Go Youn-jung Opens Up About Age Gap with Jung Joon-won: “I Wondered How We’d Do a Romance Together”
Actress Go Yoon Jung recently sat down for an exclusive interview at a café in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, to share her thoughts on starring in Resident Playbook, the popular tvN Saturday-Sunday drama. The series, a spin-off of the beloved Hospital Playlist (2020–2021), concluded on May 18, 2025, and has quickly become one of the most talked-about dramas of the year.
Resident Playbook: A Realistic Look at Medical Life and Youthful Romance
Created by Shin Won-ho and Lee Woo-jung, and directed by Lee Min-soo, Resident Playbook follows the lives of young doctors navigating the intense and emotional world of hospital residency. Go Youn-jung stars as Oh Yi-young, a first-year obstetrics and gynecology resident whose warm charm and subtle emotional depth have resonated with viewers.
One of the drama’s biggest surprises was the romantic storyline between Oh Yi-young and Goo Do-won, played by Jung Joon-won. What began as a subplot soon evolved into one of the show’s most beloved arcs. “We didn’t expect this much attention,” Go Youn-jung said. “Even the director and writer were surprised. During a live broadcast, I saw so many fans expressing love for Yi-young and Do-won. That’s when it really hit me.”
On-Screen Chemistry: “Oh-Gu Couple” Captivates Viewers
Despite concerns about the real-life eight-year age gap between the two leads, the “Oh-Gu couple” (short for Oh Yi-young and Goo Do-won) won over audiences with their sincere, heartwarming relationship. Go Youn-jung shared, “I didn’t feel the age gap at all. Joon-won oppa is a brilliant actor, very funny and easygoing on set. His sincerity made our romance work.”
Standout scenes like their playground confession, secret dating moments, and the finale’s couple rings and marriage hints drove ratings and buzz. Episode 8’s “intense eye contact” ending scored a nationwide rating of 7.4%, and the finale episode reached 7.5%, with total video views nearing 740 million.
Fan Reactions, Buzz Rankings, and Future Possibilities
Go Youn-jung and Jung Joon-won topped actor buzz rankings for four consecutive weeks, according to Good Data Corporation’s May 13, 2025, report. On social media platform X, clips of the Oh-Gu couple’s moments—like their hug at the playground and first kiss—went viral, generating fan excitement and heated discussions. While some viewers expressed concern over the couple’s age difference, positive feedback far outweighed criticism, with many praising the actors’ chemistry and grounded performances.
This role marks Go Youn-jung’s return to tvN after a 2-year-7-month hiatus, and she credits it as a significant moment in her acting journey. “Playing Yi-young helped me grow,” she shared. “It was truly a turning point in my career.”
Addressing minor criticisms about her character wearing full makeup while working as a resident, Go Youn-jung expressed mild regret but stood by her portrayal, “I understand the feedback, but I wanted Yi-young to reflect a specific kind of character image.”
With Resident Playbook hinting at a potential season 2, fans are already anticipating more of the Oh-Gu couple and the evolving journey of young doctors.