So close to what I always wanted
There's a lot of webtoons which feature reincarnation or possession or "redoing life," which is a trope I really enjoy. Unfortunately, they're usually not quite what I want, and even when they are they can't quite live up to the emotional impact that a drama has for me. But dramas in this category are few and far between. The only other one's I've managed to find are "Brush Up Life" and "See you in my 19th life," both shows which I enjoyed but didn't quite scratch the itch for (although 19th life came very close).What I really want is a show with a talented protagonist using the opportunity to get ahead in any way they can. And this show does that. Fantastically. As soon as the first episode ending I was hooked, and through the first half of the show it was pure bliss. They even started setting a romance subplot which was really fun.
But things started to falter towards the end. Tricks and ideas to foil the villains were reused, the romance got rocky and sparse, and some of the conflicts began to feel like a bit of a slog. I think they could've done with a few more protagonists to keep the viewer invested. When the last episode hit I was livid: super not happy with where they took. They managed to win me back a bit, but I still remain incredibly unsatisfied with the ending. It's made even worse by the sparse chance there's a season 2.
Up until, let's episode 8 or 9, for me this was an easy 10/10. Factoring in the rest of it, especially the last episode, unfortunately brings it down to an 8.5. I would still recommend it, but just... ready your soul.
P.S. The leitmotif for the chairman is simply excellent.
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Dont let the mixed reviews sway you !
Honestly im glad i didnt read the reviews before watching this (i usually depend on them!)I honestly really enjoyed reborn rich, i binge watched it all in one go. I will say the ending was rushed and wasnt as satisfying as it should have bewn BUT despite that i still really enjoyed the show!
Ive really been into the time travel/ second chance dramas recently so i wasnt put off by the fact that the ML knew everything despite being "reborn" as a kid in this other family. Like yes it made things all go in his way but it wasnt too OP as youd think it could be, again this is a second chance drama so its to be expected.
Like i said the ending was rushed, it couls have honestly been stretched out into a whole other episode and deserved an extra episode tbh. There are certain things that werent properly adressed that should have been.
But besides that, the acting was amazing, the plot was plotting, the cinematography was *chefs kiss* so i really enjoyed it !
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This review may contain spoilers
Title mismatch
If you are only watching this because of Song Joon-ki like many so-called kdrama fan then there's no need for you to read the reviews. Just watch it already.In the mean time for the rest of us who do watch kdramas because of the story you will have noticed that the title sometimes is not reflected well in the show.
This show started really strong, it has timetravel and reincarnation elements and the inclusion of historical events and how the main lead used it to his advantage was very interesting. Revenge dramas have always been a joy to watch. Then suddenly the show forgot about the title and the events from previous episodes and started to take another path.
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This review may contain spoilers
More on Repent than Revenge
f you’re a fan of revenge-driven K-dramas, Reborn Rich is a series you shouldn’t miss. After seeing countless TikTok recommendations, I decided to give it a shot, and it didn’t disappoint—well, for the most part. Every episode kept me on the edge of my seat with its thrilling twists and power plays, making it incredibly exciting to watch.The story revolves around themes of justice, redemption, and corporate warfare, blending them perfectly to build anticipation. However, the final episodes left me with mixed emotions. The pacing in the last part felt rushed, leaving some storylines underdeveloped. I was rooting for a massive, satisfying revenge arc, especially after all the buildup. But instead, the narrative focused on repentance, allowing the main character, Hyun Woo, to seek redemption. While I appreciate the underlying message, it did take away from the high-stakes revenge I had been expecting.
The ending caught me completely off guard. I genuinely thought Hyun Woo would emerge as the chairman of Soonyang Group, especially with how cleverly he maneuvered throughout the series. But the unpredictable conclusion left me conflicted—partly impressed by its unpredictability, partly disappointed by the lack of resolution.
Overall, Reborn Rich is a great watch for its gripping storyline, intense character dynamics, and unexpected twists. However, the ending may leave you wanting more closure or a more impactful payoff. If you’re looking for a drama that keeps you guessing until the end, this one’s worth a try—but be prepared for a slightly rushed finale.
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A Nice Adrenaline Rush to Break the Typical K-Drama Lull
Naturally, I hopped on this drama for Song Joong Ki. I mean, honestly, that should be it. Because I refuse to input spoilers, I'll keep it simple.Story: The story had some major plot holes, yes, so why did I rate it so high? In all my K-Drama watching career, I can confidently predict the ending and 9/10 get it right. I was so far off on my ending prediction, I spent the last hour of E16 with my jaw to the floor. I'm not sure why everyone hated the ending. I tipped my hat to it. It was creative, not what was expected and the ending still played to the protagonists favor.
Each episode is an adrenaline rush of, "will he get revenge"? I definitely spent a few late nights convincing myself one more episode would satiate all of the twists and turns. Instead, I convinced myself I needed one more episode.
