Hospital Playlist
Hospital Playlist (Korean: 슬기로운 의사생활) is a South Korean medical drama television series that follows the lives of five lifelong friends who are doctors at Yulje Medical Center in Seoul.[1] The series, created by Shin Won-ho and written by Lee Woo-jung, premiered on tvN on March 12, 2020, and ran for two seasons totaling 24 episodes, concluding on September 16, 2021.[2] It blends elements of drama, comedy, and slice-of-life storytelling, focusing on the doctors' professional challenges, personal relationships, and their shared passion for music as members of an amateur band called Mido and Falasol.[3] The main cast includes Jo Jung-suk as Lee Ik-jun, a charismatic general surgeon and single father; Yoo Yeon-seok as Ahn Jeong-won, a compassionate pediatric surgeon; Jung Kyung-ho as Kim Jun-wan, a stern cardiothoracic surgeon; Kim Dae-myung as Yang Seok-hyeong, a dedicated obstetrician-gynecologist; and Jeon Mi-do as Chae Song-hwa, a skilled neurosurgeon and the group's only female member.[1] These characters, who met in medical school in 1999, navigate the highs and lows of hospital life—including patient care, ethical dilemmas, and interpersonal dynamics—while supporting one another through life's milestones.[4] The show is renowned for its realistic portrayal of medical procedures, heartfelt ensemble acting, and soundtrack featuring covers of classic songs performed by the cast.[3] Produced by CJ ENM and distributed internationally on Netflix, Hospital Playlist received critical acclaim for its warm depiction of friendship and humanity amid the stresses of healthcare, achieving high ratings in South Korea and a global fanbase.[1] Its success led to spin-offs and speculation about future seasons, though none have been officially announced as of 2025.[4]Synopsis
Premise
Hospital Playlist is a South Korean medical drama series that follows the lives of five lifelong friends who met during their medical school days in 1999 and now work together as doctors at the fictional Yulje Medical Center.[4][3] The protagonists—Lee Ik-jun, Ahn Jeong-won, Kim Jun-wan, Yang Seok-hyeong, and Chae Song-hwa—navigate the demands of their high-stakes professions while maintaining deep bonds forged over two decades.[5] These doctors specialize in various fields, including general surgery, pediatrics, cardiothoracic surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, and neurosurgery, respectively, and their daily routines involve performing complex surgeries, interacting with patients from diverse backgrounds, and collaborating with nurses and colleagues in a bustling hospital environment.[6] The series portrays the protagonists' professional challenges intertwined with their personal lives, highlighting friendships, budding romances, family dynamics, and moments of introspection amid the hospital's rhythm of births, recoveries, and losses.[4] Central to their camaraderie is their shared passion for music; the group forms an amateur band called Mido and Falasol, where they perform covers of 1990s songs during downtime, evoking nostalgia and providing a creative outlet that underscores their enduring connection.[5] This musical element serves as a respite from the rigors of medicine, emphasizing themes of work-life balance and the human side of healthcare professionals who, despite exhaustion, find joy in simple pleasures and mutual support.[7] Overall, Hospital Playlist adopts a slice-of-life tone, blending heartfelt drama, lighthearted humor, and uplifting musical interludes to explore the realities of the medical profession without relying on sensationalized crises.[8] It celebrates the profound sense of community among the doctors, illustrating how their friendships sustain them through ethical dilemmas, emotional hardships, and the unpredictable nature of patient care, while fostering a sense of nostalgia through era-specific tunes that reflect their shared history.[9]Season summaries
