Resident Playbook (Original title: Eonjenganeun seulgiroul jeongonguisaenghwal, 2025) is a spin-off of the Hospital Playlist series. The story plunges into the demanding world of first-year OB-GYN residents Oh Yi-Young, Kim Sa-Bi, Pyo Nam-kyung, and Um Jae-il at Yulje Medical Centre. Yi-Young, initially reluctant to work, joins the workforce because of financial hardship, where she finds herself drawn into the intensity of the hospital environment, forming unexpected bonds and a budding romance. Sa-Bi, the meticulous rule-follower, grapples with empathy while navigating patient interactions. Nam-kyung confronts personal insecurities and workplace dynamics, discovering her strength. Jae-il, the former idol, sheds his past image and finds purpose in connecting with patients. Throughout the year, the residents face challenging cases, from high-risk pregnancies and complicated surgeries to emotionally taxing patient losses. They navigate the strict mentorship of “the witch”, Dr. Seo Jung-min and Dr. Myung Eun-won’s sly games. The season finale sees significant milestones achieved and the bittersweet realities of hospital life continuing.
This article contains spoilers.
Resident Playbook (Eonjenganeun seulgiroul jeongonguisaenghwal, 2025) Episode 1 Recap:
The episode opens with Oh Yi-Young having a nightmare about a strict doctor from her internship. When Yi-Young wakes up, she’s summoned to the bank over a 50 million won debt. Unable to pay, Yi-Young learns she needs a certificate of employment to extend her deadline, but she’s currently jobless. So, Yi-Young’s sister, Joo-Young, helps her get a position at Yulje Medical Centre. Though Yi-Young is reluctant, Joo-Young encourages her, saying she’ll make friends. However, Yi-Young is cynical, recalling how their father lost his clinic due to betrayal by his friends. The reason Yi-Young had dropped out of her internship was because her father had promised to give her a hospital, a dream shattered by financial ruin.
At Yulje, four first-year residents (R1s)—Yi-Young, Kim Sa-Bi (a rule-following nerd), Pyo Nam-kyung (a former classmate), and Um Jae-il (a former idol no one recognises)—report to second-year (R2) Cha Da-hye, third-year (R3) Ki Eun-mi, and fourth-year (R4) Ku Do-won. On the first day, Yi-Young is assigned to Dr. Seo Jung-min, known as “the witch” for her strict demeanour. In the OR, Jung-min lives up to her reputation. Meanwhile, Yi-Young unknowingly angers Jung-min by mishandling the disposal of sutures. Meanwhile, Jae-il panics over the minor symptoms of patients, exhausting Da-hye. Elsewhere, Sa-Bi struggles with empathy while getting a patient’s surgical consent. As the R1s adapt, Nam-kyung is overwhelmed by her first delivery.
How did Yi-Young deliver her first baby?
Later, Yi-Young learns her brother-in-law, Do-won, helped her secure the hospital job. The next day, Do-won asks Yi-Young to monitor a patient, Lee Yeong-seo. While doing a routine check, Yi-Young mistakenly declares the patient fully dilated, causing trouble for Do-won. Elsewhere, Sa-Bi reads a book to learn how to convince patients, but is disheartened when Do-won resolves her case first. Seeing Sa-Bi’s low EQ, Do-won uses the opportunity to teach her about empathy. Meanwhile, Da-hye and Jae-il begin working better together. Due to complications, Yi-Young ends up delivering Yeong-seo’s baby in a corridor. So, Jung-min scolds Yi-Young afterwards. The next day, Yi-Young is seen running late to work, which Joo-Young misinterprets as a renewed interest in becoming a doctor. However, Yi-Young refuses to stitch a scar during surgery and bluntly states she isn’t interested in becoming an OB-GYN. This surprises the professor.
Resident Playbook (Eonjenganeun seulgiroul jeongonguisaenghwal, 2025) Episode 2 Recap:
The episode opens with the R1s struggling without time to eat or sleep. Amidst this chaos, Dr. Myung Eun-won continues to burden them with the daily relay report. If one of them forgets a detail, the entire report must restart. As a result, the R1s go through the five stages of grief—denial, anger, compromise, sadness, and acceptance. Meanwhile, Jung-min discusses plans with the other doctors to prevent the R1s from quitting within the first month. The next day, Jae-il mistakenly assumes a patient is pregnant, upsetting her. Meanwhile, Sa-Bi tells another patient clinical facts instead of being empathetic, which lands her in trouble with her reporting doctor, Kong Gi-seon, who instructs her to apologise. Elsewhere, Jae-il continues to fumble, forgetting to feed a patient. After that, Jae-il is not assigned any work for the day, making him feel unwanted, while Nam-kyung takes over his duties.
