The medical drama “The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call” has officially been renewed for a third season, much to the delight of its growing global fanbase. Writer Lee Nak Jun confirmed the exciting news on January 29th, speaking to the show’s impressive success and the captivating chemistry between its lead actors, Joo Ji Hoon and Choo Young Woo.
From Novel to Global Sensation: A Dream Come True
Lee Nak Jun shared his journey from writing the original novel Severe Trauma Center to seeing it become a globally recognized drama during an appearance on the YouTube channel Doctor Friends.
“Netflix? At first, I thought it was just a dream,” he recalled.
Reflecting on the initial stages, he explained,
“When I first hoped that my novel could become a webtoon and eventually a drama back in 2019, it seemed impossible. But then, the rights were sold. After a long period with no filming, suddenly, production started in 2023.”
The writer revealed that the show’s future was always planned.
“If the drama does well, there will be a Season 2. Season 1 hasn’t wrapped up its story yet. If viewers are curious about what happens next, they can read my webtoon or web novel,” he stated.
Emphasizing the long-term vision, he added,
“The show was made with Seasons 2 and 3 already in mind.” This foresight has clearly paid off, given the show’s widespread acclaim.
A Medical Fantasy with Superhuman Abilities
“The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call” follows the dedicated trauma team at a struggling hospital, led by the brilliant but unconventional surgeon, Baek Kang Hyuk. Joo Ji Hoon embodies Baek Kang Hyuk, a doctor with exceptional skills, while Choo Young Woo plays Yang Jae Won, the first fellow drawn to Baek’s unique methods.
Lee Nak Jun also shed light on the creation of some of the show’s more dramatic moments, like the scene where Baek Kang Hyuk carries Yang Jae Won while descending from a helicopter.
“The director was really concerned. Is there any doctor in Korea who can rappel down a helicopter? No. But this is a medical fantasy novel, so we had to make it work,” Lee explained.
He further elaborated on the challenges of balancing realism with the fictional elements:
“When we consulted with medical experts, they said, ‘There’s too much fantasy.’ It was difficult to get advice. But Baek Kang Hyuk is a person with superhuman abilities. He can do anything, even knowing the diagnosis before the test results come back. His physical abilities are also extraordinary. Baek Kang Hyuk is 188cm tall, and Ju Ji Hoon, who plays him, is also 188cm. It feels like fate,” Lee proudly remarked.
Global Acclaim and Chart-Topping Success
The show’s popularity is undeniable. As of January 29th, “The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call” has taken the world by storm. According to Netflix’s Tudum website, the show garnered a staggering 4.7 million viewing hours from January 20th to 26th, landing it in third place in the global (non-English) TV shows category just three days after its release. Its success extends beyond global rankings, as it also claimed the top spot on South Korea’s TOP 10 Series list and has charted in 26 countries, including Chile, Peru, Romania, Singapore, the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, and the UAE. This widespread appeal solidifies “The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call” as a true global hit, leaving audiences eagerly anticipating the unfolding drama in the upcoming seasons.
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