Original subtitles

THE LEGEND OF KITCHEN SOLDIER

SEONGJAE'S TABLE HOME-STYLE MEALS

SEONGJAE'S TABLE

Dad, I'm back.

Seong-jae, welcome back.

Yeah.

What's that smell?

Gosh.

Are you making seaweed soup for my birthday?

It's not for you. Don't think about it.

What? Then who's it for?

Who else could it be?

It's for the one who went through so much to give birth to you.

Seong-jae, look at this.

It's nice and plump, right?

Dad, you still love Mom that much?

You know what I think about when I'm cooking?

I think, "I have to make this perfect for my Su-yeon."

- That's what I always think. - Jeez.

I feel so left out.

So I guess I have to buy my own soup.

Do you want the recipe?

No, it's fine. I can't cook.

I'm no good at cooking, and I don't enjoy it.

You need to know how to make this

for your future girlfriend's love.

When you're making this sea urchin seaweed soup

do you know what the secret ingredient is?

Isn't it just about using fresh sea urchin?

No, no.

It's this. This right here.

Once this goes into the sea urchin seaweed soup

the soup just...

it's just absolutely...

to die for, you know? To die for.

Battalion Commander!

- Battalion Commander! - Battalion Commander!

EPISODE 2

Battalion Commander, you can't leave us!

Our country still needs you, sir!

Those sons of bitches.

What the hell did they put in the soup?

Get him to the Medical Unit, now!

Quiet!

Go...

Go...

I'll go tell your wife you love her.

Go to a civilian hospital.

Not the Medical Unit.

Go to the nearest civilian hospital. Now!

- Civilian Hospital! - Hurry!

Hurry, hurry!

- What's going on? - The Battalion Commander collapsed, sir.

Why, all of a sudden?

GANGLIM OUTPOST (2965TH UNIT, 4TH COMPANY)

I heard that after the seaweed soup made by the new cook

he suddenly had trouble breathing.

In this case, under military law, is it assault on a superior?

Or the crime of providing harmful food?

Damn it.

A LOYAL BROTHERHOOD THAT PROTECTS THE NATION

Your military career is totally screwed now, huh?

MILITARY POLICE

I'm not involved in the seaweed soup.

I'm innocent.

Hey, Kang Seong-jae, say something!

This must be a misunderstanding.

This... this can't be right.

But he said if I made it this way

it would be killer.

I knew his food would get him in trouble one of these days.

Oh my goodness.

Oh my. What in the world is happening here?

Seriously, did they put something in his food?

I should've known it when he said, "This has to go in the soup."

So he did put something in it!

But it really wasn't anything special.

My God, what did you put in there, you brat!

Battalion Commander.

Don't worry, sir.

We brought you to a civilian hospital

not the Med Unit, as you asked.

Are you all right, sir?

We were so worried something terrible had happened to you.

I went to heaven.

Sir, what are you talking about?

You must live a long, healthy life, sir.

I met an angel...

and floated on clouds.

Can you believe that?

- Nurse! - Someone's dying over here!

Nurse!

- Hurry! - Hurry!

The fantastic combination of seaweed and sea urchin roe.

This must be heaven.

Of course...

that was before those guys showed up.

Wait a minute.

This is so good.

You really think so?

What a relief.

Thank you.

What's this?

It's perilla seed powder.

It's asphyxiation due to anaphylactic shock

from the perilla seed powder.

Battalion Commander!

Battalion Commander.

He had some trouble breathing

from a perilla seed powder allergy

and briefly fainted.

I gave him allergy medication, so he just needs to take it.

You didn't know the Battalion Commander avoids perilla seed powders

because of his allergy?

I'm sorry, Battalion Commander.

I should have paid closer attention

but I was careless.

I will make sure to retrain

the Outpost Commander and cooks.

Seok-ho.

Yes, Battalion Commander.

Go easy on Ye-rin

and the soldiers.

If we just let this go, how do we know it won't happen again?

We need to teach them a serious lesson.

We're...

officers, after all.

Straighten up!

Do you have any idea what you've just done?

You should be treating cooking like it's actual combat!

Deputy Outpost Commander, that's enough.

