JTBC’s ‘Reborn Rookie’ becomes Korea’s breakout drama, surging from 3.7% to 10.7% ratings in just six episodes

15 Jun 2026, 20:08 by K-Soul · allkpop

JTBC has scored another major drama hit.

Its weekend series 'Reborn Rookie' has emerged as one of South Korea’s biggest television successes of 2026, skyrocketing from a modest 3.7% premiere rating to a peak of 10.7% in the Seoul metropolitan area after just six episodes. The drama has not only claimed the No. 1 spot in its time slot but also topped all Sunday television programs among the key 20–49 demographic.

The series, created by Kim Soon Ok, written by Hyun Ji Min, and directed by Go Hye Jin, is based on the web novel and webtoon of the same name by author San Kyung, who also wrote the source material for the hit drama 'Reborn Rich.'

According to Nielsen Korea, Episode 6, which aired on June 14, recorded 10.2% ratings in the Seoul metropolitan area and 9.5% nationwide among paid households. Its peak minute-by-minute rating reached 10.7%, setting a new personal best for the series. It also ranked first among all Sunday programs in the coveted 20–49 age demographic.

A Fresh Twist on the Reincarnation Formula

'Reborn Rookie' tells the story of Kang Yong Ho, the 72-year-old chairman of the powerful Choi Sung Group, who is known as a legendary business mogul. After an accident, he unexpectedly finds himself living a second life in the body of a young man.

The drama shares a fictional universe with 'Reborn Rich,' further fueling anticipation before its premiere. Interest also surged with the return of creator Kim Soon Ok, best known for blockbuster dramas such as 'The Penthouse' and 'Temptation of Wife.'

At the center of the story is Hwang Jun Hyun, played by Lee Jun Young. Once a promising soccer player and former K League 2 MVP preparing for an overseas career, Hwang loses his future after a hit-and-run incident involving the Choi Sung family. Through an unexpected twist of fate, Chairman Kang’s soul ends up inhabiting Hwang’s body.

Star-Studded Cast Drives the Drama’s Success

The drama boasts an impressive ensemble cast.

Son Hyun Joo plays Chairman Kang Yong Ho, while Lee Jun Young portrays Hwang Jun Hyun, the young man carrying Kang’s soul. Lee Joo Myung stars as Kang Bang Geul, Kang Yong Ho’s hidden youngest daughter and a rookie employee at Choi Sung Group.

The cast also includes Jeon Hye Jin as Choi Sung Chemical CEO Kang Jae Kyung, Jin Goo as Choi Sung Corporation CEO Kang Jae Sung, Yoon Yoo Sun as family matriarch Jo Sun Hee, and Lee Sung Wook as Park Bong Gi, a former star member of the company’s audit team.

Ratings Continue to Climb Every Week

The drama’s growth has been remarkable.

After debuting with a 3.7% rating, 'Reborn Rookie' has set a new personal ratings record with nearly every episode. By Episode 4, it had climbed to 8.2%, with a peak of 8.8%. Two episodes later, it surpassed the double-digit mark in the Seoul metropolitan area and reached a new high of 10.7%.

The series has also become a major topic of discussion online. It remained in the Top 10 of Good Data Corporation’s FUNdex drama buzz rankings for three consecutive weeks before its premiere and continued to climb after airing, reaching No. 2 following Episodes 3 and 4.

Lee Jun Young Earns Career-Best Reviews

Much of the drama’s success has been attributed to Lee Jun Young’s performance.

The actor faces the difficult task of portraying a 72-year-old corporate chairman trapped inside the body of a 27-year-old former athlete. Viewers and critics alike have praised his ability to distinguish between the two personas through subtle changes in his gaze, speech patterns, and vocal delivery.

One particularly emotional scene, in which Hwang Jun Hyun—speaking with the mindset of Chairman Kang—expresses concern for his wife by saying, “Why have you become so thin? You must have suffered so much,” drew widespread praise for the contrast between his youthful appearance and mature emotional depth.

Audience reactions have included comments such as, “Was Lee Jun Young always this good at acting?” and “He completely absorbed Son Hyun Joo’s character.” Many viewers believe he has successfully inherited the mannerisms, cadence, and gravitas established by Son Hyun Joo’s portrayal of Chairman Kang.

The performance has attracted even more attention because Lee is scheduled to begin his mandatory military service on July 21. Many viewers already consider Reborn Rookie to be one of the defining roles of his career.

Episode 6 Delivers Major Plot Twists

Episode 6 featured a high-stakes overseas business battle centered on a lithium mining project in Yulivia.

Hwang Jun Hyun, Kang Bang Geul, and Park Bong Gi worked together to undermine a contract sought by rival Taeha Group chairman Na Byung Mo. After uncovering evidence that the rival company had falsified lithium reserve figures, they successfully blocked the deal and secured the project for Choi Sung Group.

Meanwhile, the company’s internal succession war took several dramatic turns. A secret alliance involving Kang Jae Kyung was exposed, and revelations surrounding her alleged attempt to harm Chairman Kang completely reshaped the power struggle. By the end of the episode, Kang Bang Geul was officially appointed leader of the newly formed Strategic Planning Team, positioning her as a serious contender in the battle for the group’s future leadership.

Broadcast Information

'Reborn Rookie' is a 12-episode series airing on JTBC every Saturday at 10:40 PM and Sunday at 10:30 PM KST. The drama is also available for simultaneous streaming on the Korean platform TVING.

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