01 September,2026 01:05 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Ahn Ha-young (Picture via Instagram)
Ahn Ha-young, who rose to prominence with Netflix's medical drama The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call, will not return for its upcoming follow-up seasons following controversy surrounding her family history.
The actor's departure comes after details about her great-grandfather's activities during Japan's 1910-45 colonial rule of Korea resurfaced online, sparking criticism and renewed scrutiny over comments she had previously made about her family.
Ahn Ha-young had been part of the main cast of The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call, playing nurse Cheon Jang-mi. The series, which starred Ju Ji-hoon as the gifted trauma surgeon Baek Kang-hyuk, became a major success following its release on Netflix and helped increase recognition for its ensemble cast.
According to Korean Herald, Ahn will not appear in the drama's subsequent seasons. Her exit follows the controversy that erupted after information about her great-grandfather's past became a subject of public discussion.
The actor had previously spoken about her great-grandfather in a positive manner. However, as details about his alleged involvement during the Japanese colonial era came under scrutiny, her comments became the focus of online criticism.
Ahn subsequently addressed the issue publicly and apologised. She explained that she had not been fully aware of the historical details surrounding her great-grandfather and expressed regret over her earlier remarks. The controversy eventually led to speculation about whether she would continue with The Trauma Code. Her decision not to participate in the follow-up seasons now confirms her exit from the popular franchise.
Netflix confirmed that Ahn would not be returning. The streaming platform said it was respecting the actor's position and that she would not appear in the next season. The development is likely to affect the drama's established ensemble, particularly because Cheon Jang-mi was among the characters working closely with Baek Kang-hyuk and the hospital's trauma team.
The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call follows Baek Kang-hyuk as he takes charge of a struggling trauma centre and attempts to build it into a world-class emergency medical unit. The series combines medical emergencies with workplace conflict and character-driven drama.
Ahn's departure comes as the production moves forward with plans for the next instalment. Details about how the writers will explain Cheon Jang-mi's absence have not yet been disclosed. The controversy highlights the intense scrutiny South Korean celebrities can face over their family histories, particularly when those histories are connected to the country's difficult colonial past.
For Ahn, the exit marks a significant change following the success of The Trauma Code, which had provided her with a major breakthrough and wider visibility.
