With only two episodes left until its finale, the SBS Friday-Saturday drama "Chief Kim" is proving its status as the biggest hit of 2026, exploding with unrivaled viewership ratings and immense buzz.
Aired on the 18th, episode 8 of "Chief Kim" broke its own viewership records once again, recording 23.6% in the metropolitan area and 23.1% nationwide, with a peak rating of 26.2% based on Nielsen Korea. Not only did it rank No. 1 across all channels in the same time slot, but its 2049 viewership rating also surged to an average of 7.6% and a peak of 8.59%, effortlessly rewriting the record for the highest viewership rating among 2026 miniseries.
Its momentum on the global stage also shows no signs of slowing down. According to Netflix's official Tudum website on the 22nd, "Chief Kim" claimed the No. 1 spot globally in the non-English TV show category for three consecutive weeks. It secured the No. 1 position in a total of 19 countries, including South Korea, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, and Peru, and entered the TOP 10 in 73 countries worldwide, proving its powerful global syndrome.
Domestic buzz indicators are equally overwhelming. It ranked No. 1 on Good Data Corporation's FUNdex TV drama buzz survey for the third consecutive week in the third week of July. In addition, title role actor So Ji-sub claimed the No. 1 spot in the July actor brand reputation big data analysis by the Korea Corporate Reputation Research Institute, proving his major contribution to the box office success. Key cast members, including Yoon Kyung-ho and Joo Sang-wook, also dominated the TOP 10 for drama cast buzz.
In the previously broadcast 8th episode, Chief Kim (played by So Ji-sub) set out on his final mission for a fresh start with his daughter Min-ji (played by Seo Su-min). However, with the appearance of a traitor within the Special Mission Bureau and his daughter Min-ji being taken hostage, he faced a desperate crisis with no way out.
The production team hinted, "The final phase will unfold where the choices, relationships, and conflicts of the characters built up layer by layer collide all at once," adding, "Twists that surpass expectations, more intense action, and a plot that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats until the very end are coming." They also urged, "Please watch until the end to see what kind of conclusion awaits Chief Kim and the 'Dad Universe' on their final mission."
Meanwhile, episodes 9 and the final episode 10 of the runaway hit "Chief Kim" will air at 9:50 PM on the 24th and 25th, respectively. Following that, the "Chief Kim Special" will greet viewers at home on the 31st and August 1st.
Reported by Kang Sun-ae
(Photo courtesy of SBS Entertainment News)
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