slice of life: hospital playlist review

      As a long-time asian drama viewer, my friends, family members and I always critique television shows for depicting unrealistic lifestyles and showcasing illogical love stories. Hospital Playlist is a clear exception, as it illustrates the life of five long-time friends who meet in medical school. They eventually wind up working as surgeons in Yulje Hospital. As they deal with the emotional roller coaster that comes with being a doctor, Professor Song-hwa, Ik-Joon, Jun-wan, Seok-Hyung and Jeong-Won also tackle normal life as a 40 year old. Just like ordinary humans, we often forget that doctors are also succumb to sickness, familial problems and career changes. The "slice of life" drama does not shy away from illustrating the two-fold life of a doctor- both as society's superheroes and ordinary individuals. Amidst their fast-paced work environment, viewers get a peek into doctors' lives, as they work tirelessly to maintain a sense of humanity in a highly stressful, systematic work environment. Here's my breakdown of why I love all the members of 99 squad:

        Professor Song-Hwa- She shows us what it means to be a responsible doctor and gracious teacher. Who knew that a professor had to do surgery, look at charts, prepare materials, write articles and review student work? The role of a medical professional expands beyond just doing rounds and performing surgeries every day. It highlights the not-so-glamourous background work that goes into this career. In season one, Song-Hwa's storyline also shows that doctors are not superhuman, as she decides to move to Sokchon hospital due to a persistent neck injury. The late hours and lengthy surgery do take a toll on the physical body. I was kind of shocked when she took 3 days' worth of pain medication to survive a single day at the hospital. That scene emphasizes the unseen reality that exists in the lives of doctors. Furthermore, Song-Hwa's story also shows us the value of friendship, as Ik-Joon, Joon-wan, Seok-Hyung and Jung-Won each visited her after her medical appointment. Although there is some romantic love floating around this squad, Shin PD wrote a drama that shows how companionship can offer a sense of support and warmth. One does not need romantic relationships to be happy...and viewers can definitely see that from Song-Hwa's life. As the writers did not dwell on her initial heartbreak, it shows that women have the ability to leave a man, heal emotionally and move on with her life. If I had to be picky, I just do not understand how late nights and doctor stress does not cause aging. Song-Hwa is somehow still wrinkle-free, pimple-free and gorgeous.

        Professor Ik-Joon- He shows us what it means to be a charismatic and gifted doctor. Being the only parent in the 99 squad, Ik-Joon's character taps into the life of a parent-doctor. The dual role is clearly accomplished by being efficient and making the most of each father-son bonding opportunity. Through "Egg Drop" food dates, Uju is able to see how much his father cares for him. I hope season 2 will explore how Uju will affect Ik-Joon's approach to romantic relationships. Although we learn Ik-Joon was a party animal and top student back in the day, viewers learn quickly that grades/intellectual knowledge does not make a doctor honourable. Good doctors are those who are invested in healing the patient and caring for the family. As tears drop from my face, Dr. Ik-Joon uses sign language to inform a deaf child that his father had successfully completed his surgery. The general surgeon insists that an organ donation surgery start after Children's Day to reduce the pain of a donor's child who will need to commemorate his father's death each year. Out of respect for a patient's wife, he notifies the patient that his significant other was not a donor match. A medical professional's decisions are not just about following the rules set by the government and hospital, but should also stem from his/her heart. Although Ik-Joon is witty and emotionally intelligent, Shin PD created a character who also struggles with his relationship with Song-Hwa. The complex combination of friendship and romance is like walking on egg shells, as he attempts to go with his heart but maintain this deep companionship. My favourite Ik-Joon scene was his conversation to Song-Hwa in her Sokcho home...pouring out his heart, the confident doctor could not even look her in the eye because he feared the repercussions of his honest confession. 

        Professor Jun-Wan- Instead of having supernatural healing powers, Jun-Wan shows us that cardiaothoriaic surgeons are constantly fighting against death. Along with the patient, Dr. Jun-Wan ruthlessly fights to repair the most important organ of the body and keep the heart beating. His deep yearning for a suitable heart transplant and spirit to stop abnormal bleeding show that the importance of persistence in a medical professional. The character taught us the importance of having fun and eating, but also the essence of professionalism. In contrast to slow-burn romance stories, Shin PD offers a fast-paced bidulgi romance between Ik-Sun and Jun-Wan. My favourite scene is also from the finale, when Ik-Sun surprises him at the entrance of the ER after a long day at Yulje. The simple, romantic embrace shows that doctors are human. Just like any other person, they desire to have a companion who listens to their problems and embraces them after a long stressful work day. In comparison to the quick decision making that is necessary in his workplace, Jun-Wan's relationship with Ik-Sun is founded on his ability to listen. As much as he wants to propose and settle down, Jun-Wan loves her enough to wait for her and that act is a sign of maturity. I can't wait to see how the Jun-Wan continues to fight for this relationship, despite the distance and dissimilar goals.

