Doctor X Kim Ji-won declares unprecedented external organ surgery to save 8-year-old pediatric cancer patient
In the SBS drama "Doctor X: Era of the White Mafia," Gye Su-jeong declares her intention to perform an unprecedented surgery involving the external removal of six organs to save an 8-year-old patient.
Gye Su-jeong (Kim Ji-won) in the SBS Friday-Saturday drama "Doctor X: Era of the White Mafia" has challenged herself to an unprecedented surgery to remove all organs to save 8-year-old pediatric cancer patient Lee Hyeon-a (Lee Chae-yu). While the drama continues to dominate weekend viewership, maintaining its position as number one for four consecutive weeks according to Nielsen Korea, the 9th episode aired on the 6th depicted Gye Su-jeong declaring she would perform a surgical method that does not exist in the world. Looking at doctors with a firm and unwavering gaze in the Guseo University Hospital conference room, Gye Su-jeong stepped forward to perform a surreal surgery that is difficult to even imagine, given the desperate situation where no surgical method exists to save the 8-year-old patient Lee Hyeon-a. Gye Su-jeong announced she would perform "Abdominal Multi-organ External Tumor Resection and Autotransplantation," an unprecedented method where all six organs are removed from the body to resect the tumor before being re-implanted. The episode portrayed Gye Su-jeong jumping into the impossible with the sole determination to save a young life, despite it being a surgery that exceeds human limits and one she herself has never experienced.
Flashbacks to the past, Jang Hui-suk's dissuasion, and the submission of a resignation letter
The broadcast opened with a flashback to Gye Su-jeong's past, noting she had not even attended her medical school days. Toward Jang Hui-suk (Lee Jung-eun) and Yang Eung-gu (Choi Deok-mun), who were disappointed that she did not attend their medical school graduation, Gye Su-jeong smiled and said, "Thanks to you, Jang Hui-suk, I am now a doctor." The three shared old memories along with the Hippocratic Oath. However, reality was harsh. Hospital Director Bu Seung-gwon (Son Hyun-joo) had already identified Gye Su-jeong as "Doctor X," a doctor who challenges dangerous cases where surgical methods are not established, and engaged in a psychological battle with Jang Hui-suk. Jang Hui-suk lashed out at Bu Seung-gwon, asking what he gains by doubting a doctor who is currently doing everything to hold onto patients in a hospital that is increasingly becoming empty. As Gye Su-jeong struggled to save 8-year-old Lee Hyeon-a, a patient with malignant fibrosarcoma who had been ordered to be discharged after surgery was abandoned at Guseo University Hospital, Jang Hui-suk urged her to step away from Lee Hyeon-a's surgery, saying it would make her look even more like Doctor X. However, Gye Su-jeong proposed a new surgical method of removing all six organs from the body, removing the tumor, and then re-implanting them. Bu Seung-gwon appeared to grant permission by saying, "Let's hold a conference. Persuade the other professors," but during the conference, Bae Heung-gon (Lee Seong-uk) opposed her, stating, "You brought a surgery that has never been done. This will definitely fail. Everyone here will think so." Bu Seung-gwon also coldly turned her away, noting that for an unprecedented surgery, approval must be obtained. Ultimately, Gye Su-jeong bowed 90 degrees to the professors and pleaded, "I need a team. Please," but no one stepped forward. Consequently, Gye Su-jeong submitted her resignation to Jang Hui-suk and proceeded with an emergency solo surgery alongside Jo Won-jin (Lee Jin-hee) and Park Tae-gyeong (Kim Woo-seok).
Conflict among doctors and Do Yun-sik's sudden joining
While Gye Su-jeong was undergoing the high-pressure solo surgery with limited hands and time alongside Jo Won-jin and Park Tae-gyeong, the doctors at Guseo University were conducting a vote for a strike. Do Yun-sik (Kim Yeong-min), who was restless while checking his watch to see how far Gye Su-jeong's surgery had progressed, eventually left his seat and joined Gye Su-jeong's surgery. Even after Do Yun-sik joined, hands were still insufficient, leading to a situation where Do Yun-sik grew anxious, calling for someone to be brought in. During this process, the positions and actions of key figures in the hospital were divided as follows:
| Category | Key Figures | Key Positions and Actions |
|---|---|---|
| Surgery Performed | Gye Su-jeong, Jo Won-jin, Park Tae-gyeong | Submitted resignation and carried out emergency solo surgery to save 8-year-old pediatric cancer patient Lee Hyeon-a |
| Opposition to Surgery | Bu Seung-gwon, Bae Heung-gon | Refused approval and criticized the unprecedented surgery, citing risks and procedural justifications |
| Joining the Surgery | Do Yun-sik, Jang Hui-suk | Left the strike vote and joined the emergency operating room to provide support after resigning |
The appearance of mentor Jang Hui-suk and the strong bond between teacher and student
A dramatic moment arrived in the operating room where hands were still lacking despite Do Yun-sik's arrival. The person who opened the door to the operating room was none other than Jang Hui-suk. Jang Hui-suk entered confidently, stating, "I am surgeon Jang Hui-suk," and Gye Su-jeong introduced her with emotional eyes, saying, "She is my mentor." Amidst the opposition and cynicism of everyone, the episode unfolded the strong narrative of the teacher and student who, driven by Gye Su-jeong's unyielding will to save a young life, ultimately could not ignore each other and united.
The SBS Friday-Saturday drama "Doctor X: Era of the White Mafia" airs every Friday and Saturday at 9:50 PM. Attention is focused on whether they can lead this unprecedented major surgery to success in the remaining episodes.
Covers K-pop for SPECIALTIMES GLOBAL, and also writes Culture and K-Variety stories.
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