Kim Ji-won is drawing strong ratings with SBS's Friday-Saturday drama 'Doctor X: The Age of the White Mafia', which premiered on October 9. According to Nielsen Korea, the first episode drew 11.4% nationwide, the highest first-episode rating for a miniseries this year, and the figures climbed to 14.9% and then 15.1% over the next two episodes.

Who does Kim Ji-won play?

She plays Gye Su-jung, a genius surgeon who trusts only her own ability. Industry observers praised her controlled, shifting performance, saying she has moved from supporting roles to leading her first top-billed drama. Her earlier hit 'The Queen of Tears' (2024) came just before this project.

What is the drama based on?

The series is a Korean adaptation of the Japanese TV Asahi drama 'Doctor X: Surgeon Michiko Daimon', which ran for seven seasons from 2012 to 2021. Commentators note the Korean version reshapes the original with local sentiment, though some viewers criticized its portrayal of doctors as comic caricatures.

Why is her track record drawing attention?

Media analyst Professor Yoon, quoted by Yonhap News, argued that Kim's project choices engage with social issues, from young people struggling to find their footing to the pressures of the modern workplace. Her previous lead drama 'Ssam, My Way' rose from 5.4% to 13.8% by its finale, and 'Crash Landing on You' peaked at 38.8%.

For international fans

Kim Ji-won is known abroad for 'Crash Landing on You' and 'The Queen of Tears'. Viewers outside Korea should check the official SBS or streaming partners for availability and subtitles, since these details were not confirmed in the source.