Steel Troops Explained

Alt Name:The Iron Squad
Genre:Reality television, military
Starring:Kim Sung-joo
Kim Hee-chul
Kim Dong-hyun
Choi Young-jae
Chuu (Season 1, 3)
Yoon Doo-joon (Season 3)
Jang Dong-min (Season 1-2)
An Yu-jin (Season 2)
Country:South Korea
Language:Korean
Runtime:100 minutes
Channel:Channel A, ENA (formerly skyTV)
Num Seasons:3
Num Episodes:28 + 6 specials

Steel Troops is a South Korean reality show broadcast on Channel A and ENA (formerly skyTV). Dubbed a "military survival program," the show features male South Korean reservists who served in various special forces units across different branches of the Republic of Korea Armed Forces. Participants go head to head in teams of four, representing their respective unit to fight for the title of the best special forces unit in Korea.

A series of missions, designed by military experts, test the participants' physical stamina, mental strength, and cooperation to determine the last team standing.[1] [2] Episodes also include concurrent commentary from a panel of hosts, including the "Master" who runs the competition events.

Season 1 aired every Tuesday at 22:30 (KST) from March 23, 2021, to July 20, 2021. This season featured 24 participants from six units across the Republic of Korea Army and Republic of Korea Navy. It was also released on Netflix under the title The Iron Squad and gained a high viewership ranking on release.[3]

Season 2 aired every Tuesday at 21:20 (KST) from February 22, 2022, to June 7, 2022. The new season introduces two new units not featured in Season 1, including one from the Republic of Korea Air Force, for a total of 32 participants hailing from eight units.

Season 3 premiered on September 19, 2023 and airs every Tuesday at 22:30 (KST). Another two new units were introduced, including the first non-Korean team, composed of former retired US special forces members, alongside new participants from the top four units of Season 2.

Hosts

PanelistSeason 1Season 2Season 3
Kim Sung-joo[4] All episodesAll episodesAll episodes
Jang Dong-minEp. 1–8
Kim Hee-chulAbsent in ep. 9All episodes
Kim Dong-hyunAbsent in ep. 5–6
Choi Young-jae (Master)All episodes
ChuuAbsent in ep. 13–14
An Yu-jinAbsent in ep. 10–12
Yoon Doo-joonAll episodes
Guest Panelists
Ep. 13[5] Ep. 6, 10–16
Yujeong (Brave Girls)Ep. 14[6]
Oh Jong-hyukEp. 5, 9
Yuk Jun-SeoEp. 9–12

Participants

Each team consists of four reservists representing their respective special forces unit, with a team leader (indicated in bold) selected by the team members.

Season 1

Unit NameMilitary BranchMembers[7] [8] Reservist Rank
Special Warfare Command(육군특수전사령부)ROK ArmyPark Jun-woo Sangsa (Master sergeant)
Jeong Tae-gyun (Marvel.J)Jungwi (Lieutenant)
Kim Hyun-dongHasa (Staff sergeant)
Park Do-hyeonJungsa (Sergeant first class)
Marine Corps Special Recon(해병대특수수색대)ROK Marine CorpsOh Jong-hyukByeongjang (Sergeant)
Ahn PhilipHasa (Staff sergeant)
Jeong HoonJungwi (Lieutenant)
Byeongjang (Sergeant)
707th Special Mission Group(제707특수임무단)ROK ArmyLee Jin-bongJungsa (Sergeant first class)
Im Woo-young
Yeom Seung-chul
Kim Pil-sung
Park Soo-min
UDT(해군특수전전단)ROK NavyKim Bum-Seok (Kim Min-jun)Jungsa (Sergeant first class)
Yuk Jun-seoHasa (Staff sergeant)
Jeong Jong-hyunJungsa (Sergeant first class)
Kim Sang-wookByeongjang (Sergeant)
SDT (Special Duty Team)(군사경찰특임대)ROK ArmyKim Min-suByeongjang (Sergeant)
Lee Jeong-min
Kang Jun
Kang Won-jae
SSU (Sea Salvage & Rescue Unit)(해난구조전대)ROK NavyJeong Seong-hoonHasa (Staff sergeant)
Jeong Hae-chulByeongjang (Sergeant)
Kim Min-su
Hwang Chung-won

