[Dispatch=Reporter Ku Min-ji] Singer and actor Park Jihoon is making a comeback with a new project.
Tving original 'Becoming a Legend: Mess Sergeant' will premiere on May 11. Park Jihoon took on the lead role of 'Kang Sung-jae'. Details of the production process and points of interest were revealed.
'Becoming a Legend: Mess Sergeant' is a military cooking show fantasy drama. It depicts the journey of a private second class, wielding a kitchen knife instead of a gun and wearing an apron instead of a belt, becoming a legendary mess sergeant.
Jihoon revealed his reasons for taking part. He appeared to be a military enthusiast. "I've always wanted to wear a military uniform while working on a project. I decided to do it because I wanted to try a new challenge," he said.
He was drawn to the character's appeal. "The character of Kang Sung-jae was impressive. I found it interesting that he was someone who adapts to an unfamiliar environment and establishes his own footing," he said.
Park Jihoon expressed affection for 'Kang Sung-jae'. "The process of building trust within the unit through remarkable skills and making comrades also came across as attractive," he pointed out.
He put in exceptional effort. "To convincingly portray the unique profession of mess sergeant, I even took cooking lessons. My knife skills improved as I learned bit by bit," he laughed.
In the drama, Kang Sung-jae performs quests to raise his cooking level. Park Jihoon prepared accordingly. "I wanted to express a character who gradually grows," he explained.
He added, "I utilized the quest giver Guardian that appears virtually. Thinking he exists right in front of me, I moved my gaze and put a lot of effort into facial expressions."
When asked what title he wanted through this work, he chose 'Kang Sung-jae with guts'. "It's a nickname in the drama. Whenever I was called that, it felt good for some reason. It has a cute ring to it," he smiled.
He also highlighted viewing points. "I hope you'll watch how Kang Sung-jae grows while forming relationships with various people, and also pay attention to the chemistry in that process," he revealed.
Park Jihoon said, "Kang Sung-jae gradually grows by utilizing the interesting Guardian setting in the drama. I hope you'll take interest in the character's transformation as well."
Meanwhile, 'Becoming a Legend: Mess Sergeant' is based on a webtoon of the same name. It will premiere on Tving and tvN on May 11 at 8:50 p.m.
<Photo provided by Tving>
