Summary
ThoughHospital Playlistis primarily amedical K-dramathat focuses on the working lives of five doctors, there is also a heavy focus on music that results in incredible song covers byHospital Playlist’s main cast.The five main cast members are well renowned for their acting and singing abilitiesand have performed on stage and screen with great success.Hospital Playlistcapitalizes on their duel acting and singing talents to add a delightful extra charm to a greatensemble K-drama.
Chae Song-hwa
Bass guitar
What makesHospital Playlist’s covers even more special is thatthe cast not only sings but also plays the instruments. Several of the main cast, including Jeon Mi-do and Kim Dae-myung, learned how to play their respective instruments for their roles. They even formed a band for the K-drama called Mi-do and Falasol, which refers to the only woman in the main cast - Jeon Mi-do - and three notes on a scale - Fa La Sol. Their on-screen band - named Gongryang Ridge after a difficult mountain trail - adds more depth toHospital Playlistand emphasizes the emotional impact of every episode through theK-drama’s incredible soundtrack.
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10Your Crush on Me - No Brain
Season 2, Episode 9
If there were awards for purposely singing off-key, Jeon Mi-do should have them all. Though she is a critically acclaimed musical theater actress,one of the best running gags throughoutHospital Playlistis that her character, Chae Song-hwa, cannot sing at all. ThroughoutHospital PlaylistJeon Mi-do delivers some absolutely hysterical off-key performances (such as season 2, episode 12’s karaoke cover of “Come On Baby Tonight” by Fin.kl.). Yet, her performance on this cover of No Brain’s “Your Crush on Me” is her absolute best.
Hospital Playlistalso happens to be Jeon Mi-do’s first ever K-drama as she had only acted in stage musicals up until this point. This adds further layers to the gag about Chae Song-hwa not being able to sing as singing has been a huge part of Jeon Mi-do’s career so far.
Compared to the stellar vocals of her bandmates, Song-hwa sticks out like a sore thumb. However,her relentless enthusiasm is infectiousas Song-hwa belts her heart out without hitting a single note. This alone makesHospital Playlist’s cover of “Your Crush On Me” fantastic. When combining Song-hwa’s delight with the varied expressions of pain, defeat, and wonder of her fellow bandmates, it makes this cover hard not to enjoy.
9Superstar - Lee Han-chul
Season 2, Episode 6
Hospital Playlistmay explore the ups and downs of hospital life, butit is ultimately a heartwarming ensemble K-drama that focuses on the friendship between the five main cast members, who just happen to all be doctors at the same hospital. Season 2, episode 6’s cover of “Superstar” by Lee Han-chul could not capture this feeling more perfectly as it assures both characters within the K-drama, as well as the audience watching, that things will be okay in the end.
Though Lee Ik-jun takes the lead as the main vocalist of Gongryang Ridge,it’s refreshing to see the vocal talents of some of the other members of the band.Hospital Playlistalready has a tight-knit and communal feel but giving a spotlight to other band members while sharing a message that things will be okay strengthens the cover’s final impact. Song-hwa is the only one who does not have a solo feature in the song (she is only allowed to sing leading vocals on her birthday), yet her scratchy backing vocals add another sense of charm to the scene and bring a lot of light to a seemingly darker time.
8At The Subway Stop In Front Of City Hall - Zoo
Season 1, Episode 6
There is something so calming aboutHospital Playlist’s cover of “At The Subway Stop In Front Of City Hall” by Zoo. Many individual elements come together to make this cover such a memorable addition toHospital Playlist’s soundtrack.Jo Jung-suk’s casual vocals perfectly capture the sentimental feeling of the song, while Kim Dae-myung’s keyboard skills are given a chance to shine and bring out the nostalgic tone of the music. The final harmonies are also excellent and provide a smooth build-up to the cover song.
