The public's reaction to actor Jung Jun-won is gradually rising.

Jung Jun-won is meeting viewers as the fourth-year resident Koo Do-won at Jongno Yulje Hospital's obstetrics and gynecology department in the tvN drama 'Hospital Playlist' (hereafter referred to as 'HP'). Koo Do-won is called 'Koo Captain' by the professors and 'Koo God' by the junior residents, a fourth-year resident and a reliable figure in the hospital.

Equipped with a heavy sense of composure, decisiveness, quickness, and meticulousness, he is like a Superman in obstetrics and gynecology who appears to resolve any incident that arises in the hospital and disappears quietly once the situation is resolved. Given his well-rounded character and abilities, he is a beloved figure among everyone in the hospital, from professors to interns.

In the third episode aired on the 19th, a romantic relationship with first-year resident Oh Yi-young (played by Ko Yoo-jung) was previewed. While posing for a group photo with the obstetrics and gynecology team, Oh Yi-young grabbed Koo Do-won's hand first, flashing a flirty smile. Koo Do-won's unusual expression upon seeing the proactive Oh Yi-young raised expectations for the next development.

Jung Jun-won has showcased his presence in various works, including 'Drug King,' 'Dongju,' 'Park Yeol,' 'The Table,' 'Little Forest,' and dramas 'VIP,' 'HUSH,' and 'My Family.' The Koo Do-won character is fresh enough to make viewers forget his previous roles. As a result, the response from viewers toward Jung Jun-won is subtly rising.

Earlier, creator Shin Won-ho noted about Jung Jun-won, "I’ve been keeping an eye on him to cast him for several years, and he’s been in my treasure box. We needed to work on a project together, but something always didn’t align. This time, I really wanted him to play Koo Do-won."

He continued, "I was looking for a mature man for the role of Koo Do-won. Like the professors in 'HP' who were loved, there’s a strong desire for a real adult who can protect us, someone to rely on. However, Jung Jun-won has a charm as an adult that isn’t stiff but rather relaxed, and there’s a fun quirkiness in his character as well."

Director Lee Min-soo also smiled with satisfaction, stating, "I prioritized the sturdy image of a senior. Even during the audition, his voice and physique stood out. If he was only strict, it would be less appealing, but Koo Do-won has an approachable charm as well. Ultimately, it seems that actor Jung Jun-won fits very well."

As hoped by the production team, according to Nielsen Korea, the third episode of 'HP' recorded an average rating of 5.1% for metropolitan households and a record high of 5.8%, while for nationwide households it recorded an average of 4.5% and a peak of 5.1%. After starting with a somewhat disappointing rating of 3.7%, 'HP' is showing a rising trend with every episode.

It is thanks to the charm of Jung Jun-won, who stands at the center of the romantic relationship, that it has reached viewers' homes.

[Photo] Provided by OSEN DB

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