Hospital Playlist (2020)

Definitely one of the best dramas I have watched to this day. This series got everything. They have a romance for 5 different couples, they have family relationships, doctor and patient relationships, personal struggles of each of our characters, and the best of friendships.

We saw each character’s strengths and weaknesses, their inner conflict, and the reality of what they have to go through in their daily lives. Sometimes they need to give bad news to the patient's family and how every bad news also breaks them inside, as they are a human first before they are a doctor. How they have to sacrifice their personal time for patients and how to make time for themselves.

This show does not have a major plot going on, a major villain, a major case to solve, a big secret buried and waiting to be revealed, nothing like that. This is just a story of a few doctors and how they cope with their daily life. Yet I did not find any dull moments for 12 episodes. Every case is interesting, every patient shows a piece of the reality people struggle with. I feel like I watched us on hospital playlist, I watched the stories about humans and I think that's what we need right now.

I am so happy we will get season 2. I will not wait for season 2 just to get the endgame of our beloved iksong couple (even I certainly hope they will end up together), but more than that, I will definitely wait for another patient’s story and the relationship they have with our doctors!

PS: this drama definitely has the best soundtrack ever (other than goblin)!

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So, I went into this drama with no real expectations. I didn't hear much hype on it, and I didn't really have any prior knowledge of what it was going to be about, who was in the cast and what the premise of the entire series was. By the ending of the first episode, I remember thinking "Wow, this reminds me a lot of the Reply series, I love how this is written!" Alas, only as I have finished it did I realize it was the same writer. No wonder I loved it! Hospital Playlist is similar to the Reply series in only the best aspects, but also distinct on its own. Some great points:

1. The all around feel-good nature of the drama. There aren't "bad" character or "enemies".
2. The morals and lessons that are taught throughout
3. The character development/interactions between not only the main characters but side ones.
4. The witty and comical bantering between everyone
5. The style in which the writer tries to mislead you into thinking one way and then reveals the underlying truth sometimes not until much much later. Details are important!!

I'm so so excited that Hospital Playlist is getting a second season. I just can't get enough of these characters and I can't wait to see them again soon!

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Light drama that takes your stress away

First things first, this drama is a big appreciation for our medical staffs especially now that we are in the COVID-19 pandemic. Second, this is so light and it's perfect as a stress-reliever. If you are tired, overworked, bored, sleepy, you can watch atleast one episode then after that continue whatever you need to do. For my case, it really worked. A few times, I only watched half the episode then continued later. It's not because it is not engaging but it was just really light compared to the ones that keep you in the edge and that's its beauty. There is no major plot, the drama strive no masterpiece, it is just meant to make you smile a little, laugh a little, cry a little and just there to refresh you. The medical aspect is close to reality, not dramatic, just right and some of the stories just hits you naturally especially those in the finale.

But, I do believe that our medical friends will much more appreciate this drama, since, there are technical terms that might be really helpful for them especially to those that are med students. And there are med jokes, I'm sure they'll loved (I am not a med student, I am programmer btw). Overall, this is really nice, I also learned a little on what the doctors do on certain cases.

However, the reason why my rating is not that high, because although it delivered as a light medical drama, I think there is some mediocrity in it, especially in the first two episodes. The first episode was a bit over the place. There are some stories of the patients in those episodes that I just felt like kind of force. I mean, the stories are sad and I cried, but the directing and acting on some of those first emotional scenes weren't delivered very well as I expected. The humor is also there, I laughed but did not buy me off. The editing of the first scene in episode 1 did really seem mediocre in my opinion --but, wait hold up!! Don't be discouraged because episode 3 got me attached to it and have warmed up to their friendship and by episode 4, I am really vibing the drama.

I also want to talk about the romance as its sub-plot, although I enjoyed the ships especially Min Ha and Seok Hyeong, I think this drama would've been really impactful not it almost turn into a shipping club. But, for what it is, I enjoyed its low-key romance.

