The legend of the soldier in the kitchen is quickly emerging as one of the hit Korean dramas of 2026. Just two weeks after its premiere, TVING’s original series has already reached a ratings peak of 9.9%, dominating its time slot while proving its strength on OTT platforms.
Since its first broadcast on May 11, the drama has steadily gained momentum thanks to strong word of mouth. It ranked first among all channels in the key 20-49 demographic for tvN and also topped TVING’s paid subscriber contributions chart after episodes 3 and 4.
Based on the hit web novel and webtoon of the same name, the adaptation is earning praise for successfully capturing the charm of the source material, enriching it with strong performances and emotional storytelling.
At the center of the drama is Park Ji-hoon, who plays military cook Kang Sung-jae. His portrayal of the character’s emotional struggles and personal growth became one of the drama’s greatest strengths. In episode 4, Kang Sung-jae collapses after overusing leftover cooking recipes and pushing himself beyond his physical limits. During his unconscious state, he encounters memories of his father and ultimately breaks down emotionally, creating one of the most talked about scenes of the series so far.
After that emotional turning point, Kang Sung-jae decides to become a real chef. After returning to duty, he impresses his fellow soldiers with a dish called “Braised fillet with tomato” eventually getting recognition, an award certificate and special vacation leave. Viewers praised Park Ji-hoon’s ability to naturally portray the character’s shifting emotions between desperation, relief, pressure, and hope.
The drama also teased a developing romantic plot involving journalist Jung Min-ah, played by Jeon So-young. A surprise ending scene showing her suddenly hugging Kang Sung-jae sparked excitement among viewers and increased anticipation for future episodes.
The supporting actors are also receiving praise for enhancing the overall quality of the drama. Lee Hong-nae plays Sergeant Yoon Dong-hyun, a comical but surprisingly layered character who unintentionally takes credit for the meals prepared by Kang Sung-jae. Despite his humorous personality, the drama also highlights his loneliness and protective instincts towards younger soldiers, making him more emotionally complex than a typical comic relief role.
Meanwhile, Han Dong-hee stands out as Lieutenant Jo Ye-rin, balancing charisma, authority and warmth in her portrayal of a skilled military leader. His performance during tense military situations and comedic fantasy sequences was particularly well received by audiences.
The success of The legend of the soldier in the kitchen it also created a huge ripple effect beyond television. Since the drama’s release, views of the original webtoon reportedly increased 61 times, while the web novel increased 170 times. Interest in military culinary-themed content has also increased on Korean entertainment platforms.
Many viewers are even comparing the drama’s impact to the previous surge in popularity caused by Park Ji-hoon’s early projects, with fans noting how his appearances often reignite interest in related books, webtoons, and streaming content.
Combining military life, cuisine, fantasy and emotional storytelling, The legend of the soldier in the kitchen is quickly building a loyal audience. With ratings now approaching double digits, industry attention is already turning to the possibility that the series could become one of the biggest surprise K-drama hits of the year.
Sources: Nate News
