Park Ji Hoon is staying grounded despite the success of TVING’s original series The Legend of Kitchen Soldier and his latest hit film The King’s Warden.
The fantasy comedy has become a hit for the streaming platform, ranking No. 1 in paid subscriber contributions for three consecutive weeks and topping daily subscription rankings following Episode 7.
“I’m just grateful that the series is doing well,” Park Ji Hoon said. “It’s rewarding to see that viewers are enjoying it because it makes me feel like I made the right choice. A lot of things around me may be changing, but I don’t think much has changed inside me. I’m simply doing the work that’s been given to me. Of course, I’m happy, but my mindset hasn’t really changed.”
Park Ji Hoon said he is especially careful not to let success go to his head.
“I really dislike causing inconvenience to others,” he explained. “I worry that if I get too excited, it could come across the wrong way. I don’t like getting carried away by success, so I’m always trying to keep myself grounded.”
The actor also shared director Jang Hang Joon’s reaction to the show’s success.
“He didn’t have any special reaction,” Park Ji Hoon said with a laugh. “He just said the show was doing well and that it was the result of everyone’s hard work.”
Surprisingly, what excites him most isn’t success but free time.
“Honestly, I get most excited when I can rest,” he said. “I get really excited when I suddenly have a day off.”
Looking ahead, Park Ji Hoon hopes to take on a very different type of role.
“I’d like to play a villain someday,” he said. “Most of the characters I’ve played have been kind-hearted people who stand up against injustice. I’m curious to see what side of myself would come out if I played someone really evil.”
He added that he wants to portray a character that audiences genuinely dislike.
“I want to play the kind of villain who makes viewers angry while they’re watching,” he said. “I’m curious about how people would react and what that experience would be like as an actor.”
Park Ji Hoon also confirmed that he still plans to enlist in the Marine Corps Reconnaissance Unit next year.
The actor, who turns 28 this year, said he has no intention of delaying his military service any longer.
“The exact date hasn’t been decided yet, but I need to go next year if I want to join the Marines,” he said. “I don’t know which month yet, but I’m definitely going next year.”
He emphasized just how determined he is.
“I’m still going, even if my agency tells me not to go,” he said. “Please write that in the article. I don’t want to postpone it anymore. I want to serve properly and do my duty.”
Park Ji Hoon acknowledged that he must first pass the selection process for the Marine Corps Reconnaissance Unit, but said that even if he doesn’t make it, he still wants to serve in the Marines.
When asked whether he was worried about the career hiatus that comes with military service, Park Ji Hoon appeared optimistic.
“Because actors often film projects in advance, fans can continue seeing their work even during their military service,” he said. “I don’t know what my schedule will look like yet, but if that happens, it would be the best-case scenario.”
Park Ji Hoon currently stars as a rookie chef in TVING’s The Legend of Kitchen Soldier.
>> Park Ji Hoon Will No Longer Star in ‘Promoter’ Alongside Lee Ha Nee
In the meantime, watch trending K-dramas for free on Amasian TV.
Source (1)
