Episode 9 of the hit medical K-drama Resident Playbook was supposed to deliver a long-anticipated payoff for fans who have been rooting for the slow-burn romance between Oh Yi Yeong (played by Go Youn Jung) and Jung Jun Won (played by Goo Do Won). While the episode finally featured a confession and a kiss, the way it all played out left many viewers unimpressed ¡ª and even annoyed.
For weeks, viewers have watched Oh Yi Yeong, an otherwise unenthusiastic first-year resident, express her affection for Jung Jun Won, the serious fourth-year chief resident in obstetrics and gynecology. Their relationship has been complicated not only by their hospital hierarchy but also by family ties, as Oh's sister is married to Jung¡¯s brother. Jung had rejected Yi Yeong¡¯s feelings earlier, fearing the implications of a romantic relationship. But as she began growing closer to a colleague from another department, Jung was forced to confront his own feelings.
In episode 9, Jung makes a plan to confess. He sets up a romantic dinner, even orders flowers, but everything goes wrong. The flower delivery boy gets into an accident, his reservation is for the wrong date, and the whole plan falls apart. Heartbroken, Yi Yeong ends up at a karaoke session with fellow first-year residents instead of on a date with Jung.
Later that night, Yi Yeong runs into Jung sitting alone at a park. Frustrated and disappointed, she vents about the failed date. Jung finally gathers the courage to confess his feelings, and Yi Yeong responds by hugging him, with the two officially becoming a couple. When they return home, they realize their siblings are on a trip, potentially giving them time alone. But Jung, still feeling awkward about their new dynamic, uses work as an excuse to leave.
However, the two share a moment in the elevator before he goes. It¡¯s here where the long-awaited kiss finally happens ¡ª or almost does.
Instead of delivering a genuine kiss scene, the show presents an illusion-style angle where it looks like a kiss but doesn¡¯t quite show it. The camera cuts and stylized framing left many viewers frustrated.
One fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter): ¡°The PDs definitely knew what they were doing by giving this angle. They were like, ¡®Not giving it to you fully just yet¡.¡¯ PLEASE, WE HAVE 3 EPS LEFT. THAT REAL YOUNGWON KISS BETTER BE IN THOSE EPS SOMEWHERE, OR I¡¯M ABOUT TO RIOT.¡±
Another viewer posted: ¡°This is frying me. Why did they kiss like they¡¯re in a makjang drama with an illusion-angled kiss? shfjsdfhja #ResidentPlaybookEp9¡±
A third fan echoed the sentiment more bluntly: ¡°WHAT WAS THAT KISS??? YALL ARE TEASING US WTFFFFFF #ResidentPlaybookEp9¡±
With just a few episodes remaining, fans are hoping the series will make up for the lackluster kiss scene with a more sincere and emotionally grounded romantic moment. While Resident Playbook has delivered strong character arcs and emotional storytelling so far, it seems viewers aren¡¯t ready to let this particular scene slide. Whether the show will deliver the real kiss fans are demanding remains to be seen.
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