"Resident Playbook" has broken through the 5% viewership wall.

In the 4th episode aired yesterday (20th), the tvN weekend drama "Resident Playbook" (creator Shin Won-ho, Lee Woo-jung / directed by Lee Min-soo / written by Kim Song-hee / planned by CJ ENM Studios / produced by Egg Is Coming) (hereafter referred to as "Unsljeon") depicted first-year resident Oh Yeo-young (played by Go Youn-jung), Pyun Nam-gyeong (played by Shin Si A), Eom Jae-il (played by Kang Yoo-seok), and Kim Sa-bi (played by Han Ye-ji) becoming friends, warming the hearts of viewers.

The viewership for the 4th episode reached an average of 5.8% based on households in the metropolitan area and a peak of 6.5%, while it recorded an average of 5.1% and a peak of 5.7% nationwide. Not only did it set new records for both metropolitan and nationwide viewership, but it also secured the top spot during its time slot on cable and general programming channels. In the target demographic of 20 to 49 years old, the metropolitan area averaged 2.7% with a peak of 3.1%, while nationwide it averaged 2.9% and peaked at 3.3%, making it number one across all channels, including terrestrial networks, on both Saturdays and Sundays (based on paid platforms including cable, IPTV, and satellite / provided by Nielsen Korea).

Gathered in the medical department, the residents, each preoccupied with their tasks, noticed Oh Yeo-young's messenger status indicating she was contemplating leaving her position. However, Professor Seo Jeong-min (played by Lee Bong-ryeon) had been providing her with various opportunities, from writing abstracts for papers to assisting in surgeries and consultations. Kim Sa-bi, who had always respected Seo Jeong-min, voiced her complaints in a sharp tone, freezing the atmosphere.

Additionally, Seo Jeong-min assigned Oh Yeo-young to be the primary physician for a pregnant woman with a heart defect. This case was so rare that even the head of the Thoracic Surgery Department, Kim Jun-wan (played by Jung Kyung-ho), was involved in consultations, making it a situation requiring much study for Oh Yeo-young. She sent an SOS signal to Kim Sa-bi, but Kim Sa-bi indirectly refused her request, maintaining a strained relationship. Furthermore, Kim Sa-bi even ripped off the post-it note with a message from Seo Jeong-min to Oh Yeo-young, causing shock. To make matters worse, Oh Yeo-young witnessed this scene, intensifying the tension.

Amidst this, when the pregnant woman sadly lost the baby, a significant responsibility fell on Oh Yeo-young, the attending physician, to collect skin samples from the deceased infant for testing. Having witnessed a resident dealing with severe trauma after performing a similar task during their internship, Oh Yeo-young confided her fears to Gu Do-won (played by Jung Jun-won), who advised her to seek support from friends.

Remembering Kim Sa-bi, who had shown interest in this case, Oh Yeo-young cautiously requested help, saying, "Let’s do it together; I’m just scared," pretending not to notice that Kim Sa-bi had ripped off the post-it note. Since Kim Sa-bi had been feeling guilty about causing troubles for Oh Yeo-young, she took her friend's hand, bringing warmth to the scene.

In particular, Kim Sa-bi tried to find ways to alleviate Oh Yeo-young's burden and showed a changed attitude. The two respectfully issued a death pronouncement for the baby and bid their final farewells, leaving viewers feeling emotional. Seo Jeong-min also comforted the grieving mother, who had to endure the farewell alone, further adding to the poignant atmosphere.

At the same time, Pyun Nam-gyeong found herself engaged in a subtle battle of nerves with nurse Yeo Joo-yeon (played by Kim Do-kyung) due to a comment from fellow resident Myung Eung-won (played by Kim Hye-in). She mistakenly thought Yeo Joo-yeon was siding with senior resident Cha Da-hye (played by Hong Na-hyun) against her fellow resident Eom Jae-il. However, contrary to Pyun Nam-gyeong's expectation, Eom Jae-il maintained a good relationship with Yeo Joo-yeon, leaving Pyun Nam-gyeong confused.

Feeling uncomfortable from the unnecessary rivalry, Pyun Nam-gyeong first apologized to Yeo Joo-yeon for her actions while Yeo Joo-yeon took care of a patient's vomit, restoring their relationship. The scene of the obstetrics and gynecology medical staff sharing snacks and wrapping up their day evoked a sense of warmth.

Moreover, the first-year residents, who had typically eaten their meals alone, went out to eat together for the first time, indicating that they had grown closer. Though they may not openly show it, the residents are gradually permeating each other's lives, and expectations are rising regarding what kind of relationships they will build as colleagues and friends.

The daily tumultuous life of first-year residents, who have transitioned from colleagues to true friends, continues in the tvN weekend drama "Resident Playbook," airing every Saturday and Sunday at 9:20 p.m.

[Photo] Provided

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