Resident Doctors' Lives Unveiled: A Deep Dive into 'Hospital Playlist: The Residents' Episode 1

## The Beginning of a New Medical Journey

On April 12, 2025, tvN launched its highly anticipated weekend drama 'Hospital Playlist: The Residents' (언젠가는 슬기로울 전공의생활), a spin-off of the beloved 'Hospital Playlist' series. Set in the OB-GYN department of Jeongno Yulje Hospital, this new series focuses on the growth stories of first-year residents as they navigate the demanding world of medical practice.

The series premiered to considerable excitement, especially among fans of the original 'Hospital Playlist.' While some viewers initially expressed concerns about another spin-off, the teaser trailers featuring the show's distinctive emotional tone, music, and natural acting quickly convinced many that this new iteration would maintain the quality of its predecessor.

Now, nearly a month after its premiere, the show has established itself as a must-watch for both medical drama enthusiasts and general viewers alike. With its realistic portrayal of resident life and heartwarming moments, the series has captured the attention of audiences both in Korea and internationally.

## Meet the First-Year Residents: Four Distinct Personalities

The first episode introduces us to four first-year residents in the OB-GYN department, each with their own unique personalities and motivations:

**Oh Yi-young (played by Go Yoon-jung)**: The series begins with Yi-young's nightmare about quitting medicine. We learn she's returned to residency to pay off her debts. Despite her seemingly cynical exterior, she demonstrates remarkable dedication when needed, particularly in emergency situations. Her character is established as someone who never runs, yet we see her sprint to the hospital when necessary – a subtle hint at her warm heart beneath the cold facade.

**Pyo Nam-kyung (played by Shin Sia)**: Nam-kyung entered OB-GYN with dreams of becoming a doctor who would gracefully sweep through hospital corridors in a white coat. She's meticulous with charting and dressing, earning praise from professors as an all-rounder in the department. Though she occasionally feels overwhelmed by the repetitive daily routines and mounting workload, she quickly regains her enthusiasm after meaningful patient interactions.

**Eom Jae-il (played by Kang Yu-seok)**: A former idol who brings humor to the group with his entertaining self-introduction. Despite his struggles and frequent mistakes, Jae-il shows tremendous dedication, checking on patients from early morning and tracking their conditions diligently. His character represents the growth that comes through persistent effort.

**Kim Sa-bi (played by Han Ye-ji)**: A top student who graduated first in her class. Sa-bi finds that academic excellence doesn't always translate to clinical expertise. She faces challenges in connecting with patients on an emotional level, particularly when confronted with questions that can't be answered from textbooks.

## The Realistic Portrayal of Resident Life

What sets 'Hospital Playlist: The Residents' apart is its authentic depiction of medical residents' experiences. The first episode doesn't shy away from showing the awkwardness of first-day introductions, reminiscent of any workplace newcomers' anxiety. The residents make mistakes in their first surgeries, face scolding from professors and seniors, and struggle to apply their theoretical knowledge to practical situations.

Particularly notable is a scene where Yi-young assists in an emergency delivery in a hospital corridor – a powerful moment that leaves a strong impression on viewers. The show balances these intense medical scenarios with quieter moments of reflection and growth.

The drama also touches on the financial realities facing young doctors. Yi-young's motivation to return to medicine to pay off a 50 million won debt offers a refreshing perspective rarely seen in medical dramas, which often focus on more idealistic motivations.

According to reviews from actual medical professionals who have watched the show, many aspects of resident life are portrayed with surprising accuracy. A YouTube review by Yonsei University's Yongin Severance Hospital professors confirmed that many scenes reflect the real experiences of medical residents, adding credibility to the show's narrative.

## Behind the Scenes: Production and Creative Team

The series is created by the same team behind 'Hospital Playlist' – creators Shin Won-ho and Lee Woo-jung, with direction by Lee Min-soo and screenplay by Kim Song-hee. It's planned as a 12-episode series airing on Saturday and Sunday evenings at 9:10 PM KST on tvN, with streaming available on TVING and Netflix.

Interestingly, the show was originally scheduled to air in summer 2024 but was reportedly delayed due to the collective action by doctors opposing the Yoon Suk-yeol government's medical school expansion plans in mid-February 2024. This context adds an additional layer of relevance to the series, as it airs during a time when medical professionals' working conditions and training are topics of national discussion.

The filming locations include Yonsei University's Yongin Severance Hospital, which serves as the backdrop for many scenes. This authentic hospital setting contributes to the realistic atmosphere of the show. The production team also consulted with actual OB-GYN specialists during pre-production to ensure medical accuracy, with one consultant even appearing in a YouTube review of the first episode.

## Audience Reception and Ratings

The premiere episode achieved impressive ratings, recording an average of 4.4% and a peak of 6.2% in the Seoul metropolitan area, and an average of 3.7% with a peak of 5.2% nationwide. These numbers placed it first among cable and general programming channels in its time slot. Among tvN's target demographic of viewers aged 20-49, the show recorded an average of 2.8% with a peak of 4.1% in the Seoul metropolitan area, and an average of 2.6% with a peak of 3.4% nationwide, ranking first across all channels in its time slot.

Online community reactions have been predominantly positive, with viewers praising Go Yoon-jung's acting abilities and the fresh setting of an OB-GYN department. Medical professionals have commented on the show's authenticity, with many saying, "This really resembles hospital life" and "I can relate to this as my life is also like a resident's right now."

The special appearances by original 'Hospital Playlist' cast members, including Yoo Yeon-seok, Jung Kyung-ho, and Ahn Eun-jin, have particularly excited longtime fans of the franchise. While some viewers have expressed fatigue with the 'Hospital Playlist' universe, suggesting it might be time for a break, the overall feedback has been positive, with viewership steadily increasing.

## Connections to the Original 'Hospital Playlist'

While 'Hospital Playlist: The Residents' stands on its own, it maintains connections to the original series through its setting and occasional character crossovers. Unlike the original series, which focused on professors, this spin-off centers on residents, offering a fresh perspective on hospital life.

The original cast members like Yoo Yeon-seok (Ahn Jeong-won), Jung Kyung-ho (Kim Jun-wan), Jo Jung-suk (Lee Ik-jun), Jeon Mi-do (Chae Song-hwa), Kim Dae-myung (Yang Seok-hyeong), and Ahn Eun-jin (Choo Min-ha) make special appearances, creating a sense of continuity while allowing the new characters to take center stage.

The spin-off maintains the warm atmosphere characteristic of the 'Hospital Playlist' series but adds a more realistic and youthful perspective through its focus on early-career medical professionals. This approach has helped the show connect with viewers while expanding the franchise in a meaningful direction.

## Why This Drama Stands Out

What makes 'Hospital Playlist: The Residents' special is its ability to maintain the warmth of the original series while offering a more realistic and youthful narrative. The show excels at balancing medical drama with relatable human stories, creating moments of both tension and heartwarming connection.

The focus on residents rather than established professors provides a fresh angle on medical storytelling, exploring the challenges of those still learning and growing in their profession. This perspective resonates particularly well with younger viewers and those at early stages in their careers.

The series also benefits from its simultaneous availability on OTT platforms (TVING and Netflix), making it accessible to international audiences and expanding its potential fanbase beyond Korea. This global reach is significant for a show that deals with universal themes of professional growth, friendship, and the emotional complexities of medical care.

As we continue to follow these characters through their residency journey, 'Hospital Playlist: The Residents' promises to deliver both medical drama and heartfelt moments of human connection – a combination that has already proven successful with its predecessor and appears equally effective in this new iteration.