If you loved Reborn Rich and enjoy stories filled with second chances, corporate battles, and unexpected twists, then Reborn Rookie should definitely be on your watchlist. JTBC’s 2026 fantasy drama combines mystery, revenge, family conflicts, and workplace comedy into one exciting package.
Based on the web novel The New Employee Chairman Kang by San Kyung, the drama follows a legendary businessman whose soul suddenly ends up inside the body of a young athlete. Forced to start over from the bottom as a rookie employee in his own company, he must uncover betrayals, protect the empire he built, and face the family members who are fighting for power.
With Lee Jun-young and veteran actor Son Hyun-joo leading the cast, Reborn Rookie delivers emotional moments, thrilling corporate wars, and plenty of humorous situations that make it one of the standout K-dramas of 2026.
Quick Drama Facts
- Drama: Reborn Rookie
- Korean Title: 신입사원 강회장
- Genre: Fantasy, Mystery, Revenge, Business, Drama
- Episodes: 12
- Director: Go Hye-jin
- Writer: Hyun Ji-min
- Creator: Kim Soon-ok
- Based On: The New Employee Chairman Kang by San Kyung
- Network: JTBC
- Release Date: May 30, 2026
- Airing Days: Saturday & Sunday
- Main Cast: Lee Jun-young, Son Hyun-joo, Lee Joo-myung, Jeon Hye-jin, Jin Goo
- Streaming Platform: Viu, Viki (selected regions)
- Language: Korean
Plot Summary
Kang Yong-ho is known throughout South Korea as the “God of Business.” As chairman of the powerful Choiseong Group, he built his company from nothing and turned it into one of the country’s biggest conglomerates. However, his life changes forever after a mysterious accident.
At the same time, Hwang Jun-hyeon, a talented young soccer player with dreams of an international career, suffers a tragic incident that puts his future in danger. Following the accident, Kang Yong-ho’s soul unexpectedly awakens inside Jun-hyeon’s body.
Now trapped in the body of a young man and unable to reveal his true identity, the chairman decides to join his own company as a rookie employee. While adapting to an entirely different life, he secretly investigates those who are trying to seize control of Choiseong Group.
As family members turn into rivals and hidden secrets begin to surface, Kang Yong-ho finds himself fighting for both his legacy and his second chance at life.
Cast and Characters
Lee Jun-young as Hwang Jun-hyeon / Kang Yong-ho
Lee Jun-young plays the young soccer player whose body becomes the new home of Chairman Kang’s soul. Although physically young, he possesses the mind and experience of a legendary businessman. His dual performance brings both humor and emotional depth to the drama.
Son Hyun-joo as Kang Yong-ho
Kang Yong-ho is the founder and chairman of Choiseong Group. Known for his sharp business instincts and strict personality, he spent decades building his empire. After the soul-swap accident, he must watch his family from afar while trying to regain control.
Lee Joo-myung as Kang Bang-geul
Bang-geul is the hidden youngest daughter of Kang Yong-ho. Having lived away from the family for years, she secretly joins Choiseong Group as an ordinary employee. Ambitious and intelligent, she becomes one of Chairman Kang’s most trusted allies.
Jeon Hye-jin as Kang Jae-kyung
Jae-kyung is Kang Yong-ho’s twin daughter and president of Choiseong Chemical. Competitive and fearless, she has spent her life fighting for recognition and power. Following her father’s accident, her true ambitions begin to emerge.
Jin Goo as Kang Jae-sung
Jae-sung is Kang Yong-ho’s twin son and head of Choiseong Corporation. Although ambitious, he constantly struggles to live up to expectations and often clashes with his sister over who will inherit the company.
Kim Jong-tae as Lee Sang-jae
A senior executive within Choiseong Group who plays an important role in the company’s affairs and internal politics.Lee Seo-an
Why You Should Watch Reborn Rookie
- From the creator of The Penthouse, Kim Soon-ok.
- Based on a novel by San Kyung, author of Reborn Rich.
- Features a fascinating body-swap and second-life storyline.
- Combines revenge, mystery, family drama, and comedy.
- Strong chemistry between Lee Jun-young and the supporting cast.
- Packed with corporate power struggles and shocking twists.
- One of JTBC’s most talked-about dramas of 2026
Where to Watch
International fans can watch Reborn Rookie on:
- Viu (selected regions)
- Viki (availability may vary by country)
- JTBC (South Korea)
Final Thoughts
Reborn Rookie offers much more than a simple body-swap story. With emotional family conflicts, thrilling corporate battles, and a charismatic lead performance from Lee Jun-young, the drama delivers a fresh take on the fantasy-revenge genre. Fans of Reborn Rich, Again My Life, and The Penthouse will find plenty to enjoy in this entertaining and unpredictable series.
Whether you’re watching for the mystery, the family drama, or the hilarious sight of a legendary chairman living life as a rookie employee, Reborn Rookie is a drama worth adding to your 2026 watchlist.
