Original subtitles

THE LEGEND OF KITCHEN SOLDIER

SUPPORTED BY THE BROADCASTING AND COMMUNICATIONS DEVELOPMENT FUND

THIS DRAMA IS A WORK OF FICTION

CHILD ACTORS WERE FILMED SAFELY UNDER GUARDIAN SUPERVISION

ANIMAL SCENES FOLLOWED SAFETY GUIDELINES WITH VISUAL EFFECTS

Ending The Chef's Path.

THE CHEF'S PATH HAS ENDED

Communications Security. This is First Lieutenant Cho Ye-rin.

What?

EPISODE 3

Seriously?

I can't believe I have to be on duty on a day like today.

What can we do

when guys like Kang Seong-jae gobble up the junior T.O.?

When he's done in the mess hall, you put him on duty.

We need to work him so hard he won't know what hit him.

He's just whining because it's too easy for him.

Don't you worry.

Unlike somebody, I don't coddle my subordinates.

I'm counting on it.

Corporal Kim Kwan-cheol.

Didn't you hear that?

What sound?

All I hear are the waves crashing.

Now, come on.

Help me.

COMPANY COMMANDER'S OFFICE

Salute.

Goodness, what in the world?

What's all this commotion, huh?

What in the world is going on?

Didn't I say some guys have all the luck?

How could a jackpot like this just fall into our laps right now?

This isn't a jackpot. It's a massive headache.

To be blunt, we have no idea what he was thinking coming down here.

He breached our perimeter.

A slip-up and we're all disciplined.

Come on.

Let's look on the bright side.

The man from the North

risked it all to come here and defect

and all we did was rescue him.

Hey.

Come on.

So, how'd you end up all the way out here?

It'll all come out in the investigation anyway.

So don't bother making up some strange story.

It...

It was just an accident.

An accident?

The weather was awful.

I was completely disoriented.

When I finally came to...

how was I to know this was South Joseon?

Well, this is...

Sir, hello.

I'm Captain Hwang Seok-ho.

If there's anything you need

please don't hesitate to tell me.

Get some blankets from the supply room.

Just grab everything we have.

Yes, sir!

Don't try any tricks.

Just send me back.

Sir, why would you say something so harsh?

Didn't I tell you it was just an accident?

Back to the Republic.

I'm telling you to quickly send me back.

Now, sir, let's not be too hasty.

Take your time and think it over.

This may have happened by accident

but you have a rare opportunity to change your life.

Others risk their lives to cross even as we speak.

No place is warmer

than the embrace of our Supreme Leader.

- Now, listen... - I'm not interested.

Call the Republic.

I said I want to go back.

- Sir... - Right, you want to go back now?

Mister, to hear you talk, you'd think you missed your stop.

This isn't such a simple matter, you know?

To you, it may be as simple as saying you want to go back

but if something goes wrong

- it's our heads that will roll. - Master Sergeant.

Can I have a word with you?

I mean...

- You can come in. - Am I wrong?

Master Sergeant.

Why do you have to be so unhelpful? Just why?

What? Can't I be suspicious?

He might have some hidden agenda.

If we send him back to the North now

the fallout is going to land on us.

Please, stop looking at what's right in front of you.

How are we supposed to stop a man asking to see the Supreme Leader?

Company Commander, please stop talking nonsense.

Aren't you the one being reckless, MasterSergeant?

I know your military career is a dead end, but still.

What did you say? I've been letting this slide

but who do you think you are?

Would you two just stop it, seriously!

- This is not the time to fight. - Unbelievable.

Like the Master Sergeant said, we just need to verify his identity.

He says he won't defect

but the situation was so sudden

so let's not intimidate him.

Let's be calm

and talk this through, shall we?

Okay?

A Master Sergeant should think about turning a crisis into an advantage.

What's going to happen if you keep saying it can't be done?

Please. If words could cross the 38th we'd have been reunified long ago.

Jeez...

If you two just stay here

I'll go in and talk to him.

That's right.

Cho Ye-rin, you give it a try.

- Okay. - Go.

You must be cold.

Have something warm to drink.

What is this?

Is it not to your liking?

I'm a man who just barely escaped with his life.

With this warm honey tea

did you think you could sway my heart?

What do you take me for?

No, that's not it at all.

If there's anything you need

please feel free to tell me.

Promise me.

That here, in this South Joseon

I did not drink even a sip of water.

You will relay that to the Republic.

Yes, I understand.

I will make sure no harm comes to you.

Of course you will.

You must be very hungry, right?

Didn't I say I wouldn't even drink a sip of water?

You came all this way through the wind and rain

and we were being very inconsiderate.

Didn't I say that I don't need anything?

What did he say? Does he want to stay here?

