Park Ji-hoon takes on comedy role after ‘The King's Warden’
Actor Park Ji-hoon poses during a press conference for Tving’s drama “The Legend of Kitchen Soldier” at Pullman Ambassador Seoul Eastpole in Gwangjin District, Seoul, Wednesday. Yonhap
Actor Park Ji-hoon is taking on a comedy role in Tving’s new military cooking fantasy series after his hit film “The King’s Warden” surpassed 10 million admissions.
Park and director Cho Nam-hyung, whose credits include “Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938,” introduced “The Legend of Kitchen Soldier” Wednesday at a Seoul press conference. The series premieres Monday.
The role marks a sharp shift for Park. He recently played King Danjong in “The King’s Warden” and now plays a young military cook. The series follows his roles in “Weak Hero” and “The King’s Warden,” marking a career high for the singer-turned-actor.
Adapted from a popular webtoon, the series follows Kang Seong-jae, a young man who enlists to flee a harsh reality. In the military, he encounters a game-style quest window, trades his rifle for a kitchen knife and improves his cooking while navigating power struggles.
Cho said the series sets itself apart from the original webtoon with vivid, appetizing depictions of food. The production team said the project brings a new spin to military dramas by balancing situational humor with fantasy.
Actor Park Ji-hoon poses during a press conference for Tving’s drama “The Legend of Kitchen Soldier” at Pullman Ambassador Seoul Eastpole in Gwangjin District, Seoul, Wednesday. Yonhap
Park, who has yet to complete mandatory military service, said he considers himself a military enthusiast, noting his admiration for the Marine Corps Reconnaissance unit. However, he said that filming felt awkward because the routines were new to him. Smiling, he said he did not seek advice from former Wanna One bandmates who have already completed their service because they avoid discussing work.
His lack of military experience, however, has become an asset for this specific project. Park said Cho deliberately sought an actor who had not yet completed mandatory military service to make the character’s unfamiliarity with army life appear natural.
“I cast Park because his eyes are very good,” Cho said. “The main character may seem clumsy, but he has inner resolve and keeps pushing ahead.”
Reflecting on his career peak, Park recognized the temporary nature of public affection and said he is focusing on doing his best with each role.
From left, Park Ji-hoon, Yoon Kyung-ho, Han Dong-hee, Lee Hong-nae and Lee Sang-yi pose during a press conference for Tving’s drama “The Legend of Kitchen Soldier” at Pullman Ambassador Seoul Eastpole in Gwangjin District, Seoul, Wednesday. Yonhap
Park also admitted feeling more pressure from trying to match his senior co-stars' energy than from box-office expectations following the commercial success of “The King’s Warden.” For the role, Park said he needed to practice his knife skills and move his eyes as if reading a game-style status window to make the fantasy elements feel natural.
Park said the role allowed him to move between the character and his own comic instincts.
“I think I can show a mix of charm and humor,” he said.
The cast includes Yoon Kyung-ho, Han Dong-hee and Lee Hong-nae, with Lee Sang-yi making a special appearance. Yoon praised Park and said the actor's gaze stood out from their first meeting. Yoon said he later watched Park in “Weak Hero” and “The King’s Warden.” He said viewers will see a different side of Park in the new series, blending comedy, sadness and playful charm.
Lee said his special appearance grew into a larger role, adding that he stayed with the production through the end because he grew attached to the character.
This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.