So Jisub created another defining role in his life.
The final episode of SBS's Friday-Saturday drama 'Manager Kim' (written by Nam Dae-jung, directed by Lee Seung-young and Lee So-eun, planned by Studio S, produced by Studio S and Fantagio) that aired on the 25th recorded a 23.4% rating in the Seoul metropolitan area, 23.0% nationwide, and a peak momentary rating of 27.1% (Nielsen Korea), ending its run as the top program in its time slot across all channels for 10 consecutive episodes.
Manager Kim (So Jisub) was placed in the worst possible situation, forced to fight a desperate battle against Seong Han-soo (Choi Dae-hoon) and Park Jin-chul (Yoon Kyung-ho). Through Joo Gang-chan's (Joo Sang-Wook) scheme, the children of his friends were taken hostage. Manager Kim was plunged into a life-or-death crisis but endured the two men's attacks with his whole body and never gave up until the end.
Then, using ingenuity with his colleagues, he launched a surprise attack on Joo Gang-chan, turning the situation around, and after bringing down Joo Hak Construction, he reclaimed his daily life with his daughter Kim Min-ji (Seo Sumin).
So Jisub was at the heart of 'Manager Kim's success. He brought depth to the character by vividly portraying heavy action scenes and the bromance with Choi Dae-hoon and Yoon Kyung-ho. The delicate emotional lines and human qualities that contrasted with the action increased immersion in Manager Kim.
Thanks to So Jisub's performances, Manager Kim set new personal best ratings each week, surpassing the 20% mark and ranking first among miniseries ratings in 2026. It also topped Netflix's non-English TV show chart globally for three consecutive weeks, earning enthusiastic responses from viewers around the world beyond Korea.
Following the successful conclusion of Manager Kim, So Jisub said through his agency, I believe Manager Kim is a work completed by the passion and effort of many people. I sincerely thank the director and the writer and all the staff who quietly stayed on set even in cold weather.
So Jisub expressed great affection for his colleagues, saying, I think the current Manager Kim could be completed because of the hard work of the staff who worked harder than anyone else in places we don't see. I sincerely thank the actors who joined me in good rhythm at every moment, and it was a great honor to be able to work together.
He added his gratitude, saying, Above all, I sincerely thank the viewers who loved Manager Kim and stayed with us until the end. I will cherish the support you sent for a long time and repay it with better works in the future.
[Photo] SBS 'Manager Kim'
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