"Didn't you see Yoo Hae-jin going downhill?"… Kim Ji-won faces a bolt from the blue as '5' and '18' appear, despite hitting 19.5% viewership.

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Since the SBS Friday-Saturday drama *Doctor X: Era of the White Mafia* (hereinafter *Doctor X*) began covering the May 18 Democratization Movement, some viewers dissatisfaction has extended even to the lead actors. While opinions are divided regarding the production teams decision to add content not present in the Japanese original, some reactions have even taken issue with Kim Ji-wons appearance itself.In the sixth episode of *Doctor X*, which aired on the 24th, Oh Sang-bum (played by Ha Sung-kwang), who suffered a gunshot wound to the head in Gwangju in 1980, appeared as a patient. He is a character who has suffered from the aftereffects of bullet fragments remaining in his head for decades. Gye Soo-jung, played by Kim Ji-won, took charge of Oh Sang-bums surgery, and subsequently, Ji Doo-seok, a fictional former president reminiscent of former President Chun Doo-hwan, was transferred to the same hospital.Regarding this broadcast, some viewers reacted by saying that the inclusion of a story related to May 18 in a medical drama was sudden. Various interpretations have also emerged regarding the reason for adding historical events to the Korean version, unlike the Japanese original. The controversy spread to Kim Ji-wons personal social media. In the comments section of her Instagram, a post appeared stating, I wish you wouldnt do dramas tainted with political overtones. I was watching a medical drama, but I was surprised when the story suddenly went completely off the rails.Another netizen expressed disappointment regarding her choice of project, saying, I am a fan, but the content regarding 5.18 is disappointing. You should have turned that down. Comments directly targeting the actress also appeared, such as Kim Ji-won, Ive decided to stop seeing you on my TV now and Goodbye, 5.18 Ji-won.In particular, the comment, Ji-won, havent you seen Yoo Hae-jin go downhill? alluded to actor Yoo Hae-jin, who had previously faced controversy surrounding the movie *Assassination(s)*. Comments criticizing these reactions or defending the actress continued to appear on Kim Ji-wons social media. The issues raised online also led to demands to halt the broadcast. A petition titled Petition Regarding the Suspension of the SBS Drama *Doctor X* was registered on the National Assemblys public petition board.The petitioner argued that the addition of historical elements to the Korean version, which were not present in the original Japanese version, appeared to be a deliberate choice intended to convey a specific political message. The petition demanded a review of the production process and the suspension of the dramas airing, and also called for the production team to be summoned as witnesses to the National Assembly.The petition met the pre-publication requirement of 100 signatures within just one day. However, this is merely a procedural step for public disclosure; to be referred to the relevant standing committee of the National Assembly, it must receive 50,000 signatures within 30 days of its official release.The appearance of Yoo Hae-jins name in comments directed at Kim Ji-won appears to be influenced by the recent conflict surrounding the film *Assassination(s)*. On the 4th, approximately 50 members of a conservative group held a rally in front of Yoo Hae-jins home in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, demanding the suspension of the films screening and an apology.At the time, threatening remarks directed at Yoo Hae-jin were also posted on online communities. Upon a request from his agency, the police implemented personal protection measures, such as providing him with a smartwatch and increasing patrols around his home. These measures were subsequently lifted at the request of the actors side. The content of the controversies surrounding the two works and the level of backlash are not identical. However, they share a commonality in that dissatisfaction regarding the historical subject matter was directed at the individual actors.In the case of *Doctor X*, viewers may evaluate differently whether the adaptation—which added settings not present in the original—was appropriate and whether it connected naturally with the story of a medical drama. On the other hand, it is unknown to what extent Kim Ji-won was involved in selecting the subject matter or determining the plots development. This is why it is pointed out that criticism of the work itself needs to be distinguished from criticism directed at an individual actor.The May 18 Democratization Movement is a historical event designated as a national commemorative day. In 1997, the Supreme Court confirmed a life sentence for former President Chun Doo-hwan on charges including insurrection. The evaluation of the historical facts themselves and how they were portrayed in the drama are separate issues.Attention was also focused on the reaction of the production team. Lee Ok-gyu, Chief Producer (CP) of Studio S, posted the phrase no fear along with the drama poster on social media on the day of the broadcast. However, it has not been confirmed whether the post in question was written in response to the controversy surrounding the May 18th and 18th incidents. As of the afternoon of the 25th, SBS and the production team had not released any separate official statement.Ratings actually rose. According to Nielsen Korea, the sixth episode of Doctor X recorded 19.5% based on nationwide household ratings. This figure is 2.0 percentage points higher than the previous episode and marks the shows highest record to date. Assassination(ies) also surpassed 3 million cumulative viewers amidst ongoing controversy.Reactions surrounding Doctor X are sharply divided. While some viewers express discomfort with the adaptation utilizing historical events, others argue that there is no reason to take issue with it. It is natural for evaluations of a work to be mixed. However, it is a matter that needs to be examined to what extent the production teams choices and the individual actors responsibilities can be linked in this process.
