Premiering on June 26, Agent Kim Reactivated (written by Nam Dae-joong, directed by Lee Seung-young and Lee So-eun) recorded a nationwide viewership rating of 15.7%, 15.9% in the metropolitan area, and a peak rating of 18.1% by its second episode (based on Nielsen Korea).
Surpassing the 15% rating threshold in just two episodes is a feat not seen in approximately five years, since the 2021 syndrome-inducing hit The Penthouse: War in Life. It is an unprecedented, high-speed record across all miniseries on any channel.
The 2049 target viewership rating, a key metric for advertisers, is also explosive. Agent Kim Reactivated recorded an average of 5.8% and a peak of 7.17% in the 2049 demographic, ranking #1 across all channels and genres for the week. This marks the first time in about two years, since tvN's Queen of Tears and SBS's Good Partner, that a show has surpassed a 5% rating in the 2049 demographic, proving that Agent Kim Reactivated has perfectly captured the trendy tastes of younger viewers beyond the middle-aged audience.
The domestic sensation has immediately translated into a global phenomenon. According to FlixPatrol, Agent Kim Reactivated ranked 3rd on the Netflix global chart after only two episodes. It has entered the Top 10 in 90 countries worldwide and claimed the #1 spot in eight major Asian countries, including South Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and New Caledonia. It seems the revenge story of a South Korean middle-aged man is stimulating a sense of global catharsis that transcends borders.
At the heart of this syndrome lies the fresh genre appeal of the "Dad Universe." The struggle of Agent Kim (played by So Jisub), a former special operative who awakens his dormant instincts to protect his daughter, masterfully combines heavy paternal love with cinematic action scales. The chemistry of the "Dad Universe" featuring Choi Dae-hoon and Yoon Kyungho, along with the overwhelming madness of the villain played by Joo Sang Wook, is being praised for perfectly balancing the drama.
Lee Gwang-soon, the CP of Agent Kim Reactivated, shared, "I was very concerned about how the weight of the character 'Agent Kim' and his desperate struggle to protect his family would resonate with the younger generation." However, he expressed his gratitude, adding, "It seems that 2049 viewers deeply empathized with the meaning of a 'father' and the thrilling counterattack they unleash, regardless of their generation."
He further raised expectations for the future narrative by adding, "The true catharsis of the Agent Kim team's 'Dad Universe' is only just beginning, so please look forward to the upcoming episodes."
Sweeping ratings, buzz, and global records to claim an unrivaled throne, the third episode of the SBS Friday-Saturday drama Agent Kim Reactivated will air on July 3 (Friday) at 9:50 PM.
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.