Lee Nak-jun, the creator behind the hit Netflix series “The Trauma Code: Heroes On Call,” is reportedly adapting another of his web novels, “Post Pandemic,” into a drama. The new project is expected to blend medical drama with zombie thriller elements, sparking excitement among fans.
According to a report by MK Sports on April 22, 2025, “Post Pandemic” is in discussions for a drama adaptation. The web novel, written by Lee Nak-jun (pen name Hansanleega), follows a doctor’s fight against a government-engineered virus that turns people into zombies.
“Post Pandemic” is set after the COVID-19 pandemic and centers on Dr. Jung Yu-hyeon, an infectious disease specialist at Korea University Hospital. He discovers a mutated virus, A24, which revives the dead in a zombie-like state. The story explores his efforts to stop authorities from using the virus as a bioweapon.
Fans of “The Trauma Code: Heroes On Call” have already expressed strong interest in the new project. Many are hoping for Ju Ji-hoon, who played the lead in Trauma Code, to return for Post Pandemic. One fan wrote on X:
“Medical + zombies = Trauma Code + Kingdom. I need Lee Nak-jun to cast Ju Ji-hoon again PLSS. He’s so perfect for this role.”
Others speculated if this could be the zombie project Ju Ji-hoon previously mentioned working on with director Lee Do-yoon. Another fan commented:
“Oh ya, Ju Ji-hoon did mention one of the works he’s preparing with Director Lee Do-yoon is about zombies. So this is the one?”
While some fans suggested alternative casting choices like Kim Seon-ho, Hwang In-youp, Byeon Woo-seok, and Lee Joon-hyuk, the demand for Ju Ji-hoon remains high.
Lee Nak-jun, who was once an ENT doctor before becoming a writer, has confirmed he will work on the script for Post Pandemic. He described the story as:
“A zombie film is a worldview where humans can freely destroy human-shaped beings, and a virtual worldview where modern civilization—where everything is comfortable—has been destroyed. ‘Post Pandemic’ is a work that adds the imagination of a writer who was a doctor to the zombie genre.”
He also emphasized realism in the virus’s portrayal, consulting an endocrinologist to refine its characteristics.
The production rights for Post Pandemic are held by Story Park, a content planning company. While official casting and release dates are yet to be announced, the project has already generated significant buzz.
“The Trauma Code: Heroes On Call”, based on Lee’s earlier web novel, became a global hit on Netflix, ranking #1 in 17 countries. Its success has heightened expectations for Post Pandemic.
CREDITS: MK Sports