He's asking to be sent back to the North.

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

Come on, his request is ridiculous.

All his family is probably up north, so why would he settle down here?

We have to change his mind before the Regimental Commander comes.

It seems like he's very hungry.

Should we get him something to eat?

My, my, how generous. So very generous.

While we're busy feeding that guy, I'm about to lose my own job.

That's right. An army marches on its stomach.

Hey, what is all this?

In the Republic of Korea

you can get any food, 24/7 with this.

And enjoy it to your heart's content.

So...

did you prepared all this

to tempt me?

Sir, why would you say something so disheartening?

We're not trying to tempt you.

This is just how we treat our guests here.

I see. So this is how you treat guests here.

Pardon?

Is something missing?

Are you trying to impress me with food that someone else made?

Get it all out of here.

I knew it. Good grief.

Get out, quickly!

Unbelievable. He won't even eat the sashimi.

Kang Seong-jae.

I told you to just do enough and go inside.

No, sir. I'll finish up properly and then go.

We used fresh, warm eggs from the henhouse

and fried it with care using high-quality pork

only for it to end up in the trash after all that fuss?

Oh, man.

That looks damn good.

Communications Security!

This is Private Kang Seong-jae, mess hall. How can I...

I'm sorry, can you repeat that?

I didn't eat it.

We just fried this fresh for you.

- Please enjoy. - Unbelievable.

He refused sashimi, which you can't even find in North Korea.

So I doubt he'll be impressed by a pork cutlet from Kang Seong-jae.

Master Sergeant.

Tteok-Sun-Twi!

We're missing tteokbokki, sundae, and fried snacks

Both of you, please step out.

Kang Seong-jae, come on.

Yes, sir.

What are you doing?

This is our first time hosting a guest from the North.

So I apologize.

As you requested, we prepared another meal with care.

I don't want it.

I promise.

This will not cause you any trouble.

We're all just...

trying to make a living.

Even if you do end up returning to the North

do you think I'll hold it over you that I treated you to a meal?

So please.

Just eat first.

Just because you're doing this...

do you think I'm going to change my mind?

By the way, what kind of fried dish is this?

It's called pork cutlet.

It's a dish made of thinly pounded, fried pork.

Pork cutlet?

What a fancy name.

Promise me.

I...

didn't eat anything.

Yes, I promise.

SOUTH JOSEON PORK CUTLET

Crispy pork cutlet

South Joseon pork cutlet

It's so big that

I can't finish it

Wahoo

Cutlet! Cutlet!

Port cutlet!

It's so, so good

I can't finish it

So is this...

the true taste of Yankee capitalism?

Let's go!

Crispy and delicious

South Joseon pork cutlet

My nostrils and tongue

Are in heaven

Cutlet! Cutlet!

Pork cutlet!

It's so, so good

It's so delicious

It's as big as a pumpkin

South Joseon pork cutlet

The general

Ate it all by himself

Cutlet! Cutlet!

Pork cutlet!

- What? - What?

Didn't someone just sing?

- Did it kill him? - Master Sergeant.

I'll go in.

No, I have to go in with you. I'm curious too.

Master Sergeant, I'm the Company Commander.

- Wow, that's a cheap shot. - Deputy Outpost Commander.

- Yeah. - How much leave do we get for this?

Let's see. Last time at the GOP, with the Division Commander's award

it was a 30-day leave, wasn't it?

This is a huge problem.

If I'm on leave for a whole month

it'll leave a huge hole in our national defense.

You guys, I'm telling you, this is nothing to celebrate.

He's raising hell, demanding to be sent back North.

Back to your places!

Salute!

- Where is he? - He's safe in my office.

Did you hear why he came down?

It seems there was an accident.

He's asking to be sent back

but I think he's just saying that because he's scared.

Are you sure? Lying to me will make things worse.

It's best if you go inside and see his state for yourselves...

You punk.

It's not the old times anymore.

I told you to handle him with care

so what are you doing in there?

No, it's...

- You son of a bitch. - Let's go.

Sir, are you all right?

Cho Ye-rin.

What did you do?

He seemed hungry

so I just gave him some pork cutlet.

- What? Pork Cutlet? - Yes.

I...

had a dream.

Jeez, it's too noisy. I can't listen to this.

So the kids in South Joseon

listen to this kind of garbage?

No wonder they're all brainwashed by the Yankees.

I'm wondering

what all the fuss is about

so let me have a listen.

Hey, my ears are bleeding.

My lips denied it

but my body could not lie.

In that moment

I knew I had to do it!

To become a singer for freedom.

A rocker of the people!

A rocker?

And today...

I've had a taste of freedom here.

The taste of freedom...

was so savory

crispy...

rich...

and absolutely blissful.

