Reborn Rookie

Reborn Rookie
Promotional poster
Hangul
신입사원 강회장
Lit.The New Employee Chairman Kang
RRSinip sawon Gang hoejang
MRSinip sawŏn Kang hoejang
Genre
Created byKim Soon-ok
Based on
The New Employee Chairman Kang
by San Kyung
Written byHyun Ji-min
Directed byGo Hye-jin
Starring
Music byHa Geun-young
Opening theme
"No Breaks"
by Kang Seung-yoon
Country of originSouth Korea
Original languageKorean
No. of episodes12
Production
Production companies
  • SLL
  • Copus Korea
Original release
NetworkJTBC
ReleaseMay 30 (2026-05-30) –
July 5, 2026 (2026-07-05)

Reborn Rookie (Korean: 신입사원 강회장) is a 2026 South Korean workplace fantasy revenge comedy television series created by Kim Soon-ok, written by Hyun Ji-min, directed by Go Hye-jin, and starring Lee Jun-young, Son Hyun-joo, Lee Ju-myoung, Jeon Hye-jin, and Jin Goo. Based on the web novel The New Employee Chairman Kang by San Kyung, the series depicts the journey of Chairman Kang Yong-ho, who, after an accident, swaps souls with a young man named Hwang Jun-hyeon and becomes an employee at his own company. It aired on JTBC from May 30, to July 5, 2026, every Saturday at 22:40 (KST) and Sunday at 22:30 (KST). It is also available for streaming on TVING in South Korea and on Viu and Rakuten Viki in selected regions.

The series was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its gripping storytelling, complex business scenarios, and passionate acting performances from the cast, with Lee Jun-young as the standout amongst critics and audiences for his double portrayal of both a young soccer player and an elderly conglomerate chairman.[3][4][5] Commercially, the series finale recorded a nationwide rating of 13.6%, making it one of the highest-rated dramas in Korean cable television history.[6]

Synopsis

Hwang Jun-hyeon, a Choiseong FC soccer player, and Kang Yong-ho, the chairman of the Choiseong Group, cross paths when the chairman's son, Kang Jae-sung, viciously hits Jun-hyeon with the chairman's car while attempting to hide his and his twin sister Kang Jae-gyeong's embezzlement. Angered by the abrupt end of his soccer career and the ₩400 million penalty fee he is required to pay back, Jun-hyeon confronts Chairman Kang, but the two end up accidentally head-butting each other while falling down the stairs. After waking up in the hospital, Chairman Kang encounters a shocking revelation—his soul now inhabits the body of Jun-hyeon while Jun-hyeon's soul is in his original body, fast asleep in a coma. Coming to terms with this unexpected situation, Chairman Kang decides to make waves in the company and punish his children's wrongdoings by posing as genius new employee Hwang Jun-hyeon, receiving help from Kang Bang-geul, his youngest daughter who he kept hidden for years.

Cast and characters

The cast of Reborn Rookie (L to R): Jin Goo, Lee Ju-myoung, Jeon Hye-jin, and Lee Jun-young

Main

After playing for FC Sunyang, Hwang Jun-hyeon transferred to Choiseong FC in the first division. He has expressed a goal of playing in the Premier League. One day after joining Choiseong FC, which Jun-hyeon considered the start of his career, he was injured in a hit-and-run accident. The incident ended his soccer career, and Choiseong FC terminated his contract. Key evidence disappeared, and the police investigation was described as incompetent. The reason for the accident was later revealed. The accident was captured on video call footage recorded by the caregiver at his grandmother's nursing home. The vehicle involved was a sports car belonging to the Choiseong Group Chairman Kang Yong-ho. After meeting with Chairman Kang, who had pushed him to the brink, Jun-hyeon's life completely changed. The soul of Chairman Kang inhabits Jun-hyeon's body, while his soul remains in a coma in Chairman Kang's body.
A businessman who, with his unwavering will, has elevated the Choiseong Group to the Top 10 in the South Korean business world. Believing that everything is governed by the logic of money, he earned the title of 'God of Business' while he forces his twin children to compete with him. However, an accident results in his soul being swapped with that of soccer player Hwang Jun-hyeon.
The hidden child of a wealthy family whose very existence remains a secret. Fifteen years ago, she was forced by her family to study abroad and now acts as a troublemaker and lives like a vagrant. However, Bang-geul harbors a deep-seated ambition to prove herself to her family. Seeking to realize this, she secretly completes her studies abroad and joins the Choiseong Group as a new employee under a different identity.
Chairman Kang's twin daughter who is the president of Choiseong Chemical, a subsidiary of the Choiseong Group. She is a goal-oriented character who will stop at nothing when it comes to her passion. Growing up fighting with her twin brother, she possesses considerable fighting prowess. After her father, who pressured her by forcing her to compete with her older brother over every little thing, suffers an accident, she begins to show her true colors.
Chairman Kang's twin son who is the president of Choiseong Corporation, one of Choiseong Group's core subsidiaries. As the older of the twins, Jae-sung possesses a vast ambition, but surprisingly little ability. Overwhelmed by his father and overshadowed by his younger sister, he becomes a petty person, determined to win against his sister and seize control of the Choiseong Group.

Supporting

People of Choiseong Group

Chairman Kang's second wife and Bang-geul's biological mother.
The manager of Materials Team 2 at Choiseong Trading. Formerly a star in the company's auditing department, he was demoted after exposing corrupt practices within the Choiseong family. He allies with interns Hwang Jun-hyeon and Kang Bang-geul after they join his department, which leads him to reclaiming his secret talents.
  • Kim Jong-tae as Lee Sang-jae[12]
The executive director of the Choiseong Group and Chairman Kang's devoted right-hand man for many years. He overlooks those who want to seize control of the Choiseong Group after the accident occurs.
  • Kwon Hae-sung as Min Seok-do[12]
Jae-gyeong's husband, who is a professor of neurosurgery at Hangang University Hospital. The two married shortly after meeting at a hospital sponsorship event, and Seok-do is wholeheartedly persistent on supporting his wife to take over the Choiseong Group. He stands by his wife's side no matter what happens, proving his unwavering loyalty to her.
Jae-gyeong's son.
  • Kim Seo-ha as Kang Yi-jun[12]
Jae-sung's son.

Others

  • Jung Jae-sung as Na Byeong-mo[13]
Chairman of the Taeha Group and Eun-se's father. He is a rival to the Choiseong Group.
Jae-sung's wife through an arranged marriage, she is the eldest daughter-in-law of the Choiseong family and the heiress of the Taeha Group. She wants to make her husband the sole successor of the Choiseong Group, using her strategic skills to ensure he doesn't lose the succession war to his twin sister Jae-gyeong.
  • Byun Jung-hee as Heo Ok-soon[13]
Jun-hyeon's grandmother.
  • Shim Woo-sung as Mayor Jang Young-guk, who is facing re-election.[14]

Special appearances

Production

Development

Screenwriter Kim Soon-ok, who wrote The Last Empress (2018–2019) and The Penthouse: War in Life (2020–2021) is the creator of the series, while writer Hyun Ji-min, who penned Pandora: Beneath the Paradise (2023) is credited as the screenwriter. Directed by Go Hye-jin / Christine Ko and produced by SLL and Copus Korea, the series is based on the web novel The New Employee Chairman Kang by San Kyung, the creator of Reborn Rich's source web novel, which also aired on JTBC.[17][18]

Casting

Lee Jun-young and Jung Chae-yeon were reportedly considering in August 2025.[19] The next month, Lee Jun-young was confirmed to appear, Lee Ju-myoung entered talks for a role, and Son Hyun-joo was cast.[20][21][18] By November 2025, the lead cast was confirmed to include Lee Jun-young, Son Hyun-joo, Lee Ju-myoung, Jeon Hye-jin, and Jin Goo.[17]

Filming

Production was confirmed on September 10, 2025 after JTBC announced that it would air in 2026.[22] Principal photography began in November 2025 and concluded in April 2026.

