Kim Ji-won’s “Doctor X” and the Gye Su-jung phenomenon sweep beyond Korea to overseas audiences… “Astonishing performance”

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

“Doctor X: The Age of the White Mafia” is drawing intense attention by captivating viewers not only in Korea but also abroad.

Since its first broadcast, “Doctor X: The Age of the White Mafia” (hereinafter “Doctor X”) has been setting a new record for its own highest viewership rating every week, demonstrating an unrivaled popularity trend. As of the sixth episode, it soared to a peak viewership rating of 21.3%, 19.5% nationwide, and 19.2% in the metropolitan area, achieving the feat of ranking fifth among SBS’s all-time highest-rated Friday-Saturday dramas. (Based on Nielsen Korea data)

Its buzz is also overwhelming. In the TV-OTT integrated cast buzz category, Kim Ji-won maintained the No. 1 spot for three consecutive weeks (based on Fundex data from October 19 to 25). In the “Drama Cast Ranking” surveyed by “LACOI,” a broadcast content value information analysis system operated by the Korea Communications Commission, Kim Ji-won also took first place, while major cast members such as Lee Jung-eun (6th), Son Hyun-joo (9th), and Kim Woo-seok (12th) swept the top ranks. (Based on data from October 19 to 25). Furthermore, it proved its status as an unshakable No. 1 drama in living rooms by maintaining the No. 1 spot on Netflix’s “Today’s Top 10 in Korea” as of Wednesday the 28th.

At the heart of this “Doctor X” success lies the unique character appeal of Gye Su-jung, the “crazy Gye of the operating room.” Gye Su-jung is delivering a satisfying blow to the authority and conventions of Gu Seodae Hospital by successfully performing surgeries that everyone had given up on with monster-level surgical skills, and mercilessly punishing those who violate bioethics. Moreover, Gye Su-jung’s conviction of placing patients’ lives above all else without being swayed by power or self-interest, along with the confidence to prove her words “I do not fail” with actual skill, amplifies her irreplaceable “medical dark hero” charm and drives viewers’ enthusiasm.

Most importantly, it is encouraging that the appeal of this “K-medical dark hero” is resonating overseas as well. According to Tudum, Netflix’s official site, “Doctor X” ranked second overall in the weekly viewership ranking for “Global Top 10 Non-English Shows” as of Wednesday the 28th. It has maintained a top-tier position from its first week of release through the third week. In particular, even amid intensified competition with new releases alongside the launch of the global hit “Lupin Part 4,” “Doctor X” recorded a total viewing time of 36.7 million views, proving its presence as a global box-office powerhouse.

Indeed, enthusiastic praise from overseas viewers is pouring in on various global communities. They are continuing their acclaim with comments such as “I love every moment of this show (Cor, MyDramaList),” “One of the best dramas aired this year” (coq, Reddit), “Kim Ji-won’s performance is truly astonishing. Perfect beyond words” (100z, MyDramaList), “This is the first time I’ve felt this level of catharsis. Gye Su-jung is a genius” (Hyu, MyDramalist), “The fast-paced plot and intense tension unique to Korean dramas are outstanding” (scr, IMDb), “The chemistry between Kim Ji-won and the doctors is great. It incorporates Korean-style humor” (Jay, MyDramaList), and “Gye Su-jung’s attitude and overwhelming skill are so attractive. I can’t wait for the next episode” (u/j_***, Reddit).

Meanwhile, “Doctor X” is a refreshing medical noir depicting the activities of Doctor X, Gye Su-jung, the “crazy Gye of the operating room,” who shatters massive injustices with her genius surgical skills that know no failure or compromise. Episode 7 will air at 9:50 p.m. on the 30th.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original