Season 2

Unit NameMilitary BranchMembersReservist Rank
Special Warfare Command(육군특수전사령부)ROK ArmyKim Hwang-jungJungwi (Lieutenant)
Oh Sang-youngJungsa (Sergeant first class)
Choi Yong-jun
Jeong Tae-pungByeongjang (Sergeant)
Seong Tae-hyunJungsa (Sergeant first class)
Marine Corps Special Recon(해병대특수수색대)ROK Marine CorpsJeong Ho-geunJungwi (Lieutenant)
Park Gil-yeonHasa (Staff sergeant)
Lee Dae-youngByeongjang (Sergeant)
Gu Dong-yeol
707th Special Mission Group(제707특수임무단)ROK ArmyLee Ju-yongJungsa (Sergeant first class)
Hong Myeong-hwa
Gu Seong-hwi
Lee Jeong-won
UDT(해군특수전전단)ROK NavyYoon Jong-jinHasa (Staff sergeant)
Gwon Ho-jeJungsa (Sergeant first class)
Gu Min-cheolHasa (Staff sergeant)
Kim Myeong-jaeByeongjang (Sergeant)
SDT (Special Duty Team)(군사경찰특임대)ROK NavySong Bo-geunByeongjang (Sergeant)
ROK ArmyChoi Seong-hyeon
Ji Won-jae
ROK Air ForceKim Tae-ho
ROK ArmyKang Jun
SSU (Sea Salvage & Rescue Unit)(해난구조전대)ROK NavyKim Dong-rokJungsa (Sergeant first class)
Heo Nam-gilHasa (Staff sergeant)
Kim Jeong-woo
Kim GeonByeongjang (Sergeant)
SART (Special Air Rescue Team)(특수탐색구조대대)ROK Air ForceJeon Hyeong-jinHasa (Staff sergeant)
Kang Cheong-myungJungsa (Sergeant first class)
Jo Seong-hoHasa (Staff sergeant)
Lee Yu-jeongJungsa (Sergeant first class)
HID (Headquarters of Intelligence Detachment)(국군정보사령부특임대)ROK Army(ROK Defence Intelligence Command)Kim Seung-minUndisclosed
Lee Min-gon
Han Jae-sung
Lee Dong-gyu

Season 3

Unit NameMilitary BranchMembersReservist Rank
Special Warfare Command(육군특수전사령부)ROK ArmyBae Yi-jeongDaewi (Captain)
Park Mun-hoJungsa (Sergeant first class)
Jeong Seung-hun
Kim Dae-seong
707th Special Mission Group(제707특수임무단)ROK ArmyHong Beom-seokSangsa (Master sergeant)
Oh Yo-hanDaewi (Captain)
Park Chan-gyuJungsa (Sergeant first class)
Lee Yu-seok
UDT(해군특수전전단)ROK NavyKim Gyeong-baekSangsa (Master sergeant)
Lee Jeong-junDaewi (Captain)
Jeong Jong-hyunJungsa (Sergeant first class)
Lee Han-junHasa (Staff sergeant)
HID (Headquarters of Intelligence Detachment)(육군첩보부대)ROK Army(ROK Defence Intelligence Command)Kang Min-hoUndisclosed
Go Ya-yung
Park Ji-yun
Lee Dong-gyu
UDU (Underwater Demolition Unit)(해군첩보부대)ROK Navy(ROK Defence Intelligence Command)Kim Su-wonUndisclosed
Kim Hyeon-yeong
Go In-ho
Lee Byeong-ju
USSF (United States Special Forces)US Navy SEALKaj Larsen (Age: 46)Lieutenant Commander (Ret.)
Ian Schinelli (Age: 37)Petty Officer First Class (Ret.)
Jeff Gum (Age: 39)Petty Officer First Class (Ret.)
US Green Beret and Marine Force Recon (not mentioned)Wil Ravelo (Age: 46)Sergeant First Class (Ret.)

List of episodes

In the ratings below, the highest rating for the season will be in and the lowest rating for the season will be in .