Release

Reborn Rookie was reportedly scheduled to premiere on JTBC in 2026.[17] By April 2026, the premiere date was confirmed to be on May 30, 2026, airing every Saturday at 22:40 (KST) and Sunday at 22:30 (KST).[23] It is also available for streaming on TVING in South Korea and Viu and Rakuten Viki in selected regions.[24][25]

Original soundtrack

Part 1

Released on May 30, 2026
No.TitleLyricsMusicArtistLength
1."No Breaks" (직진)JoombasJaeseongKang Seung-yoon (Winner)3:10
2."No Breaks" (직진; Inst.) Jaeseong 3:10
Total length:6:20

Part 2

Released on June 7, 2026
No.TitleLyricsMusicArtistLength
1."Pay Me in Noise"JaeseongJaeseongThe Vane4:22
2."Pay Me in Noise" (Inst.) Jaeseong 4:22
Total length:8:44

Part 3

Released on June 14, 2026
No.TitleLyricsMusicArtistLength
1."I'm Runnin'"
  • Nine
  • Junji
  • Nine
  • Junji
  • George Fickle
Close Your Eyes2:47
2."I'm Runnin'" (Inst.) 
  • Nine
  • Junji
  • George Fickle
 2:47
Total length:5:34

Compilation album

A compilation soundtrack album was released on July 6, 2026. The album contains 32 tracks, consisting of the three previously released vocal tracks and 29 original score tracks led by music director Ha Geun-young.[26]

Reception

Critical response

Reborn Rookie received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised the quick yet detailed plot progression along with the stellar acting performances from the cast. The Korea Times described the series as a perfect mix between a "corporate succession struggle" and a "powerful-hero formula", highlighting its appeal.[27] Ankita Chandra of t2ONLINE, the culture and lifestyle column for The Telegraph India, rated the series 3.5/5 stars, citing the body-swap plot and the "balance of laughter and emotion" as one of the series' strong suits.[28] Additionally, the cast was applauded for their work, with Lee Jun-young recognized as the main focal point of the series. Chandra acknowledged Lee as a compelling lead who "convincingly portray[ed] both Jun-hyeon and Yong-ho". Korean pop culture critic Kim Heon-sik commented that Lee's role was a "rediscovery" of his talent, and he showed "charisma and command" and a "stable performance" in a genre that could have been "difficult to handle" otherwise. Jeon Hye-jin was also noted for her presence in the series as a villain, with critic Kim stating that she embodied her character well.[5]

Viewership

Reborn Rookie premiered on May 30, 2026, with a nationwide viewership rating of 3.7% and a metropolitan area viewership rating of 3.8%. By the second episode, the ratings increased to 5.2% both nationwide and in the Seoul metropolitan area, showing a steep upwards trend and making the series emerge as a "weekend dark horse drama" due to its popularity and rapid momentum.[29] During the subsequent weeks, positive word of mouth on the engaging story, the fast pacing, and the actors' performances, particularly Lee Jun-young's portrayal of a dual role, helped boost the viewership ratings to double digits for the first time on episode 8, averaging 11.0% both nationwide and in Seoul.[30] The remainder of the series' run continued to pull in double digit ratings, and the final episode, broadcast on July 5, recorded the series' highest ratings of 13.6% nationwide and 13.5% in Seoul, along with the peak minute soaring to 14.8% nationwide and 5.2% in the 20-49 target demographic.[6] The series is currently the ninth highest-rated JTBC drama and is in the top 30 for highest-rated cable dramas.

On streaming, Reborn Rookie ranked first place on Viu in Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia on the week of June 1–7, 2026, appearing in the top 10 of six countries in total across Asia. The series also simultaneously reached first place on TVING in South Korea, Rakuten Viki in North America, Lemino in Japan, and friDay Video in Taiwan during its run.[31] During the week of June 29 to July 5, 2026, which included the finale, the series ranked first on Viu in Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Hong Kong, second in Singapore, and third in the Philippines.[32]

