Resident Playbook's 'illusion-angled' kiss scene frustrates fans: ¡®Why did they kiss like it¡¯s a makjang drama?¡¯

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.

The long-awaited confession finally happens

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.

A heartfelt park confession followed by an 'awkward' kiss

I TOLD YOUUUUU ITS PERFECTTTTTTTTT AND THEY REALLY HUGGGGGGGG ?????#ResidentPlaybook #ResidentPlaybookEp9 https://t.co/yuS3B9o2bP pic.twitter.com/SdEu5ouGhe

¡ª gu dowon defender (@sprinkleflakes) May 10, 2025

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.

Fans criticise the kiss: ¡®This is frying me'

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.¡±

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 im abt to riot ??#ResidentPlaybookEp9

pic.twitter.com/lawvhZpfeV

¡ª lou. (@gyj4ws) May 10, 2025

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¡±

this is frying me?? why did they kiss like they're in a makjang drama with an illusion-angled kiss shfjsdfhja #ResidentPlaybookEp9pic.twitter.com/kkWuK2kfzo

¡ª eni .? ? (@aidollze) May 10, 2025

A third fan echoed the sentiment more bluntly: ¡°WHAT WAS THAT KISS??? YALL ARE TEASING US WTFFFFFF #ResidentPlaybookEp9¡±

WHAT WAS THAT KISS??? YALL ARE TEASING US WTFFFFFF #ResidentPlaybookEp9 pic.twitter.com/uxZ2Iy50kL

¡ª Medi ¡¯oh yiyoung no 1 supporter ?. .? (@theprophecyc) May 10, 2025

Three episodes left to redeem the romance

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.

For all the latest K-drama, K-pop, and Hallyuwood updates, keep following our coverage here.