"We portrayed the not-so-wise growing pains of first-year doctors." — Producer Shin Won-ho
From Prison Playbook to Hospital Playlist, the "Wise Life" series has become a K-drama goldmine—and now it's getting a fresh twist. Meet Resident Playbook (Unsljeon), a spin-off that dives into the awkward, clumsy, but oh-so-relatable lives of rookie OB-GYN residents.
🧪 Not-so-perfect doctors? That's the point!
At the press conference held on April 10 in Seoul, the team behind Resident Playbook emphasized that this isn't your average medical drama. Forget about genius doctors or life-saving heroes—this one's about messy mistakes, nervous breakdowns, and learning the ropes.
🎬 Shin Won-ho, the creator of the Wise Life series, is back—but this time as a producer, not the main director.
🎥 Lee Min-soo takes the director's seat and says the OB-GYN setting was a deliberate choice: "It's a place where life begins and sometimes ends. It's full of contrast, just like our characters."
✨ Youth, growth, and all the awkward in-between
Unlike Hospital Playlist, which leaned into fantasy-level warmth and perfect friendships, Resident Playbook brings it down to Earth. These residents? They mess up. A lot. But that's what makes them real.
🎤 "Growth arcs have become rare in K-dramas," said Shin. "Viewers want dramatic success stories—but we're showing slow, steady progress. The kind that feels real."
💬 Meet the (adorably chaotic) 'Year One' crew
- Go Youn-jung plays Oh Hee-young, a cold-on-the-outside, warm-on-the-inside type.
- Shin Si-a, Kang You-seok, Han Ye-ji, and Jung Joon-won round out the rookie OB-GYN lineup.
- Fun fact: Kang You-seok's character is a former idol-turned-doctor—yes, K-drama dreams really do come true!
🔑 Han Ye-ji is making her debut here and was visibly emotional: "Just auditioning felt like a career highlight."
🎭 Relationships? Start awkward, end adorable
Director Lee describes their team dynamic as "idol denial phase"—not quite friends at first, but slowly warming up.
🗣️ "We're called the 'Eung-ae-z' (baby interns) for a reason," said Kang. "The awkwardness is intentional. You'll watch us grow together, for real."
Bonus: the OG Hospital Playlist cast—including Jo Jung-suk, Yoo Yeon-seok, Jung Kyung-ho, Kim Dae-myung, and Jeon Mi-do—will make special cameos!
🩺 Shin said they were so eager to join, "they didn't even want to be listed as 'cameos.' They wanted full cast credit."
⏳ Delayed but not derailed
Resident Playbook was originally slated to air in 2023, but the nationwide doctor strikes led to indefinite delays. After a year of waiting, it's finally set to air on April 12 at 9:10 PM KST on tvN.
🎙️ "We did worry about the timing," said Lee, "but in the end, it's up to the viewers to decide. We just tried to tell an honest, heartfelt story."
🌱 Shin Si-a summed it up best: "It's a story for anyone who's just starting out—or anyone who remembers what that felt like."
📍 Resident Playbook premieres April 12, 9:10 PM KST on tvN. Don't miss the chance to fall in love with this endearing new cast of not-so-wise doctors.
[Photo Credit: tvN]
