Dr. Baek Kang-hyuk: The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call character explained

Set against the backdrop of Hankuk National University Hospital (HNUH), The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call is a South Korean medical drama that explores the relentless challenges faced by medical professionals.

Working tirelessly to save lives, they face systemic obstacles, limited resources, and life-or-death emergencies.

At the heart of this gripping narrative is Dr. Baek Kang-hyuk, portrayed by Ju Ji-hoon.

As the show’s protagonist, Baek is introduced as a genius trauma surgeon whose extraordinary skills have been honed in some of the most challenging environments imaginable, from war-torn regions to conflict zones.

Known for his cold precision and fearless demeanor, Baek embodies the very essence of what it takes to excel in trauma care—unwavering focus, unmatched expertise, and an unrelenting drive to save lives.

Upon his arrival at HNUH, his presence shakes the very foundation of the hospital.

Tasked with reviving the trauma department, which is on the verge of collapse due to underfunding and administrative neglect, he quickly establishes himself as a force to be reckoned with.

His unorthodox and daring approach to medicine sets him apart from his peers, but it also puts him at odds with hospital administrators and senior staff.

Undeterred by resistance, Baek is determined to transform the trauma unit into a top-tier center capable of handling the most critical emergencies.

Background and motivation

Dr. Baek Kang-hyuk’s unyielding commitment to trauma care is deeply rooted in personal tragedy and an extraordinary early career.

His journey to becoming a world-class trauma surgeon begins with a pivotal moment from his childhood.

As a young boy, Baek witnessed his father’s death following a tragic accident.

Despite being rushed multiple hospitals, he was accepted nowhere and was finally brought to Hankuk National University Hospital (HNUH), where he was declared deceased.

This harrowing experience left a profound mark on Baek, igniting a lifelong determination to prevent others from suffering the same fate.

The memory of that day became his driving force—one that would later inspire his mission to turn HNUH into the best trauma center in the nation.

Baek’s early career reflects his relentless pursuit of excellence and his willingness to step into some of the world’s most dangerous and challenging environments to hone his skills.

After completing his medical education, he dedicated five years to working with Doctors for International Peace in Syria.

This humanitarian role exposed him to the raw realities of war and conflict, where every day was a battle to save lives amidst limited supplies, overcrowded camps, and constant danger.

Following his tenure in Syria, Baek took an unconventional and controversial path by joining Black Wings, the world’s largest private military organization.

He also has a curious tattoo on his forearm signifying the same.

Dr. Baek Kang-hyuk: The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call character explained 1

Under the alias “Malek,” he served as a combat medic in Afghanistan, further refining his abilities in an environment where split-second decisions often determined life or death.

It was during this time that Baek mastered a range of unconventional skills, such as flying helicopters, performing surgeries under extreme conditions, and managing patients in combat zones.

These experiences gave him an edge that few other surgeons possess—unparalleled surgical precision, nerves of steel, and the ability to adapt to any crisis.

While his time with Black Wings remains a subject of intrigue and speculation, it played a critical role in shaping the fearless, calculated professional who would later take on the challenge of rebuilding HNUH’s trauma department.

This blend of personal tragedy and extraordinary professional experience fuels Baek’s unwavering resolve to improve trauma care.

His past is the foundation of his identity as a surgeon, mentor, and leader.

It explains his bold, sometimes unorthodox methods, his drive to confront systemic failures, and his refusal to let bureaucracy or politics stand in the way of saving lives.

Arrival at HNUH

Dr. Baek Kang-hyuk’s arrival at Hankuk National University Hospital (HNUH) marks a seismic shift in the institution’s approach to trauma care.

He is hired as the new head of the trauma department by the Minister of Health herself.

Following the resignation of the previous surgeon—who stepped down after being overworked and burned out—Baek is brought in to revive the struggling unit.

His reputation as a world-class trauma surgeon precedes him, but his methods and personality quickly ignite tension within the hospital.

Baek makes an unforgettable first impression during his welcome ceremony, though not for the reasons anyone might expect.

While the event is meant to celebrate his arrival, Baek uses the platform to launch a scathing critique of the hospital’s outdated facilities, insufficient equipment, and lack of funding for trauma care.

His blunt and unfiltered comments leave the administration stunned and create an immediate rift between him and the hospital leadership.

His unorthodox approach and refusal to adhere to bureaucratic niceties soon put him at odds with key figures in the hospital. 

Dr. Han Yoo-rim, a senior surgeon with deep ties to the hospital, becomes one of Baek’s most vocal critics.

Yoo-rim views Baek as reckless and disruptive, disapproving of his bold initiatives and his decision to mentor Dr. Yang Jae-won, a young and inexperienced colorectal surgeon.

Baek’s willingness to take Jae-won under his wing, bypassing traditional hierarchies, only deepens the divide between the two.

Yoo-rim sees this as an affront to the hospital’s structure and a personal challenge to his authority.

Beyond the operating room, Baek’s battles with Director Choi and Director Hong, two powerful administrators, escalate quickly.