Yelling at them won't help the Battalion Commander get better.

Commander.

If we let this slide, unit discipline will break down.

The sergeant takes off for a break before meal service is even over.

And the private cooks with whatever civilian ingredients he wants.

I get what you're saying...

but I was there...

watching him cook the soup, so it's my fault too.

Ma'am?

So if you want to blame someone, blame me.

On your feet, both of you.

- Up! - Up!

It had to be Battalion Commander...

- This weakens military strength... - Hero.

You have successfully completed the quest.

With your new level, you can use a new recipe

and check favorability.

SKILLS: ORGANIZE INGREDIENTS CHEF'S EYE, CHECK FAVORABILITY

CHECK FAVORABILITY

DISLIKE LEVEL 40%

Morale here is already rock bottom, and you had to add fuel to the fire?

DISLIKE LEVEL 60%

Hey, Kang Seong-jae. Are you looking at something?

Private Kang Seong-jae. No, sir!

Salute.

Yes, Company Commander. Should we court-martial them?

Sir?

CONFIDENTIAL PERSONNEL RECORDS

I'm very disappointed.

You are cooks.

How can you be so careless with the ingredients?

Especially when you're cooking for the Battalion Commander?

DISLIKE LEVEL 50%

Private Kang Seong-jae.

Private Kang Seong-jae!

Private Kang Seong-jae.

Did you make soup with sea urchin roe and perilla seed powder?

- Yes, sir. - Sergeant Yoon Dong-hyun.

- Sergeant Yoon Dong-hyun. - Are you authorized to cook

with non-issued ingredients?

- No, sir. - Exactly.

So...

where the hell did the sea urchin roe come from?

It's domestic, I believe.

Did I...

Did I ask you where it was sourced from?

I believe the Master Sergeant...

put it in there.

BREAKFAST, LUNCH, AND DINNER

You can't just put anything in here.

Come on, sir.

What was that?

What do you call it

when a sea urchin lays eggs?

Sea urchin roe.

Oh, for crying out loud.

This isn't your personal fridge.

What was he thinking?

- Get rid of all of it. - Yes, sir.

Fortunately, our Battalion Commander said

he'd be lenient with you.

But.

If something like this happens again

I, Hwang Seok-ho...

will show no mercy.

- Dismissed. - Attention.

Salute. Sir!

- At ease. - At ease.

Communications Security.

This is Hwang Seok-ho.

Could I see Kang Seong-jae's file again?

Hey.

- Hey, Kang Seong-jae. - Private Kang Seong-jae.

Didn't I tell you to just stay put?

I'm sorry, sir.

Sea urchin roe

and perilla seed powder?

You punk.

This isn't a joke.

Communications Security. This is Cook, Sergeant Yoon Dong-hyun.

- This is Private First Class Tak Mun-ik. - Yeah? What is it?

The Company Commander says he'll take the new recruit on patrol.

Now? Then do I have to clean up alone?

Master Sergeant.

Sergeant Yoon asks if he must clean alone.

Of course, he can clean by himself.

What, I'm supposed to help him?

Hey, Yoon Dong-hyun!

Who told you to ditch your junior

and go sleep in the barracks?

How many times did I tell you to be careful with Kang Seong-jae?

DISLIKE LEVEL 40%

DISLIKE LEVEL 70%

Private Kang Seong-jae.

Private Kang Seong-jae.

Do you know why they call this the Stairway to Heaven?

Because one wrong move, and you could end up in heaven.

So you'd better be careful.

All right, let's go to heaven.

Yes, sir.

- Private Kang Seong-jae. - Private Kang Seong-jae.

How are you finding it since getting assigned to your unit?

- It's tough, isn't it? - Not at all, sir.

No, your Company Commander knows everything.

You don't have to lie.

I'm fine, sir.

My superiors and the Outpost Commander

- are good to me. - No.

There's no way you're fine.

You enlisted only two months

after losing your father.

I know you're just pretending to be fine.

No, sir. I'm thinking of my mother and sister at home

and I want to excel in my military life.

"Unbreakable spirit."

You know the saying

"What's important is an unbreakable spirit"?

Well, I, Hwang Seok-ho, can't agree with that.