Reborn Rookie : South Korea viewers per episode (millions)
SeasonEpisode numberAverage
123456789101112
10.8931.2451.6091.9621.9502.2962.1242.5512.5542.7162.6163.3442.155
Source: Audience measurement performed nationwide by Nielsen Korea.[33]
Average TV viewership ratings
Ep. Original broadcast date Average audience share
(Nielsen Korea)[33]
Nationwide Seoul
1 May 30, 2026 3.695% (1st) 3.764% (1st)
2 May 31, 2026 5.156% (1st) 5.247% (1st)
3 June 6, 2026 6.726% (1st) 6.611% (1st)
4 June 7, 2026 8.218% (1st) 8.100% (1st)
5 June 13, 2026 8.088% (1st) 8.025% (1st)
6 June 14, 2026 9.524% (1st) 10.166% (1st)
7 June 20, 2026 8.830% (1st) 8.853% (1st)
8 June 21, 2026 11.005% (1st) 10.891% (1st)
9 June 27, 2026 10.401% (1st) 10.645% (1st)
10 June 28, 2026 11.062% (1st) 11.150% (1st)
11 July 4, 2026 10.808% (1st) 10.660% (1st)
12 July 5, 2026 13.568% (1st) 13.498% (1st)
Average 8.923% 8.968%
  • In the table above, the blue numbers represent the lowest ratings and the red numbers represent the highest ratings.
  • This drama airs on a cable channel/pay TV which normally has a relatively smaller audience compared to free-to-air TV/public broadcasters (KBS, SBS, MBC, and EBS).

Accolades

Award ceremony Year Category Nominee Result Ref.
Korea Drama Awards 2026 Best Drama Reborn Rookie Pending [34]

