Agent Kim Reactivated: Why So Ji Sub’s Comeback Drama Is Breaking Records

Three episodes in, and Agent Kim Reactivated has already claimed the title of 2026's highest-rated miniseries. SBS's new action revenge drama, marking So Ji Sub's return to television after 13…

By Reetam Bodhak

July 4, 2026

2 min read

Comments

Three episodes in, and Agent Kim Reactivated has already claimed the title of 2026’s highest-rated miniseries. SBS’s new action revenge drama, marking So Ji Sub’s return to television after 13 years, is proving that a father-daughter story with a lethal secret past is exactly what audiences wanted this summer.

A Ratings Juggernaut

According to Nielsen Korea, the show’s third episode pulled an average nationwide rating of 18.8 percent, making it the most-watched program of any kind to air that Friday. That figure caps a remarkable climb: the series premiered at 9.5 percent, then jumped to 15.7 percent in episode two — becoming the fastest drama on any channel to cross 15 percent since The Penthouse 3 five years earlier.

Craving more K-drama news and streaming updates? Check out our entertainment coverage on TechnoSports.

Agent Kim Reactivated: Ratings Climb at a Glance

Episode	Nationwide Rating	Milestone
Episode 1	9.5%	Highest miniseries premiere of 2026
Episode 2	15.7%	Fastest drama to hit 15% since The Penthouse 3 (2021)
Episode 3	18.8%	Most-watched program of the week; highest 2026 miniseries rating

What’s the Show About?

Based on the popular Naver Webtoon “Manager Kim,” the series follows Kim Do-hyeon, a seemingly ordinary single father and office worker who is secretly a former inter-Korean covert operative. When his daughter goes missing, he’s forced to resurrect his old identity and skills to bring her home — a premise drawing comparisons to Taken. So Ji Sub leads an ensemble cast that includes Choi Dae-hoon, Yoon Kyung-ho, and Joo Sang-wook.

Why It’s Resonating

Beyond the numbers, fans have rallied around So Ji Sub personally, celebrating his known off-screen support for independent and international films. Combined with his trademark intense action style and a fast-paced, emotionally driven story, the show has become one of the clearest breakout hits of the year.