JTBC’s upcoming weekend drama Reborn Rookie has unveiled its first look at Lee Jun Young in character, offering a closer glimpse at the drama’s unusual premise that blends sports, corporate drama, and fantasy.
Reborn Rookie follows Kang Yong Ho, the powerful chairman of leading conglomerate Choi Sung Group, who is widely respected as a business genius. After a sudden accident, however, his life takes a bizarre turn when his soul is transferred into the body of a young soccer player, forcing him to begin a second life in circumstances he never expected.
A Rising Soccer Star With Big Dreams
Lee Jun Young stars as Hwang Jun Hyun, a young athlete whose entire life is built around soccer.
From an early age, he dedicated himself fully to the sport through strict discipline and consistent training. His talent quickly attracted attention, and he was widely viewed as a player with the potential to move overseas within just two years.
As a standout player, Hwang Jun Hyun became both admired and envied by teammates, while his grandmother remained one of his biggest supporters as he chased his dream of eventually joining the Premier League.
A Life-Changing Accident
Just as his future appears to be falling into place, everything changes after an unexpected accident.
The soul of Kang Yong Ho—played by Son Hyun Joo—suddenly takes over Hwang Jun Hyun’s body, completely disrupting the athlete’s path toward international soccer success.
The bizarre twist creates an unusual duality: a young body with elite athletic ability now carries the mind of a seasoned corporate executive.
From Soccer Field to Corporate Office
The newly released stills highlight Hwang Jun Hyun’s dramatically different worlds.
In one image, he beams while holding a jersey bearing his name, reflecting his passion for soccer and excitement about his future.
Another still captures him confidently standing on the field in full uniform, emphasizing his role as a key player.
In sharp contrast, another image shows him sitting inside the offices of Choi Sung Group, visibly uncomfortable as he adjusts to an unfamiliar corporate environment.
His uneasy expression hints at the challenges ahead as he attempts to navigate a life that is no longer entirely his own.
A Genre-Blending Story
With its mix of body-swap fantasy, sports ambition, and corporate power struggles, Reborn Rookie appears poised to offer a fresh twist on familiar genres.
The drama will premiere on May 30 at 10:40 p.m. KST.
