Kitchen Soldier Drama Soars to New Heights

TVING's "The Legend of Kitchen Soldier" has rapidly emerged as one of Korea's most successful dramas of 2026, captivating audiences since its premiere on May 11, 2026. Within just two weeks, the 12-episode series achieved a remarkable 10 percent viewership rating, securing its place among top-tier subscription content on TVING.

The drama, directed by Cho Nam-hyung and adapted from a popular web novel, follows Kang Sung-jae, a young man conscripted into military service and assigned to a remote kitchen unit. Its narrative skillfully blends comedy with profound emotional weight, a characteristic that has resonated strongly with viewers and critics alike.

"The Legend of Kitchen Soldier" recorded impressive initial ratings, with episodes 1 and 2 achieving 5.8% and 6.2% respectively, marking the highest premiere figures for a Monday-Tuesday drama on TVN in 2026. The viewership numbers consistently climbed, with episode 5 reaching a metropolitan peak of 10.8%.

Beyond its domestic success, the drama's acclaim extended internationally, earning it a special screening invitation at Series Mania 2026 in Lille, France. Organizers lauded it as a "rare and remarkable work" with a "bold visual style" and praised Park Ji-hoon's "astonishing and deeply moving" central performance.