Starring Go Youn-Jung, The Long Awaited New K-Drama Finally Confirms Its Broadcast Schedule

The long-awaited tvN medical drama 'Resident Playbook' has finally locked in its summer 2025 release schedule, bringing renewed excitement to fans. After months of delays and even rumors of cancellation, the drama is back in the spotlight.

According to an exclusive report by OSEN on December 13, industry insiders revealed that 'Resident Playbook' is being prepared for a summer 2025 broadcast. "We are aiming for a summer release and coordinating the final schedule internally," said a source, citing that further delays are no longer feasible. Contractual obligations with OTT platforms and potential penalties were also key factors influencing the decision to proceed. The report added, "With ongoing medical strikes creating uncertainty, the production team decided they could no longer postpone the show." However, tvN has responded cautiously, stating that the schedule is "still undecided."

A Spin-Off of the Beloved 'Hospital Playlist'

'Resident Playbook' serves as a spin-off to the hit series 'Hospital Playlist', shifting its focus to the lives of obstetrics and gynecology residents at Yulje Hospital in Jongno. The cast features rising stars such as Go Youn-jung, Shin Si-ah, Kang Yoo-seok, Han Ye-ji, and Jung Jun-won, who are expected to deliver the heartwarming and humorous tone that defined the original series.

Initially slated for a May 2024 release, the drama faced unexpected delays due to last year’s medical strike in Korea. The strike, sparked by opposition to government policies on increasing medical school admissions, led to widespread resignations among medical residents and disrupted the industry. As the drama’s premise overlapped with real-life events, its sensitive subject matter forced multiple postponements.

The medical drama genre, a perennial favorite in Korea, has struggled to recover since the strike. Criticism of glorifying specific professions led to public backlash, further delaying production and broadcasting for several projects. Despite these challenges, 'Resident Playbook' completed filming and post-production, leaving fans eagerly awaiting its premiere.

The spin-off has garnered attention as the next chapter in the 'Hospital Playlist' franchise’s legacy. Shin Won-ho PD and writer Lee Woo-jung, creators of the original series, are overseeing the project, while Kim Song-hee, a former assistant writer for 'Hospital Playlist' and Reply 1988, has taken on the script. Directing duties are handled by Lee Min-soo, known for his work on Blotch and A Season to Meet.

With the news of its confirmed release, fans are excited to see whether 'Resident Playbook' can replicate the success of its predecessor and reinvigorate the medical drama genre.