Doctor X: Mafia in White

My first impressions

First of all, it’s a fun drama to watch, so no need to overthink everything and just sit back & enjoy it!!The medical noir aspect hasn’t kicked in yet, but I’m pretty sure it’ll connect to fl's past story. The cast is doing a great job!! The story is a tiny bit lacking so far, but we’ve only seen 2 eps, so I’m sure it’ll get better.

And for those saying the jpn vers doctor x is better, hmm I think bcs the personality and overall vibe are a bit different, but the core traits are still there. They just toned down her craziness and sassiness a bit because Korean audiences tend to care abt politeness and manners more seriously, so michiko's attitude might come across as arrogant and rude to them and i think its better this way, Dr.Gye is not exactly the same as Daimon sensei, but her core personality is still there.

Anyway, looking forward to ep 3!!!

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Drama had a good start, though things seems to get worse

Since I've seen the original Dr X to an extent, I can't help wandering if the Korean adaptation could be as good. The initial two episodes were pretty good, though I can't help thinking that Gye Sujeong was just a far more tamer version of Daimon Michiko, who was like a wild horse. Forget that. Halfway in, Gye Sujeong seemed like a far less vibrant character compared to Daimon Michiko.

Contrary to the uproar that had been raised by Korean doctors over some supposed medical inaccuracies or false portrayal of the profession, Doctor X wasn't intended as an attack on the whole medical profession. While yes, the original setting was that Daimon Michiko was a lone wolf surgeon who's willing to perform risky surgeries and refuse to bow under rigid hospital bureaucracies, the drama never intended to paint the hospital as completely corrupt, just that some may start to view it as a cutthroat business. While it's understandable that the K-drama would try to show off its unique identity to set it apart from the original J-drama, I wished that the Kdrama to just stick on borrowing the base plot of just the first season of Doctor X instead of the first two... as well as trying so hard to turn Gye Sujeong as some super perfect doctor who never fail. At all. So far, the Korean adaptation seems to try to create yet another generic medical K-drama while borrowing the settings of the original J-drama, while also acting as if they wanna use the show to comment on real-life issues that may or may not relate to the medical world.

If you have never watched the original Doctor X J-drama, this drama may end up quite enjoyable to you. Maybe, if you don't mind seeing the usual trope that K-medical dramas often end up using. But if you love the original J-drama, you will hate this adaptation, as this K-drama will ruin every single thing that made the original J-drama well-loved.

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FL with no personality/character

I had hope for this show but so far I really don’t like her character. I get that her surgical skills are superior to everyone else’s but the way she acts is downright obnoxious and she goes too far at times. She genuinely seems to have no personality other than the whole ‘being the best at surgery’ thing and all of the side characters and other doctors are written as idiots in order to prop her up. The writing in this show is pretty bad so far like when the intern collapses on the floor as Ji Won’s character walks in, that’s too much cringe for me.
Dr Gye is written as a ‘Mary Sue’ character since she’s right every time so there’s no room for growth with how they’ve already characterised her so I’ll probably drop this one for now.

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WTF IS THIS???

I have very high expectation for this drama with Queen Kim Ji Won playing as Dr. X, but after watching episode 4, I totally gave up, I got so annoyed with the production team or rather the writer having the idiotic intern Kim Woo Seok acting like a crazy crying baby, what intern acts like this??? He is just too irritating with his bad acting, and why so many idiot doctors screaming and shouting everywhere. SERIOUSLY, what kind of garbage is this??? Is this how your doctors behave as is showcase in this 4th episode??? This is rather disturbing in so many levels. Honestly, the 3rd episode hit me harder than I can put into words. I need a little more time to gather my thoughts and frustration to process and put into words how rotten this is! Poorly written dialogues accentuated by bad acting made this a terrible watch.
This is extremely stupid and unrealistic. Because No doctors, nurses or interns can afford to be acting this sickening behavior. A hospital that advise and allows its staff to act like this would shut down or sued very soon.

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Over exaggerated

A nother good drama for Son Hyun joo

This medical drama delivers intense medical emergencies while tackling corruption and power struggles within the hospital. I really appreciate how it explains medical terminology in a way that’s easy for the average viewer to understand. What I love most is our female lead’s strong character. She refuses to compromise her principles, tolerate bullying, or bow down to higher-ups just because they hold positions of power. I enjoy seeing a female lead who stands her ground and refuses to let corruption dictate how she does her job.

I think this drama is very much overexaggerated with making the female lead such a super doctor that other doctors seem incompetent.. however it's medically quite accurate ( more so than other dramas) and i really like the dynamic of all the characters in this drama

This drama is depicts very well what is wrong in health care... its more about money making than life saving in our current situations.. and its quite sad ...

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This Remake Surpasses the Original

Thru Ep 10 update - no spoilers

The remakers hit a home run. These last few episodes don't try to just replicate the events and situations in the original Japanese version but instead add lots more backstory to the main characters which gives an extra measure of satisfaction.