This song comes towards the end ofHospital Playlist’s sixth episode and perfectly highlights the building relationship between Song-hwa and Ik-jun as well as his friendship with Jun-wan. Prior to the band playing on screen, flashbacks show Song-hwa, Ik-jun, and Jun-wan interviewing for their college course with “At The Subway Stop In Front Of City Hall” playing in the background. Though a different version of Gongryang Ridge’s cover plays in the background,it does not feel jarring but instead gives more impact to their cover.
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7Oh! What A Shiny Night - Crying Nut
Season 1, Episode 5
Hospital Playlistdoes a great job at using music to emphasize the reality of life as a doctorand season 1, episode 5’s cover of “Oh! What A Shiny Night!” by Crying Nut is a great example. This song has a melancholic yet upbeat feel as it tells the story of someone drunk late at night, wishing that the person that they love won’t leave them behind. Though no members of the main cast are drunk during this cover, it is late at night and shows just how quickly a situation can change.
Besides being a well-placed song, this cover is beautifully sung byHospital Playlist’s leads and is easy to listen to over and over again.
In the scene, Seok-hyeong and Ik-jun run out mid-song after receiving urgent calls from the hospital. As a result, Song-hwa, Jeong-won, and Jun-wan are left to complete the song alone. “Don’t leave” (가지 마라/ gaji mara in Korean) is one of the most repeated lyrics and is coincidentally sung when Seok-hyeong and Ik-jun both leave.This heightens the urgency of their leavingwhile also emphasizing their friends don’t want them to leave. Besides being a well-placed song, this cover is beautifully sung byHospital Playlist’s leads and is easy to listen to over and over again.
6The Rain and You - Park Joong-hoon
Season 2, Episode 1
Rain plays a big part inHospital Playlist. It’s heavily referenced in Ik-jun and Song-hwa’sfriends-to-lovers K-dramastoryline, as Song-hwa and Ik-jun often watch the rain together, butit also acts as catharsis for others. The first episode of season 2 ofHospital Playlistis no different, as it adds further emotions to the already devastating storyline between Jang Gyeo-ul (Shin Hyun-been) and the mother of a patient who recently lost her child.
In the past, Gyeo-ul has been criticized for her bedside manner, so this conversation with the mother of a patient feels like a great moment of character development.The underscore of the cover of “The Rain and You” perfectly elicits a rainy day feelingwhile amplifying the feelings of grief from a mother who is struggling to cope with her situation. The song is beautifully sung by Jon Jung-suk and performed by the rest of theHospital Playlistcast, who make this scene hard not to be affected by.
5Met You By Chance - Song Gol Mae
Season 1, Episode 9
“Met You By Chance” by Song Gol Mae is a song that is full of character and a great choice forHospital Playlist. Though this is Gongryang Ridge’s first performance in front of an audience,it brings out the best in their talents as they capture the addictive groove within the song. Song-hwa’s bass guitar is especially prevalent and gives “Met You By Chance” a great foundation while Jun-wan’s guitar solo adds charm to the performance. However, the best thing about this performance is how it relates to season 1, episode 9.
Like manyHospital Playlistsongs, this cover mirrors what is happening in the episode. Season 1, episode 9 heavily focuses on learning from mistakes, with several characters finding themselves reflecting on some of the not-so-great decisions they had made throughout the day. Ik-jun chastises himself after judging a patient too soon, while Gyeo-ul’s overuse of medical jargon confuses patients.This cover brightens spirits in a way onlyHospital Playlistcouldand reflects on feelings of foolishness but in a way that makes dancing seem a must.
4It’s My Life - Bon Jovi
Season 2, Episode 10
Hospital Playlist’s cover of “It’s My Life” by Bon Jovi is the only non-Korean song they sing during the two seasons ofHospital Playlist, but they absolutely make it count. “It’s My Life” is almost the exact opposite of everythingHospital Playlist’s band has covered up to this point, andthey pull out all the stops by dressing up in black and leather clothing for the occasion.
As Lee Ik-jun, Jo Jung-suk is naturally charismatic, but he really leans into the attitude of the song to give it the same feeling that Bon Jovi’s original does.
