So Ji-sub's 'Agent Kim Reactivated' Is 2026's Highest-Rated Korean Miniseries After Just 3 Episodes

So Ji-sub's 'Agent Kim Reactivated' Is 2026's Highest-Rated Korean Miniseries After Just 3 Episodes

K-drama fans, if you haven't started Agent Kim Reactivated yet, what are you doing? So Ji-sub's action-revenge thriller has become the highest-rated Korean miniseries of 2026 after airing only three episodes, and the momentum shows no sign of slowing down.

Record-Breaking Ratings

According to Nielsen Korea, the third episode of the SBS drama averaged 18.8% nationwide, peaking at 23%. It debuted at 9.5% and jumped to 15.7% in its second week, making it the fastest Korean drama in five years to cross the 15% ratings mark. For context, that's a massive achievement in a year packed with big-name K-dramas on Netflix and Disney+.

Cast, Creators, and Source Material

So Ji-sub leads as Manager Kim, a former special agent pulled back into his old life when his daughter disappears. He's joined by Choi Dae-hoon, Yoon Kyung-ho, Joo Sang-wook, Son Na-eun, Kim Sung-kyu, and Lee Jae-yong. The series is directed by Lee Seung-young and Lee So-eun, written by Nam Dae-joong, and based on the popular Naver Webtoon Manager Kim by Jeong Jong-taek and Toy.

The show's mix of intense action, emotional family stakes, and revenge-driven storytelling has clearly resonated with viewers. Industry observers credit So Ji-sub's commanding performance as a major reason for the surge, especially since this is his return to the action genre following his 2025 drama Mercy For None. International fans are also catching on through streaming platforms, where social media buzz is comparing its trajectory to some of the biggest Korean television hits of the past decade.

With seven episodes still left in its planned 10-episode run, Agent Kim Reactivated could keep breaking its own records. If you love adrenaline-fueled K-dramas with a heart, this one needs to be on your watchlist.

The action sequences have also become a major talking point online, with viewers praising the show's gritty, hand-to-hand combat and high-stakes chase scenes. SBS has a long history of producing hit action thrillers, but Agent Kim Reactivated feels like a step up in scale and intensity. For international audiences, the show offers a perfect entry point into Korean television.

Streaming rights are still being negotiated for international markets, but domestic viewers can catch new episodes on SBS every Friday. If the ratings keep climbing, don't be surprised if a second season gets fast-tracked before the finale even airs. So Ji-sub has once again proved why he remains one of Korea's most reliable leading men.