If you push yourself too hard

you're bound to break.

And I don't want to see you break, Private Kang Seong-jae.

I've warned you several times, haven't I?

Do not leave your personal food in the mess hall.

Well, you know, with sea urchin

freshness is everything.

You trying to keep them fresh

almost got the Battalion Commander in serious trouble.

Hey, let's get our facts straight here.

The mess wasn't the sea urchin roe.

It was the perilla seed powder, right?

And that was the new recruit

acting on his own.

Exactly. See?

PERSONNEL RECORD CARD

Assigning Kang Seong-jae to the mess hall was the issue too.

Well, to be honest

I told you it was risky to make him a cook.

But you're the one who sent him, talking about high risk.

I know. I know.

And that damn high risk is going to get us all killed.

Look, the Battalion Commander might say he's fine

but if this keeps up...

we'll all end up on his bad side.

Let's transfer Kang Seong-jae.

Where can we transfer him at this point?

To the TOD.

Have you...

heard of the TOD?

- I don't think so, sir. - Thermal Observation Device.

It's surveillance gear used

to watch the pitch-black sea at night

for any potential North Korean submarines or vessels.

It's a vital security position for the Republic of Korea.

What do you think?

I believe every position is necessary

for our national security, sir.

That's right.

In any situation, you just have to do your duty.

So I was wondering...

how would you like to try

a different job other than being a cook?

- The TOD? - There must be an opening, right?

Well, we can make an opening if we have to.

But is transferring him really going to make a difference?

All he has to do is sit and observe.

Isn't that better than the kitchen?

He just put some perilla seed powder in the seaweed soup.

I don't know if that's grounds for a transfer.

I can come up with a justification.

After all, I'm Company Commander Hwang Seok-ho.

But last time you said being a cook would be a good fit for me.

I did say that.

But as your Company Commander, I've been watching you

and I think your talents are wasted in the kitchen.

Battalion Commander!

Is this because of the seaweed soup, sir?

The Battalion Commander already settled that.

Why would I bring it up?

I'm just worried about you.

You're up first and you leave last, and you don't even get weekends off.

I was thinking it might be too harsh

for you, Private Kang Seong-jae.

I'm okay, sir.

- And I'm enjoying learning new things. - All right.

All right.

I know exactly what you mean.

Even though I'm trying to be approachable

it must not have been easy for you to open up and speak honestly.

I tend to be...

pretty intimidating.

I've scheduled you a counseling session with the battalion tomorrow.

Hero.

Complete the Class Change Quest within 72 hours.

USE THE CHEF'S EYE AT LEAST THREE TIMES

SERVE MEALS AT LEAST THREE TIMES

MAKE A THREE-PLUS-STAR DISH USING RECIPE

Failure to do so...

will cost you your opportunity

to become The Legendary Chef.

The Legendary Chef?

QUEST TIME REMAINING

Private Kang Seong-jae?

- Private Kang Seong-jae. - It's called counseling

but don't be scared.

It's something all new recruits go through

so just relax and be honest.

Yes, sir.

QUEST TIME REMAINING

I'm not in the military

so you can just relax and talk to me.

Yes, ma'am.

It says here

your father passed away right before you enlisted.

That must have been so hard.

It's okay. I'm doing much better now.

What was your father like, Seong-jae?

My dad...

THANK YOU TO ALL OUR CUSTOMERS FOR SUPPORTING SEONGJAE'S TABLE

Please take a look.

Okay.

SEONGJAE'S TABLE

- Dad. - Yeah?

Dad, what are you doing standing out in the rain?

Son.

I'll never give up.

I have you guys and Mom.

I have to see it through.

My dad

was the kind of person who never gave up.

No matter what happened to him

he would grit his teeth

and endure for the sake of his family.

I wonder if you have your father's strong sense of responsibility.

Well, I...

So, how is military life?

I think the hardest part is

dealing with unexpected things.

- Like suddenly becoming a cook. - A cook?

Do you think being a cook isn't a good fit for you?

THE ARMY'S TRUE TASTE BARRACKS CAFETERIA

BURN HAZARD

Salute!

I've returned from counseling.

What did you say in counseling?

