Kim Ji-won's Doctor X hits 21.3% peak rating and global Netflix success

The SBS medical noir drama Doctor X has reached a peak viewership rating of 21.3% as of episode 6, ranking it 5th among all-time highest-rated Friday-Saturday dramas on the network. Lead actress Kim Ji-won has also maintained 1st place in the TV-OTT integrated cast buzz category for three consecutive weeks.

The SBS Friday-Saturday drama 'Doctor X' is continuing its hit run, climbing international rankings following strong domestic viewership and buzz. The work is a refreshing medical noir depicting the activities of Gye Su-jeong, a "mad genius of the operating room" who uses genius surgical skills that know neither failure nor compromise to crush massive corruption. As of episode 6, it recorded a peak viewership rating of 21.3%, with 19.5% nationwide and 19.2% in the metropolitan area, ranking it 5th among all-time highest-rated Friday-Saturday dramas on SBS.

Domestic Viewership and Buzz Indicators

'Doctor X' has repeatedly broken its own peak viewership records since the beginning of its broadcast. As of episode 6, the peak rating reached 21.3%, with 19.5% nationwide and 19.2% in the metropolitan area. According to Nielsen Korea, these figures place the drama 5th in the history of SBS Friday-Saturday dramas. With the program airing every Friday and Saturday at 9:50 PM, the upward trend in viewership has continued since the first broadcast.

Buzz indicators have also been strong. According to FUNdex by Good Data Corporation, Kim Ji-won has maintained 1st place in the TV-OTT integrated cast buzz category for three consecutive weeks. In the RACOI survey operated by Korea Broadcast Advertising Corporation, Kim Ji-won took 1st place in the drama cast rankings, while Lee Jung-eun ranked 6th, Son Hyun-joo 9th, and Kim Woo-seok 12th. Not only the lead actress but also the main cast members have occupied top positions.

Reactions Focused on the Character Gye Su-jeong

The center of this success is the character Gye Su-jeong. She is portrayed as a person who successfully performs surgeries that everyone else has given up on with monster-level skills, and who ruthlessly strikes those who violate medical ethics. Her attitude of prioritizing patient lives without being swayed by power or profit, along with her confidence represented by the phrase "I never fail," is presented as the core of the character. Based on this setting, the work continues to deliver a satisfying narrative that strikes a blow against the authority and practices of Guseodae University Hospital.

Kim Ji-won's acting and characterization have translated into domestic buzz indicators. She held 1st place for three consecutive weeks on FUNdex and led the drama cast rankings on RACOI. In the drama, Kim Ji-won plays Gye Su-jeong, a surgeon who confronts the power and corruption within Guseodae University Hospital, delivering blunt and sharp rebukes to doctors blinded by power from the very first episode. She has also drawn attention for her amazing surgical skills, proving her own words, "I never fail," and for saving the lives of patients in critical condition through swift and accurate judgment amidst chaotic situations. The production team also introduced a twist where she is disarmed by sweet desserts outside the operating room.

Netflix Global Rankings Remain High

International performance is also distinct. According to Tudum, the official Netflix site, 'Doctor X' ranked 2nd in the weekly viewership rankings for 'Global Top 10 Non-English Shows' as of the 28th. It has maintained a top position from its first week of release through the current third week, with a total view time of 36.7 million views. In the early stages of release, it was reported to have ranked 1st in the non-English TV show category for the weekly rankings from October 5 to October 11, entering the TOP 10 in 36 countries with 4.6 million views. The trend of staying in the upper ranks has continued since then.

International reactions have been observed in global communities. On MyDramaList, posts such as "I love every moment of this show," "Kim Ji-won's performance is truly phenomenal. Absolutely perfect," and "I've never felt this level of catharsis. Gye Su-jeong is a genius" have appeared. On Reddit, reactions included "One of the best dramas aired this year" and "Gye Su-jeong's attitude and overwhelming skill are so charming. I can't wait for the next episode." On IMDb, evaluations such as "The fast pacing and intense tension unique to Korean dramas are excellent" were written, along with a comment stating, "The chemistry between Kim Ji-won and the doctors is so good. It's infused with Korean-style humor."

Development Continuing into Episodes 7 and 8

The broadcast is entering its latter half. SBS announced that episode 7 will air on the 30th at 9:50 PM. Episode 8 is scheduled for the 31st. In episode 8, a scene where Gye Su-jeong encounters a pediatric patient is revealed; it is previewed that as a high-difficulty surgery for a 10-year-old pediatric cancer patient—which urgently requires cooperation between general surgery and neurosurgery—faces the risk of being delayed due to a medical vacuum, Gye Su-jeong steps forward to perform the surgery alone. Simultaneously, developments intertwined with Gye Su-jeong's hidden past were introduced.

The work continues to air every Friday and Saturday at 9:50 PM. As of the 28th, it has also maintained 1st place in Netflix's 'South Korea Today's TOP 10.' With domestic ratings, cast buzz, and Netflix global rankings all being mentioned simultaneously, attention is expected to remain on the development and performance of the later episodes of 'Doctor X.'

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