Reborn Rich (Review)

(재벌집 막내아들, aired from November 18 to December 25, 2022; 16 episodes)

Reborn Rich is yet another K-Drama take on revenge story (like recent The Glory on Netflix), here more closely following a classic idea of The Count of Monte Cristo, but with a twist. In modern day, Song Joong-ki is Yoon Hyun-woo, a loyal executive at Soonyang Group, a Korean chaebol (or conglomerate). While being on the business trip following orders from his superiors, he is sacrificed by the family controlling Soonyang and killed. Surprisingly, though, he wakes up in 1987 in a body of young Jin Do-jun, the youngest grandson of Jin Yang-chul (Lee Sung-min), head and founder of Soonyang Group. From there he plans his revenge with an ultimate goal of taking control of the chaebol for himself, unbeknownst to Jin family.

The show dives deep into how Koreans chaebol operate, their role in Korean society, and how devastating there were for their own employees and their families. All of this against the background of historical events between late 1980s to early 2000s: with a special focus on economic changes, especially 1997 IMF crisis (also prominently featured in many other K-Dramas, like recent Twenty-Five Twenty-One). The role of Korean chaebols and attempts to limit their power are in the forefront of political and economic issues covered by the show. So, while Reborn Rich still obviously has themes of corruption and conspiracy so prevalent in K-Dramas, they feel here more grounded and convincing than usual thanks to the realistic portrayal of society of the time.

Song Joong-ki as Jin Do-jun is obviously the star of the show. He is his usual self: confident, smart, witty, and charismatic, as his fans expect him to be, and they won’t be disappointed. The show provides increasingly difficult challenges for Jin Do-jun, and he is always able to find smart and cleaver solutions to his problems (not only because he is actually from the future).

In my opinion, one of the best elements of the show is Jin Do-jun’s relationship with his grandfather, Jin Yang-chul, imposing and feared head of Soonyang Group. Do-jun slowly finds a way to earn his grandfather’s trust. Jin Yang-chul often acts as his mentor, presenting different tasks and challenges for Do-jun. At the same time, Do-jun has to battle for influence and power with children of Jin Yang-chul and his cousins in never ending intrigues.

Do-jun finds an occasional ally and love interest in Seo Min-young (Shin Hyun-been), a prosecutor bent on fighting corruption and crimes related to chaebols. Do-jun relationship with Min-young is not your typical K-Drama romance: often we don’t really know if Do-jun is just using Min-young to achieve his goals or harm his enemies, or he indeed has sincere intentions regarding her.

Fortunately, creators of the show toned down the usual comedic elements so common in K-Dramas, and the show is more of a thriller, always keeping viewers in suspense. Do-jun immediately gains viewers’ sympathy (also because of Song Joong-ki’s charismatic personality): and although his methods and actions are not always ethical, he nevertheless always has the well-being of others in his mind, pursuing the goal of making his corporation more friendly and helpful to the people.

One of the main weaknesses of the show is the overly complicated structure of Soonyang Group and Jin family, with numerous members of different ranks and functions in the conglomerate. The series reveals most of that in the first episode, and often doesn’t refresh our memory about those details later, assuming the viewers are well-informed. I don’t think I was able to fully grasp who is who by the final episode of the show.

Reborn Rich was one of the most popular shows in 2022 and fully deserves its popularity. For fans of Song Joong-ki it is obviously a must watch, but anybody else should find the show compelling. The show always surprises us with new developments and keeps us on the edge of our seats. Also, it is one of the best portrayals of Korean conglomerates I saw in K-Dramas, definitely helpful with understanding that part of Korean society.

Reborn Rich on Wikipedia and MyDramaList