We're celebrating the news that Hospital Playlist Season 2 begins shooting this week by looking back at our favorite characters.
When Hospital Playlist Season1 debuted in 2020, audiences were introduced to yet another close-knit group of friends that we all longed to be a part of. Having perfected the art of creating on-screen chemistry with an ensemble cast in their Reply Series (Reply 1988, 1994, 1997) and Prison Playbook, director Shin Won-ho and writer Lee Woo-jung once again made us fall in love with the ‘99ers—a group of talented doctors who share a passion for music and who genuinely care for each other.
While we wait for Season 2 this year, let’s get reacquainted with these doctors we’d love to have as our BFFs in real life.
Lee Ik-jun played by Jo Jung-suk
Hepato-biliary-pancreatic Surgeon and Lead Singer/Guitarist
You can be sure that you’ll be laughing whenever Lee Ik-jun is around. He’s a jokester and a wingman, and is up for karaoke or a drinking game any time of the day. When you’re having a rough time, he finds ways to cheer you up. When that won’t work, he finds time to be with you and make sure you’re okay. On occasion, he gives wise advice that just might move you to make life-changing decisions.
Pediatric Surgeon and Drummer
Ahn Jeong-won is the enabler and will most likely
join you for a shopping spree. He gladly tells you to spend your money on your passion project and take things easy on yourself. In difficult times, you can count on him to pray for you and give you warm, encouraging words to help you pull through. He’ll be equally popular babysitting your kids or hanging out with your elderly parents. However, he’s not the one you should be asking romantic advice from.
Chae Song-hwa played by Jeon Mi-do
Neurosurgeon and Bassist
Gentle and reassuring, Song-hwa is the friend you’ll run to when you need to talk. She’s a genuinely good person and will offer her last piece of bread if she sees you’re hungry. Every once in a while, she’ll go off on her own when she needs space. But as soon as she returns, she will be back to her good-natured, charming self. She’s a foodie and will not turn down an invitation to try a new restaurant. When you’re down in the dumps, she’ll offer you a shoulder to cry on and some comfort food.
Kim Jun-wan played by Jung Kyung-ho
Cardiothoracic Surgeon and Guitarist
Rough around the edges, Jun-wan sometimes rubs people the wrong way. But once you get to know him, you realize that he’s fiercely loyal and protective. He’s the friend who will tell you things that you don't want to hear but need to anyway. He can be very secretive about his own life, however, and will share things about himself only when he’s good and ready. Like Chae Song-hwa, he’s up for a foodie run anytime. If you come to him for advice, he’ll help you find a pragmatic solution.
Yang Seok-hyeong as Kim Dae-myung
OB-GYN and Keyboardist
Socially-inept Seok-hyeong often finds it difficult to mingle with many people---which is probably why he values the few genuine connections he has. Despite his small social circle, he is surprisingly sensitive and reassuringly calm in a crisis. If you come to him weeping and disconsolate, he will sit with you and patiently wait while you cry it out. He’ll always be up for a jam session and a round of beer.
While you're trying to figure out who your favorite character is, here's some music from Season 1.
My first fave character is Lee Ik-jun, and second is Chae Song-hwa. They're a great pair.