Both are deeply entrenched in the hospital’s bureaucratic culture, prioritizing financial constraints over patient outcomes.

Baek’s initiatives—such as using the fire department’s rescue helicopter without approval—lead to significant financial losses for the hospital, fueling their resentment.

Director Hong, in particular, becomes one of Baek’s staunchest opponents, constantly seeking ways to undermine his authority and block his efforts to expand the trauma department.

Key traits and leadership style

Dr. Baek Kang-hyuk’s reputation as a transformative figure in The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call is built on his unparalleled skill, unorthodox methods, and uncompromising leadership style.

Dr. Baek Kang-hyuk: The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call character explained 2

Surgical brilliance

Dr. Baek is celebrated for his exceptional surgical skills, often referred to as having the “hand of god.”

His ability to save patients teetering on the brink of death is unmatched, earning him respect from peers and rivals alike.

Whether it’s stabilizing a critically injured patient during a chaotic Code Black or performing life-saving surgeries in unconventional environments, Baek demonstrates precision and decisiveness under pressure.

Unorthodox and fearless

Baek’s fearless approach to trauma care is one of his defining characteristics.

He is unafraid to bend or even break conventional medical protocols if it means saving a life.

This willingness to take calculated risks has leads him to perform surgeries in the most unconventional settings, including moving ambulances and helicopters.

While his methods often draw criticism from hospital administrators and colleagues, Baek firmly believes that trauma care requires immediate action, regardless of the circumstances.

Tough mentor

As a leader, Baek adopts a tough-love approach to mentorship, challenging his team to rise to the demands of trauma care.

He is known for giving nicknames to his colleagues, often as a means of breaking down initial barriers or pushing them to develop resilience.

For instance, he nicknames Dr. Yang Jae-won “Anus” in reference to his background in colorectal surgery, later upgrading him to “Number 1” as a mark of respect and acknowledgment of his growth as a surgeon.

Baek is equally blunt when dealing with new applicants.

He does not sugarcoat the realities of trauma care, warning them about the grueling hours, emotional toll, and life-or-death stakes they will face.

This no-nonsense attitude ensures that only the most dedicated and capable individuals join his team, creating a strong and cohesive unit.

Building a Cohesive Team

Baek’s leadership style focuses on assembling and nurturing a no-nonsense team of professionals who share his dedication to saving lives.

He carefully selects individuals he trusts, such as Dr. Yang Jae-won, Nurse Cheon Jang-mi, and Dr. Park Kyung-won, each of whom plays a vital role in the trauma department.

  • Dr. Yang Jae-won, once timid and unsure, becomes Baek’s right-hand man and a skilled trauma surgeon under his mentorship.
  • Nurse Cheon Jang-mi, nicknamed “Gangster” by Baek for her fierce and pragmatic nature, becomes an indispensable part of the team with her no-nonsense approach to patient care.
  • Dr. Park Kyung-won, a 5th-year anesthesiology student, earns Baek’s trust through his competence and calm demeanor, becoming a critical member of his surgical team.

Together, they form a trauma unit that embodies Baek’s values—resilience, precision, and an unrelenting focus on saving lives.

Transformative moments

Dr. Baek Kang-hyuk’s journey in The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call is marked by pivotal events that not only define his character but also shape the trajectory of the trauma department at Hankuk National University Hospital (HNUH).

The sibling transplant case

One of Baek’s most controversial and ethically complex decisions occurs when a pair of siblings are rushed to the hospital after a devastating accident.

Both are critically injured while on their way to visit their father, who is already declared brain-dead and listed as an organ donor.

One sibling requires a liver transplant, while the other needs a kidney to survive.

Baek, recognizing the urgency and the slim chance of finding alternative donors in time, goes against hospital policy and uses the father’s organs to save both siblings without obtaining proper consent.

While the move sparks outrage and scrutiny from hospital authorities, Baek defends his actions, stating that waiting for consent would have cost the siblings their lives.

Saving Ji-yeong

Despite his strained relationship with Dr. Han Yoo-rim, one of his fiercest critics, Baek does not hesitate when Han’s daughter, Ji-yeong, is brought into the trauma center following a severe accident.

Putting aside their professional rivalry, Baek leads the effort to save her life, demonstrating his ability to rise above personal conflicts for the sake of his patients.

His successful intervention earns him Han’s respect and eventually transforms their adversarial dynamic into a professional friendship.

Code Black on the foggy bridge

One of the defining moments in Baek’s tenure at HNUH occurs during a catastrophic Code Black event—a massive vehicle pile-up on a foggy bridge.

Baek personally travels to the crash site to assess the situation and coordinate the transport of critically injured patients back to the hospital.

Dr. Baek Kang-hyuk: The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call character explained 3

Upon returning, he performs multiple high-stakes surgeries, saving several lives in the process.

His exceptional performance during this crisis earns widespread media attention and public recognition.

However, Baek uses the opportunity to shift the spotlight onto his team, crediting their efforts and skill.

