Agent Kim Reactivated (2026) 김부장
Directed by Lee Seung-young, starring So Ji-sub as Kim Do-hyeon / Mr. Kim, Choi Dae-hoon as Seong Han-soo, Yoon Kyung-ho as Park Jin-cheol, Joo Sang-wook as Ju Gang-chan, Son Na-eun as Jung Sang-a, Park Jin-woo as Im Ho-won, and Seo Su-min as Kim Min-ji.
Watched 7 - 13 August 2026 — 10 episodes (NETFLIX)
Why did I choose this drama? — Been meaning to see this one, and my niece was very enthusiastic about it, so I prioritised this and watched it with my sister via Chromecast on our biggish screen.
What's it about? — Retired black-ops agent Kim Do-hyeon lives a quiet life as a bank manager and widower/single father of a teenage daughter. That is, until his daughter Kim Min-ji goes missing. With the help of his buddies Seong Han-soo, a former Olympic Taekwondo gold medalist, and Park Jin-cheol, a former soldier, he tracks down Kim Min-ji, hereby unearthing his past.
Overall thoughts — Somehow I had expected a darker series. I knew it was pitched as an action thriller but I hadn't expected the comic relief of Seong Han-soo and Park Jin-cheol, which made the overall tone lighter. There's a strong feel-good vibe, with the heroes beating the bad guys, and punishment is served. Having to deal with different parties (the South Koreans (Special Missions Directorate and their leader Mole Cricket); the North Koreans; Ju Gang-chan, the president of Juhak Construction, and his hoodlums), Agent Kim is never safe. When he's safe from one party, the other is still after him. At times the series has a comic superhero feel, with villains flying through the sky in slow motion. There is a lot of action and violence, and you have to suspend disbelief with the fight scenes, seeing how our heroes take everyone down and how they instantly and miraculously heal. I like how everything is connected, also showing Ju Gang-chan's involvement with the North Koreans.
Male lead — So Ji-sub as Kim Do-hyeon is great in the lead (looking good with the dark-rimmed glasses) and strikes the right balance between a cold and tough agent and an emotional father. He's especially good in the scenes where he confronts the bad guys and has to control his emotions.
Main leads & chemistry — The best thing about this show is undoubtedly the comradeship of our lovable trio, the middle-aged men with glasses. The actors have great chemistry. The show's premise is quite original showing how three men, despite being fearless and badass fighters, are foremost fathers who put their children's lives and safety first.
Romance / bromance — The bromance is obvious but there is no romance, not even a hint of. Still, I was happy with the presence of Son Na-eun as Jung Sang-a, a SMD agent who works undercover at the same bank as Agent Kim. Fortunately she was one of the good guys, and I love how she connected with Kim's daughter Min-ji. Strong performance by Seo Su-min who made her debut with this series.
Other noteworthy supporting characters — I like Park Jin-woo as Im Ho-won, the laundry man, who's also an SMD agent. He provides some humorous moments as well, and I like him working together with Jung Sang-a. Ju Gang-chan, the construction guy mentioned before, is the show's biggest villain/antagonist. He's ruthless and a totally different kind of dad than our trio. Another set of villains consists of Golden Teeth and his cohorts, who are just mainly pathetic and morons. I like Kim Sung-kyu (from Pachinko — Season 2) as Park Gang-seong, a North Korean operative who goes to the South on a mission to eliminate Agent Kim. After finding out Kim is not responsible for his brother's death, Kim's former comrade, Park Gang-seong chooses Kim's side. I love the trust between the men and how Kim keeps his promise. One minor character I also love: Kim Ji-young as Kang Ji-yeong, Jin-cheol's wife. She's great, and I love how Jin-cheol is not afraid of anything except of his wife.
Final episode — Everything is wrapped up nicely, without any loose ends. Even Ju Hye-ri (Ju Gang-chan's daughter who bullied Kim Min-ji and is responsible for her abduction) gets her punishment. It's great to witness the rescue of Seong Han-soo's son and Park Jin-cheol's daughter and the reunion between Agent Kim and his daughter. On a side note, there is too much PPL (product placement). Park Jin-cheol handing out the coffee-flavoured candy Kopiko during the course of the series was already a bit annoying but the overt display of PPL in the final episode, in the form of more Kopiko, the eating out scene with the conveyor-belt full of sushi, and the three men shopping for new glasses, was just cringeworthy.
Recommended? — Definitely! I loved it! I believe it might get a second season. Bring it on!
(Collage made by me.)