Meanwhile, Nam-kyung deals with Yeom-Mi, a germophobe, adding to her stress. Elsewhere, Jae-il tells Yi-Young that Eun-won is eyeing another doctor’s position post-retirement. While listening to music, Yi-Young gets an emergency call for a C-section. Though no ORs are available, another department makes arrangements. However, Eun-won arrives late with a non-emergency patient, leading others to accuse Yi-Young of lying. Meanwhile, Sa-Bi feels dejected after a patient says she’s unfit to be a doctor, and Yi-Young considers quitting. As Yi-Young walks out, she hears an emergency and rushes back. Meanwhile, Yeom-Mi still demands Nam-kyung’s help, irritating her further. Elsewhere, Yi-Young ignores Eun-won’s calls and is sent by Do-won to another hospital.
How was Yi-Young stopped from running away?
At lunch, Nam-kyung bumps into a friend who makes her feel insecure. Momentarily, Nam-kyung runs away but returns after receiving an urgent message. Now, Nam-kyung assumes Yeom-Mi has died but finds her alive, leading to a heartfelt moment. Elsewhere, Sa-Bi reconciles with her patient, following Jung-min’s advice. In the OR, Do-won defends Yi-Young and tells Eun-won to leave R1 matters to him. Later, the group calls Jae-il back, saying they need him to make Jae-il happy. The file Yi-Young was asked to deliver is empty. It was the other doctor’s way to stop Yi-Young from quitting. In the end, Eun-won cancels the relay report. Before Yi-Young leaves, Do-won urges her not to run away again. Finally, Da-hye, Eun-mi, and Do-won take the team to a restaurant, and Jae-il is invited to join.
Resident Playbook (Eonjenganeun seulgiroul jeongonguisaenghwal, 2025) Episode 3 Recap:
The episode begins with Joo-Young scolding Yi-Young for not doing household chores or paying rent. When Do-won and Seung-won arrive, Yi-Young suggests dining out but cancels when Do-won has to go to the hospital. So Yi-Young decides to join Do-won. On the way, Do-won mentions working on a research paper with Eun-won. At a café, Yi-Young overhears Da-hye, Eun-mi, and Jae-il discussing Do-won’s hospital routine—it seems like Do-won practically lives there. The R1s have arrived early for a meeting where Da-hye plans to reprimand Yi-Young for falling behind in surgery prep.
However, Do-won announces that Jae-il’s name is now on the Shout-out board, a recognition list updated every three weeks. Inspired, Jae-il advises the R1s to comfort patients with kind words. In the examination room, Dr. Joo sees a mother-daughter duo. The daughter, Seon-Mi, may have cysts or a tumor in her ovaries, but the exact diagnosis will only be clear post-surgery. While Mrs. Yang, her mother, is emotional, Seon-Mi remains brave. Later, Do-won reminds Yi-Young to be more considerate when dealing with patients. Still, Nam-kyung struggles to connect with her patient but uses Jae-il’s advice, urging the patient to eat and exercise, which works. Now, Yi-Young tries to comfort Mrs. Yang but fails. Meanwhile, Sa-Bi handles a teenage pregnancy case.
How does Yi-Young handle Seon-Mi’s case?
The father of the patient (Gyeong-Ju) is furious, but when he hears the baby’s heartbeat, the father is happy. After the baby is born, Yeon-chan (Gyeong-Ju’s boyfriend) arrives, apologising for the delay. Meanwhile, Yi-Young faces Dr. Joo’s anger for another mistake, but Mrs. Yang comforts her. Through the conversation, Yi-Young realises how lucky she is. Now, Mrs. Yang asks Yi-Young to stay with Seon-Mi during surgery. Just before the surgery, Seon-Mi breaks down, and Yi-Young delays the surgery briefly to comfort Seon-Mi, making Dr. Joo furious. Thankfully, Seon-Mi’s condition is non-cancerous. Immediately, Yi-Young informs Mrs. Yang, who is relieved. Elsewhere, Ok-im’s family finally visits, revealing that it will be Ok-im’s marriage, so she wants to leave. Someone has overtaken Jae-il on the Shout-out board. In the final scene, the team takes a group photo, and Yi-Young quietly holds Do-won’s hand as the shutter clicks.