Since the SBS Friday-Saturday drama *Doctor X: Era of the White Mafia* (hereinafter *Doctor X*) began covering the May 18 Democratization Movement, some viewers dissatisfaction has extended even to the lead actors. While opinions are divided regarding the production teams decision to add content not present in the Japanese original, some reactions have even taken issue with Kim Ji-wons appearance itself.In the sixth episode of *Doctor X*, which aired on the 24th, Oh Sang-bum (played by Ha Sung-kwang), who suffered a gunshot wound to the head in Gwangju in 1980, appeared as a patient. He is a character who has suffered from the aftereffects of bullet fragments remaining in his head for decades. Gye Soo-jung, played by Kim Ji-won, took charge of Oh Sang-bums surgery, and subsequently, Ji Doo-seok, a fictional former president reminiscent of former President Chun Doo-hwan, was transferred to the same hospital.Regarding this broadcast, some viewers reacted by saying that the inclusion of a story related to May 18 in a medical drama was sudden. Various interpretations have also emerged regarding the reason for adding historical events to the Korean version, unlike the Japanese original. The controversy spread to Kim Ji-wons personal social media. In the comments section of her Instagram, a post appeared stating, I wish you wouldnt do dramas tainted with political overtones. I was watching a medical drama, but I was surprised when the story suddenly went completely off the rails.Another netizen expressed disappointment regarding her choice of project, saying, I am a fan, but the content regarding 5.18 is disappointing. You should have turned that down. Comments directly targeting the actress also appeared, such as Kim Ji-won, Ive decided to stop seeing you on my TV now and Goodbye, 5.18 Ji-won.In particular, the comment, Ji-won, havent you seen Yoo Hae-jin go downhill? alluded to actor Yoo Hae-jin, who had previously faced controversy surrounding the movie *Assassination(s)*. Comments criticizing these reactions or defending the actress continued to appear on Kim Ji-wons social media. The issues raised online also led to demands to halt the broadcast. A petition titled Petition Regarding the Suspension of the SBS Drama *Doctor X* was registered on the National Assemblys public petition board.The petitioner argued that the addition of historical elements to the Korean version, which were not present in the original Japanese version, appeared to be a deliberate choice intended to convey a specific political message. The petition demanded a review of the production process and the suspension of the dramas airing, and also called for the production team to be summoned as witnesses to the National Assembly.The petition met the pre-publication requirement of 100 signatures within just one day. However, this is merely a procedural step for public disclosure; to be referred to the relevant standing committee of the National Assembly, it must receive 50,000 signatures within 30 days of its official release.The appearance of Yoo Hae-jins name in comments directed at Kim Ji-won appears to be influenced by the recent conflict surrounding the film *Assassination(s)*. On the 4th, approximately 50 members of a conservative group held a rally in front of Yoo Hae-jins home in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, demanding the suspension of the films screening and an apology.At the time, threatening remarks directed at Yoo Hae-jin were also posted on online communities. Upon a request from his agency, the police implemented personal protection measures, such as providing him with a smartwatch and increasing patrols around his home. These measures were subsequently lifted at the request of the actors side. The content of the controversies surrounding the two works and the level of backlash are not identical. However, they share a commonality in that dissatisfaction regarding the historical subject matter was directed at the individual actors.In the case of *Doctor X*, viewers may evaluate differently whether the adaptation—which added settings not present in the original—was appropriate and whether it connected naturally with the story of a medical drama. On the other hand, it is unknown to what extent Kim Ji-won was involved in selecting the subject matter or determining the plots development. This is why it is pointed out that criticism of the work itself needs to be distinguished from criticism directed at an individual actor.The May 18 Democratization Movement is a historical event designated as a national commemorative day. In 1997, the Supreme Court confirmed a life sentence for former President Chun Doo-hwan on charges including insurrection. The evaluation of the historical facts themselves and how they were portrayed in the drama are separate issues.Attention was also focused on the reaction of the production team. Lee Ok-gyu, Chief Producer (CP) of Studio S, posted the phrase no fear along with the drama poster on social media on the day of the broadcast. However, it has not been confirmed whether the post in question was written in response to the controversy surrounding the May 18th and 18th incidents. As of the afternoon of the 25th, SBS and the production team had not released any separate official statement.Ratings actually rose. According to Nielsen Korea, the sixth episode of Doctor X recorded 19.5% based on nationwide household ratings. This figure is 2.0 percentage points higher than the previous episode and marks the shows highest record to date. Assassination(ies) also surpassed 3 million cumulative viewers amidst ongoing controversy.Reactions surrounding Doctor X are sharply divided. While some viewers express discomfort with the adaptation utilizing historical events, others argue that there is no reason to take issue with it. It is natural for evaluations of a work to be mixed. However, it is a matter that needs to be examined to what extent the production teams choices and the individual actors responsibilities can be linked in this process.