The characters, I will say, were a but much. I understand that the focus is on this family, but they would bring in a family member, peak interest on how this family member ties into things, and then toss them aside like they didn't exist. Dragging them out only when they needed them to appear again with no explanation of where they were or how they really tie to anything. This goes for the female lead. They spoke so highly of her, but whenever she had a scene it was lackluster and short-lived.
The acting was beautiful. The exaggeration of the rich family members to the hurt and deceit of the poor side characters. Everyone did beautifully. They truly made you either love their character or hate their character accordingly.
The soundtrack was great and tied into everything beautifully. I absolutely LOVED the flashbacks and getting a taste of the 90s and early 00s nostalgia.
This drama would definitely go in my pocket as a "safe show" playback. For those of you that don't know, it's a show that you just feel comfortable watching when you can't quite decide what you want to watch next and you're not ready to committ to a brand new show.
Overall, I enjoyed the drama. I did have my moments where I felt bored, and it took me about two weeks to finish the last two episodes, but the ending made it worth it for me.
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Karma and Its Peculiar Way of Making You Pay and Repent
Reborn Rich—just from the title and brief synopsis, I was instantly reminded of those classic Korean reincarnation webtoons and Manhwas. And true to expectation, it delivers a gripping story that meets the high standards of the genre.Song -Joong-ki’ s performance was absolutely brilliant, embodying both Yoon-Hyun-woo and Jin-Do-jun with effortless charisma. Lee-Sung-min was equally phenomenal, portraying the powerful yet ruthless chairman of Soonyang Group. The connection between the protagonist’s two lives was executed beautifully, making the story all the more compelling.
As for the ending—while it broke my heart, I can see that the writer chose a more grounded, realistic approach rather than a fairy-tale conclusion. Personally, I was hoping for a happier, more satisfying ending like your typical feel-good healing K-dramas. But in hindsight, the finale reflected a mature perspective on fate, karma, and justice.
Beyond the storytelling, the soundtrack was absolutely stellar, elevating the drama’s emotional depth. The songs played during the credits? Just chef’s kiss.
Overall, Reborn Rich was an excellent watch, full of tension, emotion, and well-crafted twists. It entertained me from start to finish, and I’d rate it a solid 9/10.
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A truly vile conglomerate family!
Loved the acting, actors and characters. Really a great cast. I also thought this an original take on the usual underhanded, vulgar and megalomaniacal super rich corporate dramas that get churned out. The switch in time, very intelligent protagonist and the clever, manipulative ways in which he exacted revenge were all very watchable.I couldn't give a 10 because, for me, it was just too much high-powered, super rich wheeling and dealing. There was no let up at all, which I found a struggle at times.
I got that Do-Joon/Hyun-woo's primary goal was obtaining Soonyang, but some kind of breather from the constant business, corporate scheming and jargon, would have made it more enjoyable for me.
Definitely worth watching though and besides my few gripes, the pace suited the story and I thought the ending was excellent.
Shout out for the great young actor, Kim Kang-hoon, who I think we'll be watching for a long time. He's played many diverse kid characters in some great dramas.
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This review may contain spoilers
Lee Sung Min!
t took me almost a week after I finished the drama to start writing my review because there was so much I had to think about and unpack. The ML, in his first life, is killed and is “reborn” as the youngest grandson of a ruthless and cunning founder of a conglomerate. The native title translates to “The House of Chaebol’s Youngest Son.” I think the title is more descriptive and in line with the drama as a whole. Yes, the ML is reborn into this family, however, the story centers around succession rights; they act as catalysts to all that happen in the story. As the youngest grandson and born to the youngest son (who also happens to be illegitimate), the ML really has no chance of inheriting his grandfather’s business empire. Understanding this and the fact that his grandfather believes in the right of primogeniture, the ML uses his knowledge of his former life and the future to acquire the family empire through hostile takeover. Along the way of achieving his goal, he becomes closer to his grandfather and starts to understand the man behind the myth. My absolute favorite part of this drama is really not the revenge part and seeing the bad people get their comeuppance, but the relationship between the ML and his grandfather. The actor, Lee Sung Min, who plays the grandfather is absolutely fantastic in this drama. Yes, Song Joong Ki, is the ML and protagonist, but Lee Sung Min as Jin Yang Cheol gives the drama its beating heart. I like that each episode in which there’s something to overcome, the issue isn’t dragged out but resolved and tied into the overall story well. The ending to me is a double edged sword, tasting of both bitterness and sweetness, a feeling of anger and regret, and then a sense of hope, renewal and a new beginning. I guess if a drama makes me feel all these emotions, then I cannot but give it anything less than ten stars.Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Great drama with a possibility of an alternative ending
Well yeah! To begin with, no one knows the real appearance of Jin Do Jun as Jin Do Jun. We only know Hyun Woo as Jin Do Jun.The best part of this drama is the relationship between Jin Do Jun and the grandfather. However, the worst part is the ending. I am really disappointed with the ending. This is supposed to be a great drama, but the ending ruins everything. Everything that happens from epi. 2 to epi. 15 was like a dream of Hyun Woo, but this makes the 14 episodes meaningless. The writers invest too much on the life of Do Jun and the power struggle in the Jin family. To deliver the message like repentance, the writers should have given more priority to Hyun Woo, the person who suffers a feeling of guilt over leaving the injured Do Jun behind.
