tvN's medical K-drama Resident Playbook is a highly anticipated spin-off of Hospital Playlist (2020–2021). Starring Go Youn Jung, Shin Si Ah, Han Ye Ji, Kang You Seok, and Jung Joon Won, the show explores the camaraderie of doctors at a university hospital.
Originally set to premiere in May 2024 on tvN, the show’s debut has been delayed to April 12, 2025, due to South Korea’s medical crisis in 2024.
What Triggered the Medical Strike?
In early 2024, the government proposed increasing medical school quotas by 2,000 students to address the shortage of rural doctors. While the move was intended to improve healthcare, doctors opposed it, citing fears of lowering education quality.
They argued that training specialists takes over a decade, and malpractice lawsuits discourage many from entering critical fields. According to reports, by February 2024, over 90% of resident doctors had resigned, and 70% of medical students had taken a leave of absence.
With thousands of resignation letters pouring in, hospitals were forced to rely on military and public health doctors to fill the gap. Senior doctors reduced working hours, deepening the healthcare crisis.
How Did This Impact the Show?
The sensitive nature of Resident Playbook’s plot made its release tricky during the strike. Public reactions toward medical dramas became cautious, prompting the production team to delay its premiere. After several postponements, the series, initially rescheduled for late 2024, was pushed to 2025.
Fans were disappointed but understood the situation, as the ongoing crisis directly influenced the medical-themed content. The team emphasized that the show’s new timing would allow it to resonate better with audiences.
What’s Next for Resident Playbook?
The show’s April 2025 debut marks a fresh start amid stabilized conditions. Fans of the Hospital Playlist series eagerly await its exploration of doctors’ struggles and friendships.
The production team is optimistic about its reception and hopes it will honor real-life medical professionals.
Will Resident Playbook live up to the legacy of Hospital Playlist and address the real challenges faced by doctors? Let us know in the comments how excited you are.
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