The new SBS drama Agent Kim reactivated made an impressive entrance, recording excellent ratings from its first episode. The highly anticipated series stars So Ji Sub alongside Choi Dae Hoon, Yoon Kyung Ho, Joo Sang Wook and Son Na Eun. According to reported data, the premiere achieved an average household rating nationwide of 9.5% and reached 9.8% in the Seoul metropolitan area.
The drama ranked second in its domestic timeslot and first in Seoul. Its real-time rating reportedly climbed as high as 21.87%, further demonstrating the attention surrounding the premiere.
So Ji Sub plays a former secret agent
Agent Kim reactivated follows Mr. Kim, a bank employee who raises his daughter Min Ji alone. Although he seems like a normal single father, he is secretly a former agent who participated in numerous dangerous operations. His past is so serious that he is reportedly included on North Korea’s most wanted list. Despite his abilities, Mr. Kim wants nothing more than to live a peaceful life with his daughter.
In the first episode, he allows a group of gangsters to beat him up rather than show off his fighting skills. He even kneels while attempting to resolve a school violence incident involving Min Ji, demonstrating how far he is willing to go to protect their normal life.
However, Min Ji does not fully understand his father’s sacrifices and unintentionally hurts him with his words. Their relationship changes dramatically when she suddenly disappears, forcing Mr. Kim to return to the dangerous world he tried to leave behind.
So Ji Sub’s performance attracts praise
The premiere received positive reactions for introducing its characters and conflict without losing momentum. Viewers particularly praised So Ji Sub’s restrained performance.
Through subtle expressions, she portrayed Mr. Kim’s exhaustion, sadness and unconditional love for his daughter. Its emotional scenes involving Min Ji and his late wife’s memories also helped establish the drama’s central family story.
Some viewers said the episode immediately made them worried about Min Ji’s fate, while others hoped the story would avoid becoming a conventional revenge drama. With its excellent opening ratings and favorable initial response, Agent Kim reactivated it is expected to attract even more attention as Mr Kim begins his dangerous search for his missing daughter.
