Resident Playbook (2025) – Korean Medical Drama Spin-off of Hospital Playlist

Resident Playbook is a 2025 South Korean medical drama that premiered on April 12 on tvN and streams on Netflix. A spin-off of the beloved Hospital Playlist series, this story follows four OB-GYN residents as they struggle, grow, and bond in the intense environment of Yulje Medical Center.

📚 Table of Contents

• Drama Information
• Synopsis
• Main Characters
• Supporting Characters
• Related Links & Hashtags

📺 Drama Information

Field	Details
Title	Resident Playbook
Original Title	언젠가는 슬기로울 전공의생활
Genre	Medical, Drama
Episodes	12
Broadcast Period	April 12 – May 18, 2025
Air Time	Saturdays at 9:10 PM KST
Network	tvN
Streaming Platforms	TVING, Netflix, Apple TV
Director	Lee Min-soo
Writer	Kim Song-hee
Creators	Shin Won-ho, Lee Woo-jung
Production Company	Egg Is Coming

🩺 Synopsis

Set in the bustling OB-GYN department of Yulje Medical Center, Resident Playbook follows four first-year residents as they navigate the complexities of medical training, personal growth, and the bonds formed in the crucible of hospital life. Each character brings a unique perspective, creating a tapestry of experiences that highlight the challenges and triumphs of becoming a doctor. The series balances medical realism with heartfelt storytelling, offering viewers an immersive look into the world of residency.

👩‍⚕️ Main Characters

• Oh Yi-young (Go Youn-jung):
  Born into a wealthy family and a straight-A student all through school, Oh Yi-young seemed destined for success. She passed medical school with top honors, but when real hospital life hit, she crashed—hard. After walking out mid-residency, she vanished, earning a reputation as a flight risk. Now she's back at Yulje, trying again, this time in OB-GYN—her least favorite department. Yi-young hides behind sarcasm and apathy, avoiding emotional connection at all costs. But as she starts working with her chaotic but caring colleagues, something in her begins to shift. Could she finally learn to care—not just for patients, but for herself too?
• Pyo Nam-kyeong (Cynthia):
  Nam-kyeong is all glam, all the time. She starts each day with a blowout and a full face of makeup, turning hospital corridors into her personal runway. But under the polished surface lies a mountain of insecurity. She constantly compares herself to others—richer, smarter, more connected—and it chips away at her confidence. Nam-kyeong struggles with the unglamorous realities of hospital life, especially when it doesn’t match the filtered world she sees on Instagram. Still, she’s determined to survive her residency, even if it means faking confidence until she makes it.
• Um Jae-il (Kang Yoo-seok):
  Once a member of a short-lived K-pop boy group, Um Jae-il now battles sleep deprivation instead of dance rehearsals. His past as an idol makes him an oddball among residents, and he constantly feels like he's a beat behind everyone else. But what he lacks in medical finesse, he makes up for in spirit. Jae-il is earnest, enthusiastic, and surprisingly good with people—especially patients. He may be clumsy and slow to learn, but he never gives up, even when he’s dead last. His cheerful perseverance just might be his biggest strength.
• Kim Sa-bi (Han Ye-ji):
  Sa-bi is the definition of a genius. She aced her way through med school and memorized entire textbooks, earning her the nickname "Super AI." Naturally, everyone expected her to breeze through residency—but reality had other plans. Despite her impressive knowledge, she freezes up in front of patients and finds herself tongue-tied during critical moments. As her flawless image begins to crack, Sa-bi faces the one thing she’s never prepared for: failure. But in those stumbles, she may discover what kind of doctor—and person—she truly wants to be.

