I've watched S1 after S2 and I would always hear that S1 was the best. So I gave it a try. Skeptical because I didn't have much faith in a KDrama from 2016 and I thought I couldn't love the cast more than the one in S2.
I watched S1 two times. In a 1,5 month interval.

First time, I was a little shocked. A kiss scene so early wasn't my style. I was used to the build up in relationships and a kiss scene in ep8. So it took me a bit to recover. :))) Dong Joo's character was also quite odd to me and tbh little annoying.... In the end I finished the drama. It was quite nice but not my style.

I then rewatched S2... and S1 in this order.

And boy, I could clearly see the difference, understand better and look in all the details. S2 was good, really good, but boy S1 came to me as the BEST OF ALL. I loved it so much. Now, WHY?

- There was a LOT OF ACTION... VARIETY in all action plans. We had trauma, unique medical cases, HUGE character development and MANY LESSONS.

- The cast was amazing. Kim Sabu is one of the WISEST characters you will find in a drama. Dong Joo is that stubborn kid that hides a beautiful heart, is ashamed of his mistakes and chooses to be so cold because of them. However, Kim Sabu sees through them all and for him Dong Joo is like an open book. Seojung is a strong woman that despite all the trauma that still haunts her to this day, chooses every day to show up at the hospital and become a better doctor. A truly inspiring character - imo ONE of the BEST FEMALE LEADs ever written in KDRAMA LAND.

-The bond forming between the hospital staff was beautiful to watch. The way they all came together in the end, the family they formed, the way they were always there for each other... The drama has that COMFORT FEELING. It easily has the potential to become one of your comfort dramas.

-Each medical case in the drama taught both the character and the viewer something.

So yes, Dr. Romantic 1 might become one of your favourite dramas. If not after the first watch. definitely after the second one!