Once Controversial, Now a Hit: This K-drama Smashes the 5% Ratings Barrier

Before it even hit the airwaves, the new tvN weekend drama Resident Playbook was already at the center of controversy, accused of romanticizing doctors and facing fierce societal backlash. Despite doubts about whether it would even be aired, the series managed to surpass a 5% viewership rating (according to Nielsen Korea), signaling a strong start and successfully connecting with viewers.

Resident Playbook faced months of uncertainty over its broadcast schedule due to fears it clashed with the real-world medical crisis in Korea. Originally slated for early 2024, the drama was pushed to the second half of the year following mass resignations by medical residents protesting government plans to increase medical school admissions. Given the show’s warm portrayal of doctors’ daily lives, concerns grew over whether it might seem out of touch with reality. Even its teaser release sparked backlash, with critics calling it “glorification of the medical profession” and “poorly timed.” Reports indicate that the broadcasting network also felt internal pressure over its controversial timing.

Despite these challenges, Resident Playbook has aired four episodes so far, recording a metropolitan household average rating of 5.8% and peaking at 6.5%. Nationwide, it hit a 5.1% average and a peak of 5.7%, its highest yet. It ranked first among cable and general programming channels in its time slot and even topped all weekend shows, including those on major networks, in the key 2049 demographic with a 3.3% rating.

Episode 4 focused on the evolving relationships among four first-year OB-GYN residents: Oh Yi-young (played by Go Youn-jung), Pyo Nam-kyung (Shin Si-a), Eom Jae-il (Kang Yoo-seok), and Kim Sabi (Han Ye-ji). Tension escalated when Oh Yi-young hinted she might quit, sparking emotional conflict with Kim Sabi. Meanwhile, a rare congenital heart defect case added to the pressure. Though Kim Sabi initially kept his distance and ignored Oh Yi-young’s message, he eventually softened and the two began to understand each other more deeply.

One particularly moving scene showed Oh Yi-young confronting the death of a newborn and having to collect medical samples as the attending physician. Struggling with the emotional weight, she was supported by Kim Sabi, and the two reconnected as friends. The respectful delivery of the baby's death notice and a heartfelt farewell added to the emotional tone, while Professor Seo Jeong-min (played by Lee Bong-ryeon) comforting the grieving mother left a lasting impression on viewers.

Elsewhere, Pyo Nam-kyung experienced conflict with nurse Yeo Joo-yeon (Kim Do-kyung) over a misunderstanding but made amends after realizing the nurse’s true intentions. The tension between Eom Jae-il and Yeo Joo-yeon was portrayed more lightheartedly, showing camaraderie rather than conflict and adding balance to the hospital’s dynamic cast.

The episode ended with the residents sharing dinner together, symbolizing the shift in their relationships from colleagues to close friends. Though still clumsy in their interactions, their growing bonds anchor the drama's warm tone. Despite early controversy, Resident Playbook has firmly crossed the 5% viewership barrier and is now gaining momentum. Its themes of camaraderie and personal growth are clearly resonating with audiences. Industry insiders note that in a society weary from emotional fatigue, the show’s gentle approach is striking a chord. Viewers seem to be responding to the creators’ intent to highlight human connection and healing beneath layers of conflict.

Resident Playbook airs every Saturday and Sunday at 9:20 p.m. on tvN.

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