Resident Playbook (Eonjenganeun seulgiroul jeongonguisaenghwal, 2025) Episode 4 Recap:
The episode begins with the R1s working on their respective projects. Now, Sa-Bi helps Yi-Young proofread some documents. Since Joo-Young is at the hospital, she asks Yi-Young to meet her. Unfortunately, Yi-Young forgets to log out of her laptop, and the others read her chat with Joo-Young, discovering Yi-Young’s plans to quit. Meanwhile, in a café, Joo-Young and Seung-won want to set Do-won up on a date, but he refuses. Later, a research paper assignment comes up, and R1s are asked to write abstracts. Though this task excites Sa-Bi, Jung-min forces Yi-Young to take the lead. Frustrated, Sa-Bi feels those planning to quit shouldn’t be assigned such work.
Elsewhere, Nam-kyung meets Eun-won at a salon. There, Eun-won advises Nam-kyung not to be bossed around by the nurse. Later, when Yi-Young asks for help, Sa-Bi says she does not know everything. During a meeting, Yi-Young struggles with a complicated case and faces trouble from Jun-wan, a colleague of Jung-min’s, for lacking knowledge. Meanwhile, Jae-il makes a mistake and gets scolded by Da-hye, though a kind nurse helps him. Surprisingly, Sa-Bi is also asked to redo her work and is told to refer to Yi-Young’s work, sparking jealousy. In a moment of resentment, Sa-Bi deletes Yi-Young’s unsaved file, causing trouble for her. During surgery, Do-won injures his hand due to Yi-Young’s mistake, and she takes over when Do-won leaves for the ER.
What incident makes Nam-kyung respect the nurses she works with?
Meanwhile, Nam-kyung asserts herself and avoids doing extra nursing tasks. Later, Yi-Young and Do-won are called for an emergency. A pregnant patient, Bo-Hyeon, is in labor at 20 weeks. The baby can’t be saved, and this is her second loss. Genetic tests are required post-delivery to understand the cause. Afterwards, Jung-min leaves a sticky note for Yi-Young about sending emails, which Sa-Bi throws away. Someone else notices the note later. Soon, Nam-kyung begins to respect nurses after witnessing their calm handling of a vomiting cancer patient. In the R1 room, Yi-Young reveals she was yelled at for refusing to test the baby, but she had seen Sa-Bi sabotage her. Still, Yi-Young asks Sa-Bi to help her, and they do the tests together. Later, Jung-min comforts Bo-Hyeon, and Jun-wan waits to support Jung-min. By the end, Nam-kyung respects nurses more, and Jae-il is happy his friends agree to dine with him. The nurse wakes Nam-kyung at night to complete prescriptions.
Resident Playbook (Eonjenganeun seulgiroul jeongonguisaenghwal, 2025) Episode 5 Recap:
The episode begins with the OB-GYN team enjoying a drunken dinner at a hotel. There, Yi-Young falls asleep in the washroom and wakes up to find everyone gone—except Do-won, who helps her out. The next morning, while Joo-Young drives Yi-Young to work, Yi-Young remembers that in her drunken state, she has revealed the pet names the R1s use for the senior doctors. At the hospital, Jae-il is in charge of ultrasounds but panics when he suspects a patient has ovarian cancer. Later, Eun-won discovers it was just poop, and Do-won saves Jae-il from getting scolded.
In the R1 room, Nam-kyung is teased for not going through with a breakup. Annoyed by her intern’s mistakes, Yi-Young ends up scolding him in front of patients. Hearing this, Do-won pulls her aside to reprimand her for her behaviour. Both return home past midnight, and Do-won learns it’s Yi-Young’s birthday. Instead of asking for a present, Yi-Young asks Do-won to grant her a wish—to say yes to everything until they reach their floor. When Yi-Young asks if she can like him, Do-won replies that if Yi-Young wants things to get awkward, she can like him. The next day, Yi-Young celebrates her birthday with her family. At work, Jae-il continues to doubt himself despite making correct diagnoses.
Why does Yi-Young break down?
