Lee Hong Nae is receiving new attention after showing a softer and more comedic side in “The Legend of Kitchen Soldier.”
The actor played Yoon Dong Hyun, a senior sergeant and military cook, in TVING and tvN’s “The Legend of Kitchen Soldier.” The role helped him move away from the strong villain image he showed in “The Uncanny Counter,” and allowed viewers to see his warmer and more playful charm.
“The Legend of Kitchen Soldier” ended with a strong 7.6% rating and also became one of TVING’s most successful original dramas in recent years, drawing the highest number of paid subscribers among its originals released in the past 3 years.
Looking back on the drama, Lee Hong Nae said he did not expect the strong response. He shared, “I did not expect it at all,” adding that his main goal was to make viewers understand and connect with Yoon Dong Hyun. He said he is “so thankful” that the drama received so much love.
Lee Hong Nae also revealed that he gained around 10 kg for the role. He explained that the script described Yoon Dong Hyun as someone “more interested in protein than taste, and more interested in exercise than cooking,” so he started planning his workouts and meals as soon as he was cast.
The actor said the project changed how people see him. He shared that no one had ever called him “cute” or “lovely” after watching his work before. He said, “It was the first time in my life I heard the word ‘lovely.’” He added that his parents also reacted differently this time. In the past, after seeing his villain roles, they would ask, “Did you apologize to the actor you acted with?” But after “Military Cook,” they told him, “You are lovely.”
Lee Hong Nae also gave credit to director Jo Nam Hyung for helping him change his image. He said he worried his previous rough image might show through, but the director gave him confidence and helped him bring out a new side.
He also praised Park Ji Hoon, who played Kang Sung Jae. Lee Hong Nae said he first wanted to be Park Ji Hoon’s helper on set, but ended up receiving a lot of help from him instead. He shared, “The reason viewers saw Yoon Dong Hyun as lovely is all thanks to Ji Hoon.”
He continued to praise Park Ji Hoon’s steady attitude, saying he learned a lot from watching him handle a busy filming schedule while also promoting “The Man Who Lives With The King.”
As for a possible season 2, Lee Hong Nae said he is curious too. He shared that he would like to see Kang Sung Jae continue growing and added that Yoon Dong Hyun could possibly run a restaurant outside the military. He said that if the team calls him again, he would be happy to join.
Through “The Legend of Kitchen Soldier,” Lee Hong Nae proved that he can take on more than intense roles, and viewers are now looking forward to what new side he will show next.
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