'Doctor on the Edge' ends on a high note, peaks at 7% ratings as new healing romance 'Dream to You' prepares to premiere

09 Jul 2026, 16:37 by K-Soul · allkpop

'Doctor on the Edge' concluded its run on a ratings high, reaching a nationwide personal best of 5.9% and peaking at 7.0%, making it the No. 1 program in its time slot and the top Monday-Tuesday drama.

The ENA Monday-Tuesday drama 'Doctor on the Edge' aired its finale on July 7, bringing the story of Do Ji Ui (played by Lee Jae Wook) and Yuk Ha Ri (Shin Ye Eun) to a heartfelt close. The two characters remained by each other's side, healing old emotional wounds and taking their first steps toward a new future together.

According to Nielsen Korea, the finale recorded a nationwide rating of 5.9%, setting a new series high. At its peak, the drama reached 7.0%, topping its time slot and all Monday-Tuesday dramas among paid households.

The final episode centered on a medical emergency after Yeom Byung Chul (played by Kim Yoon Bae), who had allowed Go Chang Mok (portrayed by Kim Hae Gon) to shift all blame onto him, was seriously injured in a drunk-driving accident. Facing life-threatening blood loss, nurse Yuk Ha Ri rushed to the temporarily closed island health clinic to gather medical supplies, while Do Ji Ui immediately began treatment. Thanks to their efforts, Yeom Byung Chul survived and gradually began to change.

However, saving a life soon created another crisis. Despite their actions being medically necessary, the treatment violated an administrative order closing the clinic. As disciplinary action loomed, Hwang Shin Hye (Joo In Young) stepped forward, insisting she would take full responsibility as the senior official.

Meanwhile, Choi Hyang Mi (Jung Ae Yeon) proposed helping Go Chang Mok's election campaign in exchange for restoring relations with Pyeondong Island and advancing his healthcare modernization plan.

Do Ji Ui, unwilling to compromise his principles, refused to remain silent, while Hyun Chi Yeon (Hong Min Ki) urged him to think about the colleagues and residents who desperately needed medical care.

Instead, Do Ji Ui chose to confront the situation head-on. During a public speech, he exposed Go Chang Mok's embezzlement of funds intended for healthcare modernization. The chaotic scene escalated further when Go Chang Mok suffered a dislocated kneecap.

Echoing Go Chang Mok's earlier claim that "government employees have no choice but to follow the system," Do Ji Ui initially refused to treat him. Faced with overwhelming pressure, Go Chang Mok finally surrendered, leading authorities to lift the temporary closure order on the island clinic.

The turning point ultimately came from Yeom Byung Chul. Though he had been responsible for putting the clinic in jeopardy, witnessing Do Ji Ui prioritize patients above everything else inspired him to hand over evidence proving the embezzlement.

With the island's biggest crisis resolved, spring finally arrived at Pyeondong Health Clinic. Outdated medical equipment was replaced with modern facilities, symbolizing a fresh beginning for the community.

The finale also marked an emotional farewell for the public health doctors. What had once been an unfamiliar island had become a place they called home, surrounded by residents who had become like family.

One of the episode's most memorable moments came when Do Ji Ui reflected on perseverance. He said, "I used to hate the word 'endure' because it felt like giving up before even starting. But after enduring everything, I realized that enduring is actually the strongest thing you can do."

Each character ultimately moved forward toward a new chapter. Hyun Chi Yeon embarked on a new path while cherishing his memories with the island residents. Um Jung Sun and Yong Joo Cheon envisioned a shared future together.

Yuk Ha Ri regained the strength to rebuild her life on Pyeondong Island, while Do Ji Ui slowly confronted the ocean that had long represented his deepest fear.

Standing together on the vast sea, the couple promised never to let go of each other before sealing their feelings with a kiss. The finale concluded by revealing Do Ji Ui's transfer to work at a prison medical facility, hinting at yet another beginning.

'Doctor on the Edge' followed public health physician Do Ji Ui, who unexpectedly found himself stranded on a remote island, and nurse Yuk Ha Ri, who fled to the island to escape reality. Blending medical drama, romance, and human warmth, the series starred Lee Jae Wook, Shin Ye Eun, Hong Min Ki, Lee Soo Kyung, and Kim Yoon Woo.

Rather than relying on sensational twists, the healing drama earned praise for its character-driven storytelling and the gradual emotional growth between its two leads. Initially at odds, Do Ji Ui and Yuk Ha Ri slowly came to understand each other's emotional scars, offering comfort and healing along the way. The series ultimately resonated with viewers and concluded on a satisfying note.

'Dream to You' to follow with another healing romance

Taking over ENA's Monday-Tuesday lineup is 'Dream to You,' another healing romantic comedy.

The series tells the story of Woo Soo Bin (played by Hwang In Youp), a gifted film director who returns after achieving success, and Joo Yi Jae (played by Hyeri), a hardworking reporter who gave up her dream of becoming a filmmaker years ago. Fifteen years after their first meeting, fate brings them back together.

Director Yoo Seon Dong, known for Disney+'s 'Trigger' and 'The Uncanny Counter' Seasons 1 and 2, helms the series. Writer Jung Eun Bi previously worked on Doom at Your Service and also participated in writing acclaimed hits such as Mr. Sunshine and Goblin, raising anticipation for the drama.

Speaking at the production presentation on July 7, Hwang In Youp described his character as someone who only began dreaming after experiencing first love. He explained, "As a child, he simply studied because his parents told him to. After meeting his first love, he finally discovered a dream of his own. He works hard to achieve that dream and hopes to help his first love rediscover hers as well."

Hyeri explained that her character had once dreamed of becoming a film director but abandoned that ambition to make a living as a reporter. She shared, "She forgets about her dream until she reunites with Hwang In Youp's character, who inspires her to dream again."

Hwang In Youp also highlighted one of the drama's central messages.

He said, "There's a line in the drama that says a dream doesn't have to be something extraordinary—what matters is seeing it through to the end. I believe everything we aspire to can be considered a dream, and that's how I try to live."

Director Yoo Seon Dong emphasized that Dream to You is more than just another reunion romance.

"It's a love story, but it's also about pursuing your dreams. Unlike many romance dramas, this series delivers an uplifting experience by exploring dreams alongside love. Ideally, we'd like to have both, but in reality, many people sacrifice love for their dreams—or dreams for love. That's what makes this romantic comedy unique. I hope viewers come away believing it's never too late to pursue either."

The cast also shared an ambitious ratings goal of 7%.

Hyeri joked that if the drama surpasses 7% nationwide ratings, she will host a special event where fans can watch the drama together in a movie theater while enjoying free popcorn. She shared, "I think this drama will awaken something in viewers—whether it's love, dreams, or cherished memories. For people who are tired from everyday life, I hope it becomes a small place of rest."

Dream to You premieres on July 13 at 10 PM KST.

Share this article SHARE