Lee Jae-wook and Shin Ye-eun Cast in Medical Romance 'The Stubborn Doctor' Set for 2026

The upcoming Genie TV original drama, tentatively titled 'The Stubborn Doctor', has confirmed its lead cast with Lee Jae-wook and Shin Ye-eun, and has officially begun filming.

Scheduled for release in 2026, the series centers on a medical romantic comedy set in an isolated and notorious island called 'Pyeondong Island'. The story follows Do Ji-han (Lee Jae-wook), a public health doctor assigned to the island, and Yuk Ha-ri (Shin Ye-eun), a nurse with a mysterious past.

Directed by Lee Myung-woo, known for his witty work on 'Gyeongseong Creature' and 'The Fiery Priest', and penned by writer Kim Ji-soo, the drama is based on the popular webtoon of the same name by Kim Tae-poong.

Lee Jae-wook will portray Do Ji-han, a former university hospital plastic surgeon who, due to a trauma related to the sea, finds himself working as a public health doctor in the very place he dreaded most, Pyeondong Island, marking a significant turning point in his life.

Shin Ye-eun takes on the role of Yuk Ha-ri, a nurse who appears with a secret history. Unfazed by rumors and speculation, she possesses a strong passion for her work and genuine affection for her patients, soon finding someone on the island who particularly captures her desire to heal.

Lee Jae-wook expressed his excitement, stating, "I'm already thrilled to meet viewers with 'The Stubborn Doctor'. While I have concerns about playing a doctor for the first time, I will do my best to create a good production with the excellent director, writer, and fellow actors." Shin Ye-eun added, "The story unfolding on an island where a community lives together was intriguing. I became confident that this is a truly fun drama during the script reading and want to build it well."

'The Stubborn Doctor' is set to premiere in 2026 on channel ENA and will be exclusively available for free VOD viewing on KT's Genie TV.

Lee Jae-wook has garnered significant attention for his powerful performances in works such as 'Alchemy of Souls' and 'Doona!'. He is recognized for his versatility across various genres, establishing himself as a leading romantic lead actor. 'The Stubborn Doctor' is anticipated to showcase a fresh side of his acting capabilities.