Why Viewers Were Disappointed with the Ending of Reborn Rich
The K-drama Reborn Rich (재벌집 막내아들) started with immense potential, captivating viewers with its unique storyline, engaging characters, and intricate family dynamics. However, as the series reached its final episodes, many viewers were left feeling frustrated and dissatisfied. So, what went wrong? Why did the drama, which started strong, end on such a lackluster note?
1. Weak Character Motivation and Lack of Depth
One of the primary reasons viewers felt let down was the lack of clear motivations behind the protagonist’s actions. The character Jin Do-jun, played by Song Joong-ki, starts off with an intriguing goal: to reclaim control of the conglomerate. But as the drama progresses, his reasons for doing so become increasingly murky.
There is little explanation as to why he is so fixated on the company’s power, especially since his pursuit does not seem driven by revenge or justice. It’s as if the narrative expects the audience to accept his relentless drive without ever providing a solid backstory or reasoning. This left many viewers puzzled and disconnected from the character’s emotional journey.
2. Unconvincing Romantic Subplot
Another significant disappointment was the romantic angle of the story. The relationship between the main characters lacked the depth and development necessary to make their supposed “love” feel genuine. There were no memorable moments or key scenes that illustrated why the two characters were drawn to each other. The romance felt rushed and superficial, with little explanation for why they were so deeply connected.
Without the emotional buildup, the romantic subplot felt like an afterthought, making it hard for viewers to care about this aspect of the drama. It’s no surprise that many audience members felt the romance was forced and lacked chemistry.
3. Underwhelming Antagonists
A good drama thrives on the strength of its villains. Unfortunately, Reborn Rich did not deliver in this regard. The supposed antagonists, particularly the family members competing for control of the conglomerate, were depicted as incompetent and underwhelming.
Characters who were initially introduced as powerful and menacing quickly lost their edge. For example, Jin Do-jun’s rival, Jin Sung-joon, showed promise early on, but as the series went on, his character became a mere shadow of what a true villain should be. His lack of effective action or strategy made the conflict seem trivial, further reducing the drama’s overall impact.
4. Unrealistic Plot Twists and a Rushed Finale
As the drama neared its conclusion, the storyline took a turn for the absurd. One of the most glaring examples is when Jin Do-jun survives a near-death experience after being shot and falling into the sea, only to be saved by a conveniently placed witness. This kind of deus ex machina plot device frustrated viewers who had been hoping for a more grounded and believable resolution.
Furthermore, the drama’s final episodes felt rushed, as though the writers were scrambling to tie up loose ends. The character arcs, particularly Jin Do-jun’s, lacked closure, and the final confrontation felt anticlimactic. Instead of a well-thought-out resolution, viewers were left with a sense that the writers had run out of ideas and simply resorted to a quick fix.
5. The Truck of Doom and Sudden Character Deaths
Perhaps the most infamous moment in the series was the now-memed “truck of doom.” Jin Do-jun’s tragic end, where he is hit by a truck, left many viewers shaking their heads in disbelief. This abrupt and dramatic turn felt like a lazy plot device, a method often criticized for its overuse in K-dramas.
The sudden death, especially when not adequately justified, felt cheap and out of place. It overshadowed the carefully crafted suspense that had been building throughout the series and left viewers feeling that the character deserved a more meaningful conclusion to his arc.
6. A Lack of Connection to the Overarching Plot
A significant issue that ran throughout the series was the disconnect between the events in the first few episodes and the eventual conclusion. The premise of Reborn Rich—a man reincarnated into a wealthy family with the chance to rewrite history—promised much more than it delivered.
Despite the build-up in earlier episodes, many viewers felt that the reincarnation plotline was abandoned halfway through. The protagonist’s return to the past and his mission to avenge his family and right past wrongs seemed forgotten, leaving the audience confused about the point of the time-travel element.
Conclusion
Ultimately, Reborn Rich started with immense promise but faltered as it neared its conclusion. The unconvincing character motivations, shallow romance, weak antagonists, and absurd plot twists culminated in an unsatisfying finale that left viewers feeling cheated. While the show may be remembered for its strong performances and early intrigue, the disappointment with its ending will likely linger for many fans.
For anyone considering watching Reborn Rich, it’s worth keeping in mind that the journey is entertaining, but the destination might leave you wanting more.
