Kim Ji-won is back with a bang! Her new SBS medical drama, Doctor X: The Age of the White Mafia, is off to an impressive start, with its second episode recording a nationwide rating of 14.9% in South Korea.
According to Nielsen Korea, the drama premiered on October 9, 2026, with a strong 11.4% nationwide rating. Episode 2 then climbed to 14.9%, showing a significant increase in viewership.
The drama has also topped Netflix charts in South Korea, Peru, and Vietnam for two consecutive days, adding to the growing attention surrounding Kim Ji-won's latest project.
Kim Ji-won Shines as a Fearless Surgeon in ‘Doctor X’
In Doctor X, Kim Ji-won plays Gye Su-jeong, a brilliant surgeon known as Doctor X. Unlike doctors who prioritize hospital politics and professional connections, Gye refuses to compromise her principles or blindly follow those in power.
She is introduced as a temporary doctor assigned to Guseo University Hospital through a physician staffing agency. Despite her temporary position, she quickly makes her presence felt by challenging the hospital's hierarchy and questioning decisions that put patients at risk.
What makes Gye stand out is her willingness to act when others hesitate. She does not simply criticize corruption; she uses her medical expertise to prove that her decisions are right.
A Satisfying Fight Against Hospital Corruption
One of the premiere's most intense moments occurs when the hospital director, Kim Myung-seop, decides to perform open surgery on an elderly patient despite Gye's recommendation for a laparoscopic procedure.
During the operation, the director suddenly collapses after suffering a severe reaction linked to a latex allergy. The other doctors are thrown into confusion, leaving the patient in danger.
Gye quickly realizes what is happening and steps in to complete the operation, demonstrating both her sharp judgment and exceptional surgical skills.
However, instead of rewarding her for saving the patient, the director fires her for refusing to back down.
The situation changes when Boo Seung-kwon, played by Son Hyun-joo, becomes the hospital's new head and brings Gye back. Although he recognizes her abilities, his own intentions suggest that Gye may become a key player in the hospital's ongoing power struggles.
These developments establish one of the drama's central conflicts: a talented surgeon trying to protect patients while navigating a system dominated by personal interests and institutional politics.
Why Gye Su-jeong Is Different From Typical Medical Drama Leads
Although Doctor X is a medical drama, its central character challenges many familiar expectations associated with doctors on television.
Gye does not believe that being a doctor means unquestioningly sacrificing her personal life or obeying every demand from hospital management. She respects the boundaries of her job and refuses to accept tasks simply because someone higher in the hierarchy demands them.
At the same time, she never turns away from her responsibilities toward patients. When an emergency occurs, she steps forward and uses her skills to help those who need her.
This distinction gives the character a clear sense of purpose. Gye rejects blind loyalty to an institution, but she remains committed to the people she is supposed to protect.
Her approach also creates some of the drama's most satisfying moments, particularly when she confronts powerful figures who believe their positions place them above criticism.
Kim Ji-won's Performance Adds to the Drama's Appeal
Kim Ji-won's portrayal is another major highlight of Doctor X. Her firm delivery, controlled expressions, and confident presence help establish Gye as a surgeon who rarely loses her composure.
Rather than relying on exaggerated reactions, Kim conveys the character's determination through sharp dialogue and restrained expressions. This makes Gye's confrontations with hospital authorities particularly compelling.
The supporting cast also adds depth to the story, with Lee Jung-eun playing Jang Hee-sook and Son Hyun-joo portraying Boo Seung-kwon.
As the hospital's internal conflicts become more complicated, Gye's medical expertise may prove valuable to those seeking to challenge the existing order. However, their willingness to use her abilities for their own purposes could create new problems for the uncompromising surgeon.
What Comes Next for ‘Doctor X’?
With its double-digit premiere rating, rising viewership in Episode 2, and strong early Netflix performance, Doctor X: The Age of the White Mafia has made a promising start.
The drama's appeal lies not only in its medical emergencies but also in its exploration of corruption, ambition, and the struggle to do what is right within a flawed institution.
As the power struggle at Guseo University Hospital intensifies, the biggest question is whether Gye Su-jeong can continue to uphold her principles without becoming a tool in someone else's fight for control.
With Kim Ji-won leading the story as a surgeon who refuses to compromise, Doctor X is shaping up to be an engaging medical drama for viewers who enjoy strong characters, tense operating-room scenes, and satisfying moments of justice.
Are you watching Kim Ji-won's new drama, Doctor X?