A savory...

and crispy freedom awaits you

in the Republic of Korea.

We sincerely welcome you.

Even more delicious foods

will be waiting for you.

Republic of Korea!

- Republic of Korea! - Republic of Korea!

- Republic of Korea! - Republic of Korea!

- Republic of Korea! - Republic of Korea!

Republic of...

Lady comrade.

Yes?

That pork cutlet from earlier...

did you make it yourself?

No.

The cook from our unit

Private Kang Seong-jae, made it.

Kang Seong-jae?

Who's Kang Seong-jae?

Private Kang Seong-jae!

What's your name?

Introductions, at a time like this?

I'm sorry, I didn't catch that.

I'm...

Kim Min-ho. After coming to South Korea

I've had the most delicious meal of my life.

I'm truly grateful.

Private Kang Seong-jae. Thank you.

Good work, everyone. I know it's late.

Thanks to the efforts of our Ourpost members

we successfully handled a defection.

The moment we let down our guard

the Republic of Korea is at risk.

Regimental Commander.

As the Company Commander, it's something I always emphasize

so I believe that's why my orders were followed so well.

But I heard he walked right up to the outpost himself?

Technically...

didn't we lure him in with the pork cutlet?

Right. The Master Sergeant's got a point.

Who...

was the soldier that made the pork cutlet?

Where's Kang Seong-jae?

- Private Kang Seong-jae! - Okay, step forward.

Yes, sir.

This is the one.

The one who made the seaweed soup

that almost killed me.

So this guy's a dangerous one.

At this rate, he might cause a major incident.

Private Kang Seong-jae. I apologize, sir.

It's all right.

When you try to do great things, mistakes can happen.

But how did you make a pork cutlet that convinced a man to defect?

I just made it with all my heart

hoping my sincerity would be understood.

What is he talking about?

Well...

before Private Kang Seong-jae's transfer

he wanted the Company Commander to try his pork cutlet

so he prepared that.

Why is he being transferred?

I'm sure I told you not to come down so hard on your men.

Where were you trying to send such a talented soldier?

Master Sergeant, you've been watching him, right?

Yes, sir. Well...

He's still a private, so he's a bit green.

But from what I saw today, he's got what it takes.

No, for a private, he's outstanding.

- Then I'll keep him on mess duty. - Good.

Congratulations.

You have completed the Hidden Quest: Chain of Command.

Just how good could it possibly be?

Feel free to stop by for a meal anytime, sir.

LIKEABILITY

Would that be okay?

Hero, the Chef's Path restarts.

THE CHEF'S PATH RELOAD

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

The Regimental Commander asked you a question.

What did you...

Could I try it next time?

The Pork Cutlet, I mean.

Yes, I'll fry you lots and lots.

- Lots and lots? - Yes, lots and lots.

I can't just let this go unrewarded.

Your thoughts, Company Commander?

What are you referring to, sir?

A reward.

As Company Commander, can't you grant a four-day leave?

There are two people

on kitchen duty, right?

Sergeant Yoon Dong-hyun!

I will arrange for their reward immediately, sir.

Regimental Commander, I love you, sir!

- I... I love you, sir. - All right.

I love you guys too.

You've all been through a lot

so go get some rest.

Company, attention!

Salute the Regimental Commander.

Salute!

Salute!

Salute!

At ease!

What was that?

We're the ones who found him, and they don't even say a word to us?

Are they seriously just leaving like this?

Without giving us anything.

At this rate, maybe we should've just fried him a pork cutlet too.

That punk's really getting on my nerves.

At ease.

Man, Seok-ho.

Your luck is just incredible.

You know if this had gone south, you'd face discipline, right?

I believe the five-star treatment we gave him

ensuring his comfort

is what ultimately led to his defection.

That pork cutlet was a stroke of genius.

Imagine how moving that must've been for someone from the North.

A pork cutlet, made with love

placed right in front of him.

Yes, sir.

- That's right, sir. - So train him well. Understood?

Nothing beats an excellent cook

for boosting unit morale.

As you said, Battalion Commander

I will train him well.

It's good to see you doing fine.

No trouble, I hope?

No, sir. I'm fine.

Good.

All right, I'm heading out.

Don't see me out, just stay inside.

- Yes, sir. - You all worked hard.

All right, attention!

I love you.

Right.

- Salute! - Salute!

We're lucky it all ended well.

Imagine if we had sent him back like someone suggested.

We'd all be under investigation, and it would've been a disaster.

Good thing I, Hwang Seok-ho, stepped up and showed leadership.

Oh, please. Your "great leadership"?

You just ordered tons of takeout.

Wasn't it our Company Commander

who ordered takeout for an entire army?

