Thekabarnews.com—For many Korean drama fans, Ji Sub’s return was more than just the release of another TV show. Instead, it was a homecoming for one of South Korea’s most beloved entertainers. He has given fans unforgettable moments over the last two decades in his work.

The reception to his current drama suggests audiences had been waiting. SBS’s new Friday-Saturday series, Agent Kim Reactivated, has quickly become one of the biggest television hits of 2026.

The drama’s second episode logged a 15.7 percent nationwide rating, hitting a peak of 18.1 percent during its broadcast, according to Nielsen Korea.

The feat makes Agent Kim Reactivated the highest-rated drama of SBS this year. This is a milestone rarely witnessed in Korea’s television industry.

According to industry insiders, the series becomes the first drama in five years—since The Penthouse 3 (2021)—to hit the 15 percent ratings milestone within two episodes. Notably, this applies across all television networks.

The series has also been a dominant force in the highly prized 20-49 age category. In addition, it was the most-watched program on all television channels last week.

The flashy ratings might be the headline grabbers, but fans think the actual power of the show is its emotional storytelling.

Episode 2: So Ji Sub plays Agent Kim, a parent who’s urgently looking for his missing daughter. One scene resonated deeply with fans.

Agent Kim’s thought: “When you lose a spouse or you lose your parents, society has phrases for it, but there’s no specific name for parents who lose a child.”

The devastating line quickly went viral on social media. Many said it was one of the most touching scenes on Korean TV this year.

The episode closes with Agent Kim saying he will break the law to bring justice. Consequently, this leads to a thrilling vengeance plot that will be even more emotional in future episodes.

For long-time fans, the performance is yet another reminder of why So Ji Sub remains one of Korea’s most admired actors.

Combining calm appeal with emotional depth, he once again shows he can portray complicated characters whose power matches their vulnerability.

The internet comments on his comeback are still effusive. Viewers continue to heap praise on his performance and on the drama’s cinematic production quality.

Many fans find the series to be a wonderful mix of high-stakes action and deeply personal themes of family, bereavement, and survival. This combination has been a big factor in the early popularity of the drama.

Agent Kim Reactivated isn’t only about jaw-dropping action sequences. It is also about giving viewers the opportunity to feel the emotional weight of a father’s dedication to protecting the ones he loves.

Audiences are already anticipating Episode 3, set to premiere on July 3. Worldwide viewing will be available through Netflix in select territories.

It remains to be seen if the drama can keep up its remarkable speed. But one thing has already become evident. For So Ji Sub, it’s more than a successful comeback.

It’s a potent reminder that in an age of so many streaming options, exceptional storytelling, real passion, and timeless performance can still bring millions of viewers together.

Occasionally, the most memorable return isn’t just about recovering the spotlight. Instead, it’s about reminding audiences why they never stopped believing in an actor in the first place.