JTBC’s weekend drama “Reborn Rookie” is quickly becoming one of the most talked about dramas on air.
The series recently passed the important 10% ratings mark, with episode 8 recording 11% nationwide ratings, according to Nielsen Korea.
This is a big jump from its first episode, which started at 3.7%. With 4 episodes still left, the drama has now nearly tripled its premiere rating.
The show is also gaining strong buzz online. In Good Data Corporation’s latest TV OTT buzz ranking for TV programs, “Reborn Rookie” ranked No. 2, following SBS’s “My Royal Nemesis”.
The drama follows a young intern who carries the soul of a powerful company chairman and tries to regain control of his group.
Viewers have been responding well to its fast story development, sharp twists, and easy to follow revenge style plot.
The series is also drawing attention because it is connected to the same universe as JTBC’s hit drama “Reborn Rich”.
At first, some viewers wondered if the drama would feel too similar because of its soul change theme and chaebol family setting. However, the show has built its own style with a faster and more dramatic tone.
Director Go Hye Jin previously said the goal was to make viewers think, “A Kim Soon Ok drama can be like this too.”
She also explained that the story would feel fresh, like another story inside the same world as “Reborn Rich”, similar to a “Marvel Universe”.
A major reason for the drama’s popularity is Lee Jun Young’s performance. Viewers have praised how he captures the gestures, speech style, and calm presence of an older chairman while still making the role his own.
The cast chemistry is also being highlighted, including the unique bond between Lee Jun Young and Lee Joo Myung, as well as the strong presence of Jeon Hye Jin and Jin Goo as intense twin characters.
With strong ratings, high buzz, and only a few episodes left, attention is now on whether “Reborn Rookie” can keep its momentum and finish as a complete hit from beginning to end.
