Eat the rich! This is the best KDrama of 2022 has to offer.
I watched Reborn Rich three times! On my initial viewing, I felt disgruntled and unsatisfied. It felt like the director, writers, producers, and actors deliberately stole the "revenge" their faithful viewers deserved to see. I was ready to get on my keyboard and furiously write a long essay and why it game of throned itself. Spectacular all throughout except for the last two episodes 6/10, or so I thought. But then I decided to give it a watch and again for the third time. When some vocal minority screams that this series is unwatchable because of the terrible ending I almost believed it the first time. But on the second and third times, I've grown to appreciate the care and effort the whole production team gave. Everything about this show was a work of art.Reborn Rich takes a knowing shot at the Chaebol culture but surprisingly in a tasteful and informative matter. I mean as an outsider, I beg the question who are these people? Why do some people venerate them like royalty or worse, a deity? Reborn Rich does its job to show this world, not in a glamorous way with snooty dialogues and eye rolls. Instead, the actors showcased the ruggedness and dirtiness of being rich. The camera work even represented this, instead of an UHD shot we got blurriness, smudges, and interesting lighting. For me, the dynamics between the founder, Jin Yang-chul, and his estranged grandson Jin Do-jun is the pinnacle of Korean Drama acting in 2022. I understand that this kind of storytelling is a hit-or-miss for some but as I glued my eyes to the dialogue and subtle details I began to realize who are the characters, what makes them who they are, and why they made their choices. One of the overlooked actors is Kim Nam-hee as Jin Seong-jun, his character felt so real to me, I can see his internal struggles. Overall the cast is memorable, even those with bit roles are easily recognizable. Hoping Reborn Rich gets many awards!
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Binged this on a plane, sadly drama didn't stick the landing like it did
This drama is like if a master chef followed an old and established recipe exactly, using the prime ingredients and the best kitchen to make a delicious soup....only to decide at the last minute it needs more salt, and accidentally unloads half a shaker's worth of stuff into the stew.Thus ruining the carefully cultivated flavors with an undeniably acrid end.
I don't even like business stories, but I can understand faceslapping, redo stories, and protagonists with foresight in any genre, so that's why Reborn Rich hit all the right notes for me on a long transpacific plane ride. I watched it flying across the Pacific and again flying back, then made up the last few missing episodes online on my own, it got me so hooked. The atmospheric opening song (no lyrics, just a gallery of photographs from the chaebol family staring at the MC's silhouette as he walks by) was super cool and fit the setting, and I liked the traditional trope of "born in a rich family" but set in the 80s that gave everything a refreshing retro look.
All of the characters were vivid and multilayered—they were bad, but not evil, and everyone had their flaws that ultimately contributed to their fall. I was surprised to find myself liking Grandpa so much (I felt genuinely bad for him in that elevator scene and after he died) and every single member of the family had their pitiful or funny sides that made it hard to absolutely hate them. In other words, they felt like real people, albeit slightly selfish caricatures at the same time.
But then what do you do? You get rid of all that and pick a different ending than the webnovel to forcibly bring us back to reality and make it all a dream?! We don't even get the ML telling FL about his experiences (although admittedly the chemistry between them was like 5 points out of 100 at most) and whatever happened to ML's traumatized driver who took to drink? (Remember, that guy used to work as a spy before going over to ML's side! He deserved better than showing up in court to testify before being discredited and dragged out!!)
The last time I saw a drama with similar redo-vibes that ended in "it was all for nothing" was Scent of Time, but the difference in Scent of Time was that you get a sense the FL can heal and move on, and the people she hurt have come to terms with the deaths she caused. In here we still have so many loose ends and grieving, like:
- What about Do Jin's mother and father and brother? Did they get over their youngest's death? Did mom and dad reconcile after mom called dad out for using Do Jin to gain a foothold in the family?
- Wasn't Do Jin supposed to carry out Grandpa's dream? And he would've done well too as a more principled version of Gramps. Or even if he didn't with the family, then pave his own path with Miracle Investment?
- Is the FL just gonna pine forever? (Actually I'm okay with her staying single in this story too the romance just did not sell it for me, they were too busy with work or slight misunderstandings or her snipping at him the uncute way)
- The driver?????
- ML's original dad and brother?? ??? Post-trial family life moments?
- What is crazy oldest brother doing now? ??
