"'New Recruit Season 4' of course we should do it." Actor Oh Dae-hwan, who received positive reviews for his role as Major Jo Baek-ho in 'New Recruit 3,' created anticipation for the next season.
Oh Dae-hwan played the role of Major Jo Baek-ho in the Genie TV original 'New Recruit 3' (written by Yoon Gi-young, Kang Go-eun, directed by Min Jin-ki, Jo Je-wook), which concluded on the 29th of last month. The 'New Recruit' series is a drama adapted from the same-name animation by Jang Bi-jju, depicting military life in a barracks with unpredictable new recruits through various episodes, earning praise for its realistic yet delightful depiction. Following the first season in 2022, the show successfully reached audiences in 2023 with its second season and most recently its third.
In this, Oh Dae-hwan portrayed the new character of Major Jo Baek-ho, added starting from 'New Recruit 3.' Major Jo Baek-ho was a rare emotional commanding officer in the military, full of love, and received acclaim from both the members and viewers.
"Simple but delicious flavors." Oh Dae-hwan compared his feelings about the conclusion of 'New Recruit 3' to food. He said, "There are many delicious foods in the world. Expensive ingredients and fancy dishes from Michelin three-star chefs." He continued, "If I were to express 'New Recruit' as a dish, it may seem simple and familiar, but it's a very delicious meal made excellently by a cook using unique, fresh, and high-quality ingredients without special seasoning." He also expressed, "It’s such a lovely, warm, and heartful meal compared to any fancy and expensive food that makes you want to eat it again. 'New Recruit' was such a piece of work."
Having newly joined 'New Recruit 3,' he noted, "The script was very interesting, and the director called me first to explain about the work and the character. During the phone call, my desire to be part of the creation of the drama 'New Recruit 3' grew, so I joined."
Regarding the highly praised Major Jo Baek-ho, he commented, "He was a soldier to the core, warm-hearted, and someone who stood by the soldiers more than anyone else, working hard to protect them." He added, "I am personally grateful for playing such a character and had a great time during the acting process."
In fact, Oh Dae-hwan focused on both the emotional and behavioral details to portray Jo Baek-ho's character. He said, "The gestures I showed while making a 'pass' were an idea I had in mind to approach the soldiers more familiarly, as Jo Baek-ho was a new major and could be a stranger to them." He emphasized that the character was like an older brother to the soldiers and had an uncle-like feel, saying he thought of a senior who resembled that feeling while preparing for the role.
Demonstrating firearm assembly to the soldiers was no easy task. Oh Dae-hwan confessed, "I remember practicing for over an hour because assembling firearms didn't come easily to me," adding, "Since I was a cook, I would rather feel confident cooking side dishes for hundreds of people rather than practicing firearm assembly, so I worked hard to improve my skills."
He also shared about his actual military experience, stating, "I was a cook, and because new recruits didn't come in, I was the most junior until my rank was corporal. I have many memories of hard times. However, everyone I went through military life with, including seniors, juniors, and personnel, have all become cherished memories in time, and I found myself missing them while working on this project."
What was it like working with junior actors like Park Min-seok (Kim Min-ho) and Choi Il-goo (Nam Tae-woo)? Oh Dae-hwan said, "I particularly remember the episode with Sung Yoon-mo (Kim Hyun-kyu), Moon Bit-na-ri (Kim Yo-han), and Choi Il-goo. (In the script) I knew about it, but seeing it on broadcast filled my eyes with tears because of the warm sentiments." He also praised his co-stars, stating, "They were great actors, and filming was very fun. Regardless of seniority, since the story was so enjoyable, we always had a delightful time working together."
He expressed, "If a proposal for season 4 comes, of course, I am willing to appear. I also miss my comrades very much and feel that I should remain a voice for them. Rather than showing a new aspect, I want to continue to maintain how I feel now," creating anticipation for his appearance in the upcoming 'New Recruit 4.'
Furthermore, Oh Dae-hwan revealed his criteria for choosing projects, stating, "The important thing is an interesting script. As an actor, I have a challenging mindset towards various characters and would like to show viewers a different side of myself," expressing excitement for his next work in the new ENA drama 'Precious Star,' where he will showcase a different side from Major Jo Baek-ho in 'New Recruit 3.'
Finally, he remarked, "I hope 'New Recruit 3' will be remembered as a piece that repays the fans who waited for the series, and I am very grateful to those who liked Major Jo Baek-ho and actor Oh Dae-hwan through 'New Recruit 3.' Always remember that there is someone watching over us, standing by our side, and giving us strength; I hope you stay strong, keep fighting, and be happy," adding, "Loyalty! Thank you and I love you".
[Photo] Provided by Genie TV, Moving Pictures Company.
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