'Resident Playbook' to premiere after delays from real-life medical strikes

Cast members of tvN medial drama 'Resident Playbook' pose during a press conference at Ramada by Wyndham Seoul Sindorim, Guro District, Thursday. (Courtesy of CJ ENM)"Resident Playbook," the highly anticipated spinoff of hit 2020 medical drama "Hospital Playlist," will finally premiere Saturday, after a year of delay amid the backlash from the real-life controversies surrounding medical strikes across the country.The series, born out of Shin Won-ho, mastermind behind the popular "Reply" series — "Reply 1997" (2012), "Reply 1994" (2013) and "Reply 1988" (2015) — and "Hospital Playlist" (2020), following five medical school friends exploring ordinary yet special days at a general hospital.

Unlike the original series, the new drama centers on medical residents aspiring to become wise doctors, navigating through struggles and growing pains, and is set primarily in the obstetrics and gynecology department — covering all aspects of life from birth to death.For this spinoff, Shin, the creative force behind the series, participates as the project's creator, rather than director, guiding the expansion of the universe he built."This is the first time I stand in front of media not as a director.



Many fans have eagerly anticipated the expansion of our universe," Shin said during a press conference at Ramada by Wyndham Seoul Sindorim in Guro District, Thursday."While 'Hospital Playlist' focused on the stories of medical professors becoming wiser, this new series portrays the growth journey of young professionals just starting their careers. It’s a youth-oriented medical drama about rookies stumbling, making mistakes, getting hurt and gradually becoming wiser.

"The drama, initially planned for release last year, was forced to wait indefinitely following real-life trainee doctors' mass walkouts and resignations in protest of the government's decision to expand medical school admissions in February 2024. The prolonged walkout causing hospitals to cancel surgeries created a hostile mood for the drama's launch.Regarding the delayed release, Shin acknowledged that the production team was aware of and deeply concerned about the issue.

"This situation arose around the middle of filming. Not knowing when it would end, what we worried about was that the beautiful stories of young people might be misinterpreted due to other external factors. We discussed this concern with the broadcasting company and decided to postpone the schedule," he explained.

With the controversy now lessened, the creators and the broadcasting company agreed that the time was right to bring this story to audiences.A scene from tvN's medical drama 'Resident Playbook' (Courtesy of CJ ENM)"Honestly, I believe that creating the work is our responsibility, but whether viewers criticize or embrace it is entirely up to them — we can only wait for their judgment. We worked so hard and made it beautifully, so if people don’t get to see it, it would break my heart.

Please show it lots of love," Shin said.Director Lee Min-soo emphasized he tried to "maintain the atmosphere of the original series while introducing a slightly different kind of fun."Regarding the choice of OB/GYN department as the backdrop, Lee explained, "Obstetrics and gynecology encompass two areas — obstetrics, which focuses on childbirth, and gynecology, which deals with medical conditions.

It's a unique space where, on one side, new life begins, while on the other, families may face the loss of a loved one due to illness. This setting felt like a perfect match for the growth stories of our young medical residents, allowing us to create a variety of compelling and meaningful episodes."The show features a cast of rising young actors.

The four lead actors playing the first-year residents in Yulje Hospital's OB/GYN department shared that they grew up as fans of Shin's works and are excited about being part of his universe.Go Youn-jung described her character, Oh Yi-young, as a person who "seems cold but once she starts caring about someone or something, she gives it her all.""It feels surreal and incredible to be part of such a grand universe," Go said, revealing that she has been a big fan of "Hospital Playlist" and the "Reply" series.

Actor Kang You-seok, who takes on the role of Eom Jae-il, a former idol turned medical resident, also shared his excitement. "When I was cast after the audition, I was so happy that I literally screamed," he said.Shin noted that viewers will be moved by witnessing the residents who initially lack a sense of duty or responsibility gradually grow and mature throughout the series.

"We don't often see stories about gradual growth anymore. Maybe it's because people prefer tales of dramatic success over steady progress. However, I think this will be a heartwarming growth story that truly stands out," Shin said.

The series is set to premiere on Saturday on tvN at 9:10 p.m..