Talk about a medical drama that feels like a warm embrace mixed with real-life chaos. Resident Playbook, the much-awaited spin-off of the beloved Hospital Playlist, premieres on April 12, 2025, bringing fresh faces and emotional stories from the halls of Jongno Yulje Medical Center. This series follows young doctors navigating the messy, rewarding world of obstetrics and gynecology, promising laughter, tears, and growth.
A New Chapter at Jongno Yulje Medical Center
Resident Playbook dives into the lives of first-year OB-GYN residents at the Jongno branch of Yulje Medical Center, a different setting from the main hospital in Hospital Playlist. The show paints a vivid picture of young doctors tackling a specialty hit hard by low birth rates in South Korea.
The story captures their daily grind—rushing to emergencies, facing tough mentors, and forming tight bonds. It’s a mix of high-stakes medical cases and personal struggles, showing how these rookies grow through mistakes and small victories.
“Dreaming of a wise doctor’s life,” the trailer teases, hinting at their big ambitions. “Our unpredictable day,” it adds, showing the wild ride they’re on.
Meet the Fresh-Faced Cast
The drama stars a talented lineup, with Go Youn-jung leading as Oh Yi-young, a determined resident finding her footing. Shin Si-a plays Pyo Nam-kyung, bringing a unique spark to the group. Kang You-seok takes on Um Jae-il, a resident whose enthusiasm shines even in chaos, while Han Ye-ji is Kim Sa-bi, navigating the emotional highs and lows. Jung Joon-won rounds out the main cast as Ku Do-won, a doctor wrestling with self-doubt.
Supporting roles add depth, with Ra Mi-ran as the fierce Professor Seo, a mentor who pushes the residents to their limits. Cameos from Hospital Playlist stars like Yoo Yeon-seok, Jung Kyung-ho, Ahn Eun-jin, and Kim Dae-myung bring nostalgic ties, with some appearing as their original characters, now evolved—like Ahn Eun-jin and Kim Dae-myung possibly as a married couple.
Go Youn-jung as Oh Yi-young: A driven resident facing tough challenges.
Shin Si-a as Pyo Nam-kyung: A rookie with a bold personality.
Kang You-seok as Um Jae-il: Known for rushing in with food and optimism.
Han Ye-ji as Kim Sa-bi: Balances heart and grit in the hospital.
Jung Joon-won as Ku Do-won: Questions his place in medicine.
Plot Packed with Heart and Hustle
The series follows these residents as they handle intense medical cases, from emergency deliveries to complex surgeries, all while learning the ropes in a demanding field. The trailer shows them scrambling mid-meal for urgent calls, dodging senior doctors’ scolding, and sharing quiet moments of support.
Their optimism takes hits—harsh feedback, upset patients, and self-doubt creep in. Yet, the show balances these lows with humor and friendship, like Um Jae-il shouting, “It’s here! It’s here!” while delivering food, or the group laughing through stress. Set against South Korea’s declining birth rates, their choice to specialize in OB-GYN feels bold and meaningful.
The drama runs for 12 episodes, airing every Saturday and Sunday at 9:10 PM KST on tvN, wrapping up on May 18, 2025. Each episode, about 60 to 70 minutes, blends medical realism with slice-of-life warmth.
Where to Watch and Why It Stands Out
Resident Playbook airs on tvN and streams on TVING in South Korea, with Netflix bringing it to global fans in select regions, including India, every weekend. No need to watch Hospital Playlist first, but fans will love the subtle nods and cameos.
Directed by Lee Min-soo and written by Kim Song-hee, a veteran of Hospital Playlist and the Reply series, the show keeps the heart of its predecessor but carves its own path. Shin Won-ho and Lee Woo-jung, creators of the original, oversee the project, ensuring its soul stays intact.
The drama faced delays—originally set for May 2024 after Queen of Tears, it was pushed back due to South Korea’s medical strike, which sparked public sensitivity about doctor portrayals. Reshoots and script tweaks followed, but the team’s hard work shines through.
Fans on social media buzz with excitement:
“This poster already shows the chaos of residency ,” one user posted. “It’s the opposite of Hosplay: uncontrolled chaos, MCs mess up and are clueless,” another shared after the premiere. “I appreciate them opening with CPR iykyk,” a fan noted, loving the medical nods.
A Story of Growth and Grit
What makes Resident Playbook special is its raw take on residency—mistakes, tough mentors, and emotional patient moments shape these doctors. It’s not just about medicine; it’s about finding purpose and leaning on friends when the going gets tough.
The teaser promises a rollercoaster: one minute, the residents are hopeful; the next, they’re questioning everything. Yet, their bond and small wins keep them going, making it a story anyone can relate to, whether you’re chasing a dream or just getting through the day.
,” one user posted.
iykyk,” a fan noted, loving the medical nods.
