPT it. It's very hard for other people to understand it but in the Korean culture, autism is still shunned. I think that is why the writer portrays the hospital in such a way.

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+1

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You answered a question that I've had. How does Korea differ from where I live (US) in terms of views.

As for the doctors knowing how to handle him. This is a grave, grave oversight on the part of Woo-seok. If he wants Si-on to succeed he should've educated Si-on AND the staff about Si-on and how to handle him. Yes, it takes more work. Yes, it will be worth it. If he KNEW that his surgical residents were ignorant, why throw Si-on into the fray when Si-on doesn't know how to explain himself to anyone? Woo-seok really needed to step up there and he failed. As Gummi pointed out, they m ay have knoweldge, but they may not know how to use it or may have never encountered a person with autism. It's tough when you talk and you get what seems like ZERO reaction. The doctors needed an education and Woo-seok shhould've given it to them.

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I agree with you that Woo-Seok SHOULD have educated the hospital staff about Shi-On's social disabilities. However, this IS a Korean drama, and that having been said, there are a lot of "should"s that never happen in these plots. It's something the writer left out purposefully. Shi-On is SUPPOSED to be going through these hardships and the writer is doing the best she can to portray in a general sense (as in that she's illustrating how Korea sees and handles autism) while keeping us entertained with the hospital setting. The staff's lack of preparation to be capable of handling Shi-On was a decision made by the writer that I think the audience is just going to have to accept.

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"This is a grave, grave oversight on the part of Woo-seok."

Totally agree. WS is always so concerned after a situation happens, but he could have taken care to inform and educate the staff, and shadow Si On for a while to familiarize him with his new environment.

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many heartwarming moments... i cried while watching this episode... i am crying again reading your recap ! thank you.

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Thanks very much, Gummimochi, for your wonderful recaps of this drama. So happy that you've taken on this drama!

Am enjoying watching each episode, once translated, and your recaps enhances each episode with some insightful details that I may miss when watching. Much appreciated!!

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I love this drama.

But more than that, I love how this drama has provoked heartwarming and intelligent discussions on autism and those that are living with it. And I think that is only possible because JW is really throwing himself into this role. I heard that he has gotten a lot of encouragement from the director of the autistic treatment centre he visited in preparation for this role.

This reminds me of this short film (14 minutes) that was submitted for a shortie contest in 2011. It also deals with the a pair of brothers, the younger of whom is an autistic savant (although in his case, his genius is in music).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hn2MCqVblUQ

It is a very touching film. The director (who also acted as the hyung) was wrote it because of his young brother, who in real life is also autistic. When I rewatched this again, one of the opening scenes really struck me afresh: the autistic character was being interviewed for a job and he was reading from the script his brother gave him, which he wrote on his palm. It didn't strike me the first time the significance of this, but after reading the comments in the last few episodes, I realise that this is probably because of his difficulty in handling questions/interactions without a script.

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Thanks for the super duper speedy recap

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I just want to say that Joo Won is a phenomenal actor. No matter what the situation, I'm rooting for Shi-on and I care about his feelings. And that scene where he tells Yoon-seo that the baby wants to live, that made me cry, because it got me in the heart. Joo Won is just great.

I love this show. All, or most, of the characters are great and interesting. Do-han may be a jerk, but I do like him. I wouldn't mind him developing something with Yoon-seo, as long as he breaks up with Chae-kyung first.

I don't really understand all the hospital power plays. They're doctors, right, so shouldn't they be worried about the patients, and not about who's in charge of whatever department? Makes no sense to me.

Also, I'm hoping Do-han and Shi-on can become hyung-dongsaeng (did I spell that right?). I just think that would be so great.

Thanks for the recap, Gummimochi!

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Yeah. I've always admired Joo-Won's work ethic and thought him as a guy who thrives when he's working than not. He also seems to be one of those people that were born to act. Sure, he's not quite the A-list type yet. While some people may not like his acting style, i do find it fascinating how he gets in and out character so smoothly. He dove right into the role of Shi-on spot on.
I heard of stories of actors having to isolate themselves and take a trip to the mountains to shed their drama roles once a show ends, ha.

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Yes, I admire Joo Won as well. He's by no means an A-list actor, as you said, but he's certainly on his way to becoming one in my book. I haven't seen Gaksital, but from what I've heard about it, Joo Won is terrific in it.

I've heard about some actors having to go on trips just to drop character, too. I think that's a little ridiculous, but everyone has their own method I guess.

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Ha Ji Won said she had to go see a doctor because she couldn't get out of her King 2 Hearts character (paraphrasing here)

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I remember reading some articles on that. I heard it was actually for her movie role sector 7, though. She went to seek psychiatric treatment. It was hard for her to transition from that to her secret garden role.

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Yeah, he is definitely one of the real actors. Someone who gives all his passion while doing something. The only one that I dislike from him is just 'his eye bags'.

