Resident Playbook k-drama, the highly anticipated spinoff of the beloved medical drama Hospital Playlist, officially starts with Episodes 1 and 2–and what a grounded, emotional start it is. Set in Yulje Medical Center’s OB-GYN department at the Jongno branch, this new series zooms in on the raw realities that first-year medical residents face as they navigate personal struggles, professional failures, and emotional growth.
If you’re looking for a K-drama that combines heartfelt moments with medical realism, Resident Playbook k-drama is one to watch.
Title – Resident Playbook
Country – South Korea
Episodes – 12
Genre – Comedy, Medical
Release Date – April 2025
Original Network – TvN
Episode 1 Recap: Oh I Yeong’s Reluctant Return To Medicine
Oh I-yeong, a former medical intern who left medicine behind two years ago–only to return after hitting financial rock bottom. With overwhelming debt and no job, she’s forced to rejoion the OB-GYN department as a first-year resident.
Despite her reluctance, Oh I-yeong’s instincts kick in during an emergency hallway birth, earning a rare smile from the feared Professor Seo Jeong-min. Her internal struggle and disconnection from the profession give the audience a complex, relatable protagonist to root for.
Meet the New Residents of Yulje Hospital
Alongside I-yeong, we’re introduced to three other fresh-faced residents:
- Kim Sa-bi – A clinical genius with zero empathy
- Eom Jae-il – A former K-pop idol who’s now clumsy but determined to prove himself.
- Pyo Nam-kyung – Hardworking and dependable, but visibly worn down by the hospital’s demands.
Their diverse personalities and early mishaps provide both emotional weight and comic relief – reminiscent of the found-family dynamic that made Hospital Playlist so special.
Resident Playbook Episode 2 Recap: Burnout, Blunders, & Breakthroughs
Episode 2 raises the stakes, diving deeper into the harsh realities of medical residency. The residents face endless shifts, toxic mentors like Dr.Myeong, and emotional exhaustion. I-yeong becomes a scapegoat in a manipulated emergency, Jae-il is sidelined after repeated errors, and Nam-kyung nearly walks out–only to return, fearing for her patient’s well-being
But it’s not all bleak: Sa-bi finally begins to connect with a grieving patient, and I-yeong redeems herself by saving a mother and baby during a Code Blue, quietly earning respect from Professor Seo.
Special Cameo: Chu Min-ah’s Return
Episode 2 also features a sweet cameo by Chu Min-ha (Ahn Eun Jin), now a confident fourth-year OB-GYN resident and happily married. Her short appearance is a nostalgic treat for longtime fans and a subtle bridge to the world of Hospital Playlist.
“As a long-time fan of Medical K-dramas, especially Hospital Playlist, I approached Resident Playbook with cautious excitement. After watching the first two episodes, I can confidently say this series has a voice of its own. It doesn’t try to copy its predecessor–instead, it focuses on the emotional chaos of being a rookie in the medical world.
I really connected with Oh I-yeong’s internal struggle. Her hesitation, fear, and moments of quiet strength felt very real. The residents’ messy, imperfect journeys make the show more relatable and grounded. If you’re someone who enjoys character growth, emotional storytelling, and slice-of-life vibes, this drama is definitely worth sticking with.
Looking forward to seeing how these characters grow episode by episode.”
Conclusion
The first two episodes of Resident Playbook strike a refreshing balance between medical drama and character-driven storytelling. Instead of highlighting elite specialists, the series chooses to focus on the underdogs–the residents who cry, stumble and grow through adversity.
With relatable characters, honest storytelling, and a touch of nostalgia, Resident Playbook is off to a heartfelt and promising start.