Jeon Seung-hun steals scenes in 'New Recruit 4: Sabotage' with deadpan humor

Actor Jeon Seung-hun is proving to be a major scene-stealer in 'New Recruit 4: Sabotage' with his short, impactful lines and signature deadpan delivery.

In episodes 3 and 4 of the ENA Monday-Tuesday drama 'New Recruit 4: Sabotage,' which aired on August 31 and September 1, a series of unexpected incidents centered around the 1st barracks raised both tension and laughter.

In the 1st barracks, where Im Da-hye (played by Jeon Seung-hun), nicknamed the 'Moai Statue,' resides, an accidental discharge of a blank cartridge occurred involving new recruit Kim Hyeon-uk (played by Lee Won-jeong). Tensions rose further as Kim Hyeon-uk exhibited suspicious behavior toward Park Min-suk (played by Kim Min-ho), heightening the anxiety within the barracks.

Amidst the chaos, the regimental commander declared the '3S Movement' as part of a military reform initiative. The first task was the operation of a 'Smoking Cessation Pilot Unit.' Nam Tae-Woo, playing Choi Il-gu, who remained in the 1st barracks for comfort despite returning as a staff sergeant, expressed dissatisfaction when the smoking ban was extended to officers.

It was at this moment that Im Da-hye's brief remark sparked laughter. When Choi Il-gu grumbled, "Why do even officers have to quit smoking?", Im Da-hye replied with an indifferent expression, "Leading by example."

As Choi Il-gu prepared to head out to smoke, Park Min-suk joined in the teasing, shouting, "Should I report you? Stop smoking! Put down the lighter! Put down the cigarette!" Ultimately, an infuriated Choi Il-gu lunged at Park Min-suk, yelling, "Let me just have one hit!"

Watching the commotion as if it were someone else's business, Im Da-hye once again utilized her unique way of speaking. She summarized the situation with short, calm words—"You reap what you sow. Karma"—enhancing the comedic atmosphere of the scene.

Im Da-hye's eccentric imagination also took center stage. Upon hearing they would be deployed to a flood recovery site, she looked hopeful, anticipating a romantic encounter with female college students volunteering at the scene. However, reality fell short of her expectations. The soldiers faced grueling labor involving moving fallen logs and large rocks, eventually collapsing from the intense civil support mission.

While Im Da-hye dreamed of romance, another crisis unfolded within the unit. Following suspicions that a gunshot accidental discharge was covered up, the conflict between Kim Hyeon-uk and Park Min-suk reached a breaking point. As the unit remains in turmoil due to these consecutive incidents, attention is focused on how the 1st barracks will resolve the situation.

Instead of relying on exaggerated expressions, Jeon is building a unique character for Im Da-hye through an indifferent gaze and clipped dialogue. He continues to bolster the drama's comedic flow by flipping the mood of a scene with just a few words.

The ENA Monday-Tuesday drama 'New Recruit 4: Sabotage' starring Jeon Seung-hun airs every Monday and Tuesday at 10 PM and is available on KT Genie TV and TVING.