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I think Do Han is a douche, most you commented shi on's childish personality due to his condition. Then in that case Do Han just punch a kid, while the other doctors have no excuse for acting like bullies, which is illegal mind you here in Australia. Which begs the question how primitive must such a workplace exist in Korea's culture. I have more pity for Do Han. For his obvious jealousy for Shi On's intelligence thats why he insults him by saying his (Shi Ons) intelligence is unnatural. He is egotistical as most doctors are, reminds me of what really makes a great healer when Im reminded of the movie Patch Adams. As for the comments of wanting Douche Han and Yeon Seo being a couple, puke make sense though dumb girl will for douchebag guy, ignoring the truly good person, unfortunately happens in the real world all the time. I want Shi On to move to General Practice, actually help someone, which all he really wants. Meets a great person who will see beyond his condition and reach out to the true self which is caged by his condition and love him. NOT pity love, but real deserving one.

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I love this comment

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(2 years late) but yes, I think Doo Han's a douche too. Douche Han's a great name for him. (He's honestly the worst, ugh)

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how can I explain this, the thing with autistic person is not as simple as "ooh he doesn't cry because he doesn't know how to express himself". it's not always like that, because without proper therapy, autistic person would have a hard time understanding emotions. so, he's not expressing not because he cannot show his sadness, but more likely that he cannot understand what sadness is. That's a big difference and most ppl don't know that. That's why therapy is very important early on with autistic ppl so that they learn how to feel emotion properly, how to empathize, and how to express the emotions. I have an autistic brother, and it's been a long journey of therapy and medication. on a daily basis, we have to teach him the emotions, how to express them, and hoe the read the ekotions on others. in Shi On case, he is a genius, but I don't think he ever had any therapy so it is actually normal for him being stoic and flat in expression. he's not bottling up the emotions, cos he's not capable yet of feeling the right emotion. that said, the "being a robot" comment is actually pretty accurate, cause what he's doing right now may seemed out of emotions, but actually it was out of the theory and knowledge. for shi on being a doctor is saving life, that's what drives him. He's being a very good robot. as the drama progress, I believe all thr interactions with ppl surrounding him will be the teacher for him understanding emotions, and actually treat patient because he fells their pain.

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Thank you for your input especially since you've dealt with a family member firsthand who has autism.

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you're welcome. I feel the need to comment on this because my brother is so much like Shi On. he also wants to be a doctor and I can see how diligent he is on learning everything. I hope he would have the chance just like Shi On. he is now 15 and has been receiving therapy since 3yo. but with 12 years of theraphy it's still hard for him to read expression and emotions. he rarely cry, never lie, and he still couldn't understand jokes or when people are talking badly about him. he just got back to US from a solo trip to Indonesia to visit his grandparents. it seemed impossible before for an autistic kid to travel alone halfway around the globe, but he did it, and it shows how a good therapy can make an autistic children function normaly. next goal is going to college and to be a doctor, so why not :)

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I really wish the best for your brother so that he can inspire others too. I pray and hope that someday he has his own family (not that you and your family are not giving him all the unconditional love and support) but he has someone his own to love him unconditionally and accepted him for who he is and has his own children. Wishing him all the best!

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Thank you for sharing! Would it do him good to watch this drama and empathise with Shi On, as well as fuel his dreams? (Or would it only make him more jaded about the medical world.) I wish him all the best!

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Wow, that's amazing! I hope he does get that chance :) And bless you for that love you have for your brother.

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Thanks for that. I read Mark Haddon's The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime and there were charts to tell what happy, sad, angry, etc. looked like; but I didn't really understand how that worked for them. This explains it. Thank you!

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yup, there are charts. it's very important early on to learn the basic emotions, like sad, happy, angry, disappointed, etc. they learn them my memorizing the facial expression and behaviors, and then connecting them to what the autistic person are feeling themselves in certain kind of situation. like when somebody they love died, we have to ask them to understand what they are feeling right now, and teach them that it's grieve and the proper expression/reaction to it is to cry. when my brother was younger, he would laugh seeing people cry, because he cannot connect and understand their emotions. to him, the action of crying is somewhat funny, comical, maybe something he saw on tv or read.

so I strongly believe that what Shi On doing with the patients is not because he sympathized with the pain, but because he is taught that to be a doctor he has to treat the patient in anyway possible. his only emotional connection for now I think is only to his brother.

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Yes, and I hope he forms more positive connections with the others, esp Do Han and Yoon Seo. Something I noticed though, when Yoon Seo threw his scalpel away, he was immediately wary of her. In Mark Haddon's book too, the character found out something awful about his dad, and became wary and untrusting. I wonder if it's easier to process trust than empathy? You don't have to answer, I was just remembering all the stuff I watched/read :)) Anyway, thanks for sharing! It's always good to know how to adjust to different situations. I hope you and your brother are well!

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While I've loved Joo Won's portrayal of Si-on so far, I do have a nit to pick.

In the scene where the pediatric team is discussing how to save the premee, I noticed that Joo Won was writing notes onto a clipboard....

Doesn't he have a photographic memory? Why does he have to write anything on the clipboard?

Did that strike anyone else as weird?

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In ep 2, CYS asked why he's not taking notes and he said he does in his brain. She then told him that he should take notes not for him but for the patients before being cut off by KDH. Methinks PSO started writing notes because of said comment/instruction and perhaps because of his earnest desire to help his petients.

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Moon is correct, I believe. In episode two, Shi-On was scolded for not taking notes even though he has exceptional spatial memory. He's most definitely taking notes because it's hospital protocol for residents, etc, not because he can't retain all the information on his own.

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I really really cannot stand the way they treat Si On! This isn't fucking high school or middle school. I get why the doctors are upset but seriously, they need to freaking act their age. I'm not saying pity him because of his autism, but treat him like the freaking human that he is. And I guess I'm even more mad because people/myself included ( I'm not saying I shove people with disabilities or yell at them or that I'm blatantly mean to them but my approach towards them and being afraid to approach them) really do react that way towards people in real life.

I'm sorry (about my french as well). I really enjoyed the episode SO much to the point I got hyped emotionally. Honestly, 30 minutes into the third episode of a drama that just started is not long enough time to start crying. I don't know if my heart can take the bullying and the sadness, but I really can't wait to see everybody come together.

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With Moon Chae won's pictre first - I thought it was a Nice Guy recap and instantly became soooo happy!!

Suguessmida Unni!

Thanks for recapping even though I do not watch the drama!

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Haha, couldn't stop laughing when the Gumdam model started coming apart in Shi On's hands. Reminds me of me when I get too scared to pick up my son's Gumdam models for cleaning!

I think Shi On's brother could have been saved if he hadn't drawn away the doctor's attention just as the brother was starting to revive. It'll start to haunt him when he begins to fully understand the implications, especially now he's coming more and more involved with life and death situations where one mistake can cost someone's life. That's what I think anyway.

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I agree with you although from a medical standpoint I do not think his brother could have been saved

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chae kyung is too cocky ... i'm sure Do Han heart will move to Yoon-Seo

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Or it has never left YS.

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Thank you for the recap.
And, I especially like your thoughts which always making me open up different perspective.

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I just saw ep 4 and it doesnt look good for those shipping Do Han and Yoon Seo hehe......

Even if SI On and Yoon-Seo doesnt end up together i dont want to see the petty,ignorant,jealous of Si On Do Han getting too close to our fierce heroine.

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Thanks Gummimochi for the recap, again! My sister and I are grateful, since we couldn't watch until hours after T^T

Though I hate how the other doctors treat Shi On here (even Yoon Seo in this episode), the hard truth is that this is how impatient we are with guys like him. Really, props to Joo Won for the acting. He must have prepared so much since it's not exactly something you can act out of personal experience.

The medical terms are way over my head though. I had to rely on context clues (all the eyeball closeups lol) to tell if it's goin' down or wut. I thank that shifty-money guy for voicing it out, "Is the surgery going well? I don't really understand" lalalaa

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Thanks for the recap...I can understand better the drama watching it and reading the recap:)

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I get it. Shi On's reaction to In Hye's prank. To her and the rest of the kids.. it's a joke, but to Shi On who's been bullied and made fun all of his life, he wouldn't comprehend it as a prank. The sick children mother's already hate him, so this would only make him more sad.

In Hye, Nurse Jo,and Dr. Choi like Shi On, but Yoon Seo keeps yelling at him that it makes me grit my teeth. Shi On needs someone to watch his back, not stress him out more.

He's trying to do his best, but his fellow residents are like treating him like high school bullies. I want to bop the stupid twerp doctor who keeps hitting Shi On per Dr. Pomade.

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IMO, Shi On wouldn't understand if it's a joke or a prank. being autistic (and never had any therapy) he couldn't read facial expressions. so to him, those kids were being bothersome because they're not actually sick. one thing as an autistic person, they are very focus on the task. so he's actually dissapointed or you may say "angry" because he's told that the girl was sick = he wanted to treat her as a doctor, but then suddenly she's not. It's confusing for him, because he cannot understand lies. autistic person cannot and will not lie, so it's hard to understand lies, whether it's a joke or prank. same with the mothers talking bad. he's dissapointed not because they're talking bad about him, but because of their actions he cannot be a doctor. his main determination as I believed is, he wants to be a doctor. and the definition of a doctor for him is a person that treats sick people, right? hence all his action are not driven by emotions or empathy, but because the wiring on his brain told him in order to become this he has to act that. very simple, and robot like if you may say.

but I think being bullied since childhood, he learnt that expression and actions and identified them as bad behaviors. but it's possible he still doesnt feel it. just that it's bothersome.

I dont know how the writer of this drama wants us to perceive Shi On as an autistic person, or how accurate is their portrayal, but I'm hoping they wouldnt go overboard just because they wanted drama. so far as I'm seeing, Shi On actions has double meaning, as in they're still acceptable as a real autistic behaviors, and also acceptable for the dramatic effect.

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I was so impatient of the cliffhanger at the end of episode 3. I watched episode 4 in the beginning to see what what happened to the premature babies. After saw it, I was soo relieve and happy and episode 4 is sooo good. I am looking forward to watch it with subs so I can understand it. In my opinion, everyone is such a douche except the Director and Shi On. I hope they do less love lines and more humane relationship of the patients and doctors. In another note, I also hope Jo Ji Sub is less douche in The Master's Sun tomorrow. =)

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