Season 1, which aired from March 12 to May 28, 2020, over 12 episodes on tvN, centers on the five lifelong friends—doctors at Yulje Medical Center—as they navigate adjustments to institutional shifts, including the arrival of a new chief in neurosurgery that reshapes departmental dynamics.[10] The narrative highlights their personal milestones, such as emerging romances, family tensions, and parenting challenges, interwoven with the joys of their occasional band reunions where music serves as an emotional outlet and bonding ritual.[11] Thematically, the season introduces viewers to the characters' everyday lives, emphasizing the balance between professional demands and intimate friendships forged since medical school.[12] Season 2, broadcast from June 17 to September 16, 2021, also comprising 12 episodes on tvN, escalates the professional stakes with challenges like ethical quandaries in patient care and career decisions that test the group's resilience.[13] It delves deeper into individual growth, relational complexities among colleagues, and the enduring strength of their bond, while amplifying the role of music in providing solace and marking moments of reflection or celebration toward narrative closure.[14] Compared to the first season's focus on introductory personal vignettes, Season 2 intensifies relational and career conflicts, exploring how long-term friendships endure amid heightened pressures.[15]Cast and characters
Main cast
The main cast of Hospital Playlist consists of five actors portraying lifelong friends and colleagues at Yulje Medical Center, emphasizing their deep bond formed since entering medical school in 1999, which drives the series' ensemble dynamic of mutual support amid professional and personal challenges.[16] The casting, announced in December 2019 following the first script reading, was selected by director Shin Won-ho for the actors' musical talents to authentically depict the group's band performances.[17] Jo Jung-suk stars as Lee Ik-jun, a charismatic general surgery professor specializing in liver transplantation and single father known for his humorous leadership and optimistic demeanor that often lightens tense situations.[16][18] His selection drew on his extensive theatre background, including musical roles, and prior vocal performances in dramas like Nokdu Flower, aligning with Ik-jun's role as the band's vocalist and guitarist.[5] Yoo Yeon-seok portrays Ahn Jeong-won, a gentle and idealistic pediatric surgery professor grappling with a calling toward priesthood, reflecting his compassionate nature toward patients and friends.[16] Yeon-seok, who previously collaborated with director Shin on Reply 1994, was cast for his ability to convey quiet empathy, suiting Jeong-won's position as the band's keyboardist.[16] Jung Kyung-ho plays Kim Jun-wan, a stern cardiothoracic surgery professor navigating family expectations with a tsundere personality that masks his caring side.[16] Having worked with Shin on Prison Playbook, Kyung-ho's experience in intense roles informed his portrayal of Jun-wan's disciplined yet vulnerable traits, including his role as the band's drummer.[16] Kim Dae-myung depicts Yang Seok-hyeong, a quiet and introverted OB/GYN professor who struggles with social interactions but grows through relationships, bringing subtle depth to the group's dynamic.[16] As the first actor to join the production, his theatre origins and understated presence made him ideal for Seok-hyeong, the band's bassist.[19][5] Jeon Mi-do embodies Chae Song-hwa, a highly skilled neurosurgery professor serving as the group's reliable confidante with a warm, level-headed presence that anchors the ensemble.[16] Transitioning from theatre, her casting highlighted her poised acting style, fitting Song-hwa's dual role as the band's guitarist and backing vocalist.[5]Supporting cast
The supporting cast of Hospital Playlist features recurring secondary characters who enrich the daily operations of Yulje Medical Center and the personal lives of the main doctors, often through professional collaborations and familial ties that underscore themes of community and support. These roles evolve across the two seasons, with several residents advancing to fellowships, reflecting the passage of time and career progression within the hospital ensemble.[20] Among the supporting doctors, Shin Hyun-bin plays Jang Gyeo-ul, a dedicated resident in the neonatal intensive care unit whose one-sided crush on Ahn Jeong-won introduces subtle romantic elements and highlights the challenges of workplace emotions.