Suppose you’ve been binge-watching Hospital Playlist and laughing at all the heartwarming moments and clever quips. In that case, you might have missed some of the show’s cheeky Easter eggs and references that pay homage to the director’s earlier works and Korean pop culture. Get ready to dive into the delightful world of subtle nods and hilarious puns sprinkled throughout the series. Here’s a round-up of some of the most entertaining Easter eggs you need to know!
1. Ko Ara’s Cameo as Jung-won’s Blind Date
Season 1, Episode 3
In this delightful scene, Jung-won’s mom sets him up with none other than Ko Ara, a face familiar to fans of Reply 1994. Their awkward interaction is like a cheeky wink to long-time fans, showcasing Shin Won-ho’s (director for both Reply 1994 and Hospital Playlist) love for intertwining actor fates across his dramas. It’s basically like K-drama fate!
2. Jo Jung-suk’s Karaoke Performance of “Aloha”
Season 1, Episode 7
When Ik-jun hits the karaoke scene, he shouts out his musical talents by singing his own “Aloha.” Since Jo Jung-suk is a musical theatre powerhouse, this performance is not just a character moment; it’s a delightful reminder of his real-life charm and a nod to the iconic success of the song in real life. You’ll be humming along before you know it!
3. Jung-won’s Love for Dwaeji Gukbap
Various Episodes
Jung-won’s obsession with pork soup is more than just a quirky trait; it’s a nod to his character from Reply 1994, Chilbong, who shares a similar food passion. This delicious crossover is a treat for fans who love seeing their favourite characters connect through food—and let’s be honest, who doesn’t?
4. Ik-jun’s “Wow” Gesture
Various Episodes
Ik Jun often has the best comebacks with puns and memes. One of the iconic memes is the ‘Wow’ sign he made with his arms and face that creates the shape of ‘와 = wa’. Even if people had done it before in real life, Ik Jun sure did make it a trend.
5. Jung-won’s Secret Love for Pediatrics
Various Episodes
Much like his character Chilbong, Jung-won is quietly compassionate towards children. This adds depth to his character, giving viewers a reason to root for him even more. If you thought his heart couldn’t get any bigger, think again!
6. Ik-jun Singing “Gee” During the Table Tennis Match
Season 1, Episode 8
Ah, the iconic moment when Dr Bong Kwang-hyun cramps up during a tense table tennis match, and Ik-jun bursts into a rendition of “Gee” by Girls’ Generation. This clever pun (since “cramp” in Korean is “jwi”) turns a stressful moment into comic gold, showcasing Ik-jun’s whimsical personality perfectly.
7. Cameo by Table Tennis Athlete Lee Sang-su & Hyun Jung-hwa
Season 1, Episode 8
In the same episode where Ik-jun entertains the crowd with “Gee,” table tennis athletes Lee Sang-su (ITTF Single Title Holder) and Hyun Jung-hwa (Retired Olympic Table Tennis athlete) make a cameo as themselves! Hence, why the HPB department always wins.
8. Na Young-seok PD Cameo
Season 2, Episode 4
For fans of variety shows, Na Young-seok’s cameo as Mone’s dade is a fun treat! His appearances are like little gifts that link the worlds of Hospital Playlist and his famous shows – New Journey to The West, the show that Seok-hyung always watches on his phone. The casts later had their own camping shows with said PD – HILARIOUS, BTW. That’s why Mone always goes camping with her father because his shows (irl) are mostly about overnight staycations with games and activities.
9. Ik-jun’s “Doctor Stranger” Reference
Season 2, Episode 5
When Ik-jun jokingly refers to himself as a “Doctor Stranger,” it’s a cheeky nod to the melodramatic series of the same name. It highlights the show’s self-awareness, poking fun at the genre while grounding itself in realistic storytelling.
10. Song-hwa’s Secret Love for the 90s Hit “Reunion”
Various Episodes
When Song-hwa reveals her love for the song “Reunion,” her friends’ surprise is pure gold. This playful character quirk shows that beneath her cool, competent facade lies a nostalgia that echoes the 90s vibe of Reply 1988 – another drama by the same director.
So whether you’re laughing at Ik-jun’s puns or reminiscing over Song-hwa’s camping trips, Hospital Playlist offers a treasure trove of Easter eggs for dedicated fans to enjoy. Each clever reference adds layers to the humor and emotional depth of the series, making it a truly delightful watch. Grab your popcorn, settle in, and maybe give it another rewatch—you never know what you might find!
If you would like to see my post about why Hospital Playlist is one of the best k-dramas, you can read it here. Or if you are interested in reading other posts by me about the Korean scene, you can read them here. That’s all from me, TTO BOJAA!!
Muzhameer Putra