The likes:
- Jun Wan and Song Hwa best food buddies
- Yang Seok Hyeong, the sweetest teddy bear!
- Min Ha x Seok Hyeong ship (they are my absolutely OTP in this drama!)
- Gyeoul's character development and her motivation of becoming a better doctor!
- The friendship, it is lovely
- Chae Song Hwa best teacher, best girl, best prof
- Ik Jun being the best PR, doctor and a father
- Uju moments (I hope to see more in season 2)
- Jun Wan and Jae Hak friendship development!
- The touching finale
- Its nice OSTs

The dislikes (major spoilers ahead):
- Ahn Jeong Won's shallow character development.
He's a sweet nice doctor, I commend his character for that. But, I don't buy the way he was 'obsessed' of being a priest, maybe not really 'obsess', but the drama did not give a backstory or the main reason why he wanted to become a priest, the whole plot was just there to become some comic relief. It was really shallow for me. I also thought that at least at the end of this season he would realize that God's calling for him is to become a doctor, but he realized mostly because of some 'romantic' reasons. I know not just because of Gyeoul, but let's admit that she is the biggest influence.
- Ahn Jeong Won treatment on Gyeoul that doesn't feel right
- The lowkey jokes about Catholic priests and nuns
- Some transitions of scenes on the drama's first part
- Choi Young-Joon role as the gossip doctor (I really liked him in Flower of Evil but here his only job is to be a gossip doctor, if he's going to be cast again in season 2 I hope to see more involvement in the medical cases^^)

So, that's it. Of course there are things I did not like but you see, there are more things that I liked. I enjoyed the drama, got refreshed by it and appreciated our medical staffs! :) So last words, if you are craving for a romcom, not this one, next. But, if you are in for some medical drama that is light, good, simple with some good friendships and nice feel good music, hop in and this drama might be for you!

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I have just finished series 1 and am already at a loss... I will so miss the characters and everyday life of this excellent hospital based drama.
What a refreshing, well written, excellently directed, fabulously paced and realistic programme this is.
It is not at all sentimental, but feels very real and believable ; from the interactions of the main friends and their colleagues and families, to the patients, their problems and the anxiousness of their guardians. There is no overacting, no perfect scenarios, no obvious clichés, but plenty of laughs, some tears and frustrations.
Real doctors, nurses and carers should watch this too, as it portrays the care patients should get, as when they don't, it isn't washed over, but shown honestly and discussed.
The cast has been perfectly chosen and their relationships are very believable and honest.
I cared about all of them, felt invested in every episode and became quickly addicted.
This one of those dramas that stands out, because it is underpinned by talent from every angle; not by special effects, emphasis on gore, over-the-top fight scenes, power crazy CEOs and mistreated characters.
The struggles, tough decisions, stress and bonds of friendship that are played out, are like a breath of fresh air.
I simply cannot wait for 2021 and series 2, and I cannot possibly recommend this drama enough. Simply FABULOUS! Watch it, or lose out ?

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I am really not that type of person who'll write a review. I have been using mdl for years and this is my first time to write one.

First of all, the story is so good. The writer and PD never fails to amaze me. The cast is so perfect - they portray their roles very well to the point that you'll think that's really their personalities irl. Especially YYS, I am just in love with him now - I have been watching his dramas even before HP but danggg, this is the first time that I appreciate his visuals and his smile. He got me.

Second,

The FEELS. I cannot describe how I am obsessed with this drama. I cannot seem to get over it. The OST is amazing and do I really have to mention the rewatch value? I mean I have lost count in how many times I have watched it especially the last episode. The emotions are there. I CAN FEEL IT. I CRIED WITH THEM. My Winter Garden heart is happy and satisfied. Can't wait for season 2!

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This type of drama would be boring for those who only find entertainment in romance drama. This drama is well-balanced. Everything is here. Friendship, Family, Romance, Mystery (in terms of who ends with who) and Music ofcourse. I watched reviews from real doctors and said that most of the situation showed in the hospital setting was very realistic.

If you want to feel good for yourself, this is the drama best for you. It can make you laugh, cry, angry, annoyed and also flutter your heart. It relays very positive messages unlike most of drama today that only focus on romance and skinship.

Casts' acting was also great that you would sometimes forget that they are just acting while you are watching.
They also put a lot of effort during band session. They had to learn instruments, Mido had to sing badly even when she's a great singer.

OST and covers were so iconic that I play every day and night their cover of Aloha by cool.


Overall, I think this drama added 5 years to my life expectancy. Lol. That's how much I love this drama.

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Reply 1988 is one of my favorite Korean dramas. So when I found out the same PD-writer team was doing Hospital Playlist, I was interested to watch this. However, because I loved Reply 1988 so much, I actually did not expect to be equally satisfied with Hospital Playlist. I wanted to see the same feel good relationship from Reply to appear in Hospital Playlist. But at the same time, I didn't want it to be the same.

