‘Resident Playbook,’ Starring Go Youn-jung, Is Finally Here

The first two episodes of tvN’s “Resident Playbook” have dropped on Netflix, and we’re really glad to see Go Youn-jung in the heartwarming world of the Jongno Yulje Medical Center’s obstetrics and gynecology department.

New residents, familiar place

“Resident Playbook” is the delightful spin-off we’ve been eagerly anticipating, born from the world of “Hospital Playlist.” The initial episodes introduce us to the bustling environment of the OB-GYN department through the eyes of its newest recruits. We’re already invested in their journeys as they navigate the demanding realities of their first year, forging friendships and facing challenges head-on.

The drama features an ensemble cast, with Go Youn-jung leading the way as Oh Yi-young, a returning first-year resident.

Joining her are:

• Kang You-seok as Um Jae-il, also a first-year resident who is a former K-pop idol, bringing a mix of enthusiasm and a bit of naiveté to the team.
• Shin Si-a as Pyo Nam-kyung, another member of the new resident class and Yi-young’s former schoolmate.
• Han Ye-ji as Kim Sa-bi, a bookworm and fellow first-year resident navigating the pressures of the hospital alongside her colleagues.

Jung Joon-won also plays a significant role as Ku Do-won, a fourth-year OB-GYN resident supervising the newbies.

“Resident Playbook” is helmed by director Shin Won-ho and writer Lee Woo-jung, the masterminds behind the “Hospital Playlist” series. Their track record with character-driven dramas like the beloved “Reply” series (“Reply 1997,” “Reply 1994,” and “Reply 1988”) is giving us high expectations for the series.

The ‘Hospital Playlist’ magic lives on

“Hospital Playlist” captured our hearts with its focus on genuine friendships, relatable struggles, and the healing power of human connection. The everyday moments, the band practices, and the underlying warmth made it a comforting and unforgettable drama. We were drawn to its heartfelt stories, amazing music, and the way it celebrated the small victories in life.

From what we’ve seen in the first two episodes of “Resident Playbook,” that same heartwarming essence is present. The focus on the residents’ interactions, their initial struggles, and the budding camaraderie feels familiar and comforting, a testament to the creators’ storytelling prowess.

We’ve only just begun our journey with the new residents of Jongno Yulje Medical Center, and we’re looking forward to more of the familiar warmth of the “Hospital Playlist” universe. We’re on the lookout for more surprise appearances from the cast of “Hospital Playlist” on “Resident Playbook.”

We will continue watching their stories unfold and to see Go Youn-jung grace our screens once again.

Go Youn-jung before ‘Resident Playbook’

Go Youn-jung — whose name is also spelled Go Yoon-jung —has consistently impressed us with her diverse roles. Her ability to portray complex emotions and bring her characters to life is undeniable. We’re excited to follow how she will embody the role of a young resident facing the challenges and triumphs of her early career.

She was the captivating female lead in the second season of the period fantasy drama “Alchemy of Souls,” starring opposite Lee Jae-wook as the powerful priestess Jin Bu-yeon. In the series’ first season, she also appeared briefly as the assassin Naksu.

She also starred as a student with healing abilities inherited from her father in the blockbuster Disney series “Moving.”  She played the role of a novelist in the hit Prime Video reincarnation drama “Death’s Game.”

In “Law School” with Kim Bum, she was a law student with a violent boyfriend. Meanwhile, “Sweet Home,” she was a caretaker with a tragic past. 

We’re also anticipating her upcoming K-drama “Can This Love Be Translated” with our favorite good boy Kim Seon-ho later this year.

Go Youn-jung, who started as a commercial model, was announced as a PENSHOPPE brand ambassador in 2023.

Have you started watching “Resident Playbook”? What are your first impressions? Share your thoughts in the comments below – we’d love to hear them!

This article was co-written with Google Gemini and edited by Ederic Eder.