Meet Resident Playbook’s “New Face”: Actually a Stage Veteran with 10 Years of Experience?
As Resident Playbook wrapped its successful run on tvN, one unexpected scene-stealer emerged among the OB-GYN cast: Hong Na-hyun, who played the endearing nurse Dahye. While she may be a fresh face for drama viewers, Hong is no newcomer: she’s actually a 10-year veteran of the Korean stage.
From Cavity to Curtain Call
Hong made her acting debut in 2016 with the play The Wild Duck – Suwon, and quickly built a name for herself in the musical theater world. Her impressive credits include roles in Anne, Who Lives in the Kuroi Mansion?, Beetlejuice, Chami, Eugene and Eugene, Demian, The Last Man, and Hongryeon. In 2022, she was even nominated for Best Leading Actress at the Korea Musical Awards.
Her passion for performance began early. A graduate of Anyang Arts High School and Kookmin University’s Theater and Film Department, Hong traces her love for musicals back to elementary school, when she played a cavity in a school play about dental hygiene. “It wasn’t anything grand,” she said, “but I really enjoyed singing and dancing. I think I liked expressing myself through rhythm.”
A Late Bloomer on Screen
Though widely respected in theater circles, Hong only began pursuing on-screen roles recently. She debuted in KBS2’s My Perfect Stranger (2023) as Kyung-ae, the sister of Seo Ji-hye’s character. That opportunity arose after a casting director spotted her in a stage performance, leading to her audition and casting.
Since then, she’s appeared in MBC’s May I Help You?, KBS2’s Drama Special 2024: Looking for Handsome, and most recently, tvN’s Resident Playbook. Her portrayal of Dahye—a warm, competent, and relatable nurse—earned praise for its quiet charm and authenticity.
Working on set without an agency or manager, Hong had a unique first drama experience. “Other actors were watching scenes on monitors, saying it was fun. I was really curious,” she admitted. “But I was comforted knowing if I made a mistake, we could just redo the take. It’s so different from the one-shot nature of theater.”
Return to the Stage: Future Ahead
With Resident Playbook concluded, Hong is returning to her musical roots. She’ll star in Chami, opening May 29, which explores themes of self-image and envy in a family-friendly format. She’s also set to appear in Mahagonny in June, a rock musical with philosophical themes and audience interaction. “If you enjoy reflecting on life, you’ll probably find it really interesting,” she said.
As for what’s next on screen? Hong remains open and optimistic. “I’ll do my best with whatever comes my way,” she said. “If I get the chance to audition again, I’ll be grateful and give it my all.”
With talent honed on stage and growing recognition in front of the camera, Hong Na-hyun is clearly one to watch—whether in a hospital drama or under the spotlight of a musical stage.