K-Drama My Name is Kim Bok-joo: Actor So Ji-sub's Identity Revealed

SBS Friday-Saturday drama "Chief Kim" is garnering attention with high viewership ratings from its very first broadcast. While the drama, starring So Ji-sub in the title role, might evoke comparisons to the popular JTBC drama "Chief Kim Story" from last year, it is being emphasized as a work with a different texture. The first episode recorded a viewership rating of 9.5%, and the second episode saw a 6.2 percentage point increase to 15.7%, achieving the highest viewership rating among dramas aired this year.

The drama "Chief Kim" tells the story of Chief Kim (played by So Ji-sub), who is disguised as an ordinary office worker, revealing his true identity as he gets entangled in a school violence incident involving his daughter. Chief Kim tries to live a quiet life with his daughter, even kneeling and apologizing to the parents of the school violence perpetrators, but when his daughter Minji goes missing, he embarks on a bloody revenge. During this process, it is revealed that Chief Kim was a top black agent, codenamed 66, who operated as a double agent, moving between North and South Korea.

In this drama, So Ji-sub portrays a father who will go to any lengths for his daughter, once again exuding the charisma he displayed in his past action roles. His cool action sequences, utilizing his broad shoulders and long limbs, combined with his expressive face conveying sorrow, enhance the character's charm. In particular, the scene where his scarred body is revealed after his daughter's disappearance, and his eyes change as he removes his glasses, left a strong impression on viewers.

Choi Dae-hoon (as Sung Han-soo) and Yoon Kyung-ho (as Park Jin-chul), who appear as Chief Kim's friends, also made their presence felt from their first appearance. The two, who show unwavering friendship as a taekwondo instructor and a former Marine, added to the drama's entertainment by showcasing impressive action in fight scenes against thugs. Their performances also raise anticipation for future developments.

"Chief Kim" is being praised for its masterful blend of thrilling action and realistic relatability. Writer Nam Dae-joong has convincingly depicted the daily life of an ordinary family man, paternal love, school violence, and class realities, while director Lee Seung-young has enhanced immersion with direction that excels in controlling the pace of emotions and action. The ending, in particular, where Chief Kim's identity is revealed and he displays an overwhelming awakening, has amplified viewers' curiosity.