And the set up for the last two episode teases more (and different from the original) backstory and added characters. Very much looking forward to the ending, and hoping that this is just the first season a several more to come.

This show is a fine example of how to do a remake.

Episode Five Update - No Spoilers

No spoilers but in this episode the divergence between the characters the Demon Doctor and the Snake becomes stark.

I suspect that in making the Demon Doctor X the makers early on hit upon a formula that worked so well (ratings for the severn seasons average just over 20%) that they stuck hard and fast to it not venturing out. And the stark contrast coming out of this fifth episode is this - in the seven seasons and the movie no one ever was afraid of the Demon (despite her nickname). However, the Snake has venom and the will to use it. In a prior episode we saw a hint of this difference when the Snake exited an elevator, stopped, and pointed to her own eyes and then to each of two doctors who had been verbally attacking her. She was warning them and telling us, the audience, that she could react in ways as yet left undefined. In this fifth episode we see some definition taking shape. Early in the episode we see a flashback in which she threatens a Russian soldier - a pretty strong hint and then in the latter half her venom is applied to an old adversary. Nothing like this in the Japanese version and this sets the two apart. The Korean version charts new story telling territory for the Doctor X character.

They're different enough to make both worthwhile.

*********************

This Remake Surpasses the Original. The Korean writers studied the Japanese version and made significant and successful improvements. However I enjoy watching both.

The Korean writers took situations from the original but expanded and elaborated in imaginative ways. The plotting is more interesting, and in particular the characters have more depth. In other words the 'bad' guys are not all bad and often, so far, have background stories that add to the story.

Basically, if you liked the Japanese series at all you'll probably like this more. It keeps many of the elements that made that one work and adds a more pleasing texture. The dialogue, music, camera work, directing, handling of characters are all upgraded. In the third episode there is a situation lifted from the original, but how it's handled is more nuanced. The conflict scenes have more detail and the post operative discussion conflict far more interesting to listen to.

An obvious difference is in the physical attributes of the two leads. The Japanese Demon has long legs and wears 3" heels to emphasize that feature (see logo). The Korean Snake is height challenged and the remake couldn't play up such features. Maybe that's why they went the opposite direction and put her in those boots. In any case no one is going to sit through 7 seasons and a movie because of long legs and nor is anyone not going watch the Korean version because of the boots.

The Japanese lead often came across as lacking basic common sense and childish. Here the writers have made subtle adjustments. The childish side is way toned down, but she is still obsessed with food particularly of the sugar heavy variety. The Korean Doctor X comes across as much more serious. Both characters refuse to submit to the social hierarchies. The Japanese one seems to do so more out of choice, i.e. she's aware of them, but refuses to accept or participate. In the Korean version it's unclear whether she's even aware they exist (note the glazed look in her eyes when confronted).

The Japanese creators hit a successful formula for episodes and for seasons, and copied ruthlessly. I'm in the 7th season and realized the background music seems to be exactly the same. For example that spaghetti western resonating sound for her surgical struggles. I'm not saying it's bad but after listening to some of the Korean which sounded fresh the formulaic quality of the Demon Dr version became obvious.

I recommend watching both. So far the Korean version hits upon similar story situations but adds enough original storytelling and upgraded character development to make comparing the two enjoyable without detracting from either.

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Doctor x japanese best one or not

After watching the Japanese series Doctor-X: Surgeon Michiko Daimon, I feel like something is missing in the Korean version that was present in the Japanese version.
I really liked Michiko’s attitude, especially how she was outside of work. Her lifestyle, going to dance clubs, enjoying food, and all those little things felt so natural and realistic in the Japanese version.
I don’t get the same feeling from the Korean version so far. Maybe it’s because I’ve only watched two episodes, so I’ll have to watch a few more before making a final judgment.
I feel that what made the Japanese version special wasn’t just the medical cases, but also Michiko’s personality and her life outside the hospital. Her independent, carefree attitude gave the series a unique charm.
I’ll keep watching the Korean version for now and see how it develops.

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I NEVER FAIL - Dr Gye sujeong

When it comes to medical K-dramas, I've watched plenty. And while watching them all, I always ask the same question: how does this one stand out from the ones I've watched before? What's making _this_ one special?

This is probably the same question many are asking about *Doctor X: Mafia in White*.

As you already know, it's inspired by — or adopted from — the Japanese Doctor X. I don't want to use the word "remake" because it isn't the Japanese Doctor X. It's its own show with some similar themes.

*Preview:* Set in a private hospital known as Guseo, a hospital run by influential figures, it tells the story of a lone wolf, Dr. Gye Sujeong, who is recruited as a contract surgeon to help out the general surgery department due to a shortage of labour. She walks into the hospital with her combat boots on, ready to do her job, her skills and scalpel at hand.

Now, why does it stand out for me? What makes it special?

I'll start with the answer that's on the tip of my tongue: the female lead, *Dr. Gye Sujeong*, brought to life by Kim Jiwon.

