Son Na-eun on meeting So Ji-sub: "His presence was overwhelming"

Actress Son Na-eun expressed her admiration for the overwhelming presence of So Ji-sub, with whom she is working in the SBS Friday-Saturday drama 'Agent Kim Reactivated.' She shared the tension and excitement of meeting an actor who has long been a pop culture icon, as well as unexpected commonalities among the cast members, revealing the atmosphere both on and off set.

On the 22nd, a video titled "Son Na-eun: 'From first impressions of So Ji-sub to getting numbers abroad!' Deep dive into Agent Kim and the real Son Na-eun" was posted on the YouTube channel 'YouTube Ha Jiyoung.'

During the video, while conversing with host Ha Ji-young, Son recalled behind-the-scenes stories from the filming of the SBS Friday-Saturday drama 'Agent Kim Reactivated,' including her first meeting with So.

Son said she could not forget the moment she first faced So at the script reading session.

"I have watched So Ji-sub sunbaenim's works since I was young," she said. "Because he has such a unique image that the public even gave him the nickname 'So Ganji' (So Charisma), I was extremely curious about him even before meeting him in person."

She continued to vividly convey her impression at the time, recalling, "I thought he would have an incredible aura, but when I actually went to the reading session, I found myself thinking 'Wow' just by seeing him sitting there."

The nickname 'So Ganji' is a cultural symbol created by the combination of So's uniquely restrained charisma, heavy presence, and sophisticated image built over a long career. His acting style, which leaves a strong impression through a calm atmosphere rather than flamboyant gestures, has long served as a standard for many junior actors.

Son also revealed unexpected commonalities among the cast.

She surprised listeners by revealing that most of the main actors, including herself, So, Yoon Kyung-ho, Choi Dae-hoon, and Joo Sang-wook, have 'I' (Introverted) tendencies in their MBTI.

Upon hearing this, Ha reacted, "He doesn't look like that at all. Especially Yoon Kyung-ho sunbaenim, he seems to put in so much effort."

Son agreed, saying, "That's true. Because actors show completely different sides while acting, you don't really feel that they are introverted people until you know their actual personalities."

Recently, MBTI, a psychological type test, has become an interesting cultural code for understanding the personalities of celebrities. In particular, the fact that actors who portray intense characters are often actually introverted is being embraced by the public as a unique, unexpected charm.

Son also spoke honestly about her own personality.

"I am not naturally very good at talking," she explained. "But I am the type to initiate conversation first because I worry that people meeting me for the first time might feel uncomfortable."

This revealed both her shy nature and her considerate attitude toward others, offering a glimpse into her quiet yet meticulous personality.

'Agent Kim Reactivated,' in which Son appears, is a production that combines spy action with human drama, recording both high buzz and high viewership ratings simultaneously.

In particular, the cast—centered around So and including Yoon Kyung-ho, Choi Dae-hoon, Joo Sang-wook, and Son—is being praised for enhancing the drama's quality through organic chemistry. The balanced ensemble created by actors with different personalities is cited as a key element that increases the work's immersion.

In fact, the 8th episode of 'Agent Kim Reactivated' recently recorded a viewership rating of 23.1% based on Nielsen Korea nationwide, breaking its own record. In a highly competitive drama market, a rating exceeding 20% is an achievement that proves both the quality and popularity of the work.

Son's sincere first impression of So goes beyond simple fandom; it serves as an example of how an actor who has long represented Korean dramas is perceived by his juniors. The unexpected charm of these actors—who are introverted off-camera yet complete intense characters in front of the camera—is drawing attention as another reason why 'Agent Kim Reactivated' maintains such high immersion.