Lee Kang-hoon is a talented neurosurgeon with exceptional skills. Kim Sang-chul, the leading figure in neurosurgery, is irritated by Kang-hoon's tendency to care more about wealth and renown than the patients' health.

Kang-hoon is prohibited from surgery for a week, but he ignores the ban and operates on an emergency patient. Later, Kang-hoon decides to forego his pride and tries to placate Kim Sang-chul to become an assistant professor.

Kang-hoon's rival, Seo Joon-seok, is accepted into a prestigious medical school but hides the fact to stay with Yoon Ji-hye. Meanwhile, Kang-hoon's mentor, Go Jae-hak, decides to operate in front of a medical documentary crew.

Following the surgery, Jae-hak blames Kang-hoon for endangering the patient. Joon-seok applies for the post of assistant professor, and Kang-hoon gradually becomes unsure of his chances.

Kang-hoon fails to become an assistant professor and meets his mother's loan sharks. Joon-seok decides to present the thesis, which Kang-hoon co-wrote, alone. During the presentation, Kang-hoon asks a cutting question to humiliate Joon-seok.

After being reprimanded by Sang-chul, Kang-hoon applies to be an assistant professor at a rivaling hospital. Meanwhile, Joon-seok becomes distressed when a patient's bleeding fails to stop during surgery.