In a developing story impacting major streaming productions, the Ha Young exits The Trauma Code sequels news was officially confirmed by Netflix on September 1, 2026. The South Korean actress will not return for the upcoming second and third seasons of the hit medical drama series “The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call” following public backlash over her great-grandfather’s alleged pro-Japanese activities during Japan’s 1910–1945 colonial rule of Korea.
Netflix issued a brief statement confirming the departure, stating, “Respecting the actor’s position, Ha Young will not appear in the follow-up installments of ‘The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call.'”
Origin of the Family History Controversy
The controversy initially erupted following Ha Young’s appearance on the KBS variety program “Problem Child in House” in early August 2026. During the broadcast, the actress spoke about her family’s four-generation medical legacy, mentioning that her great-grandfather, Dr. An Sang-ho (1872–1927), established one of the earliest Western-style medical clinics in Seoul.
Online scrutiny swiftly followed, with researchers and netizens discovering historical documents indicating An’s involvement in colonial-era pro-Japanese assimilation groups, including the Daejeong Chinmokhoe in 1916.
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| HA YOUNG CONTROVERSY & SERIES EXIT SUMMARY |
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| 1. Affected Series : 'The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call' (Seasons 2 & 3) |
| 2. Official Role : Cheon Jang-mi (Trauma Team Nurse) |
| 3. Core Issue : Great-grandfather An Sang-ho's pro-Japanese activities |
| 4. Official Action : Voluntary withdrawal respected by Netflix |
| 5. Public Apology : Issued via social media on August 12, 2026 |
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Public Apology and Production Impact
While Ha Young’s agency initially dismissed the allegations as groundless, the actress later posted a handwritten apology on social media acknowledging her lack of historical awareness.
“While looking through the relevant records myself, I learned of my great-grandfather’s pro-Japanese activities,” Ha Young stated. “I regret that I spoke lightly about my family history without properly understanding our country’s painful history under Japanese colonial rule.”
Ha Young gained widespread acclaim for her role as trauma nurse Cheon Jang-mi in Season 1 alongside lead actors Ju Ji-hoon and Choo Young-woo. Filming for the second season is scheduled to begin in October 2026, with production writers restructuring the narrative to accommodate the cast change.
The news that Ha Young exits The Trauma Code sequels underscores the ongoing sensitivity surrounding historical accountability and colonial legacy in South Korea’s entertainment industry. As Netflix proceeds with production for upcoming seasons, casting adjustments will be finalized ahead of autumn filming.