[21] Her character grows from a shy intern to a more confident fellow by season 2, contributing to tender patient stories in the NICU. Ahn Eun-jin portrays Chu Min-ha, an enthusiastic OB-GYN resident known for her optimism and strong work ethic, forming close bonds with Chae Song-hwa while handling high-stakes deliveries and personal growth arcs.[20] Jung Moon-sung depicts Do Jae-hak, a reliable chief resident in cardiothoracic surgery who supports Kim Jun-wan's team during complex surgeries and navigates departmental pressures.[22] Ha Yoon-kyung embodies Heo Seon-bin, a neurosurgery resident whose sharp intellect and interactions with the main cast add layers to emergency cases, evolving into a fellowship role in season 2.[23] Bae Hyun-sung appears as Jang Hong-do, a diligent third-year medical student and later intern who idolizes the senior doctors and participates in band activities, bridging generational dynamics.[24] Nurses and other medical staff play crucial roles in depicting team dynamics and patient care routines. Kim Soo-jin stars as head nurse Song Soo-bin, who efficiently manages the nursing team, coordinates with the doctors on ward operations, and provides comic relief through her no-nonsense attitude.[25] Yang Jo-ah performs as nurse Hwang Jae-shin, a compassionate team member in the neurosurgery department who assists in neurosurgical procedures and fosters supportive relationships with residents like Heo Seon-bin. These characters emphasize the collaborative hospital environment, often mediating between physicians and patients to resolve conflicts or celebrate successes. Family members offer glimpses into the protagonists' home lives, balancing the professional intensity with warmth. Kim Joon portrays Lee Woo-joo (also called U-ju), Lee Ik-jun's young son, whose playful innocence and father-son bonding moments illustrate Ik-jun's challenges as a divorced parent raising a child amid his demanding career.[26] Kwak Sun-young acts as Lee Ik-sun, Ik-jun's younger sister and a single mother who provides emotional support to the group, sharing family gatherings that reinforce their lifelong friendships.[20] Moon Tae-yu plays Yong Seok-min, a neurosurgery chief resident whose lighthearted personality aids in departmental interactions and occasionally ties into band performances. Other recurring figures include hospital administrators and patients who appear across episodes, such as administrators handling ethical dilemmas or select patients whose stories intersect with the mains, enhancing the ensemble's realism without overshadowing the core narrative. By season 2, many supporting roles, including Jang Gyeo-ul and Do Jae-hak, receive promotions, allowing for deeper exploration of mentorship and long-term relationships within the hospital.[27]Episodes
Season 1
The first season of Hospital Playlist consists of 12 episodes, broadcast on tvN from March 12 to May 28, 2020, every Thursday at 9:00 PM KST. All episodes were directed by Shin Won-ho and written by Lee Woo-jung.[25] The season's episodes steadily increased in viewership, achieving an average nationwide rating of 10.964% according to Nielsen Korea, with a peak of 14.142% for the finale.[28] Below is a table summarizing the episodes, including original air dates and nationwide Nielsen Korea ratings.| Episode | Title | Director | Writer | Original Air Date | Nielsen Korea Nationwide Rating (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Episode 1 | Shin Won-ho | Lee Woo-jung | March 12, 2020 | 6.325[29] |
| 2 | Episode 2 | Shin Won-ho | Lee Woo-jung | March 19, 2020 | 7.750 |
| 3 | Episode 3 | Shin Won-ho | Lee Woo-jung | March 26, 2020 | 8.556[30] |
| 4 | Episode 4 | Shin Won-ho | Lee Woo-jung | April 2, 2020 | 9.754[31] |
| 5 | Episode 5 | Shin Won-ho | Lee Woo-jung | April 9, 2020 | 11.321[32] |
| 6 | Episode 6 | Shin Won-ho | Lee Woo-jung | April 16, 2020 | 11.682[33] |
| 7 | Episode 7 | Shin Won-ho | Lee Woo-jung | April 23, 2020 | 12.077[34] |
| 8 | Episode 8 | Shin Won-ho | Lee Woo-jung | April 30, 2020 | 12.008 |
| 9 | Episode 9 | Shin Won-ho | Lee Woo-jung | May 7, 2020 | 12.134 |
| 10 | Episode 10 | Shin Won-ho | Lee Woo-jung | May 14, 2020 | 12.701 |
| 11 | Episode 11 | Shin Won-ho | Lee Woo-jung | May 21, 2020 | 13.125[35] |
| 12 | Episode 12 | Shin Won-ho | Lee Woo-jung | May 28, 2020 | 14.142[36] |
Season 2
