The JTBC K-drama Reborn Rookie delivered two intense episodes over the weekend, leaving viewers with major questions about the fate of Hwang Jun-hyeon’s soul and the shocking turn of events involving Chairman Kang Yong-ho in the hospital.
The drama, which premiered on May 30, 2026, follows the story of Chairman Kang Yong-ho (Son Hyun-joo), whose soul gets swapped into the body of young soccer player Hwang Jun-hyeon (Lee Jun-young) after a freak accident. Now, the show has taken a darker turn that has everyone talking.
Who Was in Kang Yong-Ho’s Hospital Room?
Episode 8 ended with two major cliffhangers. Kang Jae-gyeong (Jeon Hye-jin) visited her father Kang Yong-ho in his hospital room, and shortly after her visit, the ICU monitor started sounding alarms. Her brother Kang Jae-seong (Jin Goo) later confronted her, accusing her of killing their father.
The show confirmed that Chairman Kang Yong-ho passed away. Episode 9 opened with the aftermath of his death. Kang Yong-ho’s original body is now gone, which directly affects the soul trapped inside Hwang Jun-hyeon’s body.
Jeon Hye-jin’s character, Kang Jae-gyeong, had the most to gain from her father’s death. She had been fighting for control of Choiseong Group throughout the series. Her visit to the hospital room wasn’t just a simple goodbye, it set up a major power shift within the company.
Is Hwang Jun-hyeon’s Soul Still Alive?
This is the biggest question after episodes 9 and 10 of Reborn Rookie. Since Kang Yong-ho’s original body died, what happens to the soul of Hwang Jun-hyeon?
There are three theories:
First theory: Hwang Jun-hyeon’s soul died permanently when Kang Yong-ho’s body died. This is what happens in the original web novel the drama is based on. In that version, Kang Yong-ho fully takes over Hwang Jun-hyeon’s body, and the soccer player’s soul never returns.
Second theory: Hwang Jun-hyeon’s soul might merge back into his own body. Some fans believe traces of his consciousness could still exist because Kang Yong-ho somehow inherited Hwang Jun-hyeon’s soccer skills and reflexes after the swap.
Third theory: The soul could become a spirit stuck somewhere between life and death. Given the fantasy elements of the show, there’s a chance Hwang Jun-hyeon will continue as a ghostly presence.
What Happened in Episodes 9 and 10?
Episode 9 showed Hwang Jun-hyeon making a shocking decision. Instead of continuing his alliance with Kang Bang-geul (Lee Joo-myung), he approached Kang Jae-gyeong with an unexpected proposal. He offered to stand on her side during the succession battle.
“Jun-hyun then approaches Kang Jae-kyung with an unexpected proposal, declaring that he will stand on her side rather than supporting Kang Bang-geul.”
This move left viewers confused. Why would the chairman’s soul in a young body suddenly support the person responsible for destroying the company from within?
Episode 10 showed Hwang Jun-hyeon acting distant toward Kang Bang-geul. His cold behavior pushed her away, even though they had worked together well before. Kang Bang-geul responded by moving next door to him, hoping to get answers.
The episode also showed Kang Jae-gyeong getting appointed as chairperson. Hwang Jun-hyeon stood beside her during the ceremony, making it look like he fully supported her leadership.
Why Did Hwang Jun-Hyeon Join Kang Jae-Gyeong?
The reason behind Hwang Jun-hyeon’s decision is more complex than it looks. He actually wants to help Kang Bang-geul by removing her from the dangerous situation. His plan involves getting enough money to send Kang Bang-geul and her mother Cho Sun-hee out of the country.
He chooses to carry the risk alone, making himself the target while protecting Kang Bang-geul. But Kang Bang-geul refuses to leave, which creates a new problem in his carefully planned strategy.
Episode 9 recorded ratings of 10.4% nationwide and 10.6% in the Seoul metropolitan area, proving that viewers are deeply invested in the story.
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How Does the Soul Swap Affect the Story?
Lee Jun-young plays Hwang Jun-hyeon, but since Kang Yong-ho’s soul now lives inside his body, he acts like the older chairman. He uses business knowledge to outsmart everyone around him. In episodes 9 and 10, that knowledge pushes him toward dangerous choices.
Son Hyun-joo, who plays the original chairman, no longer appears in the present-day scenes because his body died. However, flashbacks and hospital room shots from earlier episodes showed his character before the soul swap.
The drama has 12 episodes total, with new episodes airing on Saturdays and Sundays on JTBC. The series will conclude on July 5, 2026.
Jeon Hye-jin’s character Kang Jae-gyeong now holds the most power within Choiseong Group. Episode 10 showed her building her leadership team, with Hwang Jun-hyeon right beside her. But the question remains whether she knows his true identity.
The show’s mystery and fantasy elements keep viewers guessing. Will Hwang Jun-hyeon’s soul ever return? Or will Kang Yong-ho continue living inside the young man’s body forever?
Fans online have been sharing their thoughts, with many hoping the drama will take a different path from the web novel. Some believe Hwang Jun-hyeon deserves a second chance at life. Others are more interested in how Kang Yong-ho will handle his revenge plan now that his original body is gone.
Episode 10 set up even more questions. Hwang Jun-hyeon walking away from Kang Bang-geul might be for her protection, but his cold demeanor could also mean the chairman’s soul is losing its connection to the soccer player’s humanity.
Only four episodes remain, and viewers are eager to see how this story ends.
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