Hospital Playlist
"Hospital Playlist" is a captivating Korean drama that delves into the intertwined lives of five doctors who’ve been best friends since medical school. Played by Jo Jung Suk (as Lee Ik Jun), Yoo Yeon Seok (as Ahn Jung Won), Jung Kyung Ho (as Kim Jun Wan), Kim Dae Myung (as Yang Suk Hyung), and Jeon Mi Do (as Chae Song Hwa), the story unfolds within the walls of Yulje Medical Center, where every day brings challenges, laughter, and heartwarming moments. At the heart of the series lies their bond, forged over two decades, which sees them navigating both their personal and professional lives. Whether it's performing life-saving surgeries or sharing meals after a long day, these doctors rely on their enduring friendship to weather the storms of the medical world. Their dynamic extends beyond the operating room, as they form a band, showcasing their shared passion for music and offering viewers an added layer of camaraderie. The drama balances the intensity of hospital scenes with heartfelt personal stories, exploring themes like love, loss, and second chances. Each character faces their own struggles: Ik Jun’s humorous approach to life masks deeper concerns, while Jung Won grapples with his desire to become a priest. Song Hwa’s resilience as the group's anchor, Jun Wan’s sharp yet caring personality, and Suk Hyung’s reserved nature add layers of relatability. "Hospital Playlist" isn’t just a medical drama; it’s a celebration of life, friendship, and the moments that connect us all. With its star-studded cast, soulful OSTs, and unforgettable storytelling, this series is a perfect blend of laughter, tears, and inspiration.
Details
🌎 Also Known As: Wise Doctor Life, Doctor Playbook
🎭 Genres: Comedy, Drama, Life, Medical
🏷 Tags: Friendship, Slice of Life, Music Band, Hospital Setting, Heartwarming, Strong Female Lead
✍ Screenwriters: Lee Woo Jung
🎬 Directors: Shin Won Ho
🇰🇷 Country: South Korea
🎬 Episodes: 12 (Season 1)
🗓️ Aired: March 12, 2020 – May 28, 2020
📅 Airing Days: Thursday
📺 Original Network: tvN, Netflix
⏰ Duration: 1 hr. 40 min. per episode
🔞 Content Rating: 15+ – Teens 15 or older
Best Scenes
- The emotional surgery where Lee Ik Jun comforts a nervous patient, showcasing his compassionate side.
- Chae Song Hwa’s heartfelt confession about her struggles, a moment that highlights her depth and strength.
- The rooftop band performance of the iconic song “Aloha,” emphasizing the group’s camaraderie and shared passion for music.
- Ahn Jung Won’s internal conflict between his priesthood aspirations and his dedication to saving lives.
- The unforgettable confession scene between Kim Jun Wan and Ik Soon, packed with raw emotion and vulnerability.
Filming Locations
- Yulje Medical Center: A fictional hospital brought to life through detailed set design and realistic medical environments.
- Incheon National University: Used for exterior shots of the hospital building.
- Jeju Island: Featured in scenes where the characters take a much-needed break from their busy lives.
- Various Seoul Cafes: Showcased during the group’s casual meetups outside the hospital.
- Hospital Band Studio: A cozy setting where the characters’ musical chemistry is explored.
Visual Design and Costumes
- The characters’ hospital scrubs and lab coats are realistic, emphasizing the professional environment.
- Casual outfits reflect their personalities, such as Ik Jun’s quirky T-shirts and Jung Won’s simple yet polished look.
- Warm lighting in personal moments contrasts with the bright, sterile hospital scenes, creating a balanced visual tone.
- The band scenes feature retro-inspired costumes, adding a nostalgic vibe to their performances.
- The hospital set design meticulously replicates a real medical center, complete with detailed surgical rooms and patient areas.
Themes and Messages
- Friendship: The series beautifully captures the essence of enduring bonds formed through years of shared experiences.
- Work-Life Balance: It highlights the challenges and joys of balancing demanding careers with personal happiness.
- Empathy in Medicine: Emphasizes the importance of compassion in healthcare, as seen in every doctor-patient interaction.
