| Native Title | 연애박사 |
| Also Know as | Doctor of Love, Dating Expert, Romance Expert, Yeonae Baksa, Yeonaebaksa |
| Director | Ahn Pan-Seok |
| Writer | Min Hyo-Jung |
| Distributor | ENA |
| Air Time | Monday, Tuesday 22:00 |
| Content Rating | Not Yet Rated |
| Runtime | 12 episodes |
| Genre | Romance, Comedy, Melodrama, Life, Youth, Human, Coming-Of-Age |
| Language | Korean |
| Country | South Korea |
| Release Date | 2026-10-05 |
| End Date | 2026-11-10 |
"Love Doctor" is an upcoming 2026 South Korean romantic comedy series that follows two graduate students in a robotics laboratory as they navigate personal recovery, academic challenges, and an unexpected connection.
Directed by Ahn Pan-seok and written by Min Hyo-jung, “Love Doctor” (native title: “연애박사”) is a 12-episode romantic comedy-melodrama with coming-of-age elements. Each episode runs approximately 70 minutes. The series is set to premiere on ENA in the second half of 2026 as a Monday-Tuesday drama and will also stream on Genie TV. It centers on the academic and personal lives of two researchers collaborating on robotic prosthetics while exploring themes of resilience, second chances, and budding romance within a university environment.
Park Min-jae is a doctoral candidate in mechanical engineering at Seoul National University. A former competitive swimmer, he lost a leg to osteosarcoma and shifted his focus to robotics research, dedicating years to perfecting prosthetic technology and mobility solutions. Beneath a nonchalant exterior, he remains a straightforward person with a personal bucket list that includes experiencing romance.
Im Yu-jin joins the same robotics program as a master’s student after her previous path in clothing and textiles was disrupted when she became a whistleblower. Drawn to the field of robotics, she applies her knowledge of materials and design to the lab’s prosthetic projects. As the two collaborate closely, their professional partnership gradually develops into a deeper personal relationship amid the everyday realities of graduate student life, family dynamics, and individual healing.
Early interest is strong due to the pairing of Choo Young-woo and Kim So-hyun, the involvement of director Ahn Pan-seok (known for nuanced, realistic romantic dramas), and the distinctive setting of a robotics research lab. Viewers anticipate a blend of heartfelt romance, personal growth stories, and the rarely depicted daily lives of graduate students.
Director Ahn Pan-seok brings his signature approach to mature, emotionally grounded romance, while writer Min Hyo-jung returns to television after a long absence, marking a notable collaboration.
The series is set primarily in a university robotics laboratory, offering a fresh backdrop that combines scientific innovation with personal and romantic development – something infrequently explored in the genre.
Both leads undergo significant life transitions: one rebuilding after the loss of an athletic career and physical change, the other reinventing herself after professional upheaval. Their stories emphasize resilience and rediscovery.
Principal photography began in late 2025 and concluded in February 2026. Script reading sessions featured the main cast and director, with photos shared publicly to build early excitement. The project is a collaboration involving Studio Goti and KT Studio Genie.
“Love Doctor” promises a thoughtful and engaging romantic comedy that pairs scientific ambition with emotional vulnerability. Anchored by Choo Young-woo and Kim So-hyun under the direction of Ahn Pan-seok, the series explores how two people rebuilding their lives can find unexpected connection and growth. With its campus setting, focus on graduate-student experiences, and blend of warmth and realism, it stands out as a promising addition to the 2026 Korean drama lineup for viewers who enjoy character-driven romances with meaningful personal stakes.
“Love Doctor” is set to premiere on ENA starting October 5, 2026, airing on Mondays and Tuesdays.
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