New Drama 'One Day, a Wise Doctor's Life' Premieres with Strong Ratings

The new tvN drama, One Day, a Wise Doctor's Life (언젠가는 슬기로울 전공의생활), made a striking debut on April 12, 2025, featuring the first-year residents of the Obstetrics and Gynecology department at Jongno Yulje Hospital. The main characters include Oh Yi-young (고윤정), Pyo Nam-kyung (신시아), Eom Jae-il (강유석), and Kim Sa-bi (한예지), who navigate the ups and downs of their new medical careers, resonating with viewers through their relatable struggles.

The premiere episode achieved impressive ratings, with an average of 4.4% and a peak of 6.2% in the metropolitan area, and 3.7% and 5.2% nationwide, securing the top spot among cable and general programming channels during its time slot. Among the target demographic of viewers aged 20-49, the show garnered an average rating of 2.8% in the metropolitan area and 2.6% nationwide, marking a successful start for the series.

The episode opens with Oh Yi-young's haunting nightmare about leaving her medical career, leading into the daily lives of the residents who each have their own reasons for joining the hospital. From Yi-young, who is burdened with debt, to Kim Sa-bi, who has consistently excelled academically, the diverse personalities of the four young doctors add depth to the narrative.

Their initial experiences in the operating room are filled with tension and mistakes, evoking both laughter and sympathy from the audience. As they face the challenges of their new roles, the residents' growth is evident, particularly when Eom Jae-il finally gets an answer right after struggling to provide correct information.

A pivotal moment occurs when Oh Yi-young assists in delivering a baby in the hospital corridor, unexpectedly making her a local celebrity. This experience profoundly impacts her, leading to a heartfelt apology that diffuses tension with Professor Seo Jeong-min (이봉련), known for her strict demeanor.

However, the arrival of a surprising antagonist, Myung Eun-won (김혜인), who previously clashed with fellow resident Choo Min-ha (안은진), adds a layer of intrigue to the story. Myung's ominous demeanor hints at the challenges that lie ahead for the first-year residents.

Additionally, it is revealed that Oh Yi-young and fourth-year resident Gu Do-won (구도원) are related by marriage and live together, further intertwining their personal and professional lives.

One Day, a Wise Doctor's Life captivates viewers with its portrayal of the chaotic yet hopeful lives of first-year residents at Jongno Yulje Hospital, blending the familiar emotional tones of the Wise Doctor Life series with fresh, engaging storytelling. The performances of the young cast, combined with immersive background music and realistic surgical details, enhance the viewing experience, leaving audiences eager for more.

The journey of passionate young doctors Oh Yi-young, Shin Sia, Kang Yu-seok, and Han Ye-ji continues in the second episode, airing tonight at 9:20 PM on tvN.