Actor Lee Hong-nae has grown into a standout career-defining character.
In TVING's original series "The Legend of Kitchen Soldier," which ended on the 16th, Lee played Yoon Dong-hyun, a senior sergeant and cook soldier. He delivered a satisfying transformation, bringing cheerful laughs and heartfelt emotion to the very end and closing the series on a high note.
In the final episode, Yoon Dong-hyun's growth story came into full focus. Ahead of the closure of Gangrim Guard Post, he supported Kang Seong-jae in a cooking competition and helped secure the win. He later completed his military discharge at Kangrim Platoon, leaving behind a warm and touching afterglow. From a cook soldier with no interest in cooking to a character completely changed from where he began, he left a deep impression on viewers.
The Yoon Dong-hyun portrayed by Lee is known as a so-called "minus hand" and the "hellish cook soldier," someone whose touch seems to ruin food. But beneath that reputation, he is a warm senior who cares deeply for his juniors. Lee brought the character to life by layering in a sly, bumbling charm, genuine concern for his subordinates, and the realistic worries of a soldier nearing discharge.
His chemistry with fellow cook soldier Kang Seong-jae, played by Park Ji-hoon, was another highlight of the series. At first, he drew laughs by comically expressing jealousy toward Kang Seong-jae. As time went on, he naturally showed the character growing into a dependable senior and colleague, earning viewers' empathy. He also added credibility to the emotions with his sense of emptiness and loneliness whenever leave was repeatedly postponed, along with grounded acting and detailed facial expressions.
Lee Hong-nae, who has long left a strong impression on the public with intense characters and a powerful presence, showed a completely new side of himself through this project and broadened his acting range. So naturally immersed in the role that his previous characters no longer came to mind, he demonstrated a deeper level of acting by embracing not only comedic appeal but also sincere feelings for his juniors and the complex emotions of a soldier approaching discharge.
Having won viewers over with his polished performance, Lee said at the end of the series, "Yoon Dong-hyun was a character that reflected a lot of my own image and military experience, so I grew especially attached to him. It was a truly happy and meaningful time to be able to play Yoon Dong-hyun." He added, "Thanks to the actors, director, writer, and staff I worked with, I was able to keep smiling even in difficult moments, and every moment on set remains a good memory."
He also stated, "I learned so much through this project. Going forward, I want to grow into an actor who can carry an entire production, and I will keep taking on new genres, challenging myself, and learning along the way."
Through "The Legend of Kitchen Soldier," Lee Hong-nae captured laughter, empathy, and sincerity all at once, completing Yoon Dong-hyun in his own unique style and leaving behind yet another signature character. Attention is now turning to his next move, as he has proven his potential for a new transformation.
Jiyoung Jo, Sportschosun
