The new South Korean series Agent Kim Reactivated has arrived, and it is already making history. Starring beloved actor So Ji Sub, the action-thriller premiered on SBS on June 26, 2026, and is also streaming worldwide on Netflix. Within just two episodes, the show has shattered television ratings records, becoming the biggest K-drama hit of the year so far.
The drama tells the story of Kim Do Hyeon, a quiet, unassuming bank manager and single father. To his colleagues and neighbors, he is just an ordinary man living a simple life. But he has a hidden past. Kim Do Hyeon is actually a former elite black-ops agent who left his dangerous life behind after promising his late wife he would become a normal father.
That promise is put to the ultimate test when his teenage daughter, Min Ji, suddenly goes missing after being bullied at school. Forced to break his vow, Kim Do Hyeon reactivates the lethal skills he spent years trying to forget. He must use his old training to navigate the criminal underworld and rescue his daughter before it is too late.
The series is based on the popular webtoon Manager Kim by author Toy. The drama expertly balances high-octane action with a deeply emotional father-daughter story, a mix that has resonated strongly with audiences.
An Unprecedented Ratings Milestone for the K-Drama
The show’s debut was nothing short of phenomenal. According to data from Nielsen Korea, the first episode opened with an impressive nationwide rating of 9.5%. However, it was the second episode that truly stunned the industry. The show nearly doubled its viewership, jumping to a massive 15.7% nationwide rating on June 27.
This 6.2% increase is the largest ratings jump in five years for a Korean drama. By surpassing 15% in only its second episode, Agent Kim Reactivated has become the fastest drama on any Korean network to reach that milestone since The Penthouse 3 in 2021. The drama also performed exceptionally well among younger viewers, achieving a 5.8% average rating in the 20-49 age demographic, ranking first among all Saturday programs across all channels.
The show’s success was also felt on streaming. Agent Kim Reactivated claimed the number one spot on Netflix’s daily rankings in South Korea and other regions, proving its massive appeal to both traditional TV and OTT audiences.
So Ji Sub Leads a Cast of Former Spies
So Ji Sub is a household name in the world of Korean entertainment, known for his versatility in both emotional dramas and action films. His career includes iconic hits like Sorry, I Love You (2004), The Master’s Sun (2013), and Oh My Venus (2015). His return to the small screen, particularly to SBS for the first time since The Master’s Sun in 2013, has been a major draw for the series.
In this role, So Ji Sub delivers a compelling performance, portraying a man torn between his desire for a peaceful life and the violent instincts of his past. Critics have praised his ability to convey the character’s transformation from a tired salaryman to a lethal operative with just his posture and expressions, without the need for flashy dialogue.
The supporting cast is equally strong, featuring:
- Choi Dae Hoon as Seong Han Su, a former agent who now runs a taekwondo dojo.
- Yoon Kyung Ho as Park Jin Cheol, another ex-agent known for his brute strength, who is now a devoted father.
- Joo Sang Wook as Joo Kang Chan, a powerful and ruthless construction mogul who stands as the main antagonist.
- Son Na Eun as Jung Sang Ah, a mysterious colleague who seems to have ties to Kim Do Hyeon’s past.
The story of Agent Kim Reactivated is not just about one man. It is about a group of fathers who have all buried their pasts to protect their families. When one of their children is in danger, they reunite to become an unstoppable force, each with a unique fighting style.
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Where to Watch the New K-Drama Hit
Agent Kim Reactivated is a Friday-Saturday drama, with new episodes airing weekly on SBS in South Korea. For international viewers, the series is available for streaming globally on Netflix. The show is expected to run for roughly 10 episodes, with the finale anticipated around July 25, 2026. With its powerful emotional core and record-breaking start, the new K-drama is shaping up to be the action-thriller of the summer.
