'Agent Kim Reactivated' becomes Netflix's highest-rated K-drama in 2026 after just three episodes

‘Agent Kim Reactivated’, the new revenge action drama starring veteran actor So Ji-sub, has achieved the highest ratings of any South Korean miniseries in 2026 after just three episodes, cementing its status as the breakout TV hit of the year.

Agent Kim Reactivated has only three top rated episodes

According to Nielsen Korea data released on Saturday, the third episode of the SBS drama averaged 18.8 percent nationwide when it aired on July 3, making it not only the most-watched show of any kind on Friday night, but also the highest-rated miniseries aired in South Korea so far this year. The drama also recorded the highest ratings of 23 percent and Metropolitan Seoul’s rating of 19.6 percent.

The achievement is particularly notable given the speed with which the series has climbed the ratings charts. After debuting with a strong nationwide rating of 9.5 percent on June 26, the drama rose to 15.7 percent in its second episode and 18.8 percent in its third, making it the fastest Korean drama to break the 15 percent mark in five years.

‘Agent Kim Reactivated’ is a South Korean revenge action thriller film written by Nam Dae-joong and directed by Lee Seung-young and Lee So-eun. The drama stars So Ji-sub in the title role alongside an ensemble cast of Choi Dae-hoon, Yoon Kyung-ho, Joo Sang-wook, Son Na-eun, Kim Sung-kyu, Lee Jae-yong, Won Hyun-jun, Park Jin-woo, Jo Bok-rae, Lee Dong-ha, Seo Su-an and Yoo Ji-min.

Based on the popular Naver Webtoon ‘Manager Kim’ by Jeong Jong-taek and Toye, the series follows a seemingly ordinary father who is forced to reveal his secret past after his daughter goes missing. So Ji-sub plays Manager Kim, a former special agent who tried to leave behind his violent past and live a quiet life as a single father, only to return to his former identity in a desperate attempt to save his child.

The combination of high-intensity action, emotional family drama and elements of a revenge thriller resonated strongly with audiences. Industry observers also credited So Ji-sub’s performance for helping the program’s rapid rise. The actor, one of South Korea’s most respected stars, returned to the action genre after his 2025 show Mercy For None.

“Agent Kim Reactivated” has already surpassed all other SBS miniseries released in 2026 and now ranks as the network’s top-performing weekend drama in recent memory.

The drama’s performance has also attracted significant international attention through streaming platforms, with social media discussions and online fan communities comparing its early ratings trajectory to some of South Korea’s biggest television phenomena of the past decade.

With seven episodes still remaining in its planned 10-episode run, ‘Agent Kim Reactivated’ appears well poised to continue its record-breaking run as it heads into the second half of its broadcast schedule.