So Ji Sub has made a significant return to the small screen with his latest drama, 'Agent Kim Reactivated', which premiered to impressive ratings. According to Nielsen Korea, the first episode garnered a viewership rating of 9.5%, making it the highest-rated short series debut of 2026 across all broadcasting channels.

This drama marks So Ji Sub's first appearance on SBS in 13 years, following the success of 'The Sun’s Descendants' in 2013, which achieved a peak rating of 21.8%. In 'Agent Kim Reactivated', So Ji Sub plays the role of Kim Do Hyun, a legendary former agent who leaves his past behind to live as a normal father. However, when his only daughter is in danger, he must awaken his fighting instincts to embark on a fierce rescue mission.

The series combines elements of action, revenge, and family drama, and it is expected to continue the momentum created by 'My Royal Enemy', which recently concluded with a high rating of 11.8%. So Ji Sub's previous works on SBS, including 'Phantom' (2012) with a peak rating of 15.3%, have set high expectations for this new project.

Despite the pressure of ratings, So Ji Sub expressed gratitude for the audience's support, stating, “Regardless of the ratings, I am thankful that viewers are always waiting for my projects. I believe the final outcome depends on many factors. Of course, ratings are a pressure, but the most important thing is that the entire team has worked hard, and I hope viewers will love the show.”

Alongside 'Agent Kim Reactivated', MBC's 'Middle-Aged Expert' also performed well, achieving a rating of 6% for its penultimate episode, the highest since its premiere.