Actress Kim Ji-won has undergone an acting transformation, playing genius surgeon Gye Su-jeong in the SBS Friday-Saturday drama 'Doctor X: The Age of the White Mafia.' In episodes 1 and 2, aired on the 9th and 10th, she showcased the character's presence through outstanding medical skills and a resolute attitude that does not easily bend her own judgment.

'Doctor X: The Age of the White Mafia' tells the story of Gye Su-jeong, who possesses genius surgical abilities and stands up to injustices within the hospital. SBS's official program description also presents Gye Su-jeong as a character who proves the role of a doctor through skill.

■ Two Sides Revealed in the Operating Room and Clinical Settings

What established Gye Su-jeong's presence in the first episode was her conduct in medical settings. In the operating room, she displayed exceptional ability, and when facing hospital officials, she made her position clear rather than unconditionally accepting their demands. The first-episode video released by SBS also contained these two sides, heightening curiosity about how Gye Su-jeong will navigate internal hospital conflicts going forward.

In episode 2, Gye Su-jeong's judgment and attitude toward patients were further highlighted. Even in situations where her opinions clashed with other doctors, she presented the grounds for her own judgment, demonstrating the character's confidence. Above all, her will to protect patients' lives was presented as a key element in understanding Gye Su-jeong. Regardless of the outcomes of specific events, it is significant that the episode revealed what she prioritizes as a doctor.

Her everyday side outside the operating room also drew attention. The official episode 2 video included a scene of Gye Su-jeong enjoying dessert. The relaxed appearance, in contrast to her cool and resolute attitude, added dimension to the character and diversified the points through which viewers can understand her.

■ Inner Acting Beyond a Simple Genius Doctor

Kim Ji-won's acting transformation is significant in that it convincingly portrays a surgeon with outstanding skill and clear principles. Beyond the image of a genius doctor skilled at surgery, she must also express the inner side of a character who upholds her convictions within the hospital organization and makes decisions for her patients. How Kim Ji-won harmonizes her signature delicate emotional expression with a solid interpretation of the character is also a key viewing point of the work.

In medical dramas, exceptional surgical skill is an important element in defining a character, but what draws viewers' empathy is the character's circumstances and the emotions revealed within them. What decisions Gye Su-jeong will make in situations where patients' lives clash with the hospital organization's interests is cited as a major factor that will drive future developments.

■ Ranking Competition in the Netizen Awards

Kim Ji-won, who is meeting viewers through a new character, is also continuing a ranking competition in the October Netizen Awards. As of the afternoon of the 12th, Kim Ji-won ranked 6th in the Best Actress category of the Netizen Awards and 10th in the Best Actress category of the Globe Netizen Awards. The fact that she is ranked in both categories draws attention to the interest in her. In particular, with competition continuing at the top of the Best Actress category, it remains to be seen how her acting transformation through the new drama will connect with future award trends, including the possibility of ranking changes not only in the domestic category but also in the Globe category.

Kim Ji-won, who returned as genius surgeon Gye Su-jeong, announced the start of a new story by showing both a firm demeanor and everyday charm from the first broadcast. Attention is focused on what choices she will make between the various demands within the hospital and her own medical judgment, and how Kim Ji-won will complete this through her acting.

Key spoilers, including the outcomes of major events and the ending, have been excluded. This article was written with the assistance of AI.