Now, Yi-Young is in charge of two cancer patients (Se-Jin and Jong-im), both mothers of 10-year-olds. Meanwhile, Sa-Bi struggles to get a consent form signed, as her patient is ashamed of her condition. So, Dr. Ryu offers minimal advice, telling her to stress the importance of surgery. Eventually, Dr. Ryu convinces the patient by acknowledging her lifelong sacrifices, and the form is signed. Elsewhere, Se-Jin’s surgery goes smoothly, and Yi-Young wakes her up by calling her name loudly as requested. The other patient, Jong-im, is cleared for chemo. Despite Do-won’s workload, Eun-won assigns him more research duties. Later, Do-won advises Jae-il to start trusting his instincts. Just as the R1s get a break, an emergency call comes—Jong-im has passed away. However, Jong-im had prepared for her daughter’s future. Now, Yi-Young comforts the girl, sharing that she, too, lost her mother when she was young, and gives the kid her phone number in case she ever wants help. At home, Yi-Young breaks down, missing her mom deeply.
Resident Playbook (Eonjenganeun seulgiroul jeongonguisaenghwal, 2025) Episode 6 Recap:
The episode opens with the R1s checking their on-call schedule for July. During this time, Sa-Bi and Nam-kyung start bickering constantly. Due to their miscommunication, Nam-kyung fails to complete her assigned task and is scolded by Dr. Joo. Meanwhile, Yi-Young attends to an expectant mother, Bo-mi, who has complications. If internal bleeding occurs during surgery, a hysterectomy may be needed, requiring her husband’s consent. Bo-mi’s husband is very loving towards her. Elsewhere, Joo-Young decides to retrieve her eggs in a final attempt to get pregnant. Meanwhile, Yeom-Mi returns to the hospital. As Nam-kyung and Yeom-Mi are acquainted, Nam-kyung vents her frustrations about Sa-Bi, unaware that Sa-Bi is standing in the room.
Determined to improve his diagnostic skills, Jae-il attends every ultrasound and hasn’t gone home in days. At this time, Jae-il deals with an anxious patient, Moon, who repeatedly visits, fearing something is wrong with her baby. That night, as Do-won drives Yi-Young home, Eun-won calls to say she’s put herself as the first author on their paper, claiming she contributed more. Now, Do-won is upset, and Yi-Young is furious. Furthermore, Eun-won also withholds the news that their paper has been selected for an award. Suddenly, Bo-mi is rushed into surgery, but fortunately, the bleeding stops, and a hysterectomy is avoided. Afterwards, Bo-Mi’s husband expresses his concern before the surgery, revealing his desire for another child. Annoyed, Bo-mi asks Yi-Young to curse at her husband on Bo-mi’s behalf.
Why is Jae-il attached to Moon’s baby?
Meanwhile, another doctor insists that Do-won take Yi-Young to the conference, where Eun-won wins best presenter. An exhausted Jae-il realises Moon urgently needs surgery and helps ensure a safe delivery. Now Jae-il is emotionally attached to Moon’s baby (Jae-il’s first cut of an umbilical cord) because he was there throughout all the ultrasounds. In the metro, Joo-Young receives the heartbreaking news that her eggs could not be cultured. At a café, Sa-Bi and Nam-kyung reconcile briefly, but it ends when Sa-Bi realises Nam-kyung spoke about her to Yeom-Mi. After the conference, Eun-won tells Do-won that putting her name first was an error. Overhearing the conversation, Yi-Young demands that Eun-won apologise. Later, Yi-Young and Do-won unwind, and Yi-Young uses Bo-mi’s curses to vent. Surprisingly, Do-won enjoys Yi-Young’s cursing.
Resident Playbook (Eonjenganeun seulgiroul jeongonguisaenghwal, 2025) Episode 7 Recap:
The episode begins with interns gossiping about OB-GYN R1s, which Kyu and Jung-min overhear. Consequently, they plot to recruit these interns, taking Nam-kyung’s help by praising her reputation. Meanwhile, intern Gi-on lives up to his clumsy reputation by misdiagnosing an Army General, but Nam-kyung patiently corrects Gi-on. The hospital atmosphere is tense due to constant friction between OB-GYN, Anaesthesia, and Paediatrics, particularly Moo-Kang and Sa-Bi clashing over emergency deliveries and arguments between Yi-Young and the anesthetist. Adding to the chaos, Dr. Park from the EM department pesters Jae-il to take his patients.
Amidst this, a patient known as Pancake’s grandma arrives with her son, who requests that the doctors to conceal her cancer diagnosis. It’s revealed that the grandma annually donates money to the pediatric department. During a team dinner, Do-won encourages interdepartmental cooperation. Afterwards, Do-won walks Yi-Young home, citing dangers on empty roads at night. Later, Yi-Young discovers and eats Joo-Young’s hidden crab legs, leading to Do-won promising to take Yi-Young for crab dinner. The hospital staff expresses sadness as Do-won departs for a three-day vacation. A nurse calls Nam-kyung to rectify Gi-on’s error, but the patient prefers Gi-on’s approach. Subsequently, Jae-il retaliates against Dr. Park’s attempts to offload patients.
