Is “Trauma Code: Heroes On Call” Based On A Webtoon?

Okay, let’s talk straight. If you’re anything like me, you’ve been watching Trauma Code: Heroes on Call with your mouth hanging open, heart racing, and possibly screaming at the screen. I know I have.

And then, mid-binge, the thought hits me: “Wait a second, is this based on a webtoon?” Oh, my fellow K-drama addicts, the answer is a big, dramatic YES.

This heart-pounding, emotionally devastating, and occasionally medically terrifying K-drama comes straight from the webtoon Trauma Center: Golden Hour by Hansanleega and Hongbichira. And let me tell you—I was not ready.

I went in expecting another run-of-the-mill medical drama and instead found myself spiraling into an emotional black hole. It’s got everything: high-stakes medical emergencies, action sequences that belong in an action-thriller, and a lead character who could probably stitch up a wound while fending off bad guys.

I was emotionally wrecked, and yet, I couldn’t stop watching.

From Webtoon To The Screen: The Glow-Up I Never Knew I Needed

We all know that webtoon adaptations can be hit or miss (cough let’s not name names), but Trauma Code: Heroes on Call? This one gets it so right. I was glued to my screen the entire time, clutching my blanket like it was a life vest. Every twist, every emotional breakdown, every moment of sheer chaos—it all felt so real.

One thing that makes this adaptation stand out is how it incorporates han, a uniquely Korean cultural concept.

It’s a deep emotional resonance—bittersweet, tragic, but also full of perseverance. I swear, no one does emotional suffering quite like K-dramas, and Trauma Code takes this to a whole new level. Watching Dr. Baek Kang-hyuk push through impossible odds, you can practically feel the weight of his past crushing him.

I felt every second of his struggle, and let me tell you, it hit hard—like, “ugly-crying into my ramen” hard.

The story follows Dr. Baek Kang-hyuk, a war veteran and trauma surgeon who’s basically a walking definition of “cool under pressure.”

The story follows Dr. Baek Kang-hyuk, a war veteran and trauma surgeon who’s basically a walking definition of “cool under pressure.”

His mission?

Establish a top-tier trauma center at Hankuk University Hospital in Seoul.

His problem? Everything.

Corrupt higher-ups, medical emergencies that would make Grey’s Anatomy look like a mild inconvenience, and a past so mysterious it should have its own warning label. If I were in his shoes, I’d have quit on day one.

Dr. Baek Kang-Hyuk: The Man Who Ruined My Standards For Doctors

Let’s talk about Kang-hyuk because this man is not your typical K-drama doctor. He’s like a mix of Bruce Wayne (minus the billionaire playboy part) and every no-nonsense, morally upright protagonist I have ever fallen for.

And trust me, he had me fully invested from the first episode. Here’s why I am now completely ruined for regular doctors:

• Military Background – This guy wasn’t just patching up scraped knees—he was a combat medic in an elite unit called the Black Wings. Meaning? He’s handled life-or-death situations under gunfire and still manages to look ridiculously cool doing it.
• Uncompromising Attitude – If you’re looking for a doctor who follows all the hospital rules and plays nice with the administration, look elsewhere. Kang-hyuk will save lives at any cost, and if that means cursing people out in the ER, so be it. I would not last five minutes working under him, but I’d trust him with my life.
• Action Hero Vibes – Oh, you thought this was just a medical drama? Nope. He’s rappelling from helicopters, making split-second decisions, and probably breaking every law of physics to save his patients. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t scream at my TV during some of these moments.
• Genius-Level Skills – The man doesn’t just diagnose patients—he reads them like an open book. It’s almost supernatural how fast he figures things out. If he were my doctor, I’d probably ask him to diagnose my entire life.
• Mysterious Past – No true K-drama hero comes without baggage, and Kang-hyuk’s past is the kind that keeps me up at night wondering, “What happened to him?” Seriously, I need answers. I’m considering writing a strongly worded letter to the writers demanding flashbacks.

Medical Drama, But Make It Authentic (And Deeply Korean)

One of the coolest things about this adaptation is that it’s not just mindless drama—it has authenticity. The webtoon’s creator, Han Sani, is actually an ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) doctor in real life. That means every high-stakes surgery and tense medical emergency feels incredibly real (which, of course, only adds to my anxiety).

So while Trauma Code might lean into the action-thriller aesthetic, the medical side of things is legit.

So while Trauma Code might lean into the action-thriller aesthetic, the medical side of things is legit.

If I ever need emergency surgery, I will now expect this level of intensity. Someone hold my hand.

Another cultural aspect that makes this drama stand out is the respect for hierarchy in Korean hospitals. Unlike Western medical dramas where doctors openly challenge authority, Trauma Code realistically portrays the rigid hierarchy in Korean institutions.

This dynamic adds another layer of tension as Kang-hyuk constantly butts heads with higher-ups while trying to do what’s right. I don’t know how he hasn’t flipped a desk yet, because I definitely would have.

So, Should You Read The Webtoon? (And What It Says About Korean Storytelling)

If you enjoyed watching Dr. Romantic, Hospital Playlist, or Life, then you might also love Trauma Code: Heroes on Call.

These dramas share that perfect mix of gripping medical cases, emotional storytelling, and strong-willed protagonists who will do anything to save lives.

Uh, YES. If you love Trauma Code, do yourself a favor and check out Trauma Center: Golden Hour. Not only will you get even more backstory and extra details, but you’ll also have something to keep your obsession going while waiting for new episodes. I’ve already added it to my must-read list, and you should too.

Webtoons are a cornerstone of Korean storytelling, bridging traditional manhwa with modern digital formats. They often tackle socially relevant themes with an emotional depth that translates perfectly into K-dramas.

Trauma Code exemplifies this, blending action, medicine, and human drama in a way that keeps us emotionally invested.

K-dramas and webtoons go together like kimchi and rice, and Trauma Code: Heroes on Call is proof that when done right, an adaptation can be chef’s kiss perfection.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go rewatch episode six for the third time (for, uh… research purposes).

And if you’ve watched Trauma Code: Heroes on Call, I’d love to hear your thoughts! Drop a comment below and let’s obsess over this drama together!