Speaking of which, you were the one

who gave up quickly, Master Sergeant.

I mean, a man comes here seeking freedom

and you were just going to heartlessly send him back?

Hey, that's why we fed him, isn't it?

With that savory

crispy taste of freedom.

The pork cutlet.

You know the one. Kang Seong-jae first made it for me.

If it weren't for me,

that pork cutlet wouldn't even exist.

Got it? Got it?

Because I, Hwang Seok-ho

- didn't eat that Pork Cutlet... - Right.

Since you didn't eat the pork cutlet, Company Commander

another citizen of the Republic of Korea was born.

Anyway, that Kang Seong-jae is strange, isn't he?

Everyone else tries to get out of being a cook.

He's really something else.

We've never had a rookie cause so much trouble right away.

All right, let's head inside.

Yes, sir.

Goodness.

- Private Kang Seong-jae. - Here.

Start wearing this today.

KANG SEONG-JAE

Thank you.

Oh, wait.

I'm just going to use the restroom real quick.

Don't touch anything weird.

Yes, sir.

Job change from Kitchen Assistant to Cook

complete.

New skills and recipes have been activated.

Oh, you actually look like

a cook in that.

What do you want to try first?

I'm sorry, what was that?

Well, you're a real cook now.

You can't just wash dishes forever.

I will do my best.

Still, since it's your first day...

TODAY'S MENU

Let's try making this.

Seasoned radish salad?

That's right. Seasoned radish salad.

Now that I'm a real cook

shall I show them what I've got?

Jeez, the way he holds that knife is making me nervous.

- Chop to the rhythm. - Fail.

- Chop to the rhythm. - Fail.

Fail.

To the rhythm.

Chop to the rhythm.

- Fail. - Increase proficiency

to improve your knife skills.

Goodness, your knife work is painful to watch.

You don't chop with brute force, okay?

Relax your body

and use the snap of your wrist. See?

Chop, chop, chop, chop, chop.

See? That's how you're supposed to do it.

Sergeant Yoon Dong-hyun, are you okay?

What? Why?

I think I'm coming down with something.

Hurry up and finish it.

That stings.

Who stopped chopping this radish halfway?

Yeah, well, things happen.

LEFTOVER TRAFFIC LIGHT BAD

DAY 3 SINCE JOB CHANGE

Good.

Good.

Basic Knife Skills proficiency has increased.

PROFICIENCY: BASIC KNIFE SKILLS

DAY 3 SINCE JOB CHANGE

DAY 7 SINCE JOB CHANGE

Why is this knife so dull?

Stir-fry proficiency has increased.

Much better.

Well, now.

What did I tell you, huh?

If you can't use a knife

then use a machine like this. A machine!

Look how nice and neat it looks when you use a machine.

Isn't the only potato dish we serve in the mess hall

mashed potatoes?

They're usually a pile of mush

so seeing them in one piece is so weird.

- It even tastes good. - It's delicious.

Well, I'll be.

LEFTOVER TRAFFIC LIGHT

DAY 7 SINCE JOB CHANGE

DAY 8 SINCE JOB CHANGE

Frying proficiency has increased.

Seasoned salad proficiency has increased.

Attention!

Roll call is over.

Don't even think about passing out just because you're sleepy.

And that goes for you punks who skip meals if you're not hungry.

Why isn't he here?

Where are you headed?

- Enjoy your meal, sir. - Where are you going?

GANGLIM OUTPOST

LEFTOVER FOOD SIGNAL GOOD

If we don't get any leftovers

how are we supposed to feed the pigs?

The kids are eating well these days. They're scraping their plates clean.

I'm telling you, you don't even need to do the dishes.

Thanks to you, the pork cutlets came out great.

Thank you.

So...

Did I help at all?

Yes, you were a huge help.

Would you believe that a pork cutlet, made with pork from Miss Jung's

could bring someone freedom?

Can you believe it?

Did you eat something wrong today?

What nonsense are you talking?

Let me know if you need anything else.

She complains of too many leftovers

and when there's not enough.

She only does this to me.

LIKEABILITY 70%

Caught in a storm, Mr. Kim's boat drifted to South Korea.

Mr. Kim didn't intend to defect

but a military personnel's kindness moved him

and he changed his mind.

Pork cutlet.

It's the pork cutlet guy.

I'd like to have a pork cutlet.

Defense Minister Kim Tae-hwan

met Colonel Bae and Lieutenant Colonel Baek...

Jeez. They met the Defense Minister

and we only get a four-day vacation?

All those guys care about is getting their next star, sir.

We shouldn't expect too much from them, sir.

With the threat of war looming every day

this "pork cutlet defection'" shows how we treat Northerners

and is being seen as a humanitarian solution.

