Jeong Yein lands role of Cheon Jang-mi in 'Trauma Center' for Seasons 2 and 3

Lovelyz member and actress Jeong Yein is set to join the cast of Netflix's hit medical drama "Trauma Center" as the new Cheon Jang-mi, following Hayoung's departure.

Netflix confirmed on the 29th that Jeong will appear in the upcoming seasons of "Trauma Center." She will take over the role of Cheon Jang-mi, a nurse in the severe trauma team, previously portrayed by Hayoung in Season 1. Jeong is slated to appear in both Seasons 2 and 3.

Hayoung, who originally played Cheon Jang-mi, was expected to return for the subsequent seasons. However, she recently stepped down from the project following a controversy surrounding her great-grandfather, Ahn Sang-ho. The issue arose after Hayoung mentioned her family's multi-generational medical background on the KBS 2TV variety show "Problematic Men."

In response to the controversy, Hayoung disclosed that she had discovered her great-grandfather's pro-Japanese activities while conducting her own research. She issued an apology and announced her decision to withdraw from "Trauma Center." Netflix respected her choice and agreed not to include her in the upcoming seasons.

Following Hayoung's exit, speculation grew about who would take on the role of Cheon Jang-mi. Industry insiders report that Jeong Yein secured the part after multiple rounds of auditions with the production team.

Cheon Jang-mi is a pivotal character in the series, serving as a senior nurse in the severe trauma team at Korea University Hospital. She works alongside key characters like Baek Kang-hyuk (played by Ju Ji-hoon) and Yang Jae-won (Chu Young-woo). Fans are eagerly anticipating Jeong's fresh take on the character.

"Trauma Center" is a gripping medical drama that follows the brilliant surgeon Baek Kang-hyuk as he's assigned to revitalize an underperforming severe trauma unit. The show's first season, which debuted last year, garnered significant popularity both in South Korea and internationally. Production for Seasons 2 and 3 is set to commence simultaneously next month.

Jeong Yein first rose to fame as a member of the K-pop girl group Lovelyz in 2014, contributing to hit songs like "Hi," "Ah-Choo," "Destiny," and "Now, Us." She ventured into acting in 2017, playing a younger version of Moon Chae-won's character in tvN's "Criminal Minds." Since then, Jeong has been steadily building her acting resume with roles in various projects, including "The Wannabe Insider" and "Mysterious Chaebol Daughter."