'Department Head Kim': So Ji-sub vs. Joo Sang-wook, Guns Drawn... "Parent-Teacher Meetings Are Not Yet Over"

*This content was translated by AI.

'Department Head Kim' stars So Ji-sub and Joo Sang-wook face off with guns pointed at each other in a final showdown to end their long-standing feud.

The eighth episode of SBS's Friday-Saturday drama 'Department Head Kim' (script by Nam Dae-jung, directed by Lee Seung-young and Lee So-eun), which aired on the 18th, recorded viewership ratings of 23.6% in the Seoul Capital Area, 23.1% nationwide, and a peak instantaneous rating of 26.2% based on Nielsen Korea data, setting yet another record high for itself. Notably, it rewrote the highest viewership record for mini-series aired in 2026, continuing its unprecedented box office momentum. Additionally, it achieved average ratings of 7.6% and a peak of 8.59% among viewers aged 20-49, proving its overwhelming dominance in both viewership and public buzz.

In the previous eighth episode, Department Head Kim (played by So Ji-sub) embarked on his final mission to protect Lee Jae-yong (played by Lee Jae-yong), a high-ranking North Korean defector, for a new life with Min-ji (played by Seo Su-min). However, he was suddenly surrounded by guns after being caught in a massive conspiracy, ending the episode with shocking tension at its peak. Meanwhile, Joo Kang-chan (played by Joo Sang-wook) attempted a dangerous deal that even extended to North Korean authorities in order to take revenge on Department Head Kim for the humiliation he suffered. Ultimately, his revenge crossed the line, pushing Department Head Kim once again to the brink and foreshadowing an unpredictable catastrophe.

In the ninth episode airing on the 24th, So Ji-sub and Joo Sang-wook will face each other once more in a secluded forest, engaging in an unavoidable confrontation. Triggered by an incident involving Joo Hye-ri (played by Yu Ji-an), who bullied Min-ji, Department Head Kim and Joo Kang-chan, whose feud began in the faculty office, meet again. The two engage in a tense psychological battle, creating breathless suspense.

Most notably, Joo Kang-chan provokes Department Head Kim with the provocative remark, "It seems the parent-teacher meetings are not yet over," drawing intense attention. Following this, Department Head Kim and Joo Kang-chan point their guns at each other in an extreme standoff. With both men staring coldly at one another without any sign of retreat, adding to the explosive atmosphere, the clash between two fathers with opposing forms of paternal love—each striving to protect their daughter—promises a shocking conclusion. The unpredictable confrontation between the two following the shocking ending has drawn immense interest.

The production team stated, "In this episode, the final showdown between Department Head Kim and Joo Kang-chan will push the drama's tension to its peak," adding, "Please stay with us until the end to see what results from this fateful moment when the two meet."

Meanwhile, the ninth episode of SBS's Friday-Saturday drama 'Department Head Kim' will air on the 24th at 9:50 p.m.

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*This content was translated by AI.