        Professor Seok-Hyung- Seok-Hyung shows viewers what it means to be thoughtful doctor. A doctor should not be marked by his empty words, but his attentive spirit. Seok-hyung embodies what it means to be a listener, as pregnant women come to his clinic expressing their minor and major concerns. Although the obstetrician-gynecologist is a man of few words, he leaves gatherings and conversations upon the sound of his phone to attend to his patients. Understanding the pain of bearing an unhealthy child, he protects the mother's soul by silencing the newborn anencephaly baby. Even though he goes into overtime, he ensures that all child-bearing mothers are given undivided attention in his clinic. Upon consulting a woman who had suffered multiple miscarriages, he drops a memorable one-liner: miscarriage is not a disease. These words of healing and comfort ring true in many homes, as women struggle with conceiving and bearing children. Dr. Seok-Hyung scraps the heavy blame and shame culture that remains in the Asian society. As a professional, he reminds women to silence the myths and dismiss the guilt. His heart for his squad and patient is quiet, but strong. I am excited to see how Shin PD uses Seok-Hyung's character to shape intern Min-Ha into becoming a strong obstetrician-gynecologist.

        Professor Jeong-Won- What does it mean to have a vocation? In season one of Hospital Playlist, viewers get to see Jeong-Won rediscover where he truly belongs. The drama showcases the struggle of adults as they consider career changes. Although the 99 squad knew Jeong-Won belonged in the pediatric ward, we see a mature group of friends who gives space for him to come to his own conclusion. I also admire Jeong-Won because his character reminds viewers that doctors have emotions too. When medical professionals need to certify a patient, they are not excused from feelings of brokenness, sadness and defeat. Although those emotions may manifest itself in different ways, doctors are riding the same roller coaster. When viewers talk about season one, we have to mention "Winter Garden". Just like the average viewer, I adore Jang Gyeoul. In contrast to emotional Jeong-Won, the rational intern pairing is a match made in heaven. As Jeong-Won teaches Gyeoul to become a compassion and empathetic professional, I hope season 2 will show Gyeoul teaching Jeong-Won not to take patients' deaths so personally. Throughout these 12-episodes, we see a slow journey of Jeong-Won learning to love. Unlike idealistic romance films, Shin PD shows viewers that love does not have to be demonstrated through cliche love letters, movie dates and physical intimacy. By inviting Gyeoul into the operating room, giving her a chocobar and telling to ER nurse to care for her, a mature doctor cares for a person he admires in practical (but also heartwarming) ways. My favourite Jeong-Won scene is from episode 12 when he stands outside the ER thinking about whether or not to visit Gyeoul. The flashback is a hyper-realistic depiction of how love can be overwhelming and scary. As adults, romance is often sprinkled with a fear of heartbreak and the unknown. 

additional mentions

the significance of music- In my previous blog posts, I looked at how music is an integral part of my life. Small moments and life milestones have been marked by song lyrics and family anthems. Hospital Playlist also explores this concept as the main character form a band named "Mido and Parasol." The band typically plays one song per episode...and that song reflects the mood of that particular episode. I love how the songs provide an outlet to the squad's past, hint at their current emotions and expresses their wishes/desires. The band takes focus away from the hospital, which remind viewers that doctors pursue interests outside of surgery and anatomy textbooks!

the significance of food- In English literature, food is essential part of many famous stories. Aside from being symbolic, it also gathers individuals together for social activities. This aspect of written text is brought to the silver screen as the 99 squad commune and eat Korean food every single episode. Their (crazy) admiration for food does not only bring a funny element to the drama, but also allows viewers to relate to these bright/intelligent geniuses. They may be life-saving service workers, but they love tteokbooki and sam gyeob sal. During their meals, we learn that the 99 doctors can be loud, nosy and cheap.

        During one of Shin PD's interview, he described Hospital Playlist as a drama that is not necessarily focused on medicine, but a reflection of mundane life. Without a doubt, he and his crew was able to accomplish this mission. Just as the 99 squad actors said, I am glad that this is an unconventional drama that is set to have three seasons. I cannot wait to explore life with Song-hwa, Ik-Joon, Jun-wan, Seok-Hyung and Jeong-Won.

-cho