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Mega-Hit Medical Drama "Doctor X" Takes Its First Step Toward Global Expansion with a Korean Remake

2025-12-12 00:00:00.0


TV Asahi’s flagship medical drama Doctor-X: Surgeon Michiko Daimon will be adapted into a Korean remake. Since its premiere in 2012, Doctor-X: Surgeon Michiko Daimon has become one of Japan’s most acclaimed and successful drama series captivating millions of viewers. Now, after more than a decade of enduring popularity and growing anticipation for its global expansion, production on the first-ever overseas remake has officially begun—marking a significant new chapter for the beloved series. 

The Korean remake, titled Doctor-X: The Age of the White Mafia will be produced by Korea’s leading production companies Studio Dragon, Studio S and HighZium Studio, and is slated to air as a Friday-Saturday drama on Korea’s terrestrial broadcaster SBS in 2026. 

Since its debut, Doctor-X: Surgeon Michiko Daimon has expanded into seven television seasons and a feature film released last year. The original story follows Michiko Daimon, a genius freelance surgeon with extraordinary skill, who saves patients while staying true to her own beliefs—never bowing to hospital hierarchies or institutional power. Her iconic line, “I never fail,” resonated deeply with audiences. 

Across all seasons, the series achieved an average rating of 11.6% among individuals and 20.4% among households (Kanto region, Video Research data). It has also received numerous awards and became one of the most successful series in Japan.

The Korean version will reimagine the story as a socially conscious medical noir drama set in the world of medicine. Actress Kim Ji-won, known for her starring role in the hit drama Queen of Tears, will play the protagonist Gye Su-jeong, the Korean counterpart to Michiko Daimon. With stellar cast and creative team, the remake promises a fresh and compelling take on Japan’s beloved hit drama.


About tv asahi


With over 66 years of leading the Japanese content industry and having 23 network affiliate stations covering the nation, TV Asahi delivers top-rated drama series, enduring animation programs and high-quality variety shows that target the younger demographic, in addition to broadcasting diverse sports events and daily news shows.

For more information, please visit: https://www.tv-asahicontents.com


About Studio Dragon
Studio Dragon, a subsidiary of CJ ENM–a global IP powerhouse–is Korea's leading drama studio at the forefront of K-Drama. Studio Dragon owns a portfolio of 278 premium global IPs, producing approximately 25 titles annually for global distribution. Studio Dragon is behind many of the most beloved K-Dramas, including Queen of Tears, Crash Landing on You and Vincenzo.

About Studio S
A subsidiary of Korea’s terrestrial broadcaster SBS. It creates high‑quality, story‑driven series that captivate audiences worldwide, including The Penthouse series, One the Woman and Taxi Driver series.

About HighZium Studio 
A premier Korean entertainment company producing globally acclaimed dramas.
It integrates content creation and talent management to deliver powerful storytelling including My Youth, Start-Up and Itaewon Class.