Poong, The Joseon Psychiatrist (2022–2023)
August 16, 2025
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🌸 Poong, The Joseon Psychiatrist (2022–2023) – Healing Hearts in the Joseon Era
K-dramas have long been known for their ability to blend emotion, history, and humanity into compelling narratives. Poong, The Joseon Psychiatrist, which aired between 2022 and 2023, stands out as a unique entry in historical drama, offering not just political intrigue and romance, but also a heartfelt exploration of mental health during the Joseon Dynasty.
📖 The Story
The drama follows Yoo Se-poong (played by Kim Min-jae), a brilliant physician in the royal court, renowned for his acupuncture skills. However, a scandal leads to his banishment from the palace, shattering his career and self-confidence. Exiled from the grandeur of court life, Se-poong wanders until he arrives at Gyesu Village, where he meets new companions who help him discover a different kind of healing.
Here, he learns that treating illnesses is not only about the body but also about the mind and spirit. Guided by his mentor, Gye Ji-han (Kim Sang-kyung), and supported by the warm-hearted widow Seo Eun-woo (Kim Hyang-gi), Se-poong transforms from a fallen court doctor into the “Joseon Psychiatrist,” helping villagers overcome trauma, grief, and emotional pain.
🌟 Characters and Performances
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Kim Min-jae as Yoo Se-poong – His portrayal captures the vulnerability of a man stripped of honor yet finding strength in compassion.
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Kim Hyang-gi as Seo Eun-woo – A young widow with resilience, offering both romance and emotional depth to the story.
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Kim Sang-kyung as Gye Ji-han – The gruff yet wise mentor whose humor balances the show’s heavier themes.
The chemistry between the three leads creates a perfect balance of warmth, wit, and wisdom.
🧠 Themes: Healing Beyond Medicine
What makes the drama refreshing is its focus on mental health, a theme rarely tackled in historical settings. By portraying conditions like trauma, depression, and anxiety within a Joseon-era backdrop, the show cleverly draws parallels to modern issues, reminding viewers that human struggles with the mind and heart are timeless.
The series also emphasizes empathy, showing how kindness and understanding can be as powerful as medicine in healing wounds.
🎬 Production and Reception
Beautifully shot with scenic landscapes, vibrant hanboks, and authentic period detail, the show delivers the aesthetic of a classic sageuk while maintaining a light, hopeful tone. Its mix of humor, heartfelt stories, and historical insight earned it strong viewership and critical praise.
The two-season run (2022–2023) gave fans a chance to fully experience Se-poong’s journey from disgrace to redemption, ending on a hopeful and heartwarming note.
🌸 Conclusion
Poong, The Joseon Psychiatrist is more than just a historical drama — it’s a story about compassion, resilience, and the power of understanding the human heart. With a mix of romance, humor, and life lessons, it not only entertains but also inspires, making it one of the most memorable K-dramas of its era.