The Rich Son

Lee Gwang-Jae has lived as the privileged but immature heir of a wealthy household, enjoying freedom without serious consequence. When his father dies, the family's fortune is revealed to be riddled with debt, forcing Gwang-Jae to confront obligations he never handled before. He promises to settle the liabilities to protect his family name, and the series tracks his awkward, sometimes painful attempts to change habits, negotiate with creditors and repair relationships strained by past carelessness. Kim Young-Ha stands by him, offering steady encouragement and affection that helps him keep going on difficult days. Episodes balance personal setbacks with small victories as Gwang-Jae learns to take responsibility and earn trust.

The Rich Son is a 2018 South Korean family drama created by Kim Jung-soo and directed by Sim So-yeon. The ensemble includes Kim Ji-hoon as Lee Gwang-Jae, Kim Joo-hyun as Kim Young-Ha, Lee Kyu-han, Hong Soo-hyun and Woo Hyeon, delivering a traditional soap-style format updated with contemporary financial pressures.

There are no widely reported major international awards associated with the series. It didn't emerge as a festival or awards season favorite outside its domestic circuit, and detailed records of local nominations are limited in international sources. That said, recognition tends to be modest and focused among fans of weekday family dramas.

Though not a breakout cultural phenomenon, the show sparked discussion among viewers about responsibility, debt and family honor. Audiences who follow Korean domestic dramas noted the pairings and sentimental beats, and the series helped maintain visibility for several cast members. Its scenes about negotiation and household consequences felt relatable to viewers dealing with real-world financial concerns.

Reception has been generally positive among a small set of viewers, with an 8.0/10 average from limited votes. Commentators and viewers point to clear themes of maturity, accountability and the role of support in personal change. Performances by the leads get most of the praise, while some find the pacing and melodramatic turns familiar to the genre. Overall it’s a character-driven piece about learning to repay more than money.