K-Drama Resident Playbook Tops Netflix Korea in Just Two Days After Premiere

Only two days after its premiere, Resident Playbook (Wise Resident Life) (Korean title: 언젠가는 슬기로울 전공의 생활) has skyrocketed to the top of Netflix Korea’s rankings—overtaking the long-standing #1, The 8 Show. The new medical drama from tvN, which first aired on April 12, quickly climbed from 8th to 1st in Netflix Korea’s “Today’s Top 10 Series” list by April 14.

What Is Resident Playbook?

A spin-off of the hit Hospital Playlist series, Resident Playbook follows four first-year OB-GYN residents as they fumble, fight, and grow through the grueling yet heartwarming early days of their medical careers.

Originally scheduled to air in May 2023, the series was delayed for nearly a year due to the collective resignation of resident doctors protesting a government policy on medical school admissions. The drama finally premiered this month to strong buzz and anticipation.

The show began with a solid 3.7% viewership rating for episode 1 and climbed to 4.0% by episode 2—an impressive start for a weekday cable drama.

Meet the Residents: Characters You’ll Love (or Love to Yell At)

Oh I-young (Go Youn-jung): A “repeater” resident with a mountain of debt and no passion—yet she shows surprising depth and calm in critical moments.

Um Jae-il (Kang You-seok): A former idol overflowing with enthusiasm but lacking basic skills, much to his seniors’ dismay.

Pyo Nam-kyung (Shin Si-ah): A top-ranking overachiever with a sense of style and sass, once Oh I-young’s academic rival.

Kim Sa-bi (Han Ye-ji): The smartest of the bunch, but with zero social skills—treating patients like textbook cases with predictably awkward results.

By episode 2, the characters begin to evolve—forming bonds with patients and earning respect from their superiors.

A Slow-Burn Romance and a Strong Lead Performance

Go Youn-jung has been praised for her grounded portrayal of I-young, a stoic yet compassionate figure who starts to prove herself when emergencies hit. Her quiet dedication even wins over her once-harsh mentor, Professor Seo Jung-min (played by Lee Kyu-hyung), who begins to see her as a potential protégé.

Meanwhile, sparks are flying between I-young and fourth-year resident Gu Do-won (Jung Joon-won). His calm charisma and unwavering support for I-young during difficult moments hint at a slow-burn romance that fans are already shipping hard.

Divided Reactions: A Hit With Fans, But Not Everyone's On Board

While many viewers are embracing Resident Playbook for its heartfelt storytelling and familiar Hospital Playlist vibe, others have been critical—especially given the ongoing tensions in South Korea’s medical sector.

Positive comments include:

“It’s just a drama, and I’m enjoying every second.”

“Go Youn-jung is killing it—I’m hooked on her character.”

“If it’s from the Hospital Playlist team, I trust it.”

On the flip side, some have called the show unrealistic:

“Doctors knowing less than patients? Really?”

“This is just fantasy.”

“It sugarcoats real medical struggles.”

What’s Next?

All eyes are on whether Resident Playbook can maintain its #1 streak on Netflix Korea—and how the story will navigate sensitive topics around healthcare and doctor training in the episodes ahead.

With a strong cast, relatable characters, and a blend of heart and humor, Resident Playbook may be the comfort drama fans didn’t know they needed—but its success will depend on how it balances drama with realism in the weeks to come.

Get the latest on K-pop & K-drama here!