Life (2018 South Korean Television Series)
Life is a South Korean medical drama series that aired on the cable network JTBC from July 23 to September 11, 2018. The series consists of 16 episodes and was written by Lee Soo-yeon, known for her work on the acclaimed series Stranger. The show is directed by Hong Jong-chan.
Plot Synopsis
The narrative centers on the internal power struggles at Sangkook University Hospital. Ye Jin-woo, played by Lee Dong-wook, is a dedicated doctor in the emergency medical center who deeply respects the hospital director, Lee Bo-hoon. The conflict begins when Ye Jin-woo learns from his brother, Ye Sun-woo, that the director may have been involved in the misappropriation of government subsidies. Shortly thereafter, the director dies under suspicious circumstances, officially ruled an accident, though Ye Jin-woo suspects foul play.
The arrival of Koo Seung-hyo, portrayed by Cho Seung-woo, as the new president of the hospital introduces a clash between medical ethics and corporate profitability. A businessman by trade, Koo aims to streamline hospital operations, including the controversial decision to transfer several departments—such as the emergency medical center—to other facilities to reduce financial losses. This leads to intense resistance from the medical staff and a subsequent strike.
Production
The series marked a reunion for actor Cho Seung-woo and screenwriter Lee Soo-yeon, who had previously collaborated on the drama Stranger. The production held its first script reading on March 29, 2018, at the JTBC building in Sangam, Seoul. The series occupied the Monday and Tuesday 23:00 time slot on JTBC, following Ms. Hammurabi and preceding The Beauty Inside.
Cast
The ensemble cast includes:
- Lee Dong-wook as Ye Jin-woo
- Cho Seung-woo as Koo Seung-hyo
- Won Jin-a as Lee No-eul
- Lee Kyoo-hyung as Ye Sun-woo
- Yoo Jae-myung as Joo Kyung-moon
- Moon So-ri as Oh Se-hwa
- Moon Sung-geun as Kim Tae-sang
- Cheon Ho-jin as Lee Bo-hoon
