'Manager Kim' Syndrome Crosses Borders, Tops Netflix Global Non-English TV Chart

The 'Manager Kim' syndrome, which has taken the domestic television scene by storm by surpassing 20 percent in viewership ratings, has crossed borders to capture the hearts of viewers worldwide.

According to the global Top 10 chart released by Netflix's official site, Tudum, on July 8, the SBS Friday-Saturday drama 'Manager Kim' recorded 10.5 million views (total hours viewed divided by runtime) from June 29 to July 5, proudly taking the number one spot in the global non-English TV show category.

After its initial release on June 26, 'Manager Kim' jumped straight to third place in the non-English show category in just three days. It gained momentum through word-of-mouth and secured the global top spot in its second week of release. Looking at the metrics by country, it reached number one in 11 nations, including South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, and Peru. It also demonstrated its power by landing on the Top 10 list in 79 countries across the globe, including France, Italy, Brazil, and Mexico.

Based on the webtoon of the same name, 'Manager Kim' is an action-packed revenge drama centered on a father's universe. It follows Manager Kim (played by So Ji-sub), a former special agent living as an ordinary breadwinner and office worker in South Korea while hiding his past, as he reveals his true identity to save his only missing daughter and engages in a life-or-death struggle. Critics note that the heavy paternal love of a father who will stop at nothing for his child, combined with fast-paced action that swiftly subdues villains who have evaded the law, is providing global viewers with a thrilling sense of catharsis.

The fervor for the terrestrial broadcast is also at its peak. 'Manager Kim' has maintained a strong upward trend, surpassing a nationwide viewership rating of 21.6 percent (based on Nielsen Korea) in just four episodes. This is by far the most overwhelming record among miniseries aired this year. Furthermore, it is setting new milestones with every episode, ranking third in the history of SBS Friday-Saturday drama hits, closely trailing 'The Penthouse 2' (29.2 percent) and 'The Fiery Priest' (22 percent).

Meanwhile, 'Manager Kim' airs every Friday and Saturday at 9:50 p.m. on SBS.

Reported by Kang Sun-ae

(SBS Entertainment News, Reporter Kang Sun-ae)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.