Faith (the Great Doctor)-My Pick of the Best Korean Drama Series (2012)

“Faith” also called “The Great Doctor” is Lee Min Ho’s newest time-travel historic mini-drama series, consists of 24 episodes, aired on SBS from August 13^th thru October 30^th, 2012. Although the drama receives only mid-ranged ratings in S. Korea, it attracts a great number of loyal followers overseas, and I for one, fall in love with the story and its characters at the first sight.

In Faith, Lee Min Ho plays Choi Young, the head escort of the king in the mid-1300s of the Goryeo Dynasty, a 29-year-old, who has no regrets in life, no ambition for women or wealth. He spends his spare time sleeping (for days if possible, without food or water), since those he treasures the most are either killed or left him, the only way to consult his lonely, sorrowful heart is by dreaming about them.

As an unflinching fighter, Choi Young has no fear for death, nor harbors an ounce of affection for the world. He believes those who are not afraid to die need not spin their wheels scheming. He is a highly skilled sword master with equally brilliant intellect to match and yet he doesn’t strategize, always attack things head-on. If he happens to succeed, great; if he fails and dies, so be it.

On the way of escorting the new king and queen back to Goryeo, an assassin slashes the queen’s neck. Only the Heavenly Doctor can save her life, and Choi Young volunteers to go where no man has ever been before – the future.

Our heroin, Yoo Eun-soo (Kim Hee Sun) is a 33-year old plastic surgeon in the year 2012. She was originally a general surgeon, but quickly found that it was an overworked, under-paid profession and jumped ship to plastic surgery. Her dream is to someday open her own practice. But one day a strange man she thinks is dressed as a drama extra kidnaps her... and takes her back to the Goryeo era. In Goryeo, she is believed to be the apprentice of the famous Chinese surgeon, Hua Tuo and from heaven.

On a promise that she will be sent back to her world, Eun-soo operates on the queen and saves her from certain death. Seeing the doctor’s ability, the king refuses to honor his word. The heaven’s door closes. A resentful Eun-soo stabs Choi Young in the abdomen…

Initially, the part of Choi Young was offered to Lee Jun-ki, who had to drop the drama when army service came calling. Then the role went to Kang Ji-hwan, who plays the lead in Hong Gil Dong. During the filming, the drama suffers another setback. Kang Ji-hwan’s contract dispute with previous management company, Jambo Entertainment forces him to drop out the production. At last, we have our leading man, Lee Min-ho, whom I think is perfect for the role. He brings the character alive with honesty, charisma, and depth. Without him, the drama would not be as memorable, as endearing.

Alas, I agree the drama has several notable flaws, especially the one at the end of the show (again? **big sigh…**, I know I said the same thing about “City Hunter”. Unfortunately, “Faith” follows the similar path-a great beginning full of promising, an exciting middle part, however, fell short at the ending). Perhaps it has something to do with the Broadcasting Co. SBS, I hope not. It seems that way since Lee Min Ho’s other two drama series have relatively more perfect and complete finale (Personal Taste – aired on MBC, Boys over Flowers – aired on KBS), if only more time or thoughtfulness was put into the show…but then, nothing is perfect in this world and it just happens SBS proves it twice how imperfect it can be.

Well, despite of its deficiency, “Faith” remains my second favorite historic mini-drama series of all time, right behind “The Return of Iljimae”. I enjoy the chemistry between the two main characters, and how their love spans centuries but also warring beliefs.