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Resident Playbook, starring Go Youn Jung, Shin Shi Ah, Kang Yoo Seok, Jung Joon Won, and Han Ye Ji, among others, which was scheduled to air in the first half of 2024, has been postponed to the second half of the year.
On March 21, tvN released an official statement, stating, "Following Queen of Tears, The Midnight Romance in Hagwon will premiere. Resident Playbook is scheduled for the second half of the year. The airing schedule is yet to be decided."
Hospital Playlist spinoff, Resident Playbook is a realistic and relatable drama about doctors working at Yulje Hospital. It revolves around their hospital lives and friendship.
Resident Playbook was originally scheduled to air in the first half of 2024, following Queen of Tears. Although the exact schedule was not specified, the K-drama was rumored to premiere in May, and tvN also heightened anticipation by releasing a teaser early in the year.
In February, tvN uploaded a short video on its YouTube channel teasing the release of Resident Playbook. Following the video's release, numerous people made comments criticizing the actions of the doctors protesting in South Korea. Some also criticized the way the K-drama glorifies doctors.
Recently, the South Korean government announced its plans to increase the medical school enrollment quota by 2,000 starting in the academic year of 2025, an initiative that it believes will increase healthcare services, especially in remote areas, and meet a shortage of 15,000 doctors projected by 2035 (predicted by the health ministry).
Medical professionals, especially trainee doctors, have opposed this policy since they believe there is enough manpower, and the shortage of medical services is due to the uneven distribution of medical facilities across urban and rural areas, poor labor conditions, and high litigation risks. They demand that the government should address issues like pay and working conditions instead.
Trainees in South Korea typically work 80 to 100 hours per week, which the medical professionals argue should be solved by recruiting more senior personnel rather than increasing the number of trainees. Many also fear competition to get into medical schools will get even tougher.
To protest against the government's new policy, doctors have taken to the streets, held walkouts, and even resigned from their jobs.
More than 90% of the country's 13,000 medical interns and residents have been on strike for nearly a month. Their actions have resulted in the cancellation of hundreds of operations and other treatments at hospitals.
Considering the current situation and the negative comments the K-drama received, Resident Playbook was postponed.
On the other hand, The Midnight Romance in Hagwon is a drama that tells the story of academy instructor Seo Hye Jin (Jung Ryeo Won) and her student Lee Jun Ho (Wi Ha Joon). The K-drama should premiere in May.
