The popular medical drama “Resident Playbook” aired its final episode on May 18, 2025, leaving fans with a mix of joy, tears, and hope for the future. The tvN series, a spin-off of the beloved “Hospital Playlist,” followed the lives of young OB-GYN residents at Jongno Yulje Medical Center. The finale delivered touching moments, unexpected twists, and strong performances from its cast.
The episode saw Oh Yi-young (Go Youn-jung) and Gu Do-won (Jung Joon-won) officially confirming their relationship. In a sweet scene, Do-won surprised Yi-young with a ring, hinting at marriage plans. Their romance, which developed naturally throughout the series, was praised by fans for its realism and charm.
Meanwhile, Chu Min-ha (Ahn Eun-jin) celebrated a major career milestone as she became a professor, with her husband Yang Seok-hyung (Kim Dae-myung) delivering a heartfelt congratulatory moment. However, not all characters got happy endings—Myeong Eun-won (Kim Hye-in) was denied a faculty position, adding a dose of real-world struggle to the finale.
The emotional climax came when Pyo Nam-kyung (Cynthia) faced the death of her first patient, followed by assisting in a birth, highlighting the highs and lows of medical life. Eom Jae-il (Kang Yoo-seok) also had a breakthrough, earning recognition from his tough mentor, Professor Jo Jun-mo.
Fans were left wanting more, with many calling for a second season. The cast and crew are set to celebrate the show’s success with a trip to Bali, which will be filmed as a special episode.
Key Moments from the Finale
The finale wrapped up several storylines while leaving room for future developments. Oh Yi-young briefly considered quitting residency after a fake lottery win but ultimately returned, realizing her passion for medicine. Her growth from a hesitant first-year resident to a more confident doctor was a central theme.
Gu Do-won’s romantic gesture—giving Yi-young a ring and mentioning a marriage savings account—was a fan-favorite moment. Their relationship, which started with playful banter, evolved into one of the show’s most heartwarming arcs.
Chu Min-ha’s promotion to professor was another highlight. Her husband, Yang Seok-hyung, surprised her with flowers and a shy but touching speech, proving their love story remains strong even after “Hospital Playlist.”
Not every character got a fairytale ending. Myeong Eun-won’s disappointment at being passed over for a faculty role added realism, showing that not all struggles in medicine have easy solutions.
image: tvN
Fan Reactions and Future Hopes
Viewers took to social media to express their love for the series, with many demanding a second season. One fan wrote:
“We are on the finale week. 12 episodes is not enough. Give us Season 2!”
Another added:
“NO ONE BOTHERS THEM IN BALI IM TELLING YALL LET MY DOCTORS HAVE A VACATION.”
The show’s success was reflected in its ratings, which peaked at 7.5% nationwide, nearly doubling its debut numbers. It also dominated buzzworthy drama rankings for weeks, with its cast taking five of the top 10 spots on actor lists.
Emotional Farewells From the Cast
The actors shared emotional farewells ahead of the finale. Go Youn-jung, who played Oh Yi-young, said:
“Every moment in this drama was precious and meaningful. Saying goodbye is both overwhelming and bittersweet. Through Yi-young, I grew so much—it’s been a turning point in my life.”
Jung Joon-won (Gu Do-won) added:
“These six weeks have been among the happiest of my life. Every moment as Do-won was filled with gratitude.”
For now, fans can look forward to the Bali special episode, which will feature behind-the-scenes moments and cast interactions.
“Resident Playbook” successfully blended medical drama, romance, and personal growth, earning praise for its relatable characters and emotional depth. Though some critics felt it didn’t quite match “Hospital Playlist,” it found its own voice and left a lasting impact.
With strong ratings, a dedicated fanbase, and unresolved storylines, the demand for more is clear. But through a second season or spin-offs, the residents of Yulje Medical Center will never return.
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