Lee Ik-jun is a liver transplant and hepatobiliary surgeon at Yulje Medical Center and one of the five central friends. Widely regarded as exceptionally gifted in his field, he is also the warm, talkative heart of the group, known for his constant jokes, easygoing humor, and habit of looking out for everyone around him, from colleagues to patients.
A devoted single father to his young son, Ik-jun balances the demands of high-stakes surgery with family life and his close friendships. Over the course of the series, his long-standing bond with fellow doctor Chae Song-hwa develops into one of the show's most followed emotional storylines, gradually shifting from friendship toward deeper feelings.
Within the friends' band, Ik-jun often takes a leading role as a vocalist, and his playful, generous personality helps hold the group together. His arc emphasizes empathy in medicine, the importance of long friendships, and the quiet ways he supports the people in his life.
Lee Ik-jun 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, Lee Ik-jun 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 Jo Jung-suk, Lee Ik-jun has become one of the most recognizable characters in modern television. Jo Jung-suk's performance brings nuance and depth to the role, creating a character that resonates with audiences on both intellectual and emotional levels. Jo Jung-suk's work has been recognized with 2 major awards, reflecting the critical acclaim their portrayal has received.
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? Frequently Asked Questions
Lee Ik-jun is played by South Korean actor Jo Jung-suk, who portrays the warm, humorous liver transplant surgeon and band vocalist across both seasons of the series.
Lee Ik-jun is depicted as a highly skilled hepatobiliary surgeon specializing in liver transplants at Yulje Medical Center, and he is also a single father known for his kindness and sense of humor.
