{
  "id": 15178120,
  "title": "#SHOWBIZ: Kim Ji-won's hit K-drama 'Doctor X' under fire for medical inaccuracies",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/showbiz-kim-ji-wons-hit-k-drama-doctor-x-under-fire-for-medical",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-17T11:00:15.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/lifestyle/groove/2026/10/1557593/showbiz-kim-ji-wons-hit-k-drama-doctor-x-under-fire-medical"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "SEOUL: South Korean actress Kim Ji-won's comeback drama, Doctor X: Mafia in White, has ignited controversy over medical inaccuracies, despite smashing viewership records just days after its debut. The SBS medical series premiered on October 9th with a nationwide rating of 11.4 percent, soaring to 14.9 percent for the following episode. Kim, 33, portrays Gye Soo-jung, a skilled yet defiant surgeon who takes on corrupt hospital officials. The series marks her return to television following the global success of Queen of Tears in 2024. Viewers have pointed out several medical blunders in the show. One scene depicts a patient with an inguinal hernia, sparking questions as to why emergency surgery was suddenly required after the issue had already been addressed without surgery. Additionally, critics noted situations where surgeons made decisions in complex operations that typically involve multiple specialists. Some argued that the series disregards standard hospital protocols, particularly in emergency care. In response, Namgung In, an emergency medicine doctor who served as an on-set medical consultant, took to social media on October 11th. If viewers spot medical inaccuracies, Namgung wrote, they should assume the consultant and production team disagreed, with the consultant ultimately losing the argument. Namgung expressed appreciation for the production process, describing it as his first experience as an on-set consultant. Despite the debate over accuracy, he voiced support for the show, praising the cast and crew's efforts and wishing it every success. Adapted from the popular Japanese drama Doctor-X: Surgeon Michiko Daimon—which ran for seven seasons between 2012 and 2021—the Korean adaptation takes a darker, crime-thriller approach to the story of a rogue doctor battling the medical system. Currently streaming on Netflix, the series has become the highest-debut rating for any South Korean miniseries in 2026.",
  "summary": "SEOUL: South Korean actress Kim Ji-won’s comeback drama, Doctor X: Mafia in White, has sparked criticism over medical blunders, despite breaking viewing records just days after its release.",
  "key_points": [
    "South Korean drama Doctor X debuts with 11.4% viewership, soaring to 14.9% in second episode",
    "Medical inaccuracies criticized, including hernia surgery and surgeon decision-making",
    "On-set emergency medicine consultant defends production, supports show's success"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}