Still Two Episodes to Go — But This K-Drama Has Already Locked in Season 4 with High Ratings

According to a report by YTN Star on April 25, production company KT Studio Genie announced that New Recruit Season 4 is in the works.

Although the airing schedule and specific details have yet to be finalized, preparations reportedly began even before Season 3 was broadcast.

Based on the mega-hit animation of the same name, New Recruit is a military realism comedy depicting the lives of soldiers with diverse personalities and backgrounds navigating military life together.

Focusing on the main character, a "military silver spoon" recruit named Shin Byung, and his experiences after joining the legendary Shinhwa Unit, the series has consistently delivered relatable and laugh-out-loud episodes that have resonated with viewers season after season.

Season 3: New Recruits, New Challenges, and Record Ratings

Since its premiere on April 7, New Recruit Season 3 has stirred excitement with its richer, more complex storytelling—featuring the arrival of new recruits, the return of a major villain, and the chaotic journey of Park Min-seok as he approaches his sergeant promotion.

New characters like Jeon Segye (played by Kim Dong-jun) and Moon Bitnari (played by Kim Yo-han) injected fresh energy into the series, building compelling chemistry with the existing cast. The ratings speak for themselves.

Episode 6 achieved a series-high nationwide rating of 2.6% on paid platforms. On OTT platform TVING, New Recruit has consistently ranked No.1 on the 'Today's TVING TOP 20' chart, and it secured the No.2 spot for overall TV buzz during the third week of April according to Good Data Corporation’s FUNdex.

Beyond Comedy: Heartfelt Stories of Growth, Regret, and Forgiveness

Audience reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the series for transcending simple military satire to deliver deeply emotional character arcs.

Key moments such as Private Nam Tae-woo being rescued by his senior Shim Jin-woo, Kim Sang-hoon forgiving and embracing Sung Yun-mo, and Moon Bitnari shedding tears after receiving heartfelt comfort from his peers left a lasting impression on viewers.

Moon Bitnari’s character arc, in particular, has sparked intense discussion. Initially perceived as an uncomfortable presence, Bitnari’s hidden wounds and emotional struggles—including thoughts of extreme actions—added layers of depth to the story.

The genuine apologies and support shown by Sung Yun-mo and Choi Il-gu elevated the overall emotional weight of the series.

This evolution shows that New Recruit is no longer just a military comedy—it has matured into a powerful narrative about understanding, forgiveness, and change within a community.

The series captures how even small words and actions can create ripples of impact, proving its value far beyond simple humor.

As of April 25, only two episodes remain before New Recruit Season 3 concludes.

The final episode will air on April 29 at 10 PM KST on the ENA channel, and will be available for free on KT Genie TV right after the broadcast. It’s also streaming exclusively on TVING.

The announcement of New Recruit Season 4 feels like a special gift to fans who have been eagerly following Season 3. With each season bringing new characters and fresh storylines, expectations are high for what kinds of stories and dynamics the next chapter will deliver.

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