Why Did Kim Ji-Won Take A Two-Year Break After 'Queen Of Tears'? Inside Her Return With 'Doctor X'

Kim Ji-won made a special place in the hearts of her fans for playing a wife who reconnected with her husband after a crisis in Queen of Tears. But just when fans wanted to see more of her work, she took a two-year break. Now, after a long wait, she is finally set to return with a new series, Doctor X: Age of the White Mafia. Interestingly, it will also feature Kim Ji-won in one of her most intense roles to date. Let's learn more about it.

Why did Kim Ji-won take two years to return after the success of Queen of Tears? 

After the massive success of Queen of Tears, Kim Ji-won was visibly away from acting. Although she continued to work on brand endorsements, appeared in magazine features and interacted with fans, she stayed away from drama sets. However, Kim Ji-won did not want to step away from the industry; she was just carefully considering her next role. 

According to reports by Korean outlets, the actress spent time reviewing many scripts. Eventually, she chose Doctor X: Age of the White Mafia. Notably, it brought her the opportunity to play a kind of role that she had never played before. Kim Ji-won plays the role of a brilliant but unconventional surgeon, working in the middle of corruption, ambition, and power struggles. Needless to say, the news about Kim Ji-won's return has already generated a significant buzz among K-drama fans. 

For those who do not know, Doctor X: Age of the White Mafia is based on a popular Japanese medical drama, Doctor X: Surgeon Michiko Daimon. However, the Korean adaptation has a darker tone. It will be more like a mix of medical drama and noir-style storytelling.

Kim Ji-won plays the lead role of 'Gye Soo Jung', who is a brilliant surgeon. She is known in her community as 'Doctor X' for her excellent surgical abilities. At the same time, she has a blunt personality and refuses to blindly follow the hospital politics. In turn, it puts her in the middle of a conflict with some powerful people.

'Gye Soo Jung' comes to Guseo University Hospital via a doctor-placement agency operated by 'Jang Hee Sook.' Lee Jung Eun portrays the role. After joining the renowned hospital, she soon finds opposition from administrators and senior doctors who don't like her independent style. However, she is direct and unapologetically confident. 

One of the most talked-about parts in the trailer is when 'Gye Soo Jung' tells a patient, "Decide. Do you want to die in a month or in 100 years?" It is just one of her many glimpses highlighting her willingness to speak the uncomfortable truths without hesitation. She is not someone who waits for approval; she trusts her medical expertise and takes initiative without letting the opinions of others affect her. Gradually, it also raises doubts about her mysterious past and motivations.

You can watch Doctor X: Age of the White Mafia on October 9, 2026. It will air every Friday and Saturday on SBS in South Korea. According to local time, it will premiere at 9:50 p.m. KST. Meanwhile, international viewers can stream the series on Netflix, the same day as the Korean broadcast. It will have a run of 12 episodes and also stars Son Hyun Joo, Lee Jung Eun, Lee Sung Wook, Kim Woo Seok, and Kim Young Min.

More about Kim Ji-won's work 

Kim Ji-won is among the most respected actresses in South Korea. Fans got to see her in hit shows such as Descendants of the Sun, The Heirs, Fight for My Way, and My Liberation Notes. However, her performance in Queen of Tears will always stand out for its fresh storyline and emotionally appealing performance. She has worked across all genres, including romance, comedy, action, drama, and more. Now, her return with Doctor X: Age of the White Mafia will feature her in a completely new role, and fans already can't wait to see it. 

 Are you excited for the return of Kim Ji-won to acting after two years?

Pic credits: Kim Ji Won/ Instagram, Netflix 

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