Original subtitles

THE LEGEND OF KITCHEN SOLDIER

Private Kang Seong-jae, who is stationed at the Ganglim Outpost

has impressed soldiers and lawmakers

with dishes beyond standard rations.

For the soldiers at the outpost who work so hard every day

I just did my best

to serve them good food

so I'm thankful they enjoyed it so much.

With the recent controversy over inadequate meals

We must break negative stereotypes surrounding military food.

Developing more diverse menus seems absolutely essential.

This is Jeong Min-a for Armed Forces TV.

And cut. All good?

- Seong-jae, what gives? - I thought you had no girlfriend.

Oh, she's not my girlfriend.

Oh, I see. So you just hug anyone like that.

- No, we're really just friends. - Hey, knock it off.

Do we look like the kind of guys who'd ask you to set us up?

If that's how you think we look, you're not wrong.

Hey, Kang Seong-jae!

Why haven't you been answering my calls?

Well, I mean...

during phone time, I figured you'd be busy...

No matter how busy I am, I'd answer your call.

- How sweet. - Hello.

- Hello. - Hello.

You must be Seong-jae's seniors, right?

Please take good care of him.

Of course.

Don't you worry.

With my dedication to this country, I'll ensure he doesn't get a scratch.

I'll be with him longer than anyone

right up until he's discharged.

I'll be his strongest supporter.

Oh, hearing that is such a relief.

Thank you.

Of course.

Don't mention it.

All right, all right.

Hello there.

I'm Company Commander Hwang Seok-ho.

I look forward to your article.

Of course. It's about him, isn't it?

I'll craft every sentence with the care of an artisan.

You seem pretty close to Seong-jae.

"Close" doesn't quite do it justice.

I like him a lot.

Private Kang Seong-jae

you're a real lady-killer, you sly dog.

Hey, shouldn't you be going? They're waiting for you.

Why? I've plenty of time.

Right, because you have plenty of time...

Did you hear him deepening his voice for his girlfriend?

When I see him like that

he's just a kid.

What do you think they're talking about?

Aren't you happy to see me?

I'm really happy to see you here.

Of course I'm happy to see you, but...

It's just my situation right now.

I guess being a private means

you have to walk on eggshells.

Still, I'm glad you seem to be doing well.

I stopped by your mom's food truck.

She's really worried about you.

Is everything okay?

Yeah.

EPISODE 5

WARNING NO UNAUTHORIZED PHOTOS OR ENTRY

You startled me.

Go on, just break everything. Smash it all.

I'm sorry.

What, you feeling restless or something?

I'm getting out of here first

to breathe that sweet, free air

just hang in there

and tell yourself you're next. Got it?

Yes, I will.

Communications Security. Sergeant Yoon Dong-hyun, Ganglim mess.

Did you forget my leave was delayed

because I didn't have a replacement?

I'm well aware.

Then why am I the one who has to give up my leave?

Sergeant Yoon Dong-hyun, you know about Private Kang Seong-jae.

He enlisted before he had a chance to grieve

and he must be so worried about his family.

As his senior, isn't this

a little tolerance you could show him?

"Tol"? What?

Sir, you care a lot about Seong-jae.

Can't you also consider my situation?

I know. Sergeant Yoon Dong-hyun

I know you feel slighted.

But the Battalion Commander...

is also very concerned about Private Kang Seong-jae.

Besides, Sergeant Yoon Dong-hyun, you're almost discharged.

I know it's tough

but let's hang in there a bit longer.

Come on.

All right!

Here.

Hey, now.

I used up a whole bottle of softener

to do all your laundry

and this is the reaction I get?

It's great.

When I go out, I bet everyone will be staring at me.

You trying to advertise you're a kitchen soldier when you're on leave?

We might be used to it

but civilians will know right away.

Yeah, what if your girlfriend goes

"Ugh, what's that garbage smell?"

What if she says, "You've changed. Let's break up"?

She's really not my girlfriend.

Oh, yeah? Then you can set me up with her.

I don't

know about that.

You don't know about that?

No, it's not that, it's just...

Min-a's not really into guys...

who are super talkative.

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

Getting used to military life? Now you're dissing me.

If she likes the serious and quiet type, what about me?

