#SHOWBIZ: Ahn Ha-young leaves Netflix's 'The Trauma Code' amid family controversy

Seoul, South Korea - Actress Ahn Ha-young has resigned from the upcoming seasons of Netflix's popular medical drama, The Trauma Code: Heroes On Call, due to intense public criticism over her great-grandfather's historical connections to Japan's colonial rule of Korea. Netflix confirmed her departure on September 1, stating they honored her choice to leave the series.

Ahn had publicly expressed her wish to withdraw amid the growing controversy. The drama, which debuted on January 2025, quickly became a global sensation, topping Netflix's viewing charts in over 26 countries. Its success led to the announcement of second and third seasons. In the first season, Ahn portrayed Jang-mi, a key member of the severe trauma team, alongside lead actors Ju Ji-hoon and Choo Young-woo.

The backlash began in August when netizens in South Korea criticized Ahn for boasting about her family lineage on various broadcast programs. Historical records revealed that her great-grandfather, Ahn Sang-ho, was a physician during the colonial period and served as a council member for the Daejeong Friendship Association, a group established in 1916 with many members linked to the Japanese colonial administration.

Responding to the uproar, Ahn issued an apology on social media on August 12. She explained that her family's stories had shaped her understanding of her great-grandfather, but she lacked knowledge of his historical context and the implications of her statements.