A new Korean drama has recently been released on Netflix.
The title in Korean is 중증외상센터, and the English title is The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call.
This drama is based on the Korean novel 중증외상센터 :골든 아워 (Severe Trauma Center: Golden Hour), which I enjoyed reading.
The author of the original novel is a doctor, which is why the novel is known for its meticulous medical accuracy. In particular, the surgical scenes in the book are so vividly described that they feel almost tangible, as if unfolding right before your eyes.
Despite the novel’s considerable length, I found it so captivating that I read it to the very end. Naturally, when I heard it was being adapted into a drama, I was thrilled. My girlfriend, Iris, loves dramas with doctor protagonists, so I sat her down next to me, and we started watching together. Before we knew it, we had finished all eight episodes in one go.
I found the Netflix drama “The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call” to be incredibly engaging. The story follows Professor Baek Kang-hyuk (played by Ju Ji-hoon), who takes over a struggling university hospital trauma team. The team had been practically overlooked due to its poor finances, but under his leadership, it transforms into a fully functional trauma center, drastically improving patient survival rates. What stood out to me the most was Baek’s bold personality and exceptional skills—he’s completely focused on saving lives, paying no mind to the negativity around him. I felt that the drama did an excellent job of portraying both the trauma center’s growth and the internal dynamics of the hospital.
What really pulled me in was the drama’s fast-paced and cathartic storytelling. Baek Kang-hyuk’s unwavering confidence and quick decision-making made every scene gripping. To me, he came across as a charismatic figure who prioritizes results—saving lives—over bureaucratic formalities. His fearless, almost reckless approach made him even more compelling to watch.
I also felt that the supporting characters, including Yang Jae-won, Cheon Jang-mi, and Park Kyung-won, played a big role in making the story more engaging. The bromance between Baek and Yang was particularly enjoyable, adding an extra layer of depth to the drama.
One thing I really appreciated was how the medical scenes felt more dynamic and action-packed than in typical hospital dramas. The story didn’t just confine itself to the hospital setting, which made each episode feel fresh and unpredictable. The mix of high-intensity moments and humor—especially with Han Yu-rim (played by Yoon Kyung-ho)—helped balance out the drama really well.
While there were emotional moments, I felt that they were used sparingly, which made them hit even harder. That being said, I should mention that despite its 15+ rating, the show includes some pretty graphic medical scenes, such as injections, open wounds, and surgeries, which might not be for the faint of heart.
Overall, I thought “The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call” was a refreshing and exhilarating take on the medical drama genre. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys fast-paced, intense storytelling that goes beyond the usual hospital drama formula.
My rating for this drama is ★★★★☆ (4 out of 5 stars). I really enjoyed watching it!