- Jung Min-a, Armed Forces TV. - Hey, Kang Seong-jae!

- on social media in remote areas... - Seong-jae!

Private Kang Seong-jae!

Were you hoping for a mention on TV?

No, sir.

You got a reward. Isn't it enough?

Yeah, right. I've never gotten one.

Hey, Joo Sang-uk.

Corporal Joo Sang-uk.

You said you'd introduce me to a girl during my leave.

My leave is almost here.

Are you just going to be all talk?

What do you take me for?

You really want me to set you up?

Yes, right now. Give me your phone.

- Whoa, hold on. - Barracks 1, assemble! Get him!

Wait, wait, wait.

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

Visiting residents to check it...

Hey, show me the pics. Unlock it.

Military life must be easy for you.

Humming to yourself like that.

I'm sorry. I didn't even realize.

We go easy on you, and you walk around with a stupid grin.

In Barracks 2, they'd kick your ass.

You got lucky with good seniors

and that's why they go this easy on you.

Got it?

The vibe in Barracks 2 is absolutely brutal.

- Salute! - Salute!

You should be cleaning in silence.

You're so loud, I get constipated

just hearing how well the army runs.

- Hey, TMI. - Private Tak Mun-ik.

You think making private first class gives you the right to run your mouth off?

If you act like that, what will your privates learn from you?

I'm sorry. That's not what I meant...

Watch your damn mouth.

Having a grand old time, aren't you?

The seniors are all babying you

so you think you own the place, huh?

No, sir!

This punk's giving me a look I don't like.

Don't push your luck.

Stop showing off frying pork cutlets when no one even asked you to.

Warning! Hero, please step away.

What are you gonna do, you little punk?

Corporal Kim Kwan-cheol, I'll make sure to straighten him out.

A little rank and you boss me around? You've gotten bold.

Want a beating before your junior

to get a reality check?

Turn.

Are you crazy?

This isn't the old days. You can't leave marks on a kid now.

Your spoiling them is the problem, Sergeant Yoon Dong-hyun.

And what about you?

When I was swamped and had no leave

I asked for a Kitchen Assistant

you just blew me off, saying you were too busy

and now you're whining your ass off because you didn't get commended?

And you little shit

I can ignore it if you punish someone for a mistake.

Take it to the Regimental Commander if you have a problem.

Why take it out on an innocent kid?

Sergeant Yoon Dong-hyun.

Since when were you so full of love for all mankind?

Look, from what I heard

it's not like you guys found and caught him.

He walked in on his own, right?

That guy's got some guts.

How did he bypass your security?

Just focus on managing your own barracks.

And stop messing with my guys who still have a long time to serve.

You two, with me.

Aren't you going to watch M-Countdown?

RESTROOM

You know what the army is?

It's a place where rumors spread even if you just stare at a wall.

Is it okay for two guys at the bottom of the food chain

to run your mouths?

That punk only lays off you because I'm here.

Got it?

You're not hurt or anything, are you?

I'm fine, sir.

- Remember this. - Private Kang Seong-jae!

Until I go on leave..

I repeat. Until I go on leave

don't you dare get hurt.

If you get hurt...

I might just turn into a beast.

GANGLIM

Well.

Look who it is. Someone important has arrived.

What are you referring to, sir?

What's the lunch menu for this Wednesday?

Zucchini soybean paste stew and steamed eggs...

That's the one. That's the problem.

The dreaded braised pollack.

You mean the braised boneless pollack, sir?

One of the easiest ways to tell if someone's served in the military

is their take on braised pollack.

In the outside world, that same dish

Man, it's a delicacy you can't get enough of.

But in the army

it's an item that everyone knows to skip.

Our Miss Jung is going to be happy.

She'll be leaving with a full bucket of leftovers.

BRAISED BONELESS POLLACK

AVAILABLE RECIPE BRAISED BONELESS POLLACK

BRAISED BONELESS POLLACK SLICE ONIONS AND STIR-FRY IN OLIVE OIL

SEASON THE POLLACK WITH SALT AND PEPPER AND ADD COOKING WINE

IN AN OILED PAN OVER MEDIUM-LOW HEAT PAN-FRY THE POLLOCK UNTIL IT'S CRISPY

What are you doing?

What was that just now?

What do you mean, sir?

You were pointing your finger around

and waving it all over the place.

Oh, that, sir.

How many fingers do you see?

Two?

Okay, then how many do you see now?

Seeing you go crazy like this

you're adjusting well to army life.

Three.

What was that?

Emergency! It's an emergency!

Hey, guys, let's hurry.

We can sort out these vests later.

If it doesn't come off later, just scrape it with a knife.

Yes, sir.