I shouldn't have worried though. Because this show gave the same feel good relationship I missed from the previous show, but in a different dynamic with the new group. Since the show focuses on adults, the problems they face are different from the Reply series; and I think this makes it great in a different way.

Each character is complex and interesting. And the actors playing them do a really good job. The way they interact is also very heartwarming. It's also good that we get a glimpse of the lives of the people around the 5 main doctors.

I like how the show is a slice-of-life type of drama yet the show isn't dragging. The show is quite fast paced and they don't drag out unnecessary parts. They explained the 'conclusion' of a situation through a simple conversation between characters.

I also enjoyed the band and the music. If gives such an interesting perspective to their relationship outside of work. And the songs were great too. I especially liked that the characters played the instruments for real.

The only problem I have is that there are so many characters so it takes time to familiarize them all. Aside from that, it's a great show.

It does have a hanging ending though. But we have season 2 to look forward to. :)

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I like this show because it's really heart warming and extremely RELATEABLE as I'm a med student. And this is one of the dramas that I didn't skipped a second of. Here's my unbiased opinion about this drama?

STORY (9/10) :
Story is really good. It matches the concept of the series. The way they synchronized both the concepts of HOSPITAL and PLAYLIST is great and funny in the same way. I loved the dialogues. Most important thing is that, the story line is realistic and isn't dragged to much. To cut short, it is TO THE POINT!

ACTING/CASTING (10/10) :
TBH , I haven't seen some of the main lead in any other show. For me, personally, the cast is such an important part. I usually watch the dramas of my fav main lead cast only. But I loved the cast of this drama. Their freindship is just LIT. All of them acted really well and conveyed that feeling of being a true doctor, treating their patients, seeing them recovering and becoming happy, feeling their pain . The professors are not only good DOCTORS but good MENTORS as well. I loved not only the character of professors but every single character of the series ?.

Music(10/10) :
I'm a very picky person especially when it comes to music. But I liked the Music they played during the band practice. Although, they are just cover songs and some OSTs, still they were selected wisely according to the situation.

REWATCH VALUE(10/10)
For me, it has a high REWATCH value. I can learn a lot from them again and again. And tbh this series is inspiring me a lot during my journey of becoming a doctor.

I tried to be really unbiased while writting this review. This series is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED even if you aren't someone belonging to medical profession. It will teach you many life lessons and it's fun to watch too!

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A K-DRAMA GEM

I have lots of reasons why Hospital Playlist could be considered one of the best K-dramas out there but I'll be presenting my top 5:

5. It Features Diverse Medical Specializations
If you are a fan of medical dramas, then you will surely enjoy this. It features 5 medical specializations: Pediatrics, Cardiology, Obstetrics, General Surgery, and Neurosurgery. The main characters are all surgeons so you will surely get a glimpse of how these modern-day heroes are working.

4. Weekly Band Sessions
I love how they feature a new song in every episode. What's amazing about this is that the main characters are really the one playing the instruments and singing the featured song. Unlike in other dramas/movies, in HP, they really made an effort to cast someone who really knows how to play the instruments and can pull-off the band concept.

3. The Mukbang Scenes
I also did enjoy the scenes where the '99ers (the 5 main characters) and other supporting characters were dining out, eating in the hospital cafeteria and even inside their offices. Makes you crave samgyup and other korean foods while watching them. We all eat and want good food after a long day, right?

2. Love Story
A fan of the Reply series? Then this is another drama for you from the same writer and director. You will surely enjoy (and have a headache) making theories about who will end up with who. This series also shows how love can blossom even for those who are already in their 40s.

1. Slice of life
Friendship. Family. Work struggles. Life decisions. Name it, Hospital Playlist have it. As what the writer aimed how the drama should be, it is definitely relatable. You will surely cry and laugh with them.

Definitely a gem in the 2020 K-drama world. Worth watching! I can't wait to experience all of these again next year in their second season.

A 10/10 in all aspects!

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HOSPITAL PLAYLIST IS ONE OF THE FEW GOOD THINGS THAT HAVE EVER HAPPENED THIS YEAR! EVERY EPISODE WAS PERFECTLY WRITTEN THAT WAITING EVERY WEEK FOR A NEW ONE WAS INDEED A TORTURE. THE CAST IS WELL CHOSEN SINCE THEY PORTRAYED THEIR PARTS VERY WELL. THE MORE EPISODES I WATCHED, THE MORE I FELT I WAS PART OF THEM.

