It’s not often I revisit a review I wrote, but this is an exception. Back in 2014, I wrote a review of the Korean drama series Faith: The Great Doctor which was found on Netflix. The series disappeared from 
Netflix a year later and honestly, I’d not thought about the series in the last 12 years. That is, until March 2026 when the series suddenly reappeared in my Netflix queue.
Few historical dramas manage to balance romance, political intrigue, and fantasy as seamlessly as Faith: The Great Doctor. Its reappearance gives me a chance to redo my 2014 review.
Why?
Because there are so few time-travel stories based on real people done better than this one.
At the heart of the story is Choi Young, a loyal and stoic warrior from the Goryeo Dynasty. He is tasked with an extraordinary mission: to travel through a mystical portal called “Heaven’s Gate” and bring back the Devine Doctor capable of saving the queen’s life. The queen was attacked in an ambush and slashed by assassins. However, no one knows that the portal actually leads to modern-day Korea. Enter Yoo Eun-soo, a spirited plastic surgeon who suddenly finds herself transported 700 years into the past. What follows is not just a typical fish-out-of-water tale, but a well- thought-out emotional journey of
adaptation, sacrifice, and unexpected love.
One of the drama’s greatest strengths lies in its characters. Choi Young (portrayed by Lee Min-ho) is not your typical hero. His quiet strength and unwavering sense of duty make him both admirable and tragically burdened. In fact, Choi Young actually existed. He was a renowned Korean General born in 1316 and died in 1388. His tomb is a South Korean landmark.
Yoo Eun-Soo (played by Kim Hee-Seon), on the other hand, brings modern attitudes into a rigid historical setting, often challenging period norms with her intelligence and compassion. The chemistry between Choi Young and Yoo Eun-Soo evolves gradually. Thus, making their relationship feel earned rather than forced.
The supporting cast makes this story work. From cunning (and over the top) villains seeking power to loyal allies navigating court politics, every character plays a meaningful role in shaping this tale. Of special note is Kim Mi-kyung who plays Court Lady Choi. Lady Choi is in charge of the Queen’s court and frankly nothing happens in the palace she is unaware of or doesn’t influence. Frankly, Kim Mi-kyung dominates every scene she is in even when she speaks no lines. She is a joy to watch.
Visually, Faith: The Great Doctor captures the grandeur of the period through detailed costumes and colorful settings. While the special effects seem dated by today’s standards, they still contribute to the show’s charm, especially in depicting supernatural elements like the time portal and mystical healers. Each scene is a monument to its director, Kim Jong-hak, who sadly committed suicide after the production was completed.
This drama explores ideas of destiny, loyalty, and the true cost of power. It asks thought-provoking questions: Can one truly change fate? What does it mean to serve a greater good? And how far would you go for love in a world that constantly pulls you apart? It doesn’t shy away from moral ambiguity either, often presenting conflicts where there are no easy answers.
No character gets to coast through this saga. In episode 10, a nobleman’s son is brought to the palace doctor, Jang Bin (played by Korean-American Lee Phillip) complaining of abdominal pain and vomiting. Eun-Soo, believing it to be appendicitis, operates on the boy and saves his life. Afterwards, she is horrified when she finds out the boy’s name. She realizes that she has just saved the life of the man history says will kill her protector, Choi Young, in the future. Like I said, no one gets to coast.
Faith: The Great Doctor is not perfect. It tells its tale in 24 one hour episodes. Sometimes its pacing feels slow… painfully slow and challenging. Yet Faith: The Great Doctor rewards patient viewers who stick it out with a satisfying story arc. Its ability to intertwine historical drama with fantasy elements makes it stand out in a crowded genre.
Music is an universal language and the drama’s Original Soundtrack proves that. You don’t have to speak Korean to get the message the music and the background themes convey. Here is a link to the soundtrack on YouTube. Below is an expanded opening musical theme. The music is haunting and engaging and with the visuals tells a fascinating story.