Season 1

Episode Broadcast DateRating[9]
1March 23, 2021
2March 30, 2021 3.484%
3April 6, 2021 4.353%
4April 13, 2021 4.900%
5April 20, 2021 4.746%
6April 27, 2021 4.834%
7May 4, 2021 6.267%
8May 11, 2021 5.902%
9May 18, 2021
10May 25, 2021 5.777%
11June 1, 2021 5.721%
12June 8, 2021 5.628%
13June 15, 2021 5.410%
14June 22, 2021 4.746%
"Reunion" Special
15June 29, 20214.210%
16July 6, 20213.712%
"Behind the Scenes" Special
17July 13, 20213.022%
18July 20, 20211.6%

Season 2

Episodes Broadcast DateRating[10]
1February 22, 2022 4.209%
2March 1, 2022
3March 8, 2022 3.722%
4March 15, 2022 3.330%
5March 22, 2022
6March 29, 2022 3.1%
7April 5, 2022 3.833%
8April 12, 2022 3.379%
9April 19, 2022 3.545%
10April 26, 2022 3.506%
11May 3, 2022 3.415%
12May 10, 2022 3.589%
13May 17, 2022 3.537%
14May 24, 2022 3.105%

Mission results

Season 1

The first three elimination stages followed a double-elimination tournament style, with a main mission (indicated in bold) determining the participants of the "Death Match" elimination round. Following the revival round, the competition switched to a single-elimination style without a Death Match. Each stage also featured a "Benefit Mission" where the winner would be given an advantage in the main mission that followed. In the case of the second elimination stage, the lowest-ranking team was also sent directly to Death Match, bypassing the main mission.

style=max-width:4em StageMissionSWCMCSR707UDTSDTSSU
Strongest member contestRound 1: Trench Combat2 advanced3 advanced1 advanced2 advanced2 advanced2 advanced
Round 2: Assault Course2 advanced0 advanced0 advanced1 advanced1 advanced1 advanced
Round 3: Winter Sea Rescue3rd, 4th2nd5th1st
First eliminationIBS RescueLost
(vs 707)		Lost
(vs UDT)		Won
(vs SWC)		Won
(vs MCSR)		Lost
(vs SSU)		Won
(vs SDT)
Death Match: Tire Flip1stEliminated2nd
Second eliminationBenefit MissionRound 1: Highland Race2nd1st4th5th3rd
Round 2: Range ShootingLostWon
Counter-terrorism RescueWon
(vs SDT)		Won
(vs SSU)		Lost
(vs SWC)		Lost
(vs 707)
Death Match: 10 km Mountain March1stEliminated2nd
Third eliminationBenefit Mission Round 1: Capture the LeaderWon
(vs SSU)		Lost
(vs UDT)		Won
(vs 707)		Lost
(vs SWC)
Round 2: Tire Tug-of-warLostWon
Nightfall Joint Operation
(SWC & 707 vs UDT & SSU)		WonWonLostLost
Death Match: Tire ScrambleWonEliminated
Revival Round: Breaching Garorim Bay2nd3rdRevived
Round of 4Benefit Mission: Target Shooting3rd2nd1st
Recapture the Ship (SWC vs UDT)EliminatedWon
Frontline Supplies (707 vs SSU)EliminatedWon
FinalBenefit Mission: Marine InfiltrationWonLost
Operation IsabuWonRunner-up

Season 2

The second season largely continued with the format of main missions and Death Matches until the round of 4, with the exception of the first stage which was a direct elimination round. Other notable changes include:

StageMissionSWCMCSR707UDTSDTSSUSARTHID
Strongest member contestRound 1: Trench Combat2 advanced2 advanced2 advanced2 advanced2 advanced1 advanced0 advanced1 advanced
Round 2: Assault Course1 advanced1 advanced2 advanced0 advanced1 advanced1 advanced0 advanced
Round 3: 100 kg Log Pull3rd2nd1st, 6th4th5th
First eliminationWinter Highland RaceWon
(vs SDT)		Won
(vs SSU)		Won
(vs HID)		Lost
(vs SART)		Lost
(vs SWC)		Lost
(vs MCSR)		Won
(vs UDT)		Lost
(vs 707)
SurvivedSurvivedEliminatedSurvived
Second eliminationBenefit Mission Round 1: Precision Shooting2nd (27)6th (22)7th (19)2nd (27)5th (24)4th (26)1st (28)
Round 2: Infiltration Sniper3rd2nd1st
Counter-terrorism Hostage RescueWon
(vs 707)		Won
(vs SART)		Lost
(vs SWC)		Won
(vs SDT)		Lost
(vs UDT)		Lost
(vs MCSR)		Advanced
Death Match: 50 kg Signal Gear Transport2ndEliminated1st
Third eliminationBenefit Mission: Rucksack Foot VolleyballWonAdvancedLostLostAdvancedWon
WonLostLostWon
Maritime Joint Operation2nd
(with HID)		3rd
(with SART)		1st
(with UDT)		1st
(with 707)		3rd
(with MCSR)		2nd
(with SWC)
Death Match: Alliance Tire FlipWonEliminatedEliminatedWon
Round of 4Benefit MissionRound 1: Capture the FlagWon
(vs 707)		Lost
(vs SWC)		Lost
(vs HID)		Won
(vs UDT)
Round 2: Capture the LeaderLost
(vs HID)		Won
(vs SWC)
Recapture the Plane (SWC vs 707)WonEliminated
Garorim Bay Supplies (UDT vs HID)WonEliminated
FinalBenefit Mission: Shooting Roundup
  • Round 1: Precision Shooting
  • Round 2: Mobile Shooting
  • Round 3: Infiltration Sniper
Lost (1:2)Won (2:1)
Operation NuriWonRunner-up

