Hospital Playlist has solidified its place as one of the most beloved Korean dramas of all time, offering a refreshing departure from the high-stakes political intrigue often found in medical procedurals. Created by the visionary duo Director Shin Won-ho and Writer Lee Woo-jung, the series focuses on the human stories of five doctors who have been friends since medical school. Its success lies not just in the script, but in the meticulous attention to detail and the genuine chemistry of its cast. In this article, we dive into 17 fascinating facts that make Hospital Playlist a standout masterpiece in the K-drama world.
1. The Cast Formed a Real Band Called Mido and Falasol
The five main actors—Jo Jung-suk, Yoo Yeon-seok, Jung Kyung-ho, Kim Dae-myung, and Jeon Mi-do—didn’t just pretend to play instruments. They formed a legitimate band named Mido and Falasol. The name is a clever play on the musical scale and the lead actress’s name, Jeon Mi-do. This dedication to authenticity meant that every band scene featured the actors actually playing the notes seen on screen, which added a layer of realism rarely seen in musical dramas.
2. Months of Rigorous Musical Training
To achieve the level of proficiency shown in the series, the cast underwent intensive training for nearly a year before filming even began. Each member had varying levels of musical background. For instance, while Jo Jung-suk was already an accomplished guitarist and musical theater star, others had to start from scratch. They practiced for hours every week, often meeting up outside of their official schedules to sync their performances, demonstrating a level of commitment that translated into the soulful performances fans loved.
3. Jeon Mi-do is Actually a Musical Theater Legend
In the show, Chae Song-hwa is famously tone-deaf and a terrible singer, which provides much of the series’ comedic relief. However, in reality, Jeon Mi-do is a highly acclaimed musical theater actress in South Korea. She has won multiple Best Actress awards for her roles in major productions. For her to intentionally sing off-key and out of rhythm was reportedly one of the most challenging aspects of her performance, as it went against years of professional vocal training.
4. Jo Jung-suk’s OST Dominance
The soundtrack of Hospital Playlist was just as successful as the show itself. Jo Jung-suk’s cover of the song ‘Aloha’ became a massive hit, topping the Melon charts and staying there for weeks. It even won the ‘Best OST’ award at several prestigious ceremonies, including the Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA). His natural vocal talent and the nostalgic vibe of the tracks resonated deeply with audiences of all ages, bridging the gap between generations.
5. Unprecedented Medical Accuracy
One of the reasons the show is respected by real-life medical professionals is its commitment to accuracy. The production team employed several medical consultants who were present on set to ensure that everything—from the way surgeons held their tools to the terminology used during rounds—was correct. This attention to detail helped the show avoid the common tropes of ‘super-doctors’ and instead focused on the realistic, often exhausting, daily lives of healthcare workers.
6. The Connection to the ‘Reply’ Series
Director Shin Won-ho and Writer Lee Woo-jung are the masterminds behind the iconic Reply 1997, 1994, and 1988 series. Fans of those shows will notice many similarities in Hospital Playlist, such as the focus on nostalgic music, the ‘find the husband’ style of subtle romance, and the emphasis on deep-rooted friendships. There are also several ‘Easter eggs’ and cameos from actors who appeared in the Reply series, creating a shared universe of sorts that delighted long-time fans.
7. Yoo Yeon-seok’s Casting Story
Yoo Yeon-seok, who plays the angelic pediatrician Ahn Jeong-won, was actually the first person the director had in mind for the role. Having worked with him previously in Reply 1994 as Chilbong, the director knew Yoo’s gentle demeanor would perfectly suit the character. Interestingly, Yoo Yeon-seok is known in real life for his philanthropic efforts, making him the perfect fit for a character who secretly runs a foundation to help patients in need.
8. The ’99ers’ Real-Life Chemistry
The core group of friends is often referred to as the ’99ers’ because they entered medical school in 1999. This bond wasn’t just for the cameras. The five actors became incredibly close during the long filming process and the band practices. They have frequently shared photos of their hangouts on social media and even starred in a spin-off variety show called Wise Mountain Village Life, where they lived together in the countryside, proving that their friendship is genuine.