References

  1. 1 2 3 Conran, Pierce (June 2, 2026). "K-drama Reborn Rookie: Lee Jun-young's corporate body-swap fantasy hums with melodrama". South China Morning Post. Retrieved June 10, 2026.
  2. ↑ Hong, Seon-hwa (May 6, 2026). '신입사원 강회장' 손현주X이준영, 통쾌한 복수극 예고 [Reborn Rookie Son Hyun-joo X Lee Jun-young, Teaser of a Satisfying Revenge]. Etoday (in Korean). Retrieved May 6, 2026.
  3. ↑ Hong, Dong-hee (June 8, 2026). ‘넷플릭스의 아들’에서 ‘JTBC의 구세주’로…이준영이 쏘아 올린 시청률 마법 [홍동희 시선] [From 'Netflix's Son' to 'JTBC's Savior'... The Ratings Magic Launched by Lee Jun-young [Hong Dong-hee's Perspective]]. Daum (in Korean). Retrieved July 8, 2026.
  4. ↑ Oh, Seo-yoon (June 9, 2026). '신입사원 강회장' 이준영, 손현주 영혼 깃든 듯한 베테랑 연기 [Lee Jun Young Delivers Veteran Performance in Reborn Rookie]. Mediafine (in Korean). Retrieved July 28, 2026.
  5. 1 2 Kang, Ju-hee (July 3, 2026). 손현주 삼킨 이준영→인면수심 전혜진…역대급 연기쇼 [’강회장’ 종영] [From Lee Jun-young who swallowed Son Hyun-joo to the heartless Jeon Hye-jin… An epic acting show [Reborn Rookie Finale]]. Daum (in Korean). Retrieved July 20, 2026.
  6. 1 2 Seo, Ji-hyun (July 5, 2026). 손현주X이준영, 완벽한 팀 플레이…‘신입사원 강회장’ 최고의 마무리 ‘13.6%’ [Son Hyun-joo X Lee Jun-young, Perfect Team Play... Reborn Rookie Finishes Best at '13.6%']. Naver (in Korean). Retrieved July 5, 2026.
  7. ↑ 황준현 [Hwang Jun-hyeon]. JTBC (in Korean). Retrieved May 22, 2026.
  8. ↑ 강용호 [Kang Yong-ho]. JTBC (in Korean). Retrieved May 22, 2026.
  9. ↑ 강방글 [Kang Bang-geul]. JTBC (in Korean). Retrieved May 22, 2026.
  10. ↑ 강재경 [Kang Jae-gyeong]. JTBC (in Korean). Retrieved May 22, 2026.
  11. ↑ 강재성 [Kang Jae-sung]. JTBC (in Korean). Retrieved May 22, 2026.
  12. 1 2 3 4 5 6 최성그룹 사람들 [Choiseong Group people]. JTBC (in Korean). Retrieved May 22, 2026.
  13. 1 2 3 그 외 사람들 [Others]. JTBC (in Korean). Retrieved May 22, 2026.
  14. ↑ Hong, Se-young (May 19, 2026). 심우성 '신입사원 강회장' 출연...이준영 등과 호흡 [Shim Woo-sung to appear in Reborn Rookie... working with Lee Jun-young and others]. Sports Donga (in Korean). Retrieved May 19, 2026.
  15. ↑ Ha, Su-na (June 8, 2026). 공민정 “이준영과 인연으로 ‘강회장’ 특출…뭘 해도 밉지 않고 귀여운 동생” [RE:뷰] [Gong Min-jeung: "My connection with Lee Jun-young, I made a special appearance in Reborn Rookie… He is a cute younger brother who is never disliked no matter what he does" [RE:VIEW]]. TV Report (in Korean). Retrieved June 9, 2026.
  16. ↑ Choi, Ha-na (July 5, 2026). 있지 류진, 이준영과 영혼 체인지…'신입사원 강회장' 대미 장식 [TV나우] [ITZY Ryujin, Lee Jun-young, and a soul swap… The Grand Finale of Reborn Rookie [TV Now]]. Naver (in Korean). Retrieved July 5, 2026.
  17. 1 2 3 Yoo, Jeong-min (November 6, 2025). 재벌 회장 손현주, 이준영과 영혼 체인지...'신입사원 강회장' 내년 방송 [Chaebol Chairman Son Hyun-joo and Lee Jun-young exchange souls... Reborn Rookie to air next year]. iMBC (in Korean). Retrieved January 22, 2026.
  18. 1 2 Jang, Woo-young (September 13, 2025). [단독] 손현주, 이준영과 영혼 체인지...'신입사원 강회장' 출연 [Exclusive: Son Hyun-joo and Lee Jun-young exchange souls... Appearing on Reborn Rookie]. Osen (in Korean). Retrieved January 22, 2026.
  19. ↑ Park, A-reum (August 27, 2025). 이준영 정채연 '신입사원 강회장'으로 만나나 "검토중"[공식] [Lee Jun-young and Jung Chae-yeon to star as Reborn Rookie (Under Review) [Official]]. Newsen (in Korean). Retrieved January 22, 2026.
  20. ↑ Lee, Min-ji (September 10, 2025). '신입사원 강회장' 이준영 출연 확정, 김순옥 크리에이터 참여 [공식] [Official: Lee Jun-young confirmed to appear in Reborn Rookie with creator Kim Soon-ok participating]. Newsen (in Korean). Retrieved January 22, 2026.
  21. ↑ Lee, Min-ji (September 11, 2025). 이주명, 이준영 만날까 "'신입사원 강회장' 긍정 검토 중" [공식] [Official: Lee Joo-myung and Lee Jun-young to Meet: "Positively Considering Reborn Rookie"]. Newsen (in Korean). Retrieved January 22, 2026.
  22. ↑ Kim, Kyung-yoon. '재벌집 막내아들'에 이어 '신입사원 강회장'도 JTBC 드라마로 : 네이트 뉴스 [Following 'The Youngest Son of a Chaebol Family', Reborn Rookie is also a JTBC drama]. Yonhap News Agency (in Korean). Retrieved February 25, 2026 – via Nate.