"Please, get me out of Ganglim."

Is that what you said?

No. It wasn't that...

Well, Sergeant Yoon Dong-hyun.

If you don't mind me asking

how did you end up becoming a cook?

What kind of question is that? The Company Commander told me to.

Besides, I figured if I learned a skill

I could use it to make a living when I get out.

Private Kang Seong-jae.

Oh, salute!

Did your counseling go well?

Yes, sir. It went well.

Good. Now, think carefully about what your Company Commander said.

Yes, sir. I will.

Sergeant Yoon Dong-hyun. I'd like some ramyun with the troops.

Then when do I get to clock out?

Maybe once you've done your duties as a cook

you can leave.

Do you think being a cook isn't a good fit for you?

I wish I was a good cook like my dad

but there's still so much I don't know.

On top of that...

DISLIKE LEVEL

Also...

DISLIKE LEVEL 50%

I just feel completely lost

about what to do.

Don't overthink it.

Just focus on handling the things right in front of you

one at a time.

The things

right in front of me?

If you don't give up

you can see it through, right?

Oh, and...

You know, right? Don't break the yolk.

Can't they just eat some damn cup noodles?

Sergeant Yoon Dong-hyun. Would it be okay if I make it?

Just go get the ramyun from the storeroom.

Don't forget to get the water ratio right.

The Company Commander wants the noodles al dente.

What, are you guys single-handedly defending South Korea?

Hey, at least your work is indoors, Sergeant Yoon Dong-hyun.

We're out in the scorching sun all summer.

The skin on our faces peels right off.

Hey. Want to stand by this pot like a steam sauna?

What's the point of us complaining about it?

Sergeant Yoon.

When's your leave?

What are you talking about?

I have a subordinate now, so I can take leave.

You really haven't heard anything?

- Sergeant Yoon Dong-hyun. - Don't talk to me.

Have you completely lost your mind?

- Let go of me. - I think the eggs have gone bad.

They just came in yesterday. How could they be bad?

You're not making any sense.

I'm swamped.

But now the eggs are giving me trouble.

The eggs...

All the ones that came in yesterday have gone bad, sir.

This isn't a joke. Can you tell just by looking?

What do you know?

You've got to be kidding me.

The Company Commander needs an egg for his ramyun.

Damn it!

Seriously.

This egg is seven days old.

I found it.

A fresh egg.

Enjoy your meal.

- Yoon Dong-hyun. - Sergeant Yoon Dong-hyun.

Something on your mind?

Your ramyun plating...

You put some extra effort into it, huh?

The egg is cooked perfectly.

Your skills are getting incredible now that you're close to discharge.

I paid a little extra attention to it, sir.

- All right, let's eat. - Thank you for the meal.

Enjoy your meal.

DISLIKE LEVEL 40%

DISLIKE LEVEL 20%

SAVE POWER

Sergeant Yoon Dong-hyun.

How did you end up becoming a cook?

Good. Now, think carefully about what your Company Commander said.

Sergeant Yoon Dong-hyun. Would it be okay if I make it?

Kang Seong-jae, that little punk.

Plastics go with plastics

and cans go with cans.

Sort them into the right bins.

- Got it? - Yes, I understand.

Man.

I wish we could sort people like this.

CLASS CHANGE QUEST

USE THE CHEF'S EYE AT LEAST THREE TIMES SERVE MEALS AT LEAST THREE TIMES

MAKE A THREE-PLUS-STAR DISH USING RECIPE

RAISE CAPTAIN HWANG SEOK-HO'S LIKEABILITY ABOVE 50%

Not the worthless ones you can't even recycle...

Complete the Quest.

And just put all the sharp guys together.

- Jeez, this guy is at it again. - I'm sorry.

Tell me what in the world is going on in your head.

Still playing the amnesia card? Are you that out of it?

- No, sir. - You're quick with the answers.

How stressful.

- Salute! - Kang Seong-jae.

Private Kang Seong-jae!

What's your deal, really?

If you're going to act, at least commit to it.

Don't be so confusing.

I'm not sure what you mean, sir.

Playing dumb till the very end.

Hey, you.

I heard the Company Commander told you to transfer to the TOD.

The Commander's taking Kang Seong-jae to the TOD.

You didn't know, sir?

Is that why you helped me?

Guilty about your cushy post?

It's not like that, sir.

I'm not saying this because of the leave days.

It's just so frustrating. That's why.

You think quitting the mess hall for the TOD...

will be easy, as he said?

What are you talking about?

Salute.

Yes?

Salute.

Why didn't you tell me?

What is this about all of a sudden?

Did you tell Seong-jae to quit the mess hall?

From what the others are saying

he's not in a good state.

They say he keeps gesturing at thin air.

And sometimes he flinches as if he's seen a ghost.

Every one of these things

is like a warning sign.

I'm his Outpost Commander.

And who said you weren't?

It's my call to make, and my responsibility to bear.

I just don't want to repeat the same mistake.

Would a soldier who just received his unit assignment

know about the Commander's allergies?

Oh, you thought I'd just say no?

I reviewed all of Kang Seong-jae's counseling records before deciding.

If you reviewed them, you should know better than anyone.

The counselor's evaluation had this written in it.

"Despite the soldier's unfortunate family background

he shows a notable enthusiasm for military life

and if given enough time to adapt after his Unit Assignment

he is expected to serve faithfully."

So why are his Company Commander and Master Sergeant complaining?

Did you try the seaweed soup that day?

Just as the Battalion Commander said, it was excellent.

Shouldn't you be worried about yourself first?

To be frank, at your seniority

you're stuck as Outpost Commander, a job for new second lieutenants.

Even you have to admit that's a little weird.

Why are you bringing that up now?

My point is...

I'm telling you

that you should worry about yourself.

- Hey, Mom. - Seong-jae.

Is everything okay?

Are you eating well?

Yeah.

Don't worry about me eating.

I'm a cook, I'm not going to starve.

Oh, that's right.

You're just like your father in that way too.

What about you, Mom?

Are you doing okay?

Don't worry about me.

How are things?

Are people treating you well?

Yeah, of course.

Everyone's taking great care of me.

That's such a relief.

While I'm here

I'm going to work hard and learn to cook.

I mean...

it'll probably be helpful when I get out, right?

I'm my father's son, after all.

I thought you were still a kid.

But you're all grown up now.

Don't get hurt.

I won't.

I have to go.

It's almost time for roll call.

I'll be out on leave again soon.

Take care until then.

Okay.

Would you like to acquire a new recipe?

All right.

Since it's come to this...

let's see how far this goes.

ACQUIRE NEW RECIPE? CONFIRM

Acquiring recipe.

Kang Seong-jae, get back here!

Yes, I'm on my way!

What's this?

What the hell is this?

Why does the rice smell so sour?

- Hey! - The Master Sergeant wants you.

So the rice stinks.

Who cares.

Has that bastard lost his mind?

Yoon Dong-hyun!

The rice smells like sour dog food!

What will you do?

Tell them to eat instant rice.

What? Instant rice?

What am I, an alchemist?

You cook with smelly rice, you get smelly rice.

What's gotten into this jerk?

I was lenient since you're almost out

but you've gotten out of line.

I can't even get discharged until I get a replacement.

What? You son of a bitch. What did you just say?

Get over here, you bastard.

Get over here now!

Come here. Get over here, you bastard.

Hey! Come here!

Three-year-old rice.

D-Grade.

Use vinegar to eliminate the odor from the old rice.

The sour odor from the old rice has been eliminated with vinegar.

You have gained 50 experience points

and your level has increased.

TODAY'S MENU

Rice, bean sprout soup...

BEAN SPROUT SOUP

AVAILABLE RECIPE BEAN SPROUT SOUP

Hero.

The bean sprout soup is currently too salty.

Add water to lower the salinity.

HIGH SALINITY

BEAN SPROUT SOUP

EDIBLE

Add Cheongyang chili peppers for some kick

to earn bonus points.

ADD SPICY KICK WITH CHEONGYANG CHILI PEPPER

BEAN SPROUT SOUP EDIBLE

SPICY BEAN SPROUT SOUP REFRESHING!

Hey, hey!

Who said you can mess with the soup, huh?

Haven't you learned from that seaweed soup disaster?

It just seemed a bit salty.

Who cares if it is? What's it to you?

If you're leaving the kitchen, keep your head down till you're gone.

Stay out of trouble.

Yes, sir.

It's hot.

Jeez, that guy's a real handful.

Did he do something weird to the soup?

- Enjoy your meal. - Enjoy your meal.

Today's menu is boring as hell.

I'm so sick of eating cereal for breakfast.

I just want a decent breakfast for once.

- Hey, Kim Kwan-cheol. - Enjoy your meal.

Who said you could eat cereal?

You know you can go to the stockade for skipping meals, right?

Do you think I'd be doing this if the food was edible?

What did you say, you punk?

What, you think eating this

is going to kill you?

You little punk.

You've gotten so soft.

Damn.

This is paid for by taxpayer money!

Just shut up and eat it.

Why is this so refreshing?

Maybe it's because you're hungover from last night, sir.

It just clears everything up.

This is the perfect hangover cure.

This is something else, huh?

Goodness.

Damn.

Hey, hey, Yoon Dong-hyun!

What is it now, sir?

See? You can do it when you actually try.

The sour smell in the rice is totally gone.

Wait...

The refreshing asparagine

and Cheongyang chili pepper create a synergy.

It feels like far more of a surprise

than feeling a cool AC blast

from a shop on a sweltering summer day.

Do these guys have a parasite or something? What's going on?

The soup is surprisingly good today, sir.

Don't bullshit me, you punk.

At least make it believable.

There's nothing I hate more than people messing with food.

I'm serious.

You okay?

Corporal Kim Kwan-cheol.

I want to live!

Let's just get through this battle...

You got a death wish or something?

Stay focused this time.

Let's all make it out of this alive.

Charge!

- Master Sergeant. - Master Sergeant?

So zingy.

Let's go!

Now this is what I call

a true victory for army food!

- Bean sprout soup! - Bean sprout soup!

Corporal Kim Kwan-cheol, are you okay?

Yeah.

I'm... I'm okay.

What's going on?

Why is everyone acting like this?

What is this? This refreshing flavor filling my mouth...

It reminds me of a taste from a night I struck out at a club.

That's it. It's the clean flavor

of a 24-hr Jeonju bean sprout soup place.

LIKEABILITY 20%

CLASS CHANGE QUEST: USE THE CHEF'S EYE AT LEAST THREE TIMES

SERVE MEALS AT LEAST THREE TIMES

MAKE A THREE-PLUS-STAR DISH USING RECIPE

RAISE CAPTAIN HWANG SEOK-HO'S LIKEABILITY ABOVE 50%

You have not completed the quest yet.

Increase Captain Hwang Seok-ho's likeability

to change your class.

What's going on?

You'd think they haven't eaten in days.

Tell me about it.

Jeez...

Master Sergeant.

Are you all right?

Are you okay?

It's not just...

a soup.

Well, enjoy your meal.

- Go on, eat. - Yes, ma'am.

I finally feel alive again. I haven't had a proper meal in ages.

I have to admit, I was surprised.

Felt like we had civilian food at the outpost in a long time.

There's no way Yoon Dong-hyun suddenly got his act together.

And it's even less likely it was all Kang Seong-jae.

No, that rookie can barely take care of himself.

Right? Did Yoon Dong-hyun really have some kind of awakening?

Probably not.

Sergeant Yoon Dong-hyun.

I'm at my breaking point.

Ever since the seaweed soup incident

the Company Commander's been on edge.

He's making us empty the warehouse just to check inventory

and the Master Sergeant...

He's pretending he didn't mess up the supply order.

Hey, didn't the supplies that arrived this time seem totally spoiled?

Yeah, I've been hearing a lot of complaints about that.

But what's the point of talking when nothing will change?

I think it's gotten worse since they changed suppliers.

I see.

I'm an idiot to expect good quality.

I really am.

- Private Kang Seong-jae. - Hey.

TOMATO

Hey, hey!

- Private Kang Seong-jae. - Did you check that properly?

If you do a sloppy job now, you'll get hell for it later.

The oxtail soup expires June 17 of next year.

We got a total of 20.

