Premiering on June 26, Agent Kim Reactivated recorded the highest ratings among all weekend mini-series aired across Korean television channels in 2026 during its first broadcast week, marking an impressive start.

Agent Kim Reactivated is a revenge action drama that follows a father who returns to a dangerous world in order to rescue his kidnapped only daughter. In the series, So Ji Sub plays Manager Kim, an ordinary office worker who secretly hides his past as a former intelligence agent.

As news of the drama’s successful launch spread, online film communities were filled with comments saying, “It’s time to repay him.” Fans of international arthouse and independent cinema declared that they would faithfully watch So Ji Sub’s drama as a way of showing their appreciation.

The reason behind this support is So Ji Sub’s long-running work importing and investing in overseas films. For years, he has consistently introduced international movies with limited commercial appeal to Korean audiences. More recently, he has participated in the import and investment of films such as The Substance, Sirāt, The Voice of Hind, and Late Night with the Devil, earning the respect of dedicated moviegoers.

Speaking about his film import business in the past, So Ji Sub admitted, “Honestly, it’s difficult. The losses are significant, and the business often runs at a deficit. I never imagined I’d continue doing it for this long.” He added, “Even if I keep losing money, I still want to continue.”

Knowing this, many movie fans have continued what they call “repayment support” by repeatedly streaming music videos featuring So Ji Sub or watching his projects to express their gratitude for bringing high-quality international films to Korea.

Ahead of the drama’s premiere, online communities were already encouraging viewers with posts such as, “One hour until the premiere of the drama starring movie fans’ savior So Ji Sub,” “Since it’s not available on Wavve, let’s watch it live on TV or the SBS website,” and “If you’re a true film lover, don’t miss the live broadcast.”

Even after the broadcast, messages of appreciation continued to pour in, including, “I’m watching because he keeps bringing in great foreign films that would otherwise never be released here,” “I’ve wanted to repay So Ji Sub’s kindness, so I’m thrilled the drama is doing well,” and “If the drama succeeds, maybe he’ll continue importing more amazing films.”

Meanwhile, SBS’s Friday-Saturday drama Agent Kim Reactivated, starring So Ji Sub, airs every week at 9:50 p.m. KST.

Sources: Nate