What is the difficult situation Yi-Young has to face?
During Do-won’s absence, the R1s struggle. Meanwhile, Gi-on unintentionally reveals the pancake grandma’s cancer diagnosis. The patient is upset with everyone except Gi-on; she insists on his presence during her surgery. Elsewhere, Yi-Young faces an emergency delivery with a Russian-speaking patient. With general and OB-GYN surgeons occupied, Jung-min urges Yi-Young to begin the procedure. Fortunately, Paediatrics and Anaesthesia assisted her. Just then, Do-won arrives, having missed his flight by sleeping at the hospital, and performs the surgery. Simultaneously, Nam-kyung’s boyfriend, Gi-dong, worries about his mother’s fall, but she is ultimately fine. Their seven-year relationship ended good-naturedly, even though Gi-dong felt inadequate throughout the relationship. Despite that, Nam-kyung breaks down, and Gi-on chuckles, seeing her. This is Do-won’s first solo delivery. Later, Yi-Young asks Do-won for coffee. While waiting, an anesthesia colleague offers Yi-Young his umbrella and invites her to dinner, an interaction Do-won observes with unease.
Resident Playbook (Eonjenganeun seulgiroul jeongonguisaenghwal, 2025) Episode 8 Recap:
The episode opens with Sa-Bi on the surgery table, terrified about the procedure. Earlier, during a typical workday, Sa-Bi had fainted and was diagnosed with fibroids, requiring surgery. The R1s are deeply worried and hope for her swift recovery. Now, Do-won wants to spend time with Yi-Young. While briefly stepping out of the car, Yi-Young leaves her phone behind, and Dong-ho from the anesthesia department calls Yi-Young. After surgery, Sa-Bi becomes annoyed as her friends focus more on Nam-kyung’s ex-boyfriend’s gossip than on getting her medication. Meanwhile, Jung-min asks the team to bring a 100-day cake for Yeon-du, a high-risk pregnant woman hospitalised for 100 days.
As the R1s eat tteokbokki, Sa-Bi joins them, tired of resting. Later, Jung-min fixes a mistake Yi-Young made by speaking with a skeptical pregnant patient. When the patient hesitates to follow medical advice, Yeon-du reassures her, sharing her own experience, which convinces the woman. Soon after, Dong-ho asks Yi-Young for a dinner date, which Do-won overhears. In the room, Nam-kyung advises Yi-Young to go for dinner, but gently turn the guy down if he confesses his feelings. Meanwhile, Jae-il meets his first love, who eerily resembles Sa-Bi, only to have his heart broken upon learning she’s seeing someone. At the hospital, a new patient, Nam-kyung’s mother, Yoon, is admitted to Sa-Bi’s room. Unfortunately, Yoon embarrasses Nam-kyung by revealing she’s treated like a princess at home, prompting teasing from the others.
Does Dong-ho like Yi-Young?
In the maternity ward, Yeon-du bonds with fellow patients and helps Yi-Young answer their queries. Elsewhere, Joo-Young resumes IVF treatments. Stuck in the same room, Yoon and Sa-Bi grow closer, and Yoon even offers to send red bean buns to Sa-Bi’s home. Tragedy strikes when Yeon-du learns her baby has died. While Jung-min hesitates to console her, Yi-Young steps in, drawing from Joo-Young’s earlier nightmares. Now, Sa-Bi is back to work, constantly checking on Yoon. Later, Nam-kyung finds Yoon laughing with Sa-Bi, Jae-il, and Yi-Young, which moves Nam-kyung to tears. Back in the R1s’ room, Do-won hears about Yi-Young’s dinner. At the hotel, Yi-Young feels awkward as Dong-ho has booked a private space; thankfully, the surgical team is also there. Later, Dong-ho confesses his love, but Yi-Young turns him down. Meanwhile, Do-won waits with Yi-Young at the bus stop. Now, Yi-Young tells Do-won she wants to be romantic with him like the couple nearby, but moves on before Do-won can respond.
