Medical Drama 'Doctor X' Hits Record 20.2% Ratings in Latest Episode

The SBS Friday-Saturday drama "Doctor X: The Age of the White Mafia" achieved a significant milestone during its tenth episode, surpassing the 20% viewership threshold with a peak rating of 20.2%. According to Nielsen Korea, the broadcast also secured a nationwide and metropolitan rating of 17.7%, claiming the top spot in its time slot and ranking first across all channels and programs for the fifth consecutive week.

In the latest episode, Dr. Gye Soo-jung, portrayed by Kim Ji-won, undertook a high-stakes surgical procedure to save an eight-year-old pediatric cancer patient named Lee Hyun-ah. The complex operation required removing six organs from the body to eliminate the tumor before re-implanting them. Facing a shortage of medical staff, other doctors soon stepped forward to join the operating room, prioritizing the young patient's life.

Among them was Do Yoon-shik, played by Kim Young-min, who initially expressed hesitation regarding the high-risk procedure. However, driven by his duty as a physician, Do ultimately rushed to the operating room. Reflecting on the successful surgery, Do shared an emotional confession about rediscovering his purpose as a doctor and saving a human life, earning praise from viewers for his nuanced performance.

Despite opposition from the Mokryeonhoe faction, who demanded the procedure be halted, the medical team persevered. A total of eight doctors ultimately collaborated to complete the multi-organ extracorporeal tumor resection and autotransplantation successfully.

Following the successful operation, the hospital administration and the Mokryeonhoe faction attempted to penalize the medical personnel and terminated Gye's contract, citing procedural concerns. In response, the patient's mother prepared legal action against the hospital and foundation, leading the faction to temporarily suspend the disciplinary measures.

The episode concluded with a shocking cliffhanger featuring the arrival of Kim Seung-hyo, the founder of the medical volunteer group "White Wings." Kim sought treatment for a heart transplant and requested Gye as his surgeon. A sudden twist showed another character, Park Tae-kyung, attempting to suffocate the resting patient with a pillow, while Gye rushed in to stop him as Kim regained consciousness.

With only two episodes remaining before the series finale, "Doctor X: The Age of the White Mafia" continues to air every Friday and Saturday at 9:50 p.m.