So Ji-sub and Yoon Kyung-ho deliver a hit... 'Manager Kim' breaks 15% in just two episodes, a record not seen in five years

*This content was translated by AI.

'Manager Kim,' starring So Ji-sub, Chae Min-ho, and Yoon Kyung-ho, set a new viewership record in just two episodes.

The SBS Friday-Saturday drama 'Manager Kim' (script by Nam Dae-jung, directed by Lee Seung-young and Lee So-eun), which premiered on the 26th, has sparked explosive popularity, soaring to 15.7% nationwide, 15.9% in the Seoul metropolitan area, and a peak instantaneous rating of 18.1% in just two episodes, instantly breaking the 15th% viewership barrier.

Notably, surpassing 15% viewership in just two episodes marks the first time since 'The Penthouse 3' in 2021, approximately five years ago, and represents a new high-speed record across all channels' dramas. After achieving the number one spot for first-episode viewership among all mini-series broadcast in 2026 with 9.5% nationwide and 9.8% in the Seoul metropolitan area in its premiere, it has now set a historic record by surpassing its peak viewership in just two episodes.

Performance among the 2049 demographic also averaged 5.8%, peaking at 7.17%, securing the top position not only among all Saturday programs but also among all programs across all channels and genres broadcast throughout the week. This achievement draws particular attention as it marks the first time since tvN's 'Queen of Tears' and SBS's 'Good Partner' that viewership among the 2049 demographic has exceeded 5% in nearly two years. It has proven its power as a cross-generational hit by completely captivating not only middle-aged viewers but also younger audiences.

Reactions are equally hot not only domestically but also internationally. The drama ranked third on Netflix's global chart (based on FlixPatrol), entered the TOP 10 in 90 countries, and topped the charts in eight countries including South Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and New Caledonia, spreading the 'Manager Kim syndrome' worldwide in just two episodes.

Lee Gwang-soon, CP, stated, "We sincerely thank the viewers who have shown us more love than we could have imagined since the first week. We had many concerns about how the weight of the character 'Manager Kim' and his desperate struggle to protect his family would resonate with younger generations. However, it seems viewers across all age groups, including the 2049 demographic, deeply empathized with the meaning of the 'father' figure and their thrilling counterattacks. The true catharsis of the 'Manager Kim team's' 'father universe' is just beginning, so we ask for your continued anticipation for what comes next," raising expectations.

Meanwhile, the third episode of 'Manager Kim' will air on Friday, July 3, at 9:50 p.m.

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*This content was translated by AI.