Hospital Playlist
Drama guideEnded

Hospital Playlist

슬기로운 의사생활

The slightly special everyday of us ordinary people

Air date: 2020-03-12
Episodes: 24 ep
Network: tvN
Rating: 8.5 / 10
Cast entries
21
Episodes
12
Locations
4
Food stops
Not available for this drama
Story

Synopsis

A concise overview of the premise, tone, and dramatic setup.

In "Hospital Playlist," five doctors navigate the extraordinary realities of life within a hospital, where moments of birth, death, and everything in between unfold. This heartwarming medical drama focuses on the deep connections between individuals rather than sensational medical crises, highlighting the importance of friendship and choice.

Set against the backdrop of Yulje Medical Center, the series follows the lives of these doctors, who are also longtime friends from medical school. The show beautifully explores their day-to-day experiences as they care for patients, confront ethical dilemmas, and support each other through life's ups and downs. With an emphasis on relatable human stories, "Hospital Playlist" has earned acclaim as one of the warmest medical dramas, captivating audiences with its blend of humor and emotional depth.

Why Hospital Playlist resonates with viewers

There’s a moment in Hospital Playlist when Lee Ik-jun, played by Cho Jung-seok, reflects with a playful smirk in front of Luxury Su Karaoke in Hongdae. It captures everything that makes this drama shine: the blend of humor, connection, and genuine emotion that threads through the lives of these doctors. This isn’t just a medical series; it’s a rich portrayal of friendship, love, and the emotional rollercoaster of life within the walls of Yulje Medical Center.

The beauty of this drama lies in its unhurried storytelling. Each episode serves as a gentle reminder that life is a mix of the mundane and the extraordinary. Watching Ahn Jeong-won (Yoo Yeon-seok) deal with the pressures of being a pediatric surgeon while also balancing personal dilemmas resonates deeply. The show doesn’t shy away from tough topics like ethics and patient care, yet it frames them within relatable human experiences. The humor is never forced, and it flows seamlessly alongside touching moments, creating a comforting rhythm that feels almost therapeutic.

The chemistry between the central cast is magnetic. Each character, from the earnest Yang Seok-hyeong (Kim Dae-myung) to the spirited Chae Song-hwa (Jeon Mi-do), feels real and relatable. Their interactions showcase a camaraderie that many viewers might see in their own friendships. The episode where they participate in a hospital karaoke competition stands out to me. It’s not just a fun scene; it encapsulates how they support each other through laughter and music, even amidst the chaos of their demanding jobs.

This is a series that invites you to become part of the characters’ lives. The pacing allows you to sit with their triumphs and failures, reflecting on the choices we all face. The emotional depth is interspersed with comedic moments that feel genuine rather than contrived. You’ll find yourself laughing one moment and tearing up the next, which speaks to the skilled storytelling.

Fans of character-driven narratives with a focus on relationships will find a lot to love here. While there are no tied food spots to note, the places depicted, like the Ewha Womans University Medical Center, add a layer of realism that enhances the viewing experience. Ultimately, this drama leaves you with the sense that life, with all its ups and downs, is worth embracing, especially when shared with friends.

If you're willing to dive into a world where medicine meets the everyday realities of friendship, then this drama is certainly worth your time.

Exploring the Heartbeat of Hospital Playlist in Seoul

Picture yourself standing outside a karaoke venue, an unmistakable pulse of laughter and song in the air. This is Luxury Su Karaoke, a favorite in the Hongdae area where Lee Ik-jun (played by Cho Jung-seok) shares a nostalgic moment with his son Woo-joo. It’s not just a place to sing your heart out; it’s a slice of life that captures the warmth and connections that run throughout the series.

Just a short walk from here, you can find the Ewha Womans University Medical Center, a striking building that doubled as the hospital in the show. Many fans of the drama often wander by, instantly recognizing it from various scenes where the characters navigate everything from patient care to personal dilemmas. The facade has a modern edge, yet it feels welcoming, a perfect representation of the everyday heroics portrayed by the five doctors.

If your route takes you further, consider heading to Kangwon National University Hospital in Chuncheon, where much of the medical action unfolds. This isn’t just a backdrop; it’s where the chemistry among the characters comes to life. The camaraderie among the friends, Ik-jun, Ahn Jeong-won (Yoo Yeon-seok), and Kim Jun-wan (Jung Kyung-ho), is palpable in the corridors, and you can almost hear their banter echoing off the walls.

