Lee Jun Young and Jung Chaeyeon are reportedly being considered for the lead role in JTBC’s highly anticipated drama The New Employee Chairman Kang, set to premiere in 2026.
The drama tells the story of Kang Yong Ho, chairman of Choi Sung Group, a top conglomerate known as the “God of Business,” who is forced to live a second life after a sudden accident. The story explores how a single unexpected event can completely change two lives.
As reported by Sports World on August 26, Lee Jun Young is expected to play a dual role: Kang Yong Ho, a successful CEO ranked tenth in the business world, and Hwang Jun Hyun, a soccer player whose life revolved entirely around sports.
This will be his next major project after his acclaimed roles in Netflix’s D.P., Mask Girl, and Weak Hero Class 2. Earlier this year, he impressed with his acting skills in When Life Gives You Tangerines and Pump Up the Healthy Love. Lee debuted as a member of U-KISS and began acting with tvN’s Avengers Social Club in 2017.
The drama will be written by Hyun Ji Min, directed by Go Hye Jin, and created by Kim Soon Ok the celebrated writer behind hit series such as Temptation of Wife, the Penthouse series, and Band of Sisters. The show is adapted from a web novel by San Kyung, who also wrote Reborn Rich, which was adapted into a drama in 2022.
Reborn Rich achieved a peak viewership rating of 26.9%, thanks to its twist-filled plot and strong performances from actors like Lee Sung Min and Song Joong Ki.
Joining Lee Jun Young as the female lead is former I.O.I member and actress Jung Chaeyeon, currently starring in Beyond the Bar. As per OSEN, Jung has confirmed her participation in the drama, The New Employee Chairman Kang.
Jung debuted with DIA in 2015 and gained wider recognition through I.O.I, formed via Mnet’s Produce 101. She started acting in earnest with tvN’s Drinking Solo and built her career through Netflix’s My First First Love, KBS2’s The King’s Affection, and JTBC’s Family By Choice.
Fans are eager to see the chemistry between Lee Jun Young and Jung Chaeyeon, as well as the fresh take on San Kyung’s popular web novel under the guidance of Kim Soon Ok.
