The recent surge in popularity of SBS' Friday-Saturday drama Agent Kim Reactivated, starring So Ji-sub, has sparked a heated debate among experts about the role of violent dramas in reflecting society's mood.
The series, which follows a devoted father's relentless quest for revenge after his daughter goes missing, has been making waves with its graphic depictions of violence. The eighth episode recorded a nationwide viewership rating of 23.1 percent, setting a new series high and becoming the second highest-rated SBS Friday-Saturday drama of all time.
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But what sets Agent Kim Reactivated apart from other dramas is its unapologetic portrayal of violence. With nearly every episode featuring bloody revenge scenes, the show has been praised for its raw intensity and condemned for its graphic content. The show's success has led some experts to question whether violent dramas are a reflection of society's dark side or simply a product of our fascination with the macabre.
Record-Breaking Numbers
The ratings for Agent Kim Reactivated are not an isolated incident. The show has been consistently high in the ratings, with its previous record of 22.3 percent set by episode 6 being surpassed by the eighth episode's 23.1 percent.
This trend is not unique to SBS' dramas. Netflix original series Teach You a Lesson has also emerged as one of this summer's biggest hits, ranking sixth among the most-watched titles worldwide on the platform during the first half of 2026.
