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The Legend of Kitchen Soldier

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The Legend of Kitchen Soldier
Promotional poster
Hangul
취사병 전설이 되다
Lit.Becoming a Cooking Soldier Legend
RRChwisabyeong jeonseori doeda
MRCh'wisabyŏng chŏnsŏri toeda
Genre
Based on
Kitchen Soldier
by J Robin
Written byChoi Ryong
Directed byJo Nam-hyung [ko]
Starring
Music by
Country of originSouth Korea
Original languageKorean
No. of episodes2
Production
Running time60 minutes
Production companies
Original release
Network
ReleaseMay 11, 2026 (2026-05-11) –
present

The Legend of Kitchen Soldier (Korean: 취사병 전설이 되다) is an ongoing South Korean military comedy fantasy television series written by Choi Ryong, directed by Jo Nam-hyung [ko], and starring Park Ji-hoon, Yoon Kyung-ho, Han Dong-hee [ko], and Lee Hong-nae. Based on Naver webtoon Kitchen Soldier by J Robin, the series is about Kang Seong-jae, a young man from a poor background, who enlists in the military at 22 and unexpectedly rises to become a legendary cook. It premiered on TVING on May 11, 2026, and airs simultaneously on tvN's Monday and Tuesday slot at 20:50 (KST). It is also available for streaming on Viki and HBO Max in selected regions.

Synopsis

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After losing his father, Kang Seong-jae joins the army to escape his grief and is posted to Gangrim. He works with Sergeant First Class Park Jae-young, Lieutenant First Class Jo Ye-rin, and military cook Yoon Dong-hyeon. Though he was the top trainee at boot camp, his poor, single-parent background marks him for special observation. Because of his experience at his father's food truck, Seong-jae is assigned as assistant to Yoon Dong-hyeon, a veteran cook known for incompetence. One day, a mysterious virtual screen appears and gives him a mission: cook for the soldiers. The holographic figure then assigns him specific tasks. While serving, Seong-jae advances as a cook, earning praise from the staff. However, his missions soon lead him to uncover dangerous secrets possibly linked to his father's death.

Cast and characters

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Main

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A 22-year-old private transferred to the Gangrim outpost, 4th Company, 1st Battalion, 60th Regiment, 29th Division. For his first birthday, he prophetically chose a chef's hat; this was his father's dream, an excellent cook, but not Seong-jae's. The family's difficult financial situation forced him to give up university and work on a construction site by day and as a shop assistant by night. This diligent life was shattered by his father's sudden death in an accident. Then came the draft notice: eighteen months that many others would avoid, but for him, it meant escaping the harsh realities of daily life and recovering. He gave his all during the months of basic training, earning him the title of best recruit. But his humble origins and his father's recent death led to him being classified as a "soldier requiring special attention." His superiors looked at him disapprovingly when, to make matters worse, he began to see strange things and hear voices, as if he were in a video game.[1]
A sergeant major and supply officer. He claims to have been a notorious gangster in Yeosu, but has no proof to back it up. Perhaps because of this, he lives freely even within the disciplined military. While all his comrades managed to get promoted, he remained a sergeant. He is a veteran administrative supply officer who defends the outpost in his own way despite several incidents and accidents (which have increased exponentially with the arrival of Private Kang Seong-jae). This leads him to constantly argue with Captain Hwang Seok-ho, who is much younger than him.[2]
  • Han Dong-hee as Cho Ye-rin
The post commander. A graduate of a women's university, she completed her military training in the ROTC (Reserve Officers' Training Corps), which in practice means being the ugly duckling of the officers. In truth, Ye-rin applied to the ROTC not with the intention of serving her country, but because it allowed her to earn money for tuition and gave her an advantage in employment. As the days passed in military life, the idea that this was a place unsuitable for her grew stronger. No matter how hard she tried not to be looked down upon by the soldiers, all she received in return was ridicule, and she realized she was becoming increasingly sensitive. When she was assigned to Gangrim, a sort of exile, all she had to do was kill time and quietly wait for her leave. That is, until the day she meets Kang Seong-jae, whom she initially greets with disapproval but then sees how capable he is of solving one problem after another.[3]
The head cook at the Gangrim outpost. He takes his physical development more seriously than cooking, so he rarely eats the food he prepares himself. A complete novice in the art of cooking, and with a nearly atrophied sense of taste, a dark time has descended upon the base since he took charge of the soldiers' meals. But no soldier can complain about the food to a sergeant. With three months left in his active service, he passes the time counting down the days until a strange junior soldier arrives in Gangrim, casting a shadow over that final period.[4]

