Actor Park Ji Hoon is turning his longtime passion into reality with his upcoming drama The legendary soldier cookrevealing that his desire to wear a military uniform played a key role in his choice of project.
The world premiere presentation is scheduled for May 11th via TVING. The legendary soldier cook tells the story of Kang Sung Jae, a low-ranking soldier who trades guns for kitchen knives and becomes a “legendary soldier chef”. The drama blends military life with fantasy and culinary elements, offering a new take on the genre.
Known among fans as a “military enthusiast”, Park Ji Hoon candidly shared, “I always wanted to wear a military uniform during a project and also wanted to challenge myself with something new.” His character Kang Sung Jae particularly appealed to him, as he portrays a young soldier adapting to an unfamiliar environment while building his position with determination and skill.
To fully embody the role, Park Ji Hoon went beyond basic preparation. He revealed that he took cooking lessons before filming, constantly improving his knife skills to make the portrayal more convincing. This dedication builds anticipation for the drama’s cooking scenes, which are supposed to be the highlight.
The series also incorporates a unique “search system”, where Kang Sung Jae improves his cooking skills with the help of a virtual guide called “Guardian.” Park Ji Hoon explained his approach to acting: “I tried to imagine the Guardian as if he actually existed in front of me, focusing a lot on my gaze and facial expressions to show the character’s growth.”
Interestingly, the actor expressed his desire to get the nickname “Kkang Sung Jae”, derived from his character. He shared this name he looks cute and memorable, adding a personal touch to his connection to the role.
Beyond the plot, Park Ji Hoon highlighted the main points of view of the drama, emphasizing the relationships and chemistry of the characters. He encouraged viewers to follow Kang Sung Jae’s journey as he forms bonds and evolves in the military environment.
After his recent success in the film The man who lives with the kingwhich surpassed 16 million viewers, Park Ji Hoon continues to expand his acting range. With The legendary soldier cookhe not only fulfills a personal dream, but also takes on a unique role that could further solidify his position as a versatile actor in the Korean entertainment industry.
Sources: Daum | MBC Entertainment
