Brain (2011 South Korean TV Series)

Brain is a South Korean medical drama series that aired on KBS2 from November 14, 2011, to January 17, 2012. The series, which consists of 20 episodes, was broadcast on Monday and Tuesday nights at 21:55. It follows the professional and personal lives of medical staff at the prestigious Chunha University Hospital.

Plot Summary

The narrative centers on Lee Kang-Hoon, an exceptionally skilled but arrogant neurosurgeon at Chunha University Hospital. Driven by a difficult upbringing and the traumatic memory of his father's death—which he attributes to a doctor's negligence—Kang-Hoon is intensely focused on professional success. His career path is marked by rivalry with Seo Joon-Suk, a colleague from a privileged medical background, and a strained relationship with the hospital's esteemed surgeon, Kim Sang-Chul, who prioritizes patient care over Kang-Hoon's ambition.

Production

The series was directed by Yoo Hyun-Ki and Song Hyun-Wook, with a screenplay written by Yoon Kyung-Ah. During the pre-production phase in September 2011, there was a significant change in the cast. On September 20, 2011, actors Lee Sang-Yun, Yoon Seung-Ah, Lee Hyun-Jin, and Kim Soo-Hyun were removed from the project shortly after their first script reading. Production staff stated that these changes were made because the actors did not align with the intended character portrayals regarding age, acting style, or personality.

Cast

The primary cast includes:

• Shin Ha-Kyun as Lee Kang-Hoon
• Jung Jin-Young as Kim Sang-Chul
• Choi Jung-Won as Yoon Ji-Hye
• Jo Dong-Hyuk as Seo Joon-Suk