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Emergency Couple
Emergency Couple
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Emergency Couple
Promotional poster
Also known asEmergency Boy and Girl
Genre
Written byChoi Yoon-jung
Directed byKim Cheol-kyu
Starring
ComposerKim Tae-seong
Country of originSouth Korea
Original languageKorean
No. of episodes21
Production
Executive producerLee Chan-ho
ProducerYoon Hyun-ki
Production companyContent K Co. Ltd.
Original release
NetworktvN
ReleaseJanuary 24 (2014-01-24) –
April 5, 2014 (2014-04-05)
Related
Rettai Vaal Kuruvi

Emergency Couple (Korean: 응급남녀; RR: Eunggeumnamnyeo; lit. 'Emergency Man and Woman') is a 2014 South Korean television series starring Song Ji-hyo and Choi Jin-hyuk with Lee Pil-mo, Choi Yeo-jin and Clara.[1][2] It aired on cable channel tvN from January 24 to April 5, 2014 on Fridays and Saturdays at 20:40 for 21 episodes. The romantic comedy/medical drama is about a divorced couple whose tumultuous feelings for each other are rekindled when they become reunited years later as interns at the same hospital.[3]

Due to the popularity of the drama, it was extended by one episode. Broadcasting rights of the drama were also sold to 9 countries.[4] A special music talk show titled Reply with Music - Emergency Couple was aired on May 6, 2014, to thank the audience for their support.[5][unreliable source?]

Plot

[edit]

While in their early twenties, a medical school student, Oh Chang-min, and a dietitian, Oh Jin-hee, fall in love and marry despite his family's strong opposition.[6][7] Chang-min comes from a family of wealthy, successful doctors who believe Jin-hee is not good enough for him, prompting them to cut him off financially after he marries her. In order to earn money right away, Chang-min gives up his dream of becoming a doctor, and instead becomes a pharmaceutical salesman. He is miserable at his job, while Jin-hee's inferiority complex deepens as her husband's family continues to look down on her. They begin to fight constantly and eventually get a divorce. Six years later, Chang-min has gone back to med school to pursue his dream, while Jin-hee has also put herself through med school. They end up as interns at the same hospital, where they will have to work in the emergency room together for three months.

Cast

[edit]

Main characters

[edit]

Supporting characters

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  • Im Hyun-sung as Park Sang-hyuk, intern and Young-ae's husband
  • Chun Min-hee as Lee Young-ae, intern and Sang-hyuk's wife
  • Choi Beom-ho as Go Joong-hoon, chief of Emergency Medicine
  • Park Sung-geun as Ahn Young-pil, surgeon
  • Heo Jae-ho as Jang Dae-il, third year resident
  • Kwon Min as Kim Min-ki, first year resident
  • Kim Hyun-sook as Choi Mi-jung, ER head nurse
  • Lee Sun-ah as Heo Young-ji, ER nurse
  • Choi Yu-ra as Son Ye-seul, ER nurse
  • Lee Mi-young as Jo Yang-ja, Jin-hee's mother
  • Jeon Soo-jin as Oh Jin-ae, Jin-hee's younger sister
  • Park Doo-shik as Kim Kwang-soo, indie singer and Jin-ae's husband
  • Park Joon-geum as Yoon Sung-sook, Chang-min's mother
  • Kang Shin-il as Oh Tae-seok, Chang-min's father
  • Park Ji-il - as Yoon Sung-gil, Chang-min's uncle
  • - as Yoon Sung-mi, Chang-min's first aunt
  • - as Yoon Sung-ja, Chang-min's second aunt

Cameo appearances

[edit]

Ratings

[edit]
  • In this table, the blue numbers represent the lowest ratings and the red numbers represent the highest ratings.
  • N/A denotes that the rating is not known.
Ep. Original broadcast date Average audience share
AGB Nielsen
Average rating Peak rating
1 January 24, 2014 2.4% 3.7%
2 January 25, 2014 2.7% 3.8%
3 January 31, 2014 1.7% N/a
4 February 1, 2014 2.8% 3.7%
5 February 7, 2014 3.4% 4.6%
6 February 8, 2014 3.0% 4.3%
7 February 14, 2014 3.6% 5.1%
8 February 21, 2014 3.7% 4.7%
9 February 22, 2014 3.6% 4.7%
10 February 28, 2014 3.4% 4.3%
11 March 1, 2014 4.1% 4.8%
12 March 7, 2014 4.4% 5.5%
13 March 8, 2014 4.1% 5.0%
14 March 14, 2014 4.2% 5.5%
15 March 15, 2014 4.1% 4.9%
16 March 21, 2014 4.0% 5.2%
17 March 22, 2014 4.8%[22] 5.9%
18 March 28, 2014 4.1% 5.2%
19 March 29, 2014 4.8% 5.6%
20 April 4, 2014 4.9% 5.7%
21 April 5, 2014 5.1%[23] 5.9%
Average 3.8% 4.7%
  • This drama airs on a cable channel/pay TV which normally has a relatively smaller audience compared to free-to-air TV/public broadcasters (KBS, SBS, MBC and EBS).

Original soundtrack

[edit]
Emergency Couple : Original Soundtrack
Soundtrack album by
Various Artists
ReleasedApril 18, 2014 (2014-04-18)
GenrePop, K-pop, soundtrack
LabelCJ E&M
No.TitleArtistLength
1."응급남녀" (Emergency Couple)Various Artists1:14
2."설렘" (Romance)Various Artists2:23
3."Love Again"3rd Coast (써드코스트)2:36
4."모두 다 이별을 경험한다" (Everyone Experiences The Breakup)Various Artists2:01
5."꽃향기" (Scent of a Flower)Lim Jeong-hee4:46
6."병원 인턴 백서" (Hospital Internship Paper)Various Artists2:33
7."진희 비트" (Jin Hee Beat)Various Artists3:32
8."그때 우리 사랑은" (The Way We Loved)Park Shi Hwan3:39
9."어루만지다" (Pacify)Various Artists2:41
10."I Am"Joo Ah4:46
11."꽃향기" (Scent of a Flower)Choi Jin-hyuk3:43
12."우리가 우리였을 때" (When We Were)Various Artists3:29
13."Love Again (Inst.)"Various Artists2:36
14."꽃향기 (inst.)" (Scent of a Flower (Inst.))Lim Jeong-hee4:46
15."그때 우리 사랑은 (Inst.)" (The Way We Loved (Inst.))Park Shi Hwan3:39
16."꽃향기 (inst.)" (Scent of a Flower (Inst.))Choi Jin-hyuk3:43
17."I Am (Inst.)"Joo Ah4:46

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Emergency Couple is a South Korean television series that aired on tvN from January 24 to April 5, , consisting of 21 episodes broadcast on Fridays and Saturdays at 20:40 KST. The drama centers on a young couple, Oh Jin-hee and Oh Chang-min, who marry impulsively in their twenties despite opposition from Chang-min's wealthy family, only to divorce shortly after due to financial struggles and clashing personalities. Years later, both pursue medical careers and unexpectedly reunite as interns in the bustling emergency room of the same , forcing them to confront their unresolved feelings while navigating high-stakes medical emergencies and workplace dynamics. The series stars in the lead role of Oh Jin-hee, a determined former who becomes a medical intern after her , and as Oh Chang-min, a talented but arrogant intern from a prominent medical family. Supporting roles include as Gook Cheon-soo, Jin-hee's supportive colleague and romantic interest; as Shim Ji-hye, Chang-min's ex-girlfriend and assistant professor of surgery; and Clara as Han Ah-reum, a quirky nurse adding to the ensemble. Written by Choi Yoon-jung and directed by Kim Cheol-kyu, the show blends heartfelt romance with realistic portrayals of hospital life. Produced by Content K and tvN, Emergency Couple achieved strong viewership ratings for a cable drama, peaking at 5.4% nationwide, and received praise for its witty dialogue, relatable characters, and Song Ji-hyo's versatile performance transitioning from her Running Man variety show persona. The series explores themes of second chances in love, personal growth, and the pressures of the medical profession, making it a notable entry in the romantic medical drama genre.

Development and production

Screenplay and planning

The screenplay for Emergency Couple was written by Choi Yoon-jung, who crafted a blending with elements, centering on the rekindled relationship of a divorced couple reuniting as interns in a room. The series was directed by Kim Cheol-kyu, known for his work on character-driven stories in genres like romance and thriller. Pre-production was overseen by executive producer Lee Chan-ho and producer Yoon Hyun-ki, with the project handled by Content K Co., Ltd., a company specializing in cable drama content for networks like tvN. Originally conceived as a 20-episode series, Emergency Couple underwent an extension to 21 episodes during its run, a decision driven by strong viewer engagement and rising popularity ratings. This adjustment allowed for additional resolution in the storyline, with the final episode airing on April 5, 2014, following the initial planned conclusion after the 20th episode on March 22. The extension reflected tvN's strategy to capitalize on the drama's momentum, ensuring a more complete arc without disrupting the broadcast schedule of 20:50 KST on Fridays and Saturdays.

Casting and filming

The lead roles in Emergency Couple were cast in early December 2013, with selected to portray Oh Jin-hee and to play Oh Chang-min in the tvN series. Shortly thereafter, on December 11, 2013, additional supporting roles were announced, including as Gook Cheon-soo and as Shim Ji-hye, completing key parts of the ensemble. Principal photography commenced in late 2013, coinciding with the production of promotional teasers on December 20, 2013, and extended into early 2014 to align with the series' premiere. Filming activities were documented in as late as March 6, 2014, reflecting the typical concurrent shooting schedule for South Korean cable dramas. The production utilized studio sets to replicate the emergency room of the fictional Hanil University Hospital, supplemented by exterior shots captured in various locations to capture the urban environment. Some hospital interiors were filmed at real facilities to enhance authenticity in medical scenes.

Plot

Oh Chang-min, a medical student from a wealthy family of doctors, and Oh Jin-hee, a , impulsively marry in their early twenties despite opposition from Chang-min's family. Cut off financially, Chang-min abandons his medical studies to become a pharmaceutical salesman, leading to resentment and constant arguments fueled by Jin-hee's toward her in-laws. The couple divorces after four years. Six years later, both have pursued their medical dreams: Chang-min has returned to and is now an intern, while Jin-hee, after working various jobs, has also become a medical student and intern. To their shock, they are assigned to the same hospital's emergency room for a three-month , forcing them to work side by side amid unresolved feelings, professional challenges, and romantic entanglements with colleagues.

Cast and characters

Main roles

Oh Jin-hee is portrayed by (born Cheon Seong-im, August 15, 1981), who plays a former who returns to and becomes an intern in the emergency room after her divorce. The character is depicted as resilient and humorous, navigating the challenges of restarting her career while dealing with personal entanglements in the hospital setting. Song Ji-hyo gained prominence through her role in the variety show Running Man since 2010, which contributed to her character's relatable and comedic appeal in the series. Oh Chang-min, the ex-husband and a wealthy resident doctor in the emergency room, is played by (born Kim Tae-ho, February 9, 1986). He is characterized as initially arrogant but ultimately caring, providing a central figure in the romantic tension. Choi Jin-hyuk had established himself in romantic dramas prior to this role, including leading parts in The Last Scandal of My Life (2008) and (2007), which informed his portrayal of the complex physician. Gook Cheon-soo, Jin-hee's mentor and a rival love interest for her, is embodied by (born June 26, 1974) as an experienced emergency room doctor known for his supportive yet competitive nature. brought depth to the role drawing from his earlier supporting turns in medical dramas like Surgeon Bong Dal-ho (2013). Shim Ji-hye, portrayed by (born July 27, 1983), serves as Chang-min's colleague with strong professional ambition, often positioning her as a rival in both career and personal dynamics. enhanced the character's driven persona through her experience in ensemble casts, such as in The Great Doctor (2012). Han Ah-reum, a fellow intern who develops feelings for Chang-min and is pushed as a potential match by his family, is played by Clara (born Lee Sung-min, January 14, 1985). The character adds layers of jealousy and reconciliation to the central plot. Clara, a Korean-American actress, leveraged her bilingual background and prior roles in romantic comedies like Can You Hear My Heart? (2011) to infuse the part with nuanced emotional conflict.

Supporting roles

Im Yong-gyu, played by , serves as Oh Chang-min's loyal friend and fellow intern in the emergency room, injecting comic relief into the series through his bumbling yet endearing personality and unwavering support for Chang-min during personal and professional challenges. Jung Hye-rin, portrayed by , acts as Oh Jin-hee's closest confidante and best friend, offering steadfast emotional support as Jin-hee navigates her divorce, career shift to medicine, and rekindled tensions with her ex-husband, often providing humorous and grounding advice in subplots centered on female friendship. Oh Young-ae, played by , is Chang-min's mother, whose classist attitudes and disapproval of Jin-hee's background fuel family conflicts and highlight generational clashes, contributing to the central couple's relational obstacles while evolving to show reluctant acceptance. The ensemble of ER nurses, including head nurse Choi Mi-jung (Kim Hyun-sook) and Heo Young-ji (Lee Sun-ah), along with recurring patients, underscores the chaotic hospital environment, facilitating subplots that explore team rivalries, workplace humor, and the stresses of medical training without dominating the main romantic arc. These supporting characters collectively enhance the series' blend of and by driving secondary storylines involving , , and daily hospital life, allowing the leads' reunion to unfold amid relatable ensemble interactions.

Special appearances

Emergency Couple featured numerous special appearances by , comedians, and idols, contributing to the series' episodic structure by introducing brief moments of humor, , or surprise in the emergency room environment without affecting the main narrative arc. These cameos, totaling over a , helped boost the show's appeal by leveraging familiar faces from K-entertainment. Notable examples include as a officiating key moments in 1 and 14. appeared as Dr. Jeon Hyeong-seok in 1, portraying a colleague in the chaotic opening scenes. Jeon Soo-kyung played the hospital director in 1, setting the authoritative tone for the internship program. Yoon Bong-gil cameoed as a drunk with a broken in 1, adding early comedic tension. In episode 3, comedian Jung Joo-ri made a humorous appearance as Chang-min's , highlighting his awkward personal life. Kang Gary, known from Running Man, delivered a lighthearted cameo in episode 6 as a transporting the inebriated Jin-hee home, playing on his on-screen chemistry with lead actress . Later episodes saw additional flair, such as ' as a female patient in episode 19, where she comically mistakes Chang-min for a pervert during a treatment scene. These transient roles enriched individual episodes with variety and star power, often tying into the medical rom-com's blend of workplace chaos and romance.

Broadcast and ratings

Premiere and airing

Emergency Couple premiered on , 2014, on the cable network tvN in , airing on Fridays and Saturdays at 20:50 KST. The series was originally planned for 20 episodes but was extended by one due to strong viewer response, ultimately concluding with 21 episodes on April 5, 2014. Each episode ran for approximately 60 minutes, fitting tvN's standard format for its Friday-Saturday drama slot following . Promotion for the series began in late 2013 with teaser videos highlighting the chemistry between leads and , emphasizing their bickering dynamic as a divorced couple reuniting in a high-stakes medical environment. These teasers, released by tvN, built anticipation for the romantic comedy-medical drama hybrid, positioning it as a fresh take on workplace romance amid emergency room chaos. Internationally, Emergency Couple secured distribution deals shortly after its premiere, with copyright sales to nine countries including several in such as , , , , and , allowing cable broadcasts in the region. The series later became available on global streaming platforms, including starting in 2015 in select markets, expanding its reach to international audiences.

Viewership metrics

The viewership metrics for Emergency Couple indicated steady growth, culminating in strong performance for a cable drama on tvN. The premiere episode aired on , 2014, recorded a nationwide rating of 3.7% (2.4% share) according to AGB Nielsen Korea, setting a solid foundation in the competitive Friday-Saturday slot. Ratings climbed progressively, with the series 4.7% nationwide (3.8% share) over its run—a notable figure in the cable TV context, where are smaller than on major broadcast networks. The finale episode reached 5.9% (5.1% share), tying for the highest rating with episode 17, which also peaked at 5.9% and underscored the drama's momentum in later episodes. These figures represented a robust showing for tvN, surpassing ratings from prior dramas in the same time slot and highlighting the series' appeal amid rising competition. Mid-run, the show was extended by one due to surging popularity, expanding from an initial 20 to 21 episodes to capitalize on viewer engagement. Beyond Korea, Emergency Couple achieved high international viewership on streaming platforms like Viki and , where it earned an 8.6/10 user rating on Viki from over 1,400 reviews and won Best Korean Drama at the 2014 Dramafever Awards, fostering a dedicated global fanbase.

Reception

Critical analysis

Critics praised Emergency Couple for the strong on-screen chemistry between leads and , which effectively drove the romantic tension and comedic bickering central to the narrative. Their portrayal of a divorced couple rediscovering their connection amid professional chaos was highlighted as authentic and engaging, contributing to the show's appeal as a blend of romance and medical procedural elements. Korean drama reviewers noted the humor derived from the high-stakes ER settings, where the leads' personal conflicts intersected with urgent medical cases in a lighthearted yet relatable manner. However, the series faced for pacing issues in its later episodes, where the shift toward overshadowed the initial comedic tone and led to predictable resolutions. Reviewers pointed out clichéd tropes, such as exaggerated interference and contrived misunderstandings, which diluted the freshness of despite the strong performances. On , the drama holds an average user rating of 7.4 out of 10, reflecting a generally positive but not exceptional reception. Regarding medical accuracy, critics observed some dramatic liberties for narrative convenience, such as accelerated timelines for patient recoveries and simplified diagnostic processes. These elements were seen as enhancing entertainment value, though opinions varied on their impact on credibility. Notable reviews included Dramabeans' assessment of the series as ultimately satisfying for its character growth and romantic payoff, despite shortcomings in fleshing out the couple's initial attraction. Overall, Emergency Couple was regarded as a solid mid-tier cable drama, valued for its breezy, lighthearted approach to second-chance romance within a procedural framework.

Audience response

In , Emergency Couple received mixed initial reception due to its modest television ratings, but it gradually built a dedicated following through word-of-mouth, especially among viewers in their 20s and 30s who appreciated the relatable exploration of marital struggles, , and second chances. The series' growing domestic appeal was evident in its extension by one episode beyond the original 20, attributed to sustained viewer interest. Internationally, the enjoyed considerable success across and Western markets, with sold to nine countries shortly after its airing, reflecting its broad appeal as a romantic . On global streaming platforms, it has maintained strong popularity; for instance, it holds an 8.6 out of 10 rating on Viki based on 1,403 user reviews, where audiences frequently praised the leads' chemistry and banter. Similarly, MyDramaList reports a 7.9 out of 10 score from 26,881 users and over 55,000 watchers, highlighting its enduring draw for international fans drawn to the themes of and workplace romance. The series' cultural impact extended to online communities, where fan-generated content such as and episode recaps amplified its visibility, contributing to trending discussions around its humorous take on ex-spousal dynamics. Over time, Emergency Couple has solidified its status as a comfort watch on platforms like Viki and Prime Video, with consistent streaming availability fostering rewatches among longtime enthusiasts. Minor viewer critiques focused on the portrayal of class disparities between the leads, though these did not overshadow the overall positive sentiment.

Original soundtrack

Track listing

The original soundtrack for Emergency Couple consists of five digital single releases issued between January and March 2014, each featuring a main vocal track and its instrumental version, alongside a physical released on April 18, 2014, that incorporates select OST songs and original score themes. Across these releases, there are 15 tracks in total, including vocal performances and instrumental ER themes composed for hospital and romantic sequences.

Compilation album tracks

No.TitleArtist(s)Length
1응급남녀 (Emergency Couple)Various Artists
2설렘 (Excitement)Various Artists
3Love Again3rd Coast2:36
4모두다 이별을 경험한다 (Everyone Experiences the Breakup)Various Artists
5꽃향기 (The Scent of Flower)4:46
6병원인턴백서 (Hospital Internship)Various Artists
7진희 비트 (Jin Hee's Beat)Various Artists
8그때 우리 사랑은 (The Way We Loved)Park Si Hwan3:40
9Love Again (Inst.)3rd Coast2:36
10꽃향기 (Inst.) (The Scent of Flower)4:46
11그때 우리 사랑은 (Inst.) (The Way We Loved)Park Si Hwan3:40
12진희 (I Am)Ju A4:45
13진희 (Inst.) (I Am)Ju A4:45
14꽃향기 (최진혁 Ver.) (The Scent of Flower)3:43
15꽃향기 (Inst.) (최진혁 Ver.) (The Scent of Flower)3:43

Part 1 (January 24, 2014)

No.TitleArtist(s)Length
1Love Again3rd Coast2:36
2Love Again (Inst.)3rd Coast2:36

Part 2 (February 7, 2014)

No.TitleArtist(s)Length
1The Scent of Flower (꽃향기)Lim Jeong Hee4:46
2The Scent of Flower (Inst.)Lim Jeong Hee4:46

Part 3 (February 21, 2014)

No.TitleArtist(s)Length
1The Way We Loved (그때 우리 사랑은)Park Si Hwan3:40
2The Way We Loved (Inst.)Park Si Hwan3:40

Part 4 (March 7, 2014)

No.TitleArtistLength
1I Am (진희)Ju A4:45
2I Am (Inst.)Ju A4:45

Part 5 (March 14, 2014)

No.TitleArtist(s)Length
1The Scent of Flower (꽃향기)3:43
2The Scent of Flower (Inst.)3:43

Commercial reception

Promotion of the OST was integrated directly with the drama's airing schedule, featuring live performances by contributing artists on major music programs like Music Bank and to align with key episode releases. These efforts enhanced the series' overall visibility, as OST streams played a key role in driving international interest and viewership in regions where the drama was distributed. Long-term, several tracks from the soundtrack remain staples in curated K-drama playlists on global streaming services, sustaining their cultural resonance years after the 2014 release.

Legacy

Awards and nominations

"Emergency Couple" garnered recognition primarily through fan-voted and international awards, highlighting its popularity among global audiences despite modest domestic ratings. At the 3rd Annual DramaFever Awards held in 2015, the series won Best Korean Drama, with Choi Jin-hyuk accepting the award on behalf of the production. Song Ji-hyo received the Best Actress award for her portrayal of Oh Jin-hee, earning praise for her comedic timing and emotional depth in the role. The series also secured the Boldest Moment award, sponsored by Toyota, acknowledging standout scenes that captured the show's bold romantic and medical themes. The drama and its leads were nominated in several categories at the 11th Annual Awards in 2015, including Drama of the Year for the series, Actor of the Year for , and Actress of the Year for , reflecting fan appreciation for the cast's chemistry. Overall, "Emergency Couple" accumulated nominations across fan-driven ceremonies, underscoring its impact on international K-drama enthusiasts, though it did not secure major wins at domestic award shows like the .

Adaptations and influence

In 2024, the South Korean series Emergency Couple was adapted into a Thai remake of the same title, produced by True CJ Creations in collaboration with . The 18-episode drama, which premiered on March 15, 2024, on TrueID, stars Bua Nalinthip Sakulongumpai as the female lead and Sean Jindachot as her ex-husband, following a similar premise of a divorced couple reuniting as interns in an emergency room. Directed by Chankacha Pratuan and written by Ratapong Pinyosophon, the adaptation retains the medical rom-com elements while incorporating Thai cultural nuances, and it achieved high viewership as one of True CJ's top-rated series that year. The original series has influenced the K-drama landscape by popularizing narratives around divorced couples reconciling amid professional challenges, particularly in the medical genre, sparking ongoing discussions about themes like marital strain and personal reinvention. Its blend of humor and heartfelt exploration of post-divorce dynamics has been credited with contributing to the evolution of rom-com subgenres, evident in later works that echo its workplace-reunion trope without direct citations. Fan communities remain vibrant, with dedicated discussions and recommendations on platforms like Reddit's r/KDRAMA subreddit, where users frequently praise its lighthearted take on relationships, and , hosting recaps and fan analyses that keep the series relevant a decade later. Merchandise tied to the show, including OST compilations, continues to appeal to nostalgic fans, though physical reissues are limited. As of 2025, Emergency Couple sustains global viewership through availability on streaming platforms such as Viki, , and , allowing new audiences to discover its enduring appeal in the medical rom-com space.

References

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