Resident Playbook

This Is Reality: , Facing Life, Romance, Friendship, Hatred, and Grieving

I don’t usually enjoy medical dramas because I feel dizzy watching operations.

But for this one, it was worth it. The banter between the characters was amazing, and the blooming tension between Dr. Koo and Oh Yi Young was so good. They went from in-laws to enemies, with Oh Yi Young crushing hard. And to be honest—she fell harder. I really wish it had been 16 episodes because it felt too short!

I better not forget about the other residents and their love stories—some were crushing _hard_. I’m looking at you, idol boy. He was falling fast, and I wish there had been more scenes with him and Kim Sa Bi. Speaking of Kim Sa Bi, she’s my favorite character—so down-to-earth, and the only one (in my opinion) who faced a life-threatening event.

I also feel like Pyo Nam Gyeong was maybe crushing on the doctor intern. There was a little tension between them, even if it wasn’t obvious.

And let me not forget some characters I would happily give the finger! Every time they spoke, I felt my face twist in irritation. One abused his professional power, and the other was a backstabber—what a vile human being. But hey, that’s proof the drama did its job well—getting me invested, making me _feel_ something! Every great story needs a few villains to stir the pot. Still, I wouldn’t have minded seeing some well-deserved karma hit them like a freight train.

On top of all that, the funny and slice-of-life moments were the best—watching them stand up for each other was heartwarming, and the phenomenal actors made it all so real.

Thank you for a great drama, TvN!

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Spin-offs suffer from sequel syndromes too

This is my first review, but I have been a faithful guest user on mydramalist for many years now.
I was looking forward to Resident Playbook considering that I quite enjoyed both seasons of Hospital Playlist. Unfortunately, this spin-off didn't quite live up to my expectations. Comparing it to Hospital Playlist would be unfair, yet I can't help but wish that it had some of the elements that made Hospital Playlist such an enjoyable watch. Sadly like most sequels (or in this case a spin-off) the X factor was completely missing.
This drama fell short on just the overall story itself - it could be that as it is centered on the OB-GYN unit in the hospital, the patients all revolved around expectant mothers or women who suffered from gynaecological problems. There was not much room to maneuver within the story itself because of the focus. Having said that, I felt like I didn't have enough time to get to know the patients or the doctors either despite this focus. There was no heart in the cases and I felt little connection to the residents. The humour in the show was forgettable and the cameos from the Hospital Playlist cast barely made sense to me. Of course I enjoyed seeing them, but they kept showing up randomly for a few seconds here and there like they were shoved into plot rather than included into it.

The cast was wasted in my opinion on a script that really could have been better. I adore Go Youn Jung and I always enjoy her acting, yet here I could not make head or tail of her character. Was she supposed to come off as reluctant and aloof, or as a robotic android? Her face was so devoid of emotions that I had trouble believing any emotion she did portray.
I could not understand why Kim Sa Bi was written as such an annoying character; any growth she showed always took five steps backwards because she would do something disrespectful or horrid. I found myself fast forwarding past her scenes towards the end because I just could not be interested. My favourite residents were Pyo Nam Kyung and Um Jae-il, who showed the most growth and character development. I liked watching them become better versions of themselves.

The rest of the cast seemed to just be predictable: The demanding and dominating professors, the angelic nurses, the villainous senior doctor, and of course the green flag resident chief. I have been turned off Korean content lately and this was my first K-drama in a while. As soon as one of the professors started shouting at a resident, I reminded myself why I dislike K-dramas so much. I can't stand the abuse that is always present no matter what the content of the drama is. Korean dramas are watched globally and I have to say they are gaining a lot of success by marketing how toxic and awful they are as a society.

Overall, Resident Playbook is a forgettable watch for me sadly despite the few moments that I found alright.



Spoiler below:
The one thing I admired about the writing is how they tackled Oh Joo Young's IVF journey. Her decision to not continue and to learn to love herself and the life she has was such a nice thing to see. Too often women are shamed for not prioritising motherhood and it was really wholesome to see her make a decision to prioritise herself.

