Latest news with #Kang-hyuk
Korea Herald
28-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Ju says he drew inspiration from renowned doctor Lee Guk-jong for 'The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call'
Ju Ji-hoon, the leading man behind K-drama powerhouses like "Princess Hours" and Netflix's smash hit "Kingdom," is back with his latest role as a heroic doctor in the Netflix series "The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call." Ju, known for his knack for choosing larger-than-life roles adapted from hit Korean comics, shared that he hopes to deliver a sense of cathartic satisfaction through the adrenaline-charged medical drama. "The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call" chronicles the journey of Kang-hyuk (played by Ju), a brilliant surgeon thrust into high-stakes, life-or-death situations involving critically ill patients. Adapted from a wildly popular web novel, the series interweaves intense drama with a sharp commentary on societal absurdities. As the title suggests, "The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call" delves into the world of doctors -- but Ju was quick to emphasize that it's far from a conventional medical drama. Instead, he coined it a "medical action drama," underscoring its mission to evoke catharsis rather than merely dissect hospital corridors. "(The series) borrows the framework of medicine to break through absurdities and vividly portray the universal values we pursue. In a tough reality, it provides catharsis, shows the images people want to see, and is an enjoyable piece," Ju explained. With a storied history of starring in comic-based adaptations, the 42-year-old is no stranger to taking on roles from imaginative worlds. From his breakout in "Princess Hours" to high-profile hits such as "Along with the Gods" and "Kingdom," Ju has consistently participated in breathing life into larger-than-life characters. Drawing from his past experiences, Ju shared that he focused on bringing cartoon-based characters to life in a way that felt authentic and realistic on-screen. "I've worked on many comic-based projects … In this case, I felt that if the story wasn't grounded in realism, it would come across as too far-fetched," said Ju. To breathe authenticity into the extraordinary character of Kang-hyuk, Ju said he drew inspiration from the renowned Korean trauma surgeon Lee Guk-jong, who served as the basis for Kang-hyuk in the original web novel. "I watched documentaries about Professor Lee. Through that, I got a sense of my character's determination to do whatever it takes to save a patient, needing nothing else. I indirectly felt the professor's sense of dedication and commitment through those documentaries, and it really helped me," Ju shared. "Listening to stories and directly witnessing something with your own eyes are completely different experiences. Seeing that there are people who truly dedicate their entire lives like that and realizing that such people exist, definitely helped me immerse myself in this character," he added. All 8 episodes of "The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call" are currently available to stream on Netflix.
Yahoo
28-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Meet the Cast of 'The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call,' the New, Must-Watch Netflix K-Drama for Fans of Medical Shows
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Netflix's 2025 K-drama The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call, is perfect for fans of fast-paced medical dramas like Grey's Anatomy and The Pitt. Based on the popular webcomic Trauma Center: Golden Hour, Netflix's first original medical K-drama follows genius surgeon Baek Kang-hyuk (Ju Ji-hoon), who sets out to revamp the trauma center at a prestigious Seoul hospital. After its release on January 24, 2025, the eight-episode series became an instant hit, quickly landing among Netflix's Top 10 most-watched shows in the U.S. To fill out the cast of the show's hospital personnel, the streaming giant gathered a cast of veteran Korean actors and up-and-coming stars, including many familiar faces for fans of Netflix K-dramas. Read on to learn more about the cast of The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call. At the start of The Trauma Code, Baek Kang-hyuk is a trauma surgeon working in war-torn areas overseas and then takes a job at Hankuk National University Hospital. Though many of his new colleagues