For a more intimate setting, make your way to Melangmalang Beomgye. This cozy eatery has a lovely interior that sets the stage for heartfelt moments in the drama. It’s the kind of place you can envision the characters unwinding after a long day, sharing laughter and stories. In real life, it’s perfect for a family gathering or a date, just like the show’s theme of nurturing relationships.

As you stroll through these locations, pay attention to the details. The benches, the streets filled with laughter, and even the quiet corners where friends gather, these small moments resonate with the stories told in the series. Each stop serves as a reminder of the beauty in ordinary life and the connections that define us.

So whether you’re belting out your favorite ballad at Luxury Su Karaoke or taking in the architecture of Ewha Womans University Medical Center, you’ll feel the heartbeat of Hospital Playlist in every corner. This isn’t just a visit; it’s an exploration of the friendships, laughter, and heartfelt connections that make life special. Take your time, soak it all in, and who knows? You might even find a little piece of your own story reflected back at you.

Final verdict: perfect for cozy nights in

There's a scene where Ik-jun stands outside Luxury Su Karaoke, reminiscing with Woo-joo under the neon lights of Hongdae. It’s a moment that encapsulates the essence of Hospital Playlist, a blend of nostalgia, laughter, and the bittersweetness of life. This series, with its 24 episodes and an impressive 8.5/10 rating, immerses you not in wild medical emergencies but in the small, meaningful moments that shape friendships and lives.

Set within the walls of Yulje Medical Center, the drama tells the stories of five doctors, shining a light on their personal and professional struggles. Each character feels real, from the compassionate Ahn Jeong-won to the awkwardly endearing Kim Jun-wan. Their antics, both in the hospital and during their downtime, create a refreshing mix of comedy and emotional depth that resonates with viewers.

Those who appreciate character-driven narratives will find a lot to love here. It’s a show that thrives on the everyday, reminding us of the ordinary yet extraordinary bonds we form. While it may lack culinary highlights, the relatable human experiences and the cozy atmosphere make it a perfect watch for anyone seeking warmth on a rainy day. The series lingers in your mind, urging you to cherish the little moments, just as the doctors do.

This drama isn't for those looking for high-stakes excitement in every scene; it's for those who want to revel in the beauty of the mundane. Dive into this gentle exploration of life; you'll come out with a smile.

Filming locations

Filming locations

Places connected to scenes, checked against source links before they appear publicly.

  1. 01

    Ewha Womans University Medical Center

    이대서울병원
    260 Gonghang-daero, Gangseo-gu, Seoul, South Korea서울 강서구 공항대로 260

    The hospital is known for being a filming location for the drama 'Hospital Playlist'. Many viewers may find the hospital familiar from the show.

    Ewha Womans University Medical Center is known to many as a filming location for the drama "Hospital Playlist."
    blog.naver.com
  2. 02

    Luxury Su Karaoke

    수노래연습장 럭셔리 홍대점
    67 Eoulmadang-ro, Mapo-gu, Mapo, Seoul, Seoul서울 마포구 어울마당로 67

    A scene features Ik-jun reminiscing with Woo-joo outside this karaoke, which is a well-known spot in Hongdae.

    The exterior of this karaoke room featured in "Hospital Playlist" is the luxurious Su Karaoke located in Hongdae!
    blog.naver.com
  3. 03

    Kangwon National University Hospital

    강원대병원
    156 Baengnyeong-ro, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, South Korea

    This is where the characters played by Jo Jung-seok and Jung Kyung-ho work in the drama.

    Jo Jung-seok and Jung Kyung-ho work at Gangwundae Hospital.
    blog.naver.com
  4. 04

    Melangmalang Beomgye

    멜랑말랑 범계
    25, Pyeongchon-daero 217beon-gil, Dongan-gu, Anyang-si, Gyeonggi-do경기 안양시 동안구 평촌대로217번길 25

    This location is known for its cozy and emotional interior, making it a great spot for family gatherings and dates. It was also featured in the drama 'Hospital Playlist'.

    It felt even more meaningful knowing that this is the filming location for the last episode of "Wise Doctor Life." 😊 Can you see the interior? I remember this interior from the scenes in "Wise Doctor Life"!
    blog.naver.com
Discovery

More to explore

Step beyond this drama — explore filming sites, food spots, and related titles across the catalog.

