Resident Playbook Release Date, Storyline, and Everything You Need to Know
Resident Playbook is a South Korean medical drama directed by Shin Won-ho and written by Lee Woo-jung, the acclaimed creators behind the Hospital Playlist series. This highly anticipated spin-off centers on the lives of OB-GYN residents at the Jongno branch of Yulje Medical Center, introducing a fresh generation of characters who navigate professional challenges and emotional depth in the field of medicine.
Release Date and Broadcast Details
Initially slated for a 2024 release, Resident Playbook faced multiple delays due to the 2024 South Korean healthcare crisis. The show is now officially set to premiere on April 12, 2025, with episodes airing every Saturday and Sunday at 9:10 PM KST on tvN.
International Streaming: The series will be available on Netflix in more than 30 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, India, Australia, and the Philippines, one day after its Korean broadcast.
Confirmed Episode Count: 12 episodes, each approximately 75 minutes long.
Storyline Overview
Set against the backdrop of a declining birth rate and the challenges facing the obstetrics and gynecology field, the drama follows five first-year residents as they navigate the realities of hospital life. The series captures their emotional growth, friendship, and professional challenges in an often-overlooked department.
Resident Playbook presents a narrative filled with camaraderie, medical dilemmas, and the humanity of those who dedicate themselves to caring for others. While Hospital Playlist focused on seasoned professionals, this story zooms in on young doctors at the start of their careers.
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Main Cast and Characters
| Actor | Character | Role Description |
|---|---|---|
| Go Youn-jung | Oh Yi-young | Passionate and idealistic OB-GYN first-year resident |
| Shin Si-ah | Pyo Nam-kyung | A thoughtful and composed resident |
| Han Ye-ji | Kim Sa-bi | Warm and energetic, part of the central female trio |
| Kang You-seok | Um Jae-il | Dedicated and calm under pressure |
| Jung Joon-won | [TBA] | Another member of the OB-GYN intern team |
Supporting Cast
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
| Lee Bong-ryun | OB-GYN Professor |
| Lee Chang-hoon | Department Mentor |
| Jeong Soon-won | Senior Consultant |
| Son Ji-yoon | Medical Supervisor |
| Lee Hyun-kyun | OB-GYN Senior Doctor |
| Kim Hye-eun | Head Nurse |
| Yoo Seung-mok | Hospital Director |
| Lee Joo-myung | Pediatric Resident |
Production Background and Delays
Development for Resident Playbook began in 2023, with filming scheduled for late that year. However, production was heavily impacted by the national medical strike in early 2024, during which many doctors and medical students left their posts in protest of proposed healthcare reforms.
Filming resumed in late 2024, and promotional activity began in early 2025. The show’s creators confirmed that Resident Playbook would stand on its own, independent of Hospital Playlist, but remain within the same universe and tone.
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Trailers and Promotions
- A teaser was released on March 2, 2025, followed by a full-length trailer on March 20, 2025.
- A behind-the-scenes web series, Resident Playbook: The Rounds, launched in April 2025 to give fans a look at the production process, interviews, and expert insights.
Original Soundtrack
The official OST will be released on May 18, 2025, featuring tracks by artists such as:
- AKMU
- Paul Kim
- Seori
Music, as seen in Hospital Playlist, plays a significant emotional role in the series.
Early Reactions
The series premiered on April 12, 2025, and quickly gained traction among domestic and international audiences. Viewers have praised the show’s honest portrayal of medical life, relatable characters, and emotionally charged storytelling. Within 48 hours, it ranked among the top 10 shows on Netflix Korea.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a direct sequel to Hospital Playlist?
No, it’s a spin-off with new characters and a new focus, although it shares the same creative team and hospital setting.
Why was the show delayed?
It was postponed due to the 2024 medical strike in South Korea, which directly impacted the production of a series centered on hospital life.
Is the show based on real events?
While fictional, the show’s context is grounded in real societal issues, such as declining birth rates and the struggles faced by OB-GYN professionals.
Where can I watch the show?
The show airs on tvN in South Korea and is available for streaming internationally on Netflix with subtitles.
Final Thoughts
Resident Playbook is more than just another medical drama. It reflects the pressures and purpose of choosing a profession that demands emotional endurance and human connection. With its experienced creative team, relatable storylines, and a strong cast, the show is poised to be a defining drama of 2025.
Whether you’re a fan of Hospital Playlist or new to the genre, Resident Playbook promises to deliver a powerful blend of realism, emotion, and hope.
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