“Agent Kim Reactivated” is taking the world by storm on Netflix, solidifying K-drama’s undeniable global power! The thrilling action series, starring the iconic So Ji Sub, has clinched the coveted No. 1 spot on Netflix’s Global Top 10 Non-English TV chart for an incredible two consecutive weeks. Amassing an impressive 9.1 million views, the drama isn’t just leading; it’s dominating, with a gap exceeding 2.5 times between first and second place. This incredible feat is part of a larger trend, with four Korean titles simultaneously landing in Netflix’s global Top 10, once again proving the worldwide appeal and impact of K-dramas.
9.1 Million Views in Its Third Week: What Makes ‘Agent Kim Reactivated’ Different?
According to Netflix’s official Tudum Top 10 rankings released on July 15, ‘Agent Kim Reactivated’ recorded 9.1 million views during the week of July 6–12, making it the most-watched non-English TV show on the platform. After a highly anticipated premiere on June 26, the series swiftly climbed to No. 1 in its second week and has successfully defended that top spot for another consecutive week.
What truly stands out is that the show’s momentum has not slowed in its third week. Most new dramas typically see their viewership peak during their first or second week before a gradual decline. ‘Agent Kim Reactivated,’ however, remarkably maintained its 9.1 million views in week three, a clear sign that powerful word-of-mouth is continuously attracting new audiences long after its initial debut.
Its international performance has been equally breathtaking. The drama soared to No. 1 in 22 countries, spanning key markets like South Korea, the Philippines, Singapore, and Qatar. It also comfortably entered the Top 10 in a staggering 72 countries. This broad geographic reach, stretching from the heart of Asia to the Middle East, vividly demonstrates that its popularity extends far beyond a single region, resonating with diverse global audiences.
A Father’s Love, A Global Hit: The Power of the Original Webtoon
So, what exactly has transformed ‘Agent Kim Reactivated’ into such a global sensation?
At its heart, the series is based on the beloved hit webtoon of the same name. This action-packed drama centers on Kim Bu Jang, a former elite special agent who has deliberately hidden his extraordinary abilities to live as an ordinary bank employee. The plot kicks into high gear when his daughter mysteriously disappears, forcing him to shed his mundane facade, reveal his true identity, and fight against all odds to rescue her.
The premise itself – a seemingly ordinary middle-aged father secretly possessing the skills of an elite operative – offers a universally appealing story that transcends language or cultural barriers. When combined with the deeply emotional core of a father’s unwavering, fierce love for his daughter, the series brilliantly delivers both high-octane action and profound emotional catharsis. Its No. 1 ranking in 22 countries is undeniable proof that this compelling narrative has deeply connected with audiences across the globe.
Domestic Ratings Soar: From 9.5% to 22.3% and Beyond!
The drama’s unparalleled success isn’t confined to Netflix alone.
‘Agent Kim Reactivated,’ which airs concurrently in South Korea through SBS, debuted with a strong 9.5% nationwide rating on June 26. However, its trajectory has been nothing short of meteoric, reaching a new personal best of 22.3% by its sixth episode! In just six episodes, the drama’s domestic ratings have more than doubled, a truly remarkable achievement.
Even its premiere rating of 9.5% was considered exceptionally strong in today’s competitive television landscape. The steady climb beyond the impressive 20% mark reflects its growing popularity on both traditional broadcast television and global streaming platforms. It’s also relatively rare for a Korean broadcast drama to simultaneously dominate Netflix’s global rankings, making ‘Agent Kim Reactivated’ one of the K-industry’s biggest and most celebrated success stories this year.
So Ji Sub: King of Brand Reputation in July!
The drama’s immense popularity has, unsurprisingly, given a significant boost to its charismatic lead actor’s public recognition.
So Ji Sub proudly ranked No. 1 in the highly anticipated July 2026 Drama Actor Brand Reputation Rankings, a testament to his enduring appeal and the show’s impact.
So Ji Sub recorded an impressive Brand Reputation Index of 6,583,287, a composite score reflecting his powerful presence across various metrics:
* Participation Index: 1,324,195
* Media Index: 1,918,156
* Communication Index: 1,589,312
* Community Index: 1,751,625
He was closely followed by Heo Nam Jun in second place with 5,934,217, while Kim Mu Yeol secured third with 5,562,319.
Koo Chang Hwan, director of the Korea Corporate Reputation Research Institute, highlighted that So Ji Sub’s most prominent linked keywords included “solid,” “thrilling,” and “powerful.” His top keyword associations were “fatherly love,” “live viewing,” and “outlaw middle-aged man.” The institute also reported a remarkably high 93.58% positive sentiment, indicating overwhelmingly favorable public reception – a true fan favorite! The inclusion of “live viewing” among the most prominent keywords is particularly telling, suggesting that audiences are eagerly tuning in during the original broadcast rather than solely waiting to binge-watch later.
Koo also noted that July’s drama actor brand data showed an overall increase of 0.42% compared to June, with brand consumption rising 7.94% and brand issues increasing 9.66%.
Korean Content Reigns: ‘Teach You A Lesson’ & More Dominate Netflix Top 10
‘Agent Kim Reactivated’ was far from the only Korean production making monumental waves on Netflix.
In a strong second place was ‘Teach You A Lesson,’ which garnered 3.6 million views in its sixth week on the chart. Although it has remained just behind ‘Agent Kim’ for two consecutive weeks, its remarkable achievement of spending six straight weeks in Netflix’s Global Top 10 speaks volumes about its sustained popularity.
Third place went to ‘The Polygamist,’ also logging an impressive 3.6 million views in its fifth week. Having two Korean dramas remain in the Top 3 for five or more consecutive weeks truly reflects sustained viewer interest and deep engagement rather than fleeting, short-lived buzz.
The highly anticipated dating reality series ‘Better Late Than Single’ Season 2 made a strong debut at No. 8 with 1.5 million views. Not to be outdone, ‘Apartment’ entered directly at No. 10 after accumulating 1.4 million views in just two days. Given its abbreviated tracking period, industry observers are already buzzing with predictions that this series will climb even higher next week!
Another notable entry that caught global attention was ‘Human Vapor,’ which ranked No. 4 with 3.4 million views in its second week. This Japanese Netflix original, notably executive produced and written by the acclaimed Yeon Sang Ho (known for ‘Train to Busan’), powerfully demonstrates how Korean creators are increasingly leading and shaping global productions, extending their influence far beyond Korea itself.
The remainder of this week’s Netflix Non-English TV Top 10 included:
* No. 5: ‘I’m Not Afraid’ (Week 1, 3.1 million views)
* No. 6: ‘Summer ’36’ (Week 2, 2.2 million views)
* No. 7: ‘Oasis’ (Week 4, 1.7 million views)
* No. 9: ‘Unlocked: A Jail Experiment’ (Week 2, 1.5 million views)
This week’s chart saw three exciting new entries: ‘I’m Not Afraid,’ ‘Better Late Than Single’ Season 2, and ‘Apartment,’ keeping the competition fierce.
Attention is now keenly turning to whether ‘Agent Kim Reactivated’ can astonishingly remain No. 1 for a third consecutive week. With domestic ratings continuing their upward trajectory and strong audience engagement vividly reflected in its brand reputation rankings, the drama appears incredibly well-positioned to maintain its extraordinary momentum. Industry watchers will also be keeping a close eye on whether exciting newcomers like ‘Apartment’ and ‘I’m Not Afraid’ can continue their climb up next week’s highly anticipated chart.
Korean Content Continues to Shine in Netflix Film Rankings
Korean productions weren’t just dominating the TV charts; they also maintained a strong and vibrant presence in Netflix’s movie rankings, further cementing K-content’s all-around global appeal.
In the Non-English Films category, the star-studded ‘Husbands In Action,’ featuring Gong Myoung and Jin Sun Kyu, confidently held onto the No. 10 spot.
Meanwhile, in the English-language Films category, the unique ‘K-Pop Demon Hunters’ remained at No. 10, extending its remarkable streak to an astounding 56 consecutive weeks in Netflix’s Top 10! More than a year after its release, this film continues to defy expectations, showcasing the enduring and widespread global appeal of K-pop-inspired entertainment. The future of K-content is undeniably bright, captivating hearts and screens worldwide!
