Kim Ji Won's 'Doctor X: Mafia in White' Surpasses 20 Percent Peak Viewership

The SBS Friday-Saturday medical noir series crosses the 20 percent milestone for the first time during its tenth episode.

Published 7 November 2026

Hitting the Milestone

The SBS Friday-Saturday drama 'Doctor X: Mafia in White' has reached a major milestone by exceeding the 20 percent threshold for the very first time. Nielsen Korea data indicates that the tenth episode of the series achieved a peak minute rating of 20.2 percent during its broadcast.

While the average nationwide and Seoul metropolitan rating settled at 17.7 percent for the full episode, the remarkable surge in its peak viewership underscores the growing interest among audiences tuning into the network.

Significant Jump from Previous Episodes

The latest figures represent a substantial recovery from the preceding weeks. Episode 10 jumped 2.4 percentage points compared to the 15.3 percent recorded by episode 9, and climbed 2.1 points over the 15.6 percent drawn by episode 8 the week prior.

This upward movement halts a recent cooling trend and brings fresh momentum to the program as it approaches the final stretch of its broadcast schedule on SBS.

Dominating the Time Slot

Beyond individual episode gains, the show continues to maintain a commanding presence across the television landscape. It captured the No. 1 spot in its designated time slot.

Furthermore, the series secured the top position among all programs across every channel for the fifth consecutive week, illustrating its broad and sustained appeal.

Strong Performance in Key Demographics

Advertisers often monitor viewership among specific age brackets, and the series has performed remarkably well within the crucial demographic of viewers aged 20 to 49.

In this group, the program averaged 7.2 percent, while climbing to a peak of 8 percent, proving its strong resonance with younger adult audiences.

Trajectory Since Premiere

Ever since its initial premiere on October 9, the program has experienced a dynamic run in nationwide ratings. The journey began with an 11.4 percent start for episode 1, followed quickly by 14.9 percent for episode 2 and 15.1 percent for episode 3.

It climbed to 18.5 percent for episode 4, 17.5 percent for episode 5, and reached a previous high of 19.5 percent for episode 6 before dipping in subsequent weeks.

Overcoming Recent Controversies

The ratings had previously experienced a dip for three consecutive episodes amid various controversies. These included objections from certain members of the medical community regarding the show's depiction of doctors and the medical field, alongside debates concerning its historical portrayal.

Unusually for a Friday-Saturday lineup where Saturday broadcasts typically rate higher, episode 8 even scored lower than the preceding Friday episode. However, reports noted that as the controversies faded, the numbers began to bounce back.

Cast and Premise

Functioning as a Korean adaptation of the Japanese hit 'Doctor-X', the medical noir follows a surgeon named Gye Su Jeong, portrayed by Kim Ji Won. Nicknamed 'the madwoman of the operating room,' her character utilizes exceptional genius skills to challenge deep-rooted absurdities within the medical establishment.

The stellar ensemble cast also features Lee Jung Eun, Son Hyun Joo, and Kim Woo Seok in co-starring roles.

News Overview

Kim Ji Won's series 'Doctor X: Mafia in White' crossed a 20 percent peak rating for the first time with its tenth episode on SBS. After navigating a brief ratings dip caused by various controversies, the medical noir drama has successfully recovered its momentum and maintained its top ranking ahead of its finale.

Key facts

  • Doctor X: Mafia in White episode 10 aired on November 7, 2026.
  • Nielsen Korea recorded an average rating of 17.7 percent nationwide and in the Seoul metropolitan area for episode 10.
  • The peak minute rating for episode 10 reached 20.2 percent.
  • Episode 9 recorded a rating of 15.3 percent.
  • Episode 8 recorded a rating of 15.6 percent.
  • The drama ranked No. 1 in its time slot and No. 1 among all programs across every channel for the fifth consecutive week.
  • Viewers aged 20 to 49 averaged 7.2 percent with a peak of 8 percent.
  • The drama premiered on October 9, 2026.
  • Episode 1 rated 11.4 percent, episode 2 rated 14.9 percent, episode 3 rated 15.1 percent, episode 4 rated 18.5 percent, episode 5 rated 17.5 percent, episode 6 rated 19.5 percent, and episode 7 rated 16.5 percent.