After more than a decade away from SBS dramas, So Ji Sub is making his highly anticipated return with the network’s new Friday-Saturday series Agent Kim Reactivated, a revenge action drama that has already generated significant buzz ahead of its premiere. The series marks the actor’s first SBS drama in 13 years since the hit romantic fantasy Master’s Sun, which achieved an impressive peak nationwide rating of 21.8% in 2013.

Premiering on June 26, Agent Kim Reactivated follows the story of an ordinary father who transforms into the most dangerous man imaginable to rescue his only daughter. Combining intense action with emotional family drama, the series centers on a father’s relentless quest for revenge and justice.

The drama succeeds My Royal Nemesis, starring Heo Nam Jun, which concluded on June 20 with a peak viewership rating of 11.8%. With So Ji Sub leading the cast, expectations are high that Agent Kim Reactivated will become SBS’ next major hit.

The actor has enjoyed several memorable successes with SBS throughout his career.

  • Ghost (2012): Airing in 2012, Ghost achieved a peak nationwide rating of 15.3%. The cyber crime thriller follows detectives investigating high-tech crimes, exposing the dangers of internet crime and the growing influence of social media at a time when cyber investigations were still a relatively unfamiliar subject to the general public.
  • Master’s Sun (2013): One of So Ji Sub’s most iconic dramas, Master’s Sun recorded a peak nationwide rating of 21.8% in 2013. The romantic horror-comedy starred So Ji Sub alongside Gong Hyo Jin and was written by the renowned Hong Sisters.

During the production press conference held on June 25, So Ji Sub reflected warmly on his long relationship with SBS. “I’ve worked with SBS on many projects. My first leading role was on SBS, and many of the dramas I did afterward were successful.” He added: “SBS feels like home to me. It was a familiar environment, so I was able to film comfortably.”

Despite his reputation for starring in successful dramas, So Ji Sub said he tries not to obsess over ratings. “Regardless of ratings, I’m grateful that people look forward to my projects. I believe ratings are ultimately up to fate.” He admitted that ratings still carry pressure, even after many years in the industry. “No matter how many projects I’ve done, ratings still feel like a heavy responsibility. But everyone gave their best, so I just hope viewers enjoy the drama.”

At the same press conference, Ahn Bo Hyun, who stars alongside So Ji Sub in Agent Kim Reactivated, confidently set the drama’s ratings target. “Since Senior So Ji Sub is returning to SBS after 13 years, let’s aim for 13%.”

With high-octane action sequences, an emotional story centered on a father’s love for his daughter, and a cast led by one of Korea’s most recognizable actors, Agent Kim Reactivated is already being viewed as one of SBS’ most anticipated dramas of the year. The new SBS Friday-Saturday drama Agent Kim Reactivated premiered on June 26 at 9:50 p.m. KST.

Sources: Naver