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Just a few days before the broadcast of " Reborn Rookie« Lee Jun-young shared many details about his character and the particular challenges of the drama.
The series will follow Kang Yong Ho, played by Son Hyun-joo, a powerful conglomerate chairman considered a true business genius. After an accident, his soul is mysteriously transferred into the body of a young soccer player named Hwang Jun Hyun, played by Son Hyun-joo. Lee Jun-young.
The character will then have to start his life all over again... as an entry-level employee in his own company.
A complex role that immediately appealed to Lee Jun-young
In the story, Hwang Jun Hyun was once a soccer hopeful before an accident turned his life upside down. Lee Jun-young will have to interpret two very different personalities within the same character.
The actor explained that this soul-swapping concept was the main reason for his choice: «Being able to play both Hwang Jun Hyun and Kang Yong Ho in a single project was an extremely attractive challenge for me as an actor. On top of that, the script was really entertaining, so I accepted the project without hesitation.»
Lee Jun-young also described the contrasts between the two versions of the character:n «Football player Hwang Jun Hyun is a healthy, energetic person who works harder than anyone else to achieve his dream. In contrast, after President Kang Yong Ho's soul enters his body, he retains the same outward appearance but exudes extraordinary pressure and charisma.»
Important observation work with Son Hyun-joo
To make this transformation believable, Lee Jun-young explained that he had carefully studied Son Hyun-joo's acting and habits. «I wanted the player Hwang Jun Hyun and Hwang Jun Hyun after the arrival of Kang Yong Ho's soul to look clearly different. I put a lot of thought into Kang Yong Ho's characteristic way of speaking and emotional tone.»
The actor also confided that he had carefully observed his acting partner: «I paid close attention to Son Hyun-joo's usual way of speaking and behaving, so as to reproduce them naturally. In particular, I watched a lot of clips from his previous projects.»
Finally, Lee Jun-young teased the drama's atmosphere, promising a series rich in emotions and twists: «The drama brings a wide range of emotions, with heavy moments, scenes full of tension and unexpected situations. I hope viewers will feel like they're surfing the waves we've created.»
Teaser of #RebornRookie, releasing on May 30. pic.twitter.com/RLXcpgrH3j
- kdrama diary (@kdramasdiary) May 19, 2026
“Reborn Rookie” will debut on May 30 and will be available on Viki.
