Lee Jun Young left a strong impression with his dramatic “soul swap” performance in JTBC’s new weekend drama Reborn Rookie, which premiered May 30th.
According to Nielsen Korea, the second episode, which aired May 31st, recorded a nationwide paid-household rating of 5.2%. That marks a 1.6% age point jump from the premiere episode’s 3.7%.
Lee plays a rising soccer star and former K League 2 MVP whose career is on the brink of going international.
“doctor do you know what ‘doing your best’ is? its waking up at 5 am and went to training everyday without one missing day for 15 years. My grandma may forgot her own name but she’d never forgot her grandson is a soccer player. For her sake, I endured how hard it is. That’s… https://t.co/fJmvLJh1UZ
— 쌤.. (@junyoungies) May 30, 2026
But when an accident involving the family behind Choiseong Group destroys his future, the soul of a 70-something chairman, played by Son Hyun Joo, suddenly wakes up in his body.
Son Hyun Joo’s twin children, played by Jeon Hye Jin and Jin Goo, begin moving to cover up the truth behind the accident. As they try to pin the blame on someone else and seize control of the company, the chairman, now inside Lee Jun Young’s body, is stunned to discover that his own children want to get rid of him in the hospital.
this is the point i felt very bad for Kang Yong Ho.from 2 eps,one thing i know is he loves his kids. seeing them kiII him like it is so easy for them?
that level of betrayal i dont think any parent is ever prepared for it.
he saw with his own eyes.#RebornRookieEp2 #RebornRookie pic.twitter.com/P3ehn6ahKw— adi (@dazaiwy) May 31, 2026
Lee carefully captures the character’s mix of despair and betrayal, raising the tension of the story.
The chairman then decides to live Lee Jun Young’s life in his place. After discovering the heartfelt wish behind a blank check Lee left behind, he prepares a new kind of counterattack and applies for an internship at Choiseong Group, jumping straight into the fight for control of the company.
this scene was so fun, like yeah if i swapped bodies as well i would too take all the money from my safe and live in luxury. this man kissing his VVIP card, oh that man was born with diamond spoon.#RebornRookieEp2 #RebornRookie pic.twitter.com/8Dh2QVCDRA
— adi (@dazaiwy) May 31, 2026
As his internship begins, Lee’s comic timing also shines. He draws laughs as he casually speaks down to people out of habit from his chairman days and struggles with even basic office programs.
THIS SCENE GAGGED ME SO HARD THE WAY JUNYOUNG MANAGED TO SPEAK THE EXACT SAME TONE AS SON HYUNJOO WAS INSANE #RebornRookieEp2 pic.twitter.com/bjXZhDWnCD
— 쌤.. (@junyoungies) May 31, 2026
The clash between his young appearance and the mindset of a seasoned businessman adds a fresh layer of fun to the drama.
Reborn Rookie airs Saturdays at 10:40 PM and Sundays at 10:30 PM KST on JTBC.
>> Lee Jun Young Makes Surprise Entry into Japanese Cinema with Takuya Kimura’s ‘Tokyo Taxi’
In the meantime, watch trending K-dramas for free on Amasian TV.
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