Shin Si-ah’s Secret to Nailing Her Role in ‘Resident Playbook’? Her Grandfather

On the afternoon of May 19, Shin Si-ah sat down for a wrap-up interview at a café in Nonhyeon-dong, Seoul, following the finale of tvN’s Resident Playbook (Korean title: Someday, a Wise Resident Life). She revealed that she sought guidance from her grandfather while preparing for her role.

The series, which aired its final episode on May 18, is a spin-off of Hospital Playlist and follows a group of medical residents at Yulje Medical Center as they struggle, grow, and discover their passion for medicine. Shin Si-ah played Pyo Nam-kyeong, a first-year OB/GYN resident.

Reflecting on her experience, Shin Si-ah called her drama debut “the biggest blessing of my life” and shared her thoughts on taking on a challenging medical role.

“I felt I had to look like I belonged in that world,” she said. “I tried not to overthink it and just act naturally. I also asked for a lot of advice—my grandfather was a practicing internal medicine doctor until he retired last year.”

She explained that her grandfather was happy to help: “The more I asked, the more he seemed to enjoy it. It meant a lot to be able to appear in a drama while he’s still healthy.” She added, “My grandparents always cherished me as their first granddaughter, so I’m glad I could make them proud in this way.”

Shin Si-ah concluded, “This whole experience has made me feel a stronger sense of responsibility. It really motivates me to work even harder moving forward.”

‘Resident Playbook’ Surpasses Expectations with 10% Ratings Milestone

tvN’s Resident Playbook (starring Go Youn-jung, Kang You-seok, Shin Si-ah, Han Ye-ji and Jung Joon-won) has become a sleeper hit, capturing the hearts of viewers across Korea. As a spin-off of the beloved Hospital Playlist series, the drama had big shoes to fill—and it delivered. During its run, Resident Playbook surpassed the coveted 10% viewership rating mark, an impressive feat for a cable medical drama.

Set in the familiar yet emotionally rich world of Yulje Medical Center, the series follows a new generation of residents navigating their first chaotic year in medicine. Through a perfect blend of heartwarming moments, medical realism, and coming-of-age vulnerability, the show resonated deeply with audiences—particularly younger viewers facing similar life uncertainties.

Shin Si-ah, in her role as OB/GYN resident Pyo Nam-kyeong, stood out as a breakout star. Her performance brought both sincerity and spark to the screen, contributing to the show’s strong buzz on social media and streaming platforms. From its relatable characters to its subtle emotional arcs, Resident Playbook became more than just a spin-off—it earned its place as a healing drama in its own right.

Shin Si-ah’s Big Screen Comeback: The Old Woman with the Knife

Following her breakout in Resident Playbook, Shin Si-ah is stepping into darker territory with the newly released film The Old Woman with the Knife, which hit theaters on April 30, 2025. She joins a powerful ensemble cast including Lee Hye-young, Kim Mu-yeol, Yeon Woo-jin, and Kim Sung-cheol.

This gritty action-thriller centers around a once-feared female assassin who, now in her 60s and living a quiet life as a caregiver, is suddenly forced back into the shadows of her past. When a string of killings threatens to expose her old identity, she must face both relentless enemies and unresolved trauma—alongside unexpected allies, including a mysterious young woman played by Shin Si-ah.

Known for its sharp direction and emotionally charged performances, the film delivers both high-stakes action and an introspective look at aging, guilt, and redemption in a world that doesn’t forgive easily.

A Rising Star with Depth

Whether portraying a first-year OB/GYN resident in Resident Playbook or entering the action-packed world of aging assassins in The Old Woman with the Knife, Shin Si-ah is proving she’s more than just a fresh face—she’s an actress with range and emotional depth. With her roots grounded in thoughtful preparation (even turning to family for guidance), she continues to build a career marked by both versatility and authenticity.

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