If you’ve finished Resident Playbook and are feeling the void left by its captivating storyline, you’re not alone. The world of medical K-dramas continues to win over fans with its powerful blend of drama, emotion, and even touches of romance and comedy — all set against the high-pressure backdrop of hospitals and emergency rooms. If you’re craving more compelling stories from the medical world, here are 5 Netflix K-dramas you won’t want to miss. Grab some popcorn and discover your next favorite!
1. Hospital Playlist: Friendship, Music, and the Everyday Life of Doctors
If you loved Resident Playbook but haven’t seen Hospital Playlist yet, consider it your next must-watch. One of Netflix’s most beloved medical dramas, this series goes straight to the heart with its perfect mix of warmth, depth, and humanity.
The show follows five specialists in different fields — general surgery, cardiology, gynecology, pediatrics, and neurosurgery — who have been close friends since medical school. Despite their busy hospital schedules, they keep their bond alive by playing together in a band. This unique detail adds unforgettable moments and a refreshing balance between intense hospital scenes and the beauty of friendship.
Hospital Playlist offers a realistic and moving portrayal of those who dedicate their lives to healing others — and highlights the importance of having people you can count on through life’s most difficult moments.
2. Doctor Stranger: Political Intrigue Meets Medical Drama
Blending medical storytelling with political suspense and romance, Doctor Stranger hooks viewers from the very first episode. The story follows Park Hoon (Lee Jong-suk), who was taken to North Korea as a child alongside his father, a renowned surgeon. Growing up under intense political conditions, he becomes a brilliant doctor and eventually escapes to South Korea — leaving behind his first love, Jae Hee.
Now working at a prestigious hospital in Seoul, Hoon is thrown into emotional turmoil when he meets a woman identical to Jae Hee — who claims not to know him. Between high-stakes surgeries and personal dilemmas, Doctor Stranger delivers intense emotions and unexpected twists.
3. Doctor Slump: Second Chances in the Operating Room
Doctor Slump is the perfect pick for those who enjoy stories about starting over. The drama follows Jung-woo (Park Hyung-sik), a once-celebrated plastic surgeon whose career crashes after a scandal, and Ha-neul (Park Shin-hye), a dedicated anesthesiologist going through her own difficult time.
Once rivals in medical school, they reunite while navigating personal and professional struggles. As they grow closer, their bond becomes a source of healing and strength. With heartfelt moments and a slow-burn romance, Doctor Slump tells a moving story about resilience and the importance of meaningful connections.
4. The Trauma Code: Heroes On Call: Compassion and Action in Every Emergency
If you enjoy stories with a dose of adrenaline, The Trauma Code: Heroes On Call will surprise you. The drama centers around Baek Kang Hyuk, a former war-zone medic who takes the lead in forming a new trauma team.
Combining elements of fantasy with medical drama, this series explores the intense decisions doctors face in life-or-death situations. It also shines a light on the emotional toll of the profession and the humanity behind every emergency.
5. Dr. Romantic: Medical Ethics and Personal Growth
A classic among medical dramas, Dr. Romantic is a must-watch for anyone seeking a deep and inspiring story. The drama introduces Boo Yong Joo (Han Suk-kyu), a legendary surgeon who chooses to leave the big city behind and start over in a small-town hospital, working under the alias “Teacher Kim.”
He becomes a mentor to two young doctors: Kang Dong Joo (Yoo Yeon Seok), an ambitious physician chasing elite success, and Yoon Seo Jung (Seo Hyun Jin), a passionate doctor haunted by a past mistake. Under Teacher Kim’s guidance, both doctors learn not only how to save lives but also how to become better people.
Conclusion: Medical Dramas That Go Beyond the Operating Room
If Resident Playbook touched your heart, these Netflix K-dramas will keep your emotions running high. With relatable characters, compelling storylines, and ethical dilemmas that reflect real-life challenges, these series offer much more than just surgeries and hospital corridors.
Save this list, start your next binge-watch session, and dive into the fascinating, emotional world of medical K-dramas — where healing is both a profession and a journey of the heart.