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Not as great as Hospital Playlist, but it’s still a nice slice of life drama

I didn't expect much from this spin off but surprisingly I quite enjoyed it, not as much as Hospital Playlist though.

It's a good slice of life drama in a medical setting. It has funny moments and some realistic and relatable moments, and touching moments. I think we can all relate to the characters, as a fresh graduate who starts working at a new environment. We make mistakes, we are passionate but not recognized, or we work hard but our seniors take all the credit for it, etc.

Each of all the characters have their own colors and personalities, with both their strengths and flaws. One of the things that I love is that even though there is character development among the characters, they don't magically change completely at the end of the series, which is just one year later from the first epiode. They do become better and more experienced in their job, but still remain their strengths and flaws.

The romance is good enough. It's fun to watch the chemistry between the characters. Each couple has good chemistry and I love that their romance is slow burn, and it grows quite naturally.

I like most of the characters in this drama, except for the 2 bad senior doctors who keep bullying their juniors, but those kinds of people do exist in real life and in every workplace. Apart from them, the resident doctors have great supportive co-workers and seniors, and also build some special bonding with their patients. My most favorite characters are Pyo Nam Gyeong, Kim Sabi, Professor Seo Jeong Min, Professor Ryu Jae Hwi, Um Jae Il, Cha Da Hye, and Park Mu Gang. :)

One of the things I didn't like much in this series is that they seem to focus more on one character among the four main characters: Oh I Young. Actually she’s my least favorite characters in the series. I don’t dislike her like the two bad seniors I have mentioned above, but I just don’t like her as much as others. I don’t understand why they make a poster with 4 main characters, but she's the one who starts the first episode and ends the last episode. I also feel that her story is more focused than the rest. I wish there were more screentime for Pyo Nam Gyeong, Um Jae Il and Kim Sabi as well. I wouldn't mind watching if they make a season 2 for them.

By the way, it’s really nice to see our beloved characters in Hospital Playlist again as special cameos. Their appearances are fun to watch.

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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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Cute - But Lacks Charm

Honestly, it took me half a year to finish this drama. As an avid lover of Hospital Playlist 1 & 2, my expectations were set very, very high. Was that unfair to do? Probably, but I couldn’t help it. I yearned for more content so desperately I latched onto this immediately. I was quickly disappointed, though. You can tell the writing and production staff were different than the original series immediately.

The acting was mid at times and I felt that the writing for the residents was very clunky. I’m no medical expert by any means, but surely things like… basic empathy is taught in school, right? Also, I’m aware that OB/GYN is a ROUGH rotation for medical students and that a lot of hazing goes on behind the scenes, but dude, these professors and other residents were insufferable. Like, “this warrants a talk with HR” insufferable. The relationship between the residents were not fleshed out at all, and even when we did get some moments of them on screen, it felt like the were telling us and not showing us — WHICH IS IMPRESSIVE TO GET WRONG IN A VISUAL MEDIUM! Even the romance between I-yeong and her brother in law was so… The chemistry was non-existent I fear. Also, ew, they’re family, practically. Honestly, my favorite part of this series was seeing cameos from the original cast. Seeing them interact with the current residents was refreshing.

Perhaps it is harsh to pick on her specifically, but I’m unsure of what Go Younjung is trying to do with her career. Her acting is subpar at best and her “range” reminds me Park Shinhye, and not in a good way. She’s beautiful and she seems like a really sweet person, but seriously, she’s either not being given good material consistently or the people around her are just better.

Despite my harsh reviews, I’ll give the series one thing — it really picks up from episode 7 onwards. Better late than never I suppose?

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Residents of Chaos and Comedy

As someone who never watched Hospital Playlist, I went into Resident Playbook fresh—and I still found it warm, chaotic (in a good way), and emotionally satisfying. Even though the characters and technicalities weren’t groundbreaking, I genuinely enjoyed the journey. It didn’t wow me at first, but if I kept watching to the end, that must mean it had me hooked. I didn't realise until episode 10 that the episodes were actually on the longer side with the average being 1hour and 20mins or so, and to not check the episode lengths even once meant that I really was interested and invested in the show although at the beginning, I didn't feel much like that.

