Main Insights
- The rising popularity of manhwa is largely fueled by inventive genres such as action-scaling and isekai-romance.
- Medical-themed manhwa are often overlooked but present compelling tales that merge healthcare with elements of action and romance.
- Titles like The Holy Power of Modern Medicine cleverly navigate medical situations through captivating visual art.
The release of Solo Leveling, recently hailed as one of the top action manhwa, ignited widespread curiosity and enthusiasm for this unique comic style. Who wouldn’t want to engage with art that feels almost celestial? These comic books, emerging from South Korea, are celebrated for their stunning illustrations and enthralling narratives that keep readers eagerly anticipating the next installment.
Though the manhwa landscape is rich with diverse genres, enthusiasts often find themselves gravitating towards the abundant scaling-action and isekai-romance categories. While these genres may share similar themes, each piece maintains its distinctive flair. In contrast, the medical genre in manhwa remains relatively unrecognized. However, there exists a treasure trove of captivating stories set in the often underappreciated realm of medicine, many of which seamlessly weave in action and romance elements.
Updated on October 23, 2024, by Fatima Naeem: The enduring appeal of medical content across various media can be attributed to its gravity and complexity, which can benefit from a fictional perspective. True medical circumstances demand expert intervention, yet intertwining these themes within fictional narratives permits audiences to safely explore various outcomes. Manhwa, characterized by its imaginative flair and visual storytelling, represents a fascinating medium for readers to delve into these scenarios, offering both captivating narratives and visual allure.
15 The Holy Power Of Modern Medicine
A Miracle Doctor Reborn as a Toddler
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Goreap (Writer), Hammi (Artist) |
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Status |
Ongoing |
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Genres |
Adventure, Fantasy |
The Holy Power of Modern Medicine is an exceptional manhwa that intricately fuses reincarnation, character development, and medical themes. Launched in 2022, it has published 79 chapters to date. The tale centers around Dr. Shin Yoosung, a miraculous physician recognized for reviving patients from death’s grasp and celebrated in the medical realm as the “Hand of God.”
Despite his remarkable surgical skills and extraordinary track record, Yoosung faces exhaustion and isolation from his colleagues. After triumphantly saving yet another life, Yoosung’s journey takes a dramatic turn when he encounters a truck in a typical isekai fashion, leading him to a fantasy realm where he becomes a toddler named Ray, blessed with loving parents and magical healing abilities.
14 Dr. Choi Giseok Levels Up
A Veteran Doctor Awakens Inside an Intern’s Body
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Yoon Baekhyun (Writer), Jang Seonhye (Artist) |
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Status |
Ongoing |
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Genres |
Drama, Supernatural |
Incorporating reincarnation elements is a hallmark of manhwa storytelling. Similar to The Holy Power of Modern Medicine, Dr. Choi Giseok Levels Up delves into the resurrection theme. Since its debut in 2022, this series has published 97 chapters on its official platform.
Following the tale of surgical resident Dr. Jung Haejin, we find him waking in the body of Choi Giseok, a fresh medical graduate ready to embark on his surgical internship after being fatally struck by a truck on his last day of residency. With a newfound opportunity at life, Haejin is determined to mold Giseok into the nation’s premier cardiothoracic surgeon. Adding an unusual twist, he begins to perceive mysterious holographic interfaces appearing over himself and others.
13 Super Genius DNA
A Pharmacist Receives Superhuman Intelligence
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Lim Ido (Writer), Ji Unseong (Artist) |
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Status |
Completed |
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Genres |
Supernatural |
Super Genius DNA shifts its focus towards pharmaceuticals rather than direct medical practice. Premiering in 2020, this series wrapped up in 2023, amassing a total of 120 chapters.
Ryu Youngjoon, a research scientist at a top pharmaceutical firm, faces adversity when he raises concerns against unethical company practices and subsequently faces suspension. Tumultuous stress impacts his health, leading to a surprising twist: he is granted enhanced intelligence and strength upon accidental contact with ‘artificial cells’ at work. With these newfound abilities, he aims to unveil corruption in the pharmaceutical industry.
