Kim Ji-won Commands the Living Room with Surgical Sequences; 'Doctor X' Holds Firm at No. 1 in Ratings

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Actress Kim Ji-won is delivering tension to viewers through her surgical sequences.

According to SBS on the 4th, the Friday-Saturday drama "Doctor X: The Age of the White Mafia" (hereinafter "Doctor X") has firmly maintained its No. 1 spot in ratings for four consecutive weeks, continuing an unrivaled run of popularity. Episode 8 recorded a peak viewership rating of 16.7%, 15.6% nationwide, and 15.1% in the metropolitan area, sweeping first place in the same time slot for four straight weeks, first place among Saturday mini-series, and first place overall in weekly mini-series. The 2049 demographic rating also surged to a peak of 6.09% and an average of 5.4%, completely dominating weekend television viewing. (Based on Nielsen Korea data)

One of the key factors driving this unstoppable box-office-like surge in popularity is undoubtedly the remarkable performance by Gye Su-jung (Kim Ji-won), the "crazy genius" of the operating room, who displays astonishing skill within the surgical suite. Possessing abilities no one else can match, Gye Su-jung has captured viewers' hearts by flawlessly executing surgeries that are nearly impossible, relying on godlike technique and surprising speed, backed by high-level concentration and physical stamina.

Gye Su-jung not only proved her overwhelming skill by successfully performing consecutive surgeries on two pancreatic cancer patients in just six and a half hours, but also prevented a tragedy when there was no doctor in the hospital capable of performing a craniotomy, putting a patient at risk of missing the golden time. She acted with unwavering decisiveness and astonishing technique to save the day. Gye Su-jung's performance reached its peak in Episode 8, where she performed three consecutive surgeries over a span of 12 hours to fill the medical gap at Gu Seodaehospital, demonstrating superhuman dedication and focus. Just as her line "I never fail" suggests, Gye Su-jung's fearless approach—never backing down from any crisis and always finding a way to save patients—transforms the drama's tension into thrilling catharsis, effectively stimulating viewers' dopamine.

The reason Gye Su-jung's presence shines even brighter is that behind her overwhelming skill lies an unwavering conviction that prioritizes patients' lives above all else. In particular, her appearance left a deep impression as she was rushed into an emergency surgery for 10-year-old leukemia patient Yoo Ga-eul (played by Ki So-yu). Despite the tight time constraints, Gye Su-jung gave her all to avoid delaying the procedure, accompanied by her firm statement, "I will not let you suffer even one more minute." Viewers are showering Gye Su-jung with unwavering support and high praise for her unique surgical skills, as well as her meticulous consideration and sincerity toward patients.

Kim Ji-won's delicate and passionate portrayal of Gye Su-jung further heightens the character's charm. Her intense gaze shining through her mask, restrained tone in dialogue, and cool aura that remains unshaken even in tense situations amplify Gye Su-jung's unique charisma, enhancing the immersion in the surgical scenes.

"Doctor X" delivers both the tension and thrilling satisfaction unique to the medical noir genre through Gye Su-jung's performance of executing nearly impossible surgeries successfully. With only four episodes remaining as the story races toward its climax, anticipation is soaring over whether Gye Su-jung will once again save a young life with her astonishing technique, following an ending that featured her beginning "solo surgery" (performing alone without assistance) to save leukemia patient Yoo Ga-eul.

"Doctor X" airs every Friday and Saturday at 9:50 p.m.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original