Go Youn-jung’s Scene-Stealing Secret — Who Was That Nurse in the Last Episode?

One actress made a powerful impression in the finale of tvN’s Resident Playbook.

Choi Yoon-ji, the breakout star, appeared in the May 17 episode as Lee Chae-ryeong, a newly assigned nurse in the OB-GYN delivery ward. On her very first day, Chae-ryeong unexpectedly catches OB-GYN residents Oh Yi-young (played by Go Youn-jung) and Koo Do-won (Jung Joon-won) in a secret romantic moment—instantly drawing attention with her wide-eyed reaction.

She quickly proves herself to be a dependable nurse, confidently assisting a senior professor through a high-stakes childbirth. But it was a deeper layer of her character that truly touched viewers—her emotional connection with Oh Yi-young.

The episode reveals that Chae-ryeong and Yi-young have a fated past. While they were working together in dermatology, Yi-young once bit a senior doctor’s hand to protect Chae-ryeong from sexual harassment. That incident led to rumors and ultimately forced Yi-young to leave the hospital. Chae-ryeong calmly recounts the event, delivering a heartfelt thank-you that left viewers moved.

Choi Yoon-ji delivered a nuanced performance, portraying a pure-hearted nurse who skillfully supports her patients while conveying deep emotional sincerity. Her clear visuals and calm yet expressive delivery helped her make a lasting impact.

She previously debuted in tvN’s Love Your Enemy and later showcased her emotional range in the Netflix series Trunk.

Choi will next appear in tvN’s upcoming drama Love, Take Two, where she plays Lee Hyo-ri—a bright med student turned rebellious free spirit, and the proud daughter of single mom Lee Ji-an (played by Yum Jung-ah). Viewers can look forward to seeing a different side of her as she takes on a more complex and youthful role.

Meanwhile, the finale of Resident Playbook soared to new heights, recording its highest ratings yet. According to Nielsen Korea, the drama earned an average of 8.6% and a peak of 10% in Seoul metropolitan households, and nationwide ratings of 8.1% average and 9.2% peak—ranking No.1 in its time slot across all channels, including terrestrial broadcasters.

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