The latest episodes of Resident Playbook, airing on tvN and streaming on Netflix, bring more emotional depth and workplace challenges for the first-year OB-GYN residents at Jongno Yulje Medical Center. Episodes 5 and 6 focus on the evolving dynamics between Oh Yi Young (played by Go Yoon Jung) and Gu Do Won (played by Jung Joon Won), whose budding romance moves at a cautious pace, alongside intense medical cases and team bonding moments.
A Night of Revelry and Revelations
Episode 5 kicks off with the residents enjoying a rare break during a team dinner. Oh Yi Young, Kim Sa Bi (Han Ye Ji), Um Jae Il (Kang You Seok), and Pyo Nam Gyeong (Shin Si Ah) let loose, revealing their quirky personalities. Oh Yi Young gets heavily intoxicated, leading to a comedic scene where she falls asleep in the restaurant’s washroom. After waking to loud banging on the door, she stumbles back to the group, munching on dried pollock in a daze.
The chaos peaks when Oh Yi Young, still drunk, ends up at the table of Ahn Jeong Won (Yoo Yeon Seok), a beloved character from Hospital Playlist making a cameo. This nostalgic moment delights fans, as Ahn Jeong Won’s calm demeanor contrasts with the residents’ rowdy energy. The scene highlights Oh Yi Young’s vulnerability, setting the stage for her emotional growth.
Meanwhile, Kim Sa Bi remains focused, discussing a complex pregnancy surgery case with Professor Seo Jung Min (Lee Bong Ryun). Her dedication contrasts with the others’ carefree antics, emphasizing her struggle to balance work and camaraderie.
“I didn’t expect Yi Young to be this chaotic when drunk! It’s so relatable.”
“Ahn Jeong Won’s cameo had me screaming! The Hospital Playlist vibes are so strong.”
“Sa Bi needs to chill and join the fun sometimes. She’s too serious.”
Tensions and Teamwork in the Hospital
Episode 6 shifts back to the hospital, where the residents face a high-stakes case involving a pregnant patient with a critical condition. Oh Yi Young steps up, showing her growing confidence in the operating room. Professor Seo Jung Min praises her quick thinking, a stark improvement from her earlier disinterest. This moment marks a turning point, as Oh Yi Young begins to embrace her role as a doctor.
Gu Do Won, the supportive fourth-year resident, guides the team through the case. His calm leadership earns respect, but his interactions with Oh Yi Young remain awkward after her confession in episode 3. During a quiet moment, Gu Do Won teases her about her feelings, hinting at his own interest but keeping his emotions guarded.
The episode also explores Um Jae Il’s efforts to connect with patients. His background as a former K-pop idol makes him approachable, but he struggles with medical precision. Pyo Nam Gyeong faces a personal challenge when a patient’s family questions her judgment, testing her resilience.
“Yi Young is finally showing her potential! That OR scene was intense.”
“Do Won’s teasing is killing me. Just admit you like her already!”
“Jae Il’s idol charm is so cute, but he needs to focus.”
A Slow-Burning Romance
The heart of episodes 5 and 6 lies in the tentative romance between Oh Yi Young and Gu Do Won. After Oh Yi Young’s bold confession in episode 3, where she held his hand during a yearbook photo, Gu Do Won has kept his distance. In episode 5, their interactions are limited to professional exchanges, leaving fans frustrated by the lack of progress.
Episode 6 offers a glimmer of hope. During a shared coffee break, Gu Do Won playfully asks Oh Yi Young if her feelings have changed. Her flustered response and his subtle smile suggest mutual affection, but Gu Do Won remains reserved. Fans on social media praise their chemistry, with many noting Gu Do Won’s expressive eyes as a sign of unspoken love.
“The way they laugh together is so cute. Their chemistry is beautiful.”
“Do Won’s eyes say everything he’s not saying yet. He’s in love!”
“This slow romance is driving me crazy. I need more!”
The slow pace reflects the show’s focus on Oh Yi Young’s personal growth over a melodramatic love story. Her journey from a debt-ridden, reluctant resident to a capable doctor takes precedence, with romance as a secondary thread.
Cameos and Nostalgia
The cameo by Yoo Yeon Seok as Ahn Jeong Won in episode 5 is a highlight, bridging Resident Playbook to its parent series, Hospital Playlist. His brief appearance, alongside mentions of other Hospital Playlist characters like Kim Jun Wan (Jung Kyung Ho) and Do Jae Hak (Jung Moon Sung), evokes nostalgia. Fans appreciate these nods, though some wish for more ensemble cameos.
“Seeing Ahn Jeong Won again was everything. I miss the HP gang!”
“Please bring back more HP characters. The cameos are too short.”
Real-World Context
The series continues to reflect South Korea’s ongoing medical crisis, with references to low doctor-to-patient ratios and the challenges of OB-GYN as an unpopular specialty. The residents’ long hours and emotional exhaustion mirror real-life struggles, especially amid the 2024 medical strikes protesting increased medical school quotas. This backdrop adds depth, grounding the drama in reality.
Fan Reactions and Pacing Concerns
Fans have mixed feelings about episodes 5 and 6. Many praise the balance of humor, drama, and character development, with Go Yoon Jung’s performance earning acclaim for its relatability. However, some viewers find the romance between Oh Yi Young and Gu Do Won too slow, wishing for more direct moments. Others argue the pacing suits the show’s focus on professional growth.
“The romance is too slow, but Yi Young’s growth makes up for it.”
“I love how real the hospital scenes feel. The cases are so intense.”
“Can Do Won and Yi Young just kiss already? I’m dying here!”
As of April 28, 2025, Resident Playbook maintains solid ratings, with episode 6 achieving a 4.2% viewership share, per Nielsen Korea. The show continues to air on tvN every Saturday and Sunday at 9:10 PM KST, with episodes available on Netflix in select regions. Fans eagerly await episode 7, hoping for more progress in Oh Yi Young and Gu Do Won’s relationship and further cameos from Hospital Playlist stars.
CREDITS: tvN
