Kang You-Seok Shines in Resident Playbook Finale as a Breakout Star

Kang You-Seok has captivated audiences with his standout role in tvN’s Resident Playbook, portraying OB-GYN resident Um Jae-il at the Jongno Yulje Medical Center. The drama’s finale peaked at an impressive nationwide viewership rating of 8.1%, according to Nielsen Korea, marking the series’ highest rating yet.

Since its premiere, Resident Playbook gained traction through strong word-of-mouth, celebrated for its relatable characters and emotional depth. Among them, Kang You-Seok drew special praise for his detailed and authentic portrayal of Um Jae-il — evolving from a clumsy first-year resident into someone patients proactively seek out.

Kang’s emotional depth and signature charm breathed life into Um Jae-il. From melting the icy demeanor of his supervisor to blooming into a reliable doctor, his journey resonated with viewers. Even his sweet romantic confession to Kim Sa-bi (played by Han Ye-ji) stirred hearts, showcasing both vulnerability and growth in a subtle yet powerful way.

Kang’s heartfelt performance transformed Um Jae-il from a frustrating figure to a fan favorite. His warm smile, expressive eyes, and emotionally nuanced tone added a multidimensional quality to the role. It’s this unique energy that made the character unforgettable.

Kang You-Seok’s path to stardom wasn’t overnight. Starting from OCN’s Quiz of God: Reboot in 2018, he gradually made his mark with performances in Dr. Romantic 2 (SBS), Start-Up (tvN), Beyond Evil (JTBC), and Netflix’s Delivery Man. His range as an actor has grown impressively, culminating in his powerful performance in Resident Playbook.

Beyond his acting, Kang has sparked a new wave of fandom through ‘Highboys’, a fictional idol group featured in the drama. Alongside TOMORROW X TOGETHER members Soobin and Yeonjun, Kang will perform the group’s challenge piece on Mnet’s M Countdown on the 22nd — a surprise gift for fans mourning the series’ end.

Looking ahead, Kang You-Seok will lead the upcoming tvN drama Seocho District, scheduled for a July release. Set in a law firm, the drama follows associate lawyers navigating professional and personal challenges, promising yet another layer to Kang’s evolving artistry.

With authenticity, effort, and undeniable charm, Kang You-Seok has firmly established himself as one of Korea’s most promising actors. And with every role, he continues to win over hearts — both on screen and off.