Native Title	김부장
Also Know as	Chief Kim, Kimbujang
Director	Lee Seung-Young, Lee So-Eun
Writer	Nam Dae-Joong (script), Toy (webcomic creator), Jung Jong-Taek (webcomic artist)
Distributor	SBS
Air Time	Friday, Saturday 21:50
Content Rating	15+ - Teens 15 or older
Runtime	10 episodes
Genre	Action, Thriller, Mystery, Crime, Spy
Language	Korean
Country	South Korea
Release Date	2026-06-26
End Date	2026-07-25

"Manager Kim", the highly anticipated SBS action thriller starring So Ji-sub, is gearing up for its premiere in June 2026, promising an explosive blend of high-stakes chases, hidden pasts, and heartfelt family drama adapted from the popular webtoon.

Overview

"Manager Kim" (Korean title: 김부장) is a South Korean action thriller mystery series adapted from the popular webtoon of the same name by Toy and illustrated by Jung Jong-taek. The drama marks a high-profile project for SBS, blending intense action sequences with emotional family elements. It consists of 10 episodes, each approximately 60 minutes long, and is set to air as a Friday-Saturday drama starting in June 2026. Directed primarily by Lee Seung-young (with Lee So-eun) and written by Nam Dae-joong, the series is also noted as a spin-off that connects to the universes of popular webtoons such as "Lookism," "Viral Hit," and "My Life as a Loser."

Plot Synopsis

"Manager Kim" follows the story of an ordinary single father who works at a small savings bank while raising his young daughter, Min Ji. Behind his unassuming daily life lies a hidden past as a former elite special operations agent involved in dangerous missions, which has placed him on North Korea’s most-wanted blacklist. When his daughter suddenly goes missing, the protagonist must risk everything – revealing his extraordinary skills and confronting his dangerous history – to rescue her in a high-stakes chase filled with mystery and adrenaline-pumping action.

Cast & Characters

Main Cast

So Ji-sub as Manager Kim (also referred to as Director Kim), the physically skilled former agent and devoted single father.
Choi Dae-hoon as Seong Han-su (or Sung Han-soo).
Yoon Kyung-ho as Park Jin-cheol (or Park Jin-chul).
Joo Sang-wook as Ju Gang-chan.
Son Na-eun as Sang A.

Supporting Cast

Lee Dong-ha as Director Nam.
Jo Bok-rae as Geum Pal.
Won Hyun-joon as Kang Guk-cheol, the NIS director.

Reception

Even before its premiere, "Manager Kim" has built considerable excitement among drama fans. The release of the official teaser trailer highlighted the lead actor’s intense transformation and action sequences, generating widespread anticipation for the series’ unique mix of heartfelt father-daughter drama and explosive thrills. Viewers are particularly drawn to the fresh take on a former spy narrative and the webtoon’s loyal fanbase.

Fun Facts & Highlights

So Ji-sub's SBS Comeback After 13 Years

So Ji-sub is making his long-awaited return to SBS after 13 years, with his last drama on the network being the 2013 hit "Master's Sun."

Webtoon Adaptation and Shared Universe

The story is adapted from a webtoon first published in 2021 and expands into a shared universe with other popular titles, offering Easter eggs for webtoon readers.

Protagonist: A Martial Arts Veteran

The protagonist’s character is described as a martial artist and physically strong veteran, promising impressive fight choreography.

Compact 10-Episode Format

With only 10 episodes, the series is designed for a tight, fast-paced narrative without filler.

Core Themes and Unique Tone

The production emphasizes themes of hidden identities, family protection, and high-risk operations, setting it apart from typical office or romance dramas.

Final Thoughts

"Manager Kim" looks poised to deliver a compelling blend of emotional depth and non-stop action that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats. So Ji-sub’s return to leading a major SBS drama, combined with the intriguing webtoon source material and a talented supporting cast, makes this one of the most anticipated releases of 2026. Fans of thrillers, spy stories, and webtoon adaptations will find plenty to love in this high-energy series.