Hospital Playlist (2020)

Reply 1988 but medical

[ Warning! This drama can be boring for some people who love complex or huge conflict in a drama ]
I regret it... I think I just missed an opportunity to have a wonderful time talking about this drama when it was still airing back then in 2020 (I was so into BL that I have no time watching K-dramas). I'm beyond glad to myself for deciding to watch and complete the 1st season when the 2nd season was still airing so I can hype this drama together with my friends and people out there. It is the kind of drama that will HEAL you, this drama itself is a HEALER! It's a light slice-of-life drama with small-fast-resolved conflict and a fluttering + heartwarming rom-com which I genuinely like.

STORY
I love how they try to portray a completely different type of doctor's life and just generally picture how's hospital's life. Its genre is slice-of-life and I really can relate to a lot of them especially when Jang Gyeo Ul often being misjudged by people because of her "outer character". That's harsh but it's really happening until this day in our society and could be even worse day by day. I also like how they brought various misunderstanding issues that always happened between doctors and patients/patients' families. It makes me understand both sides more. Not to mention how they also fed us with a perfect-strong-friendship kind of relationship that makes me missed my friends more than ever. In conclusion, this drama gives the viewers not only a story but also a lot of life lessons which is worth watching.

ACTING
All of them are BEYOND GREAT actors. The main characters can pull off any kind of acting, from happy, sad, crazy, angry, etc. they ALL nailed it perfectly, FLAWLESS. I really loved when actors could deliver their feelings through their eyes, that's how I know whether they are great, bad, or so-so. And OH GOD, all of their eyes could talk! Even the support actors and the guest actors are all AMAZING. Absolutely nothing to criticize.

MUSIC
I honestly not really a fan of that 90s-thing-music-genre, but I think that kind of music matches perfectly with this drama to bring us back to their university days and let us also feel how it's like back then with the help from their cinematography. It's nostalgic and somehow feels warm to listen to and watch.

OVERALL
I LOVED THIS DRAMA SO MUCH! It's no doubt my cup of tea.

Read More

prepare to see both series at once or rather dont start

Hospital Playlist [S1+S2] - 9/10 -kdrama

firstly its rating for both series at once. There really no point rating them individually. Since S1 series is slower and ends with alot things open and un-complete at least S2 completes it nicely.

I know new generation maybe wont know, but I find Hospital playlist quite alike to USA sitcom Friends[1994].
Why do I compare it to such even though it got quite different format is because of how nice friendhip dynamic this drama got going on.
With each main lead having own role in this friends circle.

This drama is about group of 40y longtime friends going through their lives and their problems together and time from time getting help from their close-knit friendship.

Practically every main lead will have their romance plot and even though its not some hot stuff its still nicely done.

plot - story of five doctors working at same hospital which are close-knit friends from university years. Going through their everyday problems with patients in hospital, work and their family or romance.

genre - hospital, friendship, comedy, romance

Read More

just a hospital drama with good friendship plot

................................................................................................................................................
Honestly if it wouldnt be romantic at all it would be better. I mean the whole some romance of all the couple was so poorly executed. Like I just can't understand HOW and WHEN they fell in love? Friendship was like awesome we all know it. But come on, lets be real.... how come they are 40 + and their love stories are so immature?? They are dating at 40 ? I don't know if its comman in their country but even the fertility rate and pregnancy related problems arise if you are 40 cuz its around time when menopause start. so I would if given it a complete then if it would have not at all shown romance. comedy was really good but they did have poor and unrealistic plot ( like them not knowing one of them is a millionaire after literally 20 years of friendship) Such long epi( total 24 hrs) was also not needed cuz its almost similar as dr. romantic 2( hospital scene and friendship). So I don't think its anything new.

Read More

Overall awesome

i just finish the season 1, and i really loved all the storyline, even the medical terms, since im not a fan of medical drama but except this.. all scenes are equal there's drama, comedy, romance. This drama is so recommendable for new kdrama fan. Also, i really loved the ost and i already saved all of their songs on my spotify. All songs are so catchy especially the band version of the songs, getting ready for season 2! need more popcorn!!!!!!!!!! #130 kdrama completed!❤️????????❤️????????❤️????????❤️????????❤️????????❤️????????❤️????????❤️????????

