Park Ji Hoon is showing that he can take on many different genres, from youth dramas and historical films to comedy.
After gaining attention through projects like Netflix’s “Weak Hero” series and the film “The King's Warden”, Park Ji Hoon recently showed a new side of himself in TVING’s “The Legend of Kitchen Soldier”.
The drama follows Private Kang Sung Jae, played by Park Ji Hoon, as he grows into a skilled military cook through a unique fantasy style story that combines military life, cooking, and game like elements. Park Ji Hoon brought bright energy, comedy, and emotional acting to the role, helping make the character’s growth feel natural.
Speaking about the drama’s ending, Park Ji Hoon said, “We started filming during the hot summer last year and finished in the cold winter this January”.
He added, “I am thankful that many people liked it as much as we worked hard,” and shared that he feels he has left behind “another good project.”
Park Ji Hoon said he chose the drama because he was interested in the mix of cooking and comedy. He explained, “Honestly, I am not very good at cooking, but I thought I might become interested in it through this project.”
He also said, “I like the comedy genre,” adding that the director gave him freedom on set and helped him try many kinds of acting.
One of the most memorable scenes for him was a comedy scene where he wore a full body seaweed costume. Park Ji Hoon said the outfit was more revealing than expected and joked that the filming moment was “the most shocking,” especially because he had to wear the costume while being suspended in the air.
He also talked about filming military training scenes in very cold weather. He recalled that the KCTC training shoot deep in the mountains was “colder than I could imagine,” and said everyone ran to the heater after each cut.
As he prepares for future military service, Park Ji Hoon shared that he plans to apply for the Marine Corps Reconnaissance Unit next year.
He said, “Since I only go to the military once, I thought I should learn in a place that is a little harder if possible.” He also said he is not too worried about a career gap, explaining that many actors prepare projects before enlisting.
Looking ahead, Park Ji Hoon said he wants to try a darker role next. He shared, “Until now, I have played many kind and righteous characters, so I am curious about what kind of side I can show if I play a bad role.” He added that he is also curious about how viewers would see him if he successfully plays a villain.
With “The Legend of Kitchen Soldier”, Park Ji Hoon once again proved his ability to take on different characters, and fans are now looking forward to what kind of transformation he will show next.