Gye Sujeong is introduced to us as someone who is confident in her skills. She's blunt, direct, and bows to no authority. Her motto: *I NEVER FAIL*. She's like a super surgeon, fast and efficient, always wearing a blank look. Isn't she impressive?

But then you slowly get to know her and you realise she also likes to eat a lot. She's the kind to disguise herself to get a second serving at the cafeteria. Ahhh, she's cute too.

Then you're given a backstory and you realise she has her own wounds and vulnerabilities that shaped her as a person and as a doctor. She isn't just the invincible surgeon, but a human being coping with her own loss and trauma. And then you get an elaboration on her motto: I NEVER FAIL, not because I can't, but because I can't afford to. She's the kind to see it through to the end, even if it means she walks into that operation room on her own.

You can't convince me that a character like that isn't one I'll remember for a long time. Her name alone is imprinted on my mind. *DR. GYE SUJEONG!*

Another reason is the boldness of the writer. You know you can tell when a writer isn't playing it safe, and it's clear in this show. The social commentary. The way he points out the wrong. By that I mean the corrupt organisations that drive these hospitals, and doctors that bow to that power. The ignorant and unprofessional doctors that care about image but not their jobs. The hierarchy between patients, where social class determines how you get your medical treatment. The surgeons that walk into these operation theatres drunk. The ones that imprint their initials onto livers. The uncomfortable and messy side of hospitals and the people that work in them. The medical strikes and how they affect the patients and the work of the hospital. This show gives it to you on a platter, the uncomfortable and disgusting side. And honestly, it's needed.

Another would be the realistic setup. I'm not sure how to explain this, but it feels real and lived in. The way it actually feels like you are in a hospital. Nothing grand is happening, but cases are being worked on, doctors are fighting to save lives, some are slacking off, and more.

The flawed, grey characters. Like I said, this show gives you two sides, the good and the bad. It shows you doctors that are willing to leave it all or lay it all down for their patients, but also shows you the doctors that forgot their oaths. They work, but they aren't even sure why. Usually they would just be "villains," but the show tells you otherwise. They're a work in progress. They are people who lost their way and are slowly regaining their passion for their work. With a little push and nudge, they can be the doctors they swore to become. No one is evil, well, some are obviously, but some just lost their way. Those real, relatable human characters were the heart of the show.

The different stories. Each episode or two covered a different story, each leaving you with its own emotions and lessons to learn.

The walking us through the surgeries. I'm not a med student, but I love how most surgeries are briefed to us like we, the viewers, are part of this, all the way to when they operate. We are part of the entire process. It feels lived in.

The comedy that's unintentional, but it's really because of the fun characters. Dr. Gye Sujeong, the intern Park Taegeong, Dr. Kim, Dr. Jo Wonjin, Mrs. Jang and more. The comic timing was absolutely amazing, in that a show that would have strictly been serious made me laugh a ton of times.

The acting was nothing short of perfect, thanks to the wonderful ensemble.

I am glad I gave the show a chance and decided to watch it, because honestly, I don't regret it ever. We still have the finale left, and I'll be sure to wrap up my review next. But if you're looking for yet another fun, thrilling medical K-drama, you should add this to your list.

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Doctor X: Age of the White Mafia — Dropped After Episode 2

The series tackles an extraordinarily complex subject: the relationship between medicine, money, and power.

To explore it, we're introduced to a brilliant, arrogant, insubordinate surgeon who despises hospital hierarchies and whose surgical techniques are apparently always more advanced and superior to everyone else's.

Think Dr. House, but with all the charisma of a wet sock.

And then comes the glorious scene: our heroine snatches a wheelchair away from an elderly cancer patient without even knowing whether the man can walk.

His crime? Being a multimillionaire.

An incredibly complex debate about medical ethics is reduced, in a single scene, to a simplistic battle between good and evil, with all the subtlety of a bull in a china shop.

And we're actually supposed to applaud the doctor!

When characters sacrifice narrative credibility just to make absolutely sure the audience knows who the bad guy is, the entire story loses its dramatic and argumentative weight.

And here's what's particularly ridiculous about Doctor X: in its desperate attempt to portray the protagonist as morally superior, the script has her commit a morally questionable act.

Talk about a contradiction!

A surgeon so extraordinarily gifted that she can determine who needs a wheelchair simply by looking at their bank account.

Garbage.

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A WEIRD MEDICAL DRAMA WITH HEART

BASED ON 2 EPISODES ... so far so good ... HAVEN'T WATCH the original or trailer and i go in blind generally and its surprised me with its writing and weird and funny moments and that AWFUL NARRATION lol ... still i loved it as it has heart and mystery and aura of FL kim ji won ( FAN ) THE WAY SHE WALKS AND HER DEAD PAN EYES huff ... loved every second of this and this hospital where men rules with their outdated techniques and theory ... the cast is amazing its little over the top and not realistic but its FUN and that all that matter i enjoyed it ... looking forward to more episodes...

i love a good medical drama with good heart as it makes me feel good and hopeful ... i am a great fan of so many american,British,Korean and Japanese medical drama.

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