Actor Kang Ha-kyung delivered a chilling charisma as a powerful senior and a passionate performance that swung between cold and hot.
On the 18th and 19th, the TVING original The Legend of Kitchen Soldier (written by Choi Ryong, directed by Jo Nam-hyung) aired episodes 3 and 4, in which Kang Ha-kyung played corporal Kim Gwan-cheol, dormitory chief of Building 2 at Gangrim elementary school, and confronted Gang Seong-jae (Park Jihoon).
In episode 3, Kim Gwan-cheol faced a North Korean resident who had breached the military base perimeter. He grumbled, "Is it right for me to be on duty on a day like this at my rank?" yet also showed a human side by screaming at an unidentified sound and aiming his rifle, which drew laughs.
Meanwhile, Kim Gwan-cheol boasted slyly, saying, "If I'm on leave for a month, there will be a big hole in Korea's defense," as he anticipated an award for finding the North Korean resident. But when Gang Seong-jae, who actually led the defection of the North Korean resident through cooking, received the award, Kim Gwan-cheol's hostility peaked and foreshadowed new conflict. In this process, Kang Ha-kyung vividly portrayed complex feelings mixed with emptiness and jealousy.
In particular, Kang Ha-kyung intensified the drama's immersion by drawing the character's sharp emotions with density. Living up to his status as a powerful figure in the unit, Kim Gwan-cheol warned Gang Seong-jae with a cold smile, saying, "You think this is your world because the seniors and the higher-ups fuss over you? Keep your attitude in check." But when he was restrained by Sergeant Yoon Dong-hyun (Lee Hongnae), he showed a defeated side, being pushed helplessly against a wall.
Kim Gwan-cheol's charm of contrast reached its peak at a company dinner. He disapproved of soldiers dancing exuberantly during a samgyeopsal party. But after one bite of meat, he was disarmed in an instant, danced and dominated the atmosphere. Kang Ha-kyung injected vitality into the drama with the character's surprising charm that swung between cold and hot.
[Photo] TVING original The Legend of Kitchen Soldier broadcast capture
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