Doctor X has launched an unstoppable box-office run, sweeping television ratings, public buzz, and global OTT rankings right from its very first week.
The new SBS Friday-Saturday drama ‘Doctor X: Age of the White Mafia’ (produced by Studio S, Studio Dragon, and HighZium Studio) is a refreshing medical noir featuring the exploits of Gye Su-jeong, the “madwoman of the operating room” who shatters massive absurdities with fearless and uncompromising surgical skills. Following in the footsteps of hit shows like ‘Taxi Driver’, ‘The Fiery Priest’, and ‘The Judge from Hell’, SBS has once again proven its storytelling power and captured intense viewer interest.
Above all, the ratings showed a remarkable upward curve from the premiere. ‘Doctor X’ recorded a peak rating of 12.9%, 11.4% nationwide, and 11.2% in the metropolitan area for its 1st episode, instantly breaking into double digits. This marked the highest first-episode rating for any miniseries aired in 2026. The momentum continued into the 2nd episode, where peak ratings surged to 17.4%, 14.9% nationwide, and 14.7% in the metropolitan area.
The drama also showed formidable strength in the key 2049 demographic. For the 1st episode, the 2049 rating recorded a peak of 4.3% and an average of 3.7%, ranking first among all Friday programs and all programs aired that week. The 2nd episode climbed further to a peak of 5.4% and an average of 4.6%, proving high engagement among viewers.
Buzz is equally explosive. According to Good Data Corporation’s FUNdex for the second week of October, ‘Doctor X’ captured the #1 spot in TV-OTT buzz rankings in its very first week. Securing both viewership ratings and public buzz, the drama has firmly established an early momentum of success.
The show is also making its presence felt globally beyond domestic borders. According to OTT ranking aggregator FlixPatrol, ‘Doctor X’ claimed the #1 spot on Netflix’s Korea Top 10 TV Shows chart and reached #4 on the Global Top 10 TV Shows chart. It entered the Top 10 in 67 countries worldwide and secured the #1 position in 8 countries, including South Korea, expanding its reach through international interest.
At the center of this popularity is the unique charm of the Gye Su-jeong character portrayed by Kim Ji-won and the thrilling storyline that charges headfirst into absurdity. Combining the conventions of traditional medical dramas with the tension of noir and the satisfaction of a cathartic genre, the differentiated direction is drawing deep viewer immersion. With the activities of Gye Su-jeong now in full swing, expectations for the upcoming episodes are higher than ever.
