Kim Ji-won Promotes 'Doctor X' with Clear Eyesight, Unfazed by Deliberation Controversy

While the SBS Friday-Saturday drama 'Doctor X' is on a path to success, recording a peak viewership rating of 14.9%, lead actress Kim Ji-won has encouraged viewers to tune in by sharing behind-the-scenes photos from the set. Even amidst noise, such as some in the medical community requesting broadcast deliberation, she expressed her affection for the work and engaged with viewers. Interest has been drawn as she revealed a bright side, different from the cold, genius surgeon she portrays in the drama.

On the 16th, Kim Ji-won posted several behind-the-scenes photos on her social media (SNS) with the message, "See you on 'Doctor X' tonight at 9:50," accompanied by heart emojis. Instead of providing a separate explanation or mentioning the controversy, she focused on promoting the drama with a short message urging viewers to watch the broadcast.

In the photos, Kim Ji-won is looking at the camera, dressed neatly in surgical scrubs and a doctor's gown. Unlike the sharp and charismatic atmosphere shown by Gye Su-jeong in the drama, her clear, distinct eyes and bright expression catch the eye. In a photo where she poses with a V-sign in her surgical scrubs, she also revealed a relaxed and friendly charm. The contrast between the tense atmosphere of the drama and the actress's natural appearance off-set has drawn positive responses from fans.

'Doctor X' has attracted viewers' interest since its first broadcast on the 9th, driven by the unstoppable activities of the genius surgeon Gye Su-jeong and its fast-paced development. After starting with an 11.4% viewership rating in the first episode, it showed a strong presence from the beginning, rising to 14.9% in the second episode. Gye Su-jeong, played by Kim Ji-won, is a character who overcomes conflicts in the medical field with outstanding skills and unique methods, showing a side that differentiates her from protagonists in existing medical dramas.

However, along with the rise in viewership, a debate has also emerged regarding how accurately the medical reality is depicted. This follows a netizen, who identified themselves as a practicing orthopedic surgeon, stating that they have applied for deliberation with the Broadcasting, Media and Communications Standards Commission, citing issues such as the distortion of medical reality and the portrayal of medical professionals in 'Doctor X'. It appears that the controversy surrounding the dramatic direction of the work has moved beyond the online sphere to a movement requesting official deliberation procedures.

The netizen raised issues such as scenes depicting rounds as unnecessary busywork, simplifying medical staff as incompetent villains, and directing scenes that do not sufficiently reflect the uncertainties accompanying medical actions. They explained the reason for the application by saying, "I understand dramatic exaggeration, but I judged that this could instill a wrong perception of medical reality." This is a point where opinions among viewers may diverge regarding how much the actual state of the medical field can be accepted within the scope of dramatic permission.

Since medical dramas are set against the backdrop of actual medical sites, expectations for professionalism and realism are high. On the other hand, due to the genre's characteristics of needing to create conflict and tension within a limited broadcast time, characters and events inevitably have to be depicted in a compressed manner. Ultimately, the key is whether the gap with reality has widened to the point of instilling a distorted perception of medical professionals and medical practices while enhancing dramatic fun. Since the fact that a deliberation request was made does not confirm the illegality of the work or a violation of deliberation regulations, it is necessary to distinguish between specific judgments and results.

Kim Ji-won did not directly mention the medical accuracy controversy in this SNS post. Instead, she focused on maintaining interest in the work through behind-the-scenes photos and broadcast information. While it is difficult to interpret this as an official position or a separate response to the controversy, it is noteworthy that the lead actress continued to promote the work and communicate with viewers.

Whether 'Doctor X', which recorded high viewership from the start, can continue its trend of success is expected to be influenced by future developments and the debate surrounding medical reality. It is also of interest whether Kim Ji-won can continue to bring out the charm of Gye Su-jeong with her high-quality acting, and what kind of balance the production team will show between professionalism and dramatic fun. As the rising viewership and the medical accuracy controversy continue simultaneously, attention is focused on how 'Doctor X' will face the expectations and criticisms of viewers.

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