The much-awaited medical K-Drama Wise Resident Life has had its release shelved for the remainder of this year, following the ongoing medical strikes in South Korea. Originally set to air on CJ ENM‘s tvN, the series has now been indefinitely postponed, causing disappointment among viewers eagerly waiting for the show.
Wise Resident Life was initially expected to be a major hit, focusing on the lives and dedication of resident doctors working in a hospital. However, the mass resignation of medical residents protesting the government’s plan to increase the number of medical school admissions led to significant delays in production and scheduling. The escalating public frustration with the strikes has made the situation worse, sparking concerns that airing a medical drama at this time could further ignite negative reactions.
While CJ ENM had originally pushed the series to the second half of 2024, recent developments have made it clear that airing the drama this year is no longer feasible. A representative from the network acknowledged that they are still in the process of rescheduling but admitted it will be difficult to find a new release window anytime soon.
It’s difficult to broadcast this year. We are still coordinating the schedule.
— CJ ENM representative
The strikes, which have left many patients without proper care, have only worsened public perception of the medical profession. When tvN released teasers for the series, online comments were overwhelmingly critical, with many accusing the network of glorifying doctors in a time of crisis. Several commenters suggested the show should include scenes portraying the current situation, such as doctors walking out on critical surgeries to strike.
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Wise Resident Life had also been planned for release on Netflix, raising concerns about potential breach-of-contract penalties following the cancellation. The series’ indefinite delay now leaves CJ ENM facing an uncertain future with its international distribution plans.
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