New Employee Kang Chairman Hits Double-Digit Ratings

JTBC's Saturday-Sunday drama "The Rookie Chairman" is gaining immense popularity, capturing both viewership ratings and buzz. In its sixth episode, it surpassed double-digit viewership ratings, reaching 10.2% in the Seoul metropolitan area and 9.5% nationwide, and also secured second place in TV drama buzz rankings.

The secret to the drama's popularity lies in its delightful humor, maintained even amidst a tense succession war. Centered around rookie employee Hwang Jun-hyun (Lee Jun-young), who is possessed by the spirit of Choi Sung Group Chairman Kang Yong-ho (Son Hyun-ju), the drama depicts the fierce succession battle among his children: Kang Bang-geul (Lee Joo-myung), Kang Jae-kyung (Jeon Hye-jin), and Kang Jae-seong (Jin Goo). Unexpected comedic moments sprinkled throughout add to the viewing enjoyment.

In the fifth episode, Kang Yong-ho, inhabiting Hwang Jun-hyun's body, revealed his soul-swapping situation for the first time to his long-time confidant Lee Sang-jae (Kim Jong-tae). Lee Sang-jae accepted this, and they reunited at a gukbap (rice soup) restaurant, a place holding cherished memories for them. The scene where Kang Yong-ho shields the rain-soaked Lee Sang-jae with an umbrella, followed by Lee Sang-jae's confession while kneeling, evoked laughter by resembling a scene from a romance drama.

The acquisition battle for GF Solutions between Kang Jae-kyung and Kang Jae-seong was also depicted intriguingly. Acquiring GF Solutions, which possesses new technology, emerged as a crucial battleground for the chairman's seat, and their competition was portrayed like an auction bid. The scene where the CEO of GF Solutions exclaims, "Sold to President Kang Jae-seong!" became a unique and memorable moment.

In the sixth episode, Hwang Jun-hyun and Kang Bang-geul went undercover as a Japanese newlywed couple to infiltrate a mine inspection site. Their boldness in securing evidence while pretending to take selfies, and their bickering chemistry from the site to the hotel, delivered special entertainment, intertwined with their secret relationship as father and daughter.