Scrub it clean! Leave no dust!

Yes, sir.

- Hurry up. Inspection is later. - Yes, sir.

Damn it.

First a congressman, now the Division Commander? What gives?

There are news reports on poor meals, so of course they're visiting, sir.

But of all places, why us?

Our name is Ganglim, which means "divine descent," sir.

We're living up to our name, sir.

Oh, for crying out loud!

BARRACKS

Hey, P-Dragon. Hurry, hurry, hurry.

Corporal Kim Kwan-cheol.

You need to hide your civilian underwear, sir.

The issued ones give me a rash.

Hey, does anyone have a spare pair of issued underwear?

- We don't. - None here.

You guys are useless.

I have a used pair.

Do you want them?

Are you kidding? I won't take them.

Did you actually clean the mess hall?

Huh? Did you?

Why is it so filthy in here?

This isn't a problem that a little floor buffing will fix.

This entire guard post should've been remodeled ages ago.

No matter how I look at it, the whole setup is just awful.

Should we maybe put some flowers on the tables?

Flowers, all of a sudden?

Since it's just guys here

we should make it look presentable, right?

- But flowers... - I heard you volunteered.

That's right. Why, is there a problem?

It's not that there's a problem...

But the soldiers are all exhausted from their duties, sir.

You saw what happened, didn't you? They completely snubbed our post.

They were popping champagne all by themselves.

All that effort we put into making pork cutlet was a waste.

You must have been very upset, sir.

Ye-rin.

Upset? It's not that...

He's not upset.

He's just furious

he was passed over for promotion again.

Master Sergeant, what do you take me for?

Isn't Captain Lee Min-gu from your class?

I hear he's making Major this round.

You're the poster child for passed promotions

and you're worried about me?

What? The poster child for passed promotions?

Me?

What to do?

You'll catch my bad luck if you work with me. What'll you do?

What is this? Remove it, right now.

Oh my, oh my. I'm the poster child for passed promotions.

- Right now! - Okay, so.

What should we be preparing?

Sir?

- The special meal's this summer, right? - Yes, sir.

Okay, call the battalion supply NCO

and have them send the meal early.

A lot of eyes will be on us

so the presentation must be perfect.

That way, we won't have any of this 'substandard meals' business, right?

Okay.

Sergeant Yoon Dong-hyun, Private Kang Seong-jae

Sergeant Yoon Dong-hyun.

Private Kang Seong-jae.

Honestly, the last Pork Cutlet's presentation was a bit lacking.

This time, make it more fantastic

and delicious, got it?

Got it?

Good grief. All talk, that one.

Hey, you two, over here.

How should we go about choosing the menu?

Let's just do as the Company Commander said and not get fancy.

Wouldn't it be better to just play it safe?

We could make ginseng chicken soup

and just toss an abalone in it.

There's nothing better than that, is there?

That feels like we're just trying to pull the wool over their eyes.

Everyone on the outside will know.

They'll say we added a special meal just because a congressman is coming.

Still, we can't exactly serve what was on the original menu.

Hey, what's on the menu for that day?

That day...

we're scheduled for braised pollack, sir.

Braised pollack?

What?

You mean braised boneless pollack?

Are you kidding me? Of all things, it has to be braised pollack?

The one dish that everyone throws out the second they get it...

In my entire military career, I've never seen a single soul eat it.

You could coat that fish in gold

and you still couldn't save it.

End of discussion! Not happening!

Just take the chicken, the abalone

and use all the year's special meals and serve them all at once.

Sheesh, forget about the braised pollack!

Yes, Administration & Supply NCO. This is Park Jae-young.

Oh, man, I heard we're getting braised pollack that day.

Then, to coincide with the day of the lecture

I'll arrange for the special meals to be served early.

All right.

Keep up the good work.

Bye.

Jeez.

- Is it Ganglim? - Yes.

That Hwang Seok-ho...

Always making things complicated.

He's probably freaking out too.

But...

Can you really expect him to solve a difficult problem this easily?

NO ENTRY EXCEPT FOR COOKS

AVAILBLE RECIPES: TOFU STEW, PORK CUTLET, BRAISED BONELESS POLLACK, CHICKEN

AVAILABLE RECIPES GINSENG CHICKEN SOUP

Here it is.

GINSENG CHICKEN SOUP SOUP DISH LEVEL 3, CHICKEN DISH LEVEL 3

Currently your proficiency is Level 2 for Soup Dishes

and Level 2 for Chicken Dishes.

Please increase your proficiency level.

My proficiency level is just a little too low.

Who's he talking to?

Sergeant Yoon Dong-hyun's braised chicken.

One star.

