Jeong-Woo’s family didn’t feature much as the show rounded up, and that choice paints a clear picture—he has detached from them emotionally and now finds comfort and belonging in Ha-Neul’s household. At this point, Ha-Neul’s mum has reached a point where nothing gives her more pride.
Her daughter has finally achieved professional success as a professor and is also emotionally fulfilled after over three decades of challenges. Meanwhile, her son, who once had the reputation of abandoning every pursuit he started, now seems more grounded—he’s found purpose in preparing cold noodles just like their uncle.
Jeong-Woo lets go of his past and builds new roots in Ha-Neul’s world (Photo: Doctor Slump/Toei Animation, Toei Doga)Her pride isn’t something she hides; it’s boldly displayed, especially during her awkward encounter with her terrible in-laws (the faux fur stole was a perfect touch; it suited her!). Ba-Da, Ha-Neul’s brother, even offers to buy lunch for his sister and gets their mum a new bag, showing genuine maturity.
On another front, Ha-Neul’s uncle gets a pleasant surprise visit from a former girlfriend—someone he used to date in Busan. For once, there’s hope that love may still work out for him after all these years.
Does Ha-Neul answer Jeong-Woo’s question?
In the second-to-last episode, Jeong-Woo had rushed to propose marriage to Ha-Neul, but she didn’t give a response due to her excitement at the time. Now, just as she prepares to give him her answer and say yes, one of her senior colleagues calls to inform her about a new opportunity.
It’s a proposal for her to help set up a new hospital in the United States, a project that would keep her away for six months. The invitation catches her off guard, but it’s an incredible professional milestone. So instead of replying to his question directly, she shares the new development with him.
Even though Jeong-Woo feels a bit sad that she’ll be far away for a while, his joy for her outweighs any selfish feelings. He makes it clear that he would never stand in the way of her career or progress. He encourages her to always follow the path that she believes is right for her (their love is truly special).
Still, Jeong-Woo reacts playfully like a child who thinks he’s been turned down. He sulks for a few days but soon snaps out of it and starts planning the little time they’ll share before her departure. The separation saddens both of them, especially since they’ve only just grown so close, but Ha-Neul accepts the offer.
Later on, however, she’s informed that the hospital is rethinking the offer because another doctor who had first been approached had refused initially. In the past, Ha-Neul would’ve silently accepted the outcome without defending herself.
But this new version of her chooses not to hold back her emotions anymore. She now speaks up confidently about how she feels. Let’s all agree to follow Ha-Neul’s lead and stop acting like pushovers. While Ha-Neul is trying to tell Jeong-Woo that she’s no longer going to the US, he doesn’t give her a proper chance to explain.
He’s too focused on being the “perfect boyfriend,” throwing surprises like family parties and dates. At the party, Jeong-Woo sees a text message on Ha-Neul’s phone and pretends to be upset that she’s “leaving” him, prompting her to announce her decision to stay right there in front of her family.
That way, no one assumes she was dropped from the offer. Ha-Neul later explains the full situation and makes it clear that she took a stand and voiced her opinion.
Has Ha-Neul recovered?
Yes, she has. While the recovery journey is mostly shown through Ha-Neul’s lens, it’s evident that both she and Jeong-Woo have reached a more stable place mentally and emotionally.
At one of her last therapy sessions, Ha-Neul fills out a questionnaire that reflects a massive turnaround from when she first started seeking help. Her answers suggest she’s no longer weighed down by depression. The psychiatrist acknowledges that she has gained strength and is well on the path to healing.
Before leaving the clinic, Ha-Neul observes the other patients—many of them looking drained—and she asks herself what recovery truly means in such a setting. The doctor gives her a powerful answer: being well doesn’t mean you’ll never feel low again, but knowing you can survive even if that low moment comes.
Meanwhile, Hong-Ran and Dae-Yeong are also starting a relationship of their own. Hong-Ran is finally opening herself up to love again, this time with someone who is truly kind and whom she values deeply. These two deserve a spinoff of their own.
Do Jeong-Woo and Ha-Neul Get to See the Sunrise?
After Doctor Slump, Jeong-Woo launches a new clinic, this time focusing on a more personal and stress-free approach. It’s small and calm—nothing like the chaotic facilities he managed before. He’s determined to build genuine connections with his patients and allow his practice to grow naturally.
Cold noodles and second chances bring unexpected purpose (Photo: Doctor Slump/Toei Animation, Toei Doga)To celebrate, he plans a quiet trip with Ha-Neul to the beach, just so they can experience the sunrise together—something they’ve talked about for a long time. This peaceful moment marks the end of their “slump” as both individuals have reached healthier, more balanced versions of themselves.
Ha-Neul is learning to prioritize herself, while Jeong-Woo is becoming more patient with life. He even invites the anesthesiologist who previously helped him with his clinic’s security problems to come to work with him again.
As the sun begins to rise, Jeong-Woo once again brings up his marriage proposal, even though their pre-wedding shoot is only a week away. Ha-Neul, this time without hesitation, says they should just get married already. Her directness surprises him.
What follows is a burst of sweet pictures from their pre-wedding shoot—taken at places that held deep meaning for them during their most difficult moments. There’s a certain reassurance that Doctor Slump gives.
While mental health has been a subject of interest in many recent Korean dramas, this particular series approaches it with a lot of heart and humor. It manages to provide light-hearted moments while still addressing how mental health affects not only individuals but their entire families.
By the time the show wraps up, Jeong-Woo, though still estranged from his parents, finds warmth and inclusion in Ha-Neul’s home. More than that, Ha-Neul becomes everything to him—a partner, a confidante, and the family he always needed.
The tone of the drama never turns too heavy or too dark. Instead, its charm lies in its ability to deliver emotional messages through soft, adorable scenes. Perhaps it’s done that way to lift viewers from their emotional low points, giving them a small push towards healing too.
