Dr. X Soars to #1 on Netflix Thanks to Kim Ji-won's Phenomenal Performance

Kim Ji-won's stellar portrayal in Dr. X: The Era of the White Mafia has sparked a global phenomenon, with the series skyrocketing to the top of Netflix's non-English TV show rankings. Premiering on October 9, Dr. X garnered impressive viewer figures, registering an 11.4% rating on its opening episode and climbing to 14.9% for its second episode, marking one of the highest ratings for a mini-series premiere in 2026.

Set against the backdrop of medical corruption, Dr. X features Kim Ji-won as the brilliant surgeon Kye Soo-jung, who confronts the injustices pervading the healthcare system with her exceptional surgical skills. In a narrative style blending medical drama and noir, she stands as a fierce advocate for her patients, refusing to back down against authority. The show’s thrilling plot and gripping character dynamics have made it a must-watch.

In just three days since its release, Dr. X achieved a major milestone, ranking #1 in global views for non-English shows on Netflix according to the Tudum rankings. The series recorded 4.6 million views, demonstrating its appeal in numerous countries, including Korea, the Philippines, and Singapore, where it reached the top spot in seven nations.

Kim Ji-won’s impactful delivery and sharp dialogue have received rave reviews from fans, as evidenced by the explosive engagement on social media platforms. Clips showcasing her commanding presence and powerful lines have exceeded 8 million views on YouTube Shorts, highlighting her ability to resonate with audiences.

Within the series, Kye Soo-jung proves her mantra, "I never fail," through exceptional surgical feats, impressing viewers with her quick decision-making skills in high-pressure situations. The series culminates with her successfully operating on two patients in a jaw-dropping 6.5 hours, further solidifying her character as the 'crazy surgeon' of the operating room.

In terms of buzz, Dr. X dominated the integrated drama rankings from October 5 to 11, topping the charts in both general drama and individual actor interest categories, with Kim Ji-won again securing the top position among performers.

Dr. X is crafted by Studio S and serves as a continuation of the successful remakes of the popular Japanese drama Doctor X: The Genius Surgeon Daimon Michiko. As it continues to captivate viewers domestically and internationally, the combination of Kim Ji-won's fierce performance and the show’s engaging storyline promises a thrilling viewing experience well into the season.

Furthermore, in Netflix’s latest rankings from October 5 to 11, another title, Recharge Me, starring Kim Young-kwang and Chae Soo-bin, also gained traction, placing third in global non-English show views. This romantic comedy, based on a popular web novel, tells the story of a chaebol heir and a writer with electric powers navigating a contract relationship.

With such successes, Dr. X and its star, Kim Ji-won, are undeniably making waves, setting new standards for Korean dramas in the global streaming landscape.