tvN’s upcoming fantasy-comedy drama The Legend of Kitchen Soldier has unveiled new stills of Park Ji Hoon ahead of the series premiere, offering a closer look at his unpredictable military journey.
Based on a popular web novel and webtoon, The Legend of Kitchen Soldier blends military comedy with fantasy elements and follows the story of army cook Kang Sung Jae, played by Park Ji Hoon. After a mysterious quest window suddenly appears before him, the ordinary private unexpectedly begins a bizarre journey that gradually pushes him toward becoming a legendary military cook.
In the drama, Kang Sung Jae initially enters military service with determination despite receiving his enlistment notice unexpectedly. Believing that he should at least become “a real man” if he has to serve anyway, he throws himself fully into training and eventually graduates from boot camp as the top trainee.
However, things begin changing immediately after he is assigned to the remote Gangrim Outpost.
The newly released stills show Kang Sung Jae arriving at the outpost carrying both nervousness and excitement as he officially reports for duty. Upon arrival, he meets Master Sergeant Park Jae Young, played by Yoon Kyung Ho, and fellow private Tak Moon Ik, portrayed by Lim Ji Ho, who welcome him into the unit.
Despite Kang Sung Jae’s seemingly ordinary appearance, the atmosphere quickly becomes strange after the officers review documents labeling him as an “S-class” private. Both Park Jae Young and Tak Moon Ik appear shocked by what they see, while Kang Sung Jae himself looks equally confused about the mysterious designation.
The unexpected reaction immediately raises curiosity surrounding what the “S-class” classification actually means and why Kang Sung Jae has received it.
The production team previously hinted that Kang Sung Jae’s life at Gangrim Outpost will be filled with harsh military discipline, absurd situations, emotional growth, and chaotic comedy. Because the drama mixes military realism with fantasy-game mechanics, many viewers are already comparing its tone to a live-action RPG adventure unfolding inside a military base.
Park Ji Hoon’s casting has also become one of the drama’s biggest discussion points. Following several darker and emotionally intense acting roles in recent years, many fans are anticipating his return to a more comedic and energetic character style through Kang Sung Jae.
The Legend of Kitchen Soldier officially premieres on May 11 at 8:50 p.m. KST and will also be available internationally through streaming platforms.
