Actor Park Ji-hoon has solidified his position as a leading actor by confirming his next project 'The Legend of the Cook' following the record-breaking success of the movie 'The King and the Clown'. Notably, the original author has sent unusual praise regarding Park Ji-hoon's casting, heightening expectations for the work.
Jay Robin, the original author of the Tving original series 'The Legend of the Cook', mentioned Park Ji-hoon's casting news on his social media on the 2nd, expressing his overwhelming feelings by saying, "I feel like I've used up all my luck in my lifetime." He praised Park Ji-hoon as having a perfect visual that seