Actor Kim Rae-won and actress Park Shin-hye were the best choices for the lead roles in the SBS’ drama “Doctors,” said screenwriter Ha Myung-hee, who was behind the show which ended Tuesday.

(SBS)

In local reports Tuesday, Ha explained why Kim and Park were cast in the series, which features the love story of Dr. Hong Ji-hong (Kim) and Dr. Yoo Hye-jung (Park). The onscreen couple have been praised for their natural acting and romantic chemistry.

“For the character Yoo, the actress had to act a teenager as well as a professional woman, which is why I searched for an actress in her 20s,” Ha said.

“I sent a call to actress Park, thinking she would be the right person to pull off such a role. Park really wanted the role too, so she became the first chosen actress. I truly thank her for the effort she has put into the role,” she added.

As for Kim, Ha said, “I really liked Kim’s bright character in the past drama series, ‘Attic Cat,’ and I wished he would act just like it for ‘Doctors.’ Despite him having taken dark roles for most productions, he impressed me with his sense of humor that livened up his lines.”

The writer also spoke about the romance between the characters Hong and Yoo.

“I envied the two characters’ love which comes once in a lifetime. I think the audience also got the feeling that they had been watching over the characters’ love for 13 years.

“Yoo first met Hong when she was a high school delinquent, but grows up to be a doctor and meets Hong again. I think Yoo’s past memories made the audience grow more attached to the couple.”

By Choi Hyung-won (h.c1110@heraldcorp.com)