Since the SBS Friday-Saturday drama *Doctor X: Era of the White Mafia* (hereinafter *Doctor X*) began covering the May 18 Democratization Movement, some viewers' dissatisfaction has extended even to the lead actors. While opinions are divided regarding the production team's decision to add content not present in the Japanese original, some reactions have even taken issue with Kim Ji-won's appearance itself.

In the sixth episode of *Doctor X*, which aired on the 24th, Oh Sang-bum (played by Ha Sung-kwang), who suffered a gunshot wound to the head in Gwangju in 1980, appeared as a patient. He is a character who has suffered from the aftereffects of bullet fragments remaining in his head for decades. Gye Soo-jung, played by Kim Ji-won, took charge of Oh Sang-bum's surgery, and subsequently, Ji Doo-seok, a fictional former president reminiscent of former President Chun Doo-hwan, was transferred to the same hospital.

Regarding this broadcast, some viewers reacted by saying that the inclusion of a story related to May 18 in a medical drama was sudden. Various interpretations have also emerged regarding the reason for adding historical events to the Korean version, unlike the Japanese original. The controversy spread to Kim Ji-won's personal social media. In the comments section of her Instagram, a post appeared stating, "I wish you wouldn't do dramas tainted with political overtones. I was watching a medical drama, but I was surprised when the story suddenly went completely off the rails."

Another netizen expressed disappointment regarding her choice of project, saying, "I am a fan, but the content regarding 5.18 is disappointing. You should have turned that down." Comments directly targeting the actress also appeared, such as "Kim Ji-won, I've decided to stop seeing you on my TV now" and "Goodbye, 5.18 Ji-won."

In particular, the comment, "Ji-won, haven't you seen Yoo Hae-jin go downhill?" alluded to actor Yoo Hae-jin, who had previously faced controversy surrounding the movie *Assassination(s)*. Comments criticizing these reactions or defending the actress continued to appear on Kim Ji-won's social media. The issues raised online also led to demands to halt the broadcast. A petition titled "Petition Regarding the Suspension of the SBS Drama *Doctor X*" was registered on the National Assembly's public petition board.

The petitioner argued that the addition of historical elements to the Korean version, which were not present in the original Japanese version, appeared to be a deliberate choice intended to convey a specific political message. The petition demanded a review of the production process and the suspension of the drama's airing, and also called for the production team to be summoned as witnesses to the National Assembly.

The petition met the pre-publication requirement of 100 signatures within just one day. However, this is merely a procedural step for public disclosure; to be referred to the relevant standing committee of the National Assembly, it must receive 50,000 signatures within 30 days of its official release.

The appearance of Yoo Hae-jin's name in comments directed at Kim Ji-won appears to be influenced by the recent conflict surrounding the film *Assassination(s)*. On the 4th, approximately 50 members of a conservative group held a rally in front of Yoo Hae-jin's home in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, demanding the suspension of the film's screening and an apology.

At the time, threatening remarks directed at Yoo Hae-jin were also posted on online communities. Upon a request from his agency, the police implemented personal protection measures, such as providing him with a smartwatch and increasing patrols around his home. These measures were subsequently lifted at the request of the actor's side. The content of the controversies surrounding the two works and the level of backlash are not identical. However, they share a commonality in that dissatisfaction regarding the historical subject matter was directed at the individual actors.

In the case of *Doctor X*, viewers may evaluate differently whether the adaptation—which added settings not present in the original—was appropriate and whether it connected naturally with the story of a medical drama. On the other hand, it is unknown to what extent Kim Ji-won was involved in selecting the subject matter or determining the plot's development. This is why it is pointed out that criticism of the work itself needs to be distinguished from criticism directed at an individual actor.

The May 18 Democratization Movement is a historical event designated as a national commemorative day. In 1997, the Supreme Court confirmed a life sentence for former President Chun Doo-hwan on charges including insurrection. The evaluation of the historical facts themselves and how they were portrayed in the drama are separate issues.

Attention was also focused on the reaction of the production team. Lee Ok-gyu, Chief Producer (CP) of Studio S, posted the phrase "no fear" along with the drama poster on social media on the day of the broadcast. However, it has not been confirmed whether the post in question was written in response to the controversy surrounding the May 18th and 18th incidents. As of the afternoon of the 25th, SBS and the production team had not released any separate official statement.

Ratings actually rose. According to Nielsen Korea, the sixth episode of 'Doctor X' recorded 19.5% based on nationwide household ratings. This figure is 2.0 percentage points higher than the previous episode and marks the show's highest record to date. 'Assassination(ies)' also surpassed 3 million cumulative viewers amidst ongoing controversy.

Reactions surrounding 'Doctor X' are sharply divided. While some viewers express discomfort with the adaptation utilizing historical events, others argue that there is no reason to take issue with it. It is natural for evaluations of a work to be mixed. However, it is a matter that needs to be examined to what extent the production team's choices and the individual actors' responsibilities can be linked in this process.