ADD CARROTS AND POTATOES

ADDING BLACK BEAN PASTE WILL INCREASE THE SAVORY FLAVOR

If I add black bean paste to that

it will make it more savory.

- Stop right there. - It's nothing, sir.

What do you mean? What do you have?

Black bean paste, sir.

Black bean paste?

- We had black bean paste? - Yes, sir.

Did someone say this would make it taste better?

Looks like you skimmed some cooking blog or something.

Mess hall food should be simple.

Don't try to get fancy.

Can't I just try adding a little bit, please?

Are you telling me to listen to you

because you think my cooking is terrible?

I'm sorry, sir.

You apologizing is just making me angrier.

No, but if you try it with this

you'll notice a difference.

This had better taste good.

Fancy soy-braised chicken. Three stars.

FANCY SOY-BRAISED CHICKEN

Hey.

Private Kang Seong-jae.

Is this it?

Does it taste strange, sir?

It's not that. It's just...

if it's this good

the guys are going to want seconds.

Well, that's a relief.

A relief? If everyone wants seconds

will you take responsibility?

The braised chicken has been completed.

Your proficiency in Chicken Dishes has increased.

AVAILABLE RECIPE SOFT TOFU STEW

- Sergeant Yoon Dong-hyun. - What is it?

Let me try my hand at making the soup today, too.

You sure about that?

I'm not just letting you because I'm feeling lazy.

Save a few for me. The drumsticks.

Stamina is consumed when you use a recipe.

STAMINA

What kind of nonsense is this?

I thought I made myself clear.

That we serve the special meal early because the congressman is coming.

But now you're telling me we can't? What are we supposed to do?

What do you expect us to do now? Seriously!

Why don't we just tackle this head-on?

Outpost Commander, I'm afraid the menu for today is...

It's not like we can get our hands on chicken right now...

Wouldn't this seem more sincere, in a way?

Oh, come on, Outpost Commander, not you too.

Sincerity, my foot.

The bottom line is, it tastes terrible.

Then isn't there a way

to make the braised pollack taste better?

Come on, if that were possible

why would it always be rated the worst by active-duty soldiers?

But it's the best we can do

as of right now.

Oh, jeez.

GANGLIM OUTPOST

- Salute! - Salute!

- Salute! - At ease.

- I'm Division Commander Kim In-tae. - Hello.

- Regimental Commander Bae Won-young. - Hello.

- Battalion Commander Baek Chun-ik. - Hello.

I'm Congressman Kang Hong-beom.

To all the reporters who came so far

I hope you write some great articles.

Congressman, this way, please.

Wait.

This is my good side.

Oh, yes.

To the congressman, salute!

- Salute! - Salute!

Salute!

Just looking at them is stressful.

But Sergeant Yoon Dong-hyun.

Why do you hate braised pollack?

It has a terrible fishy smell

and it's dry and flaky when you chew.

I can't even tell what flavor it has.

Sergeant Yoon Dong-hyun, I thought you liked any protein.

I have a weak stomach.

Yeah.

So the key is figuring out how to fix the fishy smell and the texture.

Jeez, why is the Outpost Commander making things so difficult?

STAMINA

Using a recipe consumes stamina.

Would you like to use a recipe?

AVAILABLE RECIPE BRAISED BONELESS POLLACK

SLICE ONIONS AND STIR-FRY IN OLIVE OIL

STAMINA

Guys, we're out of time.

Everyone's heading to the mess hall.

Yes, ma'am.

All right, don't be nervous, okay?

Just relax.

To get rid of the dry texture of the braised pollack

it's best to fry it until it's crispy.

SEASON THE POLLOCK WITH SALT AND PEPPER AND ADD COOKING WINE

IN AN OILED PAN OVER MEDIUM-LOW HEAT PAN-FRY THE POLLOCK UNTIL IT'S CRISPY

IN AN OILED PAN OVER MEDIUM-LOW HEAT PAN-FRY THE POLLOCK UNTIL IT'S CRISPY

PAN-FRY THE POLLOCK UNTIL IT'S CRISPY

IRONCLAD COASTAL DEFENSE UNITED THROUGH COMRADESHIP

So? Is it bad?

How is it?

Say something.

I think I managed to fix the texture

but I couldn't remove the fishy smell

from it being frozen.

Hey...

If you can't get rid of the fishy smell

is your military career over?

No, sir.

Do whatever it takes

to get rid of that fishy smell!

Private Kang Seong-jae.

Then I'll check the storeroom

to see if there are any spices or sauces I can use.

Is it impossible to fix

even if I follow the recipe exactly?

The restaurant smells so fishy.

This stuff...

It's just hard to prepare.

But it's really delicious once it's cooked.

But the smell is so bad.

Won't you scare away your customers?

