Native Title	중증외상센터
Also Know as	The Trauma Center: Heroes on Call, Severe Trauma Center: Golden Hour, Jungjeungoesangsenteo: Goldeun Awo 중증외상센터: 골든 아워, 중증외상센터: 골든아워
Director	Lee Do-Yun
Writer	Choi Tae-Kang (script), Hansanleega / Lee Nak-Jun (novel)
Distributor	Netflix
Air Time	Friday
Content Rating	15+ - Teens 15 or older
Runtime	8 episodes
Genre	Medical, Drama, Action, Comedy, Life
Language	Korean
Country	South Korea
Release Date	2025-01-24

"The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call" is a pulse-pounding medical drama that blends high-stakes action, witty comedy, and heartfelt mentorship, making it a standout hit in Netflix's K-drama lineup. Directed by Lee Do-yun and written by Choi Tae-kang, this series adapts a popular webtoon to deliver edge-of-your-seat trauma care scenarios with a charismatic lead who redefines heroism in the OR.

Overview

"The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call" (Korean: 중증외상센터, also known as Severe Trauma Center) is a 2025 South Korean medical comedy television series directed by Lee Do-yun and written by Choi Tae-kang. Produced by Studio N and SLL, the series is based on the web novel "Trauma Center: Golden Hour" by Hansanleega (Lee Nak-jun) and Hongbichira, serialized as a Naver Webtoon in 2019. It premiered worldwide on Netflix on January 24, 2025, exploring themes of medical heroism, hospital politics, and personal growth amid life-or-death emergencies. Music is composed by Primary, with executive producers including Kwon Mi-kyung and Park Mae-hee. Discussions for seasons 2 and 3 are underway due to its global success.

Plot Synopsis

Baek Kang-hyuk, a brilliant trauma surgeon hardened by years in global conflict zones, returns to Seoul to revitalize the underfunded trauma unit at Hankuk National University Hospital. Recruited by Health Minister Kang Myeong-hui to address Korea's inadequate trauma response, Kang-hyuk shakes up the complacent staff with his unorthodox, high-risk methods – performing mid-air surgeries in helicopters or racing through chaos to save lives. He mentors a ragtag team: surgical fellow Yang Jae-won, who evolves from timid to confident under his guidance; dedicated nurse Cheon Jang-mi, his steadfast partner in the fray; anesthesiology resident Park Gyeong-won; and skeptical surgeon Han Yu-rim, who clashes with Kang-hyuk's arrogance. Facing bureaucratic red tape, profit-driven hospital politics, and relentless emergencies – like multi-car wrecks, bridge disasters, and even a war-zone rescue in South Sudan – the team transforms from a symbolic unit into life-saving mavericks. The narrative culminates in Kang-hyuk confronting his past while defending his methods in a malpractice probe, emphasizing sacrifice and the "golden hour" for survival.

Cast & Characters

Main Cast

Ju Ji-hoon as Baek Kang-hyuk: The genius, war-seasoned surgeon with a mysterious past, whose bulldozer personality drives the team's evolution.
Choo Young-woo as Yang Jae-won: Baek Kang-hyuk's protege, a former proctology fellow who gains confidence through high-stakes trials.

Supporting Cast

Ha Young as Cheon Jang-mi: The feisty trauma nurse balancing chaos with empathy, providing comic relief and emotional grounding.
Yoon Kyung-ho as Han Yu-rim: The pragmatic surgery chair skeptical of Baek Kang-hyuk's methods, adding tension through clashes.
Jung Jae-kwang as Park Gyeong-won: The dedicated anesthesiology resident supporting the team in critical moments.
Kim Eui-sung as hospital director Choi Jo-eun, Kim Won-hae as executive Hong Jae-hun, and Kim Sun-young as Minister Kang Myeong-hui, enriching the bureaucratic drama.

Reception

Global Chart-Topping Premiere

Released on January 24, 2025, "The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call" quickly climbed Netflix's global charts, ranking No. 3 on the non-English Top 10 with 4.1 million views in its debut week and topping lists in 63 countries.

Mixed but Positive Critical Reception

Critics have delivered a mixed but positive reception overall, praising its pared-down formula and calling it "bonkers but entertaining." Reviewers have highlighted its hilarity and thrill, though some have critiqued the "cartoonishly arrogant" lead.

Explosive Audience Buzz

Audience buzz surged 140%, outpacing "Squid Game Season 2."

Award-Winning Recognition

The series has earned awards for Best Drama, with Ju Ji-hoon receiving recognition as Outstanding Korean Actor.

Fun Facts & Highlights

Webtoon Roots

Adapted from Hansanleega's hit web novel (410,000 views), serialized as a Naver Webtoon – Studio N's sixth adaptation after "True Beauty" and "Sweet Home."

Realistic Heroics

Writers drew from actual trauma care, emphasizing the "golden hour"; Ju Ji-hoon's Baek Kang-hyuk inspired a "Baek Kang-hyuk challenge" trend.

Award Sweep

Won Best Drama at Blue Dragon and Baeksang nominations; Ju Ji-hoon took Best Actor at Baeksang and Seoul Drama Awards.

Global Buzz

Topped Netflix in countries like France and India; discussions for seasons 2-3 confirmed by Netflix amid high demand.

Breakout Stars

Choo Young-woo won Best New Actor at Blue Dragon; Ha Young's "feisty" nurse earned nominations.

OST Gems

Features music by Primary; highlights include mid-air surgeries and war-zone rescues blending action with comedy.

Final Thoughts

"The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call" is a thrilling, binge-worthy medical drama that amps up the heroism while grounding it in real-world stakes, making it a fresh take on the genre. Ju Ji-hoon's commanding lead, paired with sharp writing and dynamic team chemistry, delivers "shiok" highs of action and humor. Though occasionally over-the-top, its focus on sacrifice and growth resonates deeply – perfect for fans craving inspirational escapism.