“Resident Playbook” is an upcoming South Korean medical drama set to premiere on April 12, 2025. This series is a spin-off of the popular “Hospital Playlist” and delves into the lives of obstetrics and gynecology residents at the Jongno branch of Yulje Medical Center. The narrative focuses on their professional challenges and the deep bonds they form in an era marked by declining birth rates.
Resident Playbook Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Native title | 언젠가는 슬기로울 전공의생활 (Eonjenganeun Seulgiroul Jeongong-uisaenghwal) |
| Country | South Korea |
| Genre | Medical drama |
| Director by | Lee Min-soo |
| Story by | Kim Song-hee |
| Starring Cast | Go Youn-jung as a first-year OB-GYN resident Shin Si-ah as a first-year OB-GYN resident Han Ye-ji as a first-year OB-GYN resident Kang You-seok as a first-year OB-GYN resident Jung Joon-won as an OB-GYN resident |
| Number of Episodes | 16 |
| Release dates | April 12, 2025 |
| Streaming by | Netflix |
Resident Playbook Cast
Go Youn-jung as a first-year OB-GYN resident
A first-year obstetrics and gynecology (OB-GYN) resident at Yulje Medical Center’s Jongno branch. Ji-won is intelligent and compassionate, but she struggles with the high-pressure environment of the hospital. Go Youn-jung, known for her roles in “Alchemy of Souls” and “Sweet Home”, brings a fresh and dynamic energy to this character.
Go Youn-jung
- Date of Birth: April 22, 1996
- Place of Birth: Seoul, South Korea
- Debut Work: TV series “He Is Psychometric” (2019)
- Notable Works: “Sweet Home,” “Law School,” “Alchemy of Souls,” “Moving”
- Social Media: Instagram
Shin Si-ah as a first-year OB-GYN resident
Another first-year OB-GYN resident who has a bright and optimistic personality. Eun-seo often acts as the glue that keeps her group of friends together. Shin Si-ah, who garnered attention from “The Witch: Part 2. The Other One”, is expected to add charm and relatability to her role.
Shin Si-ah
- Date of Birth: February 17, 1998
- Place of Birth: Seoul, South Korea
- Debut Work: Film “The Witch: Part 2. The Other One” (2022)
- Notable Works: “The Witch: Part 2. The Other One”
- Social Media: Instagram
Han Ye-ji as a first-year OB-GYN resident
Soo-jin is a first-year resident who is fiercely ambitious and detail-oriented. She often finds herself clashing with her peers but learns the importance of teamwork along the way. Han Ye-ji’s previous works include “My Name” and “The Penthouse”, showcasing her versatility as an actress.
Han Ye-ji
- Date of Birth: May 18, 1999
- Place of Birth: Busan, South Korea
- Debut Work: TV series “My Name” (2021)
- Notable Works: “My Name,” “The Penthouse”
- Social Media: Instagram
Kang You-seok as a first-year OB-GYN resident
Min-joon is a first-year resident who initially wanted to pursue surgery but ended up in OB-GYN. His journey involves finding passion and purpose in a field he didn’t choose. Kang You-seok, known for “Light on Me” and “Black Knight”, brings depth and complexity to this role.
Kang You-seok
- Date of Birth: June 10, 1994
- Place of Birth: Seoul, South Korea
- Debut Work: TV series “God’s Quiz: Reboot” (2018)
- Notable Works: “Light on Me,” “Black Knight”
- Social Media: Instagram
Jung Joon-won as an OB-GYN resident
An experienced OB-GYN resident who mentors the first-year doctors. Tae-ho is calm under pressure and offers wisdom and guidance to the younger residents. Jung Joon-won has appeared in “Hospital Playlist” and “Reply 1988”, contributing his steady presence to this series.
Jung Joon-won
- Date of Birth: July 26, 2004
- Place of Birth: Seoul, South Korea
- Debut Work: Film “Hwayi: A Monster Boy” (2013)
- Notable Works: “Hospital Playlist,” “Reply 1988,” “Mothers”
- Social Media: Instagram
Resident Playbook Plot
“Resident Playbook” promises to offer a heartfelt and realistic portrayal of young doctors navigating their early careers, personal growth, and the complexities of working in a less sought-after medical specialty. Fans of medical dramas and character-driven stories are eagerly anticipating its release.
Resident Playbook Point to watch
Exploring the “Wise Life” Series: From Prisons to Hospitals
“Resident Playbook” is the latest addition to the beloved “Wise Life” series, following the successful footsteps of “Prison Playbook” (2017) and “Hospital Playlist” (2020-2021). Created by the talented duo of director Shin Won-ho and writer Lee Woo-jung, this series of dramas has captivated audiences with its unique blend of heartwarming storytelling, realistic characters, and slice-of-life narratives.
