According to Nielsen Korea, episode 4 of the series achieved a record average rating of 18.5%, peaking at 20.8% on the evening of october 17. Starting with 11.4% for its first episode and rising to 14.9% for the second episode, the SBS drama has consistently increased its viewership with each broadcast, becoming the most popular show on South Korean television.
Directed by Lee Jung Rim and written by Pyeon Seong Geun, the project is a remake of a Japanese television series of the same name. It tells the story of Kye Soo Jung, portrayed by Kim Ji Won, a surgical doctor nicknamed "the operating room madwoman". She adheres firmly to her principles, refusing to compromise on misconduct or succumb to pressure from management.
The drama escalated in episode 4 when Na Dae Il, a surgeon recently transferred to Gu Seo University Hospital and played by Jang Seung Jo, approached Soo Jung with suspicious intentions. Noticing unusual signs despite his amiable exterior, the protagonist monitored him and gradually exposed his profiteering scheme to the disciplinary committee.
The Korea Herald noted that the series' appeal comes from its concise narrative, focusing on conflicts and the hidden aspects of the medical industry rather than romantic storylines. Instead of yielding to management pressure, Kye Soo Jung exploited technical loopholes during surgery to expose a network of vested interests.
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Kim Ji Won's character in the series. Photo: SBS |
Despite attracting a large audience, the series faced criticism from viewers regarding the realism of its medical scenarios. According to Zaapzee, many viewers pointed out fundamental medical knowledge errors, such as dispatching an ambulance for an emergency inguinal hernia surgery or the procedure for administering anesthesia when blood pressure is undetectable. When exploring medical themes, attempts to dramatize conflicts can be counterproductive if the production team overlooks the accuracy of real-world procedures.
Offsetting the technical controversies, Kim Ji Won's performance is a crucial factor in retaining viewers. The series marks her return to the small screen after two years, following the success of "Queen of Tears" (2024). According to News1, the actress expressed excitement about taking on the role due to Soo Jung's contrasting personality: a skilled surgeon who is rigid in communication. To prepare, she trained for hours with medical experts to accurately portray surgical procedures.
Kim Ji Won, 34, entered the entertainment industry in 2008 through modeling and music videos. In her early career, she gained recognition for her innocent and energetic image. The actress gradually established her name and built a large fanbase across Asia through numerous popular television series, including "High Kick! The Revenge of the Short Legged" (part three), "The Heirs", "Descendants of the Sun", "Fight for My Way", "Arthdal Chronicles", and "My Liberation Notes".
Cat Tien (according to News1, Zaapzee)
