Lee Dong Ha shared his respect and gratitude for So Ji Sub following the successful conclusion of SBS drama Agent Kim Reactivated.
The drama ended on July 25 with strong ratings. Its final episode recorded 23.4 percent in the Seoul metropolitan area and 23.0 percent nationwide, according to Nielsen Korea. Its highest rating during the broadcast reached 27.1 percent, setting a new record for the series.
Lee Dong Ha played Chief Nam, the secretary of Joo Kang Chan, portrayed by Joo Sang Wook. His controlled expressions, cold gaze, and intense actions helped strengthen the tension of the story.
Lee Dong Ha and So Ji Sub are also signed under the same agency, 51K, which was founded by So Ji Sub.
Speaking about their time on set, Lee Dong Ha said he only met So Ji Sub once during filming but was impressed by how the senior actor supported the production.
He said, “He arrived early, checked the environment around the set, and helped keep everything centered. I thought, ‘He really is a true actor.’ I respected him even more.”
Lee Dong Ha added that So Ji Sub and the other senior actors regularly paid attention to the people and conditions around them, giving him many opportunities to learn beyond acting.
Although they do not meet often in private, Lee Dong Ha said So Ji Sub has continued to quietly support him.
He explained, “Whenever we briefly meet, he tells me, ‘You are doing well.’ He has also attended my performances and always supports me quietly, which is very moving.”
Lee Dong Ha also praised So Ji Sub for importing lesser known but high quality films, saying he respects the actor’s contribution to cinema.
So Ji Sub previously gained attention after reportedly giving one don of pure gold to each of around 300 cast and staff members of Agent Kim Reactivated. Reports estimated that he personally spent close to 100 million won on the gifts.
Lee Dong Ha explained that So Ji Sub did not personally hand out the gold in a public way.
He said, “He quietly sent each gift through managers or agency staff. Since it came from him, I do not plan to sell it. I want to keep it as a family treasure.”
With the drama’s strong ratings, attention is already turning toward the 2026 SBS Drama Awards.
Lee Dong Ha modestly said he had not imagined receiving an award himself, but expressed hope that So Ji Sub would receive the grand prize.
He said, “I hope So Ji Sub wins the grand prize. Everyone worked hard while also enjoying the filming, so I would be happy if the drama received other meaningful awards as well.”