Supporting

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Gangrim Outpost People

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  • Kang Ha-kyung as Corporal Kim Gwan-cheol, in charge of the second barracks; a soldier who is the real power at the Gangrim outpost.[5]
  • Im Ji-ho as Tak Mun-ik
An administrative soldier at the Gangrim outpost and Kang Seong-jae's direct superior. Sitting in the administrative office allows him to quickly learn of rumors and gossip, making him the base's source of information. As the most educated person at the outpost, he is caught in a vicious cycle where everything is attributed to his academic background, for better or for worse. Upon joining the military, he felt his faith in humanity fading as he realized that people like those he encountered actually exist.[6]
  • Kang Jun-kyu as Joo Sang-wook
A supply corporal, who is a typical sociable person, popular with his superiors and subordinates due to his talkativeness. He claims to have worked for a telecommunications company outside the military, though it is later revealed that he was actually just a phone salesman.[7]
A sergeant and deputy platoon leader. Although a newcomer himself, he strives to appear tough in front of the soldiers. He complains about Sergeant Park Jae-young, whom everyone else avoids, but who becomes his only drinking buddy.[8]
  • Kim Mun-gi as Pyo Ji-yong
A soldier and troublemaker in Gangrim Outpost.[9]

People from 1st Battalion Headquarters

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  • Jung Woong-in as Lieutenant Colonel Baek Chun-ik, commander of the 1st Battalion . He listens attentively to even the most trivial stories of his soldiers, while possessing a subtle charisma that instills tension in junior officers with his mere presence. But he has a humanist side; he loves home-cooked meals with seven side dishes that he shares with his family and seeks to strengthen the soldiers through food.[10]
  • Han Min as Captain Lee Min-gu, head of the logistics support section at the 1st Battalion headquarters and Lieutenant Colonel Baek Chun-ik's loyal right-hand man. He is an ambitious character who would do anything for a promotion. [11]
  • TBA as Major Im Seung-bin
At the Korea Military Academy, Seung-bin was an unremarkable cadet. After his rapid promotion to Major, he became a high-profile officer but failed to realize that his rising fame also attracted more enemies.[12]
  • TBA as HR Officer, Senior Manager Heo Ran-hee[12]

Seong-jae's family

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  • TBA as Gong Su-yeon
Seong-jae's mother.[13]
  • TBA as Kang Il-yong
Seong-jae's father.[13]
  • TBA as Kang Min-jae
Seong-jae's youngest sister.[13]

Others

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  • Jeon So-young as Jung Min-ah, with whom Seong-jae had a relationship before his enlistment and whom he meets again now, as she is a trainee reporter for the Korea Defense Daily.[14]
  • Jung Jae-sung [ko] as General Kim In-tae, head of the 29th division and a graduate of the Korean Military Academy, who highly values ​​Kang Seong-jae's abilities and supports him unconditionally.[15]
  • Ahn Gil-kang as Bae Won-yeong
The commander of the 60th Regiment. With his imposing presence, he is the very image of a born soldier. He commands the stage with a straightforward personality that matches his image. However, he has a very discerning palate, which keeps the cooks at the Gangrim outpost on edge.

Special appearances

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Head of the 4th Company. Although he always remained at the back of the class, he is incredibly good at stubbornly resisting without any qualms of conscience. He developed a sense of rivalry with his fellow cadet, Captain Lee Min-gu, starting from the day he was completely humiliated in front of the female cadet he was in love with. Despite his appearance, he has great pride; he pretends to be a great gourmet who has traveled to all corners of the world, and he especially despises food prepared by the soldiers. He enforces strict standards and doesn't hesitate to exploit the soldiers until he gets what he wants. However, due to memories of past events, he has an extreme fear of accidents happening. Therefore, he tries to prevent problems at all costs before they arise.[16]

Production

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Development

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The series is based on the Naver webtoon Kitchen Soldier by J Robin. It is directed by Jo Nam-hyung [ko], who co-helmed Tale of the Nine Tailed (2022) and Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938 (2023), written by Choi Ryong, who wrote Sorry Not Sorry (2024–2025), and co-produced by Studio Dragon and Studio N.[17][18]

Casting

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On February 6, 2025, Park Ji-hoon was reportedly being considered to star by his agency, YY Entertainment[17] According to Newsen on February 12, Yoon Kyung-ho received an offer and was considering it, while Sports Kyunghyang stated that his casting had been confirmed.[19][20] Three months later, SPOTV reported that Lee Sang-yi would make a special appearance.[21] By July 2025, Park, Yoon, Han Dong-hee, and Lee Hong-nae were officially confirmed to lead the series, with Jung Woong-in joining the cast.[18][10]

Filming

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Principal photography commenced in July 2025 and wrapped up after 8 months.[22]

