The highly anticipated SBS Friday-Saturday drama, ‘Dr. X: Era of the White Mafia’, is set to make its debut on October 9th, promising a gripping medical thriller that continues the legacy of SBS’s successful dark hero series. The drama introduces a ‘medical dark hero’ narrative, focusing on the exploits of Dr. Kye Soo-jung, a brilliant surgeon with an unparalleled success rate who challenges the deep-rooted corruption within a prestigious university hospital.
A New Medical Thriller Joins SBS’s Acclaimed Lineup
Following in the footsteps of popular SBS dramas like ‘Chief Kim’, ‘Model Taxi’, ‘The Fiery Priest’, and ‘Through the Darkness’, ‘Dr. X: Era of the White Mafia’ marks SBS’s first foray into the medical genre within its ‘dark hero’ universe. This new series is expected to captivate audiences with its intense storyline and compelling characters.
The drama is helmed by director Lee Jung-rim, known for his work on ‘VIP’ and ‘The Uncanny Counter’, and penned by writer Kim Sung-geun. The production boasts a formidable cast, including Kim Ji-won as Kye Soo-jung, Lee Jung-eun as Jang Hee-sook, Son Hyun-joo as Boo Sung-kwon, and Kim Woo-seok as Park Tae-kyung, alongside a strong ensemble of supporting actors such as Jin Hee, Kim Young-min, Lee Sung-wook, Kwon Seung-woo, Heo Joon-seok, Choi Deok-moon, Kim Jung-young, Kim Young-ah, and Choi Kwang-il. This combination of directorial vision, sharp writing, and a talented cast is poised to deliver a high-quality production.
Meet the Key Players in ‘Dr. X’
The production team recently unveiled scenes from the script reading, offering a glimpse into the chemistry and dedication of the cast. Director Lee Jung-rim and writer Kim Sung-geun were present, alongside the main cast members, who reportedly showcased a blend of nervous energy and remarkable synergy, heightening anticipation for the series.
Kim Ji-won as Dr. Kye Soo-jung
Kim Ji-won takes on the transformative role of Kye Soo-jung, a genius surgeon who relies solely on her surgical skills. Discarded by the medical community, Kye Soo-jung is a figure who dismantles the hierarchical structure of a corrupt university hospital with her overwhelming abilities. Often referred to as the ‘mad dog of the operating room,’ her character is expected to be portrayed with a fierce charisma, contrasted by unexpected charms revealed outside the hospital walls, establishing her as a new kind of ‘medical dark hero’.
Lee Jung-eun as Jang Hee-sook
Lee Jung-eun plays Jang Hee-sook, the seemingly money-minded but shrewd manager of the hospital’s doctor referral service. She acts as Kye Soo-jung’s right-hand woman, navigating the complex hospital politics. Lee Jung-eun’s distinctive acting prowess is expected to amplify the character’s charisma, and her unique business partnership with Kim Ji-won’s character is anticipated to be a significant draw.
Son Hyun-joo as Boo Sung-kwon
Veteran actor Son Hyun-joo embodies Boo Sung-kwon, the head of the surgery department at the university hospital. His imposing presence is set to anchor the drama, portraying a character dedicated to revitalizing the struggling hospital. Son Hyun-joo’s profound acting depth is expected to provide a solid core to the narrative.
Kim Woo-seok as Park Tae-kyung
Kim Woo-seok portrays Park Tae-kyung, a privileged intern whose hospital life begins to unravel after meeting Kye Soo-jung. He brings a fresh dynamic to the series as a talented yet ambitious intern navigating the complexities of hospital life. Kim Woo-seok is also expected to create an intriguing, somewhat complex relationship with Kim Ji-won’s character, adding another layer of intrigue.
A Rich Ensemble Cast
Beyond the main characters, a diverse cast of supporting actors will populate the world of the university hospital, each bringing their unique personalities to the forefront. Jin Hee, Kim Young-min, Lee Sung-wook, Kwon Seung-woo, Heo Joon-seok, Choi Deok-moon, Kim Jung-young, Kim Young-ah, and Choi Kwang-il are all set to contribute their reliable performances, enriching the dramatic tapestry of ‘Dr. X: Era of the White Mafia’.
The production team expressed high hopes for the series, stating, “Even though it was the first script reading, the actors’ solid acting skills and captivating character portrayals created maximum immersion.” They added, “With the explosive synergy of the actors who have perfectly embodied their characters, we anticipate the birth of a new ‘medical dark hero’ that will carry on the legacy of the SBS ‘SIDA’ universe. We hope you look forward to it.”
‘Dr. X: Era of the White Mafia’ is poised to be a standout medical thriller, combining a compelling storyline with a powerhouse cast and a unique take on the ‘dark hero’ trope.
