Resident Playbook K-drama Cancellation Linked to Ongoing Medical Strike in South Korea

CJ ENM’s medical drama Resident Playbook, which was originally set to air in the latter half of this year, has reportedly been canceled due to the ongoing doctors’ strike, according to Herald Corp. This series, which focuses on the commitment of doctors and residents, has faced significant backlash as public support waned amidst the extended medical strike and widespread resignations of residents.

The show was scheduled to premiere in May, following tvN’s Queen of Tears, and was expected to be available on Netflix. However, with the strike persisting and public dissatisfaction escalating, the industry sees minimal potential for its broadcast this year.

Reasons Behind the Backlash of Resident Playbook

In February, thousands of trainee doctors, including interns and residents, went on strike as a reaction to a government proposal aimed at increasing the number of medical students by 2,000 annually. This initiative is designed to combat a predicted shortage of doctors, according to NBC News.

This strike has unfortunately led to several hospitals that relied on these trainees having to turn away patients in emergency departments due to manpower shortages. Consequently, this has resulted in heavier workloads for the remaining healthcare staff, as stated by the government.

The backlash against Resident Playbook stems from the public’s discontent regarding the government’s proposal to increase medical school enrollment, which has created a significant gap in healthcare services. Following the release of trailers and promotional materials for the show by tvN, social media was inundated with critical comments accusing the series of romanticizing the medical profession.

This adverse reaction has rendered it unfeasible to air a drama that highlights doctors’ dedication during such a contentious time.

CJ ENM has conceded to the postponement, stating:

“It will be difficult to broadcast this year. We are coordinating the timing.”

Despite ongoing political negotiations aimed at resolving the issue, the medical community remains steadfast in their opposition to the enrollment increase, while the government maintains that postponing the plan is not an option. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo has attributed the crisis to the residents, criticizing the strike for neglecting patients in need.

Further Information on Resident Playbook

On February 8, 2024, a clip for Resident Playbook was unveiled, featuring Go Youn-jung in a leading role. This series is a spin-off of the highly regarded 2020–2021 drama Hospital Playlist and centers on the residents of the obstetrics and gynecology department at the Jongno branch of Yulje Medical Center.

The series sets out to delve into both the personal and professional challenges these residents face, providing audiences with an enlightening view into the realities of working in a frequently overlooked medical specialty. Directed by Shin Won-ho and written by Lee Woo-jung, known for their successful partnerships on the Reply series and Hospital Playlist, Resident Playbook aims to resonate with viewers on multiple levels.

Continuing the tradition of Hospital Playlist, which followed the lives and camaraderie of university hospital physicians, Resident Playbook shifts its narrative focus to young OB-GYN residents. These medical professionals, specializing in a field that has seen declining interest due to falling birth rates, encounter numerous hurdles in their careers while forging complex relationships within the hospital environment.

Source