“New Recruit 3” returns stronger in humor than season 1 and comes back more cheerfully than season 2.
Genie TV's original drama “New Recruit 3” (directed by Min Jin-ki and Jo Je-uk, written by Yoon Gi-young and Kang Go-eun, based on the work by Jang Ppiju, planned by KT Studio Genie, produced by A2Z Entertainment and Story Island) released a highlight video on the 3rd (Thursday), four days ahead of its premiere, generating intense anticipation as it previews the heightened military life of the laughter special forces, the New Recruits.
Returning with high expectations, “New Recruit 3” depicts a heightened military life surrounding the unpredictable transfer of two new recruits and the comeback of a legendary villain that puts the Myth squad in an emergency, especially focusing on Private Park Min-seok (played by Kim Min-ho) who is tangled up ahead of his promotion to corporal. The “New Recruits” Kim Min-ho, Nam Tae-woo, Lee Sang-jin, Jo Jin-se, Lee Chung-gu, Kim Hyun-kyu, Lee Jung-hyun, Jeon Seung-hoon, and Lee Soo-ji carry the show once again with their evolved military lifestyle cheat codes, as their experience grows. The performances of the hot new faces Kim Dong-jun, Oh Dae-hwan, and Kim Yo-han also draw attention. Particularly, the collaboration of director Min Jin-ki, who broke the wall between drama and entertainment, and renowned comedy writer Yoon Gi-young excites drama fans even more.
The recently released highlight video contains a storm of changes sweeping through the Myth squad, piquing curiosity. Newly appointed Company Commander Jo Baek-ho (played by Oh Dae-hwan) of the 2nd Company. With his fierce demeanor that seems like it will be intense, the squad members appear tense and worried about their difficult military life. However, starting with the rallying cry of “Loyalty! I love you,” and presenting a pass for their jog, it seems like peace has returned to the Myth squad with the “hard on the outside, soft on the inside” company commander.
However, with the unpredictable transfer of two new recruits, the Myth squad begins to experience another storm. In particular, the stark contrasts between the 1st and 3rd squads pique curiosity during the new recruits' ceremony. Moon Bit-na-ri (played by Kim Yo-han), reminiscent of Park Min-seok's troubled times, continuously makes mistakes starting from his transfer report, raising the blood pressure of the 1st squad. In contrast, the globally popular new recruit Jeon Se-gye (played by Kim Dong-jun), with an eye-catching look and abs, and connections with girl groups, becomes the blessing of the 3rd squad.
Above all, the unexpected appearance of a legendary villain turns the Myth squad upside down. Seong Yoon-mo (played by Kim Hyun-kyu), who should be in prison, inexplicably returns to the unit. Following the chilling atmosphere in the 1st squad, the warning from Choi Il-goo (played by Nam Tae-woo), “If anything annoys me, you’re dead,” and Seong Yoon-mo's meaningful smile raise questions about the storm he will bring.
Meanwhile, the transformation of Park Min-seok's sister and dedicated soldier Park Min-joo (played by Lee Soo-ji) makes viewers more eager for season 3. Displaying a dazzling record of overall victory in the World Combat Power Competition, she is remarkable enough to be called a human weapon. A pink romantic change also draws attention to Park Min-joo, who seems to have a heart of steel that wouldn’t bleed even if pricked. The rescue of Park Min-joo, who stumbled on the stairs, by the deputy commander of the 2nd Company, Im Seong-min (played by Nam Min-woo), sparks interest with his simple question, “Are you okay?” Her heart fluttering at his charm hints at a potential romance with Deputy Commander Im Seong-min that could melt her “steel heart.”
Meanwhile, the humorous portrayal of the privately troubled Sergeant Choi Il-goo adds to the laughter. Starting with the chocolate bar theft incident that bothered the 1st squad, extreme cold-weather training and missile alerts disrupt Choi Il-goo's peaceful final days. In the face of impending discharge, Choi Il-goo explosively demands, “Give back everything I gave you!” It remains to be seen whether this “stubborn old man” can complete his service safely.
Immediately after the release of the highlight video, various communities and social media were flooded with reactions like, “As expected, it’s the final year. Choi Il-goo took the lines,” “Seong Yoon-mo, it’s his entrance! Highly anticipated,” “Finally coming out. I believed in New Recruit!” “With the appearance of Seong Yoon-mo, it’s already half a success,” “The differing art styles in New Recruit made the 1st and 3rd squads feel bittersweet,” “The thought of watching New Recruit 3 gives me chills.”
Meanwhile, Genie TV's original drama “New Recruit 3” will premiere on the 7th (Monday) at 10 p.m. on the ENA channel and will be exclusively available as free video on demand on KT Genie TV right after the main broadcast every Monday and Tuesday at 10 p.m. The drama will also be available on the OTT platform TVing.
[Photo] Lee Soo-ji SNS, highlight capture of “New Recruit 3”
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