“Resident Playbook” Jung Joon-won on Visual Backlash and Romance with Go Yoon-jung

Actor Jung Joon-won has spoken out about the early backlash over his romantic pairing with Go Yoon-jung in the recently concluded tvN drama Resident Playbook, candidly acknowledging viewers’ reactions to their contrasting visuals.

Facing Early Criticism with Grace

In a post-finale interview, Jung revealed that he anticipated comments about the “visual mismatch” between his character Gu Do-won and Go’s Oh Yi-young. “I wasn’t offended,” he stated calmly. “It was something I expected even before we started filming.”

Despite initial doubts from viewers, the chemistry between Do-won and I-young dubbed the “Oh-Gu couple” gradually won over fans, with their heart-fluttering elevator kiss scene in the final episodes sparking buzz online.

But Jung had his own reservations too. “When I read the script, it already had us holding hands,” he shared. “It made me happy but also really nervous. I kept asking myself, ‘Will viewers really believe that I-young would fall for someone like Do-won?'”

Even with those concerns, he trusted the strength of the characters. “Gu Do-won feels like a fantasy,” Jung explained. “If I could portray him convincingly, I believed audiences would come around.”

Falling for Confidence and Looking Ahead

Netizens initially expressed skepticism about the couple’s visuals, some saying the pairing felt “off” and others claiming “the energy doesn’t match.” But later comments praised the actors for turning the tide with natural acting and gradual emotional buildup.

Jung’s grounded take on the criticism drew more admiration. “There are people who like you, and people who don’t that’s just how it is.” His honest, light-hearted attitude helped dispel the negativity and focused attention back on his nuanced performance.

On capturing romantic nuance, he noted, “I didn’t try to come off as handsome. We worked together director, writer, and crew to craft something that feels emotionally real.”

Jung also reflected on the moment his character fell for Yi-young: “It was when she stepped up for Dr. Myung Eun-won and talked with me at the playground. That kind of confidence in a first-year resident is rare it made her seem really lovable.”

Jung teased that the final episode delivers “a raw, full-angle version” that fans won’t want to miss.