1. “Prison Playbook” (2017-2018)
“Prison Playbook” (슬기로운 감빵생활, Wise Prison Life) offers an inside look at the lives of prisoners and prison staff. The story follows Kim Je-hyuk (played by Park Hae-soo), a famous baseball player who ends up in prison after defending his sister from an attack. The drama masterfully balances humor and heavy themes, showcasing the humanity and struggles of people behind bars. The ensemble cast, including Jung Kyung-ho, Krystal Jung, and Lee Kyu-hyung, contributed to the drama’s widespread acclaim.
2. “Hospital Playlist” (2020-2021)
“Hospital Playlist” (슬기로운 의사생활, Wise Doctor Life) shifts the focus to the halls of Yulje Medical Center, following five doctors who have been friends since medical school. Played by Jo Jung-suk, Yoo Yeon-seok, Jung Kyung-ho, Kim Dae-myung, and Jeon Mi-do, these characters navigate the challenges of life, love, and their demanding jobs as doctors. What sets this drama apart is its realistic portrayal of everyday life, combined with a killer soundtrack performed by the actors themselves. The show ran for two seasons, gaining a loyal fanbase both in Korea and internationally.
The “Wise Life” series is known for its genuine and relatable storytelling, and “Resident Playbook” aims to continue this legacy by exploring the world of young OB-GYN residents. Fans of the previous installments are eagerly awaiting this new chapter, expecting the same warmth, humor, and heartfelt moments that made the earlier series so special.
A Timely Story Set in Obstetrics and Gynecology: Reflecting South Korea’s Social Challenges
“Resident Playbook” is not just another medical drama—its focus on the field of obstetrics and gynecology (OB-GYN) brings attention to a critical issue in South Korea. As the country grapples with one of the world’s lowest birth rates, the challenges faced by OB-GYN professionals are more relevant than ever.
In recent years, South Korea’s fertility rate has plummeted to historic lows, reaching 0.78 in 2022, far below the replacement level of 2.1. This demographic shift has sparked concerns about economic stability, aging populations, and the sustainability of social services. Alongside these challenges, fewer medical students are choosing to specialize in obstetrics and gynecology, leading to a shortage of professionals in this essential field. The demanding workload, medical risks, and legal pressures associated with childbirth contribute to this trend, making it difficult for hospitals to fill residency positions in OB-GYN.
Against this backdrop, “Resident Playbook” offers a fresh and meaningful perspective by showcasing the lives of young doctors who have chosen this path. Through the personal and professional growth of the characters, the series is expected to shed light on the sacrifices and dedication required in this specialty. It may also prompt viewers to reflect on the broader societal issues surrounding childbirth and healthcare in South Korea.
The drama’s realistic approach, combined with the signature warmth and storytelling depth of the “Wise Life” series, holds the potential to inspire conversations about how society values and supports medical professionals, particularly in underrepresented specialties. As audiences follow the residents’ journeys, they might also gain a deeper understanding of the complex and often underappreciated world of obstetrics and gynecology.
High Expectations for “Resident Playbook” with a Proven Creative Team and Talented Cast
“Resident Playbook” is generating buzz not only for its intriguing premise but also because of its powerhouse creative team and promising cast. The drama is part of the acclaimed “Wise Life” series, initially crafted by director Shin Won-ho and writer Lee Woo-jung, who previously delivered beloved hits like “Hospital Playlist” and the “Reply” series. While Lee Min-soo takes the directorial helm for this new project, the influence of Shin Won-ho and Lee Woo-jung as creators ensures that the series will maintain the signature warmth, humor, and depth that fans have come to expect.
The screenplay is penned by Kim Song-hee, who has previously contributed as a supporting writer for “Reply 1988” and “Hospital Playlist”. Her experience with these character-driven narratives promises a script filled with genuine emotion, relatable challenges, and thoughtful storytelling.
The cast of “Resident Playbook” also brings a fresh and dynamic energy to the series. Go Youn-jung, known for her roles in “Alchemy of Souls: Light and Shadow” and “Moving”, has captivated audiences with her natural charisma and nuanced performances. Shin Si-ah, who made a powerful impression in the film “The Witch: Part 2. The Other One”, is expected to shine with her expressive acting.
Han Ye-ji has demonstrated her versatility in “My Name” and “The Penthouse”, portraying complex characters with depth. Kang You-seok, who appeared in “Light On Me” and “Black Knight”, has consistently delivered stable and heartfelt performances. Lastly, Jung Joon-won, with credits in “Hospital Playlist” and “Reply 1988”, brings a youthful yet seasoned presence to the show.
With such a well-rounded team, “Resident Playbook” is poised to offer audiences not just a look into the medical field but also a thoughtful exploration of personal growth and professional challenges. The blend of new talent and experienced creators makes this series one of the most anticipated K-dramas of 2025.
Resident Playbook OST
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Resident Playbook Trailer Video
Resident Playbook Poster
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