So Ji-sub’s ‘Agent Kim Reactivated’ Becomes 2026’s Highest-Rated Korean Miniseries After Just 3 Episodes
Veteran South Korean actor So Ji-sub is enjoying one of the biggest television successes of his career as his latest drama, ‘Agent Kim Reactivated’, has become the highest-rated South Korean miniseries of 2026 after airing just three episodes.
According to Nielsen Korea data released on Saturday, July 4, the third episode of the SBS action-revenge drama recorded an average nationwide viewership rating of 18.8% when it aired on Friday, July 3. The episode was the most-watched program across all genres on Friday night and now holds the highest ratings of any South Korean miniseries broadcast this year.
The drama also achieved a peak viewership rating of 23% and posted a 19.6% rating in the Seoul metropolitan area, underscoring its growing popularity with audiences.
Ratings Climb at Record Pace
The series has seen a remarkable increase in viewership since its premiere. It debuted with a nationwide rating of 9.5% on June 26 before climbing sharply to 15.7% for its second episode. By its third outing, the drama had reached 18.8%, making it the fastest Korean drama in five years to surpass the 15% ratings mark.
The rapid growth has positioned Agent Kim Reactivated as SBS’ strongest-performing miniseries of 2026 and one of the network’s most successful weekend dramas in recent years.
A Story of Revenge and Family
Written by Nam Dae-joong and directed by Lee Seung-young and Lee So-eun, Agent Kim Reactivated is based on the popular Naver Webtoon Manager Kim by Jeong Jong-taek and Toy.
The revenge action thriller follows an ordinary father whose life is turned upside down after his daughter disappears. Forced to confront a past he had tried to leave behind, the former special agent returns to his old identity in a desperate mission to save his child.
So Ji-sub leads the cast as Manager Kim, alongside Choi Dae-hoon, Yoon Kyung-ho, Joo Sang-wook, Son Na-eun, Kim Sung-kyu, Lee Jae-yong, Won Hyun-jun, Park Jin-woo, Jo Bok-rae, Lee Dong-ha, Seo Su-min, and Yoo Ji-an.
So Ji-sub’s Performance Draws Praise
The drama’s combination of intense action sequences, emotional family dynamics, and revenge-driven storytelling has resonated strongly with viewers. Industry observers have also pointed to So Ji-sub’s commanding performance as a key factor behind the show’s rapid ratings surge.
The series marks the actor’s return to the action genre following his 2025 drama Mercy For None, further fueling anticipation among longtime fans.
International Buzz
Beyond its domestic success, Agent Kim Reactivated has also attracted growing international attention through streaming platforms. Online fan communities and social media users have compared its impressive early ratings trajectory to some of South Korea’s biggest television hits of the past decade.
With seven episodes still remaining in its planned 10-episode run, the SBS drama appears poised to continue its strong momentum and could extend its record-breaking performance as the season enters its second half.
