What is so enjoyable about this drama is the rollercoaster of emotions the viewer experience in each episode. You experience laughter, sadness, empathy, curiosity, hopelessness and many other emotions while watching a single 90 minute episode. And you know what tops it all off, at the end of each episode, the 5 friends come together to play a song as a band as if to rewind themselves + the viewers what they all went through during the episode. The songs at the end of each episode really wraps up everything together and the song title represents the episode.
Story/Plot
The story is about 5 friends experiences while working in a busy hospital. Each lead is a professor/expert in their respective field and the plot revolves around how they tackle medical and lifes problems they come to face. This is a slice of life/ family drama. There are no villians, hidden political schemes or back-stabbing, etc. It is simply people and life. A perfect drama to just sit down and let the stories take you.
Acting/Cast/Characters
I could write a 10 page report on the Main Characters as the viewer is exposed to so much backstory and details. Nearly half the supporting casts has a backstory and even the cameo patients all have their own stories. Each character has their own story/goal and what they are trying to achieve. I tried to write a summary, but I just couldn't as I have so much I want to say, so in conclusion; watch the drama to learn about the characters. The leads are top-notch casts and their acting are superb. Two-thumbs up from me!
Music
Music plays a big role in this drama. Not only do the 5 friends play a song as a band near the end of each episode, but the songs also allows the viewer to reoganise their emotions and thoughts. Furthermore, the background OSTs during certain scenes really fit the story/scenes perfectly.
Rewatch Value
I will definitely rewatch this. I am going back to the start as I am writing this because of what occured in the final episode, just to experience it again. I am sure many of us will be too.
Why I gave the drama my current rating? (10)
The drama is great at showing what it wants to show compacted into 90 minute episodes. I feel like there was no wasted time or boring parts in the drama. The drama's production was very high quality and well worth the weekly wait of 1 episode per week. Did not regret following this drama for 12 weeks! Lastly, there is a reason why this drama is rated so highly on different sites, so give it a go yourself! Confident in saying this is one of top 5 dramas in my life and will highly recommend this to anyone. I cried so much in the final episode and it was so heartwarming.
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This review may contain spoilers
Medical Drama That's Not Really Medical
When you read the title and the characters, you would get the impression that it would be a medical drama. But to me, this drama doesn't feel like a medical drama at all.Yes, 90% of the scenes were in hospital. Yes, there were doctors and patients. Yes, they used many medical terms. Yes, there were diseases, illness, deaths. However, the main focus was not medical matter. Maybe because it was slice of life type of drama.
What I like about the drama? All of them.
Acting wise. The actors and actresses did really well to deliver their characters perfectly. They are perfect match for their own characters. The chemistry and relationship between characters are so great. The dialogues and banters between them were so great and felt natural.
Plot wise. The main focus was for the main roles' life stories, of course. But, the other stories were so great too.. Each of the patients' cases was so on point and unique. They complimented the main roles' characters and main stories.. Even though some of them were not really interesting (I skipped some of them when I re-watched it), but the other ones were so great and touching.
Soundtrack wise. You can say that this is kind of a musical drama somehow. Of course, the title already said it all. They have the best soundtracks. I'm so impressed with the casts because they worked really hard to play the musical instruments and sing the songs. They learned them diligently, and some of them learned them from zero. Even though the songs are old songs, I like almost all of them. It wouldn't be surprising when they win the best soundtrack of the year.
Plot twist. This drama broke clichés in drama history. First, while other dramas are about struggling to gain power, this drama was about giving away power. Second, there were many unexpected plot twists about the characters. When you thought that "ah, it would be the case" and the next thing you knew it was actually the opposite of it. Some of them are funny and some of them are heartfelt. Really unexpected but somehow satisfying.
Love lines. Every main roles deserves their own story lines. Hopefully, every one of them will have a happy ending and happy relationship in Season 2.
