I would not know how this sequel may pale in comparison with the first show for the simple reason that I haven’t watched the first one. Safe to say I found Romantic Doctor, Teacher Kim 2 absolutely entertaining. Praise to the excellent acting cast, exciting storyline and good directing with appropriate music themes. Never lacking in romance, conflicts and medical jargons. Gratifying indeed to see how master surgeon Dr. Kim Sa-bu shapes and refines the raw characters of young surgeons Dr. Seo Woo-jin and Dr. Cha Eun-jae into outstanding professionals. Woo-jin, talented but having a traumatic childhood past and Eun-jae, dedicated and intelligent but then nervous and lacking in self-confidence. See how the two doctors are polished into gems with the passage of time. Also like the childlike and cute character of Dr. Yoon Ah-reum who weaves nicely into the story with her bright smiles and dimples.
Brickbats: viewers may notice at least two distractions. Repeated and overuse of artificial golden lights to depict sunset scenes inside Doldam Hospital. Once too many. And characters, whether protagonists or antagonists, often eavesdrop onto one another’s conversation with ease as the story unfolds.