Air Date: January 24, 2025

Episodes: 8

Where to Watch: Netflix

Genre: Medical Drama

Starring: Ju Ji Hoon and Choo Young Woo

A trauma specialist who has trained internationally in war zones with elite medical teams takes a job running a struggling trauma department in a university hospital.  But those charged with running the hospital and its budget are not thrilled with the new surgeon’s techniques or expensive treatment options.  Now as he tries to create a top-tier trauma center with the help of his team of handpicked misfits, those in charge will look for ways to close the whole thing down and get rid of the arrogant new team leader.  

Baek Gang Hyeok has worked as a trauma surgeon around the world, following the money into dangerous, war-torn countries.  But when the Minister of Health and Welfare offers him a job at a struggling trauma department in Hankuk National University Hospital , he decides to bring his skills home to Korea.  Upon arrival, he finds an under-budgeted medical department with no designated staff members.  And as he begins to recruit among those who seem to have potential and drive, a workable department starts to take shape.

Now he and his small band of dedicated assistants will have to prove the department is worth supporting if they are going to get the resources they need from a group of administrators who only see medical treatment in terms of the bottom line.

Baek Gang Hyeok is a talented trauma surgeon who is rude and arrogant.  But he is also empathetic toward his patience, a valuable teacher, and willing to give credit where credit is due.  His own experience losing his father because of delayed medical treatment has driven him to work tirelessly for his patients, regardless of the cost.  Ju Ji Hoon is an amazing actor who can take on a wide range of roles.  His hard-edged swag brought this character to life, while allowing him to still show a gentler side when the situation demanded.  

Yang Jae Won is a pampered fellow from a prominent medical family.  He is being mentored by the head of surgery with a goal to following in his footsteps as a colorectal surgeon.  But when his diligent attitude is noticed by Gang Hyeok, Gang Hyek begins recruiting him for the trauma center. 

The decision to give up a fairly comfortable career future to follow the difficult road of trauma medicine isn’t an easy one.  And Jae Won’s timid personality, lack of surgical skills, and fear of adventure complicate things.  But he is won over by Gang Hyeok awe-inspiring skills and charm.  Now he will have to work hard to win the respect of his new mentor and persuade the hospital that the high price tag of running a state of the art trauma center is worthwhile.   

Yang Jae Won is mild mannered and studious.  He is well liked and respected, especially by those in charge of running the hospital.  But his willingness to run every time an emergency is announced gains Gang Hyeok’s attention immediately.  And luckily for Jae Won, Gang Hyeok sees his untapped potential.  Choo Young Woo is a great up and coming actor with two more dramas still slated to drop this year.  I really loved him in this role as the shy, slightly clumsy hospital fellow.  

So, obviously I don’t watch medical dramas hoping to see some patients die.  But I do have to say that the fact the only bad result we saw in this drama was the case that could be blamed on the directors selfish actions took some of the suspense out of the surgeries.  I mean, this is trauma medicine, after all.  Bad outcomes should be a part of the landscape.  But in this case, we pretty much get all happy ending.  Just not so realistic, in my opinion.  

I love this cast, including the older veteran actors.  But I do have to say that some of the villains laid it on a bit thick for me. I mean, we get it.  He is a hot-headed jerk.  But a bit of subtlety might have been nice.  Especially when you are at work in front of all your colleagues.  I just don’t think a full out tantrum would be very well recieved.

This drama gave me the feeling that there was some interesting backstory between Gang Hyeok and the Minister of Health.  She just seemed to know too much about him and there were some strangely knowing looks between the two of them.  I kept waiting for some insight into what their history might be.  But it never gets addressed.  Maybe I just read too much into it, but it seemed like there was more going on.  

‘The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call’ gives us a nice happy ending with opportunity for future seasons.  After the team successfully saves a Korean soldier in a war zone, public support hits a new high.  And with that, the higher-ups have no hope of closing the department or chasing Gang Hyeok away.  Gang Hyeok and Jae Won have started recruiting new doctors for their department, including a handsome soldier they met during their war adventure. 

And the Minister of Health helps fund a full trauma center with their own helicopter.  And as the team is attending the opening ceremony, their celebration is interrupted by an emergency call that causes the whole trauma team to grab their equipment and jump into the brand new waiting copter.  Bring on seasons 2 and 3!

If this review has made you curious about where your other favorites stand, here is break down of the other reviews by rating.  Links to both spoiler-free and full reviews are available on each page. Feel free to explore all the wonderful dramas I have watched.