12 The Legendary Beasts Animal Hospital
A Lighthearted Fantasy Series Centering on Veterinary Medicine
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Ecira and Hari (Writers), Choi Pal-Ho (Artist) |
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Status |
Ongoing |
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Genres |
Fantasy |
Despite the essential role of veterinary medicine, it often lacks representation in manhwa. Thankfully, The Legendary Beasts Animal Hospital is a 2020 fantasy manhwa that skillfully merges humor, seriousness, and whimsy, shedding light on this field.
This narrative follows a strong-willed veterinarian, Ahyeong, who is at risk of losing her animal clinic to bankruptcy. Although she appears confident, self-doubt creeps in until a striking woman enters her clinic seeking help for a ‘reptile.’ This unusual patient turns out to be a 156-year-old dragon needing assistance for her reptilian concerns.
11 The Apothecary Prince
A Practitioner of Traditional Medicine in a European Setting
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Moon Back-kyung (Writer), Dadaeng (Artist) |
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Status |
Ongoing |
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Genres |
Action, Adventure, Fantasy |
Reincarnation notably features in many manhwa, often depicting exceptionally skilled healthcare professionals who navigate and assist individuals in worlds steeped in outdated medical knowledge.
The Apothecary Prince adopts a unique approach with its protagonist—rather than a conventional physician, he practices traditional Korean medicine to aid those around him. The story explores his journey as he applies traditional healing methods within a European fantasy context, providing a fresh perspective on the genre.
10 My Secret Roommate
An Enemies-To-Lovers Romance In a Medical Context
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Jin Soye (Writer), Kim Jinhee (Artist) |
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Status |
Completed |
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Genres |
Romance |
My Secret Roommate captures the essence of a medical narrative that leans more towards emotional engagement than strict medical accuracy. This enemies-to-lovers tale incorporates elements of a marriage-of-convenience while focusing on the slow-burning romance between a doctor and her longtime adversary.
The plot revolves around Hyemin, an ambitious neurosurgery resident, who unexpectedly encounters her childhood rival, Sooha, as a patient. Sooha, suffering from narcolepsy, requires frequent medical attention, creating a unique situation. Initially hesitant due to their past conflicts, Hyemin finds a mutual agreement that aligns their needs.
9 Doctor Player
The Journey of an Underestimated Healer in a Fantasy Realm
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Yuin (Writer), Rikodaram (Artist) |
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Status |
Ongoing |
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Genres |
Action, Adventure, Fantasy |
Doctor Player merges fantasy with medical themes, offering a fresh twist devoid of reincarnation. Launched in 2022, it currently encompasses 65 chapters.
8 The Ghost Doctor
A High Schooler Teams Up with a Ghost Doctor for Medical Adventures
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Lee Haenal (Writer), Kim Hyeongsa (Artist) |
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Status |
Ongoing |
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Genres |
Supernatural |
The Ghost Doctor represents a departure from traditional themes, as it premiered in 2021 and focuses on supernatural elements rather than common reincarnation motifs.
This story follows Mujin, an ordinary high school student who stumbles upon an unusual scalpel, unwittingly unleashing the spirit of Acle, a highly skilled yet deceased physician. Under Acle’s mentorship, Mujin unlocks remarkable medical talents, leading to increased attention and esteem from those around him.
7 Perfect Surgeon
A Lethargic Doctor Receives Aid from an Advanced AI
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Moedal (Writer), Gyeongseok (Artist) |
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Status |
Ongoing |
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Genres |
Drama, Supernatural |
Perfect Surgeon, a work initiated in 2022, has recently accumulated 99 chapters. This narrative also explores a struggling doctor who faces a crisis of self-worth.
Initially on a trajectory of success, Dr. Jang Hyunjun’s life takes a severe downturn following his mother’s untimely death from illness. To cover mounting medical costs, he reluctantly resorts to a lackluster career as a dermatologist. However, a life-altering encounter introduces him to an autonomous AI, named Ronnie, who aids in transforming his professional life.
