Plot Twist! The K-Drama Outshining Lee Dong-wook’s ‘Divorce Insurance’

The military comedy-drama New Recruit 3 (신병) has taken the Korean TV scene by surprise, topping the ratings chart after just two episodes. According to Nielsen Korea, the show's second episode—aired on April 8—scored a 2.106% nationwide viewership rating, outperforming tvN’s The Divorce Insurance, which recorded 1.384% during the same time slot.

New Recruit 3 captured attention immediately after its premiere on April 7. Its second episode even scored 2.4% in the Seoul metropolitan area, showing growing traction. The story centers on Park Min-seok (played by Kim Min-ho), a so-called “military silver spoon” on the verge of promotion, and delivers unpredictable plot twists, humor, and emotional relatability—earning both critical praise and a strong viewer response.

💥 Meanwhile, tvN’s Star Vehicle Fades

In contrast, tvN’s much-anticipated drama The Divorce Insurance—which stars Lee Dong-wook, Lee Joo-bin, Lee Kwang-soo, and Lee Da-hee—has seen a steady decline. Starting strong at 3.2%, its ratings fell to 2.5%, 2.0%, and finally 1.4% by episode 4—its lowest yet.

Despite pre-release marketing, including a special variety episode and a guest appearance by Jo Bo-ah, the drama's unique concept—a rom-com centered on an insurance company developing a product to prepare for divorce—hasn’t been able to hold onto its early audience.

🎖️ Why New Recruit 3 Is Winning Viewers

One of the drama’s biggest strengths is its ensemble cast and character synergy. Kim Min-ho shines in his role as the cheeky but slightly clumsy Park Min-seok, while new cast members Kim Dong-jun, Oh Dae-hwan, and Kim Yo-han bring fresh energy to the show.

In Episode 2, the plot heats up as Jo Baek-ho (played by Oh Dae-hwan) arrives as the new company commander. His unexpected actions—like shouting "Loyalty, I love you!" during roll call and granting leave based on abs visibility—leave the troops both stunned and thrilled.

New recruits also join the squad: Jeon Segye (Kim Dong-jun), a nationally beloved actor, and the awkward but endearing Moon Bitnari (Kim Yo-han), who reminds viewers of a younger Park Min-seok. A rookie prank gone wrong even leads to an uppercut from Bitnari, shaking things up.

Another key plotline unfolds around Sung Yoon-mo (Kim Hyun-kyu), who returns to the unit after being cleared of previous allegations. His quiet behavior and emotional apology to Park Min-seok add emotional weight to the episode, especially when he steps in to defend Bitnari with the now-famous line: “Maybe you should stop now, sir.”

📺 Where to Watch

New Recruit 3 airs every Monday and Tuesday at 10 PM KST on ENA, and is available for free VOD streaming on Genie TV immediately after broadcast. It's also available on TVING for OTT viewers.

Episode 3 is set to air on Monday, April 14 at 10 PM KST.

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