When Netflix released The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call on January 24, 2025, it instantly grabbed the attention of K-drama fans worldwide. With heart-pounding emergency rescues, intense medical procedures, and a fearless doctor leading the trauma team, this medical action drama has taken the genre to a whole new level. But beyond the thrilling scenes and emotional moments, there are fascinating behind-the-scenes facts and lesser-known details that even the most dedicated fans might have missed.
Here’s a deep dive into The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call—from its origins to the hidden secrets that make it so captivating!
1. Inspired by a Real Doctor’s Experience 🏥✍️
Unlike many fictional medical dramas, The Trauma Code is based on Trauma Center: Golden Hour, a web novel by Hansanleega (Lee Nak-jun), who was once an ENT specialist.
Before becoming a full-time writer, he faced a traumatic incident during a surgery, which led him to leave medicine. His experience heavily influenced the web novel’s realistic portrayal of medical ethics, emergency care, and the struggles of trauma doctors.
Many viewers in Korea immediately thought of Professor Lee Gook-jong (이국종 교수), a real-life trauma surgeon known for his dedication to emergency medicine. Famous for treating critically wounded patients, including North Korean defectors and soldiers, he has long advocated for better trauma care systems in Korea.
His relentless fight against bureaucratic challenges and hospital politics mirrors Dr. Baek Kang-hyuk’s struggles in the drama, making him the real-life “hero of the trauma center.”
2. Ju Ji-hoon’s Most Physically Exhausting Role 🎭💪
Ju Ji-hoon, who plays the brilliant yet rebellious Dr. Baek Kang-hyuk, has starred in action-heavy dramas like Kingdom and Jirisan. However, he called The Trauma Code “the most exhausting project of his career.”
Many of the action sequences, such as riding a motorcycle through a war zone or performing emergency surgeries in dangerous locations, were filmed without stunt doubles. The intensity of these scenes required extensive training in both medical procedures and high-action sequences, making this role one of his most challenging yet.
“If you ask me if I really did my best in this role, I can say without hesitation that I did.”
– Ju Ji-hoon (as Baek Kang-hyuk) –
3. The ‘Superhero’ Doctor Was Originally Even More Over-the-Top 🦸♂️🏥
Dr. Baek Kang-hyuk’s character was toned down for the live-action version. In the original webtoon, he performed almost impossible medical feats, such as reviving patients with makeshift surgeries on battlefields or dodging explosions while carrying injured soldiers.
The drama’s creators wanted a balance between fantasy and realism, so they adjusted his character to be heroic but still grounded in medical accuracy.
4. The Hidden Meaning Behind ‘Malak’ – Dr. Baek’s Mysterious Nickname 🤫✨
In Episode 7, we learn that Dr. Baek was once part of Black Wings, a private military medical unit. His codename, “Malak,” comes from the Arabic word for “angel,” symbolizing his past as a lifesaving doctor in war zones.
This detail was subtly hinted at throughout the series. In early episodes, patients from foreign war zones react to him differently, as if they recognize him. The reveal of his past adds depth to his character, making him even more fascinating.
5. Real Medical Professionals Were Consulted for Accuracy 🔬👩⚕️
To ensure the medical procedures were as realistic as possible, the production team worked closely with doctors and trauma surgeons. The emergency surgeries, CPR techniques, and use of defibrillators were all carefully choreographed to reflect actual medical practice.
Even the dialogues in critical surgery scenes were reviewed by real doctors to avoid common medical drama mistakes. This dedication to accuracy has earned The Trauma Code praise from medical professionals.
6. The Trauma Helicopter Was a Major Plot Device—and a Real Controversy in Korea 🚁💰
A major theme of the show is how underfunded trauma centers struggle without proper resources. In Episode 6, a patient nearly dies because a medical helicopter isn’t available.
Interestingly, this reflects a real issue in South Korea. Many hospitals lack emergency helicopters due to high costs and bureaucratic restrictions. The drama highlights this problem, sparking discussions about the need for better trauma response systems in the country.
7. A Webtoon Cameo You Probably Missed! 👀📖
In one hospital scene, a patient is seen reading a webtoon on his phone. If you pause at the right moment, you’ll notice he’s reading Trauma Center: Golden Hour, the very webtoon the drama is based on!
It’s a clever Easter egg for fans of the original story, subtly acknowledging the drama’s roots.
8. The Next Sweet Home? The Show’s Massive Global Success 🌎🔥
Within days of its release, The Trauma Code became one of Netflix’s most-watched non-English series, ranking in the Top 10 across 26 countries. It even outperformed Squid Game: The Challenge and Single’s Inferno 4 during its premiere week.
The drama’s mix of medical tension, action-packed scenes, and social commentary has drawn comparisons to Sweet Home, another Netflix hit adapted from a webtoon.
9. Season 2? Here’s What We Know So Far! 🎬🤞
Though Netflix hasn’t officially announced Season 2, there’s strong demand for a continuation. Director Lee Do-yoon has hinted that he has plans for another season, and Ju Ji-hoon has expressed interest in returning.
Potential Season 2 plotlines could explore:
- The hospital dealing with noise complaints over the new trauma helicopter
- More international medical missions
- The introduction of new government policies affecting trauma care
Fans are hopeful that Netflix will renew the series soon!
10. The Drama’s Core Message: Saving Lives vs. Saving Money 💰❤️
Beyond the thrilling rescues, The Trauma Code delivers a powerful message about how financial concerns can endanger patients. Throughout the series, hospital directors prioritize profits over emergency care, leading to tragic consequences.
This theme resonates beyond fiction—it’s a real issue in many countries, where funding cuts can make it harder for doctors to provide lifesaving care.
The final scene, where Dr. Baek and his team use the newly approved helicopter to save a life, is not just a victory for the characters but a call to action for real-world healthcare improvements.
Final Thoughts: More Than Just a Medical Drama
The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call isn’t just a K-drama—it’s an emotional rollercoaster, a thrilling action series, and a thought-provoking look at medical ethics. With its unforgettable characters, gripping plot, and real-world relevance, it’s no surprise that this show has become a massive hit.
Will we see Dr. Baek Kang-hyuk and his team again in Season 2? Only time will tell. Until then, we can only admire the courage, dedication, and resilience of these on-screen heroes—who might just be closer to real-life doctors than we think.
FAQs
Is The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call based on a true story?
Not exactly, but it is based on Trauma Center: Golden Hour, a web novel by Hansanleega, who was a real-life doctor. Many of the medical scenes are inspired by real experiences.
Will there be a Season 2 of The Trauma Code?
Netflix has not confirmed a second season yet, but the show’s popularity makes a renewal highly likely. The creators have hinted at potential new storylines.
Where was The Trauma Code filmed?
The series was filmed in South Korea, with some international war zone scenes recreated in controlled locations.
Is Dr. Baek Kang-hyuk’s ‘Malak’ nickname real?
Yes! In the story, ‘Malak’ means “angel” in Arabic and is a reference to his past in war zones.
How medically accurate is The Trauma Code?
The drama consulted real trauma surgeons and medical professionals to ensure realistic surgeries and emergency procedures.
What makes The Trauma Code different from other medical K-dramas?
Unlike traditional hospital dramas, The Trauma Code blends intense action, military experiences, and social commentary on the challenges of trauma care.