6 Trauma Center: Golden Hour
A Socially Awkward Traumatologist with a Drive to Save Lives
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Hansan Leega (Writer), Hong Bichi-ra (Artist) |
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Status |
Completed |
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Genres |
Drama |
Trauma Center: Golden Hour stands out due to its straightforward approach, differentiating it from other medical manhwa. Since its introduction in 2019, it has amassed 147 chapters.
The plot centers on Dr. Baek Kanghyuk, an exceptionally talented traumatologist tasked with the revival of a languishing trauma hospital. The belief that he possesses the skills to restore its former glory proves accurate, as his unique methods and passion for patient care begin to effect profound change in the facility.
5 Doctor’s Rebirth
A Physician’s Second Chance Amidst War
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Taesun (Writer), Dobin (Artist) |
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Status |
Ongoing |
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Genres |
Action, Fantasy |
Doctor’s Rebirth leans into traditional themes, differing from many contemporary medical manhwa. Launched in 2021, it currently features 147 chapters.
Dr. Jin Cheonhee, a young doctor compelled to volunteer in a war-torn area, suffers fatal consequences during his service. Reborn in the universe of his favored novel, Murim, he resumes his medical responsibilities in what becomes a perilous environment filled with demons, assuming the identity of a child in this new world.
4 The Divine Surgeon
Reborn as a Renowned Chinese Physician
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Park Dongshin (Writer), Choi Byungick (Artist) |
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Status |
Ongoing |
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Genres |
Drama |
The Divine Surgeon premiered in 2022, set during the Eastern Han Period of the Chinese Dynasty. This engaging series, currently with 147 chapters, features a compelling isekai premise.
It follows Dr. Han Jinsoo, an honorable man whose life spirals after being betrayed and murdered by a professor. Given a choice between resurrection and eternal rest, he boldly opts for revival, reincarnated as Hua Tuo, a legendary healer from the Han Dynasty.
3 Doctor Elise: The Royal Lady With The Lamp
A Healer Sent Back to Atone for Past Mistakes
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Yuin (Writer), mini (Artist) |
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Status |
Completed |
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Genres |
Comedy, Fantasy, Romance |
Doctor Elise: The Royal Lady With The Lamp intertwines romance with other themes, premiering in 2017 and wrapping up in 2021, containing 143 chapters.
Song Jihyun, a gifted doctor from South Korea, is tormented by her previous life’s mistakes. Seeking redemption, she pursues a medical career to atone for her past actions. An unexpected twist returns her to the body of Elise de Clorance, the nefarious wife of the Emperor responsible for countless wrongs. This time, armed with knowledge, Jihyun (as Elise) commits to living an honorable life.
2 The Last Zombie
A Unique BL Romance Between a Doctor and a Zombie
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Bamwoo |
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Status |
Completed |
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Genres |
Romance |
The Last Zombie presents a refreshing take on romantic narratives, intertwining elements of a pandemic, medicine, and romance while infusing slice-of-life aspects. This shorter read is perfect for those seeking an unconventional love story.
The narrative centers on a man suffering from amnesia who discovers a deep connection with Dr. Lee Sehyun, the physician who has been caring for him. As he grapples with his peculiar dietary restrictions and confinement, he gradually recognizes his true nature—a zombie. Complications arise as he falls for the very doctor supporting him through his struggles.
1 Medical Return
A Deadbeat Doctor Finds Redemption Through Time Travel
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Yuin (Writer), Kidari Studio (Artist) |
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Status |
Completed |
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Genres |
Drama |
Medical Return can be compared to Perfect Surgeon but presents a different narrative twist. It concluded recently, having first aired in 2019 and ended in 2022 with 150 chapters.
The protagonist, Kim Jihyun, endured a lackluster career as a surgeon, falling victim to fierce competition and ultimately diagnosed with terminal cancer. With a new lease on life granted through a second chance, Jihyun commits to studying diligently, aspiring to excel not as a surgeon but as a dermatologist instead.
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