CJ ENM’s ‘The Legend of Kitchen Soldier’ Heads to Series Mania

CJ ENM’s highly anticipated military drama, “The Legend of Kitchen Soldier,” is set to make its world premiere at Series Mania 2026. Produced by Studio Dragon, the series has been chosen for a special screening at the festival, making it the sole Korean content to debut at the event.

The TVING Original series follows the story of a “plastic-spoon man,” a term used to describe individuals born into challenging economic circumstances, who joins the military to escape his difficult life. His journey to becoming a legendary army cook takes a surprising turn when he encounters a mysterious virtual “Quest” system that guides him on his path as a kitchen soldier. As he completes various missions in the cookhouse, dormitories, and training grounds, he delves deeper into uncovering hidden problems within the unit, armed only with kitchen implements. This unconventional military adventure promises to captivate audiences with its unique premise.

Carlo Fasino, the programming manager at Series Mania, praised the drama for its daring and originality, describing it as a surrealist joyride that explores themes of loss and vitality. Park Ji-hoon’s lead performance was also commended for its depth and authenticity.

Sebastian Kim, the head of content distribution business unit at CJ ENM, expressed excitement about bringing the famous webtoon to life through the collaboration of TVING and Studio Dragon. The special screening at Series Mania aims to showcase the series to industry professionals and audiences worldwide, opening up opportunities for global distribution on various streaming platforms and TV channels.

CJ ENM’s strong presence at Series Mania continues with this selection, following the success of previous Korean dramas like “The Cursed,” “Mouse,” “Pyramid Game,” and “Duty After School” in the international market. The company is committed to expanding its global content distribution capabilities and solidifying its position in the international Korean content landscape.

Furthermore, Korea has been designated as the inaugural Country of Honor at the Series Mania Forum, highlighting the country’s contribution to the global television industry. With “The Legend of Kitchen Soldier” leading the way, CJ ENM is poised to make a significant impact on the international stage with its compelling and innovative storytelling.