'New Recruit' has regained its humorous spirit with doubled fun.
Genie TV's original drama 'New Recruit' (directed by Min Jin-ki and Jo Je-uk, written by Yoon Gi-young and Kang Go-eun, based on the web animation by Jang Ppi-jju, planned by KT Studio Genie, produced by A2Z Entertainment and Story Island) was first released on the 7th to great acclaim. Returning with new faces and an even more delightful story, 'New Recruit' exceeded expectations. Moreover, the heightened empathy and scale, as compelling as the laughter, successfully captivated the audience, thanks to the remarkable performances of other actors.
In response, viewer reactions were also enthusiastic. The second episode recorded a viewership rating of 2.4% in the metropolitan area, securing the top spot among Monday-Tuesday dramas for a pleasant start. Additionally, according to the OTT content integrated search platform KINO LIGHTS on the 8th, 'New Recruit' reached the number one spot on the daily content ranking shortly after its release, generating buzz. The viewer count for Genie TV at its premiere also recorded an all-time high, starting with its name in the top 20 on Tving, with seasons 1 and 2 also gaining popularity and ranking high, confirming its heated popularity. Attention has been drawn to the overwhelming upward trend compared to all previous seasons, just after two episodes.
The secret to captivating viewers lies in the changes occurring in the Mythical Unit, as well as the diversified episodes that resulted from it. Alongside Park Min-seok (played by Kim Min-ho), who has grown from being a total rookie to a respected veteran, the transformations of characters and relationships that have evolved over the seasons presented another point of enjoyment that can only be experienced in 'New Recruit'. Consequently, four pivotal moments of change found throughout the 'New Recruits' and the Mythical Unit were explored.
# Escape from being a rookie(?) Kim Min-ho → A more matured 'New Recruit'
Park Min-seok was once an official rookie in the Mythical Unit. His tumultuous journey, which could not be salvaged even with 'military prestige,' brought great laughter to the viewers. However, he has now become someone who teaches juniors and even shows charm in front of the corporal ranks as 'Private First Class Park Min-seok.' His somewhat matured appearance from those days captured the essence of the series. Meanwhile, the transformed image of 'pro complainer' Choi Il-gu is also intriguing. Choi Il-gu, who plants flowers in the unit's flower bed and distributes clothes and shoes to juniors, has entered the mode of a final year corporal. Additionally, the changes in Kang Chan-seok (played by Lee Jung-hyun) and Kim Dong-woo (played by Jang Sung-beom) caught attention as well. Kang Chan-seok, who had tormented Kim Dong-woo in the past, sincerely offered an apology and transformed their relationship. The two have now become closer than anyone else, enhancing the depth of the narrative through the evolution of their relationships fostered over their long time spent together in the military.
# 'Ace Rookie' Kim Dong-jun X 'Rookie Aroma' Kim Yo-han, the diverging adaptation stories of two rookies
The arrival of the new recruits signified the biggest change. The global star who enlisted with the backing of 'Kook Min-soo' (played by Kim Dong-jun) was perfect even in the army. The household, which welcomed the flawlessly impeccable rookie in terms of visuals, physique, and even military attitude, felt like a festival. However, another new recruit, Moon Bit-nari (played by Kim Yo-han), was different. His behavior emitted a similar aroma of being a total rookie that rivaled Park Min-seok, committing the blunder of throwing an uppercut at the final year corporal Choi Il-gu on their first meeting. It was natural for the first platoon, which had to accept such a rookie, to feel like they were in a mourning house. Caught in the contrasting emotions between the two platoons, the timid Moon Bit-nari repeatedly made mistakes and struggled to fit in with the first platoon members. Park Min-seok, who welcomed such a junior, also found it quite awkward. The sight of Moon Bit-nari gradually getting closer to him without accepting the directive to 'exempt the rookie class' from Seong Yoon-mo (played by Kim Hyun-kyu) made both Park Min-seok and the audience tense. It raises curiosity about what kind of incidents these rookies will create going forward.
# "Loyalty, I love you!" The strict FM unit commander and a love enthusiast have arrived! New company commander Oh Dae-hwan makes his entrance
The former FM unit commander Oh Seung-yoon has left, and the newly appointed commander Jo Baek-ho has taken over. Contrary to his fierce appearance, his first words were the cringeworthy slogan, "Loyalty, I love you." He omitted the aspects that soldiers dislike, such as taking off their shirts and running, and declared he would generously grant the reward vacations that soldiers enjoy, bringing a pleasant breeze to the Mythical Unit. With his current demeanor dripping with affection towards the soldiers, curiosity is heightened about whether he can maintain that ease against the uniquely characterized Mythical Unit in the future. There is also growing intrigue regarding the hidden objectives behind his love-filled strategies.
# 'Villain' Kim Hyun-kyu has transformed—what hidden motives lie behind the tears of repentance?
Seong Yoon-mo, who entered as a rookie in the first platoon, was the one who pressed everyone's anger buttons with his frustrating behavior. It was revealed that he operated an illegal gambling website, which added a huge plot twist. As a result, he once displayed an unprecedented act of being arrested straight away from the army. However, after being acquitted and returning to the military, he now appears entirely different. He has apologized in tears in front of Park Min-seok and even subtly helped Moon Bit-nari amid the 'rookie class exemption.' Especially in the last ending, the scene where he defended Moon Bit-nari, who was being scolded because of him, against Park Min-seok surprised viewers once again. However, it remains uncertain whether his attitude is genuine or not. The spotlight is on what his hidden motives may be and how he will disrupt the Mythical Unit, which has never had a peaceful moment.
Meanwhile, the third episode of Genie TV's original drama 'New Recruit' will be released on the 14th (Monday) at 10 p.m. on the channel ENA, and it will be exclusively available for free VOD right after the main broadcast on KT Genie TV. It can be watched on the OTT platform Tving.
[Photo] OSEN DB, captured from the broadcast of 'New Recruit' episodes 1 and 2
[OSEN]