Despite the initial concerns over the premiere of 'Resident Playbook' amid the recent healthcare crisis in South Korea, the drama has been gaining steady traction with increasing viewer ratings.

Earlier in 2024, many residents and interns began submitting mass resignations, with over 11,000 doctors going on strike after the government announced its new plan to increase the annual medical school admissions. These residents and doctors argued that the increase in acceptances would lower the quality of medical education and would not address the underlying issues, including overworking, low reimbursement rates, and legal issues for doctors.

Not only that, but 'Resident Playbook' also faced criticisms when the trailer was first released, as some believed that the drama would romanticize resident life amid the ongoing controversy. Originally slated for release in the first half of 2024, the drama's premiere was postponed to the latter half of the year due to the growing issues in the South Korean healthcare industry.

Despite facing hurdles early on, the first four episodes of 'Resident Playbook' recorded impressive ratings of an average of 5.8% and a peak of 6.5% in the Seoul metropolitan area, and a national average of 5.1% with a peak at 5.7%. It ranked first in its time slot across both cable and general programming, and even topped weekend programming across all networks in the 2049 demographic with a peak national rating of 3.3%.

Episode 4 focused on the changing dynamics among first-year OBGYN residents: Oh Yi Young (played by Go Youn Jung), Pyo Nam Kyung (Shin Si Ah), Um Jae Il (Kang Yoo Seok), and Kim Sa Bi (Han Ye Ji). When Oh Yi Young leaves a message hinting at quitting her job, it creates emotional tension, particularly with Kim Sa Bi. At the same time, a rare case of congenital heart disease handed over by a professor adds urgency and pressure. Kim Sa Bi initially keeps his distance, deleting Yi Young’s message and refusing her request. However, he eventually opens up after Yi Young earnestly reaches out, and the two begin to reconnect emotionally.

One powerful scene depicts Oh Yi Young being forced to collect samples from a deceased newborn as the attending doctor. In this emotionally taxing moment, she leans on Kim Sa Bi for support, rekindling their friendship. The death scene, paired with a heartfelt final farewell and a touching moment where Professor Seo Jung Min (Lee Bong Ryun) consoles the grieving mother, brought a quiet yet profound emotional resonance.

Elsewhere, Pyo Nam Kyung resolves a misunderstanding with nurse Yeo Joo Yeon (Kim Do Kyung) and offers a sincere apology, mending their relationship. Meanwhile, interactions between Um Jae Il and Yeo Joo Yeon leaned toward a lighthearted camaraderie, showcasing the organic development of various workplace dynamics on the ward.

The episode ends with the residents having dinner together, signaling the gradual evolution of their relationships from mere colleagues to genuine friends. Their clumsy but sincere journey toward understanding and bonding is shaping the heartwarming tone that carries the show.

SEE ALSO: 'Resident Playbook' gains global popularity following premiere