"'Department Head Kim' Dives into Enemy Hanbok Territory" Finale Approaches with a Grand Celebration of Satisfaction.. So Ji-sub Launches Top-Secret Disguise Operation

*This content was translated by AI.

In "Department Head Kim," So Ji-sub delivers a remarkable performance by infiltrating the enemy's hanbok territory through a top-secret disguise operation, concealing his identity alongside Choi Dae-hoon, Yoon Kyung-ho.

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 a viewership rating of 23.6% in the Seoul metropolitan area, 23.1% nationwide, and a peak instantaneous rating of 26.2% based on Nielsen Korea data, setting yet another personal record for highest viewership. The 2049 demographic also reached a peak of 8.59% and an average of 7.6%, securing the number one spot across all channels in its time slot while rewriting the record for the highest-rated miniseries broadcast in 2026, continuing its unparalleled box office momentum.

In the eighth episode, Department Head Kim (played by So Ji-sub), who received his final mission to protect Lee Jae-yong (portrayed by Lee Jae-yong), a high-ranking North Korean defector, becomes entangled in a massive conspiracy. After narrowly escaping an attack by North Korean agents, Kim reunites with Sung Han-soo (played by Choi Dae-hoon) and Park Jin-cheol (played by Yoon Kyung-ho). However, the situation turns critical when special mission unit agents suddenly point their guns at them.

In the ninth episode airing on the 24th, Department Head Kim, Sung Han-soo, and Park Jin-cheol embark on a "suspicious operation" through various disguises. The scene shows the three characters transforming into completely different personas, from black suits to chef uniforms and even hiding inside car trunks. First, Kim, dressed in a sharp black suit, captivates attention with his flawless appearance contrasting against his scarred face. Shedding the image of an ordinary office worker, he awakens his cold instincts once again. His sharp gaze scanning the surroundings and tense expression raise curiosity about what other dangerous operation he will undertake next.

Park Jin-cheol perfectly disguises himself as a hotel employee. Dressed in a white chef's coat and black apron, Park maintains composure even when encountering security personnel in the hallway, casually raising his hand to greet them with a playful smile, creating laughter amidst the tension.

In contrast, Sung Han-soo appears with a troubled expression, huddled tightly inside a car trunk, hinting at a gritty ordeal. As viewers wonder why Sung ended up confined in such a cramped space, anticipation builds regarding what unpredictable operation and teamwork Kim, Park, and Sung will execute amidst life-threatening danger.

Reports indicate that on set, So Ji-sub, Choi Dae-hoon, and Yoon Kyung-ho led the atmosphere with character-specific transformations full of personality and cheerful chemistry. The production team stated, "So Ji-sub heightened tension with his restrained gaze and imposing presence, while Choi Dae-hoon elicited laughter even in the cramped trunk with his signature playful expressions. Yoon Kyung-ho also elevated the scene's quality through natural disguise acting resembling a real hotel chef and witty ad-libs."

They further added, "Kim, Sung, and Park hide their identities in their own ways to embark on new operations," noting that "even amidst tense situations, the unique teamwork of 'Dad Universe' will shine," and urged viewers to "look forward to the extraordinary performances the three will deliver."

"Department Head Kim" episode 9 airs at 9:50 PM on the 24th. The series concludes with its final episode, number 10, on the 25th.

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*This content was translated by AI.