Kim Ji Won's SBS medical drama "Doctor X" continues to achieve impressive ratings, becoming one of the network's five highest-rated Friday-Saturday dramas after just six episodes.
According to Nielsen Korea, the sixth episode, which aired on October 24, recorded a **nationwide rating of 19.5%, a metropolitan rating of 19.2%, and a peak rating of 21.3%**, setting a new personal best for the series.
The drama ranked No. 1 in its time slot and also led all Saturday and weekly miniseries in nationwide viewership.
More notably, "Doctor X" has already reached **fifth place among SBS' highest-rated Friday-Saturday dramas**, based on their peak nationwide ratings.
The ranking currently places the series behind four SBS hits:
1. "The Penthouse 2" — 29.2%
2. "Manager Kim" — 23.1%
3. "The Fiery Priest" — 22.0%
4. "Taxi Driver 2" — 21.0%
5. "Doctor X" — 19.5%
The series also showed strong performance during reruns. Its October 24 rebroadcast recorded a nationwide rating of 6.8% and 6.6% in the Seoul metropolitan area, ranking third among terrestrial television programs that Saturday.
Beyond television ratings, "Doctor X" has also gained recognition in audience popularity surveys.
According to Gallup Korea's October 2026 survey of favorite television and video programs, released on October 27, *"Doctor X" ranked No. 1 with a preference rating of 9.8%**.
The result makes it the third-highest preference score achieved by an SBS drama that topped Gallup Korea's monthly survey since the survey began in January 2013, following *Manager Kim* and *My Love from the Star*.
Meanwhile, research company PMI's October 26 survey of the week's most anticipated TV and streaming programs placed "Doctor X" at No. 1 with 27.3% support, marking its second consecutive week at the top.
The drama follows Gye Soo Jung, played by Kim Ji Won, a talented surgeon who challenges corruption and unfair practices while prioritizing her patients.
Its medical storyline and performances from Kim Ji Won, Lee Jung Eun, Son Hyun Joo, and the supporting cast have helped attract viewers.
However, the show's growing popularity has also come amid controversy surrounding its portrayal of a sensitive historical event.
Episode 6 included a storyline involving a patient who had suffered lasting injuries after being shot by martial law troops during the May 18, 1980, Gwangju Democratization Movement.
The episode also introduced a fictional former president, prompting criticism from some viewers over the drama's treatment of the historical subject.
Following the broadcast, some critics submitted a petition to South Korea's National Assembly calling for the show to be taken off the air.
Despite the criticism, the available ratings and survey results show that "Doctor X" has maintained strong audience interest.
With **19.5% nationwide ratings, a No. 1 ranking in Gallup Korea's October survey, and a place among SBS' five highest-rated Friday-Saturday dramas**, the series has reached several major milestones just six episodes into its run.