The second season of Hospital Playlist comprises 12 episodes, directed by Shin Won-ho and written by Lee Woo-jung, airing weekly on Thursdays from June 17 to September 16, 2021, on tvN, with hiatuses on July 29 (special episode) and September 2 (sports broadcast).[37] Episodes in this season feature extended runtimes averaging around 80 minutes, enabling more intricate depictions of medical procedures, interpersonal dynamics among the Yulje Medical Center staff, and the friends' personal lives compared to the first season's structure.[38] The season achieved an average nationwide viewership rating of 12.0% according to Nielsen Korea, with the premiere episode marking tvN's highest first-episode rating at 10.007% and the finale peaking at 14.080%, setting records for the network.[28][39]| Episode | Title | Air Date | Director | Writer | Nielsen Korea Nationwide Rating (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Episode 1 | June 17, 2021 | Shin Won-ho | Lee Woo-jung | 10.007 |
| 2 | Episode 2 | June 24, 2021 | Shin Won-ho | Lee Woo-jung | 10.071 |
| 3 | Episode 3 | July 1, 2021 | Shin Won-ho | Lee Woo-jung | 10.604 |
| 4 | Episode 4 | July 8, 2021 | Shin Won-ho | Lee Woo-jung | 10.972 |
| 5 | Episode 5 | July 15, 2021 | Shin Won-ho | Lee Woo-jung | 12.399 |
| 6 | Episode 6 | July 22, 2021 | Shin Won-ho | Lee Woo-jung | 13.151 |
| 7 | Episode 7 | August 5, 2021 | Shin Won-ho | Lee Woo-jung | 10.643 |
| 8 | Episode 8 | August 12, 2021 | Shin Won-ho | Lee Woo-jung | 13.120 |
| 9 | Episode 9 | August 19, 2021 | Shin Won-ho | Lee Woo-jung | 12.892 |
| 10 | Episode 10 | August 26, 2021 | Shin Won-ho | Lee Woo-jung | 12.704 |
| 11 | Episode 11 | September 9, 2021 | Shin Won-ho | Lee Woo-jung | 13.387 |
| 12 | Episode 12 | September 16, 2021 | Shin Won-ho | Lee Woo-jung | 14.080 |
The five doctor friends reunite amid the ongoing demands of Yulje Medical Center, where growing pains in the neonatal unit test their teamwork; Chae Gyeo-ul navigates emotional challenges from a patient's overprotective mother, while the group balances professional crises with their longstanding band practices and personal support systems.[40] Episode 2
Lee Ik-jun's team manages a high-stakes VIP surgery led by Chae Song-hwa during her travels, highlighting the precision required in neurosurgery; simultaneously, a pregnant woman faces life-threatening complications, prompting the obstetric team to fight for both mother and child amid tense hospital dynamics.[40] Episode 3
Ik-jun oversees an urgent liver transplant between a father and son, emphasizing ethical decisions in organ allocation; Ahn Jeong-won shares significant personal news with a patient, weaving professional duties with moments of vulnerability that strengthen bonds among the staff.[40] Episode 4
Jeong-won grows concerned for his sister Ik-sun's well-being, intersecting family worries with hospital responsibilities; nurse Heo Seon-bin encounters a pivotal learning moment while monitoring a post-operative patient, underscoring the collaborative nature of patient care at Yulje.[40] Episode 5
Gyeo-ul investigates a noise complaint involving one of Ik-jun's patients, revealing underlying tensions in patient management; Yang Seok-hyeong seeks Song-hwa's counsel on a personal matter, fostering deeper reflections on mentorship and life choices within the friend group.[40] Episode 6
Residents Yang Yun-bok and Jang Hong-do advance to intern roles, with Gyeo-ul stepping into a fellowship position, each confronting fresh professional hurdles and growth opportunities; the episode explores their adaptations through various medical cases and guidance from senior doctors.[40] Episode 7
Ik-jun's team deals with an overbearing family member of an anxious patient, testing communication skills in critical care; intern Chu Min-ha makes an unfavorable first impression, setting the stage for her integration into the hospital's resident training program.[40] Episode 8
Nurse Jeong-in worries about potential memory issues affecting her work; Song-hwa confronts an unexpected health diagnosis concerning a close colleague, prompting themes of resilience and support among the five friends during personal and professional trials.[40] Episode 9
A lively ping-pong tournament at the hospital ignites friendly rivalries among staff; Ik-sun and Jun-wan arrange a meeting, blending recreational downtime with evolving personal relationships that highlight the lighter side of their high-pressure environment.[40] Episode 10
