01
Once a year, all of Korea stops and holds its breath for a single event: the college entrance exam.
Today was that day. And I—until just yesterday—was a high school senior.
Since elementary school, I had studied for this test, and today was the day to put that effort to the test.
The world may have been cheering for students like me,
but no one around me was cheering for me.
Because I had only focused on studying—on med school, on getting into the best university—
having friends was a luxury I couldn't afford.
Everyone around me was a competitor.
There’s no such thing as a “friendly rival.”
Even people with friends secretly want to beat them—envy, jealousy, inferiority. I was sure of it.
And so, I finished the infamous “worst CSAT in history.”
As the sunset burned low, I headed home and began calculating my score.
For the first time in my life, my machine-like routine—driven by my strict parents—was shaken.
I had gotten a perfect score.
Only one or two students nationwide ever achieve it.
And I did, even on the hardest version in years.
That result got me into the most prestigious medical school in the country.
I studied hard there too, graduated at the top, and finally—today—
I began my first day as a cardiothoracic surgery resident.
“Professor, I’m Yoon Seo-ah. First-year resident.”
“Yeah. Sit.”
“I heard I’m assigned under you.”
“Yeah? Why’d you choose cardio-thoracic? No one comes here anymore.”
“…There’s a reason.”
“That’s it? Wonder if you’re even cut out to be a doctor.”
“Still, I worked really hard to get here.”
“Everyone here did.”
“I’ve been working toward this since elementary school.”
“So? I don’t care about the process. I only care about results.”
“…I’m confident in my skills.”
“If my resident’s no good, they’re not my resident.”
“You have to do well.”
“Top of your class, straight As for six years,
youngest to get hired here right after graduation.”
“Smart enough to understand everything I’m saying, right?”
“…Yes. Of course.”
“Good. Now get out. I’m tired.”
…Something felt off.
Of all the professors, why him?
Kim Seokjin.
The most talented and the most notoriously rude professor in the hospital.
Everyone knows life as a resident is hard—
but under Professor Kim? It’s on another level.
No attending physician to soften the blow.
Everything moves under his command.
…Can I really do this?