The highly anticipated K-drama, Doctor X: The Era of the White Mafia, has recently made headlines by announcing a notable addition to its cast. Acclaimed actress Lee Jung-eun, who gained recognition for her performance in Bong Joon-ho’s Parasite, will be joining the talented Kim Ji-won, known for her role in Queen of Tears. This casting development was reported by Ilgan Sports on April 1, 2025.
Fans expressed their excitement at this casting update, particularly given that Lee Jung-eun and Kim Ji-won previously collaborated in the 2017 drama Fight For My Way. In that series, Lee portrayed Geum Bok, the mother of Baek Seol-hui, played by Song Ha-yoon. Many fans responded enthusiastically, appreciating the reunion of their favorite artists:
“Yesss!! Kim Jiwon x Lee Jungeun I’ve been so curious about the rest of the cast and so far I’m happy… fight for my way reunion”
This buzz reflects the eager anticipation surrounding the new show and its characters, especially as it also marks Kim Ji-won’s return to the small screen after her recent success in Queen of Tears.
“Hope she’ll be on Soojung’s side and serve as the one she comes to for advice. But anyway, Jiwon is finally getting her dream (almost) women-centric drama. I’m so happy for her,”
“Yessss good news! I’m waiting for Jiwon’s confirmation and other new castings,”
“I yelled so hard… JungEun x Jiwon… my faves,”
Enthusiastic fans also speculated about Lee Jung-eun’s character arc within the narrative. Notably, the character was originally male in the source material, prompting intrigue regarding this gender transformation:
“Oooohh they changed Akira-san into female,”
“So she will play the staffing agency head that was a man in the Japanese version? Hmm, they are switching genders in this one then,”
“Wait, is this the remake of Japanese Doctor X!?”
Doctor X: The Era of the White Mafia is indeed a remake of the 2012 Japanese drama Doctor X, which starred Yonekura Ryoko in the lead role. Fans speculate that Lee Jung-eun is cast as the female version of Kishibe Ittoku’s Kanbara Akira from the original series.
Overview of Kim Ji-won’s Upcoming Drama: Doctor X
According to Star News Korea, on February 14, 2025, Kim Ji-won has been confirmed to take the leading role in this exciting medical thriller as Gyu Su-jeong. Portrayed as a brilliant surgeon burdened by a mysterious and dark past, her character promises to bring depth and intrigue to the series.
Moreover, the April 1 report from Ilgan Sports highlighted Lee Jung-eun’s character, Jung Hee-seok, who is depicted as a “brilliant former surgeon”referred to as the “monster”. Heading a medical sourcing agency, she is described as cunning and ambitious, often seen mentoring Su-jeong in a complex relationship.
Filming for Doctor X: The Era of the White Mafia is slated to commence in the latter half of 2025, with projections for a release in 2026. The drama is set to broadcast on SBS.