The legendary military content 'New Recruit' has returned. Season 3 is proving its popularity with buzz and viewership ratings.
The Genie TV original, ENA drama 'New Recruit 3' (written by Yoon Gi-young and Kang Go-eun, directed by Min Jin-ki and Jo Je-wook), which started airing on the 7th, depicts the chaotic life of Park Min-seok (played by Kim Min-ho), who is facing a promotion to Corporal, amidst the unpredictable transfer of two new recruits and the return of an unprecedented villain.
Director Min Jin-ki, known for the 'Blue Tower' series, which is essential when discussing domestic military content, has once again taken the helm after seasons 1 and 2. His new work has lived up to expectations. 'New Recruit 3' has established itself as ENA's representative drama, recording high buzz and viewership ratings right from the start of its airing.
According to Nielsen Korea, the viewership rating for the first episode of 'New Recruit 3' was 1.7% (based on nationwide paid households). It recorded 2.1% for the second episode, 2.3% for the third, and 2.5% for the fourth, showing an upward trend in ratings.
As the episodes progress, the ratings continue to rise steadily, and it has also secured the top spot in the target demographic of ENA, the 2049 age group, during the same time slot. Notably, the second episode achieved the overall number one rating among all Monday-Tuesday dramas.
In terms of buzz, it is also outstanding. According to the Good Data Corporation's Pindex on the 16th, 'New Recruit 3' ranked second in the TV-OTT drama buzz category for the second week of April. It ranked first in the TV drama category. The record of 'New Recruit 3' is the highest first-week broadcast record among ENA dramas, following 'Extraordinary Attorney Woo Young-woo'.
The popularity of 'New Recruit 3' seems to stem from the return of familiar and beloved characters, along with the introduction of new characters that add variation.
Season 3 features many characters loved in seasons 1 and 2. The veteran Private Choi Il-goo (played by Nam Tae-woo) has returned with only 39 days left until his discharge, and 'military spoon' Park Min-seok (played by Kim Min-ho) is on the verge of becoming a Corporal. Additionally, the clumsy yet warm squad leader Oh Seok-jin (played by Lee Sang-jin), the resourceful Kim Sang-hoon (played by Lee Chung-gu), the poker-faced Private Lim Da-hye (played by Jeon Seung-hoon), the comedic administrative soldier Noh Hee-jung (played by Jo Jin-se), and the reformed Kang Chan-seok (played by Lee Jung-hyun) have all gathered.
There is another surprising return. Seong Yoon-mo, the main villain from season 1 who was caught operating an illegal gambling site before enlisting and was arrested by military police, has returned. Seong Yoon-mo has been cleared of charges and has returned to the first platoon. His mosquito-like voice remains the same, but he appears to have reformed, showing a passionate side by actively contributing to work.
Park Min-seok's real sister and instructor Park Min-joo (played by Lee Soo-ji) is also creating a pink atmosphere with deputy squad leader Lim Seong-min (played by Nam Min-woo), and is expected to play a significant comedic role.
New characters are also expected to shine. Starting from child actors, the globally loved new recruit Jeon Se-gye (played by Kim Dong-jun) has captured attention with his social skills from the very beginning, while the new recruit Moon Bit-na-ri (played by Kim Yo-han) reminds everyone of the protagonist's rookie days with his clumsy demeanor that feels familiar.
Additionally, the love-filled company commander Jo Baek-ho (played by Oh Dae-hwan), who walks around shouting "I love you," is a character with a subtle strength that emerges amidst his flexibility, and is expected to play a significant role in various incidents that will unfold in the drama.
As 'New Recruit 3' approaches its climax, it has completed the introduction of all characters. Viewers are eagerly anticipating what episodes will showcase the grandeur of legendary military content in the remaining four episodes. In particular, realistic episodes reminiscent of actual military life, such as winter training and emergency combat preparations, along with conflicts between new recruits and veterans, and the growth and twists of each character, are expected to draw viewers' attention.
'New Recruit 3' airs every Monday and Tuesday at 10 PM on ENA and is also available on Genie TV.
[Kim So-yeon, Star Today Reporter]
