The new medical K-drama “Resident Playbook“ aired amid mixed reactions and early skepticism. Viewers found its portrayal of doctors notably less realistic than previous series like Netflix’s “The Trauma Code“ or Disney+’s “Hyper Knife.”
“Resident Playbook,” a spin-off of the popular “Hospital Playlist,” focuses on the emotional and professional growth of OB-GYN residents at Yulje Medical Center. Unlike the original, which was helmed by Shin Won-ho, the spin-off is directed by Lee Min-soo and written by Kim Song-hee.
The show’s airing was originally delayed due to a real-life mass walkout by resident doctors protesting a government medical school quota policy. When it was finally rescheduled after a year, skepticism remained high. Critics argued the show glamorizes the OB-GYN field, portraying four OB-GYN residents when in reality, only one is expected to return in the first half of 2025, according to the Ministry of Health and Welfare.
Teasers attracted harsh comments like, “Will the last episode be about a resident strike?” “Are there even residents in hospitals these days?” and “This feels like fantasy, not drama.” Many felt it was poor timing to air such a show while the medical strike is still unresolved.
Despite the controversy, the premiere scored a viewership rating of 3.7%, rising slightly to 4% for episode 2. The plot introduced Oh I-young (played by Go Youn-jung), who returns to medicine to pay off debt, and her peers: Nam-kyung (Shin Si-ah), a former idol-turned-doctor Jae-il (Kang Yoo-seok), and emotionally-detached Sa-bi (Han Ye-ji).
However, many viewers criticized the characters as overly naïve and unrealistic for first-year residents. Comments pointed to a lack of proper medical terminology, careless behavior in surgery rooms, and inappropriate attitudes toward superiors. Criticism also focused on aesthetic choices: “A resident in full makeup?”, “Fantasy setting failed idol goes to med school?”, “Definitely not the same producers from Hospital Playlist.”
Some, however, urged patience as only two of the 12 episodes have aired. Still, the show’s rocky start and perceived detachment from real-life medical practice leave viewers wondering how “Resident Playbook” will address these issues moving forward.
