The Legend of Kitchen Soldier has officially ended its run with 12 episodes on June 17, 2026, leaving many viewers looking for their next watch. The military fantasy-comedy drama starring Park Ji-hoon followed a soldier who discovers a mysterious game-like quest system that helps him become a legendary army cook. It became a favorite for its mix of cooking scenes, comedy, and emotional depth. If you are missing this unique series, here are five other K-dramas that offer similar elements.
“Mr. Queen” for Fantasy Comedy and Cooking
Mr. Queen is a top pick for viewers who enjoyed the fantasy and comedy mix in The Legend of Kitchen Soldier. This 2020 K-drama follows a modern-day chef who finds himself trapped in the body of a queen from the Joseon era. The show is known for its hilarious situations and the lead character’s love for cooking. One of the show’s strongest points is the chemistry between the cast, which creates many laugh-out-loud moments. The cooking scenes are a significant part of the show. The queen uses her modern cooking knowledge to create dishes in the royal kitchen. This leads to many comedic and heartwarming scenes. It has an 8.0 rating on various review platforms, showing its popularity with audiences. For fans who liked the “game system” fantasy element of The Legend of Kitchen Soldier, Mr. Queen offers a similar but different type of fantasy. The main character has the knowledge of a modern chef but must apply it in an entirely different world. The comedy style is also similar. Both shows use exaggerated reactions and funny situations to keep viewers entertained.
“Bon Appétit, Your Majesty” for Food and Royal Drama
Bon Appétit, Your Majesty is another excellent choice for viewers looking for a food-themed K-drama. This 2025 series has been compared to The Legend of Kitchen Soldier, especially in how it shows exaggerated reactions to food. The show is described as a historical drama with a focus on royal cuisine. It has a high rating of 8.0, indicating strong viewer satisfaction. While The Legend of Kitchen Soldier is set in a modern military kitchen, Bon Appétit, Your Majesty moves the setting to a royal palace. The core element of cooking that brings people together remains the same. The show features detailed cooking scenes and the challenges of preparing meals for royalty. This show also features the theme of a person finding their purpose through cooking. Much like Kang Seong-jae, the main character in this series likely discovers their talent and passion in the kitchen. The historical setting gives it a unique flavor, but the focus on food and the drama surrounding it will feel familiar to fans of The Legend of Kitchen Soldier. It is available to stream for those wanting a new cooking drama.
“Weak Hero Class” for Park Ji-hoon’s Dramatic Range
For viewers who want to see more of Park Ji-hoon’s acting, Weak Hero Class is a must-watch. This series shows a completely different side of the actor. In The Legend of Kitchen Soldier, he plays a character with a sad past who finds joy through cooking. In Weak Hero Class, his role is known for being more intense and serious. This drama is not a comedy. It is a psychological action series about students dealing with school violence. It has received praise for its realistic portrayal of its subject matter and the strong performance of its cast. Park Ji-hoon is praised for his ability to handle both comedy and emotional intensity with ease. Reviewers often mention his “eye acting” and how he can convey deep emotion with just a glance. Watching him in both series shows the range of his talent. One review noted, “Ji-hoon never disappoints, and this series once again proves why he’s one of the best actors right now. Charm? Tick. Action? Tick. Emotional scenes? Tick. Comic timing? Tick. He can pull off anything with such ease and confidence.” Weak Hero Class is perfect for viewers who want to appreciate Park Ji-hoon’s dramatic skills beyond the comedic role he plays in The Legend of Kitchen Soldier.
“The Bear” for Intense Kitchen Energy
While not a K-drama, The Bear offers the most intense kitchen drama available. This American series is a well-regarded comedy-drama about a young chef who returns to Chicago to run his family’s sandwich shop. The show is famous for its realistic and chaotic portrayal of a restaurant kitchen. The comparisons to The Legend of Kitchen Soldier are clear. Both shows center on a kitchen setting where the main character must overcome challenges. However, The Bear is more grounded in reality. It focuses on the stress of the food industry, staff management, and the pursuit of perfection. The Legend of Kitchen Soldier uses a fantasy game system to show growth. The Bear shows growth through hard work, stress, and learning from mistakes. It has an 8.0 rating on IMDb. The show has been praised for its writing and acting. For viewers who loved the cooking parts of The Legend of Kitchen Soldier and want a more serious look at what it takes to run a kitchen, The Bear is an excellent option.
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“Rookie Chef with the Magic Touch” for the Same Fantasy Cooking Vibe
Rookie Chef with the Magic Touch is one of the closest matches in spirit to The Legend of Kitchen Soldier. This story shares the same novel author Jay Robin. The premise is very similar: a rookie chef who discovers a special ability and wants to become the best chef. The main difference is the setting. Rookie Chef with the Magic Touch takes place in a hotel restaurant, not a military base. This story also features a character with a special power that helps them with cooking. It involves the character seeing the “memory” of an ingredient with just one touch. Reviewers of The Legend of Kitchen Soldier have noted that both works are by the same author and follow a similar journey. The themes of self-discovery, perseverance, and the power of food are central to both. The main character in this story also starts as an underdog and works his way up to becoming a top chef. Fans who loved the concept of a cooking system and progression in The Legend of Kitchen Soldier will likely enjoy this story as well.
The Legend of Kitchen Soldier offered a unique blend of military life, fantasy gaming elements, and cooking. These five shows, whether K-dramas or international series, capture different parts of what made the show so enjoyable. From the fantasy comedy of Mr. Queen to the intense kitchen drama of The Bear, there is something for every fan.
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