SBS’s Friday-Saturday action of ‘Agent Kim Reactivated’ hit recorded its highest numbers yet with Episode 6 on Saturday, drawing 22.3% nationwide and 23.2% in the Seoul metropolitan area, according to Nielsen Korea.
The episode was the most-watched program of the day across all channels and now ranks as the second highest-rated SBS Friday–Saturday drama of all time, trailing only ‘The Penthouse 2’’s 29.2% peak.
The new figure marks a 1.8 percentage point jump from Episode 5’s 20.5% nationwide, officially pushing the series past The Fiery Priest’s 22.0% record from 2019. While the viewing ratio saw its first decline since Episode 1 — the week-to-week growth slowed — the show still maintained its streak of 20%+ results, a threshold it’s held since Episode 2.
A Six-Week Climb from 9.5% to 22.3%
The growth trajectory remains one of the most striking in recent K-drama history. Starring So Ji Sub as the relentless Manager Kim, the series premiered at a modest 9.5% for Episode 1 before doubling its audience in under six weeks. Industry watchers say that kind of linear TV growth is nearly unheard of in 2026, when most dramas front-load their ratings.
Episode 6: Warehouse Rescue, Shocking Twists
Saturday’s episode delivered what SBS teased as a “critical turning point” in Kim Do-hyeon’s search for daughter Min Ji. Viewers were treated to a fast-paced warehouse rescue mission intercut with emotional flashbacks, as the conspiracy surrounding Min Ji’s abduction widened. The hour ended on two cliffhangers: the true identity of a mole inside the NIS, and Min Ji coming face-to-face with Ju Kang Chan’s second-in-command.
Critics noted the episode successfully balanced the series’ signature fight choreography with higher emotional stakes, calling it “a thriller that never forgets it’s about a father first.” Social media mirrored the ratings surge, with #AgentKimEP6 trending #1 on Threads and Instagram Korea for over 9 hours post-broadcast.
Still the Drama to Beat in 2026
With six episodes aired, *Agent Kim Reactivated* has become SBS’s tentpole success of the year, outperforming even the network’s expectations. The combination of So Ji Sub’s return to action, a tightly plotted conspiracy arc, and a strong ensemble cast — including Bae Soo-jin and breakout Park Ji-an — has kept both domestic and international buzz growing.
SBS confirmed Sunday that the drama has already been licensed in 12 territories, with global streaming negotiations in final stages.
