In the JTBC weekend drama “Doctor Cha Episode 16” aired on the 4th, Cha Jung-sook (played by Um Jung-hwa) decided to divorce Seo In-ho (played by Kim Byung-chul) and start a new life.
Seo In-ho and Roy (played by Min Woo-hyuk) offered to donate their livers to Cha Jung-sook. However, she firmly refused, saying, “I won’t accept the livers from both of you. I will manage on my own, so you two should stop this now.” Cha Jung-sook, tearful, said to Baek Mi-hee (played by Baek Joo-hee), “Is it necessary to burden others by receiving a liver transplant? I’m afraid it’s causing trouble for no reason.”
Taking a break from the hospital, Cha Jung-sook sorted her belongings and came across a box containing shoes and a photo album from when she cherished memories of her children, Seo Jeong-min (played by Song Ji-ho) and Seo I-rang (played by Lee Seo-yeon). She left a letter for her son and daughter, saying, “Even if I’m not physically present, I will always protect you. I love you more than words can express.”
Kwak Ae-sim (played by Park Joon-geum) couldn’t understand Cha Jung-sook’s decision to undergo the liver transplant surgery. She shouted, “I really can’t understand you. If you received the transplant, you could live comfortably and pursue your hobbies. Why do you want to suffer and jeopardize your health?” Kwak Ae-sim continued, “If you beg your husband, admitting his mistakes, can’t you win him back? Do you know what options are available after divorce?” Cha Jung-sook apologized, saying, “I’m sorry, Mother. I couldn’t become a good daughter-in-law until the end.”
Seo In-ho stamped the divorce papers, agreeing to the divorce as requested by Cha Jung-sook. He told her, “You can have it all. You have the right to do so.” Seo In-ho then handed her the divorce documents and said, “You said you won’t accept a liver from me because you don’t want me to exploit your weakness. If I ask for forgiveness after the surgery, you, who have a soft heart, won’t be able to refuse.” He continued, “I will divorce you, and I won’t cling to you. Please undergo the surgery. Allow me to repent for my mistakes, even if it means enduring hardships. I’m afraid to lose you completely. Even if we separate, I still want to occasionally see the mother of my child.”
Cha Jung-sook received a liver transplant, with Roy assisting during the surgery. After completing all the divorce proceedings in court, Cha Jung-sook congratulated Seo In-ho for becoming the youngest hospital director. Seo In-ho confessed, “Thank you for everything. You were a perfect wife and mother without any shortcomings.” Cha Jung-sook replied, “I also have many fond memories. Take care.”
After the divorce, Choi Seung-hee (played by Myung Se-bin) decided to work at a hospital in the United States. Seo I-rang told Choi Eun-seo (played by So Ah-rin) that their parents had divorced. Seo In-ho told Choi Eun-seo, “Your father is someone who is lacking. I will do better from now on. I have decided to end things well with your mother.” Choi Eun-seo responded, “Dad should pursue Mom at least once. That’s fair, isn’t it?”
Roy expressed gratitude to Cha Jung-sook for performing the successful surgery and said, “I will never forget your kindness. There is actually a way for you to never forget me, too. Keep me by your side forever.” He confessed, “In reality, I’ve liked you, Professor Cha, for a long time. It’s something I’ve held back for a while, and I finally said it now.” Cha Jung-sook replied, “The warmth you showed me is as beautiful as the sunshine in spring. But focusing solely on that sunshine has worn me out. Now, the ordinary moments of everyday life are precious to me. I hope to meet a woman who is compatible with me in every aspect, marry, enjoy newlywed life, have one or two children, and grow old gracefully together. That is my sincere wish.”
Three years later, Cha Jung-sook established her own family medicine clinic and realized her self-worth by obtaining a motorcycle license as a hobby. Roy met someone new, but Cha Jung-sook admitted, “It’s a shame. But from the beginning, I couldn’t picture a future with that person.” Seo In-ho encountered Choi Seung-hee while performing surgery on a patient at her hospital, as they had signed an MOU. Cha Jung-sook occasionally met Seo In-ho to inquire about choreography, maintaining a cool relationship. She thought, “I am grateful for everything I see while alive. That’s why I believe I’m happy as I am.” With that in mind, she went to remote areas for medical volunteer work.
