Why Is There a 'Jo Jungseok' in the NICU?... Professor Resembling Lee Ikjun from 'Hospital Playlist' Draws Attention

Video Featuring Professor Yoo Youngmyung of Wonju Severance Christian Hospital Gains Popularity

A professor who closely resembles the character Lee Ikjun, a hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery professor played by actor Jo Jungseok in the drama "Hospital Playlist," is drawing attention. The main character is Professor Yoo Youngmyung from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Wonju Severance Christian Hospital.

Recently, the "Wonju Yonsei Medical Center" YouTube channel released a video titled "A Day in the Life of a University Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Professor." In the video, Professor Yoo Youngmyung attracted attention for his appearance, speech, and personality, all of which are similar to Lee Ikjun.

Professor Youngmyung Yoo (left) and actor Jungseok Jo (right). Wonju Yonsei Medical Center, tvN

Although the video has been up for less than a month, it has already surpassed 200,000 views. In the comments, viewers reacted to Professor Yoo's striking resemblance to Jo Jungseok in "Hospital Playlist" with remarks such as "I thought it was Jo Jungseok," and "It looks like Jo Jungseok is filming a fake documentary-style variety show."

The video introduces Professor Yoo's busy daily routine. He is seen caring for young babies in the neonatal intensive care unit and offering heartfelt comfort to fathers of sick infants, revealing his compassionate side. In particular, despite his hectic and relentless schedule, his gentle communication with guardians during outpatient consultations left a deep impression.

There were also comments that Professor Yoo's habit of commuting to work by bicycle was exactly like the character Lee Ikjun. In "Hospital Playlist," Lee Ikjun is often shown cycling to work early in the morning. This led to more interesting comments such as "He is just like Lee Ikjun," "He looks like the real-life version of Lee Ikjun," "Even commuting by bike is just like Lee Ikjun," "It feels like Jo Jungseok's alter ego is running a YouTube channel," and "This is a total Lee Ikjun moment." Professor Yoo explained that the reason he cycles to work is because "I don't have time to exercise, so I do both at once."

Professor Youngmyung Yoo of Wonju Severance Christian Hospital. YouTube channel 'Wonju Yonsei Medical Center'

When asked if he feels happy when children who have been discharged come to the outpatient clinic, Professor Yoo replied, "When they grow up well and come for a check-up as if nothing happened before going home, I am truly grateful to the children. Sometimes, when I see that the children are healthy, I get really emotional," and added, "Seeing things like that is the reason I live."

On the other hand, he also expressed how difficult it is when he has to say goodbye to babies who have passed away. Professor Yoo said, "The first time I saw a baby pass away during my first year as a resident, I cried a lot," and added, "Since it's not appropriate to cry in front of the parents, I would leave the room at those times."

Regarding his reason for choosing pediatrics, Professor Yoo said, "As an intern, I had to choose a specialty, and the atmosphere in the pediatrics department was very good. I thought, 'If I go there, I won't want to run away,' so I applied," adding, "I have no regrets about choosing pediatrics."