[Edaily Starin Gim Ga Yeong Reporter] Following “The Youngest Son of a Chaebol Family,” “Chairman Kang, the New Employee” has also been embroiled in controversy over its ending.

According to Nielsen Korea, a ratings research firm, on the 6th, the final episode of the JTBC Saturday-Sunday drama “Chairman Kang, the New Employee,” which aired on the 5th, recorded a viewership rating of 13.6% nationwide and 13.5% in the Seoul metropolitan area among paid households, setting a new series high. Additionally, the viewership rating among the target demographic of men and women aged 20–49 was 4.8% nationwide and 4.3% in the Seoul metropolitan area. However, despite the high ratings, criticism of the ending has been mounting.
In the episode, Hwang Jun-hyun (played by Lee Jun-young) and Kang Yong-ho (played by Son Hyun-joo) returned to their respective bodies and set things right. Kang Yong-ho abolished the chaebol succession system and transitioned to a professional management structure. Meanwhile, Kang Jae-sung (played by Jin Goo) found happiness within his family, and Kang Bang-geul (played by Lee Ju-myung) established herself as a key talent at Choi Sung Group, with each character finding their place.
However, a heated debate has erupted over the ending. Critics are pointing out that the finale was a “false start,” as Hwang Jun-hyun—who had regained his own body—swapped bodies once again in the final scene. Previously, JTBC’s *The Youngest Son of a Chaebol Family*, which recorded the second-highest viewership rating in the network’s history (26.9%), was embroiled in controversy over its ending when Yoon Hyun-woo (played by Song Joong-ki)—who had heightened viewers’ immersion by living as Jin Do-jun (also played by Song Joong-ki)—ultimately woke up as Yoon Hyun-woo. Following *The Youngest Son of a Chaebol Family*, disappointment over the conclusion has also surfaced regarding *Chairman Kang, the New Employee*.
Viewer A said, “I was a loyal viewer who watched both ‘The Youngest Son of a Chaebol Family’ and ‘Chairman Kang, the New Employee’ as they aired,” adding, “I’m very disappointed with the endings of both shows. Ultimately, the conclusions undermined the entire story that came before, leaving me feeling deflated after having faithfully followed them all along.”
While the dramas received high praise from viewers throughout their run for their fresh subject matter, fast-paced direction, and thrilling plot developments, they left a sense of disappointment due to their lackluster finales.
A drama industry insider noted, “The finale that wraps up a drama is a crucial element that determines the overall image of the work,” adding, “Criticism regarding the endings has been raised for both *The Youngest Son of a Chaebol Family* and *New Employee Chairman Kang*; these consecutive controversies over endings could undermine trust in the broadcaster’s dramas. “Even a single scene can affect the artistic quality of a drama, so it’s necessary to give this more careful consideration,” the source emphasized.