Imagine reaching a record-breaking 17 million moviegoers as a tragic king and then, for your next role, waking up at 4 AM to cook for 500 hungry soldiers.
That is exactly what South Korea’s "National Sweetheart," Park Ji-hoon, is doing in his latest TVING original drama, "The Legend of Kitchen Soldier" (취사병 전설이 되다).
The Shocking Transformation of Park Ji-hoon
Earlier this year, Park Ji-hoon moved the entire nation with his role as King Danjong in the movie "The Man Who Lives with the King (The King's Warden)." Now, he has traded his royal robes for a military apron. In this new series based on a legendary webtoon, he plays a recruit who discovers a "Quest Window that Functions Like a Game" that helps him become a master chef in the military mess hall.
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| Park Ji-hoon |
What exactly is a "Kitchen Soldier" (Chwisabyeong)?
For many foreigners, the South Korean military is a mysterious world often associated with BTS enlistment. But inside the barracks, there is a hidden hero called the "Chwisabyeong" (Kitchen Soldier).
While most soldiers hold rifles, these soldiers hold chef’s knives. They are responsible for the morale of the entire unit. As they say in Korea, "A soldier marches on his stomach!"
The Mystery of K-Military Food: "Gundaeria"
The drama vividly shows the real-life struggles and joys of military cooking. One thing that always shocks foreigners is the "Gundaeria" (a portmanteau of 'Military' and Korean Hamburger Brand 'Lotteria').
It’s a special military burger where soldiers are served buns, patties, coleslaw, and... strawberry jam. Yes, you read that right! The sweet and savory combination is a legendary "soul food" for every Korean man who has served in the army.
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| Gundaeria (군대리아) |
Why You Should Watch "The Legend of Kitchen Soldier"
If you want to understand the "real" Korea beyond the glitz and glamour of Seoul, this drama is a perfect window. You can see the brotherhood, the discipline, and the surprisingly creative food culture that every Korean man experiences.
Plus, watching Park Ji-hoon "level up" his cooking skills with a gaming system twist makes it incredibly entertaining even if you don't know anything about the military.
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The Legend of Kitchen Soldier at TVing
(Military Cooking Fantasy) |
Final Thoughts
Whether you are a fan of Park Ji-hoon or just curious about how soldiers live (and eat) in Korea, this drama is a must-watch. It currently airs every Monday and Tuesday on TVING and tvN.
Have you ever tried Korean military-style food? Or are you curious about other hidden parts of Korean culture? Let me know in the comments below!
(If you are curious about other unique Korean social concepts, check out my post on [The Invisible Heart of Korea: "Jeong"].)