Seong-jae.

Hand me that tomato spaghetti sauce.

This?

You're wondering what I'm doing, aren't you?

- Yeah. - Just you wait. Okay?

Advanced recipe ingredient acquired.

Using an advanced recipe

will consume one additional stamina.

ADVANCED RECIPE INGREDIENT CONSUMES EXTRA STAMINA UPON USE

STAMINA

ADVANCED RECIPE INGREDIENT CONSUMES EXTRA STAMINA UPON USE

- Wait! - One second!

- Wait... wait... - Hey, are you crazy?

I told you to get rid of the smell, not try to kill us...

Is this a suicide mission? Huh?

This is the secret to getting rid of the smell.

Are you sure this is going to be okay?

- Boneless pollack pasta? - I think we're screwed.

Salute!

Salute!

It's clear that military life has improved a lot these days.

Back in my day, 30 of us slept

crammed on sleeping platforms.

Now, the soldiers can serve in a comfortable environment.

In fact, some soldiers say it's more comfortable here than home.

Corporal Kim Kwan-cheol.

Corporal Kim Kwan-cheol, sir!

So, is military life really more comfortable than being at home?

- Yes, sir. - Oh, come on.

Don't give me that textbook answer.

Why do you think I came all the way out here?

I came to hear firsthand

about the problems that come

with a closed organization like the military.

My wish is that the soldiers here finish their service in good health.

You've trained him well.

All right.

Since the reporters are here

along with the Division Commander

and all our soldiers, I have something to say.

Because of the recent controversy over poor-quality meals

I came here today to listen to your voices directly.

In this day and age

how can there be an issue with our military's meals

when they should be a top priority for our national defense!

I'm going to see for myself

and make sure that this never happens again.

Which way is to the mess hall?

This way, sir.

Corporal Kim Kwan-cheol, sir!

Let's go eat.

This way, sir.

What did you prepare for the meal?

Don't worry, I talked to them and made sure they got it.

It's set for this month's special, ginseng chicken soup.

Okay, good job.

The congressman will enjoy the chicken

so don't you worry.

Yes, sir.

It's okay. Don't worry.

Outpost Commander, you seem more nervous than any of us.

What's wrong? Are you okay?

I'm fine, ma'am. I think I'm just nervous.

Jeez, why am I the one shaking? We're just feeding a congressman.

- Here they come. - They're coming!

Salute!

Right.

Salute!

Please enjoy your meal.

- Master Sergeant Park Jae-young. - Master Sergeant Park Jae-young, sir.

A pleasure to meet you.

Congressman, I'm a huge fan.

Oh, is that right?

Please enjoy your meal.

Master Sergeant Park Jae-young.

What is this?

What the hell...

What happened? What about ginseng chicken soup?

That's what I was told.

The congressman hates fishy food. And you serve him pollack?

Goodness, we'll talk about this later.

Wait.

What... What is this?

It's pomodoro braised boneless pollack, sir.

- Pomodoro? - Pomodoro is the Italian word for

tomato.

To address the fishy smell

and texture issues of frozen pollack

I've incorporated a tomato sauce.

The acidic compounds in tomatoes

are effective at neutralizing amines

that cause a fishy odor.

Well, soldiers these days...

are served quite a variety of food.

- Po... what? - Pomodoro.

Anyway

when it comes to military meals

you can't please everyone's palate

but that doesn't mean...

they should be lacking in any way.

Of course.

Who said to change the menu? What happened to the ginseng chicken soup?

Is it not to your liking?

It's more original than ginseng chicken soup.

That's only for special occasions.

But why?

This isn't a game. Pomodoro, Pororo, whatever...

Why didn't you do as you were told?

Can't you read the room?

Officers are picky. What will you do?

Warning. Stamina is low.

Rest immediately.

No.

- I have to hang on a little longer. - How much time do you have left?

- Just a little longer. - Kang Seong-jae.

Private Kang Seong-jae.

I think we need to get more rice.

Yes, I understand.

System.

System overload.

Shutting down system.

SPECIAL THANKS TO PARK MYUNG-HUN AND KANG GIL-WOO

THE LEGEND OF KITCHEN SOLDIER

Hey, Kang Seong-jae.

Kang Seong-jae!

How could you be so confident not knowing about this problem?

If you insisted on doing this, you should see it through to the end.

Don't just cut corners

- and try to muddle through. - Private Kang Seong-jae!

Because of all the visitors for Kang Seong-jae

I can't get any rest, damn it.

Hey, I said I'd do it.

I guess the praise made you greedy

but our primary enemy...

is the officers.

I'm thinking of bringing Private Kang Seong-jae

over to the Officers' Mess.

What's different about the Officers' Mess?