| 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-Yoon |
| Writer | Choi Tae-Kang |
| 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.
"The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call" (native title: "중증외상센터", also known as "Severe Trauma Center") is a 2025 South Korean medical comedy television series directed by Lee Do-yoon 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.
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.
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.
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.
Audience buzz surged 140%, outpacing "Squid Game Season 2".
The series has earned awards for Best Drama, with Ju Ji-hoon receiving recognition as Outstanding Korean Actor.
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".
Writers drew from actual trauma care, emphasizing the "golden hour"; Ju Ji-hoon's Baek Kang-hyuk inspired a "Baek Kang-hyuk challenge" trend.
Won Best Drama at Blue Dragon and Baeksang nominations; Ju Ji-hoon took Best Actor at Baeksang and Seoul Drama Awards.
Topped Netflix in countries like France and India; discussions for seasons 2-3 confirmed by Netflix amid high demand.
Choo Young-woo won Best New Actor at Blue Dragon; Ha Young's "feisty" nurse earned nominations.
Features music by Primary; highlights include mid-air surgeries and war-zone rescues blending action with comedy.
"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.
Streams exclusively on Netflix worldwide since January 24, 2025.
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