(Following Interview①) It can be said that the popularity of the 'New Recruit' series, known as a legendary military content, is driven by its characters. From the bad guy who bullies his comrades to the good senior Park Min-seok, who takes care of his juniors despite being a bit slow at first, to the indispensable senior who seems lazy, and the late-term sergeant Choi Il-goo, various characters appear.
However, since this season is the first without the original writer Jang Pijoo, it is likely that the characters were affected as well.
Kim Min-ho said, "It wasn't just the writer who changed; the lighting team and camera team also changed. They were replaced due to scheduling issues after working together for the past two seasons. We were forced to return to our original intentions. With the main directors changing, I felt a desire to show a good performance."
He continued, "Since writer Jang Pijoo didn't write the script, there were parts that were hard to understand and parts that didn't resonate. I had many concerns," adding, "Writer Yoon Ki-young had an enormous burden. So, he communicated a lot with the actors. Since it's been a long time since he served in the military, he often asked, 'What do you think about this?' and 'What would be good?' I was grateful that he approached it with the mindset of a junior in 'New Recruit.'
Kim Min-ho also explained, "The characters are already well-established, and the viewers love them. I tried to act according to the characters without worrying or doubting."
In response to writer Min's request for help, the actors also contributed many ideas. Kim Min-ho said, "Kim Dong-jun actually went to the military as a star, so he reflected on his experiences. Things like how he often gave autographs and was called upon were included." He added, "I mentioned things like sudden fires or incomprehensible incidents, and those were reflected in the script."
As the seasons progressed, the actors became much closer. Kim Min-ho expressed, "Beyond being actors, my standard for 'closeness' has changed while living life and meeting these people. I can share all my flaws with them without feeling embarrassed; we can talk like brothers. They are true comrades."
The actor he relied on the most was Jeon Seung-hoon, who plays Im Da-hye. Kim Min-ho said, "In terms of actual age, he is almost the youngest, but his personality is usually quiet and simple. He has no pretense or reactions but listens well. He is a mature friend." He also mentioned, "Without a doubt, Nam Tae-woo is great, and I often drink with Kim Hee-soo, who plays Choi Byeong-nam. I rely on these three a lot for acting."
What about the new recruits Kim Yo-han and Kim Dong-jun? Kim Min-ho explained, "Actually, I was preparing to do a hidden camera during the reading. We were supposed to act tough and scary, but the moment the two introduced themselves, the hidden camera ended. Yo-han is cute, and Dong-jun is the first really handsome friend I've seen. When they approached with smiles, I completely forgot about the hidden camera."
He continued, "They adapted quickly, just like last season. We, who are the 'senior' characters, couldn't help much, but they came to us first."
The performance of Park Min-seok's older sister and instructor, Park Min-joo (played by Lee Soo-ji), was also remarkable. Kim Min-ho said, "If Sister Soo-ji had been born in the Shakespearean era, I think she would have become a world star. She is a true artist. When she comes to the set, the atmosphere changes. Since it's physically demanding, there are times when the energy drops, but when Sister Soo-ji arrives, everyone on set gets energized and finds their smiles."
He added, "In the scene where we first met in season 2, we did it without reading or rehearsal, and we finished without a single NG. I tend to ad-lib a lot, but she accepted everything that wasn't planned. She even raised the bar. It's fun. She's a talent."
The chemistry between Park Min-joo and the deputy squad leader Im Seong-min (played by Nam Min-woo) added to the fun. Kim Min-ho expressed, "In season 4, I think there will be a family photo. I believe the deputy squad leader will be added to it."
The loving company commander Jo Baek-ho (played by Oh Dae-hwan), who shouts "I love you," is also a character we've never seen before. It's the first time a superior who seemed like an enemy to the soldiers appears entirely on their side.
Kim Min-ho said, "If you think of the military as a school, the company commander is like the homeroom teacher, and the battalion commander is like the principal. Didn't we have such homeroom teachers in school? There are actually people among the officers who are like Jo Baek-ho," praising Oh Dae-hwan, saying, "He is kind but can be very scary when angry, just like a father."
He continued, "There are many comments saying, 'There are actually people like that.' I can assure you that the characters appearing in our work truly exist in every military."
The last scene of season 3 ended with a hint of a new recruit. Who will be the new face in season 4? Kim Min-ho said, "It's a tradition of our drama. In season 2, we didn't reveal that the new recruit was worldwide, and it ended with just a back view. It hasn't been decided yet." He added, "I acted out various versions of being surprised by the new recruit, and the director chose one of them to show."
How far has season 4 progressed? Kim Min-ho said, "I've only heard that it is definitely going to happen. Fans are saying, 'I want to see season 4,' and 'Please do it quickly.' We haven't filmed yet, but I also want to see it soon." He continued, "In the ending, Choi Il-goo returns as a non-commissioned officer. He is the top contributor of the previous season. He is the textbook of a tsundere sergeant who only exists in the military," adding that fans are looking forward to Choi Il-goo's activities in the new season.
Finally, Kim Min-ho said, "If 'New Recruit 4' goes into production, it will probably be next year. Director Byun Young-joo's drama 'Mantis' will be released in September, where I will appear as a detective." He mentioned, "There are projects under discussion, but nothing is confirmed. I want to take on various roles. I also want to try extreme roles like a perverted psycho," expressing his anticipation for future acting transformations.
[Kim So-yeon, Star Today Reporter]