Details

Production

Broadcast details, runtime, language, and key production credits.

Country
South Korea
Original language
Korean
Episode runtime
80 min
Spoken languages
Korean
Production companies
  • Egg is ComingEgg is Coming
  • CJ ENMCJ ENM
Creators
Lee Woo-jung이우정
Shin Won-ho신원호

Source: TMDB

Characters

Cast & characters

Key roles, performers, and character context for quick scanning.

Source: TMDB

Actors

Lead actors

Lead performer biographies and notable credits.

Cho Jung-seok

Cho Jung-seokas Lee Ik-jun

조정석
1980-12-26 · Seoul, South Korea

Jo Jung-suk is a prominent South Korean actor born on December 26, 1980. He began his artistic journey in theatre, gaining recognition for his performances in renowned productions such as "Spring Awakening," "Hedwig and the Angry Inch," and "The Harmonium in My Memory." After nearly a decade of honing his craft on stage, he made a successful transition to film with his breakout role as a comedic supporting actor in the 2012 hit "Architecture 101." His television debut came shortly after, with notable roles in series like "The King 2 Hearts" (2012) and "You're the Best, Lee Soon-shin" (2013). Jo continued to showcase his versatility through various genres, starring in popular dramas such as "Oh My Ghost" (2015) and "Don't Dare to Dream" (2016), as well as films like "The Face Reader" (2013), "My Annoying Brother" (2016), and "Exit" (2019). His impressive body of work has established him as a trusted actor in the industry, culminating in accolades such as the Baeksang Arts Award for Best Actor for his performance in the film "Pilot" (2024).

Yoo Yeon-seok

Yoo Yeon-seokas Ahn Jeong-won

유연석
1984-04-11 · Seoul, South Korea

Yoo Yeon-seok, born Ahn Yeon-seok on April 11, 1984, is a prominent South Korean actor known for his versatile performances in both film and television. He made his acting debut in 2003 with a minor role in the critically acclaimed film "Oldboy." However, it was not until 2008 that he fully dedicated himself to acting, marking the beginning of a successful career. Yoo has captivated audiences with his roles in notable films such as "Re-encounter" (2011), "Architecture 101" (2012), "A Werewolf Boy" (2012), "Whistle Blower" (2014), and "Love, Lies" (2016). His television career is equally impressive, featuring significant roles in popular series including "Reply 1994" (2013), "Dr. Romantic" (2016), "Mr. Sunshine" (2018), and "Hospital Playlist" (2020–2021). Recently, he has continued to expand his repertoire with upcoming projects like "When the Phone Rings" (2024) and "Phantom Lawyer" (2026), showcasing his enduring appeal in the entertainment industry.

Notable credits on this site
Jung Kyung-ho

Jung Kyung-hoas Kim Jun-wan

정경호
1983-08-31 · Gwangmyeong, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea

Jung Kyung-ho is a prominent South Korean actor known for his versatile performances in television dramas. Born on August 31, 1983, he is the son of renowned TV director Jung Eul Young, who initially opposed his son's aspirations to act. Defying his father's wishes, Jung moved out and pursued his passion, eventually reconciling with his father after a three-year estrangement. Jung began his career after successfully passing an audition with KBS and signing with SidusHQ. He made his acting debut in the mobile drama "5 Stars" and later took on minor roles before breaking through in the 2004 melodrama "I'm Sorry, I Love You." Over the years, he has gained recognition for his roles in hit series like "Missing Nine," "Prison Playbook," and "Life on Mars." His portrayal of Kim Jun-wan in the critically acclaimed medical drama "Hospital Playlist" solidified his status as a leading actor, with the show running for two successful seasons. More recently, Jung has starred in "Crash Course in Romance" and is set to appear in "Oh My Ghost Clients." He has also been in a relationship with actress Choi Soo Young from Girls' Generation since 2013, further endearing him to fans.

Kim Dae-myung

Kim Dae-myungas Yang Seok-hyeong

김대명
1980-12-16 · Seoul, South Korea

Kim Dae-myung is a prominent South Korean actor, born on February 16, 1981. He began his career in theater before making a successful transition to film and television. His breakout role came in the critically acclaimed television series "Misaeng: Incomplete Life" in 2014, where his performance garnered widespread recognition and praise. Following this success, Kim solidified his status as a versatile actor with notable appearances in various projects, including the film "The Terror Live" (2013) and the movie "Pandora" (2016). He further captivated audiences with his role in the hit series "Hospital Playlist" (2020), showcasing his ability to portray a wide range of characters. With a career that continues to flourish, Kim Dae-myung remains a significant figure in the South Korean entertainment industry.

