Anticipation is already running high for the TVING original drama 'The Legend of Kitchen Soldier.'
Set to premiere on May 11, the series follows Private Kang Sung Jae (played by Park Ji Hoon), who swaps out guns for kitchen knives and ammo belts for an apron as he rises to become a “legendary military cook.” Blending military life with a cooking show concept, the drama offers a unique fantasy-driven take on army life.
The project quickly gained attention with the casting of Park Ji Hoon, who recently achieved “ten-million actor” status with 'The King's Warden.' Alongside him, actors Yoon Kyung Ho, Han Dong Hee, Lee Hong Nae, and a special appearance by Lee Sang Yi promise a dynamic lineup. A newly released poster on April 21 featuring the eccentric characters of Kangrim Outpost has further fueled excitement.
Park Ji Hoon’s character Kang Sung Jae instantly grabs attention with his fiery determination. Wearing rubber gloves instead of combat gear, he prepares for battle in the kitchen—hinting at his future as a standout military cook.
Yoon Kyung Ho’s Sergeant First Class Park Jae Young exudes the relaxed confidence of a seasoned veteran, chewing on squid legs, while Han Dong Hee’s Lieutenant Jo Ye Rin firmly grips a tray, reflecting her strong sense of responsibility as the outpost commander overseeing military meals.
Meanwhile, Lee Hong Nae’s Sergeant Yoon Dong Hyun and Lee Sang Yi’s Captain Hwang Seok Ho present a striking contrast—Yoon effortlessly lifts three sacks of rice at once, showing off his monstrous strength, while Hwang maintains an elegant demeanor, holding a delicate teacup.
The poster’s tagline, “A legend that will shake up military meals is coming,” combined with exploding vegetables and flying trays behind the characters, leaves a powerful impression.
From the script reading to teaser footage and poster shoots, glimpses of Park Ji Hoon as the “legendary cook” have steadily built anticipation. The drama promises a lighthearted and entertaining look at life inside the military, without relying on overly provocative scenes.
With its fresh concept and strong chemistry among the cast, 'The Legend of Kitchen Soldier' is set to premiere on May 11, drawing attention to what kind of story this talented ensemble will deliver.
Park Ji Hoon recently solidified his status as a trending actor after the success of 'The King's Warden,' which surpassed 10 million viewers. He first gained public recognition through the idol audition program Produce 101, but later proved his acting skills in the drama Weak Hero.
In The Man Who Lives with the King, he received critical acclaim for his portrayal of the tragic young king Danjong (Lee Hong Wi). With this success, his next project, The Recruit Who Became a Legend, has drawn even more attention.
In a previous interview with Singles Japan (May issue), Park Ji Hoon commented on the film’s success, saying, “I’m grateful for all the love, but I’m trying to stay grounded and continue as usual.”
He also cited the drama’s script as the main reason for choosing the project. Known as a “military enthusiast,” he explained that the setting particularly appealed to him, adding that the expanding world built around cooking further drew his interest.
Park Ji Hoon has frequently appeared in webtoon-based dramas, including 'At a Distance, Spring Is Green,' 'Weak Hero,' and now 'The Legend of Kitchen Soldier,' consistently earning praise for bringing characters “straight out of the webtoon” to life.
Among these, 'Weak Hero' stands out as the project that firmly established him as an actor. The series follows model student Yeon Si Eun, who appears physically weak but uses intelligence and psychological tactics to stand up against school violence alongside his friends Su Ho (Choi Hyun Wook) and Beom Seok (Hong Kyung).
Park Ji Hoon successfully carried the series through its second season, showcasing nuanced emotional acting and intense gaze-driven performances. His work earned him the Rookie Award at the 2nd Blue Dragon Series Awards.
Speaking about adapting webtoon-based works, he shared his philosophy: “What works in a webtoon and what works on screen are different. Rather than recreating everything perfectly, I try to capture the essence of the character.”
Following his film success, Park Ji Hoon is continuing a busy schedule across multiple fields.
The Wanna One reality show 'Wanna One Go: Back to Base,' marking their reunion after seven years, is set to premiere on April 28 via Mnet Plus. The project reflects the members returning to their “base” as Wanna One after pursuing individual careers.
According to the production team, the show will focus on the members’ sincerity, highlighting their genuine desire to reconnect with fans. Despite the long hiatus, the atmosphere on set remained lively, with the group’s signature chemistry intact. Additional behind-the-scenes footage will be released through Mnet Plus.
A teaser video is also scheduled for release on April 21 at 6 PM, offering a glimpse into the two members’ stories and their return.
Park Ji Hoon is also preparing for his comeback as a solo artist. He will release his first single album, 'RE: FLECT,' on April 29 at 6 PM, marking his return to music after three years.
He will kick off a fan concert titled 'RE: FLECT' in Tokyo on May 23, followed by shows in Seoul on May 30 and 31. The events will feature a mix of performances and talk segments, offering fans an opportunity to connect with him more closely.
Additional tour cities will be announced sequentially following the Tokyo and Seoul performances.
Ahead of his comeback, Park Ji Hoon will also hold a fan meeting titled Same Place on April 25 and 26 at YES24 Live Hall in Gwangjin District, Seoul.
As Park Ji Hoon continues to showcase his versatility as both an actor and a singer, anticipation is building over what new side of himself he will reveal next.
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