“Release Season 2 Already!”: Korean Drama’s Viral Success Has Fans Begging for More

A Korean drama that wasn’t a ratings powerhouse at first has taken the MZ generation by storm and is now making waves globally. The show in question? The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call (written by Choi Tae-gang, directed by Lee Do-yoon, produced by StudioN and Mace Entertainment). The series, which initially began airing on Netflix, centers around genius trauma surgeon Baek Kang-hyeok (played by Ju Ji-hoon), who revives a struggling trauma center with his expertise, drawing comparisons to a hero story with its riveting action.

In its third week of airing, the series has maintained intense popularity. According to Netflix’s Tudum Top 10, The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call recorded a remarkable 5.4 million views during the week of February 3–9, landing the show in the global Top 10 in 41 countries and securing second place in the non-English global TV show category. By the end of week three, the drama had reached a total of 22 million views, surpassing previous records for Netflix Korea Originals and ranking as the 7th most-watched Korean drama on the platform.

The series has also been dominating the conversation in terms of buzz. According to the latest data from Good Data Corporation, The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call continues to top the TV-OTT buzz rankings in the first week of February. The show’s popularity has sparked a wave of requests for a second season, with fans demanding more of the intense drama and thrilling medical action.

The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call is based on a web novel and webtoon series, The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call, by medical writer Lee Nak-jun. The source material, serialized on Naver from March 2019 to February 2022, garnered attention for its realistic portrayal of surgical cases and vivid depictions of medical procedures. The accuracy and authenticity of the storytelling have made it a favorite among viewers seeking a grounded, gripping narrative.

As the series continues its impressive run, it’s not only fans who are responding with enthusiasm. On February 10, the cast and crew came together for a special fan meeting to celebrate the show’s success. Lead actor Ju Ji-hoon, along with supporting actors Choo Young-woo, Ha Young, Yoon Kyung-ho, Jeong Jae-kwang, and director Lee Do-yoon, participated in the event, sharing behind-the-scenes stories and insights into the making of the show. Ju Ji-hoon expressed his satisfaction with his portrayal of Baek Kang-hyeok, sharing, “I studied for 12 hours a day before shooting to prepare. It’s so rewarding to receive praise and to see the cast’s charm shine through.”

Meanwhile, as of February 12, The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call continues to reign at the top of Netflix Korea’s ‘Top 10 Series Today,’ with shows like Single’s Inferno Season 4, Love Scout, and Sakamoto Days trailing behind. The continued success of The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call not only solidifies its place in Netflix history but also hints at the potential for more thrilling seasons to come.