The drama “Doctor X: Mafia in White,” starring Kim Ji-won, is making waves not just in South Korea but also internationally, captivating audiences worldwide with its thrilling storyline.
Netflix’s official ranking website, Tudum, reported on Wednesday that the SBS Friday-Saturday drama “Doctor X: Mafia in White” (written by Pyeon Seong-geun and directed by Lee Jeong-rim, hereafter “Doctor X”) topped the non-English television (TV) shows chart for the week of October 12-18.
During this period, “Doctor X” amassed an impressive 7.1 million views, with viewers spending a total of 30 million hours watching the show.
The series has maintained its stronghold at the top for two consecutive weeks, following its number one position in the previous chart (October 5-11), a feat that’s turning heads in the industry.
“Doctor X” is a medical drama inspired by the Japanese series “Doctor-X: Surgeon Michiko Daimon.” It follows the brilliant and uncompromising surgeon, Doctor X, played by Kim Ji-won, who uses her exceptional skills to challenge systemic injustices, bringing a fresh twist to the medical noir genre.
The show boasts a star-studded cast led by Kim Ji-won, whose previous hits include “Descendants of the Sun,” “Fight for My Way,” “My Liberation Notes,” and “Queen of Tears.” Alongside her, veteran actors Lee Jeong-eun and Son Hyun-joo deliver compelling performances that keep viewers hooked. Unlike traditional medical dramas, “Doctor X” stands out with its lighter tone and an overpowered protagonist, adding to its unique appeal.
The drama’s international success is mirrored by its impressive domestic ratings.
Nielsen Korea reports that “Doctor X” debuted with a solid 11.4% viewership for its first episode on October 9, climbing to an impressive 18.5% by the fourth episode on October 17. This places it as the second-highest-rated drama of the year, excluding weekend shows, just behind the SBS hit “Agent Kim Reactivated,” which aired from June to July. “Agent Kim Reactivated,” a 10-episode series, hit a phenomenal 23.1% rating for its eighth episode on July 18, setting a high bar for success.
“Doctor X” has shown consistent growth in viewership, with ratings steadily increasing from the premiere through the fourth episode. The second and third episodes garnered 14.9% and 15.1% respectively, building anticipation for future installments.
Industry watchers are now speculating whether “Doctor X” can surpass “Agent Kim Reactivated” record and claim the title of highest-rated drama of 2026, excluding weekend series.