🧑‍⚕️ Supporting Characters

• Gu Do-won (Jung Joon-won):
  Nicknamed "Captain Gu" or even "God Gu" by juniors, this 4th-year OB-GYN resident is the department's silent guardian. Lightning-fast, always one step ahead, and calm in chaos, he’s the rock everyone leans on. His stoic routines may seem dull, but he holds the ward together like glue.
• Gi Eun-mi (Lee Do-hye):
  Once a timid first-year drowning in self-doubt, Eun-mi found strength thanks to a kind mentor. Now a 3rd-year, she’s everyone’s go-to senior—gentle, nurturing, and always making sure no one skips meals. But lately, she’s wondering why having juniors seems to mean more work, not less!
• Cha Da-hye (Hong Na-hyun):
  Though she’s the youngest in the OB-GYN team, Da-hye carries herself like an old-school professor. She’s proud to no longer be the newbie and is determined to whip the new 1st-years into shape—even if it means leaning into her nickname: “young boomer.”
• Seo Jeong-min (Lee Bong-ryeon):
  With a no-nonsense attitude and unmatched dedication, Jeong-min is both feared and adored. She drills residents hard but secretly cheers when they succeed. When she’s not grilling juniors, she’s the first to plan a spontaneous department dinner.
• Gong Gi-seon (Son Ji-yoon):
  Her mood can change faster than the weather, making her the department’s wildcard. Some days she’s your best friend, others she’s a verbal volcano—but deep down, she cares fiercely about her team. Her explosive style has earned her the nickname “Amadeus.”
• Myung Eun-won (Kim Hye-in):
  A fiercely competitive 2nd-year fellow with a chip on her shoulder. After years in the shadow of a golden classmate, she’s determined to rise—by any means. But her kingdom might be threatened by a bold new resident who refuses to follow her lead.
• Ryu Jae-hwi (Lee Chang-hoon):
  Quiet and precise, Professor Ryu’s gentle hands save lives in surgery. He forgets names constantly, calling everyone “You,” but his warm gestures—like slipping meal cards to tired residents—make him beloved by all.
• Jo Jun-mo (Lee Hyun-kyun):
  Two-faced in the best and worst ways. Charming with patients but terrifying with interns, he’s the “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hide” of the ward. His grumpy demeanor and sneaky snack habits are infamous across the hospital.
• Park Mu-gang (Yoo Hyun-jong):
  The one-man army of pediatrics. Exhausted, sleep-deprived, and often misunderstood, Mu-gang works quietly in the shadows. But one poorly timed sarcastic comment earns him the wrath of OB-GYN—something he didn’t see coming.
• Ham Dong-ho:
  In charge of the OR as a 3rd-year anesthesiology resident, Dong-ho juggles scheduling chaos, demanding surgeons, and nonstop pleas from OB-GYN for emergency rooms. Once gentle, now a little too jaded.
• Joo Sang-hyeon:
  Another 3rd-year in anesthesia who dreads every call from OB-GYN. At this point, he's convinced they’ll barge into the OR even if he locks the door. PTSD: Post-Traumatic Surgery Demand.
• Park Jun-seok (Seo I-seo):
  The emergency room’s final boss. Balancing bed shortages, endless intakes, and complaints from every department, he’s stretched thin but never drops the ball—even when he really wants to throw it.
• Tak Gi-on (Cha Kang-yoon):
  A brand-new intern whose heart is twice the size of his medical knowledge. He messes up a lot—but always with a smile. Loved by patients and somehow adored by every senior, even if he drives them up the wall.
• Oh Ju-young (Jeong Un-seon):
  Yi-young’s older sister and moral compass. Strong, practical, and unshakable, she’s the only person who can put Yi-young in her place—with just one glare.
• Gu Seung-won (Jeong Soon-won):
  Ju-young’s soft-spoken husband. The perfect listener, supporter, and comfort blanket. When Ju-young suffers, he does too—but never lets her see it.

💬 Frequently Asked Questions

• Is Resident Playbook connected to Hospital Playlist?
  Yes! It’s an official spin-off set in the same Yulje Medical Center. While it features new characters, fans of Hospital Playlist will love the similar tone and emotional storytelling.
• Where can I watch it?
  The drama airs on tvN in South Korea and streams globally on Netflix with English subtitles. You can also find it on TVING and Apple TV in some regions.
• Do I need to watch Hospital Playlist first?
  Not necessarily. Resident Playbook stands on its own with a fresh cast and storyline. But if you enjoyed Hospital Playlist, you’ll definitely appreciate the familiar setting and production style.
• What makes this drama different?
  It dives into the lives of OB-GYN residents—a lesser explored specialty—and focuses more on raw, coming-of-age journeys than romance. Think emotional growth, chaotic hospital nights, and surprising friendships.

Is this based on real hospital culture in Korea?
It’s dramatized for entertainment, but much of the medical training system—like long shifts, senior-junior hierarchy, and resident culture—is rooted in Korean reality.

 

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