Hey, didn't you get dumped recently

and swear off love forever?

The best way to get over someone is with someone new, man.

Hey, why the long face?

You're supposed to be going on leave.

Well, it's just...

Sergeant Yoon Dong-hyun couldn't go on leave because of me.

- Hey, it's fine. - Don't worry about it.

Damn, I was gonna get more body wash

when I went out on leave.

- Sergeant Yoon Dong-hyun, I'm sorry. - Kang Seong-jae.

Private Kang Seong-jae.

I don't want to be petty about my junior's leave...

But don't take it for granted.

Yes, I'm sorry.

When the Company, Battalion Commanders are suddenly nice to you

they're just looking out for themselves.

So don't take it for granted.

Yes, I understand.

He might talk like that

but he was the first one to look out for you.

Here.

Oh, no, really. I couldn't.

Come on, it's tradition for your first leave. I got some too.

Just take it.

Everyone in our barracks

chipped in a little,

so go out and get something nice to eat with your family.

And don't blow it all on your girlfriend, you hear?

Gosh...

Thank you so much.

Reporting. Private Kang Seong-jae

is granted a seven-day consolation leave

effective today. Reporting.

Salute!

Salute!

Going on your first leave. How do you feel?

I'm excited

but also a little scared.

Don't worry about a thing.

Just go rest and have fun.

But don't get so excited that you get into trouble.

Yes, I understand, Outpost Commander.

- Go on, get going. - Salute!

- Go on, hurry up. - Thank you.

BAEKRIM EXPRESSWAY

YOU ARE NOW LEAVING YEONJU-SI TRAVEL SAFELY

SEOUL, NAMYANGJU, GAPYEONG

Hero.

Check your new message.

CONFIRM

GARRISON AREA

You have left the Garrison Area.

Skill usage is restricted.

TTEOKBOOKI, SUNDAE, FISH CAKES, ASSORTED FRIED SNACKS

ENJOY YOUR MEAL AND HAVE A GREAT DAY!

I think the owner's been eating too much of her own tteokbokki.

You must be having a massive blood sugar spike.

Oh, welcome...

What?

Are you on leave?

Don't you recognize your own son?

Goodness, why did you come

without telling me?

Salute!

You've been through so much.

I told you to go home and get some rest.

I still have plenty of time.

I got extra leave as a reward.

I was worried

but I'm glad to see you've adjusted well.

Mom, but...

Isn't it a little too empty here?

Well...

Business is slow for everyone these days.

Should I try some of my mom's tteokbokki after all this time?

- Would you? - Yeah.

You have left the Garrison Area.

Skill use is restricted.

- I'll give it a try. - Okay.

The sauce is just really spicy

and it feels separate from the rice cakes.

Why?

Is it not good?

Well, Dad's...

It just tastes a bit different

from when I had it before.

No, I just copied what I saw your dad do

exactly as I remembered.

I guess I just don't have his magic touch.

See? I told you we should've made mala tteokbokki.

Hey, I told you to help Mom out while I was away.

You think I didn't?

For kids today, it's vibe over taste.

You need the right aesthetic

for people to post on social media.

What? What aesthetic?

Jeez, you actually expected people to eat this?

You were cut off from society briefly

and already you're out of touch.

Now people even go to milk tea shops for tteokbokki.

Plus, adding a trendy black food

was the perfect combination.

So did it help with business?

It got us some buzz.

For about a week, anyway.

Of course. If it tastes bad, they're not coming back.

You probably lost the regulars too, didn't you?

Now that I'm the one doing the cooking

I realize it's not easy

to please everyone's palate.

Should I give it a try?

- What? - You?

GEUMJEONG BUSAN FISH CAKE

You have left the Garrison Area.

All recipes and skill use are restricted.

He does know what he's doing, right?

He said he was such a good cook

he got a reward in the army.

Let's just trust him.

SEONG-JAE'S TTEOKBOKKI

I was wondering when you'd ever finish.

Well, you can at least make it look the part.

Look who's the food critic now.

Let's eat.

The thing is...

I had a problem.

I swear I can do much better than this.

Contestant Kang Seong-jae.

I'm sorry

- you've been eliminated. - Oh, dear.

Ah, I really could've done a good job.

