Hospital Playlist (2020–2021) User Reviews

A refreshing take at hospital kdrama

[amandiieexx · 9/10 · 8 May 2020]

When we see Yoo Yeon-Seok in this series, one would think of Dr. Romantic. But the similarity stops there. Anyone who's expecting an exaggerated, overly-dramatic plot like Dr. Romantic will be disappointed watching this. Yet, I love this drama - simply for its ability to weave simple narratives into beautiful episodes every week.

It goes against any stereotype of love, hospital melodrama, and friendships - and gives you a strong vision of what a healthy relationship is supposed to look like in any aspect. As there are 5 main characters instead of 1, it really is trying to tell us 'we are not the center of attention' - everyone is their own main character. The dramatic events may happen in another room, but the characters themselves are enriching enough that they can hold their own story.

It also reflects very healthy and strong friendships. Not every gal and guy that come together must have a romance - platonic friendships can develop and last. Not everything must have an underlying meaning.

Finally, I like that there is no 'THE' bad guy. That's the thing about this drama - there are no stereotypes, no bad vs good. It's about living out our lives to the fullest, and enjoying the community around us.

Sounds lame? Well, that might say more of ourselves than about the show - how we thrive for excitement in dramatic things but miss out on the beauty and humour in everyday life.

Hospital Playlist Is Like a Warm Blanket On a Cold Night

[spasek · 10/10 · 11 November 2021]

There have been a number of "hospital shows" over the years. And yet, with so many, Hospital Playlist is unique. Why? Because it sticks with its strengths: chemistry between the five leads and staying away from the typical hospital politics.

Instead, Hospital Playlist is about people. It's about how we, as people, can endeavor to treat others just a little bit better; to put ourselves in the other person's shoes rather than resort to snap judgments. If you remember Patch Adams, you'll find that--for these five doctors at Yuji Medical Center--the people matter more than the disease or injury. In other words, it no longer pays to be indifferent and to block out natural emotions.

Hospital Playlist is actually a fairly light show. Yes, it has some tense moments, but overall, it never gets bogged down in melodrama. Instead, it relies upon the unique chemistry of the five doctors who've known each other since medical school. And once a month, they get together and sing a song. Hence, the Hospital Playlist.

Each doctor specializes in a certain field. First we have Ik-Jun, who is a general surgeon but specializes in the liver and liver transplants. He's the lead singer of the group, and in many ways, he's the glue of the group. He's the first to crack a joke or do something humorous to lighten the tension. And Jung-Suk Jo is masterful at this! He's got as much talent for comedy as he does for singing. He never takes things too seriously. His job is important, but treating his staff and his patients with respect is always of utmost importance to him.

Next we have. Song Hwa who is a neurosurgeon. She's kind, dedicated, and a bit of a workaholic. HIlariously enough, she's someone who THINKS she can sing, but she can't. Actress Jeon Mi Do is actually a professional singer, so to see her purposely sing out of tune is impressive.

Seok Hung is the somewhat aloof but dedicated gynecologist in obstetrics. He's every bit as caring about his patients and staff even though it's not always obvious.

Jun Wan is the brilliant cardiologist who can appear cold but to characterize him this way would be a disservice. Underneath the tough exterior is a man with a heart who believes that hard work and dedication is a key to success.

Last, but certainly not least, we have Jeon Wong Ahn, the professor of pediatrics. Nurses and parents alike adore him for his unique way of handling children. He relates with them. He talks with them, and he never sees them as just another patient.

There are many touching and heartfelt moments throughout the series as we journey along with them through the days, weeks, months, and even years. Don't be surprised if you find yourself shedding a few tears one moment and then roaring out loud with laughter in the next. That's the Hospital Playlist. In the end, it provides comfort. It provides hope that people can still treat each other with respect, with compassion, and with empathy.

If you're a music lover, you'll find a cache of great songs, all sung and performed by the characters. At the end of each episode of Hospital Playlist, we are reminded not to take life so seriously. We're reminded that life is supposed to be joyous and fun.

At some point, I will definitely want to re-watch this great series. So, if you're looking for something that is light, with many feel-good moments, as well as many hilarious ones, I'm sure you love Hospital Playlist!

Fantastic hospital serie.. So so un-american style.

