Millions of people watched The Recruit when it first came out on Netflix. It has been more than two years since the first season ended, leaving fans eager for more. The wait is now over, as Netflix has released all six episodes of Season 2 on January 30.
The first season introduced viewers to Owen Hendricks, played by Noah Centineo. Owen was a smart but inexperienced lawyer working for the CIA. He unexpectedly found himself caught up in dangerous spy missions, leading to an action-filled finale that left the audience wanting more.
Season 2 takes things even further. This time, Owen meets Jang Kyun, a skilled agent from South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS), played by Teo Yoo. Jang Kyun has one goal—to rescue his wife, Nan Hee (Sanghee Lee), who was kidnapped by the Yakuza.
The new season brings intense action, emotional moments, and unexpected betrayals, making it even more exciting than before.
A Dangerous Plan to Rescue Nan Hee
As the season builds up to its dramatic final episode, Owen and Jang Kyun come up with a bold plan. Nan Hee is being held by the Yakuza in eastern Russia, and they must find a way to get her back.
Owen first seeks approval for the mission from CIA Director Alton West, played by Nathan Fillion. Once he gets the green light, he turns to someone from his past for help—his childhood love, Yoo Jin Hee (Shin Do-hyun). He asks to borrow her father’s boat, telling her he needs it to “fix a broken love story.”
At first, Owen doubts whether he should involve Yoo Jin at all. But in a surprising turn, Yoo Jin tells him that it is her choice to help, not his. She agrees to let him use the boat—but only if she can come along.
The plan is risky. Owen and Jang Kyun will pretend to be a Kidnap & Ransom company and negotiate with the Yakuza to “buy” Nan Hee. They will take the boat to the yacht where she is being held and try to strike a deal.
Owen worries that bringing Jang Kyun might ruin their cover. If Nan Hee reacts emotionally upon seeing her husband, the Yakuza might realize something is wrong and kill them all. But Jang Kyun refuses to stay behind. Over the course of the season, he and Owen have developed mutual respect despite their differences.
As they head toward the yacht, Yoo Jin waits on a nearby fishing boat along with CIA agents Lester (Colton Dunn) and Dawn (Angel Parker).
Mission Compromised—Owen Takes a Risky Escape
Once on the yacht, Jang Kyun signals to Nan Hee, warning her not to reveal their connection. At the same time, Owen secretly alerts the team on the fishing boat, letting them know they have made contact with the hostage.
Just when it seems like things are going according to plan, disaster strikes. A Russian Coast Guard boat suddenly appears, making an extraction impossible. Engaging in a firefight with Russian forces would be too dangerous, so the mission is aborted.
Owen quickly realizes that they have no way out, but he refuses to give up. He tries to stall for time, but the situation escalates when the Yakuza discovers that the briefcase does not contain any money.
A violent fight breaks out. In a desperate move, Owen jumps off the yacht into the freezing water, escaping alone while Jang Kyun and Nan Hee remain trapped on board.
Owen Refuses to Give Up on Jang Kyun and Nan Hee
Even though the mission is compromised, Owen does not abandon Jang Kyun and Nan Hee. He swims through the icy waters and finds a Russian houseboat. Inside, he overpowers and ties up the Russian guards before calling Lester and Dawn to let them know he is alive.
Lester advises Owen to leave and return home, but Owen refuses. He says he will not leave without Jang Kyun and Nan Hee. Dawn thinks he is being reckless, but Owen insists that he does not want to become as emotionally detached as they are.
Despite everything that has happened, Owen has held onto his sense of humanity. The CIA may try to turn him into a hardened agent, but he refuses to let that happen. Lester and Dawn may not agree with his approach, but they cannot help but admire his determination.
Lester decides to offer Owen help. He suggests that Nichka (Maddie Hasson) assist him with the mission. Owen reluctantly agrees, knowing that this might be his only chance. However, Lester secretly instructs Nichka to bring Owen back safely—no matter what. Nichka agrees but demands extra payment for the job.
