tvN's 'Eventually, a Wise Resident Life' to Premiere Summer 2025

tvN's upcoming drama '언젠가는 슬기로울 전공의생활' (Eventually, a Wise Resident Life) is gearing up for a summer 2025 release after facing two previous scheduling setbacks. According to recent reports, the network has decided that further delays are not feasible due to issues related to OTT platforms and penalties.

Originally slated for a 2024 premiere, the show was postponed to the second half of the year, with the network opting to air '졸업' (Graduation) instead. Teaser videos had already been released, generating excitement among viewers. However, an unexpected medical crisis led to a swift change in plans, pushing the anticipated premiere from the first half of 2024 to the latter half. The show was initially expected to follow '눈물의 여왕' (Queen of Tears) in May, but a medical strike derailed those plans, leading to further delays.

As one of the most popular genres in South Korea, medical dramas have high expectations, especially since '슬기로운 의사생활' (Hospital Playlist) was a major hit. However, the ongoing medical strike, sparked by resident doctors protesting against government policies to increase medical school admissions, has caused significant disruptions in the production of medical dramas. The public's negative sentiment towards the medical community has also contributed to the hesitance in airing such shows, as there are concerns about glorifying doctors amidst the ongoing crisis.

Recently, tvN unveiled its 2025 lineup, but '슬전생' was notably absent, raising concerns about another indefinite delay. In response, a tvN representative clarified that only part of the lineup was revealed and that scheduling is not yet finalized.

Despite the uncertainty, insiders have indicated that '슬전생' is being considered for a summer 2025 slot, as the network believes it can no longer postpone the show due to the unpredictable nature of the medical strike. However, the timing remains tentative, with tvN officials stating that nothing is confirmed yet.

The industry anticipates that the production and airing of medical dramas, including '슬전생', will resume soon. This new series is created by the acclaimed team behind '슬기로운 의사생활', including director 신원호 (Shin Won-ho) and writer 이우정 (Lee Woo-jung). The script is penned by 김송희 (Kim Song-hee), who previously worked as a supporting writer on '슬의생' and '응답하라 1988' (Reply 1988), while directing duties are handled by 이민수 (Lee Min-soo), known for '얼룩' (Stain) and '낯선 계절에 만나' (Meeting in a Strange Season).

Unlike its predecessor, which was set in the main Yulje Hospital, '슬전생' shifts the focus to the obstetrics and gynecology residents at the Jongno Yulje Hospital. The cast includes 고윤정 (Go Yoon-jung), 신시아 (Cynthia), 강유석 (Kang Yoo-seok), 한예지 (Han Ye-ji), and 정준원 (Jung Jun-won), who will portray the lives of these residents.