Joo Sang Wook says he hopes his second-grade daughter will not watch 'Agent Kim Reactivated' even as a teenager while wife Cha Ye Ryun supports his darkest villain role

Joo Sang Wook opened up about his wife Cha Ye Ryun and their young daughter following the successful ending of SBS’s Agent Kim Reactivated.

The action drama ended with strong ratings. Its final episode recorded 23.0 percent nationwide and 23.4 percent in the Seoul metropolitan area, while its highest real-time rating reached 27.1 percent.

Joo Sang Wook played Joo Kang Chan, a former gangster who became the powerful chairman of a construction company. His cold decisions, unhealthy obsession, and distorted love for his daughter made him one of the drama’s most memorable villains.

Speaking about the unexpected popularity of the series, the actor said, “I hoped the ratings would reach double digits, but I never imagined it would receive this much love. When it passed double digits after only two episodes, everyone was wondering what was happening.”

He added, “I do not know what else to say except that I am thankful to have met a project like this. It feels like something unbelievable happened.”

Joo Sang Wook, who began acting in 1998, said Joo Kang Chan was the cruelest character he had played in his career. He believed the casting felt fresh because viewers did not usually expect him to take on such a role.

The actor also revealed that he lost around 7 kilograms while preparing for an early sauna scene. He followed a strict diet, exercised, and avoided alcohol for three months, dropping from approximately 78 kilograms to 71 kilograms.

He joked, “It was the first time I drank water at gatherings. People around me told me that I was acting unlike myself and that it was annoying, but the hard work was worth it.”

The scene was physically challenging because the bath used during filming was filled with cold water. Joo Sang Wook said filming lasted around three hours, and he repeatedly moved to a warm bath between takes.

He also expressed interest in a possible second season but suggested that his character should not return as the main villain.

Joo Sang Wook said, “Like the villains in The Roundup film series, people may begin expecting a new Agent Kim villain each season. I hope the story can continue in many different directions.”

He jokingly suggested that Joo Kang Chan could make a cameo after changing his ways or that he could return with a small mark on his face while pretending to be Agent Kim’s twin brother.

Cha Ye Ryun was reportedly an enthusiastic viewer of the drama. However, their daughter, who is currently in the second grade, was unable to watch because the series is rated for viewers aged 15 and older.

Joo Sang Wook joked, “Even when she turns 15, I would prefer that she does not watch it.”

He continued, “My wife really loved the drama. She seemed happy because many people around us said positive things about it. Fridays and Saturdays became the days when our family and friends gathered to watch, so it feels disappointing now that it has ended.”

The actor also spoke seriously about the drama’s storyline involving school violence. When asked how he would react if his real daughter became involved in such a situation, he said the thought alone was frightening.

He stated, “Whether she were the victim or the person responsible, I think I would take very serious action. It is something that should never happen.”

Joo Sang Wook then shared his affection for his daughter, explaining that he helps her fall asleep and takes her to school.

He said, “She is still too young to define our relationship. She is simply very lovely and cute.”

According to the actor, his daughter always answers “both” when asked whether she prefers her mother or father. However, when asked which parent is more frightening, she immediately chooses Cha Ye Ryun.

Joo Sang Wook added that he does not want to imagine his daughter entering puberty.

He said, “People tell me it is not far away. Thinking about it makes me emotional, but perhaps it depends on how well I do as a father.”

The actor also praised So Ji Sub, who played the title character, after working with him for the first time.

He said, “He is genuinely kind and proper. Thanks to him, the atmosphere on set was very good. Some filming locations can feel uncomfortable, but this was a set that I looked forward to visiting.”

Joo Sang Wook also admitted that he did not know a three-minute sequence showing Agent Kim’s past had been created with artificial intelligence.

He recalled, “I thought the production team must have worked extremely hard. When I learned that it was AI, I wondered, ‘That was made with AI?’”

Following the drama’s strong ratings and his intense performance, Joo Sang Wook described Agent Kim Reactivated as another major turning point in his career.

He explained that the experience changed how he views acting roles, saying he now wants to focus less on screen time or position and more on the strength of each character and how effectively he can portray them.