As the SBS hit series Doctor X approaches the 20% viewership milestone, anticipation builds over whether surgeon Na Dae-il (played by Jang Seung-jo) can spark a change in his unpredictable relationship with Gae Soo-jung (played by Kim Ji-won).
In the previous third episode, Gae Soo-jung proved her exceptional predictive skills and medical prowess by averting a major tragedy at Guseo University Hospital where an employee almost lost a life. Although Kang Hee-sook (played by Lee Jung-eun) subsequently offered her a formal contract with groundbreaking terms, Hospital Director Bu Seung-kwon (played by Son Hyun-joo) put the agreement on hold by recruiting a new surgeon, Na Dae-il. Viewers are closely watching how Na Dae-il’s entrance will impact Gae Soo-jung’s next moves.
Meanwhile, newly released stills from the production team capture Na Dae-il approaching Gae Soo-jung with both hands full of coffee and pastries. Flashing a friendly smile, he strikes up a casual conversation at the emergency room desk where she is on duty. While his warm and proactive approach suggests an attempt to grow closer, a subtle underlying motive seems hidden behind his amiable facade, heightening dramatic tension. Curiosity is growing over the true intentions behind his sweet smile.
What stands out most is Gae Soo-jung’s unexpected reaction. Known as a self-proclaimed ‘mukbang fairy’ who usually responds with pure honesty in front of food, she refuses to even glance at the coffee and bread brought by Na Dae-il, gazing at him with a completely indifferent expression instead. This total ‘iron wall’ mode even in the face of delicious snacks sparks immense curiosity about her reasons.
The upcoming broadcast raises expectations as viewers wonder about the real purpose behind Na Dae-il’s snack-offering ambush at the emergency room and how Gae Soo-jung will handle his suspicious advances.
Meanwhile, the SBS Friday-Saturday drama ‘Doctor X: Age of White Mafia’ (produced by Studio S, Studio Dragon, and HighZium Studio) depicts the thrilling medical noir adventures of Gae Soo-jung, the ‘madwoman of the operating room’ who shatters massive absurdities with infallible and uncompromising surgical skills. The series is continuing its explosive syndrome, sweeping the Netflix global non-English TV show chart at No. 1 (from Oct 5 to Oct 11) and topping both the TV-OTT drama buzz category and the TV-OTT integrated cast buzz category for the second week of October released by Good Data Corporation’s FUNdex. Episode 4 airs tonight at 9:50 PM.
‘Doctor X’ premiered on the 9th, recording 11.4% for its first episode. Ratings climbed further to 14.9% for the second episode and 15.1% for the third, steadily marching toward the 20% mark. Despite recent controversies after a plastic surgeon requested a broadcast review regarding the show’s depiction of medical realities, viewership numbers continue to soar.
The orthopedic specialist pointed out that the series repeatedly portrays ward rounds as unnecessary chores, oversimplifies medical staff as incompetent villains, and ignores the uncertainties inherent in medical practices. He expressed concern that such dramatic exaggerations could instill false perceptions of actual medical environments among viewers.
He also disclosed that he submitted an official review application to the Korea Communications Standards Commission on the 13th, citing reasons of ‘distortion of medical reality and misrepresentation of medical personnel.’ Although acknowledging that actual sanctions are unlikely, he emphasized that raising the issue was necessary to prevent false perceptions from hardening as a medical professional.
