In recent days, Joo Ji Hoon and the movie “The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call” have become a hot topic of discussion on social networks in Korea and many countries, including Vietnam.
The show also beat “Squid Game 2” to rank second on Netflix’s Global TV Show non-English chart and entered the platform’s top 10 in 26 countries/territories.
Taking on the role of Baek Kang Hyuk - a genius surgeon with a stubborn personality who doesn't want to compromise, Joo Ji Hoon scored points with the audience thanks to his masculine appearance, attractive lines, and his characteristic witty and comfortable acting style.
The actor's chemistry with co-stars Choo Young Woo (as doctor Yang Jae Won), Ha Young (as nurse Cheon Jang Mi), Yoon Kyung Ho (as head of department Han Yoo Rim), and Jung Jae Kwang (as anesthesiologist Park Kyung Won) is also a plus.
Wikitree (Korea) commented that the film was successful in recreating a real story about the medical profession, about doctors who, despite going through countless hardships and pressures, still put saving patients' lives as their top priority.
Joo Ji Hoon personally admits that although Baek Kang Hyuk is like a superhero, the type of character who is willing to speak up against injustice and represents an ideal world is something that many people wish for.
“I also thought, if there was such a person in real life, it would be great. In life, everyone will have dissatisfaction, encounter injustice, I hope after watching this movie, everyone's stress index will decrease.”
The actor added that to "breathe life" into the extraordinary character Baek Kang Hyuk, he was inspired by the famous Korean trauma surgeon - Lee Guk Jong, who served as the basis for the doctor character in the original webtoon.
“I watched a documentary about Dr. Lee and indirectly felt his dedication. Thanks to that, I somewhat understood my character's determination to do everything possible to save the patient.”
Regarding the impressive surgeries that the audience saw in the film, Joo Ji Hoon said that these were all surgeries that had great potential risks, because they involved human lives. However, with a TV series, the crew could not fully convey that level of danger.
“In the film, Baek Kang Hyuk performs a craniotomy on a patient on a helicopter, which is a very delicate technique. A still image might not be able to capture that tension, so we added an emergency scene on a shaking helicopter to add dynamism to the scene.
This requires a tight connection in the rhythm of the story. We also struggled a lot to create a sense of urgency and help the audience easily immerse themselves in the situation in the film" - the Korean star added.