[svschagen-1 · 9/10 · 30 June 2020]

Watch it. korea TV shows has better understanding of the real life then the hollywood does.

The Drama of Life

[droche-49966 · 9/10 · 1 May 2020]

A few of the reviewers seem to be turned off by the fact that there is no "central " storyline but i would argue that there is no central dramatic storyline is the very thing that appeals to me about the show. It is a story about an enduring friendship and the everyday lives of those in a hospital told with humor and compassion. There is beauty and love and tears and laughter and triumphs and failures to be found in all of our daily lives. What is wrong with trying to capture that in a drama? I really enjoy the ensemble acting and the mini-stories in each episode. I hope to be treated with as much compassion as these doctors show if I ever find myself in a hospital needing surgery.

Funny but full of depth.

[xeniamd-35210 · 10/10 · 28 May 2020]

Friendship. Love. Life. Death. Music.

Not your usual medical drama. I laughed, cried, sang, and danced. Superb screenplay! Fell in love in Ik-Jun (Jo Jung Suk) Felt like I was cheating on Hyun Bin.😂

My Thursdays won't be the same anymore. I truly loved this drama. Cheers to all the cast and crew. See you next year for Season 2.

It's 10/10 for me. Highly recommended. 💖

#HospitalPlaylist

Gotta watch it guys !

[feminafemz · 10/10 · 3 April 2020]

Great series, great cast and storyline, this just gets you hooked up right from the beginning. Don't miss out on this wonderful series.

My absolute favorite kdrama so far!

[Lucrezia87 · 10/10 · 26 January 2021]

What a heartwarming tv drama! All five main characters are wonderful and what makes them even better is their friendship and how much they love each other.

The hospital stories they show are both wonderful and heartbreaking. Extremely realistic.

If you're thinking of starting this, do it without even blinking.

I look forward to the new season!!

Heartwarming and heartbreaking, absolutely recommended

[drsearch · 10/10 · 21 January 2021]

Hospital Playlist has been written by the same writer who wrote "Reply 1988", Lee Woo-jung. The producer is also the same, Shin Won-ho. The work that this combination creates is absolutely fantastic. Hospital Playlist shares a lot of the same vibe of "Reply 1988".

Hospital Playlist does not have a central storyline. Instead, we see the storylines of the 5 main characters, who are all medical doctors in the same hospital, friends, and also musical band mates. There are plenty of smaller subplots that stretch out over multiple episodes, be sure not to miss those. And do not miss the easter eggs or cameos that the creators added that refer to "Reply 1988". This TV drama requires some attention span in the beginning, but once you are suck in their worlds, you will share their heartwarming joy and heartbreaking tears.

Like Reply 1988, we have a group of 5 friends: 4 guys, 1 girl. We get a look in their lives. It is very realistic and funny. All the cast is sublime and excellent. They bring their characters to life in such a wonderful way. Each episode you get a very welcome musical intermezzo near the end when the 5 friends come together to play a song live as a band. The songs they play are older Korean power ballads with strong lyrics that capture perfectly the main feeling of each episode. And there is a running gag of the female neurosurgeon Chae Song-hwa, played wonderfully by Jeon Mi-do, who is tone deaf and does not have a feeling of rhythm, but still wants to be a vocalist. It makes you smile from ear to ear.

I absolutely enjoyed Hospital Playlist, season 1. It is such a wonderful TV drama that is heartwarming and heartbreaking. You get to laugh and to cry. Definitely recommended, get started and watch it!

Unique! Refreshing! The best!

[ftnura · 10/10 · 16 September 2020]

I must admit this drama has everything! It is not any typical "hospital Kdrama", this drama is surely different. There are many scenes where I could feel the scenes! For example, the doctor-patient relationship, the father-son relationship! These things happen in reality, not like other 'hospital stories' we get to see in hospital story based dramas! And those real emotions literally touched my heart!!! Hats off to the all of the actors! Moreover, the songs, refreshing scenes.. Honestly, I cannot finish saying all of the sides for which everyone must watch this drama. I just want to say: "I am genuinely glad that this drama has been made & I feel happy for the fact that I did not ignore the drama rather I have watched this beautiful unique drama!" Whoever is watching my review, please do watch this drama. I can bet you will tell yourself, your time was worth of watching this drama!!

