"Hospital Playlist" is a heartwarming drama that revolves around a group of friends who work together as medical professionals in a hospital. Through their daily lives, the series explores the complexities of friendship, love, and professional challenges. Each character brings their own unique personality and struggles to the table, creating a rich tapestry of interconnected stories. The drama skillfully blends humor, emotion, and genuine human moments to create a compelling narrative that resonates with viewers. As the characters navigate through the ups and downs of their personal and professional lives, they form deep bonds of friendship and support that serve as the backbone of the series. With its authentic portrayal of the medical profession and its focus on the importance of human connection, "Hospital Playlist" offers viewers a touching and uplifting viewing experience that stays with them long after the final episode.
Even the most ordinary moments become extraordinary when intertwined with friendship and love in the hospital setting—this is the essence of “Hospital Playlist”.
Basic drama information
- “Hospital Playlist” is a South Korean drama that aired in 2020, depicting the daily lives and friendships of doctors. Consisting of 12 episodes, it was broadcasted on the tvN channel. The main cast includes Jo Jung-suk, Yoo Yeon-seok, Jung Kyung-ho, Kim Dae-myung, and Jeon Mi-do. The drama revolves around five doctors working at a hospital, exploring their genuine and warm human relationships. “Hospital Playlist” has been praised for its realistic portrayal and touching storytelling that resonates with audiences.

Character Introduction
- Lee Ik-jun (Cho Jung-seok): As a hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgeon, Lee Ik-jun is known for his cheerful and compassionate personality. His exceptional medical skills and warm demeanor earn him the deep trust of his patients. He maintains a balance between work and family life, always spreading positive energy to those around him. Lee Ik-jun is also a dedicated band member, enjoying lively conversations and music with his colleagues. His sense of duty as a doctor drives him to enhance his patients’ lives to the fullest.
- Ahn Jeong-won (Yoo Yeon-seok): Ahn Jeong-won, a pediatric surgeon, offers dedicated care and warmth to his young patients. His bright and friendly nature helps him connect effortlessly with his patients, ensuring smooth treatment processes. His passion and professionalism serve as an inspiration to his peers, and he strives to provide the best medical services. Ahn Jeong-won cherishes his deep friendships and demonstrates warm leadership at the center of his community. His humane qualities provide great comfort and strength to those around him.
- Kim Jun-wan (Jung Kyung-ho): Kim Jun-wan, a thoracic surgeon, is known for his strict yet reliable nature. He carries the significant responsibility of handling patients’ lives and always gives his best to perform his duties flawlessly. His dedication and outstanding abilities leave a strong impression on both his colleagues and patients. Though personally reserved, he shows sincere and supportive sides in his relationships with friends. His cool-headed judgment and warm humanity make him an essential figure both as a doctor and a friend.
- Yang Seok-hyeong (Kim Dae-myung): As an obstetrician-gynecologist, Yang Seok-hyeong is known for his calm and cautious personality. He values communication with his patients, providing heartfelt advice and care to alleviate their anxieties. His collaboration with team members shines through, earning the trust of both patients and colleagues with his professionalism and warmth. He also maintains balance in his personal life, valuing time with friends. His human qualities and dedication as a doctor serve as an inspiration to many.
- Chae Song-hwa (Jeon Mi-do): As a neurosurgery resident, Chae Song-hwa is known for her passionate and determined personality. She works hard to prove her skills in a male-dominated medical environment, achieving remarkable success. Her meticulous and thorough approach to patient care earns their trust. Valuing teamwork, she positively influences both the medical staff and her patients. Her passion and dedication make her a crucial figure in the hospital, embodying both warmth and professionalism as a doctor.
Lee Ik-jun and Chae Song-hwa: Lee Ik-jun (Cho Jung-seok) and Chae Song-hwa (Jeon Mi-do) have built a deep trust as long-time friends and colleagues. Ik-jun’s bright and cheerful personality consistently influences Song-hwa positively, providing a supportive presence that listens to her concerns and offers advice. Song-hwa is drawn to Ik-jun’s humor and warm heart but is confused about whether her feelings go beyond friendship. Their bond deepens through their work at the hospital and their shared love for music as band members. Their relationship realistically portrays the struggle between friendship and romantic feelings, resonating with many viewers.
Ahn Jeong-won and Jang Gyeo-ul: The romance between Ahn Jeong-won (Yoo Yeon-seok) and Jang Gyeo-ul (Shin Hyun-bin) develops slowly and cautiously. As a pediatric surgeon, Jeong-won is dedicated to his young patients and is reserved in expressing his emotions. In contrast, Gyeo-ul becomes increasingly attracted to his sincerity and warmth. She unknowingly develops feelings for Jeong-won, lingering around him and sharing small but meaningful moments. Jeong-won, too, gradually opens his heart to Gyeo-ul’s pure and passionate nature. Their love story beautifully captures the process of conveying genuine feelings through slowly blossoming emotions.
