Doctor X: Mafia in White Episode 1 Review: Kim Ji-won Is the Surgeon Who Breaks the Arrogance of Doctors

The much-anticipated Doctor X: Mafia in White episode 1 comes with Kim Ji-won taking the heart of the series. From the premiere, the story proves this isn’t an emotional hospital drama with a doctor who just gives sweet talk and runs around saving patients. But it’s more about the doctor who breaks the rules, workplace politics and any other nonsense that stops her from saving lives. Following the original Japanese Drama, the resemblance is not too uncanny, and we’re loving it.

Doctor X: Mafia in White episode 1 runtime is approx., 60 minutes. The series (닥터X : 하얀 마피아의 시대) stars Kim Ji-won, Lee Jung-eun, Son Hyun-joo, Kim Woo-seok and Lee Jin-hee in the main roles. It is directed by Lee Jung-rim.

A Familiar Story with a Sharper Korean Edge

Kim Ji-won Owns the Operating Room

As the lead of the show, she’s already owning it. As Kye Soo-jung, she is the most demanding character of the series as she sets clear boundaries, speaks with sharp honesty, and is perfectly focused on work. She doesn’t go for rounds checking on patients, no dinners with the staff, won’t work beyond her requirements, and if they ask her to work for something that goes against the law, she says a big no. Oh, she’s cool!

Now these actions do raise certain questions about her personality. Was she always like this, or did something happen that made her this cold? Is she really cold, or does she have a sweet side behind her? The episode does hint at a past that seems painful, which gives her character the room to develop. But nevertheless, Ji-won is doing a perfect job as Soo-jung.

Politics and Hierarchy

The first surgery shows why Soo-jung’s need to be cold is valid. We can clearly see the professional ego between the doctors. When Soo-jung warns about something that seems wrong during the director’s operation, nobody bothers. The emergency occurs, and we see how the fellow doctors’ need to be “right” becomes a problem because the patient is now in severe trouble. Well, Soo-jung did warn, but they purposely avoided her advice.

The arrogance of people’s power is shown through this surgery, and perhaps, this is how even in real life, internal politics tend to affect the patient’s life. The director has a downfall, but the problem is also his. He eats the melon, though the warning was given, and his pride crumbles him. But Soo-jung steps in with her excellent surgical skills, and once again the egoistic doctors feel disturbed because a junior doctor is extraordinary.

Dr Boo is Confusing

Boo Seung-kwon is another character worth watching in this series. Unlike other doctors who openly seem to have too much ego, Seung-kwon seems to be the one who understands the hospital’s negative vibe. However, the way he behaves makes me wonder whether he truly is an innocent doctor or someone trying to reach the heights like the other doctors.

When he tries to bring Soo-jung back, one might wonder whether he wants her for her skills or wants her to kill the institution’s arrogance. Will he become Soo-jung’s friend or an enemy? We’re yet to see.

Final Thoughts – A Promising Start

For viewers who have watched the original Japanese drama, the similarities can be spotted. Several scenes are purposely made to ensure it’s close to the original so that it can refresh the memories of the viewers who loved that version. However, the Korean version seems to show the difference through its cast’s acting and other workplace dynamics that have various other issues.

Watching a woman who is so fierce, doesn’t bother about the seniors, focuses on her work and walks away feels refreshing. Kim Ji-won is such a magnetic woman because no matter what role she does, she does it well.

Ultimately, Doctor X: Mafia in White has made a confident incision, but whether it will end up as a game changer of 2026 is still a long shot to think about. For now, Soo-jung is a character I will look forward to watching tomorrow.

Doctor X: Mafia in White Season 1 Review