Japanese Netizens Vote: Top 10 Best Netflix K-Dramas of the First Half of the Year
Ko Yoon-jung’s Resident Playlist Ranks 2nd — But the No. 1 Pick Is Totally Unexpected!
🏥 #2 — Resident Playlist
A spin-off of the beloved medical drama Hospital Playlist, Resident Playlist follows a new generation of doctors at the fictional Rudi Hospital’s obstetrics and gynecology department.
The series stars rising actress Ko Yoon-jung, who gained massive popularity through Moving and Resurrection: Light and Shadow. She’s joined by a talented cast, including:
- Shin Si-ah, dubbed the “monster rookie” after her breakout in The Witch Part II: The Other One
- Kang Yoo-seok, known for his role as IU’s younger brother in Shades of the Heart
- Jung Joon-won and Han Ye-ji, recognized for their performances in VIP
The story centers on a group of first-year OB-GYN residents navigating the chaotic, emotionally intense world of medicine while also dealing with their own personal growth and relationships.
Though the series starts off slowly, its realistic tone, heartwarming moments, and gradual character development have earned it comparisons to Dr. Romantic. Fans especially love the sweet and quirky “in-law couple” pairing of Ko Yoon-jung and Jung Joon-won, which has become a fan-favorite dynamic.
💕 #9 — Love in the Sky
Also known as Love Sprouting, this romantic comedy is helmed by director Kang Il-soo (Rookie Historian Goo Hae-ryung) and screenwriter Jin Soo, reuniting for another heartfelt series.
Starring:
- Lee Sun-bin, known from Work Later, Drink Now
- Kang Tae-oh, beloved from Extraordinary Attorney Woo
The drama is set in the unique world of the Valley Potato Research Institute, where two polar opposites clash and eventually fall in love. With its charming rural setting and slow-burn romance, Love in the Sky uses witty food metaphors like “baked, fried, and stewed” to describe their growing affection—making it a delightful and offbeat watch.