Jo Jung-suk was perfect for this song choice. As Lee Ik-jun, Jo Jung-suk is naturally charismatic, but he really leans into the attitude of the song to give it the same feeling that Bon Jovi’s original does. The rest of the cast also plays up to this new atmosphere and channels their more performative side, which adds to the overall appeal of this cover. However,noHospital Playlistcover is complete without Song-hwa’s backing vocals, which add a great touch of humor to a scene that is otherwise full of rock chic.
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3Confession Is Not Flashy - Lee Seung-hwan
Season 1, Episode 10
Season 1, episode 10 ofHospital Playlistfinally showcases more of the singing talents of Yoo Yeon-seok, who is given a chance to shine as one of the leading vocalists for Gyeongryang Ridge’s cover of “Confession is Not Flashy” by Lee Seung-hwan. As with many ofHospital Playlist’s cover songs, “Confession is Not Flashy” is full of apt meaning, and it is no coincidence that Jeong-won takes over the reins from Ik-jun for this song and does so with great prowess.
One of the main plotlines within the first season ofHospital Playlistis Jeong-won wanting to become a priest but questioning his choices after developing feelings for Jang Gyeo-ul. Before they perform “Confession Is Not Flashy” inHospital Playlist, there is a scene where Ik-jun tries to persuade Jeong-won to pursue his feelings for Gyeo-ul. This undertone is echoed throughout the performance as Ik-jun hands over the reins to Jeong-won and smiles with approval as Jeong-won sings about love.This is a great way thatHospital Playlistparallels Jeong-won’s main storylineand is expertly delivered by the two veteran actors.
2Me To You, You To Me - Jatanpung
Season 1, Episode 12
As the final song ofHospital Playlist’s first season, this cover of “Me To You, You To Me” by Jatanpung nicely encapsulates the feelings of bittersweet nostalgia and comfort thatHospital Playlistevokes. It also gives a sense of how close the cast are both on and off-screen as the music video shows some of their behind-the-scenes efforts, which is a nice touch that adds a further sense of depth to the recording. However,the best thing about this cover in particular is the vocals themselves.
Jeon Mi-do spends most ofHospital Playlistportraying Chae Song-hwa’s terrible singing. However, this cover allows her real singing voice. As the only woman in the main cast, it’s a nice touch to have her vocals be the one that opens and closes the song, as her singing voice is a lot more delicate than her peers. However, her cast mates' voices are just as impactful. Every member ofHospital Playlist’s main ensemble is given ample time to show their talents, butthey’re at their best when singing togetheras the blend of their voices is beautifully soothing.
1Aloha - Cool
Season 1, Episode 3
Hospital Playlistis full of great covers that show off the vocal talents of its incredible ensemble cast. Yet,Hospital Playlistis at its best when it lets its leading characters loose. What unfolds is often chaotic, but always hilarious and makes for a great watch.Hospital Playlist’s cover of “Aloha” by Cool is one of these instances, as it strips away the need for perfection and instead lives in the moment, creating a scene that is full of unbridled joy as well as a great cover.
Jo Jung-suk also recorded a solo version of “Aloha” for Hospital Playlist’s OST. This version won multiple awards, including Best OST at the Seoul Music Awards and the Golden Disc Awards, and peaked at number 1 in the Gaon and Melon charts.
What really sets this cover apart is how it captures every character’s personality. Ik-jun dramatically enters the room and demands attention from the others, who, of course, will not let him have it. Song-hwa is enthusiastic but cannot get a single note right, Seok-hyeong is quiet but full of surprises, Jeong-won is enjoying it a bit too much while Jun-wan just screams “I believe” for his own entertainment. This scene is one of the best moments inHospital Playlist, which makes this cover incredibly special.
Hospital Playlist
Cast
Hospital Playlist is a South Korean television series that follows the lives of five doctors working at a hospital. It explores their personal and professional struggles as they navigate the challenges of their jobs and personal relationships. The series delves into themes of friendship, love, and growth as the characters face various medical cases and personal struggles.
