'Dr. X' has surpassed 20% in peak viewership ratings in just four episodes, once again proving the power of SBS-style refreshing dramas.

The SBS Friday-Saturday drama 'Dr. X: The Age of the White Mafia' (written by Pyeon Seong-geun, directed by Lee Jeong-rim, hereinafter 'Dr. X') depicts the exploits of genius surgeon Gye Su-jeong (played by Kim Ji-won) as she smashes through massive absurdities. It is the first refreshing medical noir presented by SBS, which has built a unique "cider universe" delivering exhilarating catharsis through hits such as 'Taxi Driver', 'The Fiery Priest', and 'The Judge from Hell'.

From its premiere, 'Dr. X' recorded a national viewership rating of 11.4% and a peak rating of 12.9%, claiming the number one spot for premiere ratings among miniseries aired in 2026. Following continuous breaks in its own best ratings every episode, it has maintained an explosive upward trajectory, recording a peak rating of 20.8%, a national rating of 18.5%, and a metropolitan area rating of 18.4% by just episode 4.

Furthermore, the 2049 viewership ratings—a key indicator of buzz and target demographics—soared to a peak of 6.56% and an average of 5.9% for episode 4, ranking first among all programs broadcast on Saturday and proving the unstoppable "Dr. X syndrome."

Its momentum on global charts is also blazing. According to OTT ranking site FlixPatrol (as of October 19), 'Dr. X' has not only claimed the number one spot on Netflix's Top 10 TV Shows in South Korea for two consecutive weeks, but has also landed in the Top 10 across 61 countries worldwide, secured the number one spot in 18 countries, and climbed to fourth place on the global Top 10 TV Shows chart.

Hong Sung-chang, CEO of Studio S in charge of production, stated, "We thank you for the passionate support you have sent to 'Dr. X'. We feel a great sense of fulfillment, especially in successfully expanding and establishing the grammar of the SBS-style 'cider' genre—honed by Studio S over the years—onto a new stage." He added, "I believe this is the result of the intense contemplation and efforts of the production team and actors shining brightly. We ask for your continued anticipation and support for genius surgeon Gye Su-jeong's future journey."

'Dr. X', which has firmly established itself as a new box-office hit card for the SBS cider universe, will air its 5th episode this coming Friday, the 23rd, at 9:50 p.m.

Reporter Kang Sun-ae

(Photo courtesy of SBS E&M, Reporter Kang Sun-ae)