  23. ↑ Hong, Se-young (April 21, 2026). 이준영·이주명→손현주 '신입사원 강회장', 5월 30일 첫방 [Lee Jun-young, Lee Joo-myung → Son Hyun-joo, Reborn Rookie, Premieres May 30]. Sports Donga (in Korean). Retrieved April 21, 2026.
  24. ↑ Kim, Ji-won (May 14, 2026). 손현주, 자식들과 재벌 싸움 붙었다...죽다 살아나더니 '신입사원 이준영'으로 컴백('강회장') [Son Hyun-joo got into a chaebol fight with his children... He survived and came back to life as 'new employee Lee Jun-young' ('Chairman Kang')]. Ten Asia. Retrieved May 21, 2026 – via Naver.
  25. ↑ Waugh, J.R. (May 1, 2026). "Every K-Drama Coming to Netflix, Viki, and More in May 2026". Screen Rant. Retrieved May 21, 2026.
  26. ↑ SLL, ‘신입사원 강회장’ OST 컴필레이션 앨범 공개… 강승윤·더베인·클로즈 유어 아이즈 참여 [SLL, Reborn Rookie OST Compilation Album released... Kang Seung-yoon, The Vane, and Close Your Eyes participated]. JoongAng Group (in Korean). July 6, 2026. Retrieved August 24, 2026.
  27. ↑ "Why hit corporate thriller Reborn Rookie resonated across generations". The Korea Times. July 16, 2026. Retrieved July 20, 2026.
  28. ↑ Chandra, Ankita (June 21, 2026). "Swap mishap: Lee Jun-young stars in Reborn Rookie, our K-drama pick of the week". t2ONLINE. Retrieved July 20, 2026.
  29. ↑ Ahn, Byung-il (June 2, 2026). ‘신입사원 강회장’ 시너지 통했다, 토일극 다크호스로 [Reborn Rookie Synergy Works, Dark Horse of Saturday-Sunday Dramas]. Sports Kyunghyang (in Korean). Retrieved July 8, 2026.
  30. ↑ Park, Jin-young (June 22, 2026). [순위표] '신입사원 강회장', 시청률 11% 뚫었다⋯이준영 저력 입증 [[Rankings] Reborn Rookie Surpasses 11% Ratings... Lee Jun-young Proves His Potential]. JoyNews24 (in Korean). Retrieved July 8, 2026.
  31. ↑ Son, Bong-seok. ‘신입사원 강회장’ 아시아 주요 OTT 차트 석권, K-콘텐츠 저력 입증 [Reborn Rookie Dominates Major Asian OTT Charts, Proving the Strength of K-Content]. Sports Kyunghyang (in Korean). Retrieved July 8, 2026.
  32. ↑ Lee, Jeong-yeon (July 13, 2026). "손현주·이준영 통했다…'신입사원 강회장' 아시아 4개국 1위 피날레" [Son Hyun-joo and Lee Jun-young succeed... Reborn Rookie finishes first in four Asian countries]. Sports Donga (in Korean). Retrieved August 24, 2026.
  33. 1 2 Nielsen Korea ratings:
    • "Ep. 1". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). May 30, 2026. Retrieved May 31, 2026.
    • "Ep. 2". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). May 31, 2026. Retrieved June 1, 2026.
    • "Ep. 3". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). June 6, 2026. Retrieved June 7, 2026.
    • "Ep. 4". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). June 7, 2026. Retrieved June 8, 2026.
    • "Ep. 5". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). June 13, 2026. Retrieved June 14, 2026.
    • "Ep. 6". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). June 14, 2026. Retrieved June 15, 2026.
    • "Ep. 7". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). June 20, 2026. Retrieved June 21, 2026.
    • "Ep. 8". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). June 21, 2026. Retrieved June 22, 2026.
    • "Ep. 9". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). June 27, 2026. Retrieved June 28, 2026.
    • "Ep. 10". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). June 28, 2026. Retrieved June 29, 2026.
    • "Ep. 11". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). July 4, 2026. Retrieved July 5, 2026.
    • "Ep. 12". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). July 5, 2026. Retrieved July 6, 2026.
  34. ↑ Hong, Do-yeon (August 27, 2026). '코리아드라마어워즈' 본상 팬 투표 돌입…현빈·이준호·김고은·임윤아 경쟁 ['Korea Drama Awards' fan voting for the main award... Hyun Bin, Lee Jun-ho, Kim Go-eun, and Lim Yoon-ah compete]. Naver (in Korean). Retrieved August 27, 2026.
This page is issued from Wikipedia. The text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 unless otherwise noted. Additional terms may apply for the media files.