Ju Ji-hoon, Choo Young-woo return for new ‘The Trauma Code’ seasons; K-pop star joins cast

Netflix’s hit medical comedy series “The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call” will return for a second and third season, with most of its main cast reprising their roles except actress Ha Young, the streaming giant announced Monday.

In a press statement, Netflix confirmed that two new seasons of “The Trauma Code” are in the works, following the series’ eight-episode debut in January 2025.

Actor Ju Ji-hoon will reprise his lead role as Baek Kang-hyuk, a genius trauma surgeon known for his unconventional methods of treating patients.

Choo Young-woo is also returning as Yang Jae-won, Kang-hyuk’s first protégé in his trauma team.

Meanwhile, Yoon Kyung-ho and Jeong Jae-kwang will also reprise their roles as Han Yu-rim, a former adversary turned trusted partner of Kang-hyuk, and anesthesiologist Park Gyeong-won, respectively.

Actress and K-pop star Jeong Ye-in joins the cast as nurse Cheon Jang-mi, taking over the role previously played by Ha Young.

Ha Young faced controversy earlier this year after speaking positively about her great-grandfather on a TV show. Reports later emerged that he had collaborated with Japanese authorities during Japan’s colonial rule over Korea.

The actress, who lost several advertising deals and projects due to the backlash, later apologized, saying she had expressed pride in her great-grandfather without knowing about his history as a pro-Japanese collaborator, according to reports.

Her replacement, Ye-in, is best known as a member of the K-pop group Lovelyz, known for songs such as “Candy Jelly Love,” “”Ah-Choo” and “Destiny.”

Netflix said Ye-in was selected “after going through a rigorous audition process.”

The first season followed Kang-hyuk, a brilliant surgeon who honed his skills in conflict zones, as he joined a struggling hospital trauma team and frequently clashed with colleagues over his unconventional methods.

In the new seasons, the trauma team “will demonstrate stronger teamwork to save patients in even more desperate situations,” the streamer said.

“Faced with greater crises and unexpected circumstances, Kang-hyuk strives to expand and stabilize an effective trauma system to save lives,” it added.

Director Lee Do-yun will return to direct the series and write the scripts for the upcoming seasons.

Netflix has yet to announce the premiere dates for the new seasons.