Yi Young & Do Won’s romance: They’re one of my top 10 K-drama couples now! Their chemistry was subtle but strong—though I do wish we saw more of their relationship before the matching rings moment. Like pls, give me some slow, cheesy couple stuff!!

The cozy chaos of the OBGYN setting: AHHHH. SO GOOD. 10/10 comedic relief. The whole show is full of small, cozy, chaotic, laugh-out-loud moments that make the medical stress bearable. It goes without saying the residents were so funny and I really loved their bonding moments and small stuff like them eating together. It gave comfort drama vibes. Not in a warm-sweater way but in a “these people are my friends now” way.

Pyo Namkyung & Jaeil x Sabi: Namkyung was probably my favorite character overall. My queen. Most relatable, most endearing, most chaotic energy. Her ending experiencing the whole cycle of life and death with her patient Yeom Miso? Oh, that hit. Jaeil and Sabi were just adorable, especially in the final scenes—give us more of them, please!!

Supporting cast: Everyone delivered. All the professors, nurses and other residents were very enjoyable. That one professor (you know who I’m talking about) with the worst dad jokes?? Actual legend. I love him. I loved that this show didn't focus on only certain duos, they actually explored all the professors and residents duos, which helped us see their characters and dynamics with eachother more clearly, and see the OBGYN department as a whole. But Prof. Seo Jung-min and Yi-Young were definitely the most iconic! Myeong Eun-won’s arc was chef’s kiss—her not being selected as professor? ICONIC humbling moment.

Everyone brought something. Acting? Really solid across the board. Go Youn-Jung obviously stole the show. No notes. Everyone else did amazing with what they were given.

OST magic: The soundtrack is stacked. My favorite is "When the Day Comes" by TXT, which I’m looping as I write this. Also featuring D.O, DK, Minnie, Winter, Yujin—actual K-pop takeover! One of the best aspects of the entire series.

One-dimensional characters: Even though I liked them, they could’ve been deeper. Do Won, especially, had potential for more layers. There is so much potential for the characters if a S2 occurs.

Lack of diversity in patient stories: Most cases were childbirth or surgeries in older women. I'd love to see broader age ranges and more unique stories.

Season 2 Wishlist:
New R1s!!!
Residents becoming R2s (and maybe having changes in their personality now?)
Jooyoung and her husband's reaction to Do Won and Yi Young dating
More Yi Young x Do Won domestic cuteness
Jaeil x Sabi finally dating
Namkyung mentoring Gi On (and their romance possibly??)
More departments! More unique cases!
Explore Do Won’s character better
Jooyoung and the whole “moving on from IVF” thing—if they bring that back, they better not erase the emotional weight of her decision.

The show managed to make each case feel heartfelt. Even if you’re not the baby-loving type, or the "empathetic for old women" type, the emotions of the women, the doctors, and everyone in between pulled you in. The realism was there, and the character growth was very nice. The way the characters were growing, it was very relatable. It's not like they just changed overnight. They didn't, but they shifted little by little. Like how people do in real life—through experiences, quiet realizations, and moments that stick with you. That’s what made Resident Playbook hit different.

Final Verdict:
Not a masterpiece, but Resident Playbook was a solid comfort show that gave me warmth, soft romances, and a few tears by the end. I had fun. I cared. And that’s more than enough.

Now give me a Season 2 or I’ll start throwing dad jokes at the writers.

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Refreshingly Different - But Also a Nostalgic Ride!

Let me start by saying that I watched and loved Hospital Playlist, so this story being based in the same universe was already enough for me to give it a chance - and I was not disappointed.

While quite different in story and characters, Resident Playbook has the familiar flair of Hospital Playlist and the generous cameos in each episode is enough to take the old fans on a nostalgic ride but even as a stand-alone story, Resident Playbook has its charm and is a decent watch.

