'Agent Kim Reactivated', which surpassed 22.3% viewership ratings, features So Ji-sub's restrained

So Ji-sub's Heavy Gaze Over Flashy Impact

The SBS Friday-Saturday drama 'Agent Kim Reactivated' recorded a national viewership rating of 22.3% (based on Nielsen Korea) after only 6 episodes. Based on a popular Naver webtoon, this work depicts the process of an ordinary father awakening his former secret agent instincts to save his kidnapped daughter.

Viewers are focusing on So Ji-sub's detailed acting, which is infused with character emotion rather than just flashy impact. Behind his black horn-rimmed glasses, So Ji-sub presents a somewhat dry face, neither determined nor arrogant. This expression, mixed with a hint of anguish and fatigue, is an element that enhances the verisimilitude of the drama.

In the drama, Agent Kim Reactivated is the manager of the accounting team at Sangsang Savings Bank, raising his high school sophomore daughter Minji (played by Seo Su-min) alone after losing his wife. He lives hiding his identity as a top-tier North Korean wanted operative, codename No. 66 (originally No. 73), who once took down an entire South Korean platoon by himself. Fearing his past identity might be exposed, he sometimes avoids injustice and even endures insults and humiliation.

The many-versus-one fight scene in episode 3 is the highlight of this work. To find his daughter Minji, Agent Kim Reactivated faces off against gangsters, overpowering them with his bare hands rather than guns or knives. The action, characterized by stripped-down movements and instantaneous explosive power, is reminiscent of a real special agent's combat.

In episode 5, a car chase took place against the backdrop of the Myeongpo Port container yard. Agent Kim Reactivated's appearance, continuing the pursuit by ramming vehicles without hesitation, shows the character's decisiveness. This was followed in episode 6 by a knife action scene clashing with Kim Seong-gyu, who plays Kang-seong. This scene, filled with eyes that pressure the opponent amidst fast Clean Up, as well as anger and desperation, is a psychological battle that goes beyond simple choreographed movements.

The Desperation for His Daughter is the Driving Force

The driving force of the drama is a father's desperation to save his kidnapped daughter. For Agent Kim Reactivated, the instinct of a father who has lived only to protect his daughter becomes the engine of his actions. His daughter Minji is a character with strong mental fortitude, enduring school violence while thinking of her father waiting for her.

There are supporters by Agent Kim Reactivated's side. Taekwondo instructor Sung Han-soo (played by Choi Dae-hoon) and Marine veteran volunteer Park Jin-cheol (played by Yoon Kyung-ho) are characters who share loyalty and friendship. On the other hand, Joo Kang-chan (played by Joo Sang-wook), the CEO of Joo-hak Construction and father of Joo Hye-ri who bullies Minji, is a ruthless villain. Joo Kang-chan possesses a multi-dimensional side, being a 'daughter fool' who is more affectionate than anyone else in front of his daughter.

As a middle-aged actor in his 30th year, So Ji-sub showcases a solid physique, flexible movements, and a charisma that overwhelms opponents instantly. The action, which is not just about brute force but is infused with the character's emotions and experiences, increases the immersion of the drama.

Reactions from Production Team and Viewers

The production team stated, "So Ji-sub is firmly holding the center of the work by simultaneously expressing not only the perfection of the action but also the paternal love and human anguish held by Agent Kim Reactivated."

Online reactions continue to pour in. Viewers evaluated his performance, saying, "As expected, I trust So Ji-sub's action," "Movie-like quality continues every episode," and "An actor who conveys even emotions through his body."