Manager Kim, So Jisub's return to SBS after 13 years, has been gaining momentum, breaking the 20% viewership mark in just four episodes, but SBS is not simply laughing. The broadcast of Manager Kim only has three weeks left.
On the 5th, according to ratings company Nielsen Korea, the April 4 broadcast of Manager Kim on SBS recorded nationwide ratings of 21.6% and 21.3% in the Seoul metropolitan area.
Manager Kim is a revenge action drama in the father universe about the 'most ordinary' father in the world who becomes 'the most dangerous' man to get back his only daughter, and it became a hot topic as So Jisub returned to SBS for the first time in 13 years since Master's Sun.
So Jisub's meeting with SBS is special. Reflecting on his return to SBS after a long time, So Jisub said, "I debuted in 1996 with the SBS drama Model, and I did many works afterward. In fact, I also had my first leading role at SBS," explaining his long-standing connection.
So Jisub said, "Since then my hit rate has been good, so I have high expectations for Manager Kim as well. It felt like my hometown, so I was relaxed and filmed without discomfort." Indeed, So Jisub boasted a high hit rate with SBS works such as Bali: Lie to Me, Cain and Abel, and Master's Sun.
Proving that point, Manager Kim recorded nationwide ratings of 9.5% and 9.8% in the Seoul metropolitan area from episode 1, has been setting new personal bests each episode, and surpassed the daunting 20% viewership in just four episodes.
For SBS, following My Royal Nemesis with the success of Manager Kim they cannot help but burst into laughter. But behind the laughter are sighs. Manager Kim is a 10-episode drama that ends on the 25th. Even among insiders there are reactions such as "The drama is doing well, but it's a pity that it's short."
With only about three weeks left until the finale, viewers' regret is growing. The short, intense story full of excitement helped raise ratings, but people's natural wish is to watch a good show longer.
Ultimately, fans are already calling for a seasonal format. In particular, So Jisub attended the SBS drama media day SBS DRAMA: NEXT EPISODE on the 1st of last month and said he wanted a season format.
At the time, when So Jisub was asked whether he would choose an award or a season format if he had to pick one, he replied, "To be honest, I do not crave awards. I would be pleased if a good work is well received by viewers and goes into a season format. I feel I have received awards as much as I should."
With the wishes of fans who want a season format and the actor's feelings, the "seasonal kingdom" SBS raises curiosity about whether it will produce Manager Kim season 2.
[Photo] OSEN DB, official poster
[OSEN]