Squid Game 2 unexpectedly lost miserably to a rookie, part 3 needs to be reconsidered?

Following the success of part 1, " Squid Game 2" continues to break many records, topping the chart of most-watched non-English-language TV shows on Netflix globally.

However, recently, the film was unexpectedly surpassed by a rookie, causing part 3 to be at risk of having to reconsider its script and broadcast time.

Accordingly, the film "The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call" has won the top spot on Netflix's global non-English language TV show chart.

The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call is a film adapted from the famous Korean webtoon of the same name. The film is directed by Lee Do Yoon, who made the success of the 2014 film Confession, and written by Choi Tae Gang.

Premiering on January 24, The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call tells the story of Baek Kang Hyuk (played by "crown prince" Ju Ji Hoon), a genius surgeon who once roamed the battlefield, and his difficult takeover of the emergency department.

He and his colleagues Yang Jae Won (Choo Young Woo) and senior nurse Cheon Jang Mi (Ha Young) put all their skills and experience into saving patients in life-or-death moments, thereby reviving the trauma care center.

Immediately after its broadcast, the film created a big buzz thanks to its attractive, timeless theme and impressive acting.

On February 16, The Korea Times reported that The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call recorded 11.9 million views from January 27 to February 2, holding the No. 1 spot on Netflix's global non-English TV show rankings.

The film topped the charts in 17 countries and territories, including Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Chile... The film also entered the top 10 in 63 other countries and territories such as New Zealand, France, Italy, Mexico, Brazil, India, Japan and Egypt...

According to Good Data Corporation, a Korean content analytics company, the show attracted a 140% increase in domestic viewership compared to the first week of February, making it 2.5 times more talked about than Squid Game 2.

This is an impressive figure because the medical subject faces many challenges due to the prolonged strike of doctors across the Northeast Asian country in 2024. Before The Trauma Code, tvN's drama Resident Playbook had to postpone its broadcast until the first half of this year for fear of being affected.

Director Lee even had to remind viewers not to relate the film's plot to reality.

"I hope people see The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call as a fantasy film rather than trying to compare it directly to the real world," he stressed.

The film still directly addresses many prominent issues through the plot. In particular, the current situation of trauma centers in Korea is lacking in staff and budget, causing some patients to not receive timely care.

The highlight of the film is the combination of medicine with action and the satisfaction when justice is served.

Good Data Corporation experts revealed that online responses to the film have been largely positive, with many saying they enjoyed the lighthearted yet satisfying emotions brought about by the story and characters.

Baek Kang Hyuk is well-developed. He stands out as a surgeon who is solely focused on saving the lives of his patients. His unwavering sense of purpose helps to minimize unnecessary conflict, allowing the story to maintain a steady pace.

Reviews posted by international audiences on YouTube point out that Baek Kang Hyuk is an engaging lead actor, describing him as a heroic character who is dedicated to saving lives at all costs.

Similar to previous hit medical dramas like Dr. Romantic and Hospital Playlist, the film scores with audiences through its depiction of the survival of the medical profession and the humanity that emerges in those struggles.

The success of The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call once again affirms the appeal of profound human themes.

Squid game decreased its attractiveness, a heavyweight competitor usurped the throne, and the whole network sobbed Như Lan08:11:09 10/02/2025While all attention is focused on the information about Squid game season 3, a film that has quietly been delighted by global "movie nerds" who are excited, quickly usurped the Top 1 of Squid game and received positive praise, even looking forward to a second season.