Kim Jun-wan and Lee Ik-sun: The romance between Kim Jun-wan (Jung Kyung-ho) and Lee Ik-sun (Kwak Sun-young) revolves around overcoming distance and situational challenges. As a thoracic surgeon, Jun-wan is typically focused and professional, but meeting Ik-sun brings a significant change to his life. Ik-sun, Ik-jun’s sister, is energetic and bright. Initially, their differences attract them to each other, but over time, they develop true love. When Ik-sun goes abroad, they face the challenge of a long-distance relationship, but their trust and affection help them overcome the difficulties.
Yang Seok-hyeong and Chu Min-ha: The romance between Yang Seok-hyeong (Kim Dae-myung) and Chu Min-ha (Ahn Eun-jin) showcases a warm relationship between a doctor and a nurse. As an obstetrician-gynecologist, Seok-hyeong is calm and cautious. Min-ha is captivated by his sincerity and warm heart. She makes an effort to approach him directly, trying to capture his interest, but Seok-hyeong initially hides his feelings and keeps his distance. However, Min-ha’s persistent efforts and genuine heart eventually lead Seok-hyeong to open up. Their love gradually develops, and they share both joys and sorrows, deepening their bond.
These love lines demonstrate various forms of love through the emotional changes arising from different personalities and situations. Each story offers empathy and inspiration to the audience, forming a crucial emotional pillar of the drama.
Plot Summary
“Hospital Playlist” is a drama centered around the lives and friendships of five doctors who have been friends since medical school. Set in a hospital in Seoul, the series explores their professional and personal lives as they navigate the challenges of their demanding careers and complex relationships.
Lee Ik-jun (played by Jo Jung-suk) is a hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgeon known for his cheerful and warm personality. He is highly trusted by both colleagues and patients. As a single father, he balances his professional life with raising his son, Woo-joo, always striving to maintain a positive outlook and spread good energy to those around him.
Chae Song-hwa (played by Jeon Mi-do) is a neurosurgeon who excels in a male-dominated field through her determination and passion for patient care. She is meticulous and dedicated, earning the trust of her patients and emphasizing teamwork with her colleagues. Song-hwa’s journey reflects her struggle to find balance and recognition in both her professional and personal life.
Ahn Jeong-won (played by Yoo Yeon-seok) is a pediatric surgeon devoted to providing loving and warm care to his young patients. Known for his bright and kind nature, he easily forms bonds with patients, ensuring smoother treatment processes. Jeong-won’s passion and professionalism make him a role model among the medical staff, and he values his deep friendships and leadership within the community.
Kim Jun-wan (played by Jung Kyung-ho) is a cardiothoracic surgeon characterized by his strict yet reliable demeanor. He carries the heavy responsibility of dealing with life-and-death situations, always striving for excellence. Though personally reserved, Jun-wan shows genuine and supportive sides in his friendships, balancing his cool-headed judgment with warm humanity.
Yang Seok-hyeong (played by Kim Dae-myung) is an obstetrician and gynecologist with a calm and thoughtful personality. He values communication with his patients, providing sincere advice and care to ease their anxieties. Seok-hyeong’s collaboration with his team highlights his professionalism and warmth, earning trust from both patients and colleagues. He cherishes personal time with friends, maintaining a balanced life.
The drama showcases these five main characters’ daily experiences in the hospital, emphasizing the joys and sorrows of life through various patient stories and professional challenges. They form a band together, further strengthening their bond and bringing joy to their lives. “Hospital Playlist” delves into the relationships with patients, camaraderie among doctors, and personal growth and healing, offering viewers a heartwarming and realistic portrayal of life in a hospital.
Major Themes & Message
- Friendship and Camaraderie: At the heart of “Hospital Playlist” is the enduring friendship among the five main characters—Lee Ik-jun, Chae Song-hwa, Ahn Jeong-won, Kim Jun-wan, and Yang Seok-hyeong. Their bond, which dates back to their medical school days, is a testament to the strength and importance of long-lasting friendships. The drama beautifully portrays how these friends support each other through personal and professional challenges, providing a sense of warmth and stability.
- Passion for Medicine: The series highlights the dedication and passion that doctors have for their profession. Each character demonstrates a profound commitment to their patients and their work, showcasing the sacrifices and rewards of a career in medicine. The drama emphasizes the importance of empathy, compassion, and the human touch in healthcare, illustrating how these qualities are crucial for patient care and recovery.
- Work-Life Balance: “Hospital Playlist” delves into the characters’ efforts to balance their demanding careers with their personal lives. It presents the struggles and joys of maintaining relationships, pursuing hobbies, and finding time for family and friends amidst a hectic work schedule. This theme resonates with many viewers, as it reflects the universal challenge of achieving a healthy work-life balance.