Jeon Mi-do

Jeon Mi-doas Chae Song-hwa

전미도
1982-08-04 · Busan, South Korea

Jeon Mi-do is a South Korean actress and singer, renowned for her versatile performances across various genres. She made her acting debut in the musical "Mr. Mouse" in 2006 and quickly established herself in the theater scene, earning accolades for her roles in productions such as "Doctor Zhivago" and "Finding Kim Jong-wook." Her talent was recognized when she won the Best Actress Award at the 9th The Musical Awards in 2015, followed by consecutive wins at the Korean Musical Awards in 2017 and 2018. Transitioning to television, Jeon made her debut in the 2018 series "Mother" before gaining widespread acclaim for her portrayal of Dr. Chae Song-hwa in the hit medical drama "Hospital Playlist" (2020–2021). Her performance in this role was particularly praised, leading to a nomination for Best New Actress at the 56th Baeksang Arts Awards. Jeon continues to captivate audiences with her work, including her role in the series "Thirty-Nine" alongside notable actresses Son Ye-jin and Kim Ji-hyun. Additionally, she has explored her musical talents by participating in a band called Mido and Parasol, where she plays bass.

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Episode guide

Episodes

12 episodes across 1 seasons.

  1. Episode 1
    Ep 1Episode 1
    2020-03-12 · 83 min

    Five friends whose friendship goes back to their days in med school are brought back together when a phone call interrupts each of their busy lives.

  2. Episode 2
    Ep 2Episode 2
    2020-03-19 · 82 min

    For the first time in 20 years, everyone's finally working under the same roof. A patient with a familiar name finds Chae Song-hwa.

  3. Episode 3
    Ep 3Episode 3
    2020-03-26 · 88 min

    The hospital's med students are inspired by the doctors, who each look after their patients in their own ways. Lee Ik-jun gets a welcome visitor.

  4. Episode 4
    Ep 4Episode 4
    2020-04-02 · 79 min

    Yang Seok-hyeong's aloofness frustrates someone on his team. Jang Yun-bok and Jang Hong-do witness a surprising side of Song-hwa outside the hospital.

  5. Episode 5
    Ep 5Episode 5
    2020-04-09 · 73 min

    Jang Gyeo-ul can't get one kind word out of Ahn Jeong-won, who seems especially cold to her. A difficult professor joins the cardiothoracic department.

  6. Episode 6
    Ep 6Episode 6
    2020-04-16 · 82 min

    Kim Jun-wan waits for a response from Lee Ik-sun, who says she needs some time. Jeong-won breaks painful news to the family of his longtime patient.

  7. Episode 7
    Ep 7Episode 7
    2020-04-23 · 84 min

    An unforeseen problem just before a surgery forces Jeong-won to make a tough decision. Meanwhile, Jun-wan is put on edge in the operating room.

  8. Episode 8
    Ep 8Episode 8
    2020-04-30 · 88 min

    Distracted by a problem in his personal life, Do Jae-hak struggles to get through the day. Meanwhile, Chu Min-ha finds herself drowning in work.

  9. Episode 9
    Ep 9Episode 9
    2020-05-07 · 76 min

    An urgent call sends Song-hwa rushing to the hospital to tend to a young patient. Ik-jun receives a plea from a desperate father.

  10. Episode 10
    Ep 10Episode 10
    2020-05-14 · 92 min

    Put in a stressful situation, Jae-hak looks to Jun-wan for advice on the right thing to do. Ik-jun accidentally uncovers an extraordinary secret.

  11. Episode 11
    Ep 11Episode 11
    2020-05-21 · 88 min

    Ik-jun handles a sensitive request from the troubled wife of a patient. A sudden piece of news threatens Seok-hyeong's peace.

  12. Episode 12
    Ep 12Episode 12
    2020-05-28 · 113 min

    As doctors and as humans, the five friends each face a maze of life's questions and decisions as they figure out their next steps.

Source: TMDB

Media

Videos

Trailers, OST, interviews, making clips, reviews, and recommendations.

Trailers & teasers

OST

Interviews & making-of

Reviews & recommendations

Source: YouTube