Anyone who thought Park Min-seok’s promotion would finally bring him some peace can think again. In New Recruit 4: Sabotage, he is now a corporal, but his new rank brings bigger problems—and a reunion that threatens to stir up his past.
The fourth season of the military comedy premiered in South Korea on August 24, 2026. This time, the unit’s routine changes with the arrival of recruit Kim Hyun-wook, played by Lee Won-jung, and a new commander determined to modernize the battalion.
For international viewers, the series will be released on Viki. The platform indicates that episodes 1 through 5 will be available together at launch. However, the season does not end there: it has 12 episodes in total.
What happens in New Recruit 4: Sabotage?
Park Min-seok spent the previous seasons trying to survive military life and the burden of being known as “the general’s son.” Now promoted to corporal, he is stepping into a more senior role and must deal with the new recruits arriving at the unit.
One of them is Kim Hyun-wook, Min-seok’s fellow trainee at the training center. Handsome, skilled and efficient, the new soldier quickly catches the attention of his superiors. Behind his exemplary behavior, however, is a story he avoids telling—one that appears to be directly connected to the protagonist.
The unit also welcomes Byeon Hyeok-jin, a battalion commander who advocates for creating a “modern barracks.” His ideas bring changes to the soldiers’ routine and force company commander Jo Baek-ho to make difficult decisions.
Meanwhile, Choi Il-goo returns to the barracks as a sergeant. After experiencing military life from the soldiers’ perspective, he must now find his place between enlisted personnel and officers. This reversal of roles drives much of the series’ new conflict—as well as its humor.
Who is in the fourth season’s cast?
Kim Min-ho returns as Park Min-seok. The main newcomer is Lee Won-jung, from Hierarchy, who plays recruit Kim Hyun-wook.
- Kim Min-ho as Park Min-seok, now promoted to corporal;
- Lee Won-jung as Kim Hyun-wook, the new recruit connected to Min-seok’s past;
- Nam Tae-woo as Choi Il-goo, who returns to the unit as a sergeant;
- Lee Hyun-kyun as Byeon Hyeok-jin, the new battalion commander;
- Oh Dae-hwan as Jo Baek-ho, the company commander;
- Kim Dong-jun as Jeon Se-kye, the actor who has adapted to life in the barracks;
- Kim Yo-han as Moon Bit-na-ri, who receives his first subordinate;
- Lee Soo-ji as Park Min-joo.
Lee Choong-goo and Lee Jung-hyun also return as Kim Sang-hoon and Kang Chan-seok. The season will also feature special appearances, including Han Ga-in and content creator Kwak Joon-bin.
When are the episodes released?
In South Korea, New Recruit 4: Sabotage began airing on August 24, 2026. Episodes air on Mondays and Tuesdays at 10 p.m. on ENA, with the finale scheduled for September 29.
- Episodes 1 and 2: August 24 and 25;
- Episodes 3 and 4: August 31 and September 1;
- Episodes 5 and 6: September 7 and 8;
- Episodes 7 and 8: September 14 and 15;
- Episodes 9 and 10: September 21 and 22;
- Episodes 11 and 12: September 28 and 29.
The international release follows a different schedule. On Viki’s page, the first five episodes have the same release date, indicating that they will arrive on the platform together. Subsequent episodes are expected to be added later, according to the service’s schedule and availability in each region.
| Title on Viki | New Recruit 4: Sabotage |
| International title | New Recruit 4: Sabotage |
| Original title | 신병 4: 사보타주 |
| South Korea premiere | August 24, 2026 |
| Final episode in South Korea | September 29, 2026 |
| Number of episodes | 12 |
| Where to watch | Viki, in select regions |
Where does the New Recruit series come from?
The production is based on the animation created by Jangbbijju for YouTube. The live-action version premiered in 2022 and retained humor inspired by everyday situations in South Korean military service.
In the fourth season, the characters’ change in rank allows the series to explore the same unit from a different perspective. Min-seok is no longer the group’s newcomer, Il-goo returns as a superior officer, and Bit-na-ri must live alongside someone even newer than him.
The series is directed by Min Jin-ki and Jo Je-wook. Yoon Ki-young and Kim Dan write the screenplay, while Story Island handles production, with planning by KT Studio Genie.
Do you need to watch the previous seasons?
Although the new installment introduces new characters, its story builds on relationships established since the first season. To better understand Park Min-seok’s development, Choi Il-goo’s return and the changes within the unit, it is best to watch the series from the beginning.
New Recruit 4: Sabotage will have 12 episodes and will be available internationally on Viki. Subtitle options and availability may vary by country.