The Tving original series 'The Legend of Kitchen Soldier' (written by Choi Ryong, directed by Cho Nam-hyung), starring Park Ji-hoon as the lead character Kang Seong-jae, has achieved the highest subscription contribution performance in its first week of release among all Tving dramas released over the past three years. It also ranked first in paid subscriber contribution for two consecutive weeks, and Episode 5, released on May 25, topped the daily subscription contribution chart. It is an overwhelming performance, sweeping the number one spot across all metrics.
The drama's viewership ratings are also on a steep upward trajectory, breaking its own records with every episode. Simultaneously airing as a Tving original and a tvN Monday-Tuesday drama, Episode 5 of 'The Legend of Kitchen Soldier' recorded an average nationwide household rating of 7.9% (peaking at 9.7%) and an average metropolitan area rating of 8.8% (peaking at 10.8%). This not only set another personal best but also secured the top spot in its time slot across all channels. (According to Nielsen Korea, based on paid platforms integrating cable, IPTV, and satellite).
At the center of this immense popularity is Park Ji-hoon. He convincingly portrays the fantasy premise of Private Kang Seong-jae transforming into a legendary military chef, fully immersing viewers in the story.
In the fifth episode, Park Ji-hoon delivered a detailed emotional performance that shone through a crisis. In this episode, Kang Seong-jae (played by Park Ji-hoon) crossed paths with KFN TV reporter Jeong Min-ah (played by Jeon So-young), who visited the military base, sparking an unexpected romantic chemistry. Park's vivid portrayal of flustered emotions, combined with his humane and relatable charm, added to the entertainment.
Afterward, Kang Seong-jae went on a reward vacation and reunited with his family. Highlighted by Park Ji-hoon's realistic, slice-of-life acting, Seong-jae showed his deep affection and sense of responsibility toward his family as he continuously researched recipes to help his mother.
Although Seong-jae faced an unexpected obstacle outside the military base where his "status window skills" were restricted, he remained undeterred. Even during his vacation, he poured extraordinary passion into his craft, visiting a famous tteokbokki (spicy rice cake) restaurant to learn the secrets of the trade. In particular, Park sincerely depicted the process of researching and finally perfecting a secret tteokbokki sauce using sweet ripe persimmons, based on his father's notebook. Seong-jae's proactive growth narrative—devoting himself to his family while overcoming real-world pain—deeply moved viewers.
However, upon returning to the base after his vacation, Seong-jae was met with another challenge. He was given a new mission: to boost the morale of his fellow soldiers and successfully complete a large-scale training exercise. Curiosity is mounting over whether he will be able to execute this new task flawlessly.
Meanwhile, the Tving original 'The Legend of Kitchen Soldier', starring Park Ji-hoon, airs every Monday and Tuesday at 8:50 PM on Tving and tvN.
[Photo = tvN 'The Legend of Kitchen Soldier']
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)