Ju Ji-Hoon: What You May Not Know About 'The Trauma Code' Star

The Trauma Code: Heroes On Call, Light Shop, Blood Free — South Korean actor Ju-Ji Hoon's shows have been the talk of the town in the past year. The latest, The Trauma Code, follows a brilliant trauma surgeon determined to revive a struggling trauma centre while fighting against corporate greed.

The 42-year-old also starred in the popular Netflix Joseon-set zombie series Kingdom (2019), in which he took on the role of crown prince Lee Chang. Known for his versatility, the actor has consistently demonstrated his acting chops, but his journey to stardom hasn’t been without setbacks — his career was once derailed by a scandal. Here’s what to know about Ju Ji-hoon.

He was a successful model

With his height (he reportedly stands at 1.88m), it's no surprise that Ju Ji-hoon was a model, starting his career as a successful model in the early 2000s. He modelled for big names including Calvin Klein, Levi’s, and Reebok, quickly gaining recognition for his tall, lean physique and sharp looks. His modeling career paved the way for a smooth transition into acting.

His breakthrough role was in Princess Hours

Ju Ji-hoon shot to fame with his acting debut in the hit 2006 drama Princess Hours (Goong), where he played Crown Prince Lee Shin. The show’s massive popularity across Asia, catapulting him to Hallyu stardom overnight.

He was involved in a drug scandal and his career took a hit

In 2009, Ju Ji-hoon was involved in a drug scandal. He was arrested for using ecstasy and ketamine, resulting in a suspended jail sentence, probation, and community service. This incident led to a temporary halt in his career, with a period of reflection and hiatus from the entertainment industry.

Following the scandal, he enlisted for mandatory military service in 2010, which helped shift public perception. After completing his service in 2011, he gradually rebuilt his career with more mature and diverse roles.

Ju Ji-hoon's a sharpshooter on set

In a recent interview, the actor, who is known for his no-nonsense approach on set, admitted to having a blunt personality, similar to his character, doctor Baek Kang-hyuk in The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call

“Being honest and being rude are two different things. I’m not rude,” he shared. “I think we’ve become too used to speaking in circles. I try to be considerate, but when it comes to work, I prefer to get straight to the point. Why waste an hour discussing something that could be solved in five minutes?”

He added, "But if I’m being honest, Baek Kang-hyuk and I do have one thing in common — we’re both straightforward."

His relationship status

The actor appears to be currently single. His most recent public relationship was with singer and actress Son Ga-In of girl group Brown Eyed Girls; they began dating in 2014 and parted ways in 2017. On a YouTube talk show appearance in 2024, he candidly shared about not being ready for marriage, instead, prioritising his career over starting a family, adding that his schedule did not allow for that kind of commitment.