Producer's "NO FEAR" message draws attention after 'Doctor X' historical episode

Chief Producer Lee Ok-gyu of Studio S posted "NO FEAR" on social media following the May 24 broadcast of episode 6, which depicted a victim of the May 18 Democratization Movement.

As the SBS Friday-Saturday drama 'Doctor X: Age of the White Mafia,' starring Kim Ji-won, directly illuminates the tragedy of the May 18 Democratization Movement, a short phrase left by the production chief on social media immediately after the broadcast is drawing attention. Eyes are focused on the implications of the message "NO FEAR," which appeared right after the episode capturing historical wounds was released.

Following the broadcast of episode 6 of 'Doctor X' on the 24th, Chief Producer (CP) Lee Ok-gyu of production company Studio S posted the phrase "NO FEAR" along with a drama poster on his personal social media account. Although no separate explanation was added, the post garnered significant attention because it was uploaded immediately after the episode dealing with the May 18 Democratization Movement.

The broadcast centered on the story of Oh Sang-beom (played by Ha Sung-kwang), who sustained a gunshot wound to the head during the May 18 Democratization Movement. By bringing the suffering of a victim who sustained physical and mental wounds amidst a historical tragedy into the drama's narrative, the episode retraced the traces left by past atrocities on an individual's life.

In particular, the direction—which placed the victim's suffering alongside the appearance of a character reminiscent of the perpetrator—left a heavy lingering impression on viewers. Beyond the framework of a medical drama dealing with medical treatment and the line between life and death, the episode drew interest for incorporating the scars left by state violence and the weight of historical memory into its narrative.

Amidst this, the expression "NO FEAR" left by CP Lee Ok-gyu allows for various interpretations. It is difficult to conclude the specific intention from the post alone, whether it represents the production team's attitude toward using a historical event as dramatic material or a message conscious of the controversies the work faces. However, interest in the background continues as the short phrase appeared immediately after handling sensitive historical subject matter.

'Doctor X: Age of the White Mafia' is a medical noir depicting the process of Gye Su-jeong (played by Kim Ji-won), a doctor with genius surgical skills, fighting against corruption within the hospital and massive power. As the work, which develops around conflicts in medical settings and power structures, pulls historical tragedy into its narrative realm, this episode is also increasing interest in the drama's sense of problem and mode of expression.

Reproducing historical events in the language of popular culture allows the past to be viewed through a contemporary lens, while simultaneously potentially sparking debates surrounding the responsibility of expression and interpretation. As the broadcast of 'Doctor X,' which dealt with the May 18 Democratization Movement, coincides with the 'NO FEAR' post by the production chief, attention is focused on the message the work has thrown and how far its impact will extend.

Read the original (Korean)