So Ji Sub is enjoying a major career milestone as his latest action thriller, "Agent Kim Reactivated," has climbed to the top of Netflix's Global Top 10 Non-English TV chart. The series claimed the No. 1 position during its second week of release, ending the four-week winning streak of Kim Moo Yeol's hit drama "Teach You a Lesson."
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| Agent Kim Reactivated Dethrones Teach You A Lesson on Netflix |
The drama has become the most-watched non-English TV series on Netflix in 11 countries, including South Korea, Indonesia, and Bolivia. It also secured a place in the Top 10 across 68 countries and territories, highlighting its growing international popularity.
In contrast, "Teach You a Lesson," which had dominated the global rankings for four consecutive weeks, dropped to No. 2 with 4.7 million views. Another Korean production, "Notes from the Last Row," starring Choi Min Sik and Choi Hyun Wook, ranked No. 5 with 2.6 million views.
So Ji Sub Receives Praise for His Powerful Performance
In "Agent Kim Reactivated," So Ji Sub portrays a seemingly ordinary father who conceals a dangerous past as a former elite agent. His life takes a dramatic turn when his daughter mysteriously disappears, forcing him to revive the deadly skills he had long buried.
The crime-action drama follows the legendary former operative, known by the codename "66," as he takes on powerful criminal organizations and a corrupt system in his relentless pursuit of justice. Inspired by the famous saying, "Never mess with an old man wearing glasses," the series delivers intense action sequences, brutal confrontations, and a compelling revenge-driven storyline.
Critics and viewers alike have praised So Ji Sub's commanding screen presence. The 48-year-old actor delivers a restrained yet emotionally powerful performance, relying more on subtle expressions and piercing gazes than lengthy dialogue to portray his character's determination and inner conflict.
Strong Ratings in Korea and Worldwide Success
The drama is not only dominating Netflix globally but also performing exceptionally well on Korean television.
According to Nielsen Korea, Episode 4 earned an impressive 21.6% nationwide rating, making "Agent Kim Reactivated" the third highest-rated Friday–Saturday drama in SBS history. It currently ranks behind only "The Penthouse 2" (29.2%) and "The Fiery Priest" (22%).
With both strong domestic ratings and outstanding international streaming numbers, "Agent Kim Reactivated" has emerged as one of the biggest Korean drama hits of the year, further cementing So Ji Sub's reputation as one of Korea's most respected action stars.