judge him for his lack of manners or pedigree, he's an extraordinarily skilled physician who truly cares for his patients. Ju Ji-hoon, 42, began his career as a model and actor, before his breakout role in the 2006 romance K-drama Princess Hours. His best-known projects include the high-grossing film franchise Along with the Gods and the Netflix historical K-drama Kingdom. In 2024, he starred in three K-dramas: the rom-com Love Your Enemy and the Hulu K-dramas Blood Free and Light Shop. Yang Jae-won is a talented fellow in the colorectal surgery department, who happens to be on call for the trauma department on Kang-hyuk's first day. After a dramatic day of treating patients, Jae-won has to decide whether to transfer to the trauma center and become Kang-hyuk's mentee, or stick with the cushy, low-stress world of proctology. Choo Young-woo, 25, studied at Korea National University of the Arts and made his acting debut in 2021, with lead roles in both the web BL series You Make Me Dance and the youth drama School 2021. He's since appeared in the dramas Once Upon a Small Town, Oasis, and The Tale of Lady Ok, in which he co-starred alongside The Glory's Lim Ji-yeon. Next, Choo will star in the fantasy romance drama Gyeon Woo and Fairy and the Netflix crime drama Mercy for None. Cheon Jang-mi is a trauma nurse with five years of experience who joins Kang-hyuk's new team. In an interview with Harper's Bazaar Korea (translated by Soompi), Ha describes her character as someone who "does whatever it takes to ensure the trauma center's survival." Ha Young, 31, began her career as a model before transitioning to acting with the 2019 drama Doctor Prisoner. She has since appeared in supporting roles in K-dramas like Mouse, Now, We Are Breaking Up, Extraordinary Attorney Woo, and Face Me. She first worked with Netflix on the 2023 romance drama Doona!. Park Gyeong-won is a skilled anesthesiology resident who catches Kang-hyuk's attention on his first day. He's also friends with Jae-won. Jeong Jae-kwang, 34, is an actor and model who made his TV debuts with the 2017 thriller K-drama Save Me. He has appeared in several popular K-dramas, including The Fiery Priest, It's Okay to Not Be Okay, Nevertheless, My Perfect Stranger, Queen Woo, and Gangnam B-Side. Han Yu-rim is Jae-won's advisor in the colorectal department and the general surgery department chair, who takes arrogant pride in his credentials. His automatic disdain towards Kang-hyuk grows after the newcomer "steals" Jae-won. Yoon Kyung-ho, 44, is a familiar face to fans of Korean entertainment, as he's held supporting roles over his 20-plus year career. His most notable credits include the films Okja, The Battleship Island, Juror 8, Honest Candidate, Seoul Vibe, and Love Reset; as well as the K-dramas Goblin, Mr. Sunshine, Confession, Itaewon Class, My Name, All of Us Are Dead, Green Mother's Club, Cleaning Up, and The Worst of Evil. Kim Won-hae, 55, plays Hong Jae-hun, an infectious disease specialist and the hospital's director of planning and coordination. The prolific film and K-drama actor has appeared in some of Korea's highest-grossing movies, including Sunny, The Admiral: Roaring Currents, The Pirates, A Violent Prosecutor, and The Battleship Island. On TV, he's best known for being a cast member on the first four seasons of Saturday Night Live: Korea, as well as his roles in Signal, Strong Woman Do Bong-soon, Life, The Fiery Priest, The Good Bad Mother, and Lovely Runner. Choi Jo-eun is Hankuk's director, who is more concerned with the hospital's business interests than the patients' care. Kim Eui-sung, 59, is a prolific actor who began his career in the 1990s and has appeared in dozens of popular movies. He previously won a prestigious Baeksang Arts Award for his role as the selfish businessman Yong Suk in the Korean horror movie Train to Busan. On the K-drama side, he's best known for the shows W, Mr. Sunshine, Arthdal Chronicles, Taxi Driver, and Under the Queen's Umbrella. Kang Myeong-hui is South Korea's Minister of Health and Welfare and recommends Kang-hyuk for Hunkuk's trauma surgeon position to help revamp the department. Kim Sun-young, 48, is a prolific stage and screen actress who many Netflix K-drama fans will recognize. She's best known for her roles in Reply 1988, Because This Is My First Life, Romance is a Bonus Book, Her Private Life, When the Camellia Blooms, Crash Landing on You, Crash Course in Romance, Queenmaker, Queen of Divorce, and A Virtuous Business.
