Resident Playbook’s Rising OB/GYN: How a New Resident Won Hearts with Empathy and Precision
Resident Playbook, the heartwarming tvN weekend drama and official spin-off of Hospital Playlist, has introduced fans to a fresh wave of compelling characters. Among them, OB/GYN resident Eom Jae-il, portrayed by Kang Yoo Seok, has become a surprising emotional anchor in the world of Jongno Yulje Hospital.
In Episodes 5 and 6, aired on the 26th and 27th, Eom Jae-il’s development took the spotlight. After being firmly corrected by Myung Eun-won during an ultrasound re-check, the first-year resident confronted his own lack of confidence, repeatedly consulting his seniors for their opinions.
This behavior was promptly challenged by fellow resident Goo Do-won, who warned him that avoiding responsibility by involving others could be seen as incompetence. Jolted by the criticism, Jae-il chose to take action—volunteering for night shifts and immersing himself in observing emergency ultrasound procedures.
With humility, Jae-il declared, “I don’t aim to be great. I just want to be dependable.” As he sharpened his skills, he left a gentle yet reassuring impression on a patient who frequently visited the ultrasound room. His dedication led the same patient to request his care for her regular check-ups as well.
A major turning point came when Eom Jae-il identified a subtle abnormality during an ultrasound session—a finding later confirmed by Professor Seo Jung-min as “not easily detectable.” Thanks to his vigilance, the patient underwent timely surgery and safely delivered her baby.
The episode added an extra layer of emotional warmth when he interacted with Hospital Playlist’s Jang Hong-do, featured in a guest appearance. Their light-hearted dynamic drew earnest smiles from viewers.
Through the character of Eom Jae-il, Kang Yoo Seok has carved a memorable space—balancing vulnerability, sincerity, and playful charm. His portrayal of a kind yet evolving resident breathes life into the role, making viewers root for his journey.
“Resident Playbook,” airing Saturdays and Sundays at 9:20 PM KST on tvN, continues to enchant with its slice-of-life realism and emotional storytelling. As Jae-il grows, so too does the viewer’s connection to this quietly remarkable resident.
