          
Posted : 2010-02-02 15:46
Updated : 2010-02-02 15:46
Drama to Feature the World of OB/GYN
By Han Sang-hee Staff Reporter Paying a visit to the obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) clinic can be uncomfortable, especially in South Korea where many women fear to go, or even talk about. But new SBS drama ``OB/GYN'' is aiming to change this perspective and help women learn more about pregnancy and birth, and further encourage them to pay regular visits. Jang Seo-hee, the colorful actress who won the Grand Prize at the SBS Drama Awards last year, will lead the television series as a gynecologist. The 38-year-old actress has never played it safe when choosing her roles, which includes a vengeful wife (``Cruel Temptation,'' SBS) and a hopeless ghost (``Ghost House,'' 2004), and viewers will get to watch her donning a set of white scrubs, a mask and a pixie cut. ``The drama is not just about medical situations and terms, but about people who experience happiness and pain at the gynecologist. (Filming it) made me grow as a person,'' Jang said during a press conference at Konkuk University Hospital, last Wednesday. The drama is expected to heighten the overall interest in the sector, as it has been going through a tough time in recent years. Korea's birthrate is one of the lowest in the world, while illegal abortions are continuously carried out behind closed doors. The number of obstetricians and gynecologists are decreasing year after year, while the high costs of surgeries and appointments have deterred women from paying regular visits. ``It takes money and time to come here, and that is one of the reasons single mothers are having such a hard time financially. I hope our drama will be able to change society in the long run and help those who are in need,'' said Jang, who was appointed as goodwill ambassador for the Wise Woman Campaign run by the Korean Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists at the press event. The series revolves around protagonist Seo Hae-young, played by Jang, who is a successful, passionate and headstrong gynecologist. She is the best in the bunch: ready to work at 5:30 a.m., writing more research papers than anyone, called upon when emergencies occur and handing the gift of life to her patients. But her life takes an unexpected turn when she finds out that she is pregnant. To make things worse, she is sent to a smaller rural hospital after being caught for conducting an abortion. Her pregnancy imposes a dilemma, and with two fellow doctors, and love interests, at her side ― played by Ko Joo-won and Seo Ji-seok ― she starts her journey to find herself as a woman and successful gynecologist. ``I just came from editing, and to be honest, I cried in the process,'' Lee Hyun-jik, the producer, said. ``There are three reasons I started making this drama. First, Korean men, including myself, tend to think lightly about pregnancy. I thought it was important for Korean men to know how difficult and important giving birth is. Second, there are many women who hesitate to go see their gynecologists, and I wanted to show them there is nothing to be afraid of. ``Finally, I wanted to feature the gynecologists who have to deal with not one, but two lives. I wanted to share their efforts and stories with the viewers.'' Compared to other medical dramas like ``Doctor Bong" and ``Behind the White Tower,'' the new soap is expected to feature babies and families in a lighter and fun way, instead of dealing with politics and love triangles between fellow doctors. The 15-minute preview at the press conference was realistic, yet it managed to tug at the heartstrings of viewers at the press conference. The soap featured dramatic incidents, from surgeries, heartbreaking deaths and recoveries to the relationships between surgeons and the patients. In one scene, the drama shows a mother who has everything: money, fame and respect. But when she realizes that her baby will be born with Down syndrome, she asks Seo to give up on the baby during the delivery. Seo refuses and saves the baby, yet the mother refuses to see the infant, saying the baby will bring nothing but pain. ``To be honest, I don't care about the ratings,'' Jang said, while smiling at the producer. `` I want this drama to be touching and in the end, receive a lot of compliments. ``I assisted a surgeon delivering a baby on Jan. 1 this year, and when I first saw the infant, I was speechless. It was such a solemn moment. I instantly thought of my mother. I hope viewers will get to sympathize with me,'' the actress said. ``OB/GYN'' starts airing tonight at 10 p.m. on SBS. sanghee@koreatimes.co.kr |
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