Leading entertainment company CJ ENM, in partnership with the Korean Cultural Centre UK (KCCUK), announced an exclusive special screening event of The Legend of Kitchen Soldier , to be held on May 28 in London.
This event marks a strategic pivot in CJ ENM’s European expansion, arriving as K-content has transitioned to a dominant pillar of the global zeitgeist. By convening industry insiders, international buyers, press, and K-drama fans, the event underscores CJ ENM’s role at the center of the global cultural conversation and serves as a testament to the rising demand for sophisticated Korean narratives across Europe.
Produced by Studio Dragon as a TVING Original, The Legend of Kitchen Soldier stars Park Ji-hoon and Yun Kyung-ho. The genre-bending comedy-fantasy series follows Kang Sung-jae (Park Ji-hoon), a plastic-spoon man who enlists in the military to escape a harsh reality, only to encounter a mysterious virtual “quest” guiding him to become a legendary kitchen soldier. With each quest he clears, he uncovers the unit’s hidden issues through this cooking skills.
Since its premiere on May 11, the series has demonstrated immediate global appeal. In its first week, it ranked No. 1 in paid subscription contributions on TVING and achieved peak household rating of 6.2% in South Korea. Its international momentum was equally swift, securing the No. 2 spot across all genres and No. 3 in the drama category on Disney+ Japan.
The evening will transcend the screen, featuring a curated Korean Refreshments Reception inspired by the series’ culinary themes. By blending the sensory experience of K-food with the narrative depth of the drama, the event offers a holistic look at contemporary Korean lifestyle.
Ahead of the event, Diane Min, Head of Europe Sales at CJ ENM, shared her excitement:
“We are thrilled to bring The Legend of Kitchen Soldier to London, a city that sits at the crossroads of global culture. This event is more than a screening; it is a reflection of how K-dramas are no longer peripheral but central to the global entertainment conversation. As European appetite for Korean narratives reaches an all-time high, CJ ENM is committed to leading that dialogue.”
A representative from Korean Cultural Centre UK added:
“We hope this event will serve as a meaningful opportunity to showcase the storytelling power of K-dramas and the richness of Korean culture to audiences in the UK, while also allowing British audiences to gain a broader understanding of Korean culture through drama, food, and conversation.”
Titled K-Drama Spotlight: The Legend of Kitchen Soldier, the event will take place at the Korean Cultural Centre UK in London on Thursday, May 28, beginning at 18:30.
Address: Grand Buildings, 1-3 Strand, London WC2N 5BW, United Kingdom
Meanwhile, The Legend of Kitchen Soldier is currently available on Rakuten Viki, via the TVING Collection on Disney+ Japan, as well as on HBO Max across 17 countries and regions in Asia Pacific.