Actor So Jisub, who set major records with the SBS Fri-Sat drama "Agent Kim Reactivated" by surpassing 20% in viewership ratings and claiming the global number one spot on Netflix's Non-English TV shows, shared his thoughts on the show's massive success.
During an interview held at a cafe in Jongno-gu, Seoul on the 30th, So Jisub expressed his astonishment over the popularity of "Agent Kim Reactivated," saying, "Until the press conference, I just thought 'I hope it exceeds 10%,' so I never expected this at all."
Although he is a veteran actor celebrating his 30th year since debut, the success of this project was uniquely special to him. So Jisub showed deep affection for the project, stating, "If I had to pick the first chapter of my acting career, 'I'm Sorry, I Love You' is definitely unforgettable, and 'Agent Kim Reactivated' feels like the second chapter that follows it."
He continued, "Even people who wouldn't normally acknowledge me on the street now call out 'Agent Kim!' to me. I've also received many messages from dads around me saying they found themselves tearing up without realizing it." He added with a smile, "I was shocked to see an article calling me the number one rising star. In my 30th year since debut, I wonder if this is a new beginning."
Based on the webtoon of the same name, "Agent Kim Reactivated" is an action thriller about an ordinary father who goes on a revenge mission to rescue his daughter, and it wrapped up its run on the 25th. The final episode of "Agent Kim Reactivated" achieved massive success, recording a nationwide viewership rating of 23.0% and 23.4% in the metropolitan area according to Nielsen Korea. The series also maintained its popularity in the global market by ranking number one in the Netflix Non-English TV category for three consecutive weeks.
In this project, So Jisub played the role of "Agent Kim," a father who risks everything to get his daughter back, delivering intense action and profound paternal love. Regarding the differences from his previous work "Mercy for None," he explained, "While 'Mercy for None' featured moth-to-a-flame action that ended only when I died, Agent Kim's action was a process of surviving together with his daughter. I pursued showing emotions first and action second. I incorporated details of inflicting pain on someone without killing them. I tried to avoid passing, unnecessary action."
Expressing his desire to become an actor who can perform action acting for a long time like Liam Neeson, So Jisub also responded positively to the possibility of a second season for "Agent Kim Reactivated." He added, "It would be nice if season two happens, but since there was a major storyline about finding his daughter this time, he can't lose his daughter again next time, so figuring out what major storyline to take on seems like it will be the biggest challenge."
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(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)