- Healing Through Music: Music serves as a powerful metaphor for emotional connection and personal expression.
- Resilience: Showcases how the characters face and overcome personal and professional struggles with determination.
Interesting Facts
- The cast practiced extensively to perform their own musical numbers, adding authenticity to the band scenes.
- Director Shin Won Ho and writer Lee Woo Jung previously collaborated on the popular Reply series.
- Jo Jung Suk’s rendition of “Aloha” became a chart-topping hit in South Korea.
- The hospital band scenes were inspired by real-life doctor bands in South Korea.
- The show achieved record-breaking ratings, becoming one of the highest-rated Korean dramas in cable television history.
Awards
“Hospital Playlist” has garnered numerous awards and nominations, highlighting its excellence in storytelling, acting, and music. Here are some of the accolades received by the series:
-
APAN Star Awards (2021):
- Best New Actress: Jeon Mi-do won for her role as Chae Song Hwa.
- Top Excellence Award, Actor in a Miniseries: Jo Jung-suk was nominated for his portrayal of Lee Ik Jun.
-
Asia Artist Awards (2020):
- Best Acting Award: Jeon Mi-do received this award for her performance.
- AAA Focus Award: Ahn Eun-jin was honored for her role as Chu Min Ha.
-
Asia Contents Awards (2020):
- Newcomer Actress: Jeon Mi-do won this award, recognizing her outstanding debut in television.
-
Baeksang Arts Awards (2020):
- Best New Actress – Television: Jeon Mi-do was nominated for her role.
- Best Screenplay – Television: Lee Woo-jung received a nomination for her exceptional writing.
-
Brand of the Year Awards (2020):
- Best Drama: “Hospital Playlist” was honored as the Best Drama of the year.
- Best Actor: Jo Jung-suk won for his role as Lee Ik Jun.
- Best New Actress: Jeon Mi-do received this award for her performance.
- Best OST: Jo Jung-suk’s rendition of “Aloha” was recognized as the Best Original Soundtrack.
-
Genie Music Awards (2020):
- Best OST: Jo Jung-suk’s “Aloha” won this award, highlighting the song’s popularity and impact.
-
Golden Disc Awards (2021):
- Best OST: Jo Jung-suk’s “Aloha” was honored, showcasing its widespread acclaim.
-
Melon Music Awards (2020):
- Best OST: Jo Jung-suk’s “Aloha” won, further cementing its status as a beloved track.
- Best OST: Jeon Mi-do’s “I Knew I Love” was nominated, reflecting its emotional resonance.
-
Mnet Asian Music Awards (2020):
- Best OST: Jo Jung-suk’s “Aloha” was nominated, indicating its significant impact.
- Best OST: Joy’s “Introduce Me a Good Person” was also nominated, highlighting the series’ strong musical contributions.
-
Seoul Music Awards (2021):
- Best OST: Jo Jung-suk’s “Aloha” won, underscoring its enduring popularity.
- Best OST: Jeon Mi-do’s “I Knew I Love” was nominated, showcasing her musical talent.
These accolades reflect the series’ exceptional quality and the profound impact it has had on audiences and critics alike.
Real-Life Loves on Set
While “Hospital Playlist” beautifully portrays deep relationships, strong friendships, and budding romances on-screen, there hasn’t been any confirmed real-life romance among its cast members. Fans often speculated about the chemistry between some actors, especially Jo Jung Suk and Jeon Mi Do, but both actors have repeatedly clarified that they share a strong professional camaraderie.
Jo Jung Suk is happily married to singer Gummy, and their love story has often been admired by fans. The rest of the cast, including Yoo Yeon Seok, Jung Kyung Ho, Kim Dae Myung, and Jeon Mi Do, maintain a close friendship that mirrors their on-screen dynamics.
The cast’s genuine connection and teamwork have often been mistaken for real-life romance due to their remarkable performances. However, their bond remains rooted in mutual respect and friendship off-screen. This camaraderie is one of the reasons for the show’s enduring success.
