Lee Jae Wook and Shin Ye Eun Confirmed to Lead Webtoon Drama The Persevering Doctor

Lee Jae Wook and Shin Ye Eun to star in The Persevering Doctor.
A medical rom-com set on Pyeondong Island.
Premiering on ENA in 2026.

K-drama fans have another exciting pairing to look forward to—Lee Jae Wook and Shin Ye Eun are officially set to star together in the upcoming ENA series The Persevering Doctor (working title). Adapted from the popular webtoon Doctor Jonbeo, this drama is already drawing strong reactions across social media for its unusual setting, promising storyline, and the chemistry between its leads.

Scheduled for broadcast in 2026, the drama combines elements of romance, comedy, and medical slice-of-life storytelling, giving viewers a mix that feels both heartwarming and refreshing.

A Medical Rom-Com with an Unlikely Setting

The series follows Do Ji Eui (Lee Jae Wook), a former plastic surgeon at a university hospital who now works as a public health doctor. Carrying personal trauma related to oceans and islands, Ji Eui finds himself assigned to the infamous and isolated Pyeondong Island—a place shunned by many because of its harsh conditions and struggling infrastructure.

There, he meets Yook Ha Ri (Shin Ye Eun), a nurse who transferred from a university hospital. Ha Ri is known for her compassion and determination, refusing to let gossip distract her from helping her patients. Her mysterious past only adds intrigue to the character, and her first encounter with Ji Eui marks the start of a journey that balances medical crises, personal growth, and romantic comedy.

Lee Jae Wook expressed his thoughts about the role, saying:

“This is my first time playing a doctor, so I am as worried as I am excited, but I will do my best. It will be a new challenge and a valuable experience.”

Meanwhile, Shin Ye Eun shared her enthusiasm after the first script reading:

“I became convinced that it is really a fun drama. I want to create it with confidence.”

With a narrative set against the backdrop of a remote medical facility, the drama brings together themes of perseverance, healing, and unexpected connection.

The announcement quickly spread across platforms like X and Reddit, where fans shared their excitement and curiosity about the pairing. Many were surprised but delighted to see Lee Jae Wook and Shin Ye Eun cast together, noting how both actors have consistently proven their versatility.

One user on X reacted simply but enthusiastically:

“Yes please.”

Another highlighted Shin Ye Eun’s packed schedule:

“Shin Yeeun doesn’t even rest.”

Fans on Reddit echoed similar sentiments. One comment read:

“This pairing is totally unexpected (for me!) but damn Ye Eun literally has a chemistry with everyone—I’m so excited on how they’d do in the future.”

Another questioned Lee Jae Wook’s workload ahead of his mandatory service:

“How is Lee Jae Wook finishing all these projects before the military enlistment??!!”

Some users also pointed out how the premise fits into a familiar but beloved trope:

“So another ‘big city person transfers to a rural area.’ It’s definitely made for me. I like it.”

Shin Ye Eun, in particular, has been praised for her growing and diverse filmography. Fans celebrated her ability to balance multiple projects, with one saying:

“Will watch this for Shin Ye Eun. This girl is so charming and probably has the most diverse filmography among her peers.”

Meanwhile, excitement about the chemistry between the leads continues to dominate discussions:

“I can literally feel the chemistry already.”

With a unique mix of medical themes, romantic comedy, and the strong star power of its leads, The Persevering Doctor is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated K-dramas of 2026. Fans are already counting down to its release, eager to see how Lee Jae Wook and Shin Ye Eun bring this beloved webtoon to life.

Sources: Soompi, Allkpop