The seasoned seaweed expires September 12.

We got two boxes.

We have to use up the burger buns by August 30.

Okay, got it.

Yes, sir.

Sergeant Yoon Dong-hyun.

Are you going to let him transfer?

You know you need a replacement if you want to take a leave.

You think I don't know that?

- Outpost Commander. - Yeah?

It's about Kang Seong-jae.

Can you...

please let him stay in the mess hall?

Hey, Yoon Dong-hyun.

You're about to ask for leave again, aren't you?

I tried talking to the Company Commander.

But I'm not sure.

Didn't you notice that today's meal

was completely different from usual?

You didn't touch the seasoned spinach

and braised potatoes that I made.

But you scraped your bowls clean with the bean sprout soup

didn't you?

What are you saying?

So you didn't make the bean sprout soup?

That's right. And getting rid of the sour smell from the rice...

that was all Kang Seong-jae's doing.

Kang Seong-jae did?

Is that right?

Salute!

We've got time until dinner

so rest while you can.

Don't feel bad leaving the kitchen.

No need to put on a show.

Yes, sir.

By the way.

What did you do to the bean sprout soup?

I just added a bit more water

and Cheongyang chili pepper.

Right? I thought it was a big secret.

Hey, if that's all it took, I could've done that.

Yes, I think everyone liked it

just from that basic seasoning tweak.

So you're saying...

I can't season food?

Everyone just has different tastes.

It's not a big deal.

Hey...

Can't you just stay here?

QUEST TIME REMAINING

Complete the Class Change Quest.

Sergeant Yoon Dong-hyun.

Well, the thing is...

I want to stay on as a cook, too.

Right.

The Company Commander is impossible to reason with.

So what can you do?

Couldn't we just change the Company Commander's mind?

Look, he does what he says he'll do.

How can you change his stubborn mind?

If talking doesn't solve it

there must be another way, right?

GIYOUNG AND CHIKINI

Why did the eggs have to go bad?

Wait, are you afraid, Sergeant Yoon Dong-hyun?

Me?

Why would I be afraid of anything?

But it's so intimidating. What should I do?

What do you mean?

Just go up to it and ask nicely.

I'm sorry.

Oh, freeze.

Don't come any closer!

It's piping hot.

You know, I think we might be overdoing this.

I wonder if this will even make a difference.

But we don't have any other options, do we?

But of all the things you could make, why pork cutlet?

Just because.

Doesn't everyone like pork cutlet?

I guess so. No man in the Republic of Korea would hate it.

They say food made from the heart

has the power to move people.

Who on earth said that?

That's ridiculous.

My father used to say that.

No wonder.

It sounded like real words of wisdom.

PORK BELLY, PORK BELLY, PORK BELLY, PORK NECK

PORK BELLY, PORK BELLY, PORK BELLY

PORK NECK

I don't think I can make pork cutlet with this.

I need something like tenderloin

or sirloin.

Can't you just work with it?

It'll be a pain to get that kind of meat.

It's not like we can just go out and buy it.

I got it.

We have her.

GANGLIM OUTPOST

Smell.

If the soldiers don't eat

how can they defend our country, huh?

- A full stomach is most important. - Miss Jung!

What's gotten into you? Why so eager to help this old lady?

Usually, you can't be bothered, even when I call for you.

Hey, don't say that. Someone might get the wrong idea.

Hey, Miss Jung.

Could you possibly do me a favor?

I knew it.

What is it?

IRONCLAD COASTAL SECURITY

GRADE A PORK LOIN

PROTEIN GOOD, PROTEIN GREAT, PROTEIN GOOD, FIBER GOOD!

FIBER NICE, NICE

The muscle fiber is consistent

and it's not overly fatty.

This meat is in perfect condition.

I picked through them all to bring you the very best cut.

Cuts like these are the best

for locking in the juices when fried.

Wow, how do you raise your pigs to get cuts this good?

What do you mean? We feed them our leftovers.

Of course they're going to turn out great.

And also...

Discount for soldiers available.

Salute!

Salute.

Have you ever even made pork cutlet before?

This is actually my first time frying anything in my entire life.

Then what gave you the nerve to say you'd make pork cutlet?

