Entertainment · TV & Streaming · 2 hrs ago
Korean drama Doctor X reaches 15.1% ratings by its third episode
SBS’s Korean drama Doctor X is drawing large audiences after its debut on October 9.
Kim Ji-won plays Gye Su-jeong, a highly skilled freelance surgeon who works in a hospital without joining its hierarchy.
She confronts doctors and managers over decisions she sees as putting patients at risk, while using her surgical skill to help people in danger.
The show adapts a Japanese drama and reshapes its story around Korean medical issues, including strikes and concerns about the health system.
Ratings rose from 11.4% for the first episode to 15.1% for the third, according to Nielsen Korea’s nationwide household figures.
The show also reached the top of TUDUM’s global non-English TV chart three days after release.
Its success has come alongside criticism that it portrays doctors as incompetent and may give viewers a misleading picture of medical care.
The 12-episode drama is still airing, and its longer-term popularity remains uncertain.
SBS drama Doctor X: The Age of the White Mafia reached 15.1% viewership for its third episode, according to Nielsen Korea figures cited by Yonhap.
Its first episode recorded 11.4%, and its second reached 14.9%.
The series stars Kim Ji-won as freelance surgeon Gye Su-jeong, who challenges hospital authority and wrongdoing.
The drama is a Korean adaptation of a Japanese television series and reflects local medical issues.
Its portrayal of doctors has drawn criticism, including concerns that it simplifies medical staff and medical practice.
- Who
- SBS and the cast of Doctor X, led by Kim Ji-won.
- What
- The drama’s third episode recorded a 15.1% rating. Its first two episodes recorded 11.4% and 14.9%.
- When
- The series premiered on October 9, 2026. The third-episode rating was reported by October 17.
- Where
- South Korea; the drama airs on SBS.
- Why
- Not stated
Supporters of Doctor X
Critics of Doctor X
Portrayal of doctors
Supporters of Doctor X
The drama’s criticism of hospital authority and wrongdoing gives viewers a satisfying voice against abuses in the medical system.
Critics of Doctor X
The drama may oversimplify medical staff as incompetent villains and ignore uncertainty in medical practice.
Story and appeal
Supporters of Doctor X
The Korean adaptation reflects local medical issues and has attracted viewers with Kim Ji-won’s performance.
Critics of Doctor X
Some critics have questioned its medical accuracy and its negative portrayal of doctors.
Doctor X premiered with an 11.4% rating for its first episode.
The second episode’s rating reached 14.9%; the series also topped TUDUM’s global non-English TV show ranking three days after its release.
Yonhap reported that the third episode had reached a 15.1% rating.
- First episode rating
- 11.4%
- Second episode rating
- 14.9%
- Third episode rating
- 15.1%
- Lead actor
- Kim Ji-won
- Broadcaster
- SBS
- Series length
- 12 episodes
3 sources
What people are saying
Doctors who are like you, irresponsible people. You guys are really pathetic.
I don't do things that can be done without a medical license. I don't fail, either.
Unlike the protagonists of existing medical dramas, Gye Su-jeong is not affiliated with a hospital and views doctors strictly from the perspective of a third party.
It is giving a refreshing voice to the points that the public finds frustrating.