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One of the popular tvN series these days is “Resident Playbook,” a new medical K-Drama. While the story is relatable in some ways, it became a controversial drama in South Korea because of the ongoing shortage of OB-GYNs affecting hospitals and clinics.
Many pointed out that the number of OB-GYN residents in the drama is unrealistic, which the “Resident Playbook” director agreed to. But he introduced the drama as a possible solution to the growing shortage. While it sounds promising, many questions remain about whether this program can truly solve the staffing crisis. Can it make enough of a difference to turn things around? Let’s find out what experts have to say about this.
Resident Playbook: Obstetrics And Gynecology K-Dramas Are Back After 15 Years! What’s Changed?K-Culture InsightsApr 11, 2025
A Look into What the Korean Drama “Resident Playbook” Is About
"Resident Playbook" is a spin-off of the hit TV show “Hospital Playlist.” It is set on the Jongro branch of Yulje Medical Center. It premiered on April 12 and depicts the relatable lives and friendships of university hospital professors and doctors. The drama focuses on Oh YiYoung (played by Go YounJung), a first-year resident in obstetrics and gynecology.
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Other main characters include Pyo NamKyung (Shin SiAh), Um JaeIl (Kang YouSeok), and Kim SaBi (Han YeJi). All of them are also first-year residents in the same department. Jung JoonWon also stars in the show as the fourth-year resident Gu DoWon.
“Resident Playbook” Rises to Popularity in South Korea Despite Medical-Related Issues
Despite the issues surrounding it, the first four episodes of “Resident Playbook” achieved impressive ratings. Its average score was 5.8% and peaked at 6.5% in the Seoul metropolitan area. The drama’s nationwide average rating was 5.1% and reached a peak of 5.7%. It was the top-rated show in its time slot on both cable and regular channels. It also had the highest weekend ratings among viewers aged 20 to 49, with a national high of 3.3%.
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On May 3, the “Hospital Playlist” spin-off attained its highest viewership ratings to date for a Saturday. It typically records lower on Saturdays compared to Sundays. That day, Nielsen Korea reported that the drama was the highest-rated show in its time slot on all cable channels, with a national average rating of 5.3%. Again, it was the top show in its time slot among viewers aged 20 to 49. It earned a national average rating of 2.7%.
The TV series’s average nationwide rating continued to climb in the following broadcasts. It reached 6% on May 4 and jumped to 6.2% on the 10th. On May 11, the drama went on to reach an average nationwide rating of 7.5%, its highest score since its premiere.
Aside from that, “Resident Playbook” has ranked first in TV-OTT drama buzz for three weeks straight, according to Good Data Corporation’s FUNdex. In the cast buzz rankings, Go YoonJung and Jung JoonWon have also held the top two spots for three weeks.
What Is The Controversy Surrounding “Resident Playbook”?
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