Only the stories that touched my heart make it to my reviews.
Hospital Playlist (2020, 2021)
The Hospital Playlist was the kind
of drama that made me eagerly wait for Season 2 after the end of Season
Even now, I remember how the Season was just as enjoyable as the first.
This series is full of warm stories that could
happen in everyday life without resorting to sensationalism.
Hospital Playlist centers on the lives of five friends who graduated from medical school in 1999.
The story intricately weaves their hospital work, friendship, love, and life. It goes beyond typical medical dramas,
offering a heartfelt portrayal of various aspects of life that resonate deeply
with the audience.
 |
| Hospital Playlist Season 1 (2000) |
 |
| Hospital Playlist Season 2 (2000) |
Plot Structure
The primary setting is Yulje Medical Center, where all five main characters work tirelessly in their respective specialties.
Each episode highlights medical cases and patient stories
unfolding in the hospital.
- Lee Ik-jun: A professor of
Hepatobiliary Surgery known for his cheerful and personable demeanor with
patients and colleagues.
- Ahn Jung-won: A pediatric surgeon
with a compassionate heart, deeply empathetic toward his patients.
- Chae Song-hwa: A professor of
Neurosurgery, admired for her cool-headed yet warm personality.
- Kim Jun-wan: A professor of
Thoracic Surgery, he is sharp and straightforward but deeply caring toward his
patients.
- Yang Seok-hyeong: A professor of
Obstetrics and Gynecology, beloved for his warm and down-to-earth nature.
- Deep Bonds:
Their strong friendship, formed during their college years, continues into the present. They share the stresses and challenges of working in the medical field, providing solace and support for one another.
- Band Practice:
To relieve the tension of daily life, they meet every week for band practice. Together, they form a band called Mido and Falasol. These lighthearted practice sessions add a fun, heartwarming touch to the drama, offering audiences a glimpse of their camaraderie.
The drama delicately weaves romantic
subplots into the lives of its five protagonists:
- Ahn Jung-won and Jang Gyeo-ul:
Jung-won, who initially dreams of becoming a priest, starts questioning his life choices after developing feelings for Jang Gyeo-ul, a medical resident.
- Lee Ik-jun and Chae Song-hwa:
Longtime friends, the duo finds themselves navigating subtle romantic tension that gradually blossoms into something more.
- Kim Jun-wan and Lee Ik-sun:
The secret relationship between Jun-wan and Ik-sun (Ik-jun’s younger sister) introduces a layer of suspense and emotional depth to the story.
- Yang Seok-hyeong and Chu Min-ha:
Min-ha's persistent one-sided affection for Seok-hyeong eventually softens his reserved nature, showing his gradual change in response to her patience.
Unique Traits of the Drama – What to Look For
l Realistic Episodes:
The patient and family stories portrayed are grounded in realism, resonating
deeply with viewers.
l Authentic Medical Details:
The show stands out for its precise depiction of medical procedures and daily
routines, creating an almost documentary-like atmosphere.
l Heartwarming Narratives:
Beyond medical emergencies, the series focuses on human relationships and
emotions—highlighting conflicts, reconciliation, and shared moments between
both colleagues and patients.
Writer and Director
Lee Woo-jung is renowned for her warm and
humorous scripts that evoke a deep sense of empathy. Her works often feature
characters rich in humanity and dialogue grounded in reality, drawing immense
emotional resonance from viewers.
·
Notable Works: Reply 1997 (2012), Reply 1994 (2013), Reply 1988
(2015), Prison Playbook (2017)
Shin Won-ho is celebrated for his
meticulous direction and keen attention to emotional nuance. His strength is crafting deeply personal and relatable narratives, highlighting
ordinary yet heartfelt moments in life.
·
Notable Works: Reply 1997 (2012), Reply 1994 (2013), Reply 1988
(2015), Prison Playbook (2017)
Ending and Afterthoughts
Hospital Playlist concludes with a focus on the characters' ongoing journeys rather than providing a definitive resolution.
Each character continues their life
path, leaving viewers with the lingering sentiment of "stories that go
on."
This portrayal of authentic life and relationships in the medical field resonates with audiences, offering both laughter and tears.
It delivers a message of hope and comfort to many through
the heartfelt stories of the five friends.
Appendices
[Appendix 1] Memorable Scenes – Highlights (Korean)
Here are some unforgettable moments that
left a lasting impact:
[Appendix 2] OST Playlist
The drama's rich emotional depth is further
enhanced by its memorable OST. Here are some standout tracks:
1. Kwon Jin-ah –
"Lonely Night"
2. Joy (Red
Velvet) – "Introduce Me to a Good Person"
3. Jo Jung-suk –
"Aloha"
4. Kyuhyun –
"Confession Is Not Flashy"
5. Urban Zakapa
– "My Lovely Love"
6. Kwak Jin-eon
– "At City Hall Station"
7. J. Rabbit –
"You Always"
8. Whee In –
"Gather My Tears"
9. Lee So-ra –
"The Wind Blows"
10. Park
Hyuk-jin – "You're Warm"
11. Mido and
Falasol – "The Night Is Deep"
12. Oohyo –
"If I Live"
13. Jeon Mi-do –
"I Knew I’d Love"
14. Mido andFalasol – "To You, Me"
[Appendix 3] The main character's work activities
Drama
l The King 2 Hearts (2012):
Set in an alternate reality where South Korea is a constitutional monarchy,
this drama follows the love story between Kim Hang-ah (Ha Ji-won), a North
Korean special forces instructor, and Lee Jae-ha (Lee Seung-gi), a South Korean
prince. Jo Jung-suk gained widespread recognition for his role as royal guard
captain Eun Shi-kyung.
l Oh My Ghost (2015):
A romantic comedy featuring a shy kitchen assistant Na Bong-sun (Park Bo-young)
who is possessed by a lustful virgin ghost and falls for her arrogant star chef
boss, Kang Sun-woo (Jo Jung-suk). His portrayal brought a classic rom-com vibe
to life.
