Without a doubt, The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call is a must-see drama for 2025. While 2024 was an undoubtedly successful year for K-Dramas, it seems that this year is starting off with a real bang by introducing more interesting genre mashups, attention-grabbing storylines and new rising stars through dramas like this one.
The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call marks Netflix Korea’s first original medical series and the teaser alone gives fans a glimpse of its exciting mix of fast-paced action, dramatic storyline and comical moments.
The not so cliche but devilishly handsome Korean actor Ju Ji Hoon stars as Dr. Baek Kang Hyuk, a brilliant surgeon with years of experience in war zones. He is taken from his familiar battlefield and thrown head first into the antics of a disoriented hospital which actually sheds light on Korea’s current situation regarding how the healthcare system is operated. Overworked surgeons, understaffed teams, centers and departments that are being maintained by underqualified or non jurisdiction personnel – it can sometimes be quite a mess! The drama isn’t shying away from discussing realistic internal hospital politics. However, Dr. Baek, armed with sharp wit and a bold vision, is determined to transform Korea’s trauma care by building a top-tier trauma center.
The series introduces a handful of characters that are funny in their own right making it easy to develop an adoring para-social relationship with them. The characteristics of Dr. Baek are loveable from the start as he doesn’t come off as cocky or cynical and condescending like Dr. House in America. Baek is intelligent, aware, and lets his skills do the talking. Throughout the series, Baek showcases his ability to push forward, adapt, and make changes in an admirable way similar to a token leader in a classic novel. He also isn’t afraid to call people out on their bullshit and seems intolerable of half-assed behavior, injustices, and a person’s inability to fulfill one’s job. However, if he takes a liking to anyone, Baek will gladly bestow a charming nickname upon his teammates such as “Dr. Anus” or “Gangster Nurse.”
Rising star Choo Young Woo also steals the spotlight as Dr. Yang Jae Won (aka Anus) due to his adorkable expressions, lost-puppy-like mannerisms, and earnest desires to be off help. Yang’s character growth throughout the series can make viewers feel a sense of pride because not only does he exude more maturity and confidence as a trauma care surgeon but Yang also undergoes situations that push his on-screen growth visually as well.
>>Rising Star Choo Young Woo Captivates Viewers in Netflix’s ‘The Trauma Code’
Of course, as the story progresses, a deeper look into why and how the amazing Dr. Baek came to be are answered. Moments of pesky hospital politics, superior’s reputations, and even accusations of malpractice come into play but it makes the drama more intriguing and has a constant sense of escalation. The pacing is quite well done and storyline development doesn’t feel rushed, out of nowhere, or unrealistic – aside from some of the comical action scenes of course. All the moments of tragedy enrich the story and really build up towards a suspenseful and unexpected ending!
Speaking of action scenes, you can tell Netflix did not hold back on the budget for this drama. From the beginning, the drama showcased a well choreographed motorcycle scene with our star Ju Ji Hoon blazing through the city of bombs and mass chaos in an attempt to deliver medical supplies. Even heading a helicopter over a mountain and jumping down with a screaming Dr. Anus in hand – Dr. Baek does it all! The action scenes mixed with physical humor are very natural and even surpasses the style Unmasked, a comedy thriller from Disney Plus, was desperately going for in my opinion. Even the graphic scenes seem to be more upscale, so if you’re squeamish about seeing blood and flesh, definitely skip some parts!
Overall, The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call was quite an unexpected surprise! The show is downright interesting, the humor is there, and each episode feels too short-lived. It is a hospital series that old and new fans of the genre can seriously enjoy due to its refreshing take on consistently mixing in comedy. My only complaint is not knowing if there will be a second season and the lack of more villainous characters. Without a doubt, The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call will be a drama you can binge watch and won’t regret. (9/10)
