Resident Playbook, the long-awaited tvN drama pushed back by real medical strikes in Korea, finally released last Saturday and has already piqued the interest of K-Drama fans everywhere. After the paramount success of Hospital Playlist followed by The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call, medical dramas have become more of a favored genre in Korea. Now, fans wonder if the spinoff has lived up to the hype.
Now, Go Yoon Jung, Shin Sia, Kang Yu Seok and Han Ye Ji star as first-year obstetrics and gynecology residents facing the harsh realities of their new roles at Jongno Yulje Hospital on day one. While usually a doctor’s stressful life is at the forefront, this series highlights the internal struggles and hospital politics that all residents undergo. Realistic to a Korean hospital’s atmosphere, the story feels realistic and is free of wacky surgical circumstances, and feels focused on the characters’ individual growth and back stories that trickle into their work life.
So far, the first episode is attention-grabbing as the pacing is well done and the character dynamics are well-executed. Each character is an extremist in their personality and despite lacking in some way, they strive to be on top. Oh Yi Young (Go Yoon Jung) is rather lethargic and absent-minded as she is haunted by a traumatic past served up in episode one, but left with so many empty holes, viewers hunger for what the real story is. Pyo Nam Kyeong (Shin Si Ah) is a beauty-obsessed date-aholic and feels self-centered in a charming way. Eom Jae Il (Kang You Seok) is an ex-idol who still can’t get off his high-horse but learns how to be useful to others, and Kim Sa Bi (Han Ye Ji) is a book nerd who discovers multiple things can only be understood hands-on. Hoping for no devastating character deaths this time around.
The extreme personalities of the main cast aren’t limiting and genuinely entertaining to watch- it makes sure a character everyone can like is available, and it makes the cast’s on-screen growth more evident to the viewer. Maybe the cast will undergo cliché changes along the way, but the final episodes can expectably manifest a dramatic impact. Perhaps Oh Yi Young can be accepted by the harsh witch doctor Seo Jung Min, or she will learn to value her own worth as a resident?
Aside from the ambiguous storyline from the past, Resident Playbook is a balanced drama with humor scattered throughout. From Oh Yi Young’s humorous nightmares about her debt (which in reality are concerning mental health wise) to Eom Jae Il making his own hospital stage name and giving signatures to patients and staff, the characters have a quirk that act as comic relief between dramatic surgery scenes and emotional plots between allies and rivals. Eom Jae Il, without a doubt, will become the fan favorite and steal the spotlight.
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Possible dislikes? The drama isn’t as gory as other hospital series, but there is still blood for those who are squeamish. Some viewers may be fed up with Oh Yi Young’s depressing character. She lacks enthusiasm and seems distant and unwilling a majority of the time, but this will change by the end. The episodes don’t end with major cliff-hangers either. The most viewers may be craving to know is the relationship between Oh Yi Young and Ku Do Won (Jung Joon Won). Is it romantic? Complicated? More? It can only be revealed if you watch.
Collectively, the backstory of Oh Yi Young is compelling, as viewers will be invested in what the “accident” was at her previous hospital and why she appears to have enemies or people curious about her. If you’re looking for a classic K-Drama that adheres to the hospital genre trend without all the gore, Resident Playbook is a worthy watch and lives up to the hype. The lovable and realistic cast will earnestly win over the hearts of viewer,s and seeing a favorite character blossom into their better selves will be rewarding and additionally healing for all who watch.
