JTBC has officially announced the cast lineup for its upcoming drama “The New Employee Chairman Kang” (literal title), featuring Lee Jun Young, Son Hyun Joo, Lee Ju Myoung, Jeon Hye Jin, and Jin Goo.
With a mix of powerhouse veterans and rising stars, the series promises a compelling blend of fantasy, corporate intrigue, and family rivalry.
A Unique Story of Power, Fate, and Second Chances
“The New Employee Chairman Kang” centers on Kang Yong Ho, the feared and respected chairman of Choi Sung Group, one of Korea’s largest conglomerates.
Known for his ruthless business sense and unrelenting drive, Kang Yong Ho built his empire through sheer ambition and control.
However, a sudden accident turns his life upside down when his soul swaps with that of a young soccer player, forcing him to live as a new recruit in his own company.
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This fascinating body-swap premise combines fantasy elements with sharp corporate satire, exploring themes of power, identity, and redemption.
Son Hyun Joo as the Ruthless Chairman Kang Yong Ho
Veteran actor Son Hyun Joo takes on the role of Kang Yong Ho, a man whose entire life revolves around business and profit.
As the formidable head of Choi Sung Group, he believes that “everything in life follows the logic of money.”
He is so driven by this ideology that he pits his twin children against each other in a race for succession, earning the nickname “God of Business.”
However, his meticulously controlled world crumbles when his soul is mysteriously swapped after an accident.
This twist gives rise to both humorous and poignant situations, as the once-mighty tycoon must experience humility and rediscover humanity while navigating life as a low-level employee.
Lee Jun Young as the Soccer Player with a Shared Soul
Lee Jun Young plays Hwang Joon Hyun, a passionate soccer player whose body becomes host to the chairman’s displaced soul.
The two men’s fates become entangled in a dramatic journey of confusion, self-discovery, and transformation.
For Lee Jun Young, known for his versatility in both music and acting, this dual-role scenario offers a chance to showcase his comedic timing and emotional range.
Lee Ju Myoung as the Ambitious Secret Heir
Lee Ju Myoung portrays Kang Bang Geul, a secret daughter from a powerful conglomerate family whose existence has been concealed for years.
Pushed to study abroad at a young age, she returns under a new identity after faking her death overseas.
Outwardly carefree and rebellious, Bang Geul hides a fierce determination to prove her worth to her family and seize her rightful place in the company.
Her complex arc of revenge, redemption, and resilience adds emotional depth to the series, creating intriguing tension within Choi Sung Group’s power struggles.
Twins at War: Jeon Hye Jin and Jin Goo’s Sibling Rivalry
The drama also stars Jeon Hye Jin as Kang Jae Kyung, Kang Yong Ho’s driven and charismatic daughter, who will stop at nothing to control the conglomerate.
Her twin brother, Kang Jae Sung (played by Jin Goo), harbors deep insecurities and resentment after growing up in her shadow. His ambition to outshine his sister and inherit the group’s leadership leads him down a morally ambiguous path.
Together, their dynamic promises intense emotional conflict and a dramatic battle of wills that will shape the company’s future.
Anticipation for the 2026 Premiere
With a gripping storyline, a star-studded cast, and themes exploring family ambition, greed, and identity, “The New Employee Chairman Kang” is already one of JTBC’s most anticipated dramas of 2026.
Combining humor, suspense, and heartfelt moments, it aims to deliver both entertainment and thought-provoking lessons about what truly defines success and humanity.