Based on episodes 2-15, the drama may be regarded as a fantasy drama with the element of time travel. Jin Do Jun is possessed by the spirit of Hyun Woo who is from the future. Therefore, this makes Do Jun and Hyun Woo from the future the same person; Do Jun is the body while Hyun Woo from the future is the spirit. Episodes 2-15 also suggest the fact that there is another Hyun Woo (himself as the poor person). In my opinion, between episodes 2-15, Hyun Woo as Jin Do Jun should have met Hyun Woo (another him) in person at some points in time, at least to help him, to warn him, and so on. Remember that Jin Do Jun has the spirit of Hyun Woo who is from the future. Hyun Woo from the future should have helped and guided himself in the past. Therefore, the life of Hyun Woo will change in some ways (e.g., getting higher education, getting a good job and preventing the accident at the cliff). Perhaps, Hyun Woo from the future believes that he passed aways at the cliff and became a new person; if he thought he travels to the past, that would have been great. He would not have focused solely on revenge; he would have focused on his life as Hyun Woo (the poor person) as well.
However, based on epi. 1 and epi. 16, this drama is not a fantasy drama. Jin Do Jun and Hyun Woo are different people. This means that Do Jun should be a common man who cannot predict the future like the popularity of Titanic, the Asian Financial Crisis, and so on. Therefore, he would not have become the favourite grandson of Jin Yang Cheol and created the Miracle Investment. Also, Hyun Woo has never possessed the body of Do Jun or travelled to the past. Everything that happens in episodes 2-15 is the dream of Hyun Woo when he is in the coma. This makes episodes 2-15 meaningless.
However again, in episodes 2-15, the motivation behind the Miracle Investment is to buy Soonyang (which is guided by the intention of Hyun Woo in the body of Do Jun). This then makes epi. 16 meaningless or irrelevant.
I hope the writer let us know the real appearance of Jin Do Jun as Jin Do Jun. Does he have the same face as Hyun Woo? Or is he a completely different person from Hyun Woo?
Actually, Do Jun with the spirit of Hyun Woo from the futurue is indeed a smart person. Based on his experience in the traffic accident planned by the grandmother, he should have been careful of his personal safety and security. He should have predicted about such accidents. He should have known that no one in the Jin family loves him. However, when he learned that he was about to become the chairman of Soonyang, he became optimistic; he believed that no one was about to harm him.
After finishing epi. 16, I feel that the point about being in a coma and possessing someone's body is similar to what depicts in Mr. Queen. However, in Mr. Queen, the main actor can change his future. But in Reborn Rich, the main actor cannot change the future or the key events in the future.
I am not waiting for season 2! However, if the concept of the drama is about time travel, and if the spirit of the "real" Jin Do Jun was reborn and trapped inside Hyun Woo in episode 16, Season 2 will be necessary. This should make Do Jun and Hyun Woo different people, but they exchange their spirits.
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Fun for MBA candidates
if you like to learn how you can do a corporate takeover plus secession theories this is a great drama for you. excellent acting fun premise It kind of remind me of the story of Henry Ford or Bill Gates someone who was taking over a large popular company.I love the concept and premise of being reborn. however I wish there was a bigger revenge factor. There was revenge but it was handled very lightly. I would have loved for more conflict. As a foreigner it was good to see and learn about significant historical points in time for South Korea.
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Really Good…Until it Wasn’t
Excellent show until the last episode. Watched it with my father, and we really enjoyed the dynamics within the family and were looking forward to seeing how Jin Do Jun triumphed over his scheming relatives.When it got to the the last episode, the storyline became very disjointed and plot holes arose that didn’t need to be there. My father and I were confused and disappointed. We even shook our heads at each other and shrugged after the show ended.
I didn’t know this was a web novel with a different ending, but now it makes sense why the the last episode seemed so bad to us. When a story is written with the plot and events geared toward a specific ending, changing that ending screws up everything that came before it and creates holes in the plot. Source material exists for a reason, and writers should honor it — changing the established story just to create shock value or keep viewers guessing rarely results in an improvement.
It was still a good show, but the ending seriously took away from what could have been great.
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I recommend watching it
When I started watching it, I was watching it for Song Joong-Ki, plus, I love revenge dramas! The whole show was quite fun to watch, although there were many times when holes in the plot were left uncovered. The ending was also not as satisfying as I had wanted. Despite there being some things that simply don't make sense and some people that didn't contribute much to the story (namely Jin Do Jun's girlfriend), I'm not too regretful that I spent 16 hours of my life watching this.Was this review helpful to you?
