KOR
In episodes 3 and 4 of the SBS Friday-Saturday drama "Agent Kim Reactivated" (written by Nam Dae-joong, directed by Lee Seung-young and Lee So-eun), which captivated viewers over the past weekend, Joo Sang Wook played Joo Kang-chan, a construction company chairman and former hired thug. He displayed overwhelming charisma that commanded the entire atmosphere of the show.
Delivering a goosebump-inducing performance that makes it hard to believe this is his first-ever villain role, he has fueled the drama's successful run. "Agent Kim Reactivated" has firmly secured the top spot for weekend dramas, reaching a nationwide average viewership rating of 21.6% and a peak of 25.1% just four episodes into its broadcast, according to Nielsen Korea.
The tension in the drama began when Joo Kang-chan noticed subtle psychological changes in his daughter, Joo Hye-ri (played by Yoo Ji-an). With a sharp instinct, he began to suspect someone behind the scenes and ordered an investigation into the protagonist, Agent Kim (played by So Jisub), setting the stage for a breathtaking confrontation.
His restrained emotional acting during a negotiation table with political and business elites was a highlight. With a smile on his face, he coldly remarked, "If there is something money cannot do, it is because there is not enough money. If it still does not work, just tell me who is impossible to persuade." This line laid bare the cruel ambition of a man who has eliminated obstacles by any means necessary.
His demonic and relentless nature became even clearer in a brutal flashback scene. After subduing his rival, Gold Tooth (played by Jo Bok-rae), Joo Kang-chan had committed a horrific act of torture by pulling out all of his teeth. In a chilling atmosphere, he muttered, "Do you know how I tamed a fierce dog? I made it so it would never bite its owner again." This sociopathic side, which forced his opponents to surrender even their souls, sent shivers down viewers' spines. It was a moment where Joo Sang Wook's clever acting choices shone, maximizing fear through a calm, low tone rather than loud outbursts.
The reaction from the audience after the broadcast was intense. Viewers flooded social media with comments about how they were terrified by the quiet line Joo Sang Wook delivered to his daughter, who had killed a friend: "Did you confirm they're dead?" They expressed deep immersion in the backstory of this top-tier villain hidden behind a gentle gaze.
Attention is now focused on what kind of catastrophe will unfold as he, wearing the mask of a conglomerate chairman while harboring ruthless madness within, begins to clash head-on with Agent Kim, who is trying to save his daughter.
Meanwhile, "Agent Kim Reactivated", which is causing a sensation in the industry by surpassing 20% in viewership ratings, airs every Friday and Saturday at 9:50 PM.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)