The core group embarks on a planned vacation interrupted by unforeseen events, showcasing their adaptability; Kim Jun-wan and his wife encounter surprising developments, intertwining leisure with the persistent pull of medical emergencies.[40] Episode 11
A colleague arrives at the emergency room in distress, mobilizing the team's expertise; Song-hwa's unit handles a patient presenting with an unforeseen complication, intensifying the season's focus on rapid decision-making and emotional solidarity.[40] Episode 12
A cascade of difficult decisions and sudden crises maintains the hospital's relentless pace; through these challenges, the five friends pursue paths aligned with their convictions, resolving key personal arcs while reinforcing their enduring friendship.[40]
Production
Development
Hospital Playlist was created by director and producer Shin Won-ho in collaboration with screenwriter Lee Woo-jung, who had previously worked together on the acclaimed Reply series and Prison Playbook.[[41]] The series originated from Shin's consultations with three close surgeon friends at Samsung Medical Center—cardiothoracic surgeon Yang Ji-hyuk, obstetrician-gynecologist Oh Soo-young, and pediatric surgeon Lee Sang-hoon—whose real-life experiences, patient interactions, and personal anecdotes heavily influenced the portrayal of medical professionals as ordinary individuals balancing work and life.[[42]] Development began around 2015, with Lee Woo-jung spending four years crafting the script, during which the team consulted medical advisers from various hospital departments to ensure accuracy in depicting hospital dynamics.[[43]] The project was formally announced in January 2019, when reports emerged that Shin Won-ho was directing a medical drama in early casting stages.[[44]] Envisioned from the outset as a three-season arc spanning three years, the series was planned to explore themes of friendship, music, and medicine through the lives of five doctors from the class of 1999, produced by Egg Is Coming and CJ ENM for broadcast on cable network tvN.[[41]][44]] The production featured a substantial budget reflective of tvN's investment in high-quality storytelling, evidenced by lead actor Jo Jung-suk voluntarily reducing his per-episode fee from approximately 90–100 million won (about US$75,000–83,000) to support the project's vision.[[45]] Season 1 received official approval in October 2019, leading to the first script reading in December of that year.[[17]] Following its premiere in March 2020 and strong viewer reception, Season 2 was confirmed shortly thereafter, with Shin and Lee adjusting storylines to continue unresolved narratives while maintaining the original seasonal structure.[] However, the COVID-19 pandemic caused initial delays, rescheduling the Season 2 script reading from December 2020 to January 2021 amid rising cases in South Korea, which also impacted pre-production revisions to incorporate evolving real-world medical contexts without altering the core timeline.[[46]]Casting and filming
The main cast of Hospital Playlist was selected with an emphasis on actors' musical abilities, as the characters form a fictional band called Mido and Falasol that performs throughout the series. Director Shin Won-ho prioritized performers with real-life musical backgrounds to ensure authentic band scenes, including Jo Jung-suk (a singer and guitarist), Kim Dae-myung (a musical theater actor who plays drums), and Jeon Mi-do (a former opera singer who learned bass for the role). Supporting roles were filled by rising actors such as Shin Hyun-been as Jang Gyeo-ul and Kwak Sun-young as Lee Ik-sun, contributing fresh energy to the ensemble. Casting announcements for the principal actors were made throughout 2019, following early development reports in January of that year. Jeon Mi-do's casting as Chae Song-hwa came through an open audition process, where she impressed despite initial doubts; Jo Jung-suk advocated for her after a chemistry read, recalling her strong performance in a key scene. The actors underwent intensive instrument training prior to filming to perform convincingly as the band, with Jeon Mi-do specifically learning bass over several months. Filming for Season 1 began in early October 2019 and wrapped in late April 2020, primarily at real hospital locations including Ewha Womans