Why Everyone’s Rewatching This Classic 2020 K-Drama—278% Spike in Views Explained

On May 21, Korean streaming platform TVING announced that its content strategy focused on season-based dramas is paying off—citing a major surge in viewers for its hit franchise, ''Hospital Playlist''.

Shortly after tvN’s new drama ''Resident Playbook'' premiered on April 12, viewer numbers for both Season 1 and Season 2 of ''Hospital Playlist'' skyrocketed. According to Tving, Season 1 saw a 278% increase in viewership, while Season 2 rose by 219%. The new release effectively drove audiences back to previous seasons, showcasing the measurable impact of strong franchise IPs on content consumption.

TVING shared plans to double down on this strategy—building a system that encourages viewers to watch both new and existing content in a connected way, to stand out in an increasingly competitive OTT market.

'Hospital Playlist' Reinforces the Power of Seasonal Dramas

The first season of ''Hospital Playlist'' aired in 2020 and quickly became a weekly ritual for Korean viewers every Thursday. Unlike conventional medical dramas, it charmed audiences with its warm storytelling, human-centered narratives, and emotionally rich direction. While set in a hospital, the show avoided dark or overly dramatic tropes, instead focusing on the lives and relationships of five friends who graduated from Seoul National University Medical School in 1999.

The main characters—Lee Ik-jun (hepato-pancreato-biliary surgery), An Jeong-won (pediatric surgery), Yang Seok-hyeong (obstetrics and gynecology), Kim Jun-wan (cardiothoracic surgery), and Chae Song-hwa (neurosurgery)—reunite at the same hospital, navigating life, work, and friendship together.

Though medical themes are present, the core of the series lies in the emotional choices and bonds between characters. It delicately portrays ethical dilemmas, life-and-death decisions, and moving stories of patients and their families—all while maintaining a soothing and hopeful tone.

A standout element beloved by fans was the band scenes. After work, the main characters would gather to play instruments and sing together, adding emotional depth to the series. Actress Jeon Mi-do’s performance of “I Knew I Love” became a chart-topping hit, extending the show’s influence beyond TV.

Spin-Off Success Validates the Franchise Model

The second season, released in 2021, continued to generate buzz and high ratings—its finale surpassed 14% nationwide viewership. Over the course of both seasons, ''Hospital Playlist'' proved that seasonal dramas could be both commercially successful and culturally resonant.

Nearly four years later, the newly launched ''Resident Playbook'' serves as a spin-off. While the cast changed, the story remained within the familiar universe of the original series, immediately attracting interest. Ratings climbed steadily throughout its run, with the final episode reaching 8.1%.

This trend reflects a broader shift in the OTT landscape. Platforms like Tving are moving beyond the race to secure flashy new content and are instead building long-term engagement through legacy IPs and interconnected viewing models.

TVING also recently found success with another franchise—ENA’s military-themed series ''The New Recruit 3''. Its release reignited interest in Seasons 1 and 2, demonstrating once again the power of seasonal and franchise-based content in Korea’s evolving streaming market.

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