It almost makes me feel like they didn't expect the series to end in 16 episodes and had to hurriedly cram in something half-scripted to end it. Sigh, if you were going to half-bake the ending with no clear message (at least to me), I would've preferred the unrealistic power fantasy we were riding for EP. 2-15. At least that was entertaining and not miserable X^(
Overall, still a solid watch. I can't even say "stop watchiing at Ep. 15" because the bad thing happens at the end of it, but maybe stop when Do Jin's in the car riding to inherit his laurels. Then you can either read the webcomic/webnovel or fanfic the rest! Without the last episode this series is a 8 or 8.5, but the last one just drags it down to a 7.5!
Was this review helpful to you?
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Wasted Potential
The premise of the show promises revenge, but instead the main vast majority of time spent is a show of fighting for succession in the company. Yoon Hyunwoo awakens as Jin Dojun and shortly after this, mentions that one of the family members killed him. So, it seemed that the direction of the show was going to be that he was going to find out who killed him, and take revenge on that person. Instead, what the vast majority of time spent was watching a succession war play out. Yoon Hyunwoo and Jin Dojun are *technically* the same person, however it never felt that way. Jin Dojun never felt like a poor character masquerading as a rich chaebol son trying to get his revenge. He just felt like a... rich chaebol son who wanted control of his family's company. This was especially highlighted, with how his relationship with his grandfather was portrayed. The relationship between these two was easily the best part of the show, but I just wish that they would have showed more of the emotional struggle Jin Dojun had.For example:
-Wanting to take revenge on the Jin family vs. coming to actually care for his grandfather
-Having grown up with the identity of someone who was poor vs. straying away from that identity and becoming what he originally vowed to take down
-Using taking over Soonyang as a means for his revenge vs. actually wanting Soonyang for himself
I would have loved to see him struggle with these kinds of things! It would've made for a much more interesting character, and it would've have actually been believable that Yoon Hyunwoo and Jin Dojun were the same person.
Speaking of the last bullet point, I wasn't sure what Jin Dojun's motive was. It felt like Jin Dojun actually wanted control of Soonyang instead of it being a tool for his revenge. It never felt personal. Jin Dojun was just a rich chaebol heir who was playing games like the rest of them.
The ending was incredibly rushed, but I think it could've been perfect if they had actually built up to it. It didn't feel satisfying because Jin Dojun and Yoon Hyunwoo feel like completely different people. You spend the majority of the show with Jin Dojun instead of Yoon Hyunwoo, so going back to Yoon Hyunwoo is like getting the rug pulled out from underneath you. Jin Dojun was about to get Soonyang, which he had been working for the whole entire series! But then, Jin Dojun dies and we go back to Yoon Hyunwoo, who obviously can't take over Soonyang, so he just goes for his revenge instead? If the writers had actually made me believe that Jin Dojoon was just Yoon Hyunwoo the whole time and his goal was revenge then, yes going back to Yoon Hyunwoo would make sense. This could've actually felt satisfying, if they had actually built up to it and hinted at it though.
And then a big thing that bothered me was: why didn't Yoon Hyunwoo remember anything about Jin Dojun? It came as a "twist" at the end that Yoon Hyunwoo accidentally helped kill Jin Dojun, but it makes no sense that he would just forget about it. The only reason he forgot is *because plot*. If the writers wanted this to be the twist, they should have hinted at this more throughout the whole series, so that it actually made sense in the end.
The guy at the end calling Hyunwoo, Jin Dojun made no sense either? It doesn't explain if he actually knows that Yoon Hyunwoo and Jin Dojun are the same person, or if he was just crazy and just somehow randomly right? There was really no reason to put this in there. I also thought this guy was at the first car accident, and not the second one?
The prosecutor was so bland and boring. Her "romance" with Dojun was incredibly forced, and added absolutely nothing. Their relationship was completely overshadowed by the relationship Dojun had with his grandfather.
TL:DR;
This show had so much potential, and I wish they would have developed the character of Yoon Hyunwoo/Jin Dojun better, so that he would've had a satisfying character arc with a satisfying ending. This series would've been GREAT, had they been able to execute it correctly.
Was this review helpful to you?
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.
Was this review helpful to you?
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 !
Was this review helpful to you?
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.
Was this review helpful to you?
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.
Was this review helpful to you?
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.
Was this review helpful to you?
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.
Was this review helpful to you?
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.
Was this review helpful to you?
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?
