'Rookie 4: Sabotage' tensions between Kim Min-ho and Lee Won-jeong escalated to extremes, filling living rooms across the nation with tension.
In the 4th episode of ENA's Monday-Tuesday drama 'Rookie 4: Sabotage' (directed by Min Jin-gi and Jo Je-wook, written by Yun Ki-young and Kim Dan, planned by KT Studio Genie, produced by Story Island) aired on the 1st, a roller coaster day unfolded from the clumsy community service efforts of the 2nd platoon to the exposure of the firearms accident cover-up that shook Sinhwa unit.
The 4th episode's viewership rating that day soared to 3.6% nationwide and 4.2% per minute, claiming the top spot in Monday-Tuesday dramas, and the Seoul metropolitan area's 2049 target demographic also recorded a peak of 1.9% per minute, continuing with enthusiastic response.
The broadcast began with Park Min-seok and Kim Hyun-wook's first meeting during basic training. At the unfamiliar training center, it was Kim Hyun-wook who extended his hand to the intimidated Park Min-seok, saying it would be fine. Because the two had grown closer by relying on each other, Kim Hyun-wook's drastically changed sharp attitude caused great confusion for Park Min-seok.
Meanwhile, the 2nd platoon received orders for weekend community service. Excited by the unexpected 'Grade A combat uniform' instructions and dreaming of romance with female university students at the volunteer site, the reality was grueling work in muddy terrain. It was Battalion Commander Byun Hyuk-jin who boosted the morale of the exhausted soldiers. With the words "You are the perfect Grade A rescue team sent by the nation right now," the soldiers regained their strength.
Inspired by the battalion commander's speech and burning with enthusiasm, Oh Seok-jin found an unexpected ordeal awaiting him. He was cornered by a grandmother at the community service site and took on all sorts of odd jobs from stacking stone walls to carrying kimchi pots, removing beehives, cleaning chicken coops, and electrical repairs. Finally, Oh Seok-jin's struggle while equipped with a flower-patterned monpe brought out delightful laughter.
The warm atmosphere after safely completing the community service was short-lived when a post exposing that "the battalion covered up a firearms accident" was uploaded to the unit's official cafe, sending Sinhwa unit into a state of emergency. Reports to higher units, the regimental commander's rebuke, and protest calls from parents poured in. Park Min-seok called Kim Hyun-wook out to question the exposé post, but Kim Hyun-wook presented an alibi that he was with everyone worldwide and left the other bewildered with the meaningful words, "Are you going to throw me out again?"
The aftermath of the exposé also demanded a decision from Platoon Leader Cho Baek-ho. When Byun Hyuk-jin requested a military network log investigation, Cho Baek-ho identified the unit cafe policy promoted by the battalion commander as the cause. And as the 2nd platoon commander, he declared a frontal breakthrough saying, "I will take responsibility." His appearance of bearing the burden to protect the platoon members at this critical juncture before promotion review left a weighty resonance.
Jeon Se-gye also conflicted before the truth surrounding Kim Hyun-wook, but resolved his mind with Cho Baek-ho's self-sacrificing choice and conveyed the truth to Park Min-seok. Eventually, Park Min-seok went to find Kim Hyun-wook and burst out with suppressed emotions, saying "Why are you doing this to me?" When Kim Hyun-wook met him with a cynical attitude, Park Min-seok grabbed his collar, and just then Cho Baek-ho and administrative officer Park Jae-soo witnessed this scene, bringing the tension to its peak.
ENA's Monday-Tuesday drama 'Rookie 4: Sabotage' airs every Monday and Tuesday at 10 p.m. on ENA.