Release

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The Legend of Kitchen Soldier is scheduled to premiere on TVING in the first half of 2026.[18][23] In February 2026, the series has received an official invitation to '2026 Series Mania' in France, marking its global debut.[24] By April 2026, the series was confirmed to premiere on TVING on May 11, 2026, and would also air simultaneously on tvN's Monday and Tuesday slot at 20:50 (KST).[25] It is also available for streaming on Viki.[26]

Original soundtrack

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Part 1

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Released on May 12, 2026
No.TitleLyricsMusicArtistLength
1."The Beginning of a Legend" (전설의 시작)
  • Jay Cuff
  • Lee Yoon-ji
  • RODA
  • Lee Yoon-ji
  • Koo Bonchoon
  • Koh Tae-young
Kangnam2:57
2."The Beginning of a Legend" (전설의 시작; Inst.) 
  • Lee Yoon-ji
  • Koo Bonchoon
  • Koh Tae-young
 2:57
Total length:5:54

Viewership

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The Legend of Kitchen Soldier : South Korea viewers per episode (millions)
SeasonEpisode numberAverage
123456789101112
11.4471.657TBDTBDTBDTBDTBDTBDTBDTBDTBDTBDTBD
Source: Audience measurement performed nationwide by Nielsen Korea.[27]
Average TV viewership ratings
Ep. Original broadcast date Average audience share
(Nielsen Korea)[27]
Nationwide Seoul
1 May 11, 2026 5.847% (2nd) 6.181% (1st)
2 May 12, 2026 6.247% (2nd) 6.668% (2nd)
3 May 18, 2026
4 May 19, 2026
5 May 25, 2026
6 May 26, 2026
7 June 1, 2026
8 June 2, 2026
9 June 8, 2026
10 June 9, 2026
11 June 15, 2026
12 June 16, 2026
Average — —
  • In the table above, the blue numbers represent the lowest ratings and the red numbers represent the highest ratings.
  • This drama airs on a cable channel/pay TV which normally has a relatively smaller audience compared to free-to-air TV/public broadcasters (KBS, SBS, MBC, and EBS).

