Why is the K-drama Doctor X trending today?
Doctor X is trending due to a mix of high viewership and a growing controversy over its medical realism. While it is a ratings hit, some medical professionals have criticized its inaccuracies, leading one doctor to file a formal request for a broadcast review.
What happened
- 7 Oct
Actress Kim Ji-won discusses her role and physical transformation at a press conference [1].
- 9 Oct
The series premieres on SBS with an 11.4% viewership rating [1].
- 11 Oct
Medical consultant Namgung In suggests inaccuracies occurred when production ignored his advice [1].
- 13 Oct
An orthopedic surgeon files a request with the Korea Communications Standards Commission to review the show's distortion of medical reality [3].
- 16 Oct
Stills are released showing the lead character bloodied in an emergency room ahead of episode 3 [2].
What you need to know
The show is a South Korean adaptation of the Japanese series Doctor-X: Surgeon Michiko Daimon [1].
Critics cite issues with the portrayal of cardiac arrest shocks, anesthesiology care, and inguinal hernia procedures [3].
The plot follows Gye Soo-jung, a genius surgeon who fights corruption within hospital administration [1, 2].
It marks the television return of actress Kim Ji-won after a two-year break [1].
It is not yet confirmed if the Korea Communications Standards Commission will take action on the broadcast review request [3].
Background
Doctor X: Mafia In White is a medical noir drama produced by Studio S, Studio Dragon, and HighZium Studio [2]. It focuses on a maverick surgeon who uses her skills to challenge injustices in the medical field [2]. To adapt the Japanese source material, the director reinterpreted the story to fit Korean systems and sensibilities while maintaining a dark, atmospheric tone [1].
Questions people ask
Why are doctors criticizing the show?
They argue the show portrays medical staff as incompetent villains, depicts rounds as useless work, and ignores real-world medical protocols [3].
How has the show performed in ratings?
It has been a hit, with the first two episodes scoring 11.4% and 14.9% respectively, the highest for any 2026 miniseries debut [1].
Where this came from
[1] straitstimes.com
Top-rated K-drama Doctor X: Mafia In White draws criticism over alleged medical inaccuracies
Preview image from straitstimes.com
[2] mk.co.kr
Kim Ji-won found bloodied on an emergency room bed in ‘Doctor X’
Preview image from mk.co.kr
[3] sportschosun.com
"‘Doctor X’ seriously distorts reality"... Practicing doctor files for broadcast review, sparking controversy
Preview image from sportschosun.com
Found through Google Trends and drafted with AI from at least two cited sources. Published automatically after passing our automated checks for sources, wording and safety. It may not have been reviewed by a person yet. Report a correction.