Netflix adaptation of South Korean web cartoon becomes global hit

Actor Ju Ji-hoon center is seen in this grab from a scene in etflix — Actor Ju Ji-hoon (center) is seen, in this grab from a scene in "The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call" on Netflix.

SEOUL, February 3 (AJP) - Netflix's South Korean medical drama "The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call" is gaining widespread popularity across the world.

Released in time for the Lunar New Year holiday late last month, the eight-episode series ranked No. 2 worldwide among TV shows as of last week, according to FlixPatrol, which tracks global streaming rankings.

It has also taken the top spot in 19 countries including Bangladesh, Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador, Honduras, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Mexico.

Lee Guk-jong Yonhap — Surgeon Lee Cook-jong is seen, in this undated photo. Yonhap

Based on a popular web cartoon and novel by author Lee Nak-joon who is also an ENT specialist, the series revolves around a former war medic-turned-surgeon who comes to the rescue of an emergency trauma center at a university hospital.

Inspired by the real stories of Lee Cook-jong, the head of the Armed Forces Daejeon Hospital, the series contains many scenes reminiscent of him.

Lee, who has treated numerous emergency trauma cases and injuries as a surgeon, made headlines after saving the life of Seok Hae-kyun, the captain of a South Korean freighter hijacked by Somali pirates in 2011, and also for conducting surgery on a North Korean soldier who was critically wounded while defecting through the truce village of Panmunjom in 2017.

With the series' runaway success, excitement has already built for a possible next season.

Official poster for "The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call"

Kim Joo-heon jhkim123@ajunews.com