🎶Life~Pain~Romance~Joy~Food~Song~Healing ~🏨~ Drama That Resonates 🎶

[50fiftillidideeBrain · 9/10 · 21 July 2021]

Grey's Anatomy, Take Your Scalpel & Go Home, Now. K-Band-Aid is In The HOWSE-pital

I put off watching this highly rated show for a while because I found the name unappealing. Well, what's in a name?

This series follows 5 friends from college that eventually end up working at the same hospital in Seoul. Now that they are all back in Seoul, they resurrect their college band by working on 1 song a month, to ensure they take time to be together. Whether the above pre-screening sounds like a solid basis for a hospital drama or not, it's merely the setting. What matters is the relationships, particularly as embodied in the writer/director/actors. In any case, HP has stitched together an outstanding fellowship of talent.

Believe the hype: Watch it. HP is 🎧AWE🎤SOME🎉.

HP is about friendship first, but also caring+respect for others, love, parents & children, music, and lots and lots of #food. The hospital scenes, including staff dynamics and operating room procedures, feel realistic. The characters are a delight.

Here's a shout-out to Jo Jung-Suk. He delivers another slam dunk with his performance as Dr. Lee Ik-jun. Every one does a great job.

This just pertains to season 1. I haven't started season 2 yet.

(((((((()))))))))

With season 2 now watched, the diagnosis is that their practice in season 1 rendered season 2 even #more affective. It continues with the uplifting treatment of the subjects, and it's a resounding hit. Picking up right where it left off, there's a seamless connection to season 1.

Early in season 2 there's a Ping-Pong tourney. Cardio-Thoracic Sx was looking good - until they had to concede in order to respond to an emergency. At least half of the matches seemed to be decided that way. Instead of mic drops, we see paddle drops. We get to hear other docs gossip about the great Lee Ik-jun: 'I heard Dr Lee was in the Ping-Pong Club in college. In fact, I heard he was in EVERY club in college. He was even in the magic club.' Comfortably confident, Ik-jun tells Song-hwa: "I'll return victorious before this tea gets cold." (Nope. Nuclear Medicine runs the tables). His defeat is commemorated with these words: "Tasting Defeat and savoring victory: These are the things that allow us to grow."

Let's take a moment to review the primary protagonists.

In season 2, Lee Ik-jun continues to play Dr Cupid. While Ju-wan (the cardiologist) is worried about Ik-jun discovering whom he's dating. We must wonder: Why worry? How could Ik-jun deny anybody love? Watch to see. He has time to play cupid, and also cover for the lunch lady because he's so brilliant that everything is easy for him. Besides, he's friends with the lunch lady on social media, and her son had a parole hearing. The only thing that takes Ik-jun more time than other docs, is walking thru the hospital. That's because the highly loquacious Ik-jun is friends with everybody - security guards, aids, custodians, scattered guardians ... Just everybody.

Ah, the unparalleled and misnamed SONG-hwa. She can do everything: neurosurgery, research, office visits, lectures,,, one of her biggest timetakers is her mentoring of any and all residents in their educational, professional, and even personal lives. She can do everything but sing. She sings anyway, with masses of verve. She gets pleasure out of little things, like rain. She dances at church and eats like a Sumo wrestler. Utterly delightful, she's the heartbeat of the gang, excepting the band.

Seok-hyung lost a little weight and he looks great in season 2. He declined to take over his father's business and continues to rise to near celebrity populatiy as an Ob/Gyn, despite his modest and somewhat shy persona. Patients respond to his gentle and caring manner. One office visit depicts amazing ultrasound footage of a 10 week old fetus wiggling its arms and legs. The couple's reaction is precious. Still focused on Seok-hyung, his mother remains unable to resist attempts to try to control him. She wants grandchildren. Now. She tells him: I don't care who it is. Just get married.

Dr. Chu continues to try and insert herself into Seok-hyung's life. In season 2 he's neither encouraging nor rejecting her efforts. Dr. Chu is not easily daunted. In fact, she's downright inspirational. Openly perusing Seok-hyung, she often makes him laugh. Dr. Chu runs into Seok-hyung's mother - literally. Mom was so offended that she even told Rosa she doesn't care whom Seok-hyung marries, as long as it isn't #HER!, speaking of Dr. Chu.

Ju-wan is unchanged in season 2, and his relationship with Dr. Do, whom he is training, continues to improve. We get to meet Dr. Do's wife in season 2.

The pediatrician, Dr. Ahn (Andrea/Jeong-won) treads the course set in season 1. There's not a lot to say w/o spoiling some surprises. He complains that his siblings are worried about mom, but as they can't help "right now", they bombard him with calls. In rich irony he laments: "Why did they enter the church, really?"

We see the return of almost all the side characters: Parents, siblings, other doctors, residents, as well as new first years. They all continue to round out the show well.

Uju wants to go camping, so Ik-jun finally leaves his beloved city life for a weekend, because his son is his world. Hmmm. Who else loves camping?

Gy-eol is looking relaxed and even pretty, especially with her hair down. We learn more about her in season 2.

As a side note, there's a realistic basis for the show. The positive connection between surgeons and music has actually been studied. The participants currently playing a musical instrument, at the time of the study, performed the laparoscopic tasks significantly faster than those who did not. They determined that visuo-spatial abilities used in laparoscopic performance clearly may be enhanced for individuals playing a musical instrument. It seems obvious that finger strength and dexterity should also be positively affected.

Even though HP is a top-ten show in all of Korea's history, there are currently no plans for a season 3. The writer has completed the originally scripted storyline. That is the current status, but there's actually numerous ways to continue the drama. For now, it's a wrap. If you are one that dreads waiting for another season as it it's a multistage invasive treatment plan, it's safe to go forward with the HP procedure now, and hope for a reoccurance in the future.

IMHO... 🎬9 🤔8 🎭9 ⚡4 💓8 🦋5 🎵 9 🎨6🔚9.

Suggested Age 12& up, with a caveat: One unmarried couple is shown in bed together with enough skin showing to infer what's unmistakably been going on. Any parents who object to that, be advised. The counter-balance is the realistic medical setting, along with reinforcement of good character.

Best Example for True Friendship

[samodachintha · 10/10 · 3 April 2020]

What a fantastic series. A brilliant, very highly talented cast of my favourites. I love the band! I love, love this Drama because every episode make me laugh and Cry😍🎶 Every Soundtrack in this drama give something valuable thing to Community...

Good Enough

[PennyReviews · 6/10 · 10 June 2020]

" Hospital Playlist " is one of the hyped dramas of 2020 and you are going to like it if you loved dramas like Reply 1988. However, even though there are not many reviews that are not praising this drama, Hospital Playlist is not for everyone.

The drama keeps a slow tempo, with the story being spread throughout the drama, probably so it can serve the next two seasons coming up next. Maybe that's when the drama picks up. And yes, this is a slice of life, but, at times, it felt like there was nothing to look forward to in the next episode. Also, there were moments when the drama got boring too.

That said, they did handle the romance masterfully, as to not overshadow the friendship and so that it didn't become the main focus of the drama. They did a good job with the blend of music and story too, as well as with the flashbacks of their old days.

Finally, when it comes to performances, the drama of course had excellent ones, as the cast was consisted by the best of the best.

So, overall, six and a half out of ten, because there were some nice moments to the drama, but it felt like there was no story to it.

Don't bother

[Nabi16 · 2/10 · 5 April 2020]

I'm giving this 2/10 as the cast is good but that's pretty much it. I've watched 4 episodes only but that's because that's all netflix has released at this stage. I tried watching and thinking it'll get better in the next episode. Never did. Nothing happens. Like another reviewer said, "there isn't a main story line" or something like that and they are right. The medical story lines have been recycled a million times over. If you've watched any hospital drama in the past you've seen this one. The only difference is is that there isn't actually a point to their stories. If you want to see 5 friends hang out, play music, and talk about nothing and the storyline not have any drive or hook then go ahead and watch this. There might be mini stories within the episode but nothing gripping. I honestly can say it's just about 5 friends who all happen to be great doctors in their chosen fields and who all happen to work in the same hospital and that's about it.

My source of encouragement

[prachivasava · 10/10 · 2 June 2020]

This medical drama is so encouraging and heartwarming,to people like us who are already in this field. I love this drama. I learn so many things. For me, this drama is worked as a mentor.I'm still first year medical student who don't know about so much things of this field,this drama help so much to understand the things of medical life.This drama also help me to understand the job of doctor and sacrifices and devotion they made. By the way I'm waiting for the next season curiously.But at the end I'm happy to see that Ahn Jung-won and Jang Gyeo-wool is finally become lovely couple. This is my most favourite drama from now on. Netflix please release next season very soon .

