Actress Kim Ji-won (김지원) (34) is making her highly anticipated return to the small screen after two years with SBS's new Friday-Saturday drama, 'Doctor X: Age of White Mafia.' Excitement is building for its premiere on October 9, especially since this marks her first project since the 2024 hit tvN drama 'Queen of Tears' (눈물의 여왕), which achieved a peak viewership rating of 24.9%. (Source: Wikitree, 2026-09-21)
Genius Surgeon 'Doctor X' Kye Soo-jung Takes Down Injustice
In 'Doctor X,' Kim Ji-won (김지원) transforms into Kye Soo-jung (계수정), a dark hero surgeon known as the "mad dog of the operating room." She's a genius who never fails or compromises, using her exceptional surgical skills to dismantle massive injustices. Based on the popular Japanese TV Asahi drama of the same name, the series has already captivated viewers with its short teaser, hinting at a powerful character transformation. (Source: Star News, Wikitree 2026-09-26)
https://www.wikitree.co.kr/articles/1160962Simultaneous Release on SBS and Netflix Targets Global Viewers
'Doctor X' is set to premiere as a Friday-Saturday drama on SBS in Korea on October 9 at 9:50 PM KST. On the same day, it will also be simultaneously released on Netflix. Netflix Korea (넷플릭스 코리아) has already fueled global anticipation by releasing a teaser on its official YouTube channel, directly announcing the release date with the phrase, "October 9, on Netflix." (Source: Wikitree, 2026-09-21)
https://www.wikitree.co.kr/articles/1160962Director Lee Jung-rim's Vision and the Synergy of a Stellar Cast
The drama is helmed by director Lee Jung-rim (이정림), known for works like 'VIP,' 'Revenant,' and 'You Killed Me,' with the script penned by Pyeon Seong-geun (편성근). Beyond Kim Ji-won (김지원), the cast includes Lee Jung-eun (이정은) as Jang Hee-sook (장희숙), the head of a doctor dispatch agency; Son Hyun-joo (손현주) as Boo Seung-kwon (부승권), a hospital director embroiled in corruption; and Kim Woo-seok (김우석) as surgical intern Park Tae-kyung (박태경). This ensemble is expected to add tension and richness to the story. (Source: Star News, Joynews24)
Director Lee Jung-rim praised Kim Ji-won, stating, "Kim Ji-won learned surgical techniques from doctors even before filming began. She not only perfectly memorized complex surgical procedures but also became as proficient as a real doctor in suturing and knot-tying. The medical advisors who came to consult on set were so impressed they applauded her." The director added, "I wondered how Kye Soo-jung could have been portrayed if it wasn't for Kim Ji-won." (Source: Star News, 2026-09-26)
During the Chuseok (추석) holiday (Korean Thanksgiving) period, special preview broadcasts were aired on the mornings of September 26 and 27, further heightening viewer anticipation. (Source: Joynews24)
'Cider Universe' Enters Medical Genre with Kim Ji-won's Bold Transformation
Since her debut in 2010, Kim Ji-won (김지원) has solidified her position as a 'viewership queen' through a diverse filmography, including 'The Heirs,' 'Descendants of the Sun,' 'Fight for My Way,' 'Mr. Sunshine,' 'My Liberation Notes,' and the hit 'Queen of Tears,' which cemented her status as a top star. 'Doctor X' marks a new challenge for Kim Ji-won, who has predominantly showcased her strengths in romantic comedies and melodramas, as she now takes center stage in a full-fledged medical drama. (Source: Wikitree, 2026-09-21)
Notably, 'Doctor X' is drawing attention as the first medical drama to join SBS's so-called 'Cider Universe' (사이다 유니버스), a series of dramas known for their satisfying, cathartic narratives where justice prevails. This universe has consistently delivered hits like 'Chief Kim' (김부장) (23.1%), 'The Fiery Priest' (열혈사제) (22%), 'Taxi Driver' (모범택시) (21%), and 'The Judge from Hell' (지옥에서 온 판사) (13.6%). (Source: Wikitree, 2026-09-21)
Regarding her decision to star in 'Doctor X,' Kim Ji-won shared, "The very premise of a doctor dispatched from a medical agency itself seems like a fresh viewing point." She added, "As you follow the stories Kye Soo-jung (계수정) creates at Guseo University Hospital, you'll encounter various narratives of each character's choices, regrets, desires, and pain." (Source: Star News, 2026-09-26)
The released teaser further hints at the birth of an extraordinary genius surgeon, with Kye Soo-jung (계수정) confidently asking a patient, "Decide. Do you want to die in a month, or in 100 years?" and boldly declaring, "I don't fail," showcasing her absolute confidence in her surgical prowess. (Source: Wikitree, 2026-09-21)
Anticipating Synergy Beyond 'Queen of Tears,' Signaling a 'Female Power' Trend
Ultimately, the success of 'Doctor X' hinges on how powerfully Kim Ji-won (김지원), who achieved a 24.9% rating with 'Queen of Tears,' embodies a genius surgeon in her comeback role, stepping away from her romantic image. Another key factor will be the synergy created when SBS's unique 'cider' narrative style, seen in dramas like 'Taxi Driver' and 'The Fiery Priest,' meets the medical genre. (Source: Wikitree, 2026-09-21)
With the added synergy of a stellar cast including Kim Ji-won (김지원), Lee Jung-eun (이정은), Son Hyun-joo (손현주), and Kim Woo-seok (김우석), all eyes are on 'Doctor X' to see if it will spark a new 'female power' (여풍, a trend led by strong female characters or narratives) on the small screen this autumn. (Source: Star News, 2026-09-26)
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