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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.