Basically the “strongest dad on earth”: So Ji-sub turns killer in Netflix’s “Mercenary: Return of the True Colors,” and its premiere already hit this year’s highest ratings
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Summary
- The SBS drama "Mr. Risk: Return to His True Colors" premiered with a national rating of 9.5%, peaking at 11.3%, setting a new record for the highest first-episode rating of a Korean mini-series in 2026.
- So Ji-sub plays an unassuming head of accounting whose real identity turns out to be a legendary agent, code-named 66, who has infiltrated North Korea 17 times.
- The story weaves together tear-jerking fatherly love and intense action scenes, as So Ji-sub shows off sharp moves while searching for his daughter, who goes missing after being bullied at school.
- Directed by Lee Seung-young of "Wonderful World," the series airs on Korea's SBS network, and international viewers can stream it on Netflix.
Has your watchlist been missing a thrilling action series lately? If you love tightly paced plots and satisfying fight scenes, you really can’t miss this one. Heartthrob So Ji-sub is finally returning to the small screen in SBS’s new K-drama “The Gold Agent: Back to His True Self,” which officially premiered on June 26, 2026. Its first episode scored an impressive 9.5% rating, and it’s also streaming on Netflix, making it hard to stop once you start watching.
- Related reading: From Samsung engineer to city desk reporter: Netflix’s “Iron Fist Education” star Jin Ki-joo’s real resume is even more compelling than a K-drama!
Setting a 2026 miniseries ratings record: An astonishing 9.5%
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Adapted from the hugely popular webtoon of the same name, the series swept South Korea as soon as it aired, thanks to its twist-filled plot. According to Nielsen Korea, “The Gold Agent: Back to His True Self” opened with an impressive nationwide rating of 9.5%, while its peak rating soared to 11.3%, easily taking first place in its time slot. It also set a new record for the highest premiere rating for a Korean miniseries in 2026.
An irresistible contrast: From hapless dad to legendary agent
So Ji-sub plays “Manager Kim,” an ordinary-seeming accounting department manager raising his daughter alone. When she is bullied at school, he even humiliates himself by kneeling before the bully’s father in hopes of keeping the peace.
A powerhouse production team brings warmth to a cold-blooded story
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Beyond So Ji-sub’s incredible action scenes, the team behind the series is equally impressive. Written by Nam Dae-joong of “The Great Wish” and directed by Lee Seung-young, who previously directed “Tracer” and “Wonderful World,” the show effectively combines tear-jerking fatherly love with a hard-hitting critique of school violence. Choi Dae-hoon and Yoon Kyung-ho, who play his longtime friends, bring plenty of humorous chemistry and brotherhood, while cameo appearances from Joo Sang-wook and Son Na-eun also make a strong impression. What makes “The Gold Agent: Back to His True Self” so compelling isn’t only its crisp fight scenes; it also offers a moving portrayal of the extraordinary strength parents can summon to protect their children.
This satisfying revenge drama is now streaming on Netflix. If you’re interested, consider setting aside this weekend for it!
Beyond this article, here are a few recent stories worth checking out:
- An absolutely divine cast: Son Ye-jin partners with Ji Chang-wook in period romance Untold Scandal — who will fall first in this dangerous love game
- A tearjerker without playing the victim: 3 reasons why “My Remaining Love” is the most moving dating show of the year
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