I’m so excited to share this news—Kim Jun Han is stepping back into the scrubs of Ahn Chi Hong for a special cameo in Resident Playbook! The announcement came earlier today, just in time for tonight’s episode airing at 9:20 PM KST on tvN. As a huge fan of Hospital Playlist, seeing another familiar face from Yulje Medical Center pop up in this spin-off has me buzzing. Let’s dive into what this cameo means, what we can expect from Ahn Chi Hong’s return, and why this moment is so special for fans like me!
A Nostalgic Return to Yulje Medical Center
Resident Playbook is a spin-off of the beloved Hospital Playlist, which aired from 2020 to 2021 and stole hearts with its mix of medical drama, friendship, and humor. While Hospital Playlist followed the tight-knit “99z” squad of doctors at the main branch of Yulje Medical Center, Resident Playbook shifts focus to the Jongro branch, spotlighting a new crew of first-year OB-GYN residents navigating the chaos of hospital life. The series, which premiered on April 12, 2025, stars Go Youn-jung as the blunt Oh Yi-young, alongside Shin Si-ah, Kang You-seok, Han Ye-ji, and Jung Joon-won.
But the real treat for fans has been the string of cameos from Hospital Playlist characters, and Kim Jun Han’s return as Ahn Chi Hong is the latest in a line of nostalgic surprises. In Hospital Playlist, Ahn Chi Hong was a third-year neurosurgery resident with a quiet charm and a major crush on Chae Song-hwa (Jeon Mi-do). His unrequited love story broke my heart, and his departure in Season 1 left a lot of us wondering what happened to him. Now, we finally get a glimpse of his new chapter!
What’s Ahn Chi Hong Up to Now?
According to the Resident Playbook production team, Ahn Chi Hong has transferred from the main branch of Yulje Medical Center to the Jongro branch, making him a key link between the two hospitals. This makes so much sense—Jongro and the main branch are part of the same system, so it’s natural for doctors to move between them for cases, research, or mentorship. I’m curious to see how Chi Hong’s role plays out in tonight’s episode, especially since he’s stepping into a story that’s already packed with drama.
The episode also teases a subplot where Pyo Nam-kyung (Shin Si-ah) is on a mission to recruit intern Tak Ki-on (Cha Kang-yoon) to the OB-GYN department, which is struggling with a staff shortage. Nam-kyung’s desperate pitch—and Tak’s aloof response—sounds like it’ll bring some humor to the mix, and I’m wondering if Chi Hong might get roped into this chaos. Maybe he’ll offer some sage advice as a seasoned doctor, or perhaps his presence will stir up new dynamics among the residents. Either way, I’m thrilled to see Kim Jun Han back in action!
Why This Cameo Hits Hard
Kim Jun Han’s return is extra special because Ahn Chi Hong was such a fan-favorite in Hospital Playlist. He brought a quiet intensity to the role, balancing professionalism with vulnerability, especially in his scenes with Song-hwa. I still remember how he’d linger in the background, watching her with that mix of admiration and longing—it was so bittersweet! Kim Jun Han’s performance made Chi Hong a character you couldn’t help but root for, even if his love story didn’t have a happy ending.
This cameo also adds to the growing list of Hospital Playlist stars popping up in Resident Playbook. We’ve already seen Jung Kyung-ho as Kim Jun-wan in Episode 4, where he scolded Oh Yi-young for her mistakes but later showed his softer side by supporting a struggling Professor Seo. Ahn Eun-jin appeared as Chu Min-ha in Episode 2, confirming her marriage to Yang Seok-hyung (Kim Dae-myung), which had me squealing with joy. Yoo Yeon-seok, Ha Yoon-kyung, Moon Tae-yu, and even Bae Hyeon-seong have also made appearances, with more of the 99z squad—like Jo Jung-suk and Jeon Mi-do—expected before the season ends on May 18. It’s like a mini-reunion, and I’m loving every second of it!
Fans Are Losing It (In a Good Way)
The buzz on social media today has been electric. Fans on X are calling Kim Jun Han’s return “long overdue” and “the cameo we didn’t know we needed.” One post gushed, “Ahn Chi Hong still cut my heart!!! Welcome back, Kim Jun Han!” Another shared stills from the episode, saying, “OMG, long time no see—Chi Hong looks amazing!” I totally get the excitement—it’s been four years since we last saw Chi Hong, and seeing him back in the Yulje universe feels like catching up with an old friend.
But I also can’t help wondering about the bigger picture. Hospital Playlist fans have been clamoring for a Season 3 ever since the second season ended in 2021, and these cameos feel like a tease. Director Shin Won-ho has hinted at wanting to make another season, especially with the cast’s enthusiasm, but nothing’s been confirmed. Shows like Resident Playbook are a great way to keep the universe alive, but I’m keeping my fingers crossed for more of the 99z squad’s story someday.
Why ‘Resident Playbook’ Is Worth Watching
Even without the cameos, Resident Playbook has been a solid watch so far. It captures the high-stakes chaos of residency—think late-night deliveries, endless mistakes, and the pressure of saving lives—while weaving in the same heartwarming friendships that made Hospital Playlist so special. The new cast brings a fresh energy, with Go Youn-jung’s Yi-young stealing the show as a resident who’s brutally honest but deeply caring. The OB-GYN setting adds a unique layer, especially in an era of low birth rates in South Korea, which the show subtly nods to through its focus on the “unpopular” department.
That said, some fans online have noted that Resident Playbook doesn’t quite hit the same emotional highs as its predecessor. The residents are still amateurs, making rookie mistakes, which can feel frustrating compared to the polished doctors of Hospital Playlist. I get that—it’s a different vibe, more about growth than expertise—but I think it’s a refreshing change. Plus, the cameos add just enough nostalgia to keep things exciting.
Don’t Miss Tonight’s Episode!
Kim Jun Han’s cameo airs tonight, May 3, at 9:20 PM KST on tvN, and it’ll be available on Netflix in select regions shortly after. I’m setting a reminder because I can’t wait to see Ahn Chi Hong back in action, even if it’s just for one episode. Will he still be the same earnest, slightly awkward doctor we loved? Will he mention Song-hwa or his old friends? I’m dying to find out!
If you’re a Hospital Playlist fan, this cameo is a must-watch moment. And if you haven’t checked out Resident Playbook yet, it’s the perfect time to jump in—you’ll get the best of both worlds with new stories and familiar faces. What do you think of Kim Jun Han’s return? Are you hoping for more Hospital Playlist cameos? Let me know—I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Source: Soompi
