“Agent Kim Reactivated” Breaks the 20% Ratings Barrier as “The Husband” Makes Its Debut

SBS’s breakout action drama “Agent Kim Reactivated” continues its remarkable rise, reaching another historic milestone just four episodes into its run. According to Nielsen Korea, the drama’s fourth episode, which aired on July 4, recorded an impressive 21.6 percent nationwide viewership rating, making it the most-watched drama of any kind in South Korea in 2026 so far. On the same night, KBS 2TV premiered its new weekend drama “The Husband,” which opened with a respectable 4.4 percent nationwide rating.

For SBS, the latest ratings are more than just another victory. By surpassing the coveted 20 percent mark in only four episodes, Agent Kim Reactivated has become the third highest-rated Friday-Saturday drama in SBS history, trailing only the blockbuster hits The Penthouse 2 and The Fiery Priest. The achievement is especially significant in today’s streaming era, where traditional television ratings have generally declined, making it increasingly rare for dramas to attract such massive nationwide audiences.

Based on the popular webtoon “Manager Kim,” the series stars So Ji Sub as Kim, an ordinary office worker whose quiet life hides an extraordinary past. Once an elite black-ops operative, Kim abandoned his dangerous career to honor his late wife’s wish that he simply live as a devoted father to their daughter, Min Ji. However, when Min Ji is suddenly kidnapped, he is forced to return to the world he left behind, unleashing his lethal combat skills in a desperate race against time. The drama combines explosive action sequences with an emotionally driven story about a father’s determination to protect his child, a balance that has resonated strongly with viewers.

The ratings trajectory has been nothing short of extraordinary. The drama premiered on June 26 with 9.5 percent, the highest premiere rating for any Korean miniseries this year. Its second episode surged to 15.7 percent, making it the fastest drama in five years to cross the 15 percent threshold. Episode three climbed again to 18.8 percent, before episode four smashed through the 20 percent barrier with 21.6 percent, demonstrating a level of week-to-week growth rarely seen in modern Korean television.

Much of the drama’s success has been credited to So Ji Sub’s commanding performance, along with tightly paced storytelling and cinematic action. Recent episodes have also expanded the emotional stakes by bringing together Manager Kim, Park Jin Chul (Yoon Kyung Ho), and Sung Han Soo (Choi Dae Hoon) as they join forces in a dangerous mission to rescue Min Ji. The chemistry between the trio and the escalating tension have helped keep viewers invested each week.

Meanwhile, KBS 2TV’s new drama “The Husband” officially entered the competitive Friday-Saturday lineup with a 4.4 percent premiere rating. While considerably lower than SBS’s ratings juggernaut, the opening figure represents a stable start for a brand-new series that is only beginning to introduce its characters and central storyline. Viewers will be watching closely to see whether positive word-of-mouth helps the drama build momentum in the coming weeks.

Elsewhere in the weekend ratings race, JTBC’s “Reborn Rookie” recorded 10.8 percent for its penultimate episode, marking its highest Saturday rating before the finale, while KBS 2TV’s family drama “Recipe for Love” maintained its steady popularity with 13.6 percent nationwide.

With Agent Kim Reactivated already rewriting SBS history after only four episodes, expectations are now even higher for the remaining six episodes. Fans will be watching to see whether the drama can challenge even more network records as Kim’s rescue mission intensifies and the mystery behind his daughter’s kidnapping unfolds.