JTBC has officially announced that actor and singer Lee Jun Young will take on the main role in its new office fantasy series New Employee Chairman Kang. The drama presents an intriguing mix of workplace storytelling and supernatural twists, promising both heart and humor.
A Unique Fantasy Office Drama
New Employee Chairman Kang tells the extraordinary story of two men from vastly different backgrounds whose lives change overnight after a bizarre accident. One is Kang Yong Ho, the powerful chairman of the Choi Sung Group, a top-ten conglomerate in South Korea. The other is Hwang Jun Hyun, a gifted athlete who has just secured a spot on the first-division soccer team FC Choi Sung.
Their worlds collide when Jun Hyun is involved in a sudden car accident, leading to a body-and-soul swap with Yong Ho. As a result, the wealthy chairman wakes up in the body of a rookie soccer player, while the budding athlete finds himself inhabiting the life of a business tycoon.
Lee Jun Young’s Dual Role
Lee Jun Young is set to showcase his acting versatility by portraying both Kang Yong Ho and Hwang Jun Hyun. This dual role will challenge him to express the complexities of two contrasting characters—an ambitious young athlete and a seasoned businessman—while highlighting the comedic and dramatic consequences of their switched identities.
Interestingly, instead of pursuing Jun Hyun’s original dream of making it big in European football, Chairman Kang (now in his body) decides to embrace corporate life from the bottom up, starting as a rookie employee at his own company. This unexpected choice sets the stage for plenty of entertaining office dynamics and personal growth.
A representative from the production team praised Lee Jun Young, noting, “With his wide range of acting experience and natural charisma, Lee Jun Young is expected to reveal new sides of his talent that audiences haven’t seen before.”
From Web Novel to Screen
The drama is based on the popular web novel New Employee Chairman Kang, written by Sankyung, the same author behind Reborn Rich. The story has already been adapted into a webtoon, further boosting anticipation for its television version. The screenplay will be helmed by Kim Soon Ok, best known for hit projects such as The Penthouse series and Temptation of Wife.
Why This Drama is Generating Buzz
K-dramas that combine fantasy with workplace themes have consistently drawn interest from audiences, and New Employee Chairman Kang is shaping up to be no exception. With a talented lead, a well-loved source material, and a script penned by one of Korea’s most recognized writers, the series is already on many viewers’ must-watch lists.
Fans of Lee Jun Young, along with drama enthusiasts looking for fresh storytelling, can look forward to a fun, fast-paced series that blends body-swap fantasy, office politics, and emotional transformation.
