Park Ji-hoon Returns with New Drama 'The Legendary Cook' and Expands His Career

Park Ji-hoon, who captivated 16.6 million viewers with his performance in the film 'The King and the Clown,' is set to make a comeback with his next project. He will star in the upcoming TVING original series 'The Legendary Cook,' premiering on November 11.

'The Legendary Cook' is a military cooking fantasy drama that follows Private Kang Seong-jae, who trades his rifle for a kitchen knife and his ammo belt for an apron, as he transforms into a 'legendary cook.' The series explores survival, growth, and human relationships within the unique setting of the military, offering a fresh take on the military genre. Park Ji-hoon is joined by Yoon Kyung-ho and Lee Sang-yi, adding depth to the production.

Ahead of the series release, Park Ji-hoon is busier than ever. Starting April 28, he will reconnect with fans through Mnet's 'Wanna One Go,' airing every Tuesday for six weeks. This marks his return to reality TV after seven years, a welcome announcement for long-time fans.

In addition, Park Ji-hoon will make his comeback as a singer with the release of his first single album on April 29. With simultaneous activities in film, drama, reality TV, and music, Park Ji-hoon is fully embracing his multi-faceted career. Despite establishing himself as an actor, his continued pursuit of music highlights his ambition to expand his career.

Park Ji-hoon first gained widespread popularity in 2017 through Mnet's 'Produce 101' Season 2. His memorable wink during the 'Pick Me' performance earned him the nickname 'Wink Boy' and solidified his public recognition. Even nine years later, this iconic moment remains a topic of conversation.

After the official disbandment of Wanna One in 2019, Park Ji-hoon has balanced his career as a solo singer and actor. While his solo music career has had limited impact, his acting roles have consistently showcased his presence and growth. His debut lead role in 'Love Revolution' established his youthful image, and his performance in the 'Weak Hero' series demonstrated his potential as an actor with deeper emotional range.

His role in 'Weak Hero' marked a turning point, allowing him to break away from his bright and cute image and portray a character with inner turmoil and anger, expanding his acting spectrum. In the film 'The King and the Clown,' he played the role of Danjong, delivering a profound performance that marked another leap in his career.

The film attracted 16.6 million viewers, achieving box office success, and earned Park Ji-hoon the title of '10 million actor.' His stable performance in the historical genre elevated his filmography to a new level.

Not all of Park Ji-hoon's projects have been successful. The 2024 KBS2 drama 'Fantasy Love Song' recorded a low viewership rating of 1%, falling short of expectations. However, the strong impressions left by his other works have quickly overshadowed this setback, a testament to the strength of his filmography.

Currently, Park Ji-hoon is recognized as the most prominent actor among former Wanna One members. Despite starting as an idol, he has continued to challenge himself across genres, establishing his own niche.

From 'Wink Boy' to 'Weak Hero' and 'Danjong,' Park Ji-hoon has expanded his career and now embarks on a new challenge. All eyes are on whether he can lead 'The Legendary Cook' to success and further solidify his position as an actor.

Lee So-jung, Ten Asia Reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr