PD Shin Won Ho + Actors of "Hospital Playlist" Talk About Casting, Why The Drama Will Only Air Once A Week, And More

Producing director (PD) Shin Won Ho of “Prison Playbook” and the “Reply” series is returning soon with “Hospital Playlist,” starring Jo Jung Suk, Yoo Yeon Seok, Jung Kyung Ho, Kim Dae Myung, and Jeon Mi Do.

The drama tells the story of doctors who become friends in medical school and lead seemingly normal yet slightly special lives. On March 10, the above cast and crew of “Hospital Playlist” did a live broadcast of their press conference due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

Jo Jung Suk plays Ik Joon, who perfectly embodies the “work hard, play hard” philosophy. Yoo Yeon Seok plays paediatric surgeon Jung Won, who is an angel to his patients but extremely sensitive with his colleagues. Jung Kyung Ho portrays the perfectionist thoracic surgeon Joon Wan, who is excellent at self-care.

Kim Dae Myung plays Seok Hyung, an obstetrics and gynecology doctor who finds fitting in and mingling to be uncomfortable. Jeon Mi Do plays neurosurgeon Song Hwa, who is the only woman in their friend group.

Shin Won Ho explained why “Hospital Playlist” is planned to have multiple seasons. He said, “I wanted to create a drama that didn’t initially have a decided ending or an ending at all. However, the viewers have to give us love for there to be another season. Holding meetings and discussions while leaving the finale open-ended allowed for a lot of new ideas and directions.”

The drama will also only air one episode weekly. Shin Won Ho explained, “To put it simply, we planned it like that so we could survive. The concept of two episodes weekly was effective in the past, but after discussing the competitiveness, skyrocketing production fees, and the changing working environments of dramas, I wondered whether it would be possible. That’s why I considered doing one episode weekly. This is why this drama has to do well, so it can become a new model for the broadcasting industry.”

Regarding his decision to join the drama, Jo Jung Suk revealed, “There was no reason not to do a drama with this story after meeting the director. Since I enjoyed his previous projects so much, I honestly said I would do it without even reading the script or knowing the title.”

Jung Kyung Ho and Yoo Yeon Seok have worked with Shin Won Ho in the past, on “Prison Playbook” and “Reply 1994” respectively. Regarding their reunion, Jung Kyung Ho shared, “I kept calling Shin Won Ho and nagging him saying I wanted to do it.” Shin Won Ho made everyone laugh by replying, “Jung Kyung Ho called to nag me day and night.”

Yoo Yeon Seok also commented, “First off, since I’m working with the director again, the writer and most of the key staff members were also the same. I was able to rediscover the feeling of family while filming.”

Jeon Mi Do, who is appearing in her first lead drama role, shared, “Even just sitting here and doing an interview is so fascinating and going to set is also so fascinating. I am trying not to forget how thankful I am even after we finish filming.”

The group also discussed their goals for their premiere’s viewership ratings. Jung Kyung Ho revealed that he wanted 10.1 percent, while Kim Dae Myung and Jo Jung Suk said 11 and 12 percent respectively. However, Shin Won Ho shared, “I also would love for high ratings, but realistically, airing one episode a week has an inevitably lower impact. Also, the premiere overlaps with ‘Mister Trot.’ I think we overlap with that amazing program for about 20 minutes, so considering a lot of variables, I want to simply say 4 percent.”

Lastly, Shin Won Ho shared the message he wanted to convey through “Hospital Playlist.” He commented, “I have never once thought about that while working on a project. I’ve tried to let go of any ambition about preparing and conveying a certain message.”

He continued, “Rather than sharing a message, I worked hard to create a relatable story. Overall, I think comfort is knowing ‘You feel the way I feel.’ We prepared a story that will make many viewers cry, applaud, and feel touched.”

“Hospital Playlist” premieres on March 12 at 9 p.m. KST. Check out the latest teaser here!

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