Pork cutlet recipe acquired.

That color looks amazing. It's unbelievable.

SEONG-JAE'S FIRST PORK CUTLET VERY SALTY

SEONG-JAE'S FIRST PORK CUTLET VERY SALTY

Wait, I think something's wrong.

It's so salty.

Hey, why is it so salty?

SEASON THE TRIMMED MEAT WITH FINE SALT AND PEPPER

FINE SALT

I was supposed to season it with fine salt

but I think I accidentally used coarse salt instead.

You did that on purpose, didn't you?

FRYING TEMPERATURE: OPTIMAL

The frying temperature is optimal.

Go!

A PERFECTLY FRIED PORK CUTLET "GOLDEN AND CRISPY"

How is it, Sergeant Yoon Dong-hyun?

Even the Company Commander himself

can't resist this flavor.

All right.

NEW POST

Don't worry.

I'll protect our country.

You...

just get some sleep.

Rest easy.

Man, this caption...

Come in.

- Salute! - Oh...

I was just heading

to the mess hall about your reassignment.

What's going on?

Company Commander, I made a special dish for you in case you were hungry.

All of a sudden? For me?

Why?

Well, you see, sir...

You think the Company Commander

will be swayed by a measly pork cutlet?

If it's all right with you...

I'd like to remain a cook.

Private Kang Seong-jae.

I just don't get

what's going through your head.

If you taste the pork cutlet

you'll understand why I must remain a cook.

Unfortunately.

The thing is, I'm not a big fan of pork cutlets.

- What happened? - The Company Commander

doesn't like port cutlets.

He doesn't like pork cutlets?

Why?

No... how on earth?

- Salute! - Hey.

Seong-jae, come outside for a second.

Yes, ma'am.

Seriously...

Damn it.

You tried to give the Company Commander cutlets?

Yes, ma'am.

You went to a lot of trouble.

Your rank doesn't matter. Get through military life safely.

I think...

I understand now.

Why today...

I worked so hard.

I had this thought

while I was making the pork cutlets.

This is why food made with heart...

is bound to move people.

But...

without even a chance to let the Company Commander taste it

it's honestly upsetting

that it's just getting cold.

Transfer him to TOD, effective tomorrow.

- May I ask you something, sir? - What is it?

Do you believe

that your own judgment

is more important than a soldier's will?

Ye-rin.

I've got a question for you, too.

What's so special about Kang Seong-jae that you want him in the kitchen?

The soldiers are more satisfied since Seong-jae got here.

That's just because Yoon Dong-hyun is such a terrible cook.

When the old rice started to smell awful

I saw Private Kang Seong-jae fix the problem.

Have you tried the bean sprout soup that Seong-jae made?

The guys scraped their bowls clean.

This is how you objectively judge a soldier.

Not by some documents.

I try to be nice, and you keep trying to lecture me.

Hey.

Cho Ye-rin.

Have you already forgotten why you were sent back to Ganglim?

This probably won't mean much

but could I try some?

Yes, of course.

I'm glad I can share some with you, Outpost Commander.

Thanks, I'll enjoy it.

You know

it's not my decision to make.

I understand.

As long as you enjoy the meal, Outpost Commander

then I feel like I've done my job.

QUEST TIME REMAINING

THE CHEF'S PATH HAS ENDED

You have failed the Class Change Quest.

Ending The Chef's Path.

Even with a dish made with all my heart

in the end, I couldn't change a thing.

And just like that...

my life of always running away

hadn't changed either.

EAT WELL, DEFEND TOGETHER

THE LEGEND OF KITCHEN SOLDIER

It's an emergency! An emergency!

He's demanding to go back North.

I'm telling you, we're all dead if he goes back.

Look at him, taking credit for food he didn't make.

You try it then.

A congressman and a commander, now?

Of all the times...

It's braised boneless pollock.

So you're saying there's a problem with the meals?

Private Kang Seong-jae, I apologize.

Why do you think active soldiers have voted it

the worst meal every time?

I can't get rid of that fishy smell

you get from frozen food.

Then get rid of it, no matter what!

- There's no time. - Warning.

Looks like an accident happened.

What did you do?