The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call- (Series Review) Episodes 1-8

Joo Ji-hoon is here to save the day—whether the hospital likes it or not. And much like its protagonist, The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call charges forward with adrenaline-pumping intensity. This medical action-comedy thrusts us into the chaotic world of trauma medicine, where life-and-death decisions are made in seconds, and every moment is a test of skill, courage, and heart. Buckle up, because the first eight episodes deliver relentless action, high-stakes medical drama, and surprisingly heartwarming character moments.

If you’re squeamish about blood, this is not the drama for you. The Trauma Code leans into its title with gruesome, unfiltered depictions of medical emergencies—gushing stab wounds, protruding objects, and trauma so intense it borders on horror. But that’s precisely the point: we’re meant to feel like we’re right there with the team, stumbling into emergencies, barely catching our breath.

Enter doctor BAEK KANG-HYUK (Joo Ji-hoon), who makes his grand entrance by dodging explosions on a motorcycle to deliver antibiotics in a war zone. It’s an introduction worthy of an action hero, and it tells us everything we need to know—this man will do anything to save lives.

Kang-hyuk is transferred to Hanguk National University Hospital, where the trauma department is practically nonexistent. The previous specialist collapsed from overwork, and with the hospital more concerned about budget cuts than saving lives, emergencies are left to whatever department happens to be available. Kang-hyuk is unwelcome, particularly by the hospital’s higher-ups, but he wastes no time proving why he’s there.

He skips his own welcome ceremony to assist with a trauma case, finding himself in an OR with nervous mentee YANG JAE-WON (Choo Young-woo), a colorectal surgery resident who clearly has no business handling a critical patient alone. But there’s something about Jae-won that Kang-hyuk sees potential in, and so begins their mentor-student dynamic—a mix of reluctant admiration, hero worship, and comedic bullying.

Jae-won’s trial by fire escalates quickly. Not only does Kang-hyuk force him into assisting in surgery, but he also drags him into a helicopter for an on-site emergency. Terrified of heights, Jae-won panics, but Kang-hyuk’s confidence is unshakable. This is how he works: pushing limits, refusing hesitation, and demanding the impossible because he knows that’s what it takes to save lives.

Kang-hyuk begins building his dream team, starting with Jae-won. The young doctor is torn between his loyalty to general surgery mentor HAN YOO-RIM (Yoon Kyung-ho) and the undeniable pull of trauma medicine, but ultimately, he can’t resist the opportunity.

Joining them are nurse CHUN YOUNG-MI (Ha Young), a tough-as-nails veteran nicknamed “Gangster” for mistaking Kang-hyuk for one, and anesthesiologist PARK KYUNG-WON (Jung Jae-kwang), whose skills are invaluable but whose loyalty is in question, as he’s been planted as a mole by hospital director CHOI JO-EUN (Kim Eui-sung). Together, they dive into the nonstop chaos of trauma work—sprinting to emergencies, barely sleeping, and getting doused in blood daily. But even as they prove their worth, the hospital’s bureaucratic leaders work against them, trying to shut them down at every turn.

Tensions peak when Yoo-rim’s daughter is brought in as a trauma patient. Suspicious of Kang-hyuk, Yoo-rim fears the worst, while Jae-won struggles to maintain professionalism. The trauma team pulls through, saving her life, and for the first time, Yoo-rim sees the necessity of their work. Meanwhile, hospital politics escalate as Chief HONG JAE-HOON (Kim Won-hae) and Director Choi sabotage the team by grounding their helicopter, leading to a patient’s preventable death. When they attempt to frame Kang-hyuk for malpractice, he fights back with a public press conference, exposing the hospital’s neglect.

The biggest challenge yet comes when a Korean military captain is critically injured in South Sudan. The trauma team is sent on a mission, facing warzone conditions they’re unprepared for—except for Kang-hyuk. It’s revealed that he was once a medic for the elite military unit Black Wings, a fact he’s kept hidden. His connections secure a safe space for the operation, and upon returning to Korea, he’s hailed as a hero.

While Kang-hyuk is away, Yoo-rim struggles to lead the trauma center. When a building fire leaves him paralyzed with fear, Kang-hyuk returns just in time to save the day—only to get caught in an explosion himself. Even as he bleeds out, he refuses to stop working, ultimately trusting Jae-won to perform his surgery. It’s a defining moment for Jae-won, who rises to the challenge and earns his mentor’s respect.

As Kang-hyuk recovers, he makes one final demand: a fully-equipped trauma center with a dedicated helicopter. When Director Choi resists, Kang-hyuk finally opens up—revealing that, years ago, his father was in a car accident, and the only hospital that would take him was Hanguk National. The doctor who refused to give up on his father was none other than Director Choi himself. The revelation shakes Choi, and he relents. The trauma team gets their helicopter, and as soon as it lands, they’re off to another emergency.

DramaZen's Opinion

High-Octane Drama with Heart

The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call delivers an exhilarating mix of medical tension, action-movie thrills, and surprisingly heartfelt moments. The relentless pace keeps viewers on edge, but the humor and camaraderie between the characters make it all the more engaging. Joo Ji-hoon’s Kang-hyuk is almost too perfect—an unflappable genius who never loses—but his subtle moments of vulnerability keep him human. Meanwhile, Jae-won’s growth from nervous rookie to capable surgeon is one of the most rewarding character arcs so far.

The supporting cast shines, from Young-mi’s protective warmth to Yoo-rim’s begrudging transformation into an ally. Even the villains, frustrating as they are, add just the right amount of tension. If the first eight episodes are any indication, we’re in for an unforgettable ride.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5/5)

What do you think of The Trauma Code so far? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!