‘Steel Troops W’ Production Team and Cast Show Respect for Female Soldiers and Pride in the Program
‘Steel Troops W’ Production Team and Cast Show Respect for Female Soldiers and Pride in the Program
The production team and cast of the fourth season of 'Steel Troops,' titled 'Steel Troops W,' expressed their respect for female soldiers and pride in the program.

On the 27th, a production presentation for Channel A's 'Steel Troops W' was held at the Stanford Hotel in Sangam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul. The event was attended by Kim Sung-joo, Kim Hee-chul, Kim Dong-hyun, Chuu, Jang Eun-sil, Choi Young-jae, PD Shin Jae-ho, and writer Kang Sook-kyung.

'Steel Troops W' is the first female soldier special in the 'Steel Troops' series, a military survival program where elite female soldiers form teams and fight for the honor of their units. PD Shin Jae-ho, who led 'Steel Troops' seasons 1-3, and writer Kang Sook-kyung, who wrote 'Steel Troops' seasons 1-2 and 'Physical 100,' have teamed up once again.
‘Steel Troops W’ Production Team and Cast Show Respect for Female Soldiers and Pride in the Program
‘Steel Troops W’ Production Team and Cast Show Respect for Female Soldiers and Pride in the Program
Kim Sung-joo said, "We have invited female soldiers to determine the strongest unit. It was not an easy attempt. As the scale grew, we wondered what else could be done. We talked about the need to see female soldiers, and finally, the female soldier special has come out."

He continued, "There were definitely concerns about prejudices against female soldiers when it comes to the military and survival. The production team must have had a lot of worries. I thought viewers might have prejudices too. But while broadcasting, I felt it was possible to break those prejudices. I am confident that we can provide enough fun and deliver emotions. We have recorded two episodes, and I think we did a great job."
‘Steel Troops W’ Production Team and Cast Show Respect for Female Soldiers and Pride in the Program
‘Steel Troops W’ Production Team and Cast Show Respect for Female Soldiers and Pride in the Program
When asked about changes compared to the previous season, Kim Hee-chul joked, "There wasn't much change in myself. I approached it as if I were watching 'Produce 101' as usual." He added, "There doesn't seem to be any changes up to the second episode, but I will show you from the third episode." He also expressed admiration, saying, "I am a public service worker. Active-duty soldiers are truly impressive."
‘Steel Troops W’ Production Team and Cast Show Respect for Female Soldiers and Pride in the Program
‘Steel Troops W’ Production Team and Cast Show Respect for Female Soldiers and Pride in the Program
Kim Dong-hyun pointed out a subjective perspective, saying, "I have changed a lot. When martial arts techniques come out, everyone respects Jang Eun-sil's opinion." He added, "Right after the first shoot, I thought it would be a big hit. This season is really amazing."
‘Steel Troops W’ Production Team and Cast Show Respect for Female Soldiers and Pride in the Program
‘Steel Troops W’ Production Team and Cast Show Respect for Female Soldiers and Pride in the Program
Choi Young-jae explained, "As the seasons go on, the missions and firearms are becoming more diverse. This time, the Ministry of National Defense also provided a lot of cooperation. It is meaningful that the first broadcast is on Armed Forces Day." He added, "I want to show the excellent capabilities of female soldiers. We did not lower the difficulty of the missions. In fact, we set it more excessively than in previous seasons. You can see through the program that there are parts where they excel more than male soldiers."
‘Steel Troops W’ Production Team and Cast Show Respect for Female Soldiers and Pride in the Program
‘Steel Troops W’ Production Team and Cast Show Respect for Female Soldiers and Pride in the Program
Jang Eun-sil laughed, saying, "I have been itching to do something physical. I don't have military skills or strategies. Being a female soldier was once my dream, but while filming the program, I felt glad I didn't become one."

She continued, "It's really tough. The show captures the extremely hard training. You can look forward to it." Jang Eun-sil added, "I have done a lot of tough training, but seeing the female soldiers train, it was really amazing. They have been doing a job that not just anyone can do. I highly respect them."
‘Steel Troops W’ Production Team and Cast Show Respect for Female Soldiers and Pride in the Program
‘Steel Troops W’ Production Team and Cast Show Respect for Female Soldiers and Pride in the Program
PD Shin Jae-ho emphasized the planning intention, saying, "It is an honor to highlight excellent female soldiers. The planning of this program started lightly. It began with a conversation with writer Kang Sook-kyung at the end of season 1, saying, 'Wouldn't it be fun to do it with female soldiers?' As a director, I am interested in continuing new characters and series and discovering new energy. I planned it, expecting explosive energy by discovering unknown entities."

Writer Kang Sook-kyung explained, "I always wanted to do a female soldier special, but I was very afraid. I thought it would be difficult to recruit members. Female soldiers who are not from special forces also appear. I was worried about how to prepare, but meeting actual female soldiers eased my worries. I felt confident. The goal is not to tarnish the honor and pride of the units they belong to."

Lastly, regarding female soldiers, she said, "They don't talk behind others' backs; they talk in front. They say everything that could come out in an interview right in front. They openly say, 'I will crush you.' That's the biggest fun point. If you watch the first episode, there are about three characters that will be instantly memorable."

'Steel Troops W' will premiere on October 1st (Tuesday) at 10 PM.

Sojung Lee, TenAsia Reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr