Hit Webtoon 'Kitchen Solider' Marches Towards Live-Action Adaptation in 2026, Ji-hoon Park Cast as Lead

Prepare for a unique culinary combat as the immensely popular web novel and webtoon sensation, Kitchen Solider, officially gears up for its highly anticipated live-action adaptation, slated to premiere in 2026. This groundbreaking series promises to redefine military drama by serving up a compelling blend of gritty army life and unexpected gastronomic genius.

At its heart is Seong-jae Kang, a young man from a challenging background whose mandatory military service takes an extraordinary turn. Instead of mastering combat maneuvers on the front lines, Kang astonishingly discovers his true calling amidst the sizzling pans and bustling chaos of the army mess hall. Armed not with a rifle, but with a chef's knife, Kang embarks on an unconventional, game-like quest to ascend the ranks and become a legendary mess hall chef. His journey is fraught with bizarre culinary challenges that test his wit, resilience, and cooking prowess in ways no ordinary soldier could imagine.

Adding star power to this intriguing narrative, acclaimed actor Ji-hoon Park has been confirmed to portray the determined protagonist. Park, widely recognized for his captivating performance in the webtoon-based live-action hit Weak Hero Class 2, is set to bring a fresh and deeply engaging portrayal to Seong-jae Kang, promising fans an authentic and compelling character.

While Kitchen Solider has already captivated audiences in Korea, where both JRobin's original web novel and Jin-soo Lee's illustrative webtoon have garnered immense popularity, an official English release for either format is yet to be announced. Despite this, anticipation for the live-action series is soaring, with fans eagerly awaiting the seamless fusion of military discipline and comedic culinary escapades. This adaptation not only signifies a major milestone for Kitchen Solider but also underscores the burgeoning trend of transforming beloved digital narratives into dynamic live-action productions, further cementing the profound influence of webtoons and web novels on the global entertainment landscape.