- Love and Relationships: The drama explores various facets of love and relationships, from romantic entanglements to familial bonds. It portrays realistic and relatable love stories, highlighting the complexities and beauty of human connections. The relationships between the characters evolve naturally, reflecting the ups and downs of love, friendship, and family ties.
- Personal Growth and Healing: Throughout the series, characters experience significant personal growth and healing. They face their fears, confront their pasts, and learn valuable life lessons. The drama underscores the importance of self-reflection, resilience, and personal development, showing how these elements contribute to overall well-being and happiness.
- Teamwork and Collaboration: “Hospital Playlist” emphasizes the significance of teamwork and collaboration in the medical field. The characters frequently rely on each other’s expertise and support to navigate complex medical cases and emergencies. This theme highlights the interdependence of healthcare professionals and the collective effort required to provide the best patient care.
- Life’s Unpredictability: The series captures the unpredictable nature of life, both inside and outside the hospital. It illustrates how unexpected events can alter the course of one’s life and the importance of adaptability and perseverance. The characters’ journeys reflect the unpredictable twists and turns of life, encouraging viewers to embrace change and uncertainty with courage.
Overall, “Hospital Playlist” delivers powerful messages about friendship, love, dedication, and resilience. Its heartwarming and realistic portrayal of the lives of doctors resonates deeply with viewers, offering both entertainment and inspiration.
OST Information
The OST of “Hospital Playlist” is a vital component that enhances the emotional depth of the series. Comprising a diverse range of tracks, each song effectively captures the mood and sentiments portrayed throughout the drama.
Let’s explore some of the notable OST tracks:
- “Aloha” by Jo Jung-suk, Yoo Yeon-seok, Jung Kyung-ho, Kim Dae-myung, and Jeon Mi-do: This lively and upbeat song, performed by the main cast themselves, adds a sense of camaraderie and joy to the series. Its catchy melody and uplifting lyrics perfectly encapsulate the friendship and unity among the characters.
- “Me to You, You to Me” by Davichi: This heartfelt ballad beautifully conveys the deep emotions and connections shared between the characters. With its poignant lyrics and soulful vocals, the song serves as a poignant backdrop to key moments of reflection and introspection.
- “Introduce Me a Good Person” by Joy (of Red Velvet): Joy’s sweet and melodious voice shines in this romantic track, which highlights the budding feelings of love and affection between the characters. The song’s whimsical melody and romantic lyrics capture the essence of youthful romance and infatuation.
- “In Front of City Hall at the Subway Station” by Kwak Jin-eon: This acoustic ballad exudes warmth and nostalgia, evoking memories of heartfelt conversations and shared moments. Its gentle melody and soothing vocals create a serene atmosphere, perfectly complementing the series’ themes of friendship and companionship.
- “The Way to You” by Hwang Chi-yeul: Hwang Chi-yeul’s powerful vocals take center stage in this emotionally-charged ballad, which reflects the characters’ journey of growth and self-discovery. The song’s stirring melody and poignant lyrics resonate deeply with viewers, leaving a lasting impression.
Overall, the OST of “Hospital Playlist” plays a significant role in enhancing the drama’s emotional impact and narrative depth, making it a memorable aspect of the series for fans around the world.
Review & Evaluation
“Hospital Playlist” has received widespread acclaim for its realistic portrayal of the lives of medical professionals, heartfelt storytelling, and compelling character development.
The drama has been praised for its authentic depiction of the challenges and triumphs faced by doctors, as well as its exploration of complex ethical dilemmas within the healthcare system. Viewers have commended the series for shedding light on the dedication, compassion, and sacrifices of medical professionals, fostering a greater appreciation for their work.
One of the standout aspects of “Hospital Playlist” is its well-developed characters, each with their own strengths, flaws, and personal struggles. The ensemble cast delivers stellar performances, bringing depth and nuance to their roles and forging strong chemistry on screen. The genuine camaraderie and camaraderie among the characters resonate with viewers, creating a sense of warmth and familiarity that keeps audiences engaged from start to finish.
Furthermore, the drama’s narrative is driven by compelling storylines that blend medical cases with personal dramas, humor, and romance. The seamless integration of these elements adds depth and dimension to the plot, keeping viewers emotionally invested in the characters’ journeys.
In addition to its engaging storytelling, “Hospital Playlist” has garnered praise for its exceptional production quality, including its cinematography, soundtrack, and overall aesthetics. The series effectively captures the hustle and bustle of hospital life while also highlighting moments of quiet introspection and intimacy.
Overall, “Hospital Playlist” has earned acclaim as a heartwarming and thought-provoking drama that offers a captivating glimpse into the world of medicine. Its relatable characters, compelling narratives, and poignant themes have resonated with audiences, solidifying its status as a beloved and highly regarded series.