'Agent Kim Reactivated' Smashes Ratings Records and Takes Over Netflix Worldwide

SBS's new action thriller Agent Kim Reactivated is off to an explosive start, delivering one of the biggest K-drama premieres of 2026.

According to Nielsen Korea, the highly anticipated series debuted with an impressive 9.5% nationwide rating for Episode 1 before surging to 15.7% for Episode 2, making it the highest-rated SBS drama premiere of 2026 and the fastest Korean television drama to surpass the 15% ratings mark since The Penthouse 3.

The achievement immediately positioned the series as one of the biggest Korean television hits of the year and one of SBS's strongest drama launches in recent memory.

Based on the popular webtoon Manager Kim, the series stars So Ji Sub as Kim Do Hyun, a seemingly ordinary father and bank manager whose peaceful life is shattered when his daughter suddenly disappears. Forced to reveal his hidden past as an elite black-ops operative, he returns to the dangerous world he once left behind in order to save his family.

Readers looking for cast information, character profiles, streaming details, and episode updates can visit Starvia's complete drama profile here:

👉 Agent Kim Reactivated Drama Profile

The drama features an impressive supporting cast that includes Choi Dae Hoon, Yoon Kyung Ho, Joo Sang Wook, and Son Na Eun, creating one of the strongest ensemble lineups of the summer season.

The momentum isn't limited to South Korea. Following its simultaneous global release on Netflix, Agent Kim Reactivated quickly climbed into the platform's Top 10 rankings in more than 80 countries, demonstrating the growing worldwide appetite for Korean action thrillers.

Countries where the drama entered Netflix's Top 10 include the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Brazil, India, Thailand, Taiwan, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Italy, Belgium, Sweden, Switzerland, Hong Kong, and Vietnam, among many others.

Early audience reactions have praised the series for its emotional father-daughter storyline, cinematic fight choreography, and movie-quality production values. Viewers have also celebrated the return of So Ji Sub to a major action role, with many comparing the series to a Korean blend of Taken and The Equalizer.

With eight episodes still remaining in its run, industry observers are already wondering whether Agent Kim Reactivated could become one of the defining Korean dramas of 2026 and potentially challenge some of SBS's recent ratings records.

For now, one thing is clear: Agent Kim is back, and audiences around the world are paying attention.