Resident Playbook (Eonjenganeun seulgiroul jeongonguisaenghwal, 2025) Episode 9 Recap:
The episode opens with Nam-kyung reading everyone’s horoscopes, warning of a tough week. The R1s laugh it off. Meanwhile, the hospital permits a docu-series shoot, and Yi-Young shows the crew around. During filming, an emergency occurs. Eun-won, riding with the patient, acts overly kind to the cameras, leading the patient to request Eun-won for surgery. Though Yi-Young warns Eun-won that a normal delivery could be risky, Eun-won insists on it to keep her on-camera promise. Elsewhere, Dr. Joo yells at Eun-mi for Jae-il’s mistake, but Eun-mi forgives Jae-il, inspiring Jae-il to do better. Meanwhile, Sa-Bi grows irritated by Da-hye constantly checking up on her.
At home, Joo-Young reveals she has four embryos and plans a vacation while awaiting IVF results. Later, Yi-Young and Do-won make dinner plans. Meanwhile, when an intern makes a mistake, Sa-Bi is ready to scold him, but Jae-il handles it kindly—the patient’s daughter turns out to be a fan of Jae-il’s old boy band group. As tensions rise, Eun-won keeps pushing Yi-Young to give her patient special treatment. Meanwhile, Sa-Bi and Da-hye continue clashing. One patient bleeds post-surgery. While Da-hye thinks it’s normal, Sa-Bi panics and calls Dr. Joo, who scolds Da-hye the next day. Meanwhile, Eun-won ignores Yi-Young’s repeated warnings. After three hours, Eun-won opts for a cesarean but blames Yi-Young on camera.
Does Do-won love Yi-Young?
At the cafeteria, an intern calls Jae-il a pushover, not realising Do-won and Jae-il are listening. After that, Do-won consoles Jae-il. Later, Sa-Bi apologises to Da-hye, who admits she doesn’t have all the answers. They share a laugh. Feeling down as all his plans fall through, Do-won cancels dinner with Yi-Young. Because of Eun-won, Yi-Young wants to quit, but Nam-kyung encourages her to stay. To lift spirits, Jae-il suggests karaoke. There, Sa-Bi gets drunk and dances with Jae-il—it turns out that Sa-Bi is a fan of Jae-il’s old band. As Yi-Young heads home, Do-won confesses his feelings. In the elevator, Do-won kisses Yi-Young. The next day, Yi-Young is furious after watching the edited docu-series.
Resident Playbook (Eonjenganeun seulgiroul jeongonguisaenghwal, 2025) Episode 10 Recap:
The episode opens with Yi-Young experiencing a nightmare about her first postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) patient, where, despite all efforts, the patient dies. Suddenly, Yi-Young jolts awake, shaken. The next day, Jung-min takes a class on PPH to better prepare for emergencies. Meanwhile, Dr. Kong also lectures the residents on the same topic. This sparks a rivalry between Jung-min and Kong as they compete for surgery schedules. Unfortunately, Yi-Young assists Jung-min, and Nam-kyung assists Kong, leaving both women caught in the middle of their seniors’ rivalry. Elsewhere, Dr. Joo is annoyed when Sa-Bi expresses interest in attending a rare obstetrics surgery instead of staying in gynecology. Meanwhile, Do-won and Yi-Young, who are secretly dating, drive home together.
Now, Yi-Young worries about their relationship being exposed at work, fearing it might harm Do-won. They continue texting at home, but Yi-Young’s strange behaviour makes Joo-Young suspicious. Now, Yi-Young nearly reveals the relationship, but Do-won stops her just in time. Later, Dr. Joo grows increasingly rude to Sa-Bi. While most colleagues are out for lunch, Yi-Young stays back to eat with Do-won, and they almost get caught being romantic by Eun-won. During ultrasound duties, tensions erupt between Yi-Young and Nam-kyung, fuelled by their seniors’ rivalry. Dr. Joo unfairly scolds Sa-Bi, but Dr. Ku consoles Sa-Bi by buying her coffee. Meanwhile, Joo-Young learns she’s not pregnant but has two more tries. Initially, Joo-Young puts on a brave face but breaks down in front of Yi-Young.
Who accidentally finds out about Yi-Young and Do-won’s relationship?
