The new Netflix K-drama "Agent Kim Reactivated" centers on Kim Do-hyeon, a bank manager who appears to be a mild-mannered, conflict-averse father. His quiet life is shattered when his teenage daughter, Kim Min-ji, goes missing, forcing him to dredge up his past as a North Korean Black Ops double agent.
The series, based on the webtoon "Manager Kim," begins by establishing Do-hyeon's seemingly mundane existence. He is a devoted single father, raising Min-ji following his wife's death. Min-ji, a typical teenager, struggles with embarrassment over her father and faces bullying at school from Joo Hye-ri, the daughter of a powerful construction chairman. Do-hyeon’s attempts to avoid confrontation are evident even when he is physically assaulted by a stranger, an incident he endures without retaliation.
His friendships with Seong Han-su, who runs a taekwondo dojang, and Park Jin-cheol, a former marine, provide moments of levity. These friends, also fathers lamenting their strained relationships with their teenage children, represent a stark contrast to Do-hyeon's hidden capabilities.
The situation escalates when Min-ji gets into a violent altercation at school with Hye-ri after being provoked. Do-hyeon’s intervention to apologize to Hye-ri's father only deepens Min-ji's shame, leading her to say she will stay at a friend’s house. The following morning, she is discovered to be missing.
This disappearance triggers the reawakening of Do-hyeon's dormant skills. The series explores the premise of a retired operative whose past catches up with him, a trope familiar in action dramas. "Agent Kim Reactivated", however, dedicates its initial episodes to meticulously building its characters and plot, typical of K-drama storytelling.
Viewers are shown Do-hyeon's meticulous nature and adherence to rules, juxtaposed with Min-ji’s relatable teenage struggles. The narrative also introduces Do-hyeon’s colleague, Sang-ah, who appears knowledgeable about teen trends, and his long-time friends, Han-su and Jin-cheol. Their presence suggests they may become involved when Do-hyeon’s operative past resurfaces.
The series hints at Do-hyeon's history as a defector from North Korea and a target for his former agency. The first episode offers glimpses of his past and his latent abilities, particularly towards the end, as he begins his search for Min-ji. Actor So Ji-sub portrays Do-hyeon’s suppressed rage beneath his office-worker exterior. Yoon Kyung-ho is noted for his comedic portrayal of Jin-cheol.
"Agent Kim Reactivated" was released on Netflix with an initial episode that prioritizes character and plot development before fully revealing the protagonist's active combat skills.