Singapore1000+ searches

K-drama Doctor X Faces Petition Over Gwangju Episode

A petition has been filed with South Korea's National Assembly to halt the airing of the K-drama Doctor X following concerns over its depiction of the 1980 Gwangju Uprising.

FollowinTrend Desk Oct 26, 2026, 6:03 PM 2 min read AI-assisted

Close-up of a Sony video camera mounted on a tripod for outdoor filming. — Photo: Boris Hamer / Pexels Illustrative stock photo, not taken at the event.

Quick facts

The petition calls for a suspension of the broadcast of the SBS drama Doctor X: Mafia In White.
Controversy centers on the sixth episode aired on October 24, 2026.
Episode six reached a peak ratings hit of 21.3% despite the backlash.
The plot involves a patient with a bullet lodged in their brain for 46 years.

Why it matters

The backlash highlights the ongoing sensitivity surrounding the 1980 Gwangju Democratic Uprising in South Korean popular culture. While the drama remains a commercial success with high ratings, the formal petition reflects a segment of the audience that prioritizes historical accuracy and respect for trauma over fictionalization. The situation remains fluid as the production team continues to defend the series.

The K-drama Doctor X: Mafia In White is currently the subject of a petition filed with South Korea’s National Assembly, requesting that the show be removed from the air. As of October 26, 2026, the controversy stems from the programme's depiction of the 1980 Gwangju Democratic Uprising, a sensitive chapter in South Korean history.

Why it is trending now

Public interest surged following the broadcast of the drama's sixth episode on October 24. In the episode, the protagonist attempts to treat a patient who has lived with a bullet lodged in their brain for 46 years, an injury sustained during the violent suppression of pro-democracy demonstrations in Gwangju. Critics argue that incorporating this historical event into a fictional medical series is upsetting, leading to formal calls for a review of the production process and a broadcast suspension.

Key facts

According to The Straits Times, the petition was filed on the National Assembly’s official website.
The sixth episode of the series, which aired on October 24, reached a peak viewership rating of 21.3%, as reported by The Straits Times.
Producer Lee Ok-gyu publicly responded to the controversy by posting the message “no fear,” according to The Straits Times.
Actor Han Jung-soo has also publicly pushed back against the criticism surrounding the drama's content, according to Money Today.

Why this is trending in Singapore

The notes do not provide a specific reason for the high search interest in Singapore. The trending status is part of a wider international interest in the K-drama's controversy and the global popularity of South Korean media.

Background and context

Doctor X: Mafia In White features actress Kim Ji-won in a leading role. The drama has maintained high ratings despite the ongoing debate regarding its narrative choices. The Gwangju Democratic Uprising remains a significant and politically sensitive event in South Korean history, often influencing public discourse when referenced in modern entertainment.

What happens next

The petition remains active on the National Assembly’s website. While there is no confirmation on whether the broadcast will be suspended, producers have indicated they intend to continue the series. Further developments depend on the National Assembly's review process and the network's internal decisions regarding the show's schedule.

Frequently asked questions

What is the controversy surrounding Doctor X?

Critics argue that the show's sixth episode inappropriately uses the 1980 Gwangju Democratic Uprising as a plot device. A petition has been filed with South Korea's National Assembly to suspend the broadcast due to concerns over its portrayal of this sensitive historical event.

Who stars in Doctor X: Mafia In White?

The K-drama features actress Kim Ji-won as the protagonist. The series is currently airing on SBS and has achieved significant ratings, peaking at 21.3% during its sixth episode.

Will the broadcast of Doctor X be stopped?

It is not confirmed. While a petition has been filed with the National Assembly requesting a suspension, the show’s producers have publicly dismissed the calls for cancellation and the series remains on air as of October 26, 2026.

Why is the Gwangju Uprising considered sensitive?

The 1980 Gwangju Democratic Uprising involved a violent crackdown on pro-democracy protesters. It is a deeply significant and emotional period in South Korean history, and its depiction in media is frequently scrutinized by the public.