JTBC’s Saturday-Sunday drama Reborn Rookie has emerged as one of the biggest surprises in this year’s Korean drama market after recording a dramatic rise in viewership.

The series began with ratings in the 3% range, but surpassed the double-digit mark after only eight episodes. Its peak rating reached 12.0%, placing the drama among JTBC’s notable recent successes.

According to Nielsen Korea, Episode 8 of Reborn Rookie, which aired on June 21, recorded an average nationwide rating of 11.0% and 10.9% in the Seoul metropolitan area. Both figures marked the drama’s highest ratings to date. The episode also earned a nationwide rating of 3.6% among viewers aged 20 to 49, ranking first among all programs broadcast on Sunday.

The drama had initially opened with a relatively modest nationwide rating of 3.7%. However, its unusual combination of a conglomerate succession battle and a soul-switching premise began attracting positive word of mouth. Its fast-moving plot and the cast’s performances also helped the audience expand with each new episode.

By Episode 8, Reborn Rookie had completely reversed its quiet start by breaking through the 10% barrier. Its highest rating per minute climbed to 12.0%. The result reportedly placed the series at No. 8 among JTBC’s highest-rated Friday-Saturday and weekend dramas, surpassing previous productions such as Strong Girl Nam-soon and The Art of Negotiation.

Reborn Rookie follows Kang Yong Ho, a conglomerate chairman in his 70s whose soul enters the body of Hwang Joon Hyun, a football player in his 20s, after an accident. Based on a web novel by Sankyung, the writer behind Reborn Rich, the drama blends corporate rivalry, family conflict, fantasy and personal growth. Its soul-switching premise has helped distinguish it from typical regression stories.

Lee Jun Young has received praise for portraying an elderly chairman’s authority and charisma in a young man’s body, while Son Hyun Joo, Jeon Hye Jin, Jin Goo and Lee Joo Myung strengthen the ensemble.

After climbing from a 3.7% debut to a 12.0% peak, attention is focused on whether Reborn Rookie can maintain its momentum. Episode 9 airs on June 27 at 10:40 p.m. KST.

Sources: Daum | TV리포트