Resident Playbook

A Resident Playbook for Wise Docs — People Who Entered a Department Nobody Wants

Medical dramas usually take the emergency room as their setting. This is because scenes of people dying and being revived are dramatic. 「A Resident Playbook for Wise Docs」 looks at the opposite side. Obstetrics and Gynecology. It is a representative unpopular department that residents do not apply for in an era of low birth rates.

Therefore, the tension in this drama comes not from life or death, but from perseverance. People who cannot even explain to themselves why they chose this department support each other while losing sleep and skipping meals. Although it is a spin-off of 「Hospital Playlist」, if the original was a story of established doctors, this one is a story of people who are still finding their way.

1. At a Glance

2. Characters

All five are Obstetrics and Gynecology residents. The generation that was supporting characters in the original now becomes the protagonists.

3. Relationship with 「Hospital Playlist」

It's the same universe and the same hospital. The fictional Yulje Hospital connects the two works. The planning is also the same, by Shin Won-ho and Lee Woo-jung. Screenwriter Kim Song-hee, who was in charge of the script, worked as an assistant writer for 「Reply 1988」 and 「Hospital Playlist」.

However, the tone is different. If the original depicted the stable friendship of five specialists in their 40s, this work portrays the anxieties of people in their late 20s who don't know when they might quit. Even if you haven't seen the original, there is no hindrance to understanding. If you have, you'll simply find welcome nods throughout the hospital.

4. Performance — Started Quietly, Ended Big

This drama's viewership rating curve is unique. It reached its peak at the end, not at the beginning.

Based on Nielsen Korea. The fact that it recorded its series high in the final episode means that existing viewers did not leave and new ones were drawn in.

Netflix Performance was also remarkable. In its early release, it entered the Top 10 in 44 countries and ranked No. 1 in 8 of them, and was listed in the Global Top 10 (Non-English TV category) for 4 consecutive weeks, reaching a peak of 7th place.

Topicality was even more overwhelming. It entered the Good Data TV·OTT Integrated Topicality Chart for 6 consecutive weeks, and ranked No. 1 for 5 of those weeks. Its highest share was 36.93%.

5. Why This Drama Resonated

First, the subject matter is honest. The shortage of Obstetrics and Gynecology residents is a real-world issue. The drama doesn't use this issue as mere background decoration; it makes it part of the characters' daily lives.

Second, it doesn't rush growth. Over 12 episodes, the characters don't change dramatically. They simply break down a little less than the day before. Making viewers observe these subtle changes is this work's approach.

Third, the unique nature of the delivery room as a space. If medical dramas of other departments deal with death, this one deals with birth. However, birth doesn't always come as a blessing. Unwanted pregnancies, high-risk mothers, and uncontrollable situations come with it. This duality sustains the drama.

6. Will There Be a Season 2?

As of July 2026, there are no confirmed facts about production or broadcast.

PD Shin Won-ho made a conditional remark, saying "if viewers' wishes are gathered," and the main cast, including Jung Joon-won, has also expressed positive intentions. It's merely that the possibility is open; there are no confirmed schedules. This page will be updated if a confirmed announcement is made.

7. Where to Watch · What to Watch With It

It aired on tvN and can be watched on Netflix. As it's 12 episodes, it's possible to complete it in two weekend days.

If you're looking for similar works:

• Original Universe: The earlier part of the story that began at Yulje Hospital
• Go Youn-jung's Other Face: Resident Playbook Go Youn-jung
• 2026 First Half Drama Roundup: 2026 First Half Drama Recap
• What to Watch Now: Watchable

8. Frequently Asked Questions

Is it okay if I haven't seen 「Hospital Playlist」? It's okay. It's an independent story. It's only that since it shares the same hospital setting, there will be welcome elements for those who have seen the original.

How many episodes are there? It has 12 episodes. It aired every Saturday and Sunday from April 12, 2025, to May 18, 2025.

What were the viewership ratings like? The highest national rating was 8.142% (final episode), with an average of 5.615%. The final episode's capital area viewership rating was 9.2%, ranking No. 1 in its time slot.

Was it popular on Netflix? In its early release, it entered the Top 10 in 44 countries, ranked No. 1 in 8 countries, and entered the Global Top 10 in the Non-English TV category for 4 consecutive weeks, reaching a peak of 7th place.

Will there be a Season 2? As of July 2026, nothing has been confirmed.

9. Summary

「A Resident Playbook for Wise Docs」 is a 12-episode medical drama that aired on tvN from April 12, 2025, to May 18, 2025, and is a spin-off of 「Hospital Playlist」. Go Youn-jung, Shin Si-a, Kang Yu-seok, Han Ye-ji, and Jung Joon-won played Obstetrics and Gynecology residents at Yulje Hospital.

The fact that it recorded its series high viewership rating (8.142% nationwide) in the final episode and ranked No. 1 on the Good Data Topicality Chart for 5 consecutive weeks summarizes the nature of this drama. It was not a show that made a huge splash, but one that captivated its viewers. The story of people persevering in a department nobody wanted to go to continued until the very end.