The poster for Park Ji-hoon-starring The Legendary Cook Soldier ( Photo / Tving)
South Korean actor and singer Park Ji-hoon is set to headline a new original series on TVING, marking his return to television with The Legendary Cook Soldier. The platform unveiled the first teaser on April 9, introducing a character-driven story that blends military life with an unconventional culinary twist.
The series, scheduled to premiere on May 11, arrives at a time when Park Ji-hoon is expanding his presence across both film and television, while also preparing for a music comeback in 2026.
A reluctant recruit finds purpose through cooking
The newly released teaser centers on Kang Sungjae, a rookie soldier who has just completed basic training. Upon arriving at his assigned unit, he is met with skepticism from his seniors, reflecting the gap between his expectations and the reality of military life.
An offhand remark—“I can cook ramen”—quickly alters his trajectory. Before he has the chance to settle in, Sungjae is reassigned as a cook, placing him in an unfamiliar role that becomes central to his journey.
Inside the unit’s kitchen and storage area, the character undergoes an abrupt shift. The teaser portrays a near-instant awakening of advanced culinary ability, with Sungjae displaying precise knife skills and confident cooking techniques that resemble those of a professional chef. The transformation signals a narrative that balances grounded military settings with heightened, almost fantastical elements.
Rising expectations following major film success
The upcoming drama follows a significant milestone in Park Ji-hoon’s acting career. He recently starred in the blockbuster film The King and the Man, which surpassed 15 million viewers at the box office and drew widespread attention.
The scale of the film’s success elevated his profile beyond the typical idol-actor trajectory, positioning him as a bankable lead capable of carrying large productions. Industry observers have noted that the transition from a high-performing film project to a character-focused streaming series reflects a strategic expansion of his acting range.
In parallel, Park Ji-hoon is also preparing for a return to music in 2026, marking his first major singer comeback in several years. The combination of film success, a new drama, and upcoming music activities underscores a multi-track career strategy that continues to build momentum.
Adaptation with established source material
The Legendary Cook Soldier is based on a web novel by J. Robin, first published in 2019 and later adapted into a webtoon. The original story’s popularity has contributed to early interest in the screen adaptation.
The series also features a supporting cast including Yoon Kyung-ho, Han Dong-hee, Lee Hong-nae, and Lee Sang-yi, adding depth to its portrayal of military life and interpersonal dynamics.
Rather than focusing solely on hierarchy and discipline, the drama appears to center on how everyday experiences—particularly shared meals—can influence relationships within a structured environment. The narrative’s emphasis on sincerity and emotional connection suggests a departure from conventional military storytelling.
As the release date approaches, attention is expected to focus on how effectively the series translates its popular source material into a live-action format, while further establishing Park Ji-hoon’s position as a leading figure navigating both acting and music industries.
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