Unlike HP, where the characters were established in their lives, careers and friendships and dealt with their hardships by finding comfort in familiarity, RP is about starting new journeys, experiencing new things, making mistakes and learning new things as they try to make a foothold in a new surrounding and slowly make their way towards new friendships!
Each character has a strong individual personality and makes human mistakes; Resident Playbook portrays their journey as they learn and grow while maintaining their chaotic lives as resident doctors.

The story started a little slow and did not make the leads very likable from the start but as they story progresses, they all kind of grow on you and make you root for them. Not to mention, Oh Yi-Yeong is an absolute vibe. The romance - though not a central part of the story - is nice and sweet and takes the familiar slow-burn approach of Hospital Playlist.

Overall, the plot and characters are interesting enough as a stand-alone and keeps you curious without feeling boring. As a spin-off, it is a nice trip down the memory lane since, liked I said, this has pretty decent cameos so we can see more of how the old characters are doing. So, I'd say, pretty worthwhile as long as you realise this is a different story and give it a fair chance.

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THE REALISTIC RAW CHAOTIC MESSY YET REWARDING PATH TO BEING A DOCTOR!

"Resident Playbook" plunges us into the high-stakes world of first-year OBGYN residents, offering a raw, unfiltered look at their demanding journey. The series doesn't shy away from the chaos, anxiety, and the occasional loss of passion that define those early years. Instead, it uses these challenges to highlight the residents' growth, the dismantling of biases, and their transformation into the seasoned doctors we all admire.

"Resident Playbook" offers a refreshing perspective on the medical drama genre. Unlike its predecessor ( Hospital playlist) which focuses on the lives of seasoned doctors, this spin-off delves into the formative years of these medical professionals. The series masterfully captures the raw, unfiltered experiences of first-year residents, showcasing the challenges, anxieties, and lack of motivation they face.

The narrative shifts from the polished expertise of established doctors to the chaotic and often messy reality of those just starting their careers. It provides a glimpse into the roots of the skilled physicians we admire, revealing their initial struggles and the hurdles they overcame. The series emphasizes the growth and development of these characters, highlighting their journey to overcome biases and become seasoned doctors.



With a new cast and a distinct thematic approach, "Resident Playbook" distinguishes itself from other medical dramas. It offers a compelling narrative that resonates with viewers, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in the medical field.

The series excels in showcasing the characters' journeys, growth, and development, a key element woven throughout each episode. Every episode presents the residents with new challenges, highlighting their learning process through mistakes and triumphs. This structure effectively tracks their progress, making their character arcs engaging.

The narrative embraces the complexities of human development, avoiding a straightforward path. Characters experience both forward steps and setbacks, creating a relatable cycle of learning and growth.

An overview of the characters includes;

Oh Yiyoung, a compelling and relatable character in "Resident Playbook." Initially portrayed as a nonchalant and emotionally distant woman, Yiyoung's journey is one of profound transformation. She begins her residency with a lack of passion, driven more by obligation than a genuine desire to practice medicine. This disinterest is evident in her interactions and actions, making her feel distant.

As the series progresses, Yiyoung faces a series of challenges and realizations that force her to confront her apathy. Her character development is marked by moments of wanting to quit, but her journey unveils numerous facets of her personality. She demonstrates a helpful side, an ability to own up to her mistakes, a willingness to learn and grow, and a newfound compassion for her profession.

Yiyoung's character is a mirror to many of us today, her relatable dialogue and complex personality make her a joy to watch. Her chaotic and funny moments add depth to her character, making her a memorable and engaging figure in the series.

Pyo Namkyung, a standout character, embodying a friendly and caring nature. She also has a strong sense of style, often clashing with the demands of her OBGYN residency. This internal conflict adds depth to her character, as she navigates the challenges of her profession while staying true to herself.

Namkyung's interactions with her patients are heartwarming, showcasing her compassionate side. Her willingness to embrace her flaws and strive for improvement is a key aspect of her character arc.

Overall, Namkyung leaves room to grow, making her a relatable and inspiring figure. Her dedication to her patients and her personal growth make her a memorable character.