I thought it was delicious.

You worked hard, honey.

Let's close up early today

and go get something good to eat, okay?

You did great.

It was delicious.

What's the point of good ingredients

if Dong-hyun gets his hands on them?

- It becomes worse than dog food. - Hey.

Once Yoon Dong-hyun is on leave

Kang Seong-jae will take over.

I mean, honestly, about that reward leave he got...

Didn't he get it all by riding the New Recruit's coattails?

Hey, don't say that.

I'll prove that without Kang Seong-jae

the mess hall runs fine.

Okay! Perfect!

All right. We're open!

Sir! Give us all your frozen stuff.

Frozen? All right, the frozen food.

That way.

Is the soldier who made that delicious pork stew on leave?

They're emptying the Golden Wagon. All right, next!

GANGLIM OUTPOST

What is this?

I knew this would happen.

Yoon Dong-hyun!

Yes!

Hey, I told you to just stick with what you know.

Yoon Dong-hyun, what did you do to the rice this time?

So why can't I do it?

What's that, you punk?

I didn't leech off him.

Look at you, glaring at me...

I want to do a good job too!

You little...

What am I going to do with this kid? Jeez.

My brother's on leave!

YOUR BROTHER IS SO HANDSOME IS HE IN A BAND? MY HUSBAND

I DON'T NEED SCHOOL, I WANT SEONG-JAE

TOP 3 MAYO DISHES: TUNA, CHICKEN, AND SEONG-JAE, TAKE MY-O HEART

SEONG-JAE, OCEAN VIEW OR CITY VIEW? MY FAVORITE IS "I LOVE VIEW"

Kang Seong-jae is on leave?

Yeah, thanks.

- I'll grill the meat now. - No, it's okay.

At my unit's company dinners

everyone said I was the best at grilling meat.

Flipping it so much makes it tough.

I was looking forward to a good meal

- but this is a little disappointing. - Come on.

Hey, come on. This pork belly is delicious.

Then what did you want to eat?

Some hot malatang?

That darn malatang again.

Kids these days bond over malatang, you know.

If I only had the money to add fenmian noodles

I could have joined in.

I'll make you a pork belly wrap, okay?

Here.

Use this to go get malatang with your friends.

King God General Seong-jae

I will do my utmost to ensure

you have a pleasant leave.

Where does a soldier get money like this?

My superiors gave me spending money for my leave.

And this is for you, Mom.

Oh, no, I can't take this.

You must have so much you want to do.

Why give this to me?

- No, really. - Mom, I have money.

- No, really, I'm fine. - Come on.

- Honey... - It's for you.

- Oh, I really... - Here.

Just take this too, Mom.

This heartwarming moment

is really ruining my appetite for malatang.

Oh, you kids.

Welcome.

Stir-frying beef for soup.

This egg is rotten.

The frying temperature is optimal.

You have successfully achieved Company Dinner Satisfaction.

I didn't realize it when I had it...

but it's so inconvenient now that I can't use it.

But isn't it unfair I can't use it just because I'm outside?

Warrior.

To use your abilities outside the Garrison Area

you must be promoted to Advanced Cook.

Advanced Cook?

You mean, Cook isn't the final level?

BEGINNER COOK, KITCHEN ASSISTANT

I still have such a long way to go.

If I become an Advanced Cook

I can make the food truck much bigger

and we'll be able to open a restaurant again.

So when I get back

I guess I have to do quests for Experience Points?

Well, there's nothing I can do about it for now.

TTEOKBOKKI RECIPE

I feel like there's more to it.

What is it?

What's going on now?

Is it a gas explosion?

- What's happening? - It's an emergency!

I tried frying the rice cakes, and it turned into a disaster, sir.

You were supposed to pat them dry!

Did you throw them in the oil wet?

Is that really necessary, sir?

Good grief.

I have no idea how you managed to cook all this time.

And of all times, Seong-jae had to be on leave.

Jeez, let's just forget it.

- What's this, sir? - Hands off!

This here...

Congressman Kang Hong-beom said he enjoyed his meal last time

so he sent our unit these beef bones.

You hear me? Don't you touch them.

I'm saving them for Kang Seong-jae to make a meal for his return.

