Lovelyz member and actress Jeong Yein has been reported as the frontrunner to take over the role of Cheon Jang Mi in the upcoming second and third seasons of Netflix’s hit Korean medical drama “The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call.” The report, published by MyDaily on September 23, 2026, claims that the production team held auditions to fill the vacancy left by Ha Young and ultimately selected Jeong Yein for the part. However, both Jeong Yein’s agency and Netflix have since responded, pouring cold water on the claim.
Jeong Yein’s agency SUBLIME issued a firm denial, stating,
“There have been no discussions regarding her appearance in ‘The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call.’”
A representative from Netflix also weighed in, telling reporters,
“Casting discussions are currently underway. Nothing has been confirmed yet.”
The conflicting statements mean that while the report generated significant buzz among K-drama fans, the casting is not yet official. The role of Cheon Jang Mi, a senior nurse on the severe trauma team who works closely with lead characters Baek Kang Hyuk and Yang Jae Won, remains open for now.
Why Ha Young Left the Show
Ha Young, who played Cheon Jang Mi in the first season, stepped down from the series following a controversy involving her family history. The issue arose after she spoke about her great-grandfather, Ahn Sang Ho, on a KBS talk show, describing him as a source of family pride. Historical records later revealed that Ahn Sang Ho was a physician during Japan’s 1910–45 colonial rule of Korea and served as a council member for the Daejeong Friendship Association, a group linked to the Japanese colonial administration. He was also known for advocating naisen ittai, an ideology promoting the unity of Japan and Korea under Japanese rule.
The revelation sparked widespread criticism in South Korea, where pro-Japanese collaboration during the colonial period remains a deeply sensitive topic. Ha Young posted a handwritten apology on her Instagram account on August 12, 2026, writing,
“I bow my head in apology for the great disappointment and hurt caused by matters concerning my great-grandfather.”
She added that she had only partially understood her great-grandfather’s history and was ashamed that she had spoken of him publicly without knowing the full context. Netflix officially confirmed her departure on September 1, 2026, stating,
“Respecting the actor’s position, Ha Young will not appear in the next season of ‘The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call.’”
What the Show Is About
“The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call” is adapted from the popular webtoon “Severe Trauma Center” and follows Baek Kang Hyuk (played by Ju Ji Hoon), a genius trauma surgeon who has operated in conflict zones around the world. He takes on the mission of reviving a struggling and underfunded severe trauma care team at a university hospital. The series also stars Choo Young Woo as Yang Jae Won and Yoon Kyung Ho as Han Yu Rim, alongside the character Cheon Jang Mi.
Season 1, consisting of eight episodes, premiered worldwide on Netflix on January 24, 2025, and became a breakout hit. It topped Netflix’s global non-English TV show rankings, beating “Squid Game” Season 2 for the number one spot during its run. The show drew 11.9 million views and 82.7 million hours viewed between January 27 and February 2, 2025, and ranked in the Top 10 in 63 countries, including the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, India, and across Southeast Asia. The series was later renewed for Seasons 2 and 3, which are set to be filmed back-to-back starting in October 2026.
Who Is Jeong Yein?
Jeong Yein debuted as a member of the girl group Lovelyz in November 2014. After the group’s activities wound down, she signed with SUBLIME Artist Agency in January 2022 and released her first solo digital single, “Plus n Minus,” on January 25 of that year. She began acting in 2017 with the web drama “The Blue Sea” and tvN’s “Criminal Minds.” Since then, she has appeared in projects across multiple platforms, including TVING and WATCHA’s “I Want to Become an Influencer,” DramaBox’s “The Mysterious Billionaire’s Daughter,” and Naver Clip’s “The Fortune Teller.”
If the casting is confirmed, it would mark one of her most high-profile roles to date, joining a Netflix original series with a massive global audience.
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What Happens Next
Seasons 2 and 3 of “The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call” are scheduled to begin production in October 2026. Netflix has not announced a release date for either season. The first season is currently streaming worldwide on Netflix in all regions where the platform operates, including the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, India, and across Europe, Asia, and Latin America.
With casting discussions still ongoing, an official announcement about who will play Cheon Jang Mi in the new seasons is expected in the coming weeks.
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