Hospital Playlist Spin-Off ‘Resident Playbook’ Delivers Nostalgic Cameos and Musical Treats

The acclaimed South Korean medical drama Hospital Playlist continues to extend its universe with a compelling new spin-off, Resident Playbook (originally ‘언젠가는 슬기로울 전공의생활’). The series is already capturing viewers’ hearts through nostalgic character cameos and a fresh musical presence that ties it back to the beloved original series.

In a recent Director’s Talk session, series creator Shin Won-ho revealed, “In almost every episode, you’ll find characters from Hospital Playlist making a cameo. Some scenes are light-hearted, while others form crucial narrative connections.” With excitement, he teased that fan-favorite Kim Jun-wan, played by Jung Kyung-ho, will appear in the latest episode. Shin added, “If you’ve missed the strict and blunt Kim Jun-wan, tune in this week.”

Previous cameos have already created buzz. Notably, actress Ahn Eun-jin reprised her role as Chu Min-ha in episode 2. Her newlywed scenes sparked speculation about her on-screen relationship with Yang Seok-hyung (Kim Dae-myung), fueling fan theories about the couple’s marriage.

Beyond nostalgic appearances, Resident Playbook bridges to the original series through its soundtrack. The legendary in-show band MiDo and Parasol returns with new tracks for the OST. Shin shared, “Since Resident Playbook is about youth, we focused mostly on original tracks. But among the remakes, ‘Amateur’—covered by MiDo and Parasol—will surely tug at fans’ heartstrings.” The band features in two songs on the current OST, further deepening the emotional tie between the new and old series.

Resident Playbook follows a group of medical residents navigating the trials of hospital life, ambition, and personal growth. It’s a youthful, heartwarming evolution of the plotline we came to love in Hospital Playlist. The cast includes Go Youn-jung, Shin Si-ah, Kang Yoo-seok, Han Ye-ji, and Jung Joon-won. The show airs every Saturday and Sunday at 9:20 PM KST on tvN.