Witty, Fun, & Full of Energy, Here’s Why You Need To Be Watching Lee Jun-young & Lee Ju-Myoung’s “Reborn Rookie”
- Jon Lui
- 10 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Is it a mystery, thriller, or comedy? The premiere of Lee Jun-young and Lee Ju-myoung's new K-drama Reborn Rookie had us in shock! Was it really that good? We give you 5 reasons why you should be tuned in!
Reborn Rookie Is Quickly Becoming One of Our Favorites
When the second episode is better than the premiere, you'd better buckle in for some good drama! Garnering over 5.2% viewership nationwide (according to Nielsen Korea) for the second episode, over 3.7% for its premiere, Reborn Rookie is quickly becoming one of our favorite dramas this early summer! Here are five reasons why you should be watching!
Lee Jun-young Is Underrated
Not only did he captivate us in his hated villain role in Weak Hero Class 2, but he also charmed us in When Life Gives You Tangerines. Lee Jun-young shows his acting versatility in this new "mystery thriller and comedy" playing an injured soccer player trying to get his life back. Bursting out with over-the-top facial expressions and pouring emotional vibes over his dementia grandmother, his role as Hwang Jun-Hyeon is entertaining.
Lee Ju-myoung Is Funny, Cute, and Totally Out for Payback
Playing a rich chaebol's estranged daughter, Kang Bang-geul, Lee Ju-myoung dazzles us with her playfulness, with a sense of "sass" needed to fulfil this drama. Her "mentorship" of Hwang Jun-hyeong is more like an older sister (noona) rather than a colleague, as the two often butt heads. Will their relationship escalate into something more? Or is that too weird (between father and daughter)? You let us know!
Outrageous Storyline but 100% Entertaining
An old man headbutts a raucous young man, and suddenly they switch bodies? Like it couldn't get any more outrageous, K-dramaland has done it again. If you've seen dramas like Reborn Rich or See You in My 19th Life, this is the same, but with a little comedic twist. How can a predictable storyline win our applause for a good drama? The acting. Period. With a superb cast lineup in Son Hyun-joo as Chairman Kang Yong-ho, and his fraternal twins, Kang Jae-gyeong (Jeon Hye-jin) and Kang Jae-seong (Jin Goo), trying to oust their father for the company succession, there is never-ending drama that is fun to watch!
We “Feel” for the Old Man
Most K-dramas most likely always have the old rich man as the evil bad guy, but Reborn Rich puts an interesting twist. Chairman Kang Yong-ho built Choiseong Group from the ground up and has navigated it through numerous scandals, sacrificing himself for his company's image. This time, he isn't in his own body and can see how his employees, his children, and society look at him. This interesting angle sets this drama differently from most, and we can almost feel "sorry" for him.
Chairman Kang in Hwang Jun-hyeon’s Youthful Body Is Full of Laughs!
What ultimately sets Reborn Rookie at the top of our summer watchlist is definitely the hilarious interaction between Chairman Kang, disguised as Hwang Jun-hyeon's youthful exuberance, and his co-workers when he asks to become an intern at Choiseong Group. Still acting like his "old self", Chairman Kang commands the respect of each room he steps into, making us burst out in laughter at his antics.
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Important Dates & Details
Reborn Rookie premiered on May 30, 2026, on JTBC and will air every Saturday and Sunday at 22:40 KST. The series will have a total of 12 episodes ending on Sunday, July 5, 2026.
Final Thoughts
With a strong start and tons of potential, Reborn Rookie has the ingredients to become one of this summer's hottest K-dramas. Comment below your thoughts on this drama and if you're watching!