Doctor requests broadcast review of 'Doctor X,' saying it portrays medical staff as incompetent villains

SBS drama "Doctor X" has come under fire for its lack of medical accuracy and negative portrayal of doctors, prompting a practicing physician to request a review by the Korea Media and Communications Standards Commission (KMCSC).

Orthopedic surgeon A posted on their social media on the 15th, "I have requested a broadcast review of the drama 'Doctor X,'" along with a screenshot of the KMCSC's homepage.

According to the disclosed screen, A submitted a complaint on the 13th under the title "Request for Review Regarding Distortion of Medical Reality and Portrayal of Medical Professionals in Doctor X."

A pointed out that "the production repeatedly depicts ward rounds as unnecessary chores, simplifies medical professionals into incompetent villains, and ignores even the uncertainty inherent in medical procedures."

A further explained the reason for the review request, stating, "While I understand dramatic exaggeration, I judged that to this extent it could instill a mistaken perception of medical reality."

In episodes 1 and 2 of 'Doctor X,' which aired last week, the drama depicted the hierarchical order among medical staff and conflicts of interest within the hospital organization, centered on the protagonist Gye Su-jung (played by Kim Ji-won). In particular, it highlighted internal injustices in the hospital through the depiction of doctors who prioritize power and performance over patients.

Following the broadcast, some netizens pointed out that the drama lacked medical accuracy and portrayed doctors excessively negatively.

The production team did not issue a separate statement regarding the controversy. However, the broadcast included a notice stating, "This drama is fiction and contains scenes that have been adapted or directed differently from actual medical settings and related regulations for dramatic development."

Despite the controversy, 'Doctor X' is recording high viewership ratings. It started with an 11.4% rating in its first episode, which rose to 14.9% in the second episode. It also ranked No. 1 in Netflix's global non-English TV show category.