'The Trauma Code' tops Netflix's global non-English TV chart

By KTimes

Netflix’s original series "The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call" has claimed the top spot on the platform’s global non-English TV chart show rankings, demonstrating the universal appeal of its deeply human themes.

The show also sparked more than 2.5 times the domestic buzz of Squid Game Season 2, thanks to its gripping adaptation of a well-crafted original webtoon.

Released on Jan. 24, "The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call" follows the story of Baek Kang-hyuk (played by Ju Ji-hoon), a genius surgeon who once roamed battlefields, as he takes over a struggling trauma team and tries to revive it.

The drama, based on a popular webtoon of the same name, is directed by Lee Do-yoon, known for the film "Confession" (2014), and written by Choi Tae-gang, who previously worked on the 2022 series "Adamas."

The story revolves around Baek’s relentless efforts to rebuild a neglected trauma team, alongside elite fellow doctor Yang Jae-won (Choo Young-woo) and senior nurse Cheon Jang-mi (Ha Young). Their journey focuses on saving lives during the critical "golden hour" for patients.

Medical dramas in Korea have faced challenges due to last year’s prolonged doctors’ strike, which led to negative public sentiment toward the profession. As a result, the highly anticipated tvN series "Resident Playbook" delayed its release to the first half of this year.

Given the show’s setting, concerns arose about its connection to real-world medical issues. Addressing this, director Lee said, "I hope people view 'The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call' as a fantasy rather than trying to compare it directly with reality."

True to his word, the series blends medical drama with action and the satisfaction of justice being served.

Strong character dynamics

The series addresses several issues head-on through its narrative, particularly at a time when trauma centers in present-day Korea face staff and budget shortages, leaving some patients unable to receive timely care.

This aligns with the broader role of popular culture in helping audiences understand and process real-world frustrations.

The show’s success can also be attributed to its strong character dynamics. While domestic viewers are particularly invested in the relationships between the characters, international fans have praised the unique personalities and clear motivations of the cast.

Reviews posted by international audiences on YouTube have singled out Baek Kang-hyuk as a compelling lead, describing him as a heroic figure committed to saving lives at any cost.

The word-of-mouth success of "The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call" is reflected in its numbers. From Jan. 27 to Feb. 2, the show recorded 11.9 million views (calculated by dividing total watch hours by the runtime), reaching the top of Netflix’s global non-English TV rankings just 10 days after its release.

The series topped the charts in 17 countries, including Korea, Thailand, Taiwan, Malaysia, Chile and Peru, and entered the Top 10 in 63 countries, including New Zealand, France, Italy, Mexico, Brazil, India, Japan and Egypt.

According to Good Data Corporation, a Korean content analytics firm, the show’s buzz surged by 140 percent compared to the previous week, making it 2.5 times more talked about than "Squid Game" 2.

The character of Baek stands out as a surgeon whose sole focus is saving patients’ lives. His unwavering sense of purpose minimizes unnecessary conflict, allowing the narrative to maintain a steady pace.

Similar to previous hit medical dramas like "Dr. Romantic" and "Hospital Playlist," the show resonates with audiences through its depiction of the life-and-death stakes of the medical profession and the humanity that emerges amid those struggles.

A Good Data Corporation data analyst said, "The online response to 'The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call' has been largely positive, with many viewers saying they enjoy the lighthearted yet satisfying emotions the story and characters deliver."

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.