In conclusion, this drama is not a medical drama. (To me, the best medical drama is still Dr. Romantic, and yes, both of them have Yoo Yeon Seok as the lead, lol). But, this is one of the best drama ever for me. It made me laugh, it made me cry, it made me feel. Even though there were so many substories, it didn't feel boring to me.
This drama deserves every award they got, the hypes, the high ratings, the compliments and of course, Season 2. Personnally, I can't wait for Season 2. Hopefully, it will be as great as the first season.
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Must watch show
It definitely became one of my favorites, the first episode did not seem so good to me so I drop it but after I decided to give it another chance and I got a surprise, I finished it in 2 days and I really loved it, the story was perfect and the love stories too they took their time to fall in love, it was not the typical kdrama that the second they see each other they already say "I love you" I really loved the stories and it show you the truth of what happens in a hospital, the characters were incredible ♥ ️ the songs goes so well with the history and the chemistry between everyone shows. I can't wait for season 2 ♥ ️Was this review helpful to you?
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A perfect slice of life!! Lovely drama!!
I totally love this drama, the story is so good and original in its realism, without the unnecessary drama of some other series. Completely love the medical stories, albeit they were sometime heartbreaking.Story:
It was a great story focused on the life of 5 doctor friends, who've been there for each other so much that they are essentially family to each other. I loved the interactions they had when together and how each one has their own style when dealing with patients and other medical professionals and staff. The medical stories were great, so well explained that a non-medical professional could easily follow it and so greatly immersed in the overall plot that was so well planned.
Now, regarding the love stories, it was fascinating how they were developed, from the get go we know Dr. Jang Gyeo Wool has a big crush on one of the big 5 (Dr. Ahn Jung Won), who is less than impressed with her people and empathy skills. She then proceeds to slowly change in the course of this first season and continue to grow as a doctor. On the other hand, we have Dr. Chae Song Hwa, which I will admit, at first I thought that Dr. Kim Jun Wan had a thing for her, but as the show keeps developing, we can see he always saw her as a friend, unlike the other 2 guys of the group, Dr. Lee Ik Jun and Dr. Yang Suk Hyung. In this case Song Hwa had already rejected Suk Hyung, and Ik Jun to not hurt his friend further didn't confess, but now as he divorces his cheating ex wife, finds himself falling again for Song Hwa, and now he cannot avoid confessing. It turns out that she already has a someone crushing on her, her resident Dr Ahn Chi Hong, whom she is at first unaware of his feelings and later on has to deal with him. I find very interesting how the relationship of Jun Wan and Lee Ik Sun will develop with her out of the country for years on her master's degree in the UK, hopefully they will not break up. I am also eating too see what Suk Hyung ex-wife wants with him and why he says he feels apologetic towards her, I honestly hope that at the end Dr. Chu Min Ha finds someone deserving of her, I think she is a great character that deserves someone who appreciates what she can offer. As anyone can see the relationships are complicated, but they get very well developed and one can totally see how they go forward. I am waiting impatiently for the second season.
Acting/Cast:
Great acting from all the main and secondary cast, even the guest actors were great. All the dramatic scenes were very well developed and managed to transmit the feelings that they must. I think that when a drama can make you cry watching it, it is a great one and a sign of amazing acting ability by the actors. They all show different feelings and do not remain static (like Jun Wan being tsundere all the time, he sometimes acts cute and silly), this shows amazing acting ability and allows the audience to see how far the actors can go.
Music:
So pretty and the message that they convey great for the scenes and episodes where they are used. The Ost consists of a lot of different songs, which I realize are oldies in South Korea, but are so good to the ear as they are not the typical K-pop songs we are used to now.
Rewatch Value:
Very High, I continue watching it because I love it so much.
