'Ratings Break 20%': 'Manager Kim' Tops Charts in 20 Countries Overseas, Simultaneous Domestic and International Success [K-EYES]

*This content was translated by AI.

SBS drama "Manager Kim," starring So Ji-sub, is creating a sensation both domestically and internationally.

In Korea, the series achieved national ratings of 21.6% (22.7% in the Seoul metropolitan area), with a peak instantaneous rating of 25.1%, surpassing the 20th% mark within just four episodes. This marks the first time since around 2024—approximately two years later—that such a milestone has been reached, ranking as the third-highest viewership for an SBS Friday-Saturday drama in history. It also broke through the 20th% threshold faster than "Priest," "Stove League," and "The Penthouse 2."

Released globally via Netflix, "Manager Kim" quickly entered the top tier of non-English series worldwide. As of July 4, according to FlixPatrol data, it ranked number one in 20 countries. It maintains a top-two position across Asia, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Japan. The drama is also making its presence felt outside Asia, holding a top-six ranking in the United States.

Based on the webtoon of the same name by writer Park Tae-jun, "Manager Kim" tells the story of a former special agent who lived undercover as an ordinary middle-aged office worker and reveals his secret identity to fight for his daughter's life. So Ji-sub plays the lead role of Manager Kim, with co-stars including Choi Dae-hoon, Yoon Kyung-ho, and Son Na-eun. Overseas, it is being promoted as a Netflix Original content.

Overseas viewer reviews posted on IMDb are overwhelmingly positive. The series holds an average rating of 8.1 out of 10 points.

In user reviews, one viewer stated, "In many action dramas, characters fight even though they know they might not survive. But the action in 'Manager Kim' stems from a father's determination to survive at all costs for his daughter. The emotional core is completely different." Another viewer wrote, "I've watched many Korean action thrillers, but this is the first series that feels so intense. Every episode leaves you eagerly waiting for the next one."

Reactions from webtoon fans were also enthusiastic. One overseas viewer who identified as a fan of the original work said, "As a devoted fan of the 'Manager Kim' webtoon, I was worried about its live-action adaptation, but So Ji-sub perfectly embodied the character. The fight scenes feel like direct translations of the original webtoon panels." Another comment noted, "While it shares a similar concept with 'Taken,' it takes violence and emotional intensity to a much deeper level."

There were also some negative perspectives. One viewer remarked, "Although there are interesting elements, certain scenes lack logical consistency, and overly long dialogue makes the story feel scattered." Some viewers expressed concern over the high level of violence. However, overwhelmingly positive evaluations prevailed, with many calling it "the most brutal yet moving Korean action drama" and "a fatherhood drama that stands apart from conventional revenge stories."

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*This content was translated by AI.