'Chief Kim' Hits 21.6% Viewership Rating

SBS Friday-Saturday drama 'Chief Kim' surpassed 21.6% in viewership ratings, securing the No. 1 spot in its time slot. Exceeding 20% viewership in just four episodes, it set new records, including the highest viewership for a drama in 2026 and ranking third in SBS Friday-Saturday drama history. The average viewership in the Seoul metropolitan area reached 22.7%, with the national average at 21.6%, and the peak moment hitting 25.1%. This marks the first drama in approximately two years to surpass 20% since 2024. On a national basis, it ranks third in SBS Friday-Saturday drama history, following 'The Penthouse 2' (29.2%) and 'The Fiery Priest' (22%).

The viewership rating for the 2049 demographic also proved its popularity, averaging 7.6% and peaking at 8.81%. Notably, surpassing 20% in just four episodes is a faster pace than 'The Fiery Priest,' 'Stove League,' and 'The Penthouse 2,' indicating the burgeoning 'Chief Kim' syndrome.

In episode 4, Chief Kim (played by So Ji-sub) embarked on a life-threatening pursuit with Sung Han-soo (played by Choi Dae-hoon) and Park Jin-chul (played by Yoon Kyung-ho) to find his daughter Min-ji (played by Seo Soo-min). Chief Kim, sustaining a gunshot wound, made a desperate dash. Sung Han-soo, after dealing with Mole (played by Won Hyun-joon) for his friend, plunged into the river, while Park Jin-chul drew attention with his white flag surrender.

Chief Kim's past from 28 years ago was also revealed. Young Chief Kim underwent harsh training with Codename 66 Park Young-kwang (played by Ok Taec-yeon), growing into a legendary agent. However, he fell into a trap during a mission, leading to Park Young-kwang's death and his own tragic survival.

Returning to the present, Chief Kim faced threats from Park Young-kwang's brother, Park Kang-sung (played by Kim Sung-kyu), narrowly escaping death amidst gunfire. After overcoming the crisis with the help of Jung Sang-ah (played by Son Na-eun) and the laundromat owner (played by Park Jin-woo), Chief Kim learned of his daughter's kidnapping and disappeared with Sung Han-soo. Chief Kim, bleeding from his gunshot wound, opted to staunch the bleeding himself instead of going to the hospital, revealing his desperate paternal love for his daughter.