That's not fair, sir.

So it's okay for Kang Seong-jae, but not for me?

Seriously? You can still say that after the mess you just made?

You don't even know what happens when water meets oil.

Goodness.

Dong-hyeon. Dong-hyeon.

I know you want to do well, I get it, okay?

But do not, under any circumstances, touch these bones.

Got it?

Let me go.

I said let go!

You're seriously driving me crazy.

What are you looking for so hard?

Let's see... here.

Found it.

LOCAL CO-OP

FRESH MARKET EGGS, FISH CAKE, ROLLED SEAWEED, SQUID...

Go to the market

early in the morning right when the new deliveries arrive.

That's the only way to get the best ingredients before anyone else.

Why the sudden trip to the market?

Oh, I've just been craving this.

You two have the exact same taste, too.

So, you don't come to the market often anymore?

Not as much.

It's so convenient to order online

and have it delivered to our door.

I think it was somewhere around here.

What was?

- Mom, let's go. - Where to?

Why?

Its chewy texture is what kept

our regulars coming back for more.

Even though it's a bit pricier

that's why I only use rice cakes

made fresh at the mill each day.

- Here you go. - Thank you.

It's chewy since it's fresh, right?

Yes, it's perfect. Really.

But...

many people prefer

wheat-flour cakes for their tteokbokki.

Wheat cakes get soggy easily.

Fresh rice cakes feel better

and they don't feel separate from the sauce.

See, Mom? Told you.

Goodness.

Well, well, look who it is!

Oh, hello.

- It's been a while. - It really has.

- Yes. - Your son?

- Yes. - I heard he's in the army.

Is he on leave?

Hello.

Are you Mr. Kang's family?

Look at him.

He's the spitting image of Mr. Kang.

Oh, I take after my mom, actually.

What are you talking about? You're a carbon copy of your father.

Since you're Mr. Kang's family

the chili powder is on the house.

- Oh, my. - You really don't have to.

Nonsense. Mr. Kang fed me a lot

this is the least I can do.

You choose the best ingredients

with your hands, not with your eyes.

Avoid any with sprouts

as they've lost their sweetness.

RIN'S VEGETABLE STORE ONLY FRESH PRODUCE ARE SOLD

Oh, you'll never be able to pick

the good ones just by looking.

See this outer skin here?

It needs to be hard and stiff. That means it's fresh.

Here, hold it. See?

- Yes. - When you lift it, the heavy ones

have a lot of moisture inside.

And pick the ones with dry, clean roots.

Wow, these onions are really good quality.

Of course.

Your father was so picky about only choosing the best ones.

He had a real temper

if I didn't give him the good stuff.

Please take good care of my mother while I'm away.

Wow, such a devoted son.

Thank you.

If you need sweet potatoes to fry, just say the word.

If you want, I'll deliver them right to your door!

Oh, thank you so much.

Take your time looking around.

OUTPOST COMMANDER FIRST LIEUTENANT CHO YE-RIN

SELECTED VENDOR CHAESANG FROZEN FOODS, INC

Nampyo Distribution...

Why are you doing the inspection instead of the Master Sergeant?

NAMPYO DISTRIBUTION

NO RESULTS FOR "NAMPYO DISTRIBUTION"

NAMPYO DISTRIBUTION: LIVESTOCK (PORK, BEEF), VEGETABLE, TWO YEARS

The number you have dialed does not exist.

This won't do.

But I will be reporting this to my superiors.

Fine, do whatever you want! Damn it.

IM SEUNG-BIN

DIFFERENT DISTRIBUTORS... SAME CONTACT PERSON?

Yes?

Outpost Commander, have you eaten?

Not yet, sir. Are you heading to a meal?

I feel like eating here will just ruin my appetite.

Want to try an old Chinese place?

The owner has an incredible presence.

Their ganjjajang is seriously out of this world.

I should probably check on the mess hall.

There's something I need to look into.

What is it you're looking into this time?

The food vendors

are ghost companies that don't show up in searches, sir.

And I can't figure out the process by which they were selected.

I just can't understand it, sir.

Cho Ye-rin.

That's not your duty as Outpost Commander.

How many times do I have to tell you?

This is all for the good of the Outpost, sir.

