Actor Jung Eun-chae, known for her "girl crush" appeal and track record of successful projects, has signaled another bold transformation in her character.
On July 21, SBS announced an interview with Jung Eun-chae, who plays Joo Hye-ra, the new veteran team leader of the Violent Crimes Unit 1 at Gangha Police Station, in the new Friday-Saturday drama 'Flex X Cop 2' (written by Kim Ba-da, directed by Kim Jae-hong).
'Flex X Cop 2', which follows 'Kim Bu-jang' and premieres on August 7, is a refreshing and exhilarating investigative drama featuring Jin I-soo (played by Ahn Bo-hyun), a chaebol detective who uses his wealth to turn the tables when investigations hit a wall, and the new team leader Joo Hye-ra (played by Jung Eun-chae). It is considered a key pillar of the SBS "cider" (refreshing) universe, following in the footsteps of 'Taxi Driver', 'The Fiery Priest', and 'The Judge from Hell', and is highly anticipated as a highlight of SBS's 2026 season-based drama lineup.
Jung Eun-chae, who plays Joo Hye-ra, a former ace of the police counter-terrorism team who is newly assigned to the Violent Crimes Unit 1, recalled her first impression of the project, saying, "I was captivated by its unique wit and thrilling plot." She added, "I was curious about how a character like Joo Hye-ra would clash with and integrate into the existing world. I wanted to play a character who is rough around the edges but also human and independent."
Jung Eun-chae, who has proven her irreplaceable "girl crush" aura in works such as 'Pachinko', 'Jeongnyeon: The Star is Born', and 'Honor: Her Court', is taking on her first comedic action role through this project. Describing her character as "someone with a wealth of inner experience, strength, and the capacity to listen to and trust her team members," she also raised expectations for her visuals, stating, "I plan to showcase a style that combines both gravitas and mobility."
A key point to watch in Season 2 is the chemistry between Joo Hye-ra, who was a "devil instructor" at the police academy, and Jin I-soo, a former trainee who suffered under her, as they reunite as team leader and team member. Jung Eun-chae expressed confidence, saying, "Jin I-soo and Joo Hye-ra are as different as fire and water, but they also have strangely similar traits. It will be very interesting to see the process of them starting with a strained superior-subordinate relationship and gradually evolving into perfect partners."
Regarding her co-star Ahn Bo-hyun, she showed strong trust, saying, "He was always Jin I-soo himself on set. As a fellow actor, his passion and flexibility served as great motivation for me. He is also actually very witty and has a cute side."
Finally, Jung Eun-chae encouraged viewers to tune in, saying, "'Flex X Cop 2' is a project where a feast of wonderful actors unfolds in every episode. It will be a fun, refreshing, and exhilarating show that will help beat the summer heat, so please don't miss it and enjoy it with us."
'Flex X Cop 2' will premiere on Friday, August 7, at 9:50 PM.
(Reported by Kang Sun-ae | SBS Entertainment News)
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