Exploring *Resident Playbook*: A New Medical Drama and Its Fascinating Boy Band, HI-BOYZ
Premiering on April 12, 2025, *Resident Playbook* has quickly garnered attention on both tvN and Netflix. This engaging medical drama centers around the lives of four rookie residents at Yulje Medical Center’s Jongno branch, each aspiring to become skilled surgeons while navigating numerous challenges. However, a unique twist in the series involves the fictional boy band HI-BOYZ, which captivates viewers as an integral part of the storyline.
The Rise and Fall of HI-BOYZ
The band HI-BOYZ makes its debut on February 4, 2011, and disbands shortly afterward, on December 28, 2013. During their relatively short career, they gained fame for their hit single, “When the Day Comes.”One notable character, first-year resident Um Jae-il, portrayed by Kang You-seok, brings a personal connection to the band as a former member who transitions to medical school following the disbandment. His journey into resident life serves as a compelling backdrop to his past as a pop idol.
Fan Theories Surrounding the Band’s Legacy
Fans have constructed various theories about the paths taken by the other members of HI-BOYZ post-disbandment, particularly focusing on the real-life K-pop group TXT, to which Kang You-seok’s co-stars Yeonjun and Soobin belong. One major theory suggests that after HI-BOYZ ended, both Yeonjun and Soobin trained at BIGHIT MUSIC and subsequently re-debuted as members of TXT in 2019, thus continuing their music careers.
In this narrative, Yeonjun is celebrated as the ace trainee, while Soobin earns accolades for his vocal prowess and leadership abilities. Such fan interpretations not only connect the dots between reality and fiction but also reflect a deeper fandom engagement.
“Then Jaeil studied hard to become a doctor while Soobin & Yeonjun joined a bigger company to re-debut as Tomorrow X Together—that’s a complete lore right there,”a fan wrote on X.
Unanswered Questions and Disbandment Theories
Amidst the enthusiasm, some fans speculate about the reasons behind HI-BOYZ’s disbandment. According to various observations, the show’s narrative focuses primarily on three core members, leading to concerns that the remaining band members are overshadowed or treated as background characters. This lack of character development might explain the abrupt end to HI-BOYZ’s journey.
“Screen time for only 3 members, only 3 members got the center AND 3 ghost singers—this is exactly why HI-BOYZ disbanded,”a fan commented.
Age and Debut Reflections
Adding another layer to the narrative, fans have speculated on the ages of Soobin and Yeonjun at the time of HI-BOYZ’s disbandment, discovering that they would have been mere children—12 and 11 years old, respectively. This revelation adds an element of nostalgia and poignancy, highlighting the innocence of their early years in the entertainment industry.
“Yeonjun and Soobin are 12 and 11 years old here,”a user stated.
Kim Sa-bi and the Enigmatic Top Key
In episode 9 of *Resident Playbook*, a moment of revelation occurs when Um Jae-il learns from his fellow resident Kim Sa-bi, played by Han Ye-ji, that she was not just a casual fan of HI-BOYZ, but specifically admired a member known as Top Key. Kim seems to have an unspoken connection with this character, revealing layers to the story that intrigue both fans and viewers alike.
Interestingly, actress Han Ye-ji also participated in the “When the Day Comes”challenge alongside TXT’s Yeonjun, inadvertently confirming that Top Key refers to him. This subtle nod fuels speculation about Yeonjun’s character while leaving Soobin’s role more ambiguous.
Anticipated Conclusion
As *Resident Playbook* approaches its final episodes on May 17 and 18, 2025, the excitement among fans escalates as they hope for clarity regarding the fates of all characters, including the intriguing members of HI-BOYZ. The show’s blend of medical challenges and musical nostalgia keeps viewers captivated, prompting ongoing discussions and theories about the fictional boyband and its entangled connections with real-life K-pop phenomena.