Following his back-to-back roles in Love Your Enemy and Light Shop, Ju Ji-hoon returns with The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call, proving once again why he remains a dominant force in Korean drama. This fast-paced medical action series, adapted from the webtoon Severe Trauma Center: Golden Hour, embraces the classic K-drama trope of surgeons as near-divine figures, effortlessly saving lives in impossible situations.
The series introduces Ju as Baek Kang-hyuk, a trauma surgeon who makes a dramatic entrance by racing through an active war zone on a motorbike to rescue a patient. Meanwhile, back in Korea, emergency patients are dying in ambulances due to overcrowded hospitals. Hankuk University Medical Centre, despite its prestigious reputation, lacks a dedicated trauma center, forcing departments to rotate trauma cases reluctantly. The dire situation prompts Korea’s minister of health to appoint Baek Kang-hyuk as the hospital’s trauma specialist.
Upon arrival, Kang-hyuk immediately takes control, saving a patient in the ER while wearing a sleek black suit, leaving resident Yang Jae-won stunned. His unapologetic confidence and defiance of hospital bureaucracy establish him as a fantasy figure—fearless, charismatic, and unwavering in his pursuit of justice. His relationships with his new colleagues, including nurse Cheon Jang-mi, add humor and depth, especially as he dubs them “Anus” and “Gangster” in a display of playful arrogance.
While hospital profit-driven policies serve as the story’s antagonist, the show avoids becoming overly consumed by corporate conflicts. Instead, the focus remains on Kang-hyuk’s relentless heroism and the transformation of his team. The series brilliantly balances high-stakes medical emergencies with moments of levity, making it both thrilling and entertaining.
Ju Ji-hoon’s commanding performance elevates the show, making Kang-hyuk one of his most compelling roles. The series also reunites him with director Lee Do-yoon, known for his work on Confession, a film that showcased Ju’s dramatic range. Lee’s direction ensures a dynamic narrative, taking viewers from intense hospital scenes to mountain rescues, burning buildings, and even conflict zones in Africa.
At its core, The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call refines and intensifies the medical action genre, delivering exhilarating moments of heroism. While the drama may lose some momentum in later episodes, it remains a highly entertaining watch. Rather than binge-watching, this is a series best enjoyed in doses. Now streaming on Netflix, it’s a must-watch for fans of action-packed medical dramas.
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