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Kim Ji-won makes a sensational comeback with « Doctor X »!" Launched on October 9 on SBS, the actress's new medical drama recorded a national viewership rating of 11.4 % in its very first episode, marking the strongest debut for a miniseries in South Korea in 2026.
This adaptation of a hit Japanese series got off to a particularly impressive start. But beyond the numbers, there are several reasons why «Doctor X» generated so much buzz even before it aired.
«Doctor X» Marks the Best Debut for a Miniseries in 2026
According to Nielsen Korea, the first episode of «Doctor X,» which aired on Friday, October 9, recorded an average national viewership rating of 11.4 %. This result earned the show two remarkable achievements: the highest viewership rating for the premiere of a miniseries in 2026 and the top spot among the most-watched programs on Friday, across all categories. An excellent start for this dark medical drama. adapted from the famous Japanese series of the same name.
The story follows Gye Soo-jung (Kim Ji-won), an exceptionally talented independent surgeon who refuses to bow to the rules of a hospital system riddled with corruption. Nicknamed the «crazy woman of the operating room,» she has a reputation as formidable as her surgical skills.
His goal is not to curry favor with his superiors, but to stand up for his beliefs and remind everyone that patients’ lives must come before the interests of the most powerful doctors.
With a premiere episode that drew over 10 %, the series confirms the public’s interest in this new heroine. It remains to be seen whether it will be able to maintain this level of viewership over the coming weeks.
Why was there so much anticipation for Kim Ji-won's new drama?
Beyond being an adaptation of a popular Japanese franchise, «Doctor X» combines several elements likely to appeal to K-drama fans.
D’abord, le retour de Kim Ji-won, 2 ans après son dernier drama, et sa transformation pour le rôle. L’actrice incarne une chirurgienne brillante, autoritaire et particulièrement charismatique lorsqu’elle se trouve au bloc opératoire. Mais Gye Soo-jung possède également une facette plus maladroite et attachante en dehors de l’hôpital, ainsi qu’un passé complexe qui devrait progressivement être dévoilé. Pour le rôle, l’actrice a opté pour une coupe de cheveux courte, au carré (après avoir eu les cheveux longs pour « Queen of tears ») et a appris ses gestes de chirurgienne auprès de vrais médecins, pour ne pas avoir de doublure.
Another strength: a medical plot that isn’t limited to surgeries. «Doctor X» is billed as SBS’s first dark medical drama and follows in the footsteps of the network’s other series in which a determined character takes on a corrupt system, much like «Taxi Driver» or «The Fiery Priest.» This time, the battle takes place at Guseo University Hospital, where some doctors seem more concerned with their power than with the well-being of their patients.
The chemistry between Kim Ji-won and Lee Jung-eun is also one of the highlights touted for the series. Lee Jung-eun plays Jang Hee-sook, Gye Soo-jung’s professional partner. Behind their collaboration lies a deep bond, born of the hardships each has endured.
Director Lee Jung-rim particularly highlighted their chemistry: «There is a special sense of trust and ease between the two actresses that goes beyond their acting.» This relationship promises to bring a human dimension to a plot marked by confrontations and power struggles.
Finally, «Doctor X» has a strong cast. Son Hyun-joo plays Boo Seung-kwon, the director of Guseo University Hospital, at the heart of the corrupt system that Soo-jung intends to fight.
For his part, Kim Woo-seok plays Park Tae-kyung, a surgical resident who is both warm and ambitious. Surrounding them are the hospital’s doctors, the employees of the staffing agency run by Jang Hee-sook, and several influential figures connected to the hospital.
Lee Jung-eun also hinted that these numerous relationships would play an important role in the series: «There are various dynamics surrounding Gye Soo-jung, both inside and outside the operating room. As the drama unfolds, viewers will eventually grow attached to each of the characters.»
With Kim Ji-won in a role unlike any she’s played before, high-stakes surgeries, the fight against corruption, and a promising cast, «Doctor X» certainly had plenty going for it to attract viewers. We can’t wait to see if the ratings will hold steady or even rise as the episodes unfold!
The second episode of «Doctor X» is set to air on October 10 on SBS and will then be available on Netflix. Here’s a sneak peek released by the Korean TV network.
[2nd Episode Preview] «So you really are as rude as people say»—Kim Ji-won silences the doctors who picked a fight with her by proving her skills 💥
SBS Friday-Saturday Drama ;
☞ [Fri, Sat] 9:50 p.m.#SBS Friday-Saturday Drama: # Doctor X: The Age of the White Mafia
#DoctorX #Kim Ji-won #Ee Jeong-eun https://t.co/ZJI9CblGVr— SBSNOW (@SBSNOW) October 10, 2026
