Seoul, South Korea – A highly anticipated South Korean adaptation of the popular Japanese medical drama, Doctor-X: Surgeon Michiko Daimon, is officially moving forward, with broadcast giant SBS announcing key details about the forthcoming series. Titled Doctor X: Age of the White Mafia (working title), the remake casts acclaimed actress Kim Ji-won, known globally for her role in Queen of Tears, as the lead, signifying a major cross-cultural television collaboration slated for a 2025 debut.
The original production, which starred Ryoko Yonekura, captivated Japanese audiences for seven seasons on TV Asahi, culminating in a successful big-screen finale that grossed approximately 3 billion Japanese Yen (roughly $19.4 million USD). This proven track record led to months of speculation regarding a Korean adaptation, which SBS officially confirmed on Tuesday, announcing that contracts between the Japanese and Korean production houses have been finalized, allowing full production to commence.
The Korean version will feature Kim Ji-won as Dr. Gye Soo-jung, a brilliant, independent surgeon who harbors a deep disdain for the political maneuvering inherent in hospital hierarchies. Her character mirrors the original’s unconventional approach to high-stakes surgery, preferring solitary excellence over bureaucratic compliance. Directing the series is Lee Jung-lim, recognized for their work on the supernatural thriller Revenant.
A notable shift from the original Japanese narrative involves the crucial role of the protagonist’s managerial partner. In Doctor X: Age of the White Mafia, veteran actress Lee Jung-eun, celebrated internationally for her performance in the Palme d’Or and Oscar-winning film Parasite, will portray Jeong Hee-sook, Dr. Gye’s agent and colleague. This character, traditionally played by a male actor (Issey Kishibe) in the Japanese series, has been reimagined as a woman, promising a new dynamic in the Korean adaptation’s relationship structure.
This cross-border serialization highlights a growing trend in the East Asian entertainment industry, where successful formats are frequently adapted to appeal to local tastes and acting talent. The success of the forthcoming series hinges on its ability to localize the original’s core appeal—the narrative of an outsider medical genius battling corruption—while incorporating uniquely Korean perspectives on workplace power struggles and medical ethics.
Industry analysts suggest that securing a high-profile talent like Kim Ji-won and a globally recognized figure like Lee Jung-eun positions the series as a potential international hit, following the global phenomenon of numerous Korean dramas. The high investment in the remake signifies the network’s confidence in transporting the Japanese drama’s celebrated structure and tension into Seoul’s competitive medical drama landscape. Fans and viewers are now looking forward to the 2025 premiere, anticipating how Dr. Gye Soo-jung’s rebellious brilliance will be brought to life on the screen.
