Relatable and Emotional
I am biased towards Go Youn Jung as she is my most favorite actress ever, and that's why i can't find any faults in her acting or the drama. To me, this drama is absolutely beautiful. It doesn't fail to match the vibe of Hospital Playlist and I love Resident Playbook more since we can see their friendship slowly building and blooming into a strong bond, and that is very wholesome to see.The residents interactions with the patient made me tear up so many times, though Sabi hasn't had many meaningful interactions with her patients, but that one patient she had to apologize to was pretty nice to see.
This drama is a slice of life, unlike from general fast paced kdramas that are full of thrill and drama, and this is one of the many reasons why I love this so much.
And that one scene where OYY and KSB operated together made me bawl!
Overall, I really love this drama and wish it all the success in the world. I also strongly support the making of a second season as well!
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The ratings on this site are a joke.
The people here with the low ratings,🤦🏻‍♀️wow!!I'll be honest I've watched the first episode and some of the second episode and even though I didn't end up liking it enough to continue I find it's just plain evil to ratr it so low! it's a good show with a solid cast, I was expecting a Scrubs kind of humor and that's why I didn't like it. It's a medical show with some humor thrown in as opposed to a comedic show that happens to be centered around a hospital. MDL should just stop allowing to rate shows before they've done. If you like medical dramas give it a chance if you're looking for goofy humor this might not be it for you.
I for now will be placing it on hold and maybe get back to it later.
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First Impressions :- A different kind of medical drama ♡
Okay, so I know I posted my first impressions after episode 1, but after watching episode 2, I had to come back and update. This drama is seriously growing on me. It has a really strong start and so much potential for character development. It’s already delivering on that in just two episodes.Go Yoon Jung as Oh Il Young initially felt a little underwhelming, but now I see her character arc slowly taking shape. Her resentment and lack of motivation felt frustrating at first, but now they add depth. She's not here to be a hero doctor. She’s just surviving, and that raw honesty is refreshing.
I want to take back what I said about Pyo Nam Gyeong. I called her a pick me girl in the first review, but after episode 2, she’s hands down my favorite. She’s actually the most normal and genuine person in the group, and the way she handled things this episode made me appreciate her so much more.
Kim Sabi still confuses me, but I’m intrigued. She’s emotionally closed off, but it feels like there’s more to her. I’m definitely curious to see where her story goes.
And of course, Um Jae Il continues to be my absolute favorite. His sincerity, effort, and empathy are unmatched. He might not be the smartest, but his heart is in the right place.
I also want to point out that this drama isn’t trying to be another Doctor Romantic or Hospital Playlist. It’s in a different lane. It focuses on first-year residents flawed, burnt out, or just plain lost and that’s something we rarely see. It doesn’t glamorize the profession, and that honesty sets it apart.
If you’re a fan of medical dramas, I really think you’ll end up loving Resident Playbook. It’s shaping up to be something special.
Note: These are just my thoughts and I’ll keep updating as I go. So don’t come for me yet, it’s still early💜
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Rounds of Life: A Fresh Ride of Medical Kdramas
TBH, i've been anticipating a medical kdrama to watch..and i'm so glad this came this yr & right this time..so apart from looking for a medical drama, if u want friendship, sismance, character development, and teacher-student relationship, this drama was destined to find you...(p.s The romance aspect, i'm still not sure off, but i think we might see one, but whatever, that doesn't matter itself, so yh)...Firstly, the characters: Oh Yi-young (Go Youn-jung), Pyo Nam-kyung (Shin Si-ah), Um Jae-il (Kang You-seok), and Kim Sa-bi (Han Ye-ji) as they navigate the challenges of their medical training. So far so good, them characters may seem unfit for a medical career, but don't forget that these characters at least have one or two reasons for why they chose this career at first without actually delving into the medical role...one for money, one was a former kpop idol, one is a fashionista, and the last one being studious but acting AILIKE...therefore, it will take them quite some time (hopefully not a lot) to start to see the medical roles in them to unleash & start to SHINE heavenly..that's why i said ( in the intro) CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT is really gonna be evident in this drama..Lastly, Unlike its predecessor (which means this drama is a spin-off of kdrama Hospital Playlist), which is followed by seasoned doctors, Resident Playbook delves into the formative experiences of these young professionals, capturing their growth, camaraderie, and the emotional rollercoaster of hospital life.