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Doctors risk their own health to save ours
I couldn't pull myself to watch the final episode because I didn't want it to end.The most beautiful part of this drama is the beautiful relationships between the doctors and patients and also between the 5 doctors. Every episode you'll guarantee to cry because of the sacrifices doctors are willing to make for their patients and because of the pain that patient's loved ones go through when they see the patients die. However, you'll guarantee to laugh as well because of the doctors' quirky personalities and friendship.
When I watched the first episode, I wasn't ready for so much sadness so I thought I couldn't keep watching it but when I watched the second episode, I became so addicted because of the doctors and I became very curious of what a doctor's day to day life is.
After watching this drama, I knew how important looking after your loved ones and yourself is. We need to protect ourselves from the virus in order to protect our doctors that risk their own health that fight everyday to save ours.
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Just watch it!
If you haven't been watching this drama already, it is probably because you haven't witnessed the magic that comes about when Lee Woo Jung and Shin PD work together. This season's last episode came out today and so I thought a review was in order. Don't worry, no spoilers :) (I hope...)Let's start with the story. There is something so refreshing about this drama compared to all the other ones out right now. At first, I couldn't quite put my finger on it but now I can. Like their other works, this masterpiece is normal? There is no supernatural, no major drama or crazy accidents that usually appear in medical dramas. There was no real enemy. There is no exaggeration. It is simply the story and relationships (romance or not) of five very charming 40-year olds and their playlist through life. The humor did kill my stomach multiple times. There are just so many golden moments that highlight their dynamic.
The cast...the talent and hidden gems in this work cannot be rated. They were perfect. I can't imagine anyone else playing their respected roles. You can tell they prepared hard and well for this. They are all respected in the industry with many works under their belts. I always forget they are actually actors and not actual doctors going about their lives. Also, just to let your mind be blown a little more...their band? They are actually playing :) Such a talented group with this indescribable dynamic.
Next are the amazing Lee Woo Jung and Shin PD. Their works are a constant guessing game. I say that in the best way possible. It is a thrill when watching. They give you the hints and pieces slowly. You really grow to appreciate the genius behind the writing and it always amazes me whenever I see the parallels in scenes or just how they set something up. Their works are always refreshing and great pieces that may not drift you to a fantasy world but make you enjoy your current one. I always end up seeing a version of myself or an awesome group of friends that I would love to hang out with one day. The best part is you can't guess anything until it happens. Replay people understand :)
When we talk about music, it has to start with the band music huh. In almost every episode, we see the band play a song that usually wraps up the episode. The songs are chosen to fit the contents of the episode and are a pleasure to the ears. I get blown away by the cast's dedication and willingness to practice. The better news? I hear they are actually debuting. The OST itself is amazing and filled with such talented voices. I have been listening to it religiously since release. I am currently too while writing this :)
Rewatch value?! I have been rewatching it to gear up for the final episode and even just while waiting for the other episodes to come out. I also see myself coming back to the series so for me it's high. The series hasn't even ended yet and I have already rewatched it several times!
The only downside to this is there are only 12 episodes that means one was released a week. The pain of waiting ;-; But I did it anyway. I do this a lot for anime but almost never for dramas. To give you an idea, the only other one I remember doing this for is Nobody Knows and that had two episodes a week. I didn't really mind waiting though. Don't get me wrong it was painful but the quality of each episode made it worth it so I didn't mind. The good news is this is getting a season 2 soo :) Hopefully, if you guys watch it and give it some love, a season 3!?
I would say, if you are interested, give it a try. If it isn't for you, then move on. BUT if you liked Replay or just want something light to land on after some intensely long drama, this could be the one. I came for the amazing Lee Woo Jung and Shin PD but stayed for everything. This is actually one of my favorite of all time! I think I tend to review popular ones or ones I liked. This is the later. Well, I am going to go refresh Netlfix for the millionth time and hope the episode is out while crying about my empty life after it is over. (update: I finished ;-; )
Also...just wanted to put it out there....Ikjun is my favorite character in the Kdrama universe..I think. 0-0 WOW I didn't even have one before this! Well, why are you still here? Go watch it? Maybe? No pressure.
