Ha Young Exits Netflix’s ‘The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call’ Ahead of New Seasons

Netflix’s hit Korean medical drama “The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call” is heading toward its next chapter with a major cast change.

Actress Ha Young, who played trauma nurse Cheon Jang-mi in the first season, will not return for the upcoming follow-up seasons.

Netflix Confirms Ha Young’s Departure

Netflix confirmed the news on September 1, saying that Ha Young had decided not to participate in the follow-up to “The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call” and that the company respected her decision.

Ha Young had been expected to reprise her role alongside Ju Ji-hoon and Choo Young-woo.

A replacement for Cheon Jang-mi has not been announced, and Netflix has remained cautious about confirming additional production details.

Why Is Ha Young Leaving?

The announcement follows controversy in South Korea surrounding allegations about Ha Young’s great-grandfather and his activities during the Japanese colonial period.

The issue attracted attention after Ha Young discussed her family’s multi-generation medical background during a television appearance. She later said that after researching the family history herself, she learned more about her great-grandfather’s actions and apologized for previously speaking about the family history without fully understanding it.

Cheon Jang-mi Was a Key Part of Season 1

Ha Young played Cheon Jang-mi, a senior nurse and important member of the severe trauma team led by brilliant surgeon Baek Kang-hyuk, played by Ju Ji-hoon.

The character became part of the core team chemistry that helped make the first season popular with viewers in Korea and internationally.

What Happens to Season 2?

“The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call” follows Baek Kang-hyuk, a war-seasoned surgeon who returns to Seoul and attempts to transform an underfunded trauma unit into a world-class emergency medical team.

The first season consisted of eight episodes and also starred Choo Young-woo, Yoon Kyung-ho, Jeong Jae-kwang, Kim Eui-sung, Kim Won-hae and Kim Sun-young.

Reports had already indicated that additional seasons were moving toward production, with Ha Young originally expected to return.

Her departure now creates one of the biggest unanswered questions surrounding the next chapter: whether Netflix will recast Cheon Jang-mi or take the story in a different direction.

For fans of the series, attention will now turn to Netflix’s next casting and production announcements.

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Sources: Netflix, Yonhap News Agency, SBS News and Netflix Tudum. September 1, 2026.