So far, the answer looks like yes. SBS's new medical drama Doctor X: Mafia in White, starring Kim Ji-won, has debuted at No. 1 on Netflix's global non-English TV chart.
According to Netflix's weekly Top 10 for October 5–11, 2026, the series recorded 4.6 million views in its first days on the platform. It entered the Top 10 in 36 countries and ranked No. 1 in seven, including South Korea, Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand.
Strong Ratings at Home
The drama premiered on SBS on October 9 and has also performed well on Korean television. According to Nielsen Korea figures reported by Korean media, the first episode recorded a nationwide rating of 11.4 percent, and the second episode rose to 14.9 percent.
Korean outlet TV Report also said the series topped Fundex's drama buzz ranking for the second week of October, with Kim Ji-won ranking first among actors.
What Is Doctor X About?
Kim Ji-won plays Gye Soo-jung, a highly skilled surgeon who relies on her ability rather than status or connections. Lee Jung-eun plays Jang Hee-sook, the sharp head of a medical staffing agency who sends Soo-jung to a powerful university hospital.
Once inside, the two run into a system shaped by internal power struggles and corruption. The series is based on the Japanese drama Doctor-X: Surgeon Michiko Daimon. It also stars Son Hyun-joo and Kim Woo-seok.
The drama marks Kim Ji-won's return to television after the global hit Queen of Tears, and her strong lead performance has been central to the early attention.
A Strong Week for Korean Dramas on Netflix
Doctor X was not the only Korean series on the chart. Netflix's new romantic comedy Take Charge of My Heart, starring Kim Young-kwang and Chae Soo-bin, ranked No. 3 on the same non-English TV chart with 3 million views. It entered the Top 10 in 44 countries in its first week.
Not Everyone Agrees on the Medical Details
The early success has also brought some criticism. Korean outlet Etoday reported that a practicing orthopedic surgeon said on social media that he had asked Korea's broadcast review body to examine the drama's portrayal of medical work. He argued that some scenes oversimplify doctors and medical practice.
SBS declined to comment, according to the report. Medical dramas often heighten real hospital life for dramatic effect, and the debate shows how closely some viewers are watching.
Where to Watch
Doctor X: Mafia in White airs on SBS in Korea and streams on Netflix. Availability may differ by region, so check the Netflix app in your country.
Have you started Doctor X yet? What do you think of Kim Ji-won's surgeon role?
Related Reading
- Kim Ji-won and Lee Jung-eun Team Up in New Medical Noir 'Doctor X'
- Take Charge of My Heart: Netflix's New Korean Rom-Com Is Now Streaming
Sources and Further Reading
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