At night, Sa-Bi avoids Dr. Joo’s calls. Later, Jae-il comforts her and shows her a quiet hideout if she ever needs space. Meanwhile, a doctor named Ik-jun arrives for minor surgery—he’s Dr. Kong’s first love but is now dating Song-Hwa, leaving Kong heartbroken. Later, Dr. Joo lashes out again, prompting Dr. Ku to stand up for Sa-Bi and demand an apology. Soon after, Nam-kyung is called for a PPH emergency. Seeing the blood, Nam-kyung freezes, but Yi-Young’s honesty about her own fears helps Nam-kyung. In surgery, Jung-min leads, but both assistants are scared. Now, Kong joins and helps until Yi-Young and Nam-kyung recover. The operation is a success, and the rivalry softens. That night, in a secluded hospital spot where couples secretly meet, Sa-Bi and Jae-il chat as friends. After they leave, Yi-Young and Do-won emerge—but Jae-il returns and catches them being romantic.
Resident Playbook (Eonjenganeun seulgiroul jeongonguisaenghwal, 2025) Episode 11 Recap:
The episode opens with Yi-Young and Du-won waiting for a realtor, as Du-won wants to move and spend more time alone with Yi-Young. At a restaurant, Yi-Young gifts Du-won a new pair of shoes. During their meal, a man chokes, and the couple jumps in to help. At the hospital, their romantic moment is witnessed by a new nurse, Chae-ryeong, who promises to keep their relationship a secret. Meanwhile, Nam-kyung and Eun-mi team up to convince Gi-on to join OB-GYN and become an R1 next year. However, Nam-kyung fails repeatedly. Elsewhere, Yi-Young is assigned to Dr. Sae-byeok, who continues working and teaching Yi-Young how to perform ultrasounds despite being close to her due date. When Sa-Bi tells Yi-Young and Nam-kyung about eating pretzels with Jae-il late at night in the outpatient ward, Nam-kyung suspects they’re dating.
Later, Jae-il dozes off in the OR and calls Sa-Bi when his legs go numb. So, Sa-Bi helps by pushing Jae-il in a wheelchair. In the cancer ward, Jae-il comforts a patient with memory issues. Now, Sa-Bi thinks Jae-il likes her, especially after realising he faked his leg trouble. During a family dinner, Yi-Young runs into Nam-kyung, who joins them. Immediately, Yi-Young texts Joo-young, not to mention Du-won. The next day, Sa-Bi asks Jae-il for colleagues’ addresses for thank-you gifts. Meanwhile, Sae-byeok starts feeling pre-labor pains but continues instructing Yi-Young, frustrating her. At the same time, a cancer patient’s sister breaks down, and Jae-il consoles her.
How do Sa-Bi and Nam-kyung find out about Yi-Young and Do-won?
Meanwhile, Nam-kyung and Eun-mi’s plan to win over Gi-on fails during an emergency delivery. Still, for the first time, Gi-on shows interest in OB-GYN. Later, Sae-byeok goes into labor and, before surgery, asks Jung-min to fulfil her last request—having Yi-Young stitch Sae-byeok up after delivery. Hesitantly, Yi-Young does so, and Jung-min hopes the tradition continues of a resident who stitches up a professor after delivery and will remain with the professor for four years. Later, a nurse thanks Yi-Young for saving her from a doctor while Yi-Young was an intern, as he was harassing the nurse. Finally, Nam-kyung sees Do-won leaving with Joo-young and hears he’s meeting his sister-in-law. When Sa-Bi gets the same address for Yi-Young and Do-won, suspicions rise. Jae-il thinks they’re dating, Sa-Bi believes they live together, and Nam-kyung assumes they’re in-laws—until they all realise everything is true, just as Yi-Young walks in.
Resident Playbook (Eonjenganeun seulgiroul jeongonguisaenghwal, 2025) Episode 12 Recap:
The episode opens with Jae-il, Nam-kyung, Sa-Bi, and Yi-Young hanging out at a bar. Sensing that everyone expects a revelation, Yi-Young confesses she is dating Do-won but asks them to keep it a secret. Unfortunately, it seems like everyone at the hospital already knows. Meanwhile, Do-won is at the bank opening a wedding fund savings account, which the R1s overhear, leading them to tease Do-won. At the hospital, the professors meet to decide who will fill the position of the retiring doctor. One of the applicants is Eun-won. However, Jung-min asks for more time to evaluate the candidates. Meanwhile, Jae-il is pulling all-nighters, keeping company with a cervical cancer patient in severe pain. Previously unnoticed, Jae-il is now sought after by several patients for his comforting presence.