Season 3

As of the second elimination stage, the competition format remains unchanged. This season opened with a notably higher calibre team introductions segment, where the customary pull-up friendly contest in a filming studio was upgraded to live firing at sea on a Korean Coast Guard vessel. Other show firsts included:

StageMissionSWC707UDTHIDUDUUSSF
Strongest member contestRound 1: Trench Combat2 advanced0 advanced4 advanced4 advanced2 advanced0 advanced
Round 2: Assault Course0 advanced2 advanced3 advanced1 advanced
Round 3: Hostage Rescue & ShootingWonLostLost
First eliminationMarine Explosive DisposalLost
(vs UDU)		Won
(vs HID)		Lost
(vs USSF)		Lost
(vs 707)		Won
(vs SWC)		Won
(vs UDT)
Death Match: 3-ton Truck PushEliminated1st2nd
Second eliminationBenefit Mission 1Round 1: Multi-Firearm Shooting3rd4th1st1st5th
Round 2: Infiltration Sniper3rd1st2nd
Benefit Mission 2: Tire Tug-of-war3rd3rd2nd1st
Counter-terrorism Joint Operation
(707 & USSF vs UDT & UDU)		WonLostAdvancedLostWon
Death Match: Mud Flat Tire FlipWonEliminated
Round of 4Mopping-up Operations
(HID vs USSF)		WonEliminated
Supply Foot March
(707 vs UDT)		WonEliminated
FinalBenefit Mission: Integrated Mobile Shooting
  • Round 1: Pistol Shooting
  • Round 2: Breaching and Rifle Shooting
  • Round 3: Marine Infiltration Sniper
Won1.Lost 2. Win 3. Lost Lost1.Win2. Lost 3. Win
Summit VIP Rescue OperationHID Won

References

  1. Web site: '강철부대' 부대별 티저 6종 총 공개...오는 23일 첫 공개 . Top Daily . Choi Ji-eun . ko . March 15, 2021 . March 23, 2021.
  2. Web site: 김성주→김희철·이달의 소녀 츄 '강철부대' 공식포스터 . Sports Donga . Hong Se-young . ko . February 26, 2021 . March 23, 2021.
  3. Web site: April 23, 2021 . '강철부대', 넷플릭스 국내 콘텐츠 1위 기록…'육준서 효과?' . May 24, 2021 . Top Star News . ko.
  4. Web site: Kang Seo-jung . February 18, 2021 . 김성주, '강철부대' MC 출격..장동민·김희철·김동현·최영재·츄 합류[공식] ]. March 23, 2021 . Osen . ko.
  5. Web site: Kim Kyung-mi . June 13, 2021 . 박군, ‘강철부대’ 탈락->스페셜MC 변신 . June 22, 2021 . Woman Chosun . ko.
  6. Web site: Jiwon Oh . June 20, 2021 . '군통령' 브레이브걸스 유정, '강철부대' 스페셜MC 출격 . June 22, 2021 . YTN . ko.
  7. Web site: '강철부대', 특전사-해병대수색대-707-UDT-SDT-SSU 티저 공개 . MK Sports . Son Jin-ah . ko . March 13, 2021 . March 23, 2021.
  8. Web site: '강철부대' 베일 싸여있던 6부대 참가대원 24인 라인업 공개(공식) . Newsen . Lee Min-ji . ko . March 11, 2021 . March 23, 2021.
  9. Web site: Nielsen Korea . March 16, 2022 . AGB Nielsen Media Research . ko.
  10. Web site: Nielsen Korea . March 13, 2022 . AGB Nielsen Media Research . ko.

External links

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