My rare 10 rating

[Abbye-Sei · 10/10 · 3 September 2021]

This is one of the few TV shows I can wholeheartedly give a 10 rating. I love this series, watched twice the first season and going on the second season.

The friendship depicted in this series is so heartwarming, not just for the 5 main casts but also their interaction and kindness towards their interns, fellows & nurses. Even the long lasting friendship between Rosa and the Director of the medical centre is just so warm - a friendship spans for 65 years and still going strong!

The characters' development is another success, we grew to love all the cast (even the supporting roles) bits by bits through their actions, interaction with each other/other characters. Each episode provides us a good life lessons focusing on human behavior and emotions, the happiness when love one is healed, sadness when love one passed and the pain in between waiting for miracles to happen. It really pulled my heartstring. It motivated me to become a better person, be kind and more attentive to my family, friends and be more compassionate/empathy to strangers who are in need.

I love all the actors and actresses; they all give very good performance. The child actor is so cute and the music is simply superb. One lovely thing about this series is the romance is not cheesy, because we all know Korean shows tend to get OTT cheesy when it comes to romance, and we do not have any super "bad" people, we see people of different characters/behavior, all with their own flaws but aren't we all have flaws?

Overall, I highly recommend this series to anyone.

Fun & Healing

[cc0077 · 10/10 · 29 June 2021]

I loved all the characters so much I finished this drama in about 2 days lmaoo. The storyline itself isn't too heavy, but at the same time covers so many different emotions. I'm so excited how season 2 will turn out!

I can't wait for season 2

[anavensaint · 10/10 · 16 June 2020]

This drama deserves the attention and love from the viewers. It's full of lessons about friendship, family, humanity, and love. No dramatic twist, no political treachery and no characters to be hated. Simply, it showcased empathy rather than an individual's story. It made you smile, laugh, cries, and surely will miss your friends especially these pandemic situations.

For the first episode, you might be confused about the characters and faces because there are so many casts; Doctors, Nurses, Interns, and others. But as the story progresses you can identify them and you'll be impressed how well the story lined up from the hospital to playlist. This drama gives you a warm touch with morals and lessons that are taught throughout the 12 episodes.

Bravo to the main cast because they lived their characters impressively. Each portrayal has its own unique factors and differences. I love their music, their band, and bonding. I love this medical drama, and I can't wait for season 2 hopefully by next year.

A PERFECT COMBINATION OF MEDICAL AND SLICE OF LIFE

[faziradeca · 10/10 · 31 January 2021]

Hospital Playlist was a very well-written drama with a refreshing storyline. The drama didn't not only center on the medical knowledge and practices but it also shown daily life of the medical officers on the other side of their profession. It's full of heartwarming and lighthearted scenes that touched to the very core of your heart. How they found loves, their inner struggles and dilemma were delicately shown throughout the drama. It might be slow pace to some of us but it's definitely worth to watch.

I passionately love it. Soft, funny, relaxing and meaningful.

[minhtragng · 10/10 · 24 June 2021]

If ur looking for drama and plot twists, its totally not for you. The movie weave simple narratives about daily life into each ep. Felling like all characters are main, they got their own signature that set a special impression. The academic content makes it so real and professional. I had to replay some scenes cuz its super cute, funny, lovely, etc. Truly love it. Production team please do till ss 10 and more.

One of the best korean drama of all time

[rubyybe · 10/10 · 22 July 2020]

It is not your typical kdrama. Its very realistic and straight to the point. It is kinda slow pacing at the start but starting at ep3, i guess, it starts to build up and become exciting. Many doctors also comment that this drama is closer to accuracy with real medical than other med dramas.

The music is also perfect especially they themselves played it. They learned to play instruments prior to shooting.

Refreshing

[carmencitavargas · 10/10 · 22 June 2020]

The most easy to view because of the wonderful chemistry seen between the characters. It makes me love each one! And look up for other shows of each actor. I love the show. I'm waiting with enthusiasm another season. It was a long time before I see every episode twice. Please, start season 2 soon! Thanks for that drama show.