Forget the post, just stay out of it for your own good.

Got it?

The higher-ups are gunning for you

and I'm doing my best to defend you.

I'm defending you, but if you keep acting this way.

You shouldn't be doing this.

Company Commander.

Let me be clear, sir.

I intend to fulfill all my duties

until the day I'm discharged.

Enjoy your meal, sir. Salute.

NAMPYO DISTRIBUTION

HEALTHY KOREAN PORK

SANMI DISTRIBUTION

What exactly are these companies?

SEONG-JAE'S TTEOKBOKKI

To use your abilities outside the Garrison Area

you must be promoted to Advanced Cook.

It tastes so much better now. What's wrong?

Remember?

When you ate Dad's tteokbokki

it had this subtle sweetness.

I'm trying to find that subtle flavor

but this just doesn't have it.

- Oh, come on. - Mrs. Kang!

If it isn't our favorite customer.

- I'm here! - Hey.

Kang Seong-jae, how could you?

I have to hear you're on leave from Eun-jae, huh?

- Oh dear, my son was in the wrong. - I know, right?

This isn't it.

So what, are you saying you did nothing wrong?

I'm sorry.

I was just concentrating.

You're here?

Why do I even like a guy like him?

Because he's handsome.

I think the army turned him into a kitchen god or something.

Cooking in the army wasn't enough.

He's still at it on his leave.

Tell me about it.

Okay, that's enough.

Go eat something nice with Min-a.

- But let me just finish this. - Go on.

I'll finish up here.

- Thank you so much. - Of course.

- Let's go. - Don't you come back here.

Go.

You're really something else, doing this even on your leave.

Isn't there anything you wanted to do?

There was something I wanted to do.

SKILL USE UNAVAILABLE LEFT THE GARRISON AREA

I didn't expect to be blocked like this.

Want to go get something good to eat?

There's a great whole chicken soup place over there.

INVINCIBLE BUNSIK GHOST-CATCHING TTEOKBOKKI

Hey, don't tell me you want to eat tteokbokki again.

The wait is at least two hours here.

If it's worth spending that much of our precious time...

I'm curious just how good it must be.

Let's go.

GHOST-CATCHING TTEOKBOKKI

Waiting number 320, trainee.

- Yes? - From now on

you'll answer everything with "Ak!" Understood?

- Ak! - Ak!

Run.

Go!

IF ANYONE COULD MAKE DELICIOUS TTEOKBOKKI

I NEVER WOULD HAVE CHOSEN TO SELL IT

Usually, places like this don't have good food.

You will now enjoy your meal. Go!

- Let's eat! - Let's eat!

This just looks like ordinary tteokbokki.

How is the flavor so deep?

It's spicy, with a subtle sweetness

that balances it all out.

This is so good!

Yeah.

Damn it.

Salute!

What are you doing here?

I thought you only ate frozen meals.

I'm here for kitchen duty, sir.

Tell them we don't need any help.

Surely...

you don't need this either?

RECIPE NOTEBOOK KANG SEONG-JAE

Kang Seong-jae thought you might need this...

so he left it with me.

I'd forgotten about it, sir.

RECIPE NOTEBOOK KANG SEONG-JAE

Why are you giving this to me?

The timing doesn't seem right for me to give it to him, sir.

No way.

I'm too scared to talk to him.

I wrote down what I learned here

in this notebook.

So, if Sergeant Yoon Dong-hyun

looks through it whenever he needs to

then when the other seniors eat here

won't they enjoy their meals a little more?

Carefully wash the bean sprouts and dry them.

Carefully, stir-fry the broth, anchovies, oil, and sauce...

Carefully, carefully, carefully.

This little punk is trying to teach me now, is he?

"Carefully"?

Does being "careful" put food on the table?

WE ARE NOW CLOSED

- Hello, sir. - Who are you?

I'm the one who came for tteokbokki this afternoon.

You ate this afternoon.

Why are you here at this hour?

I'm not here to cause any trouble.

The tteokbokki...

I would like to learn from you.

Do I look like a pushover to you?

So many tried to steal my recipe

I could line them all up for 20 laps.

My mother runs a food truck alone

ever since my father passed away.

But she's still struggling.

