Chae Song-hwa is a neurosurgeon at Yulje Medical Center and the only woman among the five longtime friends. Calm, dependable, and highly respected by her peers and students, she is admired for her steady leadership and compassionate, patient-focused approach to demanding brain surgeries.
Outside the operating room, Song-hwa is portrayed as down-to-earth and self-sufficient, with a love of the outdoors and a quiet, unflappable temperament that grounds the group dynamic. She plays in the friends' band and shares an especially close, enduring connection with Lee Ik-jun that becomes a central emotional thread of the series.
Her arc explores the pressures faced by a leading surgeon, mentorship of younger doctors, and the slow, tender evolution of her relationship with Ik-jun, balanced against her dedication to her patients and her independent nature.
Chae Song-hwa is one of the central figures in Hospital Playlist, a drama/medical/comedy/korean/slice-of-life series that aired on tvN from 2020–2021. Within the narrative of Hospital Playlist, Chae Song-hwa serves as a pivotal character whose decisions and relationships drive key story arcs throughout Seasons 1–2 (2020–2021). The character's journey has been central to many of the show's most memorable and discussed moments.
Portrayed by Jeon Mi-do, Chae Song-hwa has become one of the most recognizable characters in modern television. Jeon Mi-do's performance brings nuance and depth to the role, creating a character that resonates with audiences on both intellectual and emotional levels. Jeon Mi-do's work has been recognized with 2 major awards, reflecting the critical acclaim their portrayal has received.
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? Frequently Asked Questions
Chae Song-hwa is played by South Korean actress Jeon Mi-do, who portrays the composed and respected neurosurgeon across both seasons of the series.
Chae Song-hwa is the only woman among the five main friends and a skilled neurosurgeon known for her calm leadership, compassion toward patients, and a close, slowly deepening relationship with Lee Ik-jun.
