Park Ji Hoon is receiving praise once again for his new role in TVING’s original series ‘The Legend of Kitchen Soldier.’
The series first premiered in Korea and globally on May 11. In the drama, Park Ji Hoon plays private Kang Sung Jae, a top trainee who suddenly becomes a cook soldier after arriving at Ganglim platoon. The story mixes military life, cooking, and game-like quest elements, giving viewers a fresh and fun setting.
Episode 1 quickly proved its popularity. ‘The Legend of Kitchen Soldier’ ranked No. 1 on TVING’s real-time channel viewing chart. On tvN, it recorded an average nationwide rating of 5.8% and a peak of 7.3%. In the metropolitan area, it posted an average of 6.2% and a peak of 7.4%.
The drama also ranked No. 1 in its time slot among cable and general programming channels. Its 2049 target audience rating also placed first across all channels, including terrestrial broadcasters. It also topped its time slot among viewers from their teens to their 60s.
Park Ji Hoon previously gained attention through the film ‘The King's Warden’, which drew 16.8 million viewers and gave him the nickname “Danjong oppa.”
However, viewers are now saying they only see him as Kang Sung Jae because of his strong acting in the new series.
The drama’s unique use of CG, including mysterious voices and status windows, reportedly made the acting more difficult. Still, Park Ji Hoon and the cast are receiving positive reactions for making the fantasy-like elements feel natural and immersive.
Viewers praised the show’s mix of realistic military life, cooking missions, and lively characters. The cast includes Yoon Kyung Ho as Park Jae Young, Han Dong Hee as Jo Ye Rin, Lee Hong Nae as Yoon Dong Hyun, Lee Sang Yi as Hwang Seok Ho, and Jung Woong In as Baek Chun Ik.
With its strong premiere ratings and growing buzz, ‘The Legend of Kitchen Soldier’ is already being called another possible life-changing role for Park Ji Hoon.
Source: [1]
