SBS Drama Stays Above 20% Ratings Mark
SBS action drama Agent Kim Reactivated continues to dominate South Korean television, with Episode 5 confirming its position as one of 2026’s biggest miniseries hits.
According to Nielsen Korea data reported by Korean media, Episode 5 recorded 21.0% viewership in the Seoul metropolitan area and 20.5% nationwide. The episode also reached a peak rating of 23.1% during its final minutes.
Although the episode saw a slight drop compared to Episode 4, the drama remained above the 20% mark for the fifth consecutive week. This makes it one of the strongest linear television performers in recent years.
The show also reached a new season high among viewers aged 20 to 49, recording 6.6% in the key demographic. Industry analysts say this performance shows the drama’s strong hold over both traditional TV audiences and younger viewers.
Episode 5 Brings Emotional Stakes and Major Twist
Episode 5 shifted focus from nonstop action to emotional tension, giving viewers a deeper look at Manager Kim’s desperate search for his missing daughter, Min Ji.
Kim Do-hyeon’s performance as Manager Kim remained central to the episode. His character moved through high-pressure chase sequences in Incheon’s port district while trying to uncover the truth behind Min Ji’s disappearance.
One of the episode’s most praised scenes was a tense interrogation sequence, which critics have described as one of the strongest television moments of the year.
The episode ended with a shocking twist. Min Ji, still unaware of her father’s true identity, was revealed to be in the custody of feared antagonist Ju Kang Chan, played by veteran actor Lee Kyung-ho.
The cliffhanger has raised expectations for Episode 6, which SBS is promoting as Manager Kim’s most personal mission so far.
Viewers Praise Drama Despite Slower Pace
Episode 5 received a mixed but highly engaged response from viewers. Many fans praised the emotional weight of the episode and said the slower pace helped build tension before the next stage of the story.
Others expressed frustration after Manager Kim came close to finding Min Ji but lost the chance again. However, the overall response remained positive.
The drama continues to hold strong audience interest, with high ratings on fan platforms and strong online discussion after the broadcast.
The hashtag linked to Episode 5 also trended on Korean social media, with many viewers reacting to Ju Kang Chan’s chilling final line.
Since its June premiere, Agent Kim Reactivated has shown rare week-to-week strength. Critics credit its success to grounded espionage storytelling, intense action, emotional family drama and Kim Do-hyeon’s strong lead performance.
The supporting cast has also gained attention, including Bae Soo-jin as NIS handler Yoon Seo-ra and Park Ji-an as Min Ji.
SBS has confirmed that international distribution talks are underway. Netflix and Disney+ are reportedly among the platforms interested in post-broadcast rights for Southeast Asia and the Americas.
