Kim Ji-won shares meticulous preparation for her role in Doctor X

Actress Kim Ji-won revealed her dedicated preparation for playing surgeon Gye Su-jeong in the SBS drama 'Doctor X: Age of the White Mafia' in a video released by HighZium Studio on the 23rd. To prepare for surgical scenes, she practiced tying knots using thick thread before moving on to actual surgical suture thread.

Actress Kim Ji-won has revealed her exceptional oral care habits that she maintains even on filming sets. She drew attention for her thoroughness, pulling two toothbrushes and two tubes of toothpaste from her bag, along with tongue cleaners and dental floss.

On the 23rd, a video titled "Kim Ji-won's Real Filming Essentials Collection!! Even a customized kit for Gye Su-jeong | X-kit" was released on the official YouTube channel of HighZium Studio, Kim Ji-won's agency. Kim Ji-won, who plays the role of genius surgeon Gye Su-jeong in the SBS Friday-Saturday drama 'Doctor X: Age of the White Mafia', introduced the items she actually uses on set and spoke about her daily habits and the process of preparing for her role.

The oral care products were the first to catch the eye. Kim Ji-won took out two toothbrushes, two tubes of toothpaste, a tongue cleaner, and dental floss from her bag. "I am serious about brushing my teeth. At home, I have various types of toothbrushes, toothpaste, and dental floss," she stated, explaining that she cares enough about oral hygiene to keep different varieties of items for daily use.

She also explained why she carries two of the same items. Kim Ji-won noted that each toothpaste has different characteristics, explaining that one is a mint toothpaste containing propolis ingredients, while the other is a stronger product. She added, "I choose depending on what I have eaten, but actually, I tend to use them depending on my mood that day." This revealed a delicate habit of selecting products based on the specific situation and mood rather than just carrying basic tools.

The preparation to perfectly transform into Gye Su-jeong in 'Doctor X' was equally significant. Pulling out nail clippers and nail grooming tools, Kim Ji-won explained, "Since I am filming a medical drama, I have to keep my nails short." She noted that because hands are frequently shown in close-ups during surgical scenes, she tidies her nails frequently during filming. This showed an attitude of not missing even seemingly minor details, as the hand movements and specific details of medical staff are captured on screen.

In particular, Kim Ji-won revealed surgical suture thread that she purchased herself to practice the knots used in surgical scenes. She stated, "It was difficult to practice with surgical thread from the beginning because it was too thin," and explained that she practiced tying knots using thicker thread on bags or notebooks. This drew attention as she sought to increase the persuasiveness of her doctor character by practicing the actual movements required in surgery, rather than just learning lines and blocking.

There were also practical items prepared for long filming sessions. Kim Ji-won introduced a Pilates ball used to support her waist, noting that she often travels for up to five hours in a car due to many shoots in provincial areas. She explained that she sometimes has to stand for about ten hours during surgical scenes, and uses massage balls and stretching tools to relieve physical fatigue. This serves as her own know-how for managing her condition according to the filming schedule and the nature of her role.

She also mentioned similarities between herself and Gye Su-jeong. Kim Ji-won said that both have clumsy sides, stating, "While it looks like I am good at everything when I am working, in other situations, I tend to forget things and often trip or bump into things." This moment revealed a human side different from the cold and competent doctor portrayed in the work.

Kim Ji-won did not interpret Gye Su-jeong simply as a born genius. Describing the character as "a person who pours a lot of time into their work and devotes their life to it," she expressed affection by noting that the character also has a warm side that is not outwardly apparent. The video, which revealed everything from the toothbrushes and toothpaste used on set to the tools for practicing surgical knots, showed both Kim Ji-won's candid daily life and her side as an actress who puts effort into minute details to complete a character.

Read the original (Korean)