What happens when one of Korea’s most promising young actors is offered a role that could redefine his entire career? Could Lee Jun-young’s next project mark the biggest turning point since his idol-to-actor transformation? And how will fans react to seeing him play not one, but two contrasting characters in a single drama?
The answer may come with Rookie Chairman Kang. Breaking news reveals that Lee Jun-young is being considered for the lead role in JTBC’s upcoming high-profile drama. With a powerhouse creative team and a unique storyline, the buzz is already sky-high.
Drama Synopsis & Concept
New Chairman Kang succeeds Kang Yong-ho, the chairman of the Choi Sung Group and “God of Business.”
After a freak accident he unexpectedly experiences a shocking turn in fortune — to live a second life.
To add tension to the situation, Lee Jun-young is cast in a dual role: as a top CEO and in Hwang Jun-hyun’s story as an enthusiastic soccer player.
The key themes of the drama include destiny, second chances and identity transformation.
Creative Team & Production
The project has the name of Kim Soon-ok – the creative force behind Penthouse and Temptation of Wife. She’s known for her twists, and that’s already a big boost.
Director Go Hye-jin and writer Hyun Ji-min will help script the film and are known for creating strong characters with emotional connections.
The drama is officially set to air on JTBC in 2026.
Web Novel Origins
The narrative is sourced from a novel by San Kyung, the writer of The Youngest Son of a Chaebol Family (Reborn Rich).
That adaptation reached a high of 26.9% ratings in 2022 and garnered international interest.
Audience members think Rookie Chairman Kang could replicate that success with classic chaebol themes wrapped in a new dual-life twist.
Lee Jun-young’s Acting Journey
Lee Jun-young began his journey to fame as one of U-KISS’ members. But he has shifted career paths ever since he transitioned to acting.
He received acclaim in the Netflix hit DP, crippled audiences as the villain in Masked Girl, and went back to his softer sides in Fool Me Now.
And recently blindsided viewers in Weak Hero Class 2, where his versatility spoke again.
Jun-young now has a catalog of serious roles as well as comedies and things in between. And lastly, he is now seen as one of Korea’s most versatile rising actors.
Industry Buzz & Expectations
His possible casting news has created quite a stir throughout the K-drama community. Everyone is curious to see how he can manage and take on a dual role characters.
Since Kim Soon-ok is the writer leading the creative team, everyone in the K-drama space is going to expect another emotionally charged, plot-twists heavy drama.
Industry observers have been fascinated by the broader trend of idols becoming serious actors; Lee Jun-young is a mentioned model and Rookie Chairman Kang is potentially an additional validation of this trend.
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Conclusion
Lee Jun-young’s potential casting in Rookie Chairman Kang has been one of the hottest news sources in Korean entertainment.
If confirmed, him being cast as both a chaebol chairman and a soccer player can be a new zenith in his own career.
Promising a collaborative production between JTBC and Kim Soon-ok’s recognizable story, this drama is going to be one of 2026’s highly-anticipated K-dramas.