Kim Sabi, an AI-like character, is defined by her high IQ but initially lacks emotional intelligence. She approaches problems with a textbook-focused mindset, believing that all solutions can be found in academic texts. However, her residency marks a turning point as she realizes that real-world situations often require more than just theoretical knowledge.

Sabi's journey involves developing empathy and understanding the nuances of human interaction. While staying true to her core self, she works on personal growth, recognizing the importance of emotional intelligence in her field.

Additionally, Sabi's competitive nature is evident, but she learns that being first isn't always the priority. This shift in perspective makes her a compelling character, illustrating her development and adaptability within the medical field.

Um Jaeil, the former K-pop idol, provides comic relief while embodying a sunshine and caring personality. Despite his hard work, things don't always go his way, which adds to his relatability.

Jaeil's compassionate nature shines through, and his willingness to learn from mistakes and collaborate with others makes him an interesting character.

Overall, Jaeil's positive attitude and growth throughout the show make him a valuable addition to the cast.


Go Dowon, a fourth-year resident and chief supervisor, embodies maturity and consideration. He is level-headed, intelligent, and skilled in his field, yet remains approachable.

Dowon's friendly demeanor and guidance provide a supportive anchor for the first-year residents. He helps them learn from their mistakes and find solutions, making him a valuable mentor.

Overall, Dowon's character brings balance and expertise to the show, contributing positively to the narrative.

The series incorporates romance, which enhances the viewing experience without overshadowing the core plot. It's a youth drama, and the inclusion of romance adds excitement without dominating the narrative.

The primary focus remains on the OBGYN department, exploring diverse challenges, patient stories, friendships, and personal growth. This slice-of-life approach, though initially slow-paced, becomes increasingly engaging.

The show masterfully blends chaos, comedy, realism, and emotional depth. This balance ensures a captivating and well-rounded viewing experience that resonates with viewers.

In conclusion: Unlike some medical dramas that focus on established professionals, this series delves into the origins of these admirable doctors. It offers a raw look at their beginnings, showcasing the chaos and messiness of their early careers.

This journey requires patience and understanding, promising a mix of humor and frustration. The experience of watching "Resident Playbook" is ultimately rewarding.

It's a journey worth undertaking, offering a unique perspective on the medical world and the characters' evolution.

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Warmth in the mundane

Watching Resident Playbook gave me the same feeling when I watched the Hospital Playlist series, most especially because they share the same universe, directors, creators, and screenwriters.

Like Hospital Playlist, it has a quiet and steady pacing with themes that tackled life minus the fiction cliches, tropes, and conflict.

It fills me with amazement how a series that merely used the different point of views of the main, secondary, and tertiary characters as the main storytelling device yielded high emotional impact. For a material like this, a writer would need tremendous talent to not turn it into a bore-fest.

I’m very contented with the ending and I’m usually good with a single season wrapping up the entire story, but for someone who’s now emotionally invested in the characters, I would like to see more of their journey (I am secretly hoping for a second season).

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A Gentle Drama That Lacks Depth

There was nothing really special about the surgeries, but I loved how they embraced each other and created heartwarming vibes.
To be honest, Um Jae-il and Kim Sabi carried the whole show for me. They had unique personalities and often made mistakes when judging situations, which made them more human. Without them, this drama would’ve been so freaking boring. The other characters weren’t very good—especially the female lead.
Still, there were parts that felt boring. Some scenes seemed to have no clear purpose and didn’t really move the story forward. It made the pacing feel off in a few episodes and left me wondering what the point was.

In the end, Resident Playbook had heart and humor, but it would have been better with a tighter storyline. If you like character-focused dramas with a mix of funny and touching moments, it might be worth checking out. The drama feels quite boring at times. i DID NOT WATCHED THE HP first s o the cames was not as meaningful for me as well⌲ FL survived med school & everything to finally become a resident & all she talks and thinks about is quitting.
⌲ To add to the previous point, the whole plot about the debt is a bit insane too..
Resident Playbook follows four first-year residents in the OBGYN department. You’ll note that Hospital Playlist’s protagonists were four men and one woman. Here, we have three women and one man. One difference is that the characters from Hospital Playlist knew each other for years, and it was apparent from the chemistry they all had. Here, four first-year residents are pooled together, with only two of them knowing each other as former classmates.

