Actor So Ji Sub is once again making headlines not only for the success of SBS’s hit Friday-Saturday drama Agent Kim Reactivated, but also for his remarkable generosity toward the cast and crew. After previously gifting the production team of Netflix’s Mercy for None with gold, the actor has once again personally paid out of pocket to express his gratitude.
On July 26, news spread online that the staff members of Agent Kim Reactivated had each received a gold gift from So Ji Sub. The gold case included a heartfelt message that read: “Working on this project has brought me great happiness and unforgettable memories. Thank you to everyone who quietly gave their best to make Agent Kim Reactivated shine. — From So Ji Sub.” Because the gifts were personally prepared for every staff member, the story quickly drew warm reactions across social media.
According to entertainment industry sources, So Ji Sub presented one gram of pure gold to each of the approximately 300 cast and crew members involved in the production, reportedly spending close to ₩100 million of his own money. Responding to the reports, a representative from his agency 51K told News1 on July 27, “It’s difficult to confirm the exact amount, but the gifts were prepared to express his gratitude to the staff.”
This is not the first time So Ji Sub has surprised colleagues with such generous gifts. After filming wrapped on Netflix’s Mercy for None, which premiered in June last year, he also gifted gold to the cast and production staff.
During a promotional appearance for Mercy for None on Na Young Seok’s YouTube series Chattering with Nah, actors Ahn Gil Kang and Jo Han Chul revealed the story behind So Ji Sub’s thoughtful gesture. They shared that he had given gold to every crew member after filming ended. So Ji Sub later explained, “I’ve always tried to give everyone something after filming wraps up, but people kept assuming it was sponsored. I actually paid for it myself.” He then jokingly added, “Nobody sponsors gold,” before explaining the real meaning behind the gifts. “If times ever get difficult, you can always sell it later and use the money.” His sincere explanation touched many viewers and further highlighted his considerate personality.
Along with the heartwarming story, Agent Kim Reactivated also enjoyed tremendous success in the ratings. The drama debuted with 9.5% nationwide viewership according to Nielsen Korea before soaring to 15.7% by its second episode. By Episode 4, ratings had already surpassed 21.6%. The finale reached an impressive 23.0%, making it the highest-rated Korean drama broadcast this year. It also became the first SBS drama to surpass the 20% mark since Taxi Driver 2 three years ago and finished as the second highest-rated Friday-Saturday drama in SBS history.
Following the drama’s conclusion, So Ji Sub’s farewell message through his agency 51K also attracted renewed attention. He said, “Agent Kim Reactivated is a project that was completed through the passion and hard work of so many people. I sincerely thank the director, the writer, and every staff member who stayed on set through the cold weather.” He continued, “The drama could never have been completed without the dedication of the crew working tirelessly behind the scenes. I also want to sincerely thank my fellow actors for creating such wonderful chemistry throughout the production. It was truly an honor to work with all of them.”
From Mercy for None to Agent Kim Reactivated, So Ji Sub has consistently demonstrated genuine appreciation for the people working behind the camera. His generosity has become another memorable behind-the-scenes story accompanying the drama’s enormous success, earning him widespread praise not only as a leading actor but also as a thoughtful colleague.
Sources: Daum
You must be logged in to post a comment.