ENA drama 'Doctor on the Edge' maintains No.1 ratings for five straight episodes after record-breaking premiere

16 Jun 2026, 22:35 by K-Soul · allkpop

ENA’s highly anticipated new series 'Doctor on the Edge' has been heating up the small screen. Since its very first broadcast, the drama has ranked No. 1 across all channels in its time slot for three consecutive weeks and has continued its strong upward momentum without relinquishing the top spot.

Record-breaking premiere sets a new ENA milestone

Airing for the first time on the 1st, 'Doctor on the Edge' posted a nationwide rating of 4.0%, marking the highest-ever premiere rating for an ENA drama. Considering that most cable and general programming channel dramas typically debut in the 2 to 3 percent range, the launch immediately stood out.

The drama also peaked at 4.5% in minute-by-minute ratings, securing first place across all channels in its time slot from the very first episode.

Episode 2 rose further to 5.0%, continuing its upward trend. Episode 3 reached 5.1 percent nationwide, setting another personal best. Episode 4 climbed to 5.2% nationwide and peaked at 6.3%, maintaining No. 1 across all channels in its time slot for two consecutive weeks.

Episode 5, which aired on June 15, introduced the full-scale romance between Lee Jae Wook and Shin Ye Eun, recording a new personal best of 5.5% among paid households in the metropolitan area. The peak minute rating reached 6.1%, marking three consecutive weeks at No. 1 in its time slot.

What kind of drama is it? Streaming buzz grows

'Doctor on the Edge' gained attention for its fresh ensemble cast, most of whom are appearing in an ENA drama for the first time, including Lee Jae Wook, Shin Ye Eun, Hong Min Gi, Lee Soo Kyung, and Kim Yoon Woo.

The series is based on the webtoon 'Jongbeo Doctor,' serialized on KakaoPage and Kakao Webtoon by writer Kim Tae Poong. The original title was initially considered for the drama, but was changed due to concerns over inappropriate language, ultimately becoming 'Doctor on the Edge.'

Directed by Lee Myung Woo and written by Kim Ji Soo, the drama is produced by The Studio M and planned by KT Studio Genie.

It is a medical human romantic drama set on the isolated island of Pyeondong Island. The story follows a public health doctor reluctantly assigned to a remote island no one wants to go to, and a nurse who returns to the island carrying her own secrets. The series runs for a total of 12 episodes.

Early in its run, the drama also topped Disney+ Korea’s ranking, surpassing the hit series 'Gold Land,' drawing additional attention.

'Doctor on the Edge' airs every Monday and Tuesday at 10 PM on ENA and is also available on Genie TV and Disney+. Its simultaneous success on both linear television and OTT platforms has led to evaluations that it carries influence beyond a typical cable drama.

Lee Jae Wook and Shin Ye Eun’s chemistry and casting appeal

The leads driving the drama’s popularity are Lee Jae Wook and Shin Ye Eun.

Lee Jae Wook plays Do Ji Ui, a highly skilled plastic surgeon who followed an elite path but suffers from severe “sea trauma” caused by a past incident. He is eventually assigned as a public health doctor to Pyeondong Island, where he is surrounded entirely by the ocean, forcing him to confront his fear.

Shin Ye Eun portrays Yook Ha Ri, a nurse who returns to the island with a hidden past. Beneath her bright and bold exterior lie emotional wounds, and her relationship with Do Ji Ui becomes one of mutual healing and growth.

The supporting cast also strengthens the narrative. Hong Min Gi plays Hyun Chi Yeon, a flawless public health doctor from a long line of physicians. Lee Soo Kyung plays Eom Jung Seon, a native island nurse who admires the island but cannot leave it. Kim Yoon Woo appears as Yong Joo Cheon, a cheerful oriental medicine doctor beloved by residents. Veteran actress Gil Hae Yeon adds depth as Oh Mi Ja, a pillar of strength within the island community.

Lee Jae Wook’s final project before military enlistment

The drama has drawn additional attention as Lee Jae Wook’s return project six months after KBS2’s 'Last Summer,' and reportedly his final work before military enlistment.

In a previous interview, Lee Jae Wook said, “Enlistment cannot be delayed any further. This is the final deadline.” Fans have since shown heightened interest, viewing the drama as the last opportunity to see him on screen before his military hiatus.

He described the series as “a growth story for everyone,” adding that viewers would naturally empathize by following the characters’ development and relationships.

He also shared that the set featured actors from different generations, and praised the senior cast for stabilizing the production atmosphere, noting that there were many enjoyable and memorable moments during filming.

Shin Ye Eun added that the story is universally relatable and designed for long-lasting appeal. She highlighted its emotional episodes, a fresh public health doctor setting, and the charm of the island residents as key differentiating points. She described the romance between Do Ji Ui and Yook Ha Ri as a blend of “delicacy and boldness.”

When asked about her first impression of Lee Jae Wook, she jokingly said he seemed “scary,” later revising it to “like a model,” showcasing their playful on-set chemistry.

Episode 5 marks the first kiss and full romance launch

Episode 5 delivered a long-awaited moment for viewers. After waking from a traumatic sea accident, Do Ji Ui finds Yook Ha Ri by his side, learning that she was the one who saved him. Overwhelmed with gratitude and guilt, he begins to confront his feelings.

Yook Ha Ri also reveals her hidden pain, confessing she returned to the island to escape to her grandmother. Do Ji Ui comforts her sincerely, saying that everyone runs away when things become too hard, including himself.

At the end of the episode, Do Ji Ui admits he avoided her because he was afraid his feelings would be exposed. In response, Yook Ha Ri boldly bites his lip and asks, “I bit you. So what happens to us now?” The two then share a kiss, officially launching their romance.

Viewers reacted enthusiastically, leaving comments such as “Finally this scene,” “They’re perfect together,” and “Both are so beautiful and great actors.”

Meanwhile, supporting character storylines are also gaining momentum. Yong Joo Cheon, burdened by guilt over a patient he failed to properly care for, finds strength through Eom Jung Seon’s quiet encouragement, hinting at another developing romance.

A sudden health issue involving Oh Mi Ja, the emotional center of the island, raises tension and adds depth to the narrative. The richly drawn island residents and their intertwined stories continue to give the drama a warm, human-centered appeal that resonates with viewers.

'Doctor on the Edge' Carries Forward Success Streak Set by Previous Hit 'The Scarecrow'

ENA previously saw strong success with its earlier drama 'Scarecrow,' which climbed steadily from a 2.9 percent premiere rating to a 8.1 percent finale. 'Doctor on the Edge' has started from an even higher base and continues its upward trajectory, raising expectations over whether it can surpass its predecessor’s performance. The back-to-back success has drawn industry attention to ENA’s growing strength in drama production and planning.

'Doctor on the Edge' airs every Monday and Tuesday at 10 PM on ENA and is also available simultaneously on KT Genie TV and Disney+.

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