THERE WAS REALLY NO EXTRAORDINARY THING ABOUT THIS DRAMA, THE 5 MAIN CHARACTERS AREN'T PRODIGIES IN MEDICINE BUT THEIR PASSION MADE THEM BETTER DOCTORS. THE SINCERITY AND REALNESS IN EVERY EPISODE ARE THE REASONS WHY THE DRAMA EXCEEDED THE VIEWERS' EXPECTATIONS.

WHAT MADE IT BEARABLE TO WAIT EVERY WEEK WAS THE OST OF THE DRAMA. EVERY EPISODE, THE BAND WOULD PLAY A DIFFERENT SONG THAT COULD STIR DIFFERENT EMOTIONS. IT CERTAINLY LIVED UP TO ITS TITLE AS HOSPITAL PLAYLIST.

IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR COMEDY, FRIENDSHIP, ROMANCE, SLICE OF LIFE, MEDICAL AND MUSICAL, ALL IN ONE DRAMA, DON'T WASTE ANOTHER SECOND AND WATCH IT ALREADY. BE ONE OF US AS WE AWAIT FOR THEIR REAPPEARANCE NEXT YEAR.

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It’s hard for me to put into words how great this show is. It’s likely because I love how the show makes me ~feel~. I felt warm fuzzies every time I watched an episode, a feeling that followed me even after the episode had ended. Later on I would randomly remember scenes from an episode and it would make me smile. All the small things add up in this show, and it sneaks up on you how much you love it.

I think Hospital Playlist portrays the world as it is and also as we wish it could be. Pretty much the entire cast are “good” people, though they can be good in different ways. Even the people we might expect to be antagonists (parents, the hospital director, etc.) genuinely care about other people and generally have good intentions. Is that entirely realistic? Probably not. But I also felt this show was rejecting cynicism; rather than leaning into our pessimistic expectations of who people are and how they act, the show consistently showed us that most people are kind hearted. So I really appreciate the world that the show portrayed. Instead of trying to be as “realistic” as possible, it decided to show humanity at its best.

The show’s relative simplicity is one of its biggest strengths. The setup is simple: 5 friends who met in medical school are now all doctors at the same hospital. The plot revolves around ordinary days in their lives. Simple, right? Yes and no. The “complexity” lies in the various relationships between the characters both as a group and individually. There is a sprawling cast of all the other hospital staff and family members, so there are a lot of characters to learn about initially. But I wouldn’t describe any of the relationships as complicated; it’s more that there are a variety of them. The relationships between the main 5 are the most fun and interesting, and they really are the heart and soul of the show. The times when they played together as a band (which happens every episode) were consistently one of the times when the warm fuzzies would sneak up on me and I’d feel so happy just watching them play music together. The show does a great job of making the relationships feel real. It shows you how much the characters care about each other, often in very small and subtle ways. It happens in moments when they’re just eating together or hanging out in each other’s offices. I love how the show portrays platonic relationships between so many male and female characters, it’s genuinely great to see a guy and girl care about each other and it not being framed as romantic. The entire cast is awesome and contribute their own little heartwarming and heartbreaking moments. No one really served as (the only) comic relief in this show; everyone had times where they made me laugh out loud. I love all of them so much, and there’s the magic of this show: it manages to make you care about every single one of them, while seemingly not trying.

I don’t know how else to describe how great this show is because it just is. Please do yourself a favor and watch this show as soon as possible.

I made a little silly powerpoint review on Tumblr if you'd like to read it: https://kdramakitty.tumblr.com/post/621054541113294849

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A feel good drama

In a sea of skin ship romance, gory thrillers and melodrama that annoys me to the bones, this drama came to me like an early spring rain. Refreshing, leaving me wanting for more. As expected from Reply 1988 writers, this is a perfect slice of life drama that was so enjoyable and funny. Uju is the highlight of the show, hands down!! I felt this drama in my heart, the various patients, going through life and death, alongwith their family members and the doctors, I felt it (I cried when kids died there). All in all, this is a good break from all those nerve racking dramas, and I definitely recommend it. I'm still yet to watch the 2nd season so this review is only for the 1st season.

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