Episode 15 of Doctor Stranger once again tested my patience with it’s silly twists, turns, and lack of morals. Jae Joon burns the bridge of bromance and instead focuses his jealous energy on crushing Hoon. In addition, Soo Hyun’s feelings boil over, leading to a confession and the revelation of some hard truths. Can someone please tell me why this surgery competition refuses to die? At this point I wouldn’t be surprised if the victor isn’t chosen in time for the President’s surgery.

Show, please stop this ridiculousness!

Dr. Yang Tries to Sabotage the Surgery

Dr. Yang continues to carry out the orders of the Chairman Oh, even going so low as to break the surgical saw so that it will hurt Hoon.

Hoon ends up slicing open his hand right at the start of the surgery. Oh no!

Alas, it wouldn’t be Hoon if he didn’t have another trick up his sleeve. Turns out he can operate just as well using his non-dominant left hand! This kid never stops surprising me.

Hoon Needs A New First

After Nurse Min kicks Dr. Yang out of the operating room, Hoon calls over to Jae Joon to request the help of one of his team members.

Despite Jae Joon’s refusal that she leave, Soo Hyun decides to help out Hoon.

Needless to say, Jae Joon is not happy with her decision.

Both Surgeries Are Successful

Hoon continues to defy all the odds with his surgical skills. Patient with a severe blood clotting disorder? Not a problem. Sabotaging assistant? He can work around that. Hand wound gushing out blood? Just use the other one.

Seriously, Hoon proves again that he can’t be stopped no matter how big the problem.

Jae Joon is Angry

Jae Joon’s anger at Hoon is clearly evident throughout the entire episode. Not only is he upset that Hoon’s father supposedly backed out on helping with the lawsuit, but now he’s also reacting to Soo Hyun’s wayward feelings.

Soo Hyun’s Feelings for Hoon Reach Dangerous Levels

Soo Hyun can’t stop thinking about Hoon. When he congratulates her on a successful surgery, she holds on tight, not wanting to let go.

Soo Hyun goes on to confess to Jae Joon that she likes Hoon. Jae Joon is quick to point out that Hoon only has eyes for his beloved Jae Hee, but Soo Hyun defends that she can’t stop liking Hoon no matter how hard she tries. She leaves Jae Joon, telling him that “You’ll forget me soon.”

Chairman Oh Stirs Up More Trouble

The surgery may have been a success, but the patient remains in a coma to heal. Charmain Oh sends his son to inspire doubt in the patient’s wife. He reveals to her that Hoon was trained in North Korea and that the surgery was too risky to attempt, especially without consent.

As a result, the wife demands that Hoon wake up her husband to prove that he didn’t make a mistake. Are you kidding me? If the doctor says the patient needs to rest, then you should let him rest! Regardless, she continues to berate Hoon for his incompetence multiple times during this episode.

Hoon Defends His Actions

Hoon explains in great detail his reasons for performing the SAVER surgery without getting consent.

Remember when I said Jae Joon is angry with Hoon? Well he sure gives Hoon a verbal beating in this scene. He brings up each little problem connected to Hoon’s actions, not letting anything fall through the cracks. The other doctors flinch at his words, especially when he claims that if the patient doesn’t wake up, Hoon will be facing a charge for murder.

Jae Joon, stop being such an asshole!

Where Did the Bromance Go?

Even Hoon questions why Jae Joon’s personality suddenly took an abrupt turn. I was really enjoying the budding friendship between these two, but this episode did a great job stomping on my hopes and dreams. When is Jae Joon going to find out that he and Hoon are actually on the same side. It better be soon!

Soo Hyun Confesses to Hoon and Gets a Nasty Surprise in Return

Soo Hyun finally lets her feelings be known to our lead doctor, explaining that she wants to help him because she likes him.

Rather than make excuses, Hoon lists the most obvious reason why they would never work out: her dad was the one who sent his dad to North Korea. There’s no escaping the hard truth.

Even worse, her dad confirms his role in sending away Hoon’s dad. He instructs her to stay far away from Hoon.

 Hoon’s Patient Wakes Up

Thankfully, Hoon’s patient is finally revived without any problem. The murder crisis has been averted and the wife suddenly forgets her past qualms. On the downside, this means that Jae Joon and Hoon remain tied in the ridiculous competition. They must continue to battle on.

Jae Joon Comforts Soo Hyun’s Broken Heart

Jae Joon finds out Soo Hyun stayed home from work, claiming to have come down with a cold. He goes over to her house and finds her suffering from Hoon’s rejection.

Despite his initial reaction to turn away, he instead draws Soo Hyun close and lets her cry into his shoulder.

Could he actually be in love with Soo Hyun? Will he be able to capture the castle if he’s fallen for the princess?

Hoon Promises to Be Patient

Hoon concedes to give Jae Hee the month that she needs to sort out the North Korean spy stuff.

All he asks is that his mother is well taken care of.

Soo Hyun Discovers Hoon Has Feelings for Sueng Hee/Jae Hee

Soo Hyun heads over to Hoon’s place and discovers shocking evidence that Seung Hee is actually Hoon’s lost love.

While snooping, she sees that Hoon’s desktop picture is of Hoon and Seung Hee on a date.

She digs some more and uncovers the CD with Sueng Hee’s test results. Alas, I do not actually know what the scan shows so I’ll have to wait for tomorrow’s episode to know what this means.

And just when Soo Hyun thinks it can’t get any worse, Hoon and Jae Hee walk into the room holding hands.

Dun dun dun…

In Conclusion

Really show? Why do you have to be so frustrating? Not only is the surgery competition STILL going on, but I also had to watch Hoon spend much of the episode under fire for saving his patient despite the 100+ reasons why any other doctor would have failed at the task. If the doctor says the patient needs to stay in a coma for a few extra days to fully recover, THEN LET HIM STAY IN A COMA. Apparently listening to the doctor’s orders isn’t something that needs to be done in dramaland. Sheesh.

So Hyun was a mess this episode. Her longing after Hoon has become downright pitiful and at this point I’m just hoping she and Jae Joon can figure out a way to patch up their relationship. Hoon’s not going to let go of Jae Hee any time soon and Soo Hyun is now at a crossroads because of the newly discovered information about Seung Hee. I hope her character will be able to move past the current shell that she’s wallowing in.

I can understand why Jae Joon is currently upset with Hoon, but I really, really hope this doesn’t get dragged out much longer. Hoon and Jae Joon should be working together against their common enemy, not spending their days fighting over the stupid competition. I’m hopeful that Soo Hyun will spill the beans in the next episode about her father’s involvement in spending Hoon’s dad to North Korea, but knowing this show, this crucial information will remain hidden much longer than it should be.

I just want to see some Jae Joon and Hoon bromance!

On another note, this is hands down my favorite screencap from episode 15:

Yay Doctor Moon for always bringing the comic relief!

What did you think of this episode? How will Soo Hyun react to seeing Jae Hee and Hoon together?

Will the stupid surgery competition ever die?

Thanks for reading!

Rachel