Ha Young Withdraws from The Trauma Code, Netflix Respects Decision

Kapanlagi.com - Ha Young has chosen to withdraw from The Trauma Code season two. This decision comes after her name was embroiled in controversy regarding her great-grandfather's record during the Japanese occupation of Korea. Netflix confirmed this news to the Korean media, The Fact, on Monday, September 1, 2026.

In a written statement provided to The Fact, the platform emphasized their position regarding the actress's status in the continuation of the popular medical series.

"Actor Ha Young has decided not to appear in the continuation of The Trauma Code," said Netflix.

"We respect the stance taken by the actor," Netflix added.

1. Ha Young's Role in The Trauma Code Series

The Trauma Code tells the story of Baek Kang-hyeok, a genius surgeon who once served on the battlefield, played by Joo Ji-hoon. This character brings skills and field discipline to the hospital environment, becoming the main axis of the story's dynamics.

In the storyline, Baek Kang-hyeok is assigned to save a long-abandoned trauma team in a hospital. Ha Young appears in the first season as nurse Cheon Jang-mi, a character who stands out and captures the audience's attention.

After its first season received positive responses, The Trauma Code has officially been renewed for a second season, scheduled to begin filming in October 2026. Before the announcement of the delay, Ha Young was said to return alongside the main cast of the first season, including Joo Ji-hoon, Choo Young-woo, and Yoon Kyung-ho.

2. The Beginning of the Controversy Surrounding Ha Young's Ancestor

Ha Young in the drama THE TRAUMA CODE (credit: Netflix)

The controversy began when Ha Young appeared on several variety shows to promote the Netflix series Our Sticky Love. In a web variety show that aired earlier last month, she mentioned her family background as a "four-generation doctor family."

Specifically, Ha Young recounted her great-grandfather with pride, stating that he studied Western medicine in Japan and opened a Western medicine clinic in Hanyang, now Seoul. She also mentioned that her great-grandfather once treated Emperor Gojong.

Later, the public associated the mentioned great-grandfather with Ahn Sang-ho, a doctor active during the Japanese occupation of Korea. Ahn Sang-ho's name is recorded as a member of the advisory council of Daejeong Silup Chinmokhoe, an organization that at the time had advisers who were Japanese collaborators, including Lee Wan-yong. Additionally, in an interview with the official newspaper of the Japanese colonial government, Maeil Sinbo, in 1918, Ahn Sang-ho was noted to have made statements equating himself with the Japanese, which drew criticism for his collaboration with the occupiers.

(kpl/pit)