THANK U SM FOR READING THIS!!
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pretty good drama
I started this drama without expecting much—the first episode felt pretty average. But by episode two, the story became more engaging and pulled me in. The plot is well-structured and flows naturally, keeping things interesting without dragging.The acting is impressive. The cast brings their characters to life with believable emotions and strong chemistry. Every scene feels genuine, whether it's emotional, tense, or lighthearted.
Visually, the drama is also beautiful. The cinematography, lighting, and overall aesthetic add a lot to the mood and storytelling. It’s clear that the production was handled with care.
Overall, this drama is a pleasant surprise. It combines solid storytelling, great performances, and strong visuals. Definitely worth watching.
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U NEVER KNOW....
I ain't gona say alot but like as we all know this is a medical drama, therefore it will have medical elements as we all know, it will have frienships between the doctors or i say residents too, extreme character developments will be likely as if u have watched the drama, which u should have, u will know what i'm on bout....then the romance part all i can say i'm really rooting for dowon & yiyeong relationship cause GODDAMN, the chemistry...the tension is INSANE...(hopefully the directors and writers give us, but i'm 100% they will),,,then idk what to say but u all make sure to watch this drama as u never know, so just watch it...WATCH IT & u'll understand this review....Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
A Promising Spin-off
If Hospital Playlist was the warm, nostalgic tale to friendship and life within the hospital walls, Resident Playbook takes a bolder, more emotionally charged scalpel to the rigors of medical training, shining a light on the lives of four OB-Gyn residents : each flawed, human, and deeply compelling.RESIDENTS
1. We’re introduced to Oh I-yeong, perhaps the most relatable character for anyone who has ever felt the crushing weight of burnout. Once bright-eyed, now burdened by debt, she returns to residency after a gap year with reluctance engraved into every scene. Yet slowly, under the guidance of fierce mentors, she begins to rediscover purpose. Watching her open up to the specialty and to herself is one of the show’s emotional backbones.
2. Then there’s Pro Nam Gyeong, the embodiment of the “perfect resident” - diligent, hyper-organized, and always the first to step up. But even perfection has its price. Her journey toward learning balance and self-care in the face of overextension paints a raw, honest picture of the hidden emotional tolls of compassion fatigue.
3. Kim Sabi, the top graduate with razor-sharp skills but frosty bedside manners, brings a sharp contrast. Her clinical excellence is unquestioned, but her growth arc lies in connecting with patients beyond the monitor. As she slowly learns the value of empathy and ethical principle, her character shifts from cold to captivating.
4. And then we meet Um Jae-il, the wildcard, a former K-pop idol turned doctor. Driven, endlessly enthusiastic, and determined to prove himself beyond the stage lights, Jae-il’s energy breathes vitality into every scene. His proactive nature, mixed with surprising vulnerability, brings a fresh dynamic to the resident crew.
The OB-Gyn department is presented not just as a setting, but a character in itself, full of chaotic beauty and life-changing moments. The show doesn’t shy away from ethical dilemmas, emotionally intense cases, and moments that ground the residents.
What truly elevates Resident Playbook is its attention to medical detail, a signature of the series creator's vision. Whether it's the adrenaline-fueled delivery room scenes or quiet corridor confessions after a long shift, everything feels lived-in and authentic (from personal experience as a resident myself). Cameos from familiar Hospital Playlist faces are a lovely nod to fans, adding warmth without overshadowing the new cast.
In all, Resident Playbook is a strong, emotionally intelligent addition to the medical K-drama universe. It’s not just about saving lives, it’s about finding one's own. As the residents learn, stumble, and grow, we’re reminded that being a doctor is as much about heart as it is about skill.
A must-watch for fans of medical dramas who crave character-driven storytelling with emotional depth, ethical complexity, and just the right dose of nostalgia.
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