JTBC’s fantasy drama Reborn Rookie may have concluded on a ratings high, but its finale has left many viewers frustrated, with critics comparing its ending to the infamous conclusion of Reborn Rich.

Although the series achieved its highest ratings during its final episode, online discussion has been dominated by disappointment over what many fans described as an abrupt and bewildering ending.

The 12-episode drama aired its final episode on July 5. According to Nielsen Korea, the finale recorded 13.6% nationwide viewership among paid households, marking the show’s highest rating and ending its run on a commercial high.

Throughout its broadcast, Reborn Rookie consistently maintained ratings around the 10% mark, establishing itself as one of JTBC’s strongest weekend dramas. However, impressive ratings did little to shield the series from criticism once the finale aired.

The biggest talking point was the surprise appearance by ITZY member Ryujin. In the drama’s final moments, her character unexpectedly swaps souls with protagonist Hwang Jun Hyun, played by Lee Jun Young, after an accidental collision. The body-swap twist was intended as a humorous conclusion, but many viewers felt it undermined the emotional investment built over the previous 11 episodes. Critics argued that the ending felt more like a lighthearted post-credit scene than the conclusion to a major fantasy drama.

Adding to viewers’ frustration was the revelation that the controversial ending did not exist in the original web novel on which the drama was based. Many fans who had followed both versions questioned why the adaptation introduced an entirely new conclusion that dramatically changed the tone of the story. Rather than providing emotional closure, the unexpected twist left many feeling the narrative had abandoned the themes that defined the series.

Despite the divisive finale, one aspect of the drama received near-universal acclaim: Lee Jun Young’s performance. The actor portrayed Hwang Jun Hyun, a promising football player whose body becomes inhabited by the soul of corporate chairman Kang Yong Ho (played by Son Hyun Joo).

Switching seamlessly between a young athlete and an experienced business executive, Lee Jun Young delivered a convincing dual performance that many viewers described as one of his career-best roles. His acting became one of the drama’s strongest selling points and helped maintain audience engagement throughout its run.

The backlash has inevitably drawn comparisons to JTBC’s hit drama Reborn Rich. Like Reborn Rookie, Reborn Rich was adapted from a popular web novel centered on reincarnation and soul-transmigration within a wealthy conglomerate family. While Reborn Rich became one of Korea’s highest-rated dramas, its finale generated intense criticism after introducing an ending that many viewers felt contradicted the story’s emotional and narrative buildup.

For some audiences, Reborn Rookie has revived memories of that controversy. Both dramas featured:

  • Adaptations of popular web novels.
  • Fantasy elements involving reincarnation or soul possession.
  • Corporate succession and chaebol-centered storylines.
  • Finales that significantly departed from audience expectations.

Following the finale, social media quickly filled with polarized reactions. Some viewers appreciated the unexpected humor and viewed the ending as a playful surprise. Many others, however, argued that the final twist weakened the drama’s carefully developed storytelling. Comments criticizing the finale spread rapidly online, with some viewers joking that they had once again been disappointed by a JTBC fantasy adaptation.

Despite the controversy surrounding its conclusion, Reborn Rookie remains one of JTBC’s more successful dramas of the year, thanks to its strong ratings, engaging premise, and standout performances—particularly from Lee Jun Young.

Sources: 네이트 뉴스