Director Lee Seung-young Hints at Season 2 of Hit SBS Drama 'Agent Kim Reactivated': 'Positive Discussions Started Last Week'

Surpassing 20% in viewership ratings and sweeping the No. 1 spot on Netflix global charts to become this year's biggest sensation, the SBS Friday-Saturday drama 'Agent Kim Reactivated' has taken its first steps toward producing a second season.

Director Lee Seung-young, who helmed 'Agent Kim Reactivated', revealed regarding the much-anticipated possibility of a second season during a wrap interview with the press held at a cafe in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on July 30, 'Starting last week, stakeholders have begun earnest discussions in a positive direction.'

Based on the webtoon of the same name, 'Agent Kim Reactivated' is a revenge action drama about an ordinary father setting out to rescue his daughter, and it concluded its run on July 25. The final episode of 'Agent Kim Reactivated' achieved massive success, recording a nationwide viewership rating of 23.0% and 23.4% in the metropolitan area (according to Nielsen Korea). Furthermore, the series maintained its popularity in the global market by ranking No. 1 in the Netflix Non-English TV shows category for three consecutive weeks.

In the final episode of 'Agent Kim Reactivated', Agent Kim (played by So Jisub) successfully rescued his daughter Minji (played by Minji) and returned to his peaceful daily life. However, the ending depicted Agent Kim visiting a place called Baekho Labor Agency and meeting a new character named Lee Do-gyu, sparking a flood of speculation as to whether it hinted at a second season of 'Agent Kim Reactivated'.

Regarding this, Director Lee said, 'The ending of Season 1 is indeed an open ending. We did have Season 2 in mind, but even if we didn't, it was an open ending that allowed for it.'

Director Lee had already foreseen the possibility of a seasonal format for 'Agent Kim Reactivated' starting from the SBS Drama Media Day held prior to its release. However, he actually kept quiet after the box office success of 'Agent Kim Reactivated'.

Explaining why he refrained from mentioning specific plans for a second season, Director Lee confessed, 'In truth, on the filming set, we were busy shooting day by day. After filming ended, we were tied up with post-production, and once it aired, the response was far hotter than expected, leading us to spend a month on edge with nervous tension. Because we were in a state that was both joyful and tense, any talk about Season 2 up until then was merely at the level of a joke.'

Now that the project has brought its grand finale to a close and proven both its commercial success and artistic quality, the situation has begun to turn serious. Raising expectations, Director Lee shared, 'It was only last week that we finally started having serious conversations about Season 2. Since we are just at the stage of beginning discussions, we intend to talk things over with an orderly and restrained attitude.'

Behind the fact that discussions for Season 2 could rapidly gain positive momentum shortly after the conclusion of 'Agent Kim Reactivated' lies not only the syndromic popularity of the drama, but also the overwhelming teamwork and affection of the staff and cast who led the production. Despite harsh on-site conditions—such as high-difficulty action shoots conducted in midwinter cold while being sprayed with water—the team remained united in perfectionism without a single complaint.

Recalling the experience, Director Lee said, 'At the wrap party, everyone expressed regret that they wouldn't go to the filming set anymore, and at the final gathering, while trying to accept the good results with humility, we freely shared the joy of our success among ourselves. Encountering a project where both the process was good and the results are this grateful is an amazing experience that happens only a few times in a lifetime for a director or an actor.'

Cast members including lead actor So Jisub, Joo Sang Wook, and Yoon Kyungho also harbor extraordinary affection for the project and the team, raising expectations that specific communion regarding Season 2 will deepen further during their reward vacation. While noting that 'the reward vacation will serve as an opportunity to temporarily put down the word 'Agent Kim Reactivated' and rest,' Director Lee did not hide his deep affection for his team members.

Based on a webtoon, 'Agent Kim Reactivated' transcended a simple satisfying revenge drama by harmoniously blending deep paternal love to protect one's child and the humanity of multi-dimensional characters, leaving a profound resonance in the living rooms of viewers. Director Lee Seung-young's directing ability, which struck a balance between plausible action rather than brutal slaughter and cheerful comedy, is also cited as a primary contributor to its box office success.

Analyzing the factors behind its popularity, Director Lee stated, 'I believe that the yearning for paternal love and human-like characters is a universally effective power across both East and West. In 'Agent Kim Reactivated', even in extremely urgent situations because of his daughter, the character does not treat life carelessly. We did not shoot a single scene where Agent Kim kills a person. Viewers would not like it just because the main character beats up bad people. I think what garnered positive responses was the progression where characters remain human while delivering a refreshing sense of relief, the triumph of good over evil, and poetic justice. I believe people appreciated seeing justice and righteousness upheld, even if only within a drama.'

Anticipation is already building over what kind of narrative and action 'Agent Kim Reactivated' Season 2, which has set its sails in earnest, will return with.

Reporter Kang Sun-ae

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