Resident Playbook K-drama reportedly canceled amidst ongoing medical strike in South Korea

CJ ENM's medical drama Resident Playbook, initially scheduled for broadcast in the second half of the year, has reportedly been canceled due to the ongoing doctors' strike, as reported by Herald Corp. The show, which highlights the dedication of doctors and residents, faced backlash as public sentiment soured amid the prolonged medical strike and mass resignations of residents.

The drama was initially slated to air in May after tvN's Queen of Tears and to be released on Netflix as well. However, with the strike dragging on and the public's growing discontent, the industry sees little chance of it being broadcast this year.

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Why is Resident Playbook facing backlash?

In February, thousands of trainee doctors, including interns and residents, went on strike. This was in response to a government proposal to increase the number of medical students by 2,000 annually, aiming to address an anticipated doctor shortage, as reported by NBC News.

As a result, hospitals that relied on these trainees across various medical departments have had to reportedly turn away patients in emergency rooms due to staff shortages, leading to increased workloads for the remaining doctors, according to the government.

The strike stems from opposition to the government's plan to increase medical school enrollment, which has caused a major gap in healthcare services. When tvN released trailers and promotional content for Resident Playbook, it faced a wave of criticism online, with comments accusing the show of romanticizing the medical profession.

This negative reaction has made it impossible to air a drama focused on the dedication of doctors during such a controversial period. Critics argued that airing the drama could be seen as glorifying doctors during a time of public frustration.

CJ ENM has acknowledged the postponement, saying:

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

Despite efforts to resolve the issue through political negotiations, the medical community remains firm in opposing the enrollment increase, while the government insists that delaying the plan is unrealistic. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo has placed responsibility for the crisis on the residents, criticizing the strike for abandoning patients in need.

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More about Resident Playbook

On February 8, 2024, a clip for the drama Resident Playbook was released, featuring Go Youn-jung in the lead role. This series is a spin-off of the popular 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 would explore both the personal and professional struggles of these residents, offering viewers a deep look into the realities of working in an often-overlooked medical department. Director Shin Won-ho and writer Lee Woo-jung, known for their successful collaborations on the Reply series and Hospital Playlist, teamed up to create Resident Playbook.

As a continuation of the Hospital Playlist, which followed the lives and friendships of university hospital professors and doctors, Resident Playbook shifts its focus to young OB-GYN residents. These doctors, specializing in a field that has seen dwindling interest due to declining birth rates, face numerous challenges in their professional lives while forming intricate friendships inside the hospital.