9. Breaking the Weekly Episode Tradition
Unlike the standard K-drama format of airing two episodes per week, Hospital Playlist Season 1 opted for a once-a-week release. This was a strategic move by the production team to prevent the cast and crew from burning out and to ensure the highest quality of production for each episode. This format allowed for more detailed editing and gave the actors more time to practice their band sets, eventually setting a new trend for high-budget Korean productions.
10. The Significance of the Hospital Name
The fictional hospital where the series takes place is called Yulje Medical Center. The name itself is a nod to the show’s themes of harmony and healing. The production team actually built a massive, detailed set to represent the hospital, including specialized wings for different departments like HPB surgery, neurosurgery, and pediatrics. The set was so realistic that many viewers initially believed it was filmed in a real, functioning hospital.
11. Authentic Eating Scenes
Food plays a central role in Hospital Playlist, often serving as the catalyst for the friends’ gatherings. The actors were encouraged to actually eat during these scenes to make them feel more natural. Jung Kyung-ho and Jeon Mi-do, in particular, became known for their ‘mukbang’ (eating show) style performances. The focus on food highlights the ‘slice-of-life’ aspect of the drama, showing that even busy doctors find solace in a good meal with friends.
12. Cameos from Real Stars
Throughout its two seasons, the show featured numerous high-profile cameos. Actors like Go Ara, who starred in Reply 1994, appeared as herself, while others like Lee Kyu-hyung (from Prison Playbook) made memorable guest appearances. These cameos were often integrated into the plot in a way that felt organic, serving as patients or family members, rather than just being ‘fan service’ moments.
13. Focus on ‘Humanism’ Over Politics
Most medical dramas rely on hospital politics, power struggles, and villainous directors to drive the plot. Hospital Playlist famously subverted this by having almost no traditional ‘villains.’ The conflicts are internal or situational, focusing on the ethical dilemmas doctors face and the emotional toll of losing patients. This humanistic approach is what made the show feel so warm and relatable to a global audience.
14. Season 2’s Record-Breaking Premiere
The anticipation for the second season was so high that it broke the record for the highest premiere ratings in tvN history at the time. It achieved a nationwide rating of 10.007%, proving that the ‘Hospital Playlist fever’ had only grown during the hiatus. The second season continued to explore the characters’ growth and their evolving relationships, maintaining its top spot in viewership rankings throughout its run.
15. The Use of Symbolism in Hobbies
Each character’s hobby outside of the hospital reflects their personality. Ahn Jeong-won’s desire to be a priest, Kim Dae-myung’s character’s love for solo activities and television, and Chae Song-hwa’s passion for camping all serve to humanize them. These hobbies are used as narrative tools to show how these professionals decompress and find balance in a world that demands so much of their time and emotional energy.
16. The Director’s Casting of New Faces
While the main five are established stars, Director Shin Won-ho is famous for casting relatively unknown or rookie actors in supporting roles. Many of the residents and nurses in Hospital Playlist, such as Ahn Eun-jin (who played Chu Min-ha), saw their popularity skyrocket after appearing in the show. This commitment to finding the ‘right fit’ regardless of fame has become a hallmark of Shin’s production style.
17. A Global Phenomenon on Streaming
While it was a massive hit in South Korea, Hospital Playlist also found a huge international audience through Netflix. It consistently ranked in the Top 10 lists in various countries, including Southeast Asia and South America. Its universal themes of friendship, love, and the fragility of life resonated with viewers regardless of their cultural background, proving that well-told human stories have no borders.
Conclusion: The Lasting Legacy of Hospital Playlist
In conclusion, Hospital Playlist is more than just a medical drama; it is a celebration of life and the enduring power of friendship. From the cast’s dedication to their musical roles to the director’s unique storytelling choices, every element of the show was crafted with love and precision. Whether you are a fan of the band’s weekly covers or the touching patient stories, these 17 facts highlight why the show remains a gold standard in the K-drama industry. As fans continue to hope for a third season, the legacy of the 99ers lives on in the hearts of millions.