Oi Young is the reluctant young woman who started the resident program previously but quit. She’s also in serious debt and living with her sister, her sister’s husband, and the husband’s brother, Koo Do Won, whom Oi Young has a crush on. Koo Do Won is a charming and delightful upper resident of the OBGYN department. Oi Young doesn’t realize that she has great, natural ability, but she’s always a bit hesitant and unsure of herself. She’s easily the most unhappy of the four, always trying to find a way out of her predicament rather than finding the joy in her work. Of course, as time moves on, she slowly begins to realize her gift.

Pyo Nam Gyeong is the drama queen of the group. That isn’t a knock against her. She actually brings a lot of charm for someone who loves to shop and read the latest horoscopes. She has an even bigger heart than she realizes, and she forms a quick attachment to a patient who appears to be too demanding. Pyo Nam Gyeong wears her heart on her sleeve.

Um Jae Il is the “energizer bunny” of the group! This guy’s got a full tank and then some in reserve. He’s very eager to learn but even more eager to help the patients as much as possible. He’s a bit of a perfectionist when it comes to making sure he does things right, which drives the second-year residents crazy! He’s a bit too cautious sometimes and struggles to learn how to be confident in his decision-making. He’s not shy about losing sleep if it means being there for a patient.

Finally, we come to my personal favorite, Kim Sa Bi. Nicknamed “the android” due to her intellectual prowess and really not caught up in feelings, she tends to drive people crazy with how much she knows. However, even Kim Sa Bi has to learn the difference between book knowledge and experience. She can come across as a bit arrogant, and she doesn’t like it if someone appears to know more than she does, which got her into a brief spat with Oi Young. She even speaks in an almost robotic-clipped manner, which, frankly, I found endearing. She rarely smiles, but when she does, she lights up the room. However, even Kim Sa Bi can’t hide her admiration for the previous all-boy band member, Um Jae Il! Their dance sequence is easily one of the highlights of the series! Her struggles are about trying to be more empathetic and caring toward her patients.

They didn;t give any patients detail till epi 6 so i was unable to connect with patiend it has only one heartfelt movement whe fl has to inform about the upcomming detal of the mother toa child other than than i did not cate about paties and in episodes 7 they introduced buch of new charachter without bacgorund and in epi 8 they forced some patiends backgounds and at that pont i did not care
Resident Playbook is a medical slice-of-life drama that had a lot of potential but didn’t fully deliver. It’s a show that tries to give heartwarming hospital stories and a look into the lives of first-year medical residents, but something is missing in the overall execution.

To start with the good parts: the side stories involving patients are the best part of the show. Some of them are emotional and meaningful, and a few may even make you tear up. The show also does well in showing a few important social issues like IVF, mental health, and women making choices for themselves, which was a refreshing and positive touch.

But the main story, especially the character development of the four residents, felt weak and flat. We don’t get to know them deeply, and most of the time, they feel like background characters. Only two or three stand out a bit, while the others don’t leave a strong impression. The focus was too much on the female lead, and it made the rest of the team feel sidelined.

The romance was slow and subtle, and while it had some sweet moments, it didn’t feel strong enough to carry the show. Also, the humor was light and forgettable, and some scenes were just too slow or too long. Each episode is over an hour, and the final episode is almost like a movie, which made the pacing feel stretched.

Acting-wise, the cast did okay, but some performances didn’t match the emotions the scenes needed. The female lead’s character felt cold and hard to connect with, though that may be more due to writing than acting.

In the end, Resident Playbook isn’t a terrible drama. It has a few touching stories, a warm message here and there, and some romantic moments that may keep you watching. But it doesn’t have the heart or spark that makes a drama truly memorable.
The 4 residents were likable and had a great dynamic, but I feel like the writers didn't do much with the plot. It's more like a week-to-week drama with new cases, so don't expect some massive main plot. To be honest, it doesn't need anything like that.

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