Reborn Rookie

The 2026 Korean drama "Reborn Rookie" mixes business intrigue, family power struggles, fantasy elements, and sports ambition into an entertaining weekend watch. Premiering on JTBC, the series promises intense psychological warfare inside a powerful conglomerate, fueled by an unexpected body swap.

Overview

"Reborn Rookie" (original title: "신입사원 강회장") is a 12-episode drama airing Saturdays and Sundays starting May 30, 2026. It blends mystery, business, drama, and fantasy genres, adapting the popular web novel "New Employee Chairman Kang" by Sang Yeong (San Kyung), the same author behind the hit "Reborn Rich". Written by Kim Soon-ok and Hyun Ji-min, and directed by Go Hye-jin, the story explores themes of ambition, identity, inheritance, and second chances through the lens of a ruthless chairman forced to restart from the bottom.

Plot Synopsis

Kang Yong-ho, the formidable chairman of the Choi Sung Group – known as the “God of Business” – has built a massive conglomerate through sheer ruthlessness and a philosophy centered on money and competition. His life takes a dramatic turn after a collision with Hwang Jun-hyeon, a promising young soccer player newly signed to FC Choi Sung. The accident causes their souls to swap.

Now, with Chairman Kang’s sharp business mind trapped in the young athlete’s energetic body, he must navigate life as a rookie employee at his own company. Meanwhile, Hwang Jun-hyeon’s soul experiences the other side of the equation. The swap disrupts Hwang’s path to soccer stardom and forces both men into unfamiliar roles, sparking chaos within the Choi Sung empire.

Complicating matters further is a fierce family power struggle. Chairman Kang’s twin children – Kang Jae-kyung and Kang Jae-sung – vie for control of the group, while his hidden daughter, Kang Bang-geul, returns under a false identity to prove her worth from the ground up. As alliances form and betrayals loom, the drama delivers intense corporate battles, emotional depth, and unexpected humor from the soul-swap premise.

Cast & Characters

Main Cast

• Lee Jun-young as Hwang Jun-hyeon / Kang Yong-ho: A dedicated soccer talent with dreams of playing overseas whose life flips after the soul swap. He brings youthful energy and wit to the role of a body housing the chairman’s formidable mind.
• Son Hyun-joo as Kang Yong-ho (Chairman Kang): The commanding and charismatic “God of Business” who rules his family and company with an iron will. His soul now operates in a younger body, adding layers to his performance.
• Lee Ju-myoung as Kang Bang-geul (Casey Kang): The hidden youngest daughter sent abroad years ago. She joins the company incognito as a new employee, masking deep ambitions and a desire to prove herself to the father who overlooked her.
• Jeon Hye-jin as Kang Jae-kyung: One of the twin siblings, passionate and combative, who steps up with determination after her father’s accident.
• Jin Goo as Kang Jae-sung: The other twin, ambitious yet feeling overshadowed, leading to petty schemes and inner tension in the succession race.

Supporting Cast

• Kim Jong-tae as Lee Sang-jae: Managing director at Choi Sung Group.
• Lee Seo-an as Na Eun-se: Seong Gu's eldest daughter-in-law.
• Kwon Hae-sung as Min Seok Do: Kang Jae-kyung's husband.

Reception

As a newly released 2026 series, "Reborn Rookie" has generated anticipation through its teasers and posters, which highlight the intense power struggle between the chairman’s old and new realities. Early buzz focuses on the fresh take on corporate succession stories, the dual-life humor of the soul swap, and the strong ensemble performances. Viewers are particularly drawn to the contrast between the chairman’s commanding presence and the rookie employee setting.

Fun Facts & Highlights

Dual Identity and Soccer Dreams

Lee Jun-young’s character balances his soccer stardom dreams with corporate rookie life, creating fun dual-identity moments.

Kang Bang-geul’s Hidden Strength

Lee Ju-myoung’s Kang Bang-geul hides her identity while displaying both cheerful social skills – like expertly mixing drinks at company dinners – and steely determination.

Powerful Teaser Lines

The teaser features compelling lines that underscore the central conflict: one character questions destroying the company, while the other declares willingness to sacrifice everything to protect it.

Soul-Swap Themes

The soul-swap setup allows for humorous and dramatic explorations of age, perspective, and what truly matters in life and business.

Final Thoughts

"Reborn Rookie" stands out by combining high-stakes corporate intrigue with a fantastical soul-swap twist and family secrets. It offers more than typical office or chaebol dramas by adding sports ambition, hidden identities, and emotional layers about proving one’s worth. With a talented cast led by Lee Jun-young and Son Hyun-joo, and sharp writing from experienced creators, the series looks poised to deliver engaging weekend entertainment full of tension, wit, and heart.

Where to Watch

Broadcast Schedule

On JTBC every Saturday and Sunday starting May 30, 2026.

Streaming Access

• South Korea: TVING.
• Japan: Lemino.
• Taiwan: FriDay Video.
• Globally: Viu, Rakuten Viki.

Main Role

Jin Goo Lee Jun-Young Son Hyun-Joo

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