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Don't you dare miss this.
It took me a while to start watching 'Hospital Playlist'. I didn't think I would like it this much and oh Lord, I was wrong.Typical medical drama? Forget about that. This drama is a new way of seeing things. I wasn't expecting this at all. The comedy here is, omg, amazing! I laughed A LOT, especially with Ik Jun and Jun Wan. If you haven't watched this yet GO and do it NOW, or I'll make sure you do :)
Let me start a review the proper way now that I've made clear you should watch it, just in case you wanna know a little more.
The story develops amazingly since the first ep. At first, it may be a little hard to follow since they'll be introducing a lot of the cast, but it'll get easier. Still, it took me a while to learn all of their names (and now I can't get them out of my head). It's obviously a medical drama, but it's different from any other I have seen; they will form a band. I repeat, in case you didn't read well. They. Form. A. Band.
The band is one of the best things for me, but it may not be for everyone. However, you're free to skip the band scenes. In my opinion it's necessary for the drama. It's one of the things that make it different (and so good). I also discovered a lot of good music with them, so it's a plus.
If you ask me what I think is the main theme of this drama, I would say it isn't medicine but friendship. The reason I'm saying this? You'll discover it once you start watching (but it's not hard to guess, is it?). The medical parts are marvelously good, though, and they make sure to feed us well-written and emotional stories for each patient that we meet. I can't really say anything else without spoiling. There's obviously romance in this, but I wasn't expecting the 'couples' at all. Still, I screamed like a crazy b with them (cough, wintergarden couple, cough).
Overall I would say it's a drama that shows the daily life of a group of friends that just happen to work at the same place, but have different stories to tell. It's funny, not boring at all, knows how and when to make you cry, and also has a lot of heartwarming scenes (and couples). What more can you ask for?
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This saved my 2020
This is from the same director and PD of Reply series. If that's not enough reason for you to watch it, then I'll offer you Jeon Mido, Jo Jung Sok, Jung Kyungho, Yoo yeon-seok, and Kim Dae-myung.Aside from those mentioned above, I think this is one of the series that all of the OSTs are worth listening to every day.
So, watch it. If you're curious why I haven't said anything about the plot, this one, just like the other reply series, is not a typical drama. This is a story that depicts each one of us. Their emotions and struggles are ours too. We deal with it every day.
Plus, this also taught me to be observant in each scenes. Hahaha you'll understand why if you watch this hahaha
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Super worth it!
I was hesitant at first because its a drama about doctors and i wanted to be a chef but i tried it and im glad that i tried it because for real, this is one of the best drama ever. No problems just a smooth story line about 5 doctors and their friendship. The casting was also great, all of them really did well in portraying their role!! The OST? do i have to say it? It was super good especially having Kyuhyun? Joy? Overall it was fun watching this! This drama made me laugh, made me cry a lot but it was all worth it! Can’t wait for Season 2Was this review helpful to you?
Emotional, Wholesome, Real!
When I started watching Kdramas almost a year ago to the date, I never thought that I would find a drama that I would rate with a perfect 10, but here we are. Hospital Playlist was almost perfect in every aspect , and keep in mind I do not like medical dramas mainly because I find them unrealistic and exaggerated, but I loved how Hospital Playlist kept everything real and it makes you really understand the struggles of medical professionals.Acting: Amazing. Never seen actors fit their roles so perfectly!
Character/ Cast Chemistry: Out of the World
Plot: Emotional, Wholesome, Real!
I can see as to why some people why find it boring, but I found it very refreshing! Grown-up people acting mature, facing real life problems and going on with their lives. Each episode was almost 1,5 h long but it felt much less. All the character has a reason and fit each other and the story perfectly, not a single one of them feels out of place. At first it was overwhelming getting introduced to all the characters but as the episodes go by then each character gets center stage, and you get to know and connect with them and by the end you are emotionally invested in each one of their lives and stories.
