Lee Sang-yi plays Captain Hwang Seok-ho, the commander of the 4th Company, and has been exuding a powerful presence since the very beginning of the show. With his neatly slicked-back hair, sharp military uniform, and a refined palate that enjoys savoring the aroma of coffee with a gentle smile, Seok-ho brings a unique atmosphere to the screen the moment he appears.
In the series, Seok-ho acts as a pivotal figure who determines the fate of the protagonist, Kang Sung-jae (played by Park Ji-hoon). He serves as a key player who adds intense tension to the plot, whether by leading Sung-jae on his journey to becoming a "The Legend of Kitchen Soldier" with a single short remark—"Make him a cook, shall we?"—or by making bold decisions that change assignments in an instant.
Lee Sang-yi has added vitality to the character with his signature natural acting style. He is responsible for the show's comedic relief, effortlessly pulling off everything from funny moments like obsessing over selfies while wearing sunglasses to delivering cheeky English lines such as "Thank you for your service" and "That's right."
On the other hand, in the scene where he delivers a sharp rebuke to First Lieutenant Jo Ye-rin (played by Han Dong-hee), who tries to stop Kang Sung-jae's reassignment, by saying, "I’m being nice, and now you’re trying to lecture me?", he instantly dominated the atmosphere with charisma, firmly establishing the weight of a commander who is not to be trifled with.
During the production presentation held earlier, Lee Sang-yi wittily remarked, "It's a 'special appearance' because I appear an especially large amount." His perfect control and pacing, proven in just the first two episodes, clearly demonstrate why his screen time had no choice but to increase.
[Photo = The Legend of Kitchen Soldier]
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)