References

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  1. ^ 강성재 [Kang Seong-jae]. CJ ENM (in Korean). Retrieved May 11, 2026.
  2. ^ 박재영 [Park Jae-young]. CJ ENM (in Korean). Retrieved May 11, 2026.
  3. ^ 조예린 [Cho Ye-rin]. CJ ENM (in Korean). Retrieved May 11, 2026.
  4. ^ 윤동현 [Yoon Dong-hyeon]. CJ ENM (in Korean). Retrieved May 11, 2026.
  5. ^ Son, Bong-seok (May 7, 2026). 강하경, '취사병 전설이 되다' 상병 김관철 역 출연 [Kang Ha-kyung to star as Corporal Kim Kwan-cheol in The Legend of Kitchen Soldier]. Sports Kyunghyang] (in Korean). Retrieved May 11, 2026.
  6. ^ Park, Eui-jin (April 24, 2026). 임지호, 박지훈 군대 선임되더니…"매 순간 즐거워"('취사병 전설이 되다') [Im Ji-ho, after becoming Park Ji-hoon's senior in the army... "Every moment is enjoyable" (The Legend of Kitchen Soldier)]. Ten Asia] (in Korean). Retrieved May 11, 2026.
  7. ^ Kim, Won-gyeom (April 29, 2026). 강준규, '취사병 전설이 되다' 합류…감초 연기로 색다른 매력 발산 [Kang Jun-kyu Joins The Legend of Kitchen Soldier... Showcasing Unique Charm with Scene-Standing Performance]. SPOTV] (in Korean). Retrieved May 11, 2026.
  8. ^ Bae, Hyo-joo (April 28, 2026). '오겜2' 눈호강 핑크 가드 이상준, '취사병'으로 글로벌 흥행 한 번 더 [Squid Game 2 Eye-Catching Pink Guard Lee Sang-jun Hits Global Hit Once Again as 'Cooking Soldier']. Newsen (in Korean). Retrieved May 11, 2026.
  9. ^ Choi, Yu-na (April 24, 2026). [공식] 김문기, '취사병 전설이 되다' 출연…박지훈과 연기 호흡 [[Official] Kim Mun-gi to star in The Legend of Kitchen Soldier... Acting alongside Park Ji-hoon]. Sports Donga (in Korean). Retrieved May 11, 2026.
  10. ^ a b Lee, Jeong-yeon (July 22, 2025). 정웅인, '취사병 전설이 되다' 중령으로 합류 [Jung Woong-in joins the cast of "Becoming a Cooking Legend" as a lieutenant colonel]. Sports Donga (in Korean). Retrieved December 16, 2025.
  11. ^ Kang, Ju-il (April 27, 2026). [공식] 한민, ‘취사병 전설이 되다’ 합류…야망남으로 변신 [[Official] Han Min Joins The Legend of Kitchen Soldier... Transforms into an Ambitious Man]. Sports Kyunghyang (in Korean). Retrieved May 11, 2026.
  12. ^ a b 1대대 본부 사람들 [People from 1st Battalion Headquarters People]. CJ ENM (in Korean). Retrieved May 11, 2026.
  13. ^ a b c 민간인 [Citizen]. CJ ENM (in Korean). Retrieved May 11, 2026.
  14. ^ Kim, Ga-young (April 27, 2026). 전소영, 박지훈 입대 전 연인된다…'취사병 전설이 되다' 촬영 완료 [Jeon So-young and Park Ji-hoon become lovers before enlistment… Filming for The Legend Kitchen Soldier completed]. EDaily (in Korean). Retrieved May 11, 2026.
  15. ^ Ahn, Byeong-gil (May 4, 2026). 정재성 '취사병 전설이 되다' 합류 [Jung Jae-sung Joins Tge Legend of Kitchen Soldier]. Sports Kyunghyang (in Korean). Retrieved May 11, 2026.
  16. ^ 황석호 대위 [Captain Hwang Seok-ho]. CJ ENM (in Korean). Retrieved May 11, 2026.
  17. ^ a b Yoon, Su-yeon (February 6, 2025). [단독] 박지훈, 이번엔 취사병 변신.."'취사병 전설이 되다' 출연 검토" (종합) [Exclusive: Park Ji-hoon transforms into a cook this time... Considering appearance on 'Becoming a Cook Legend']. Osen (in Korean). Retrieved December 16, 2025.
  18. ^ a b c Kim, Mi-ji (July 7, 2025). 박지훈→윤경호, '취사병 전설이 되다' 캐스팅 확정...내년 티빙 공개 [Park Ji-hoon → Yoon Kyung-ho confirmed for 'Becoming a Cooking Soldier Legend' to be released on TVING next year]. Maeil Business Newspaper (in Korean). Retrieved December 16, 2025.
  19. ^ Bae, Hyo-joo (February 12, 2025). '중증외상센터' 윤경호, 병원 다음은 군대? "'취사병 전설이 되다' 검토 중" [Yoon Kyung-ho, a member of the "Severe Trauma Center," is considering military service after the hospital. Considering to appear]. Newsen (in Korean). Retrieved December 16, 2025.
  20. ^ Lee, Da-won (February 12, 2025). [단독] '유림핑' 윤경호, 이번엔 '취사병'이다 [Exclusive] Yoon Kyung-ho, a former "Yullimping" star, is now a "cooking soldier"]. Sports Kyunghyang (in Korean). Retrieved December 16, 2025.
  21. ^ Jang, Jin-ri (May 8, 2025). [단독]이상이, 소속사 이적 후 겹경사...'취사병 전설이 되다' 치트키 된다 [Exclusive] Lee Sang-yi's double whammy after switching agencies... Becoming a "cooking legend" becomes a cheat key]. SPOTV (in Korean). Retrieved December 16, 2025.
  22. ^ Park, Hye-jin (March 4, 2026). 박지훈, '취사병' 크랭크업…"곤룡포 벗고, 군복 입는다" [Park Ji-hoon wraps filming for The Legendary of Kitchen Soldier... "Taking off the royal robe and donning a military uniform"]. My Daily (in Korean). Retrieved March 4, 2026.
  23. ^ Park, Jin-young (February 13, 2026). "박지훈 연기 경이로워"⋯'취사병 전설이 되다', 시리즈 마니아 공식초청 ["Park Ji-hoon's acting is phenomenal"... Kitchen Soldier: Official invitation to series fans]. Joy News 24 (in Korean). Retrieved February 13, 2026.
  24. ^ Naman, Ramachandran (February 12, 2026). "CJ ENM's 'The Legend of Kitchen Soldier' Heads to Series Mania". Variety. Retrieved February 13, 2026.
  25. ^ Lee, Kyung-ho (April 7, 2026). [단독] 박지훈 주연 '취사병 전설이 되다', 선공개 없다...티빙·tvN 동시 방영 [[Exclusive] Park Ji-hoon Starring The Legend of Kitchen Soldier, No Pre-release... Simultaneous Airing on Tving and tvN]. IZE (in Korean). Retrieved April 7, 2026.
  26. ^ "Solo Leveling Meets Food Wars In Streaming's Wildest New Power Fantasy (Exclusive)". Screen Rant. May 8, 2026. Retrieved May 11, 2026.
  27. ^ a b Nielsen Korea ratings:
    • "Ep. 1". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). May 11, 2026. Retrieved May 12, 2026.
    • "Ep. 2". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). May 12, 2026. Retrieved May 13, 2026.
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