This move not only enhances morale within the department but also puts immense pressure on the hospital administration to allocate more resources to the trauma center.

Press conference showdown

His defiance of hospital bureaucracy comes to a head when Director Hong accuses him of misconduct for performing a life-saving procedure on a patient with a critical skull injury in a moving ambulance.

At a press conference organized to publicly shame Baek, he turns the tables on Hong by exposing systemic failings and corruption.

He reveals that the hospital’s decision to ground the rescue helicopter—an order issued by Hong to cut costs—directly endangered the patient’s life, leaving him with no choice but to operate in transit.

He further bolsters his argument by citing a similar case in his past where the same procedure saved a patient’s life, highlighting his success and the necessity of his actions.

This confrontation not only gains Baek public sympathy but also exposes Hong’s negligence and corruption.

South Sudan mission

In an effort to silence accusations that he is a crony of the Minister of Health, Baek accepts the minister’s request to travel to South Sudan to treat an injured Korean UN soldier.

The mission is fraught with challenges, from limited resources to the high-stakes nature of the soldier’s injuries.

Drawing on his combat experience with Black Wings, Baek successfully uses the organization’s medical facilities and transportation to stabilize the soldier and return to Korea.

This mission not only strengthens Baek’s reputation as a world-class trauma specialist but also underscores his ability to adapt and excel in extreme conditions.

Mentorship and trust in Dr. Yang Jae-won

Baek’s relationship with Dr. Yang Jae-won is one of the most transformative aspects of the series.

Initially taking Jae-won under his wing despite the young surgeon’s inexperience and timid nature, Baek invests time and effort in shaping him into a capable and confident trauma surgeon.

Over the course of the series, Jae-won evolves into Baek’s trusted second-in-command, proving his worth in numerous high-pressure situations.

One of the most defining moments in their relationship occurs when Baek entrusts Jae-won with his own life after sustaining critical injuries in an explosion at a burning building.

Unable to operate on himself, Baek places his faith in Jae-won, who rises to the occasion and performs the life-saving surgery with precision and composure.

This act not only cements their bond but also signifies Jae-won’s full transformation under Baek’s mentorship.

Legacy and Contributions

Despite the numerous challenges he faces—ranging from bureaucratic resistance to systemic underfunding—Baek’s contributions leave a profound and lasting impact on the hospital

Resolving the rift with director Choi

Director Choi, while initially aligned with Hong in opposing Baek’s initiatives, undergoes a transformative arc.

Their relationship takes a pivotal turn when Baek reveals a deeply personal connection to the hospital’s history.

During a one-on-one meeting, he confronts Choi with a revelation: years ago, Choi was the doctor who refused to give up on Baek’s father, despite the hospital’s inadequate resources at the time.

While his father ultimately succumbed to his injuries, Choi’s unwavering determination left a lasting impression on the young Baek, inspiring him to become a doctor.

He uses this moment to appeal to Choi’s sense of duty and resilience, reminding him that the trauma center’s mission is to save lives, not to prioritize cost-cutting or profit margins.

This candid conversation strikes a chord with Choi, who recognizes the parallels between his younger self and Baek’s current fight.

Moved by these words and the memory of his own struggles as a doctor, Choi shifts his stance and becomes a supporter of the trauma center’s expansion.

Securing funding and resources

Dr. Baek Kang-hyuk: The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call character explained 4

One of Baek’s most significant achievements is securing the much-needed funding and resources to elevate HNUH’s trauma department.

Recognizing the systemic shortcomings that hinder life-saving care, he tirelessly advocates for better equipment, infrastructure, and staffing.

His most notable success includes convincing Choi and the Ministry of Health to allocate a dedicated trauma helicopter to the department, addressing the critical need for rapid patient transport in emergencies.

Baek also fights for increased staffing, ensuring that the trauma center can handle the high volume and intensity of cases it receives.

His persistence leads to the hiring of new surgeons, nurses, and support staff, providing the department with the manpower required to function as a fully operational trauma unit.

A Lasting impact

By the end of the series, Baek’s contributions to HNUH’s trauma center are undeniable.

He builds a cohesive, no-nonsense team consisting of Dr. Yang Jae-won, Nurse Cheon Jang-mi, and Dr. Park Kyung-won, ensuring the department’s continued success even in his absence.

His ability to mentor and empower others ensures that his vision for trauma care will persist.

His legacy is not just the physical transformation of the trauma center but also the intangible shift in how trauma care is perceived and prioritized.

He proves that resilience, innovation, and a relentless focus on saving lives can overcome even the most entrenched obstacles.


Also Read: Dr. Yang Jae-won: The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call character explained

Prabal Sharma
Prabal Sharmahttp://theenvoyweb.com
Prabal is the Editorial Head at The Envoy Web and a Contributing Writer at Vogue. He is a self-proclaimed serial binge-watcher, fitness freak, gamer and considers the Media and Entertainment industry his playground, using it to fuel his passion for writing. He is one of the platform's creators and has a master's degree in Multimedia Journalism from London's University of Westminster.

More from The Envoy Web