University Seoul Hospital in Gangseo-gu, Seoul, to capture authentic medical environments. Season 2 production was delayed from a planned December 2020 start to late January 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with filming concluding in September 2021 after implementing strict safety protocols such as temporary suspensions and adherence to quarantine guidelines. The total active shooting period across both seasons spanned approximately 18 months, allowing for detailed on-location work despite interruptions. To enhance realism, the production team consulted real doctors and had actors observe actual medical procedures, including patient receptions and surgeries, ensuring procedural accuracy without excessive dramatization. Challenges included pandemic-related restrictions that limited crowd scenes and extras, as well as coordinating actor schedules around their other commitments, though the extended timeline enabled additional band practice sessions for the cast.Music
Soundtrack albums
The official soundtrack albums for Hospital Playlist compile the original songs, covers by the in-show band M Band, and instrumental tracks featured throughout both seasons, contributing to the series' emphasis on music as a central theme.Season 1
The Season 1 soundtrack album was released on June 4, 2020, by Stone Music Entertainment in collaboration with Studio MaumC and Egg Is Coming. It contains 24 tracks with a total runtime of approximately 87 minutes, primarily featuring covers of 1990s and 2000s Korean hits performed by M Band alongside solo OST contributions from various artists. Notable tracks include "Aloha" by Cho Jung-suk, which became a chart-topping hit, and "Me to You, You to Me" by M Band, a cover tied to themes of friendship and nostalgia. The album peaked at number 8 on the Gaon Album Chart, with cumulative sales exceeding 31,000 copies as of October 2021. Individual tracks from the album, such as "Aloha," earned Gaon certifications for over 100 million streams, highlighting the soundtrack's commercial success.[47][48][49]| Track No. | Title | Artist | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lonely Night | Kwon Jin Ah | 4:02 | Opening emotional theme |
| 2 | Introduce Me a Good Person | JOY (Red Velvet) | 3:03 | Romantic subplot highlight |
| 3 | Aloha | Cho Jung-suk | 4:04 | Chart-topping M Band cover |
| 4 | Confession Is Not Flashy | KYUHYUN (Super Junior) | 4:05 | Reflective solo performance |
| 5 | Beautiful My Love | Urban Zakapa | 4:20 | Tender friendship moment |
| ... | ... | ... | ... | ... |
| 20 | Me to You, You to Me | Mido and Falasol | 4:30 | Climactic band reunion song |
| 21-24 | Instrumentals (e.g., Moving Forward) | Various | Varies | Background score selections |
Season 2
The Season 2 soundtrack was released in weekly singles starting June 2021, with the full compilation album issued digitally on September 24, 2021, and the physical 2-CD release on October 6, 2021, by Genie Music and Stone Music Entertainment. The digital compilation spans 53 tracks with a runtime of approximately 150 minutes, including new originals, M Band covers, and acoustic versions, expanding on the first season's nostalgic style. Key releases feature "Rain and You" by Lee Mujin as the title track and M Band performances like "I Like You" by Jang Beom-jun, evoking deeper emotional connections among characters. The album built on the franchise's popularity, with tracks achieving high streaming numbers and certifications; combined sales for both seasons' albums surpassed 100,000 copies as of 2021.[51][52][53]| Disc | Track No. | Title | Artist | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Rain and You | Lee Mujin | 4:21 | Season opener, melancholic tone |
| 1 | 2 | In Front of the Post Office in Autumn | Kim Dae-myung | 4:28 | Autumnal reflection cover |
| 1 | 3 | I Like You | Jang Beom-jun | 3:07 | Lighthearted M Band favorite |
| 1 | 4 | I Love You More Than Anyone | TWICE | 3:45 | Uplifting group harmony |
| 1 | 5 | I Like You, I Like You | Cho Jung-suk | 3:50 | Playful romantic duet |
| ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... |
| - | - | Superstar | Mido and Falasol | 3:36 | Energetic band performance |
| - | - | Additional covers & instrumentals (e.g., Betting) | Various (incl. SEVENTEEN) | Varies | Emotional scene accompaniments |