Read More

Very possibly the best Asian drama of all time.

The best Asian drama of all time for me, surpassing even the likes of Reply 1988, The Untamed, Go Ahead, and It's Okay To Not Be Okay (all of which have a very special place in my heart). This entire show - the story, the cast, the soundtrack, the setting - it just makes you feel like home. There's no other way to describe it. It makes you think about the cycle of life and death, of what it means to exist. Being a medical drama, there's this misconception about it being all about the operations, the hospital drama/politics, the conflicts and whatnot. Hospital Playlist couldn't be any more different. While it definitely shows some of those things, the heart of the series lies on the concept of humanity. Of the intricacies of the characters and their relationships with one another. Of the endearing dynamics between the people working in the hospital. More than anything, it talks about life, about how it feels to live doing your best, hoping for the best, and being good and kind to the people around you, all of whom are facing their own struggles every single day. And this show is especially timely to our generation, considering the global pandemic that has changed billions of lives around the world. It is a reminder, a testament of the nobility of health care workers' professions, of the many things that they put on the line, of their dedication and hardwork, of their humanity. Hospital Playlist is akin to a tidal wave in a deep ocean. It presents itself slowly, calmly, quietly -- until, all at once, it engulfs you and pulls you into its depths. Its beauty lies in its stillness, and beneath that peaceful front is an entire ocean rich with story. The creator/s of this series truly has struck the perfect balance of everything that an excellent show needs to have. That feeling when everything just falls perfectly into place? THAT encapsulates what this drama's all about. Like a lyric from one of Taylor Swift's songs, "This is the golden age of something good and right and real." I can't emphasize enough how this show is a MUST-WATCH for anyone. This is such a special show, a once-in-a-lifetime celebration of everything - both the good and the bad, but hopefully, more of the good -- that life has to offer. A revelation. A cultural reset. A moment in history.

Read More

A Hospital and some music sprinkled in

Before starting I should state this is a spoiler free review and is strictly based on the first season of "Hospital Playlist" only.
I overall enjoyed this show. I found many things to like and was happy with how this first season went. That being said, there were issues as well and in my opinion did not live up entirely to the common consensus of the show. Lets get into it!

Story(7): The story of this show is not an overarching journey that you're taken on, but a slice of life progression through human interactions and character growth as they live their lives. slice of life shows are great, but I felt this one did not really harness its potential. The show feels like it was edited by some one with ADD. It constantly jumps to different characters in the middle of building a narrative, sometimes going back, and sometimes forgetting what it had given us prior. Overall Its great at building tension, but then ultimately loses it when it cuts away to other cast members in the middle. I found it was only really effective when they would do this at the end of an episode, to then draw you into when the next started(its brilliant in these moments) but other than that the editing can be quite frustrating. Also the show is more impactful at putting you in the feels and empathizing with patients in the first half, while then gradually losing that to focus on the main characters in the second half of the show. Don't get me wrong I love the characters, but it leads me to believe the show doesn't really know what it is. The power some of the patient stories can bring is incredible and on the other side, this cast put all together(and in drinking scenes XD) is a great entertaining time but they don't fully capitalize on either. Many of the patients stories lack conclusions in the ladder half and there simply aren't enough karaoke scenes and wholesome friend moments either in my opinion.

Characters(9): The acting in this show is great. It is filled with constant powerfully emotional scenes and gets through them without missing a beat. Whether its the main or supporting cast, they all did a phenomenal job. Now for the characters, the main cast is very versatile, generally every character brought something different and could add depth to the scenes. Not much to complain about here.

Music(8): There was not much music in this show, ironic for it having "playlist" in the title. We generally get a good band session in each episode that's probably around five minutes. It also has a few good songs sprinkled throughout. But you have to remember, most of the show has 1:15 to 1:35 long episodes, so its actually quite a lot of time without any music. That being said all the music is really good and really wholesome to see when performed.

