Actor So Ji-sub just scored a ratings smash.
SBS’s Friday-Saturday drama Agent Kim Reactivated has become a nationwide sensation, hitting 21.6% after only four episodes according to Nielsen Korea. Riding both buzz and viewership, it now ranks third among SBS Friday-Saturday dramas by nationwide ratings, following The Penthouse 2: War in Life.
But behind the show’s success, an unexpected controversy is flaring up. The original Naver Webtoon Agent Kim Reactivated is the fifth title in the Park Tae-joon Universe and was produced by The Grin Entertainment, founded by creator Park Tae-joon. Online communities have reignited debate over Park’s alleged ties to the far-right forum Ilbe, claiming some expressions used in his webtoon Lookism mirror that community’s terminology. Park has flatly denied the allegations, but the drama’s soaring popularity has triggered renewed scrutiny of his past.
Meanwhile, So Ji-sub, who helped drive the show’s momentum, reunited with SBS for the first time in 13 years since Master's Sun, and proved he is back in peak form through Agent Kim Reactivated. He plays former special agent Kim Bu-jang, delivering seasoned, hard-hitting action.
After the broadcast, viewers reacted: "It’s the first drama in a while that’s worth watching," "Perfect to watch with my parents," and "It feels a bit too violent."
Centered on former special agent Kim Bu-jang unleashing his hidden combat instincts to rescue his kidnapped daughter, the revenge thriller Agent Kim Reactivated airs every Friday and Saturday at 9:50 p.m. on SBS and is also available on Netflix.