Netflix's New 10-Part Spy Action Series With Unique Release Model Is An Instant Streaming Hit

A new spy thriller has already solidified itself as a Netflix breakout.

The genre is a consistent success with the streamer. This is evidenced by the recent announcement of Stranger Things co-stars David Harbour and Millie Bobby Brown in a spy thriller. It’s also evidenced by a glance at some of the streamer’s buzziest recent originals. Originals as diverse as The Night Agent and Black Doves can all comfortably fit into stories of spies and subterfuge.

That is likewise the case with Agent Kim Reactivated, the new K-drama thriller about a father with secret skills. It is quickly climbing the charts, coming in at #3 worldwide. It is just behind Harlan Coben’s I Will Find You, which is continuing to take Netflix by storm, and the new season of the live-action Avatar: The Last Airbender. In the U.S., specifically, as of this writing, the thriller is sitting at #5.

Adapted from a popular webtoon and consisting of ten episodes, Agent Kim Reactivated focuses on Mr. Kim, a mid-mannered office worker who does his best in raising his rebellious daughter, Kim Min-ji. This is made more difficult because of the tragic death of his wife years ago. It also paves the way for a significant divide in how the duo approaches the world around them.

Mr. Kim tries to avoid confrontations of any kind. This is unlike his daughter, who tends to fight back at the first sign of disrespect. One morning, though, Min-ji doesn’t return home. Mr. Kim soon uncovers evidence that points to an abduction, which pulls him back into his life as the former Agent Kim to save his daughter.

Written by Nam Dae-joong (Love Reset) with Yi Seung-young (Wonderful World) and Lee So-eun both directing, Agent Kim Reactivated stars So Ji-sub (Mercy for None) as Agent Kim, Choi Dae-hoon (The WONDERfools) as Sung Han-soo, Yoon Kyung-ho (The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call) as Park Jin-cheol, Joo Sang-uk (Alchemy of Souls) as Ju Gang-chan, Son Na-eun (Agency) as Jung Sang-a, Seo Su-min as Kim Min-ji, and Yu Ji-ahn as Ju Hye-ri.

The thriller debuted on June 26, adapted from the webtoon Manager Kim by writer Toy and illustrator Jeong Jong-taek. Agent Kim Reactivated follows the release schedule of dropping two episodes each week every Friday and Saturday. It is an unusual move for Netflix, which is known for its binge model. So far, though, it seems to be working with subscribers.