Actor Jung Eun-chae, known for her undefeated streak in "girl crush" roles, has signaled another bold character transformation.

On the 21st, the production team for the new SBS Friday-Saturday drama "Flex X Cop 2" (written by Kim Ba-da, directed by Kim Jae-hong) released an interview with Jung Eun-chae, who plays Joo Hye-ra, the veteran new team leader of the Gangha Police Station Violent Crimes Unit 1.

"Flex X Cop 2," which premieres on August 7 as the follow-up to "Agent Kim Reactivated," is a refreshing and exhilarating investigative drama featuring the "money-fueled" cooperation between chaebol detective Jin Yi-soo (played by Ahn Bo-hyun) and the new team leader Joo Hye-ra (played by Jung Eun-chae). It is considered a key pillar of the SBS "cider" universe, following in the footsteps of "Taxi Driver," "The Fiery Priest," and "The Judge from Hell," and is highly anticipated as a project that will kick off SBS's 2026 seasonal hit lineup.

Regarding her role as Joo Hye-ra, a former ace of the police counter-terrorism team who is newly assigned to the Violent Crimes Unit 1, Jung Eun-chae explained why she chose the project: "I was captivated by its unique wit and exhilarating plot development. I was curious about how a stranger like Joo Hye-ra would clash with and blend into the existing world. I wanted to try playing a character who is rugged yet human and independent," she said, recalling her first impression of the role.

Jung Eun-chae, who has proven her irreplaceable "girl crush" aura in works such as "Pachinko," "Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born," and "Honour," is taking on her first comedic action genre through this project. Describing her character, she said, "She is a person with rich internal experience, strength, and the capacity to trust and listen to her team members' stories." She also raised expectations for her visuals, adding, "I plan to showcase a styling that combines both weight and mobility."

In particular, a key point to watch in Season 2 is the "tiki-taka" cooperation between Joo Hye-ra, who was a "devil instructor" at the police academy, and Jin Yi-soo, a trainee who was harshly treated by her, as they reunite as team leader and team member. Jung Eun-chae expressed confidence, saying, "Jin Yi-soo and Joo Hye-ra have completely opposite personalities, like fire and water, but in some ways, they are strangely similar. The process of them starting with a strained hierarchical relationship and gradually becoming perfect partners in cooperation will be very interesting."

Regarding her co-star Ahn Bo-hyun, she showed strong trust, saying, "He was always Jin Yi-soo himself on set. As a fellow actor, his passion and flexibility were great motivators for me. In reality, he also has a very witty and 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 cool down the summer heat, so I hope you don't miss it and enjoy it with us."

"Flex X Cop 2" will premiere on Friday, August 7, at 9:50 PM. 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)