Aug 27, 2026 7:00pm IST
‘Agent Kim Reactivated’ Actor Chael on His K-Drama Debut, Working With So Ji Sub and Season 2 Possibilities (EXCLUSIVE)
“Agent Kim Reactivated” has emerged as one of the year’s biggest K-Drama surprises. The 10-episode series stars So Ji Sub as a former black-ops operative who teams up with his old companions, played by Choi Dae Hoon and Yoon Kyung Ho, to rescue his kidnapped daughter, Kim Min Ji (Seo Su Min). At the center of the abduction is Kim Nam Hoon (Chael), a high-school student whose romance with Min Ji triggers the conflict. Chael, real name Lim Jun Yeop, debuted in 2023 as a member of K-pop group LUN8 and now makes his foray into K-Drama with the series. The singer-actor speaks to Variety India about his acting debut.
What led you to make your acting debut as Kim Nam Hoon?
I was cast as Kim Nam Hoon after an audition. Since it was a project based on a webtoon I like, I was keen to be part of it. Perhaps because of that, I feel attached to this project. I'm happy that I was cast as Kim Nam Hoon.
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Working alongside industry veterans like So Ji Sub, Choi Dae Hoon and Yoon Kyung Ho is a rare opportunity. What did you take away from the experience?
While working with them, I felt that someday when I am a senior, I should be like them.' They cared so much for their juniors and meticulously looked after everyone on set, which was so wonderful. The moment I remember most vividly is when So Ji Sub sunbae (senior) straightened my collar while teaching me about dialogue timing, eye contact, breathing, and so on.
From a viewer’s perspective, what do you think makes shows like “Agent Kim Reactivated” connect with audiences globally?
The biggest reason is the chemistry between the actors, the smooth communication between the cast and crew, and, above all, the wonderful atmosphere on set. My experience on the “Agent Kim Reactivated” set was one where laughter never ceased. I believe that positive energy came through in the show, too.
If the show is renewed for a second season, would you want to return? What kind of storyline would you like to explore for your character?
I really want to be part of it. In Season 1, there were moments when Nam Hoon ended up putting Min Ji in danger, so if I get the opportunity to return for Season 2, I want to be a part of action sequences and protect Min Ji. I think it would also allow us to show a different side of Nam Hoon that we couldn’t in Season 1.
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What did your LUN8 bandmates have to say about your acting debut?
Every time I appeared on screen, they would praise me. Receiving that kind of praise from them, which doesn’t usually come my way, felt good but was also a little awkward. It was fascinating and refreshing because it was an emotion I hadn’t experienced before. The strawberry milk scene in particular got a big reaction. My family and bandmates still remember it well and keep teasing me by imitating it.
What kind of roles do you wish to take on next?
I would like to play a character like Choi Young Do, played by Kim Woo Bin in “The Heirs.” I want to portray a character who is charming yet flawed, but is ultimately impossible to hate.
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