Hayoung exits 'The Trauma Code'; Jeong Ye-in cast as new lead for Seasons 2 and 3

Casting that turns a crisis into an opportunity: Jeong Ye-in takes on her first major dramatic lead

The main cast of Netflix's original series 'The Trauma Code' is changing. Jeong Ye-in, a former member of the group 'Lovelyz', will fill the role vacated by actress Hayoung, who left the series amid controversy over her family history.

Netflix officially announced on the 29th that 'Jeong Ye-in' will join the series' new seasons. 'The Trauma Code' is a medical drama that vividly portrays the work of a brilliant, mission-driven trauma surgeon. The first season drew global attention after its release last year, and filming for 'Seasons 2 and 3' will begin simultaneously next month.

Hayoung had originally been set to play 'Cheon Jang-mi', a nurse on the severe trauma team, and was slated to work alongside Ju Ji-hoon and Choo Young-woo. But after online communities circulated allegations about her great-grandfather's pro-Japanese activities, she voluntarily withdrew from the series, saying, "As a descendant, I sincerely apologize."

The production team, facing a crisis, selected 'Jeong Ye-in' as the new 'Cheon Jang-mi' after an intense round of auditions. She debuted in 2014 as a member of 'Lovelyz' and began expanding her acting career with tvN's 'Criminal Minds' in 2017. She later strengthened her foundation as an actress through appearances in TVING and Watcha's 'The Country That Wants to Become an Insider' and DramaBox's 'Mystery Chaebol Daughter.'

The project will be a proving ground for her first leading role in a serious drama. Audiences and critics are watching closely to see whether she can shed the “idol” label and establish herself fully as an actress.