[Edaily Starin Gim Ga Yeong Reporter] “New Recruit 4: Sabotage” is generating anticipation among viewers ahead of its premiere.

ENA’s new Monday-Tuesday drama *New Recruit 4: Sabotage*, which premieres on the 24th, depicts the dynamic second half of military life as Corporal Park Min-seok (played by Kim Min-ho)—who has been promoted but now faces even more worries—returns to combat readiness with the return of Sergeant Choi Il-gu (played by Nam Tae-woo), the arrival of a mysterious new recruit, and the appearance of a battalion commander set to cause a stir. As the series was widely loved in previous seasons for its episodes that masterfully blend lighthearted comedy with relatable, realistic situations, anticipation for the new season is running high. Attention is focused on the performances of “new faces” Lee Hyun-kyun and Lee Won-jeong, who will join the deepened camaraderie of the original cast—including Kim Min-ho, Kim Dong-jun, Oh Dae-hwan, Nam Tae-woo, Kim Yo-han, Lee Chung-gu, Jeon Seung-hoon, Kim Hyun-kyu, Jo Jin-se, and Lee Soo-ji.
Based on the mega-hit animated series of the same name, “Rookie” is a hyper-realistic comedy that depicts the chaos that ensues when a “privileged” new recruit joins a unit filled with all kinds of characters—from the good guys to the bad guys to the weirdos. Director Min Jin-ki, who pioneered the new genre of “military entertainment,” has teamed up once again with comedy master Yoon Ki-young, and writer Kim Dan—who worked on “Rookie” Season 1—has joined the team to deliver even more relatable humor and laughter. In particular, as suggested by the subtitle “Sabotage,” a relentless series of incidents and changes will shake up the Shinwa Unit. Director Min Jin-ki explained, “Season 4 will unfold with more unpredictable stories than ever before,” adding, “Ultimately, ‘Sabotage’ in ‘Rookie 4’ is completely unpredictable.” From Park Min-seok, who has been promoted to Corporal, to Choi Il-gu, who has returned as a Sergeant, and the arrival of a new battalion commander and new recruits, a series of unpredictable variables will unfold, making life in the Shinwa Unit even more dynamic. Additionally, the show will capture those moments in military life that everyone has likely experienced at least once, presenting them through “New Recruit’s” unique and humorous lens to ensure plenty of laughs and relatable moments. Writer Yoon Ki-young cited “expansion” as the defining keyword for Season 4, stating, “The characters, military branches, situations, and settings have become much more diverse compared to previous seasons. As a result, the aspects of military life and the stories we can present have become richer. It will also be fun to see the various relationships between the many characters,” foreshadowing a more colorful cast.
The comedy special forces unit “Recruits” will reestablish their comedic discipline with even sharper timing and chemistry. As their ranks have risen and their positions have changed, the evolving dynamics among the characters are expected to deliver fresh entertainment. Kim Min-ho returns as the clumsy Corporal “Park Min-seok,” who has joined the senior ranks, continuing his consistent standout performances. Now in a position to lead his juniors, Park Min-seok seems to have grown quite accustomed to military life, but he still can’t seem to avoid getting caught up in all sorts of mishaps. Kim Dong-jun transforms from the “privileged recruit” into a “true soldier” as Jeon Gye-jeon, while Oh Dae-hwan takes on the role of Company Commander “Jo Baek-ho,” who stands at a crossroads, and once again carries the show. Nam Tae-woo plays “Choi Il-gu,” who returns as a sergeant after serving his final term as a private first class, embarking on a second round of his eventful military life. With Park Min-seok’s promotion, a wave of change sweeps through Barracks 1. Lee Chung-gu plays “Kim Sang-hoon,” a Staff Sergeant who has no respite from the string of mishaps caused by his new recruits, while Jeon Seung-hoon plays “Im Da-hye,” whose inner tension reaches a fever pitch as she prepares to welcome her son’s military service, creating a delightful dynamic between the two. Kim Yo-han, playing Private First Class “Moon Bit-na-ri”—carrying on the tradition of the 2nd Company’s “bottom-tier” line—welcomes a new recruit. Dorm 3, staffed by the senior-most ranks who have gained the leisure and wit that come with the later years of service, is also intriguing. Lee Jung-hyun plays “Kang Chan-seok,” the icon of reform and the senior-most soldier nearing discharge, while Jang Seong-beom takes on the role of “Kim Dong-woo,” the mental guardian of 2nd Company, providing stability. In addition, Kim Hee-soo, Noh Seong-eun, and Kang Hyo-seung deliver distinctive performances as “Choi Byeong-nam,” the official wisecracker of 2nd Company; “Ji Jeong-min,” who is growing into the “Next Choi Byeong-nam”; and “Cha Byeong-ho,” the leader of the pack, respectively. Writer Yoon Ki-young stated, “Park Min-seok has become a corporal, Oh Seok-jin a lieutenant, Jeon Gye-jeon has fully adapted to military life, Moon Bit-na-ri has a new junior, and Kim Hyun-wook is a new recruit—each character’s position and situation has changed.” He added, “As the seasons progress, the chemistry between the company commander and the training officer—whose ‘middle-aged bromance’ is gradually taking shape—will continue to develop. Viewers can look forward to the entertainment derived from these diverse characters and their relationships.”
The performances of newcomers Lee Hyun-kyun and Lee Won-jeong, who are set to bring a breath of fresh air to the Shinwa Unit, are also not to be missed. Lee Hyun-kyun plays “Byeon Hyeok-jin,” an elite battalion commander who graduated at the top of his class from the Korea Military Academy, foreshadowing a major transformation for the Shinwa Unit. “Byeon Hyeok-jin” is an elite who has walked a smooth path but also possesses a rebellious streak, wanting to break free from the sense of entitlement that comes with his privilege. Lee Won-jeong transforms into “Kim Hyun-wook,” who rises to become the top recruit overnight with his polite and flawless demeanor toward everyone. He is a character with a dual nature—seeming kind yet aloof, warm yet somehow mysterious. In particular, there is great anticipation for the new chemistry that will emerge between the original “Rookie Squad” members and the new faces. Kim Min-ho said, “Our chemistry was so good that we didn’t even need a period to adjust. Both of them had tremendous affection for the ‘Rookie’ series, and their roles were truly irreplaceable and a perfect fit.” He added, “Actor Lee Hyun-kyun’s gentle charisma and leadership-driven acting were truly the best. Actor Lee Won-jeong is a wonderful actor with handsome looks, a bright and cute charm, and a powerful gaze in front of the camera,” further fueling curiosity about the upcoming broadcast.
ENA’s new Monday-Tuesday drama *Rookie 4: Sabotage* follows the military life of Corporal Park Min-seok, who has been promoted but now faces more worries; Choi Il-gu, who has returned as a sergeant; a mysterious new recruit; and the battalion commander whose arrival sends the unit into combat readiness. As the series has been beloved by viewers since Season 1, expectations for Season 4 are running high.
Meanwhile, “Rookie 4: Sabotage” premieres on ENA at 10 p.m. on the 24th.