JTBC's 'New Employee Chairman Kang' climbs from 3.7% to 8.2% in four episodes

JTBC's Saturday-Sunday drama Sinipsawon Kang Hoejang ("New Employee Chairman Kang") opened at 3.7% on May 30, then climbed to 8.2% by episode four. Each of the first four weeks brought a new high.

The 12-episode series airs Saturdays at 10:40 PM and Sundays at 10:30 PM. Hyun Ji-min wrote the screenplay. Go Hye-jin directed.

A headbutt accident swaps the soul of Chaesung Group chairman Kang Yong-ho — 72 years old — into soccer player Hwang Jun-hyun's body. Son Hyun-joo plays Kang Yong-ho, the "god of business." Lee Jun-young is Hwang Jun-hyun, the young athlete suddenly living a life he never signed up for. Lee Joo-myung rounds out the central cast as Kang Bang-geul.

The source material is a web novel by San-gyeong, who also wrote the original novel behind Reborn Rich (Jaeboljip Maknaedadeul). That JTBC drama peaked at 26.9% viewership (Nielsen Korea, nationwide paid households).

Lee Jun-young has pieced together a range of work. He appeared as IU's lover in Poksak Sogeassuda, though his screen time was brief. Romance-comedies like Na-neun Daenonggo Cinderella-reul Kkumkkunda and Melo Movie came next, along with 24-si Health Club. He took on heavier roles in Royal Roader and Weak Hero Class 2. This is his first lead in a primetime JTBC slot.

Eight episodes remain. The ratings climb is the only story that matters right now.