‘Steel Troops 4’ Returns After Three Years, Reuniting Producer Shin Jae-ho and Writer Kang Sook-kyung

Channel A’s original military survival series 〈Steel Troops〉 is returning after three years with 〈Steel Troops 4〉.

Channel A has kicked off open casting for 〈Steel Troops 4〉 and unveiled a teaser video heralding the new season. First premiering in 2021, 〈Steel Troops〉 is a military survival series in which former members of South Korea’s elite special forces units compete in teams for the honor of their respective units. After airing as a regular series for three seasons, the franchise successfully expanded its universe in 2024 with 〈Steel Troops W〉, its first-ever women’s special.

The newly released casting teaser features signature challenges from the show, including trench combat and pistol shooting, alongside the on-screen text “Steel Troops returns after three years,” delighting fans. The video hints at an even bigger scale with the phrase “Survive the brutal battlefield” at the end. The production team is also raising expectations. Producer Shin Jae-ho, who led all previous seasons, and writer Kang Sook-kyung, who made her mark in the survival genre with shows including 〈Physical: 100〉, have reunited to raise the bar for the series. Shin said even more grueling missions are in store, drawing on the experience gained from previous seasons, and urged former service members who want to prove their pride in being the strongest special forces unit to apply.

Any male former member of South Korea’s special forces can throw their hat into the ring for the survival competition. Those interested can apply through Channel A’s official website or the separately announced casting link by Monday, Nov. 23. 〈Steel Troops 4〉, which will follow contestants in a fierce fight to survive, is beginning full-scale production with a view to airing in 2027.