Choi Dae-hoon shines in 'Agent Kim Reactivated' finale with 23.0% rating

Actor Choi Dae-hoon concluded 'Agent Kim Reactivated' by navigating through laughter, action, and deep paternal love. The series also wrapped up its run in success, recording a nationwide viewership rating of 23.0% in its final episode.

The final episode of the SBS Friday-Saturday drama 'Agent Kim Reactivated' (written by Da-Jung Nam, directed by Lee Seung-young and Soeun Lee), which aired on the 25th, recorded 23.4% in the Seoul metropolitan area, 23.0% nationwide, and a peak instant rating of 27.1% according to Nielsen Korea. By maintaining the No. 1 viewership rating across all channels in its time slot for 10 consecutive episodes, it achieved a successful conclusion by recording the highest viewership rating for a 2026 mini-series.

The character Sung Han-soo, played by Choi Dae-hoon, threw himself into danger until the very end to protect his friends and family. Placed in a situation where he had to face his long-time friend Agent Kim (So Ji-sub) due to the schemes of Joo Kang-chan (Joo Sang-wook), who held his son's life hostage, he wavered between the hesitation of being unable to attack his friend and the desperation to save his son.

In particular, Choi Dae-hoon completed intense scenes with action that highlighted Sung Han-soo's characteristics as a former national Taekwondo athlete. The mid-air kick used to take down Manager Nam (Lee Dong-ha) marked the climax of the three-person action sequence performed alongside Agent Kim and Park Jin-cheol (Yoon Kyung-ho). After the incident was resolved, he returned to ordinary daily life, continuing an unchanging friendship with the two friends, transforming the tension of the drama into a warm lingering impression.

Sung Han-soo's charm was not limited to action. He was a colleague who gave his all for his friends in times of crisis, and a kind uncle to Minzy. In front of his son, he showed the image of a father trying to correct wrongdoings. Choi Dae-hoon added three-dimensionality to the character by widely covering everything from sly everyday acting to heavy emotional lines and paternal love.

Following the finale, Choi Dae-hoon shared his characteristic cheerful thoughts regarding the high viewership rating, saying, "I really can't tell if this is reality or not. It feels like someone else's story that I've only seen on TV," adding, "I'm sure someone is continuously filming a hidden camera prank."

He cited 'fusion' as the most important aspect of portraying Sung Han-soo. He explained, "I focused on the fusion of the three friends—how the fused one would dedicate themselves to a single goal."

Regarding the paternal love and loyalty that permeated the drama, he viewed them not as emotions that must be forced, but as feelings that arise naturally within relationships. Choi Dae-hoon stated, "I think these are emotions that spring up naturally if one receives the existence of a child or meets the existence of a friend," noting that he was able to joyfully finish the work thanks to the actors he performed with.

He also expressed satisfaction with the chemistry of the 'Ahjussi Trio' completed with So Ji-sub and Yoon Kyung-ho. Choi Dae-hoon described the relationship between the three as a 'mutually beneficial relationship' where they help each other and fill in each other's deficiencies, saying, "Above all, there was a sense of mutual respect, and I think the composition was very good."

He also shared a story regarding the Taekwondo uniform he wore in almost every episode. He said that while it was uncomfortable at first due to a lack of elasticity, he adapted as filming continued, and it gradually became a precious costume. However, he wittily looked back on the filming days, saying it was a garment that made him "colder when it's cold and hotter when it's hot."

Regarding Sung Han-soo, who freely moved between sly humor and seriousness, he gave an unexpected answer. Choi Dae-hoon said, "I always maintained a serious attitude. There are almost no moments where he smiles brightly," adding, "I am simply grateful to the viewers who gave generous laughter scores to the serious Sung Han-soo."

When asked how 'Agent Kim Reactivated' and Sung Han-soo would remain in his filmography, he defined it as a 'comic-book-like page.' He explained that it was a work where things that seem impossible in reality become possible and 'unicorn-like beings' appear.

Regarding his future activities, Choi Dae-hoon left a message for viewers, saying, "I think I will be able to see you again through various genres and different occupations. I will greet you again with a healthy and smiling face next time. I say it again, even if I say it a hundred times: Thank you."

After finishing 'Agent Kim Reactivated,' Choi Dae-hoon has confirmed his appearance in the new ENA drama 'Alluring Romance' as his next project. Following 'Agent Kim Reactivated,' which spanned action, bromance, and paternal love, he is set to showcase a new side in a romantic comedy.