[OSEN=Choi Yi-jung] A breathtaking plot twist and passionate performances truly exploded. Actor Jang Seung-jo made a special appearance in Doctor X, shocking the small screen with his chilling true nature hidden behind a friendly facade.
In the 4th episode of the SBS Fri-Sat drama ‘Doctor X: Age of the White Mafia’ (written by Jung Yoon-jung, directed by Lee Jung-rim, hereinafter ‘Doctor X’) broadcasted on the 17th, the creepy true nature of surgeon Na Dae-il (played by Jang Seung-jo), who was newly appointed to Guseo University Hospital, was revealed, breaking its own highest viewership rating record once again.
According to Nielsen Korea, this broadcast soared to a nationwide rating of 18.5%, a metropolitan area rating of 18.4%, and a peak rating of 20.8%, sweeping the number one spot in its time slot as well as among all Saturday and weekly miniseries.
In the drama, Na Dae-il showed unusual interest and affection for genius doctor Gye Soo-jung (played by Kim Ji-won) from their very first meeting. After working together in an emergency patient surgery, he even looked up Gye Soo-jung’s past surgery videos, exclaiming that she was “unrivaled,” and approached her with his signature gentle smile and easygoing attitude to share natural interactions.
However, the chilling atmosphere that occasionally flashed across his friendly face stimulated viewers’ suspicions. Na Dae-il’s past narrative also drew attention. He had been packaged as a warm-hearted person with a strong sense of mission who risked danger to save Kwon Choong-hyun, a pharmaceutical company employee who fell into critical condition due to harsh treatment during his military doctor days (performing surgery alone at a rural clinic).
However, when Kwon Choong-hyun’s condition worsened and Gye Soo-jung entered emergency open surgery, Na Dae-il’s relaxed pace began to shake drastically. Unable to hide his anxiety and anger, Na Dae-il rushed into the operating room.
The ending was nothing short of an unprecedented shock. Gye Soo-jung discovered the initials ‘D.N,’ representing Na Dae-il, carved on Kwon Choong-hyun’s liver. The shocking twist ending revealing that he was a ‘psychopath doctor’ who left his own mark on a patient’s organs plunged the living room into anger and goosebumps.
Jang Seung-jo perfectly portrayed the multi-dimensional madnessβshifting in an instant from a gentle and affectionate appearance to eyes trembling slightly as he revealed his crazy true natureβwith delicate acting skills. Critics noted that his intense presence and overwhelming absorption, hard to believe it was just a special appearance, drove the drama’s tension to its peak.
