Korean drama ‘The Legend of Kitchen Soldier’ hits 9.5% peak ratings, surges in popularity by episode 6

A Korean drama that soared to a peak metropolitan rating of 9.5% just six episodes into its run has claimed the No. 1 spot among cable and general programming channels in its time slot. The breakout series gaining traction across ratings, OTT platforms, and global audiences alike is tvN and TVING’s 'The Legend of Kitchen Soldier.'

Steady Ratings Growth Since Premiere

tvN’s Monday-Tuesday drama 'The Legend of Kitchen Soldier' has shown consistent ratings growth since its debut, which opened in the 5% range.

Episode 3 recorded an average nationwide household rating of 7.2%, peaking at 9%, while the Seoul metropolitan area peaked at 9.1%. The upward momentum only intensified afterward. Episode 5 achieved an average nationwide rating of 7.9% with a peak of 9.7%, while metropolitan ratings averaged 8.8% and peaked at 10.8%, setting a new personal best for the series.

Episode 6 continued the strong performance, posting a nationwide average of 7.3% and a peak of 8.6%, while metropolitan ratings averaged 7.8% and peaked at 9.5%, making it the most-watched show in its time slot across cable and general programming channels.

The drama has also delivered remarkable results on OTT platforms. Among all TVING dramas released over the past three years, it achieved the platform’s highest subscription contribution performance during its first week of release. It also ranked No. 1 in paid subscriber contribution for two consecutive weeks and topped daily subscription contribution rankings with Episode 5, reaffirming the strength of TVING originals. Episode 6 likewise ranked first in daily subscription contribution and led overall paid subscription contribution during the two-day release period for Episodes 5 and 6.

Based on a Hit Webtoon, Directed by the Creator of 'Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938'

'The Legend of Kitchen Soldier' is based on the popular web novel and webtoon of the same name. The military comedy follows a cook soldier who trades bullets for kitchen knives and ammo belts for aprons, embarking on quests that gradually turn him into a legendary chef.

The series is directed by Cho Nam Hyung, known for 'Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938.' Cho explained, “The vivid expressions of flavor and appetizing dishes are what differentiate the drama from the original work.”

The original creator has also expressed enthusiasm for the adaptation. Webtoon creator Jay Robin publicly shared on social media that they were “200% satisfied” with the drama version.

Park Ji Hoon Praised for Emotional Performance

Park Ji Hoon stars as Kang Sung Jae, an elite soldier suffering from deep depression after losing his father. Viewers and critics have praised Park for portraying both the fragile inner struggles of an inexperienced recruit and the gradual transformation into a legendary chef as he completes various quests throughout the story.

At the drama’s press conference, Park stated, “My strength lies in balancing the line between Kang Sung Jae and Park Ji Hoon even within comedic scenes.” He added, “Rather than feeling burdened by the success of my previous projects, I felt nervous. I thought a lot about what kind of energy I could create together with the senior actors.”

The drama’s popularity metrics further reflect his impact. Park Ji Hoon ranked No. 1 for two consecutive weeks on Good Data Corporation’s FUNdex rankings for TV and OTT drama and non-drama cast buzzworthiness during the third week of May. The Legend of Kitchen Soldier also ranked No. 2 overall in integrated buzz rankings.

Supporting actors, including Yoon Kyung Ho, Lee Sang Yi, Han Dong Hee, and Lee Hong Nae, have also received praise for their ensemble chemistry. Yoon Kyung Ho plays administrative supply officer Park Jae Young, Han Dong Hee portrays platoon leader Jo Ye Rin, Lee Hong Nae stars as senior cook soldier Yoon Dong Hyun, and Lee Sang Yi plays company commander Hwang Seok Ho. Veteran actors, including Jung Woong In, Han Min, Kang Ha Kyung, Jeon So Young, and Jin Goo, further round out the cast.

Episode 6 Ending Leaves Viewers Shocked

In Episode 6, which aired on May 26, Kang Sung Jae heightened tensions during KCTC (Korea Combat Training Center) exercises by capturing an opposing force officer and personally entering combat to reopen a blocked supply route.

One standout moment featured him crushing rice hardtack into a breadcrumb-like coating to fry rice balls into a crispy snack, fully embracing the show’s signature “military food fantasy” concept. The episode ended on a shocking cliffhanger as Kang Sung Jae overheard a suspicious phone call involving Captain Lee Min Goo (played by Han Min) before ending up hanging off the edge of a cliff, dramatically raising anticipation for the next episode.

Online communities and review videos have praised the drama’s exaggerated cooking reactions and flashy presentation, with comments such as “a live-action military version of Cooking Master Boy” and “perfect synchronization with the original webtoon.”

Many viewers also highlighted how the series blends emotional healing and human drama with mouthwatering military cooking visuals, creating a uniquely satisfying viewing experience. Director Cho Nam Hyung’s detailed yet witty directing style has also been praised for maintaining high production quality while preserving the fun of a lighthearted military comedy.

Global Success Continues Overseas

The drama is also gaining traction internationally. During its first week of release, Episodes 1 and 2 ranked No. 2 overall and among dramas on Disney+ Japan. On Rakuten Viki, the series entered the Top 5 across North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Oceania. It also earned a strong viewer rating of 8.7 on the CIS and Russian streaming platform IVI.

The drama additionally achieved the rare distinction of being the only special screening invitation in the non-competitive section at Series Mania 2026, Europe’s largest television series festival held in Lille, France.

Festival organizers praised the show as “a rare and remarkable work that uses bold visual style and unique wit to depict a surreal journey toward discovering resilience amid the ruins of loss.” They added, “Above all, Park Ji Hoon’s performance at the center of the drama is astonishing and deeply moving.”

The 12-episode drama 'The Legend of Kitchen Soldier' will release Episode 7 simultaneously on TVING and tvN on June 1 at 8:50 PM KST.