Improve your Korean Grammar Skills with Hospital Playlist (슬기로운 의사생활)

Hospital Playlist is a heartwarming slice-of-life series that feels like a comforting hug. It has a slow-paced charm and relatable stories, introducing a group of five friends who balance their careers as doctors with their shared love for music, forming a band for fun. If you are looking for a Korean drama that beautifully highlights friendship, career goals, and the little moments that make life meaningful, I highly recommend this!

In this blog, we will feature one touching scene of a doctor and his mom who was diagnosed with dementia, and discuss three Korean grammar points we can learn from Hospital Playlist!

Let's begin!

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Script:

엄마, 난 엄마가 이기적으로 살았으면 좋겠어.

자식들 걱정은 이제 그만하시고,

나중에 아프면 어떡하지

이런 생각도 하지마.

앞으론 엄마만 생각하면서 살아....

엄마 그렇게 살았으면 좋겠어.

Mom, I want you to be selfish.

Stop worrying about your children,

and don't worry about falling ill when you're older.

Only think about yourself from now on.

I want you to live like that, Mom.

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1. -아(요)/-어(요) (Polite Present Tense/Commands)

"앞으론 엄마만 생각하면서 살아."

"Only think about yourself from now on."

Grammar Explanation

The ending -아(요)/-어(요) is used to make a sentence polite. While commonly used in present tense statements, it also serves to give advice or commands in a respectful way.

To use, attach -아(요) or -어(요) to the verb stem:

• -아(요) for verb stems ending in ㅏ or ㅗ.

• -어(요) for verb stems ending in other vowels.

  • 살다 (to live) → 살 + 아(요) → 살아(요): “Live” (advice/command)

Example Sentences

1. 오늘은 쉬어. Rest today.

2. 밥(을) 꼭 먹어. Eat your meal!

3. 학교에 가. Go to school.

   
   

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2. -(으)면 좋겠다 (I Wish/I Hope)

"엄마, 난 엄마가 이기적으로 살았으면 좋겠어."

"Mom, I want you to be selfish."

Grammar Explanation

The structure -(으)면 좋겠다 combines the conditional -(으)면 ("if") with 좋겠다 ("it would be good"). It expresses hopes, wishes, or suggestions.

To use, attach -(으)면 to the verb stem, then add 좋겠다 after it.

• -으면 if the verb stem ends in a consonant.

• -면 if the verb stem ends in a vowel.

  • 살다 (to live) → 살았 + 으면 좋겠다: “I wish you lived (a certain way).”

Example Sentences

1. 비가 안 왔으면 좋겠어. I hope it doesn’t rain.

2. 너도 갔으면 좋겠어. I wish you would go too.

3. 내가 더 잘했으면 좋겠어. I hope I do better.

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3. Noun + 적 + 으로 (In a ~ Way/~ly)

"엄마가 이기적으로 살았으면 좋겠어."

"I want you to be selfish."

Grammar Explanation

The structure noun + -적 + -으로 transforms a noun into an adverb, adding the meaning “in a ~ way” or “~ly.” It is often used in formal or abstract expressions.

To use, add -적 to a noun to make it descriptive, or attach -으로 to turn it into an adverb.

• 이기적 (selfish) → 이기적 + 으로: “selfishly” or “in a selfish way.”

Example Sentences

1. 그 여자는 규칙적으로 운동을 해요. She exercises regularly.

2. 그 사람은 항상 논리적으로 말해요. He always speaks logically.

3. 그 사람은 항상 긍정적으로 생각해. That person always thinks positively.

   
   

   
   

   ⚠️ When not to use this form:

   Don't use -적 + 으로 with everyday or physical actions that already have a native adverb form.

   (❌ 조용적으로, ❌ 일상적으로, ❌ 빠르적으로)

   
   

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Hospital Playlist (슬기로운 의사생활) is a heartwarming slice-of-life drama perfect for learning Korean grammar through meaningful storytelling.

Which Korean drama should we explore next? Share your thoughts in the comments!