I'm a New Recruit on my first leave

and I have to return to my base soon.

I'm desperate to learn how before I go back.

I'm not shamelessly begging you to just tell me.

I want to work alongside you

and find my own way to make delicious tteokbokki.

If you'll help me...

I'll do anything.

You'll really do anything?

Yes, I will do anything.

I'll ask you one more time.

Will you do anything?

First, let's see how determined you are.

Are you going to use all of this today?

We're famous nationwide. This is nothing.

I'm giving you exactly 30 minutes. How many minutes?

- 30 minutes. - I can't hear you!

- 20 minutes. 15 minutes. - I misheard!

We get it done! Marine Corps spirit!

GHOST-CATCHING TTEOKBOKKI ONCE A CUSTOMER, FOREVER A CUSTOMER

The proper oil temperature is 180 degrees.

Control the flame so it doesn't overheat.

Have a good one.

Here's your tteokbokki. Enjoy.

Salute! Welcome.

Right this way, please.

Is he finally satisfied?

I didn't mean to drag you into this.

Well, I wasn't exactly planning on doing charity work myself

but I could tell by his face he wasn't going to make it easy.

When it comes to pleasing bosses, I'm a pro.

Sir.

Did you cook my willpower into this sauce or something?

I'm supposed to be on a diet, but I just can't stop.

The owner said something.

He said you talk too much.

Whatever.

So, did you figure it out?

The secret, I mean.

No, not yet.

You have to go back soon. You should take a break.

You'll just wear yourself out.

It's hard...

But it's fun.

I spend all day frying things in front of hot oil

and I watch them get more and more

golden brown and delicious.

As I kept doing it

by the end, I made the best fried food ever.

I always knew you were weird

but I think you've gotten even weirder.

Me? I'm weird?

Yep.

Don't you remember?

What, over there?

It looks like a UFO is invading Earth.

Oh, no, it's just...

I imagined the field just splitting in half...

and cracking right open.

Then I imagined a giant dragon that had slept for ages waking up.

And the dragon started rampaging through the buildings.

Hey, when it comes to being weird

you always had to one-up me.

Hey, honestly, I wasn't that bad.

I was just hamming it up to become your friend.

Must have been so tough, having to go along with my nonsense.

But that's what made it fun.

Being with you.

Even if we were just talking about silly, nonsensical things

we'd laugh so hard we'd lose all track of time.

Okay, what if...

you suddenly got a special ability?

And all of a sudden

you start hearing a strange voice.

Welcome.

Hero.

Private Kang Seong-jae.

It tells you to start leveling up.

Level up and grow stronger.

All you do gives Experience Points

and you can even learn skills.

And on top of that

there are daily quests to complete.

So...

What's the first thing you'd want to do?

That sounds a lot like my situation right now.

I'm an intern on contract

and I always hear my supervisors.

They say, "Everything you do now"

"is valuable experience, so try hard."

If I were you, I'd take the chance to rack up all the Experience Points.

If I level up enough, who knows?

I might get hired full-time.

Do you think I could become a better person than I am now?

You're already a great person as you are.

Everyone knows it except you.

All right!

Master Sergeant said have Kang Seong-jae do this when he gets back...

Dedication?

I'll show you what real dedication looks like.

Salute!

Whoa, why is it so hazy in here?

Someone open a window.

What the...?

Goodness gracious!

What is this?

Hey now

is this what's on the menu today?

I got tired of waiting for Kang Seong-jae, sir.

You punk!

You think you can just mess with this precious meal?

Letting you handle it?

Good grief, this is driving me nuts.

Yoon Dong-hyun, how many times have I told you?

Cooking is a delicate art.

The cook's touch is everything.

- Someone all thumbs like you... - Dedication!

Dedication, what?

If I told you every time the yellow fat surfaced

I skimmed it, and skimmed it again and again

and that I boiled this for 20 hours straight...

would you believe me, sir?

Still, the broth looks like

it was rendered quite well, sir.

What, you don't know how he operates?

He's the type to dump coffee creamer

in there just to make it look right.

Jeez.

What is this?

Wait a second.

Jae-young...

No. Don't come here.

Stay away!

No!

What was that?

Is this it?

I did my best, sir.

Wait...

Can I go home now?

What is this? It feels unfinished.

When are you gonna pay me?

It's strange.

It has the makings of a rich broth

but it's also not.

It's a very peculiar taste.

It really is, sir. It's so...

Well, at least it's edible. That's something.

I still feel a little iffy about it.

But still, if this is the result

I guess he's finally shaping up before discharge.

See? Didn't I tell you I could do it, sir?

What did you say?

I said I could do it, didn't I?

He makes a fuss even when I compliment him.

- Please, have a seat. - Okay.

Thank you.

I've learned so much thanks to you, sir.

Thank you.

You return to base tomorrow, right?

Yes.

I thought seven days and six nights

would feel like a long time...

but it went by in the blink of an eye.

So...

did you find the answer you were looking for?

No.

But...

I feel like I've gotten

the hang of deep-frying.

It was fun.

Next time you're on leave

just come by with your girlfriend.

Even if we're full, I'll make a spot for you.

Oh, no, sir. I couldn't.

Please, take it. It's the least I can do.

Thank you.

Gosh, where did these ripe persimmons come from?

The owner gave them to me for my hard work.

You worked your whole leave without any rest.

I feel so bad.

Mom, what is there to feel bad about?

I wanted to do it.

But, still.

My goodness.

I'm so thankful for him.

Should we try one?

- Oh, you have it, son. - No, you have it first, Mom.

Really? Wow, it's huge.

- This is delicious. - It is.

It's spicy, with a subtle sweetness

that balances it all out.

So this is the secret.

The sweet persimmon flavor

is so uplifting.

I thought the spicier the tteokbokki, the better

but this just shattered my whole worldview on tteokbokki.

Our tteokbokki's getting rave reviews from customers.

I'll hold down the fort here.

Yes. Enjoy your meal.

Oh, by the way,

I feel terrible that I couldn't even see you off.

Don't be. You are busy.

I'll have another leave again soon.

Yeah.

I'll keep practicing my cooking here.

Son

don't worry about us at home, okay?

Always take care of your health, all right?

And give Min-a a call.

You don't want her to feel left out.

Okay.

I'll call you again once I'm back on base.

Welcome back to the Garrison Area.

Skill usage restriction has been lifted.

I'm going to give it my all

so I'm counting on you.

Salute!

Salute.

Private Kang Seong-jae.

Reporting my return from leave as of 18:00 hours today!

Salute!

Salute.

Did you have a good leave?

Yes, ma'am. I learned a great deal while I was out.

But I bet seeing your family was a relief, right?

Yes, ma'am. It made me determined to work even harder.

I'll ensure the outpost soldiers get three satisfying meals a day.

Good. Keep up the hard work.

But you're in for a rough time now that you're back.

I'm sorry?

PARK JAE-YOUNG

What rotten luck.

Of all the rotten luck, it had to clash with your vacation.

NOTICE: ALL LEAVE SUSPENDED FOR KCTC TRAINING

29TH DIVISION ANNOUNCEMENT

I'm just... speechless.

Hey, pull yourself together. Okay?

This is nothing.

It's nothing, I tell you. Okay?

Oh, you poor guy.

You poor, poor guy.

Dong-hyeon, even if you try to stop the clock

your military service will end.

You hear me? It will.

Calm down.

KCTC...

Why!

An army marches on its stomach.

Boost your unit's morale

and lead them to victory in the KCTC.

Upon completing the Quest

you'll earn double Experience Points for one week.

Double?

We've located the platoon commander.

Move to that position.

Enemy platoon eliminated.

SPECIAL THANKS TO ACTORS RA MI-RAN, JIN GOO, PARK MYUNG-HOON, AND SEO JEONG-YEON

THE LEGEND OF KITCHEN SOLDIER

This is on a whole other level.

You did say we had to protect the kitchen trailer, sir.

We're going to get bombed!

We're all going to die if this keeps up.

Battalion Commander!

Our supply route has been cut off.

Morale is falling.

Can't you see I'm dying here because of you?

Do you know the supply vehicle's location?

If it's not far away...

I'll infiltrate.

Once a soldier draws his weapon...

- Bring it on! - He has to finish the fight, right?

I suddenly feel full of energy.

Hands up!