Film
l The Face Reader (2013):
A historical film set in the Joseon Dynasty, Jo Jung-suk played the comedic and
cunning brother-in-law of the protagonist, leaving a strong impression on
audiences.
 |
l EXIT (2019):
A disaster film about escaping a city engulfed in poisonous gas. Jo Jung-suk portrayed Yong-nam, a courageous and witty character, showcasing both action and comedic chops that led to the movie's box office success.
Theater
l Agnes of God (2008):
Her debut brought her the Best New Actress award at the Korea Theater Awards,
highlighting her subtle and profound acting.
l Bungee Jumping of Their Own (2011):
Played the lead role of Tae-hee, leaving a lasting emotional impact on
audiences with her heartfelt performance.
Musical
l Sweeney Todd (2007):
Jeon Mi-do played Mrs. Lovett, who helps Sweeney Todd avenge the loss of his
wife and daughter. Her humor and unique portrayal left a deep impression on
theatergoers.
Drama
l Thirty-Nine (2023):
She portrayed Jung Chan-young, a cheerful yet secretly wounded woman who
reconsiders her life’s meaning after receiving a terminal diagnosis. Her
performance earned praise for its emotional depth.
Drama
l I'm Sorry, I Love You (2004):
Played Choi Yoon, a top star entangled in a love triangle with So Ji-sub and Im
Soo-jung. This role cemented him as a notable young actor of his generation.
l Time Between Dog and Wolf (2007):
As National Intelligence Service agent Kang Min-ki, he expanded his acting
range and gained acclaim.
l Prison Playbook (2017):
Played elite correctional officer Lee Joon-ho, who became a loyal friend and
confidant to the main character, Kim Je-hyuk (Park Hae-soo).
l Crash Course in Romance (2023):
Took on the role of Choi Chi-yeol, a famous math instructor struggling with
eating disorders and an irritable personality. His nuanced performance as the
prickly but kind-hearted teacher was highly praised.
Film
l Fasten Your Seatbelt (2013):
Played Ma Jun-kyu, a paranoid and eccentric Hallyu star with flight phobia.
This role highlighted his versatility and knack for comedic timing.
Drama
l Misaeng: Incomplete Life (2014):
Played Kim Dong-sik, a kind mentor and colleague to Jang Geu-rae (Im Si-wan).
His warm and relatable character gained him widespread love from viewers.
l The Sound of Your Heart (2016):
Portrayed Jo Joon, the older brother of the protagonist, Jo Seok. A lovable but
comical unemployed man, his performance added a fun dynamic to the show.
Film
l The Beauty Inside (2015):
Played one of the many versions of Woo-jin, a man who wakes up in a different
body every day, leaving a lasting impression despite his brief screen time.
l Inside Men (2015):
Played Go Sang-chul, a political journalist who adds tension and intrigue to
this gripping film about corruption and power.
Drama
l Reply 1994 (2013):
Portrayed Chilbong, a warm-hearted baseball player torn between unrequited love
and friendship, delivering a nuanced performance that endeared him to viewers.
l Romantic Doctor, Teacher Kim (2016, 2020 - Season 2):
Played Kang Dong-joo, a talented but initially self-centered surgeon who grows
both professionally and personally under the mentorship of Kim Sa-bu (Han
Suk-kyu).
l Mr. Sunshine (2018):
Set in the Joseon Dynasty, Yoo Yeon-seok portrayed Goo Dong-mae, a swordsman
with a complicated past, who fled to Japan as a former slave. His layered
character captivated audiences with its emotional depth.
Film
l A Werewolf Boy (2012):
Appeared as Ji-tae, the fiancé of the female protagonist (Park Bo-young). His
antagonistic role added a layer of conflict to the emotional narrative.
[Appendix 4] Recommended Korean Medical Dramas
l Romantic Doctor, Teacher Kim (2016, 2020, 2023):
Set in a rural hospital, this series explores the personal growth and humanity of eccentric genius Dr. Kim Sa-bu and the passionate young doctors under his mentorship.
 |
| Romantic Doctor, Teacher Kim Season 2 (2020) |
l Life (2018):
This medical drama delves into the ethical dilemmas faced by hospital staff,
focusing on the human and systemic challenges of the healthcare industry. Jo
Seung-woo’s performance is particularly noteworthy.
l White Tower (2007):
A gripping drama centered on power struggles and medical malpractice in a
university hospital. The intense storytelling is heightened by Kim Myung-min’s
outstanding performance.
l Surgeon Bong Dal-hee (2007):
A romantic and heartfelt portrayal of the life and struggles of surgical
resident Bong Dal-hee, blending the harsh realities of medicine with personal
growth and love.
l Good Doctor (2013):
This is a touching story about a doctor with autism and savant syndrome who overcomes
prejudice to succeed as a pediatric surgeon. The protagonist’s warmth and skill
inspire audiences.
l Doctors (2016):
Follows the journey of a troubled young woman who overcomes her past to become
a doctor. Her growth and romantic relationships add depth to this captivating
series.
0 Comments