Park Ji Hoon grabs the kitchen knife in The Legend of Kitchen Soldier

Actor Park Ji Hoon will transform into a private holding a kitchen knife instead of a gun.

Park Ji Hoon has been selected to play the lead role of Kang Seong-jae in the drama 'The Legend of Kitchen Soldier,' based on the webtoon by author J-Robin. The series is scheduled to air as a Monday-Tuesday drama from May 11 to June 16, 2026, on TVING and tvN.

Private Kang Seong-jae Grows Through a Status Window

The drama is a military cooking fantasy that follows the journey of Kang Seong-jae, a private from a humble background classified as an 'at-risk soldier' due to an uncertain future, as he is reborn as 'The Legend of Kitchen Soldier.'

In the series, Kang Seong-jae experiences a life-changing shift when he encounters a 'status window' system that resembles a game character interface. The core of the story follows his process of leveling up, starting from Level 1 with dreams of reaching the max level. In particular, the central growth narrative focuses on how Kang Seong-jae, facing a crisis when the status window that aided his growth suddenly disappears right before a final match, completes his dishes based on the skills and sincerity he has accumulated rather than relying on the system.

Director Cho Nam-hyung to Direct with Park Ji Hoon, Yoon Kyung-ho, and More Joining the Cast

Director Cho Nam-hyung will helm the project, with a script written by writer Choi Ryong. Led by Park Ji Hoon, the cast includes Yoon Kyung-ho, Han Dong-hee, Lee Hong-nae, and Lee Sang-yi, who will build the character relationships within the military unit.

The drama highlights the process of Kang Seong-jae becoming a chef who provides strength to people through his own efforts, without relying on special abilities. The final scene hints at another challenge ahead for Kang Seong-jae as a new 'Officer's Mess Quest' appears.