Resident Playbook Episode 8 opens with Sa-bi in surgery, following her unexpected collapse at the hospital. A flashback reveals Professor Ryu diagnosing her with a fibroid and advising surgery. While Sa-bi is under the knife, the rest of the residents rally around her in quiet solidarity—concerned, supportive, and deeply affected by seeing one of their own in a hospital bed.

Shifting Dynamics and Silent Crushes

Do-won offers I-yeong a ride to the hospital the next morning, which breaks his usual routine and subtly signals how his feelings are growing. On the way, he spots Dr. Ham Do-hong—yes, the very same doctor who had previously asked I-yeong out—calling her. There’s tension in Do-won’s silence, though he doesn’t confront her.

Back at the hospital, I-yeong joins Nam-kyung and Professor Seo in celebrating a patient’s 100th day of hospitalization. The patient, a high-risk pregnancy case, has become something of a figurehead in the ward—calm, grounded, and nurturing to fellow expectant mothers. I-yeong is moved by how this woman offers comfort to others, even while waiting on her own uncertain outcome.

Sa-bi’s Recovery and Restlessness

Meanwhile, Sa-bi is absolutely done with being a patient. Stir-crazy and still healing, she tries to get back to work far too soon—prompting Jae-il to actively avoid her. Still, it’s evident that her persistence comes from a place of longing and identity; she wants to be useful again, and being sidelined hurts more than the physical pain.

Complicated Confessions and Familiar Faces

I-yeong finally agrees to meet Do-hong. She’s prepared, following Nam-kyung’s advice, to confess her feelings for someone else if Do-hong confesses to her. Meanwhile, in a surprising twist, Jae-il meets with his old tutor—and first love—none other than Jang Gyeo-wool, adding a jolt of nostalgia to his storyline.

Elsewhere, Nam-kyung’s home life is thrown into focus when her mother is admitted for surgery. We learn that her family runs a dumpling shop, and Nam-kyung, despite her fierce demeanor, struggles with guilt over how she treats her mother. This arc brings emotional nuance to Nam-kyung, whose hardened shell begins to crack.

Ju-yeong, too, continues her private battle with infertility. She brings up a haunting nightmare tied to a particular date, hinting at deeper emotional scars yet to be revealed.

Mothers, Memories, and Moments of Realization

The hospital receives dumplings from Nam-kyung’s mother, prompting the residents to share a meal and some emotional reflection. I-yeong gently comments, “At least the rest of you still have your moms,” which hits Nam-kyung hard. She finally realizes how much her mother has quietly endured and accompanies her to surgery, choosing connection over distance.

But tragedy soon hits the maternity ward—the long-term expectant mother loses her baby. I-yeong takes on the heartbreaking task of explaining the news. She opens up about her sister’s similar loss, sharing how deeply it affected her, in an attempt to show solidarity and empathy.

Resolutions and Unspoken Feelings

Nam-kyung’s mother recovers well and is discharged, surrounded by caring hospital staff. In a touching scene, Nam-kyung breaks down and begs her not to fall ill again—a stark contrast to her earlier frustration.

At a casual dinner, Do-won learns that I-yeong is off to meet Do-hong. However, the “date” turns out to be a group dinner with other doctors involved in an emergency neonatal case. I-yeong feels relieved that it’s not a one-on-one meeting. But the night still takes an unexpected turn when Do-hong confesses his feelings. He also tactfully acknowledges that he’s aware of her feelings for someone else—Do-won.

I-yeong returns to the hospital afterward to retrieve her phone and finds a text from Do-won asking her to call. The two meet at the bus stop and wait quietly together. When I-yeong mentions wanting a relationship like the couple sitting nearby, Do-won nearly confesses his feelings. But in a sweetly comic twist, she doesn’t hear him.

And so, Resident Playbook Episode 8 closes with the two sitting side by side—close, yet still surrounded by unspoken words.

Conclusion:

Episode 8 of Resident Playbook is a delicate balance of emotional highs and lows—loss, healing, and quietly blooming love. Sa-bi’s vulnerability, Nam-kyung’s growth, and I-yeong’s emotional honesty bring real weight to this hour. It’s not the grand gestures that define this episode, but the small, intimate ones: dumplings shared, texts sent, and the comfort of waiting in silence beside someone who might just feel the same way. As the residents juggle personal and professional chaos, one thing becomes clear—these little moments are the big ones.