Nichka Betrays Owen—But He Outsmarts Her
When Nichka arrives at the houseboat, she tells Owen that she is there to take him in. But once again, he refuses to abandon the mission. Instead, he insists that she take him to the compound where Jang Kyun and Nan Hee are being held.
Owen notices how much Nichka reminds him of her late mother, Max (Laura Haddock). Their ruthless nature is strikingly similar. Nichka even urges him to kill the Russian guard he had tied up, arguing that it would be safer. But Owen refuses, forcing her to take matters into her own hands.
As they step outside, Nichka suddenly turns her gun on Owen. He realizes she has betrayed him. She has told the Russian security agency (FSB) that the CIA is trying to recruit her. In exchange for valuable information, she plans to trade Owen and Jang Kyun for both money and a higher position.
Once again, Owen sees the similarities between Nichka and Max. But this time, he is prepared. In a tense standoff, he outsmarts Nichka, takes her down, and locks her in the trunk of her own car.
A Daring Rescue and an Unexpected Intervention
Owen heads to the airfield where Jang Kyun and Nan Hee are being held. Moving carefully, he avoids soldiers and even a landing airplane. Just when Jang Kyun and Nan Hee are about to lose hope, Owen arrives in time to help them escape.
What he does not know is that Director West has secretly ordered Dawn to kill Jang Kyun. The CIA wants to cover up the failed mission and prevent the Russians from getting any sensitive information from Jang Kyun.
As Dawn prepares to take her shot, Nichka interrupts her. A deadly knife fight breaks out, ending with Nichka killing Dawn.
Nichka then tries to stop Owen from escaping, but he, Jang Kyun, and Nan Hee manage to dodge her gunfire. They swim toward safety, and just in time, Yoo Jin arrives with her father’s boat to rescue them.
The Russian Coast Guard pursues them, but a U.S. Navy submarine suddenly emerges from the water, scaring them away and ensuring their safe escape.
A New Future and a Possible Season 3
After their rescue, Owen and Jang Kyun share a quiet moment on the submarine. Jang Kyun thanks Owen for saving them. He is now given the option to relocate to the U.S. with Nan Hee in exchange for sharing intelligence.
Owen now plays the role of recruiter, hoping to bring Jang Kyun into the CIA. Even though he has had problems with the Agency, having Jang Kyun as an ally might convince him to stay.
Meanwhile, Owen has also rekindled his relationship with Yoo Jin. She has been there for him during difficult times, and their bond seems stronger than ever. She plans to move to the U.S. with him, making it possible for them to stay together.
Netflix has not officially announced a third season yet. However, with strong viewer interest and an open-ended conclusion, the show has a bright future.
Summary
Season 2 of The Recruit picks up after the dramatic events of Season 1, bringing even more danger and high-stakes missions.
Owen Hendricks (Noah Centineo) finds himself working with Jang Kyun (Teo Yoo), a South Korean intelligence agent, to rescue Jang Kyun’s wife, Nan Hee (Sanghee Lee), who has been kidnapped by the Yakuza.
Owen and Jang Kyun devise a plan to pose as a Kidnap & Ransom company, but their mission is compromised when the Russian Coast Guard intervenes. Forced to abandon ship, Owen refuses to give up on his team.
He regroups and takes a more daring approach, only to be betrayed by Nichka (Maddie Hasson), who plans to trade him for money and power. However, Owen outsmarts her and fights his way back to save Jang Kyun and Nan Hee.
As the season concludes, Owen secures their escape, rekindles his relationship with Yoo Jin (Shin Do-hyun), and is now positioned as a recruiter for the CIA.
While Netflix has not confirmed Season 3, the intense action, complex character arcs, and unresolved tensions hint at more thrilling episodes in the future. Both seasons of The Recruit are available to stream on Netflix.
Both seasons of The Recruit are now available to stream on Netflix.