If all you look in a series is Action, angst, drama and with a good guy wins over a villain, then this is definitely not for you, but if you are looking for a drama with real people, real stories that will make you feel a every emotion emotion and laugh wholeheartedly then this is definitely for you.
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Masterpiece in every way
I loved loved loved loved loved it. So much. And it makes me so unbelievably happy that there is going to be a 2nd season, and that next year! What a blessing.Even though they left a few things undone, it was still very satisfying and at the same time it keeps us excited for the next season. Honestly I was scared that they'd be changing the cast and story like they did with the reply series, or even Dr. romantic, but I guess I don't really have to worry about that!
I cried tons this episode. The first half was extremely heart-breaking and I still admire the way they convey their feelings, every single person who worked on this has contributed to this and I am very grateful!
1. I loved their friendship, it is just pure, fun, and so comfortable to watch.
2. I loved them as humans. Every single one of them. They all had their own personality, but two things that they shared was their friendship for each other and them being good to the damn core. I mean good as in morally and emotionally. They seriously inspired me to be a better person and also work harder.
3. I have mentioned this before, but I loved the fact that there were NOT the typical kdrama struggles and obstacles. No annoying chaebol (I mean there is Seokhyungs father but he appeared like once and he did not matter that much, it was more about how Seokhyung and his mother will deal with him). Actually... isn't this production team known for being fresh and non-cliché? Anyway, fact is. I love it.
4. I love the way they tell the story. I guess it's a pretty unconventional way of unfolding a story (ties with the point above), but it's just so unique and it works very very well. To me it seems more human and more like life? Things don't always get confronted at first, often a lot of time will pass and often it is not even that dramatic. There were no slow motions or like moments that they would show longer than necessary (maybe those moments were even in real-life time?).
5. I loved the heart breaks and heart throbs they gave us. It hurt when something bad happened, when a patient was doing badly, but it made me so much more happy when they recover. They did not drag a heart break for long. We move on in life.
6. I loved the relationships between the doctors and patients they showed. We saw that they cared deeply for their patients and always ALWAYS did their best in order to help them recover. They basically lived to save people. I was quiet moved by this and my respect for doctors grew again. Sometimes it even made me want to be one...
7. I loved that even though they gave their life for other people, they enjoyed it. It was the thing that they loved the most. And still, they'd try to find time to do other things they enjoy. To look after themselves. Seonghwas love for camping and food. Jeongwons love for God and his mother. Junwans love for golfing and Iksun. Seonghyungs love for his time alone. Ikjuns love for his son and being a social butterfly.
I am running out of ideas. There are definitely more, but I did not actually planned this comment out so idk.
Well, I will patiently wait for the next season which is going to be the bomb too. Ah and also... I am going to wait for this to finally appear on Netflix so I can rewatch it :)
PS.: I recommended this to my mom and she rewatched it for like 4 times already. That I call success.
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I personally dont enjoy the medical genre, it is a little bit too much for me. But this show is an exception. It depicts more real life of doctors than a fantasy that is often shown in many dramas. More than the medical aspects,it shows relationships of people. Friends, family, love and siblings is shown so incredibly well.
Our 5 friends are friendship goals. I love each of them so much! This is the purest friendship I have seen on screen, so cute and heartwarming.
The show is also so fun to watch,so many laugh out loud moments! The 12 episodes went by quite fast.
The music played during the show has the most beautiful lyrics and such emotional and nostalgic vibes. I love the band sessions of the friends.
The only issue I see is how the story keeps getting cut suddenly and shown in a later part of the show,I know they're to create an aspect of mystery but after a while I started to get annoyed. The ending has an abrupt ending, it ended like it was supposed to have more episodes but didn't. I wasn't satisfied with how most story lines had an open ending. I think there is a season 2 coming next year, so I'm excited for that!
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