Elsewhere, Eun-mi has an emotional breakdown after the death of her first cancer patient. Meanwhile, a patient’s caregiver questions Dr. Ku’s abilities due to his lack of entourage. Just then, Sa-Bi reassures the caregiver, calling Dr. Ku a superstar. Later, Sa-Bi admits her fear of patients bleeding excessively. So, Ku tells Sa-Bi he is also afraid, but the patients trust them, so they must give their best. In the labor room, most pregnant women hope to deliver on January 1st, believing it’s a lucky day—except Seol-i. At home, Do-won and Yi-Young pack Do-won’s things, goofing around. When Joo-Young and her husband arrive, they misinterpret Yi-Young and Do-won on the bed as a fight. Later, Yi-Young checks her lottery ticket and discovers she has won. The next day, Yi-Young is too happy to be upset when Eun-won assigns her work.
What happens to Yeom-Mi?
Meanwhile, Jae-il reads the same book that Sa-Bi is studying about cancer. In the OR, Sa-Bi’s team faces complications due to bleeding and has to redo the operation. Elsewhere, Jung-min asks Yi-Young to remove a placenta during delivery. Though hesitant, Yi-Young does but fails. Later, Nam-kyung is devastated to learn that Yeom-Mi, her first patient, is dying. Unable to do much, Nam-kyung plays Yeom-Mi’s favourite hymn and holds her hand until Yeom-Mi’s brother arrives. Later, Yi-Young successfully removed the placenta from another delivery. When Jung-min asks how she managed, Yi-Young explains she studied videos and researched in advance. Pleased, Jung-min gifts Yi-Young alcohol, saying her wish for a first-year to complete a delivery came true. Impressed by Jae-il’s handling of the cervical cancer patient, Dr. Joo asks him to write a paper as the first author.
Resident Playbook (Eonjenganeun seulgiroul jeongonguisaenghwal, 2025) Ending Explained:
Now, Yi-Young assists in another delivery, receiving her first baby, and becomes emotional. In another OR, Ku tells the team to crack a joke about the New Year when the patient wakes up. Meanwhile, Nam-kyung breaks down after Yeom-Mi’s death. However, Nam-kyung is called upon to help with an emergency delivery. A man asks Nam-kyung to take charge, and emotionally, Nam-kyung delivers her first baby. Later, Sa-Bi delivers Ku’s joke to a waking patient, making the patient and Ku happy. Back in the R1s’ room, Yi-Young announces she’s quitting because Yi-Young has won the lottery, only to realise the claim deadline has passed, leaving Yi-Young furious. After the others leave, Sa-Bi asks Jae-il if he likes her. Jae-il confesses he does, but Sa-Bi says she needs to know someone for a year before dating. At the bus stop, Gi-on tells Nam-kyung he’s decided to join OB-GYN. Meanwhile, Yi-Young finds Do-won asleep in the car.
As Yi-Young vents about her day, she notices Do-won has a present, a matching ring. Now, Do-won gives the ring to Yi-Young, saying it’s because he likes her. However, Eun-won is upset after not being selected as a tenured professor. The position goes to Min-ha, as Jung-min had consulted the Residents and nurses, and they preferred Min-ha. Later, Joo-Young receives disappointing news—she is not pregnant. However, Joo-Young promises to seek happiness without a child. It’s revealed that the man who helped Nam-kyung deliver the baby is Dr. Seok-hyeong, Min-ha’s husband. The next day, Min-ha joins as the new professor, and Kong, Do-won, and Eun-won welcome her, though Eun-won’s displeasure is apparent. Later, Joo-Young and her husband see Yi-Young and Do-won holding hands, assuming they’ve made up after a fight. At the hospital, Yi-Young mistakenly enters R1’s room, quickly exits, and walks into R2’s room, where her friends are waiting. Seeing them brings a smile to Yi-Young’s face.
The show has a bittersweet ending. Yi-Young and Do-won continue to date, but the rings don’t mean a wedding as Do-won has just set up a savings account for his wedding, which won’t be for a year. Meanwhile, it seemed like some spark between Nam-kyung and Gi-on at the bus stand as Gi-on refused to let go of Nam-kyung’s hand. True to the character, Sa-Bi refuses to immediately date Jae-il as she has rules even for dating, just like everything else. With Joo-Young and he husband, they continue to assume Yi-Young and Do-won are just in-laws and nothing else. Joo-Young also accepts that she can’t get pregnant. Although Eun-won got what she deserved, it wasn’t vile. Jung-min did the right thing by selecting Min-ha as a tenured professor instead of Eun-won. Hopefully, there will be another season, as we would love to see where the characters’ lives take them, especially the four protagonists as second-year residents.
