TVING (TVING) original ‘Becoming a Legend as a Military Cook’ broadcast capture
Actor Kang Ha-kyung renewed his career-defining character as Kim Gwan-cheol, the ‘Gangrim No. 2 senior’, in the TVING original drama.
On the 8th and 9th, episodes 9 and 10 of the TVING original ‘Becoming a Legend as a Military Cook’ (written by Choi Ryong, directed by Jo Nam-hyung, planned by Studio Dragon, produced by Studio Dragon and Studio N, provided by TVING (TVING)) showcased the full-fledged performance of Corporal Kim Gwan-cheol, head of the 2nd quarters at the Gangrim outpost, as a cooking assistant. Kang Ha-kyung moved fluidly from fierce charisma to delightfully hapless charm, once again pushing toward a new career-defining character.
In the broadcast, when Kang Sung-jae (Park Ji-hoon) left to support cooking at the officers dining hall, Kim Gwan-cheol played a strong cooking assistant to Yoon Dong-hyun (Lee Hong-nae). He radiated upbeat energy with his trademark smooth talk, saying, “If not me, who could hold up Sergeant Yoon Dong-hyun?” However, Kim soon faced a major hurdle: having to make the military menu most soldiers avoid, ‘braised boneless pollock’, which raised the tension.
Kim rekindled the passion from his past days as a cook. With a resolute air, he led the mood, telling Yoon Dong-hyun, “Shouldn’t we prove we did not eat army grub for nothing?” In the end, Kim and Yoon showed top-tier chemistry like the Gangrim one-two punch and completed a standout dish. With deft control moving freely between seriousness and comedy, Kang Ha-kyung injected vitality into the drama.
Notably, Kim grimly blocked soldiers who tried to leave the dining hall before even tasting the food. He displayed sharp charisma, saying, “It is the masterpiece of the Gangrim one-two punch. Do not complain; just hurry and eat.” Watching soldiers taste the braised pollock and express amazement, he tried a celebratory high-five with Yoon but failed. In the process, Kang Ha-kyung slyly drew the unexpectedly bumbling side hidden behind the charisma, completing the signature sweet-and-salty appeal of Kim Gwan-cheol.
Meanwhile, Kim delivered a strong presence in Kang Sung-jae’s imagination scene. With a confident look, he grilled a beef steak and waited for a verdict from Kang Sung-jae. He held his breath with a tense expression at Kang Sung-jae tasting the steak, and when Kang demonstrated in person, he gave a thumbs-up to show respect, with ever-shifting expressions that amplified immersion in the story.
Kang Ha-kyung led the fun of episodes 9 and 10, ranging widely from a dependable cooking assistant to the charisma of the Gangrim Outpost No. 2 senior, and to an endearingly hapless twist. With stable acting that highlights the charm of Kim Gwan-cheol, expectations are rising for what he will show in the upcoming finale.
The TVING original ‘Becoming a Legend as a Military Cook’ starring Kang Ha-kyung will air episode 11 and the finale next week at 8:50 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday on TVING and tvN.
