Reborn Rookie: Romance Lines Shine Amid Succession War—Viewership Rating and Buzz Rise Simultaneously

JTBC's weekend drama 'Reborn Rookie' continues its hit momentum by bringing romance lines and relationship narratives to the forefront, even amidst the intense succession structure of a chaebol family.

According to Nielsen Korea's paid household data as of the 1st, the 10th episode recorded a viewership rating of 11.1% in both the metropolitan area and nationwide, breaking its own record. Furthermore, it ranked 2nd in the TV drama buzz ranking released by Good Data Corporation's FUNdex (as of June 30, 2026), showing strength in both viewership rating and topicality.

While the work unfolds around the main narrative of the Choi Seong Group's succession competition, the emotional lines and relationship narratives centered around Kang Yong-ho (played by Son Hyun-joo) act as another axis of the drama, increasing viewer immersion.

In particular, Chairman Kang Yong-ho, who inhabits the body of the young Hwang Jun-hyeon (played by Lee Jun-young) after an unexpected accident, forms an emotional center by maintaining trust and affection for his Wife Cho Seon-hee (played by Yoon Yoo-sun) despite betrayals and conflicts within the family. He is restoring his relationship with Cho Seon-hee through their youngest daughter Kang Bang-geul (played by Lee Ju-myoung), revealing tender emotions even in small daily scenes.

The relationship with Lee Sang-jae (played by Kim Jong-tae), the Executive Director of the Strategic Planning Office, is also cited as a major point of interest. Despite the Chairman's changed appearance, Lee Sang-jae maintains unwavering loyalty, strengthening his persona as a 'Chairman devotee.' The mutual trust between the two expands into a bromance narrative, serving to alleviate the tension in the drama.

Additionally, Park Bong-gi (played by Lee Seong-uk), who experienced conflict due to past personnel measures, forms another axis of human relationships by showing mixed emotions between misunderstanding the Chairman and remaining loyal. In the process of acting as if he believes himself to be the Chairman's 'youngest son,' he is gradually revealing a strong bond, which adds a pleasant element to the drama.

As such, 'Reborn Rookie' is being evaluated as completing a complex dramatic structure by interlacing character relationship changes and emotional lines alongside the power struggle narrative. The series is scheduled to air its 11th and final episodes on the 4th and 5th, respectively.