Resident Playbook Soars with 7.5% Ratings as Major Networks Struggle Below 1%, Cast Member Rewarded with Bali Trip

While South Korea’s terrestrial broadcasters battle a ratings crisis, Go Youn-jung and the cast of tvN’s Resident Playbook are riding high on a wave of success—culminating in a celebratory Bali vacation for the production team.

As of Episode 10, Resident Playbook has soared to 7.5% nationwide viewership, peaking at 9.2% in Seoul, according to Nielsen Korea. The drama, which debuted on April 12 with a modest 3.7%, has nearly doubled its audience and solidified its grip on the No. 1 spot in its time slot, particularly among tvN’s key 20–49 demographic, where it reached 5.3%.

Starring Go Youn-jung as passionate medical intern Oh Yi-young, the slice-of-life hospital drama has not only resonated with viewers through compelling storytelling and relatable characters, but it has also become a buzzword across social media. According to Good Data Corporation, Resident Playbook topped the TV-OTT integrated topic rankings for four consecutive weeks, and related content has accumulated a staggering 740 million views.

The show’s original soundtrack (OST) is also performing well on music charts, further fueling its popularity across multiple platforms.

In recognition of the cast and crew’s hard work and the drama’s exceptional performance, tvN confirmed a reward vacation to Bali, set for late May or early June. The trip will include director Lee Min-soo, production staff, and key cast members including Go Youn-jung, Kang Yoo-seok, Shin Si-ah, Han Ye-ji, and Jung Joon-won—all of whom have won praise for their nuanced performances.

Meanwhile, dramas on major networks KBS, SBS, and MBC are struggling to break the 1% viewership barrier. Series like Pump Up the Healthy Love (KBS), Spring of Youth (SBS), and Crushology 101 (MBC) have dipped into the 0% range, with Spring of Youth hitting a low of 0.7%. These romantic comedies have been criticized for formulaic plots, shallow conflicts, and underwhelming performances by relatively new actors.

As Resident Playbook gears up for its final two episodes airing on May 17 and 18, it stands as a glowing example of how strong writing, authentic characters, and top-tier execution can still capture audiences in a crowded and competitive landscape.

With Bali on the horizon and fans eagerly awaiting the finale, Go Youn-jung and the Resident Playbook team are not just surviving the ratings game—they’re winning it.