Season 1 is relatively entertaining if you enjoy shows about real life, Season 2 becomes boring very quickly

[rozi72 · 7/10 · 25 July 2022]

This is a truly wholesome show in the sense that the five protagonists are all perfect doctors who will go to any lengths for the sake of their patients. In addition, there are no really negative characters among the other staff members of the hospital (one of the doctors is somewhat negative, but he is a minor character), everybody works very hard to improve themselves and the occasional mistakes are the result of a lack of knowledge or practice that the young doctors or nurses try to correct after being scolded by their superior. Also, 95 percent of patients and family members are portrayed as positive, very few of them are annoying or malicious. The relatives almost without exceptions make all kinds of sacrifices to care for their sick family members. In short, if you believe that people tend to be good and you like shows that reflect this type of worldview, you will probably enjoy this. Do not expect any grittiness or edginess here. For my part, I grew bored with all this wholesomeness by Season 2, but I keep watching it because I'm curious how some storylines will end.

Out of the five protagonists, the paediatric surgeon guy and the neurosurgeon lady are perfect to the point of being irritating. The paediatric surgeon is almost saint-like (and wants to become a priest). After he gets together with his love interest, their relationship becomes a real snooze fest, too. The neurosurgeon lady is also little miss perfect, her only vices are that she is a gluttonous eater and she wants to be the singer of the band, even though she cannot carry a tune. The band rehearsals are not part of the narrative for the most part, they are quite separate from the rest of the show. The songs occasionally reflect the characters' feelings, but mostly, they feel more as interruptions. In my opinion, the creators could have done a better job with the band storyline.

The rest of the friends are slightly more complex, but all are predominantly positive. The liver surgeon guy (Lee Ik Joon) is perhaps the most likeable, with a playful, goofy sense of humour.

I would rate Season 1 as eight, Season 2 as six, hence the combined rating of seven.

don't waste your time

[mohsinmuskan · 4/10 · 11 January 2023]

I dont understand how this dramas get really good reviews , I love drams because its short and show us interesting story with some cute and romantic moments including fun. As we knows that many of K Drama leads work in business companies but they dont always show us meetings and all but we see them hanging out having fun watch some romanic moments between leads. I watched hospital playlist because the review was quite nice , and I have to watch whole season while waiting for something interesting. The drama is more slower then turtle , believe me there was no story all the time they only showed surgeries. In half or more than half drama you will only watch surgeries. The most said dialogue is am on my way , I will be right there and just this. There was no reason to make season 2. They could have make 16 episodes with nice pace story. I watched 2 part while skipping half of episode because I dont want to watch surgery. I gave 4 star just for LEE IK JUN AND SWANG HAN character. Their chemistry was amazing amoung all of the couples. LEE IK JUN character always make you smile or laugh , I only didn't skip part of him except surgery one. Its based on hospital that doesn't mean you have to show us surgeries all the time. Am writing this big review so you guys can know what you are gonna watch. The story and drama could have more likable if they keep it short and showed less and more less surgery scene and more romantic and cute scene between main leads. Although its up to you now if you want to waste your time or not.

A light hearted life story

[Tejasvita26 · 10/10 · 11 June 2020]

Life's definition is very different for every one. In this drama we get to meet 5 characters who have been friends since medical school. Unlike the other medical drama which usually go for dramatic, suspenseful and depressing tone, this drama went for a light, musical feel. It's a success. This show hits all the right notes with its ensemble cast of musical actors, best direction and great script. So what if the series has no specific theme to it? How will it be different from other kdramas then? The series derives its distinct identity in this only.. It tells several mini stories through the eyes of these 5 characters. Loved their musical jamming. I felt envious that I never got to make such a gang of friends. Can't wait to see season 2. Shin won ho has done it again. Exceeded all expectations.. After all he has given us the Reply series, and Prison Playbook. Aloha... 😘😍

Light & Fun

[mdlnol · 9/10 · 4 April 2020]

I love how this series doesn't exactly have like a 'main conflict'. the storyline revolves around the everyday life of the main cast and i love how it just flows. it is also heartwarming and funny. the chemistry between the main cast is also amazing. i think this series is for those who are looking for light and fun dramas, without too many cliches or conflicts.