Rewatch Value(6): With the way the pacing is, and knowing the end result its difficult for me to see myself dying to rewatch this show. It was a great ride but its hard to imagine getting more without having a medical background before hand.

Overall(8):Overall I really did enjoy this show. It was a fun watch and I would recommend, especially if you are a fan of medical shows. I think the only real disappointment is how the pacing/editing hurts the show in moments and the expectations set by the ratings on MDL. Other than this There are some great moments and characters to experience in this show. Thank you for reading my review, I hope it was helpful!

Read More

A medical drama with heart and soul

Hospital Playlist is a medical drama series that premiered on Netflix in March 2020. The series is directed by Shin Won-ho and written by Lee Woo-jung, who also created the popular TV series "Reply".

The drama follows the lives of five doctors, who are not only colleagues but also best friends. Despite their busy and stressful work lives, they find solace and support in each other's company. The main characters are all complex and well-developed, each with their own struggles and personal lives outside of the hospital. You'll quickly find yourself rooting for them and invested in their journeys.

One of the key strengths of the show is its well-developed characters, who are all unique and likable in their own ways. The chemistry between the five main characters is also excellent, and their interactions feel natural and genuine. In addition, the show does a good job of exploring their personal lives and struggles outside of the hospital, adding depth and complexity to their characters.

The drama’s writing is top-notch, balancing humor and drama with ease. The dialogue is sharp and witty, and the pacing is just right, with each episode leaving you wanting more. The medical cases featured in the show are also well-researched and interesting, and the drama avoids becoming too bogged down in technical medical jargon.

Another standout feature of Hospital Playlist is its soundtrack, which features a mix of classic Korean pop songs and original compositions. The music plays an important role in the show, both in setting the mood and enhancing emotional moments, and each episode features a musical performance that will leave you humming the tunes long after the credits roll.

Last but not least, Hospital Playlist season 1 is a must-watch for anyone who loves a good character-driven drama. With its excellent writing, talented cast, and heartwarming moments, it's a series that will leave you feeling uplifted and inspired. Don't miss out on this gem of a drama!

Read More

You've got to be in the right mood to appreciate Hospital Playlist

Hospital Playlist is an objectively good watch, but it's got some heavy topics and every episode can leave you feeling a bit down because it portrays the ugly, natural parts of life that we deal with on a day-to-day basis.

I tried watching Hospital Playlist a couple of times, but I never stuck with it - I just wasn't in the right mood to appreciate it. This last time I was finally in the right state of mind - I had to watch it casually and NOT binge watch it. Over the course of about 2 weeks I finished it.

The acting is good and the chemistry between the friends helps bring the mood back to less sad, but there's still a lot of real life dragging down the genre to a true melodrama.

At this time, I'm not committed to Season 2, but mostly because I don't want to feel sad while watching TV, not because I think the season won't be good.

***As a warning, some of the characters and the dilemma's they face can be very triggering for some people, based on context. For example, if you are someone who has experienced difficulties with pregnancy/labor, the Ob/Gyn scenes could hit a bit too close to home.

Read More

Read More

Easy watching, story about friends and how they help each other, low stress

Easy watching, story about friends and how they help each other, low stress

Life is too short for stressful drama. Why spend all that time watching and be stressed? Don’t our lives already provide enough of that?

Summary of the series:
- Light hearted about friendship; some romance
- Likable characters and on how they go beyond to help people as doctors
- No real villains, just annoying family members to jump the gun and blasting doctors who is caring for their family
- Great chemistry on the MLs and FL, they are like Korean Doctors' version of Friends
- ending was not done succinctly, but can show all the couples together for karaoke or doing something together


By far one of my favs, its light hearted yet heart warming. At occasions it may bring some tears but not because of sadness, but for heartfelt moments.

If you are looking for gratuitous stress/drama, frequent miscommunications, abrupt ending, insipid side stories, then this is not for you.

Read More