The recently concluded K-drama Resident Playbook has left fans buzzing, not only for its heartfelt storytelling but also for the chemistry between its leads, Go Youn-jung and Jung Joon-won. In a recent interview with 10Asia (via Koreaboo), Go Youn-jung opened up about the unexpected attention the drama received and addressed concerns about the eight-year age gap between her and her co-star, which sparked discussions among viewers.
Resident Playbook, which wrapped up its run on May 18, 2025, became a standout hit, topping buzz rankings for multiple weeks. Go Youn-jung, who played the determined resident Oh Yi-young, reflected on the overwhelming response. “We didn’t expect to get this much attention. Even the director and writer didn’t see it coming. The actors were flustered too. In our group chat, the cast teased Joon Won oppa, asking, ‘How does it feel to be a superstar, future brother-in-law?’” she shared, highlighting the playful camaraderie among the cast.
The age difference between Go Youn-jung, 29, and Jung Joon-won, 37, raised eyebrows initially, as their characters Oh Yi-young and Gu Do-won shared a romantic storyline. However, Go Youn-jung emphasized how their on-screen chemistry won over audiences. “We had some concerns because of the age gap, but seeing people say that Yi Young and Do Won made their hearts flutter, it was really rewarding. Joon Won oppa is such a good actor. I found myself really inspired by his performances. I never felt the age difference. He’s really funny on set and keeps things light with his jokes, which made everyone like him. At first, I wasn’t sure how I’d do a romance with someone like that, but he portrayed the calm and upright character so well that it made each scene enjoyable and something to look forward to,” she said.
Go Youn-jung also praised Jung Joon-won’s ability to embody Gu Do-won, noting that his off-screen humor and professionalism eased any initial hesitations. Fans echoed her sentiments online, with posts on social media calling their chemistry “effortless” and praising Jung Joon-won’s portrayal of the steady, dependable Do-won.
What Is Resident Playbook About?
Resident Playbook, a spin-off of the beloved Hospital Playlist series, follows the lives of young doctors navigating the challenges of residency at Yulje Medical Center’s OB-GYN department. The drama, which aired on tvN, centers on Oh Yi-young (Go Youn-jung), a talented but headstrong first-year resident, and her evolving relationships with her colleagues, including the calm and principled Gu Do-won (Jung Joon-won). Blending medical cases with personal growth and romance, the series resonated with audiences for its realistic portrayal of hospital life and heartfelt character dynamics.
Main Cast Members
Go Youn-jung as Oh Yi-young
Jung Joon-won as Gu Do-won
Shin Si-a as Yoon Chae-ri
Kang Yoo-seok as Lee Hong-jae
Han Ye-ji as Han Song-i
Park Ji-won as Kang Da-eun
Following its domestic success, Resident Playbook has made a significant impact on Netflix, climbing to the top 10 in the global non-English TV category within days of its streaming debut. The drama ranked in the top five in countries across Asia, including Japan, Singapore, and Thailand, and gained traction in Latin American markets like Brazil and Mexico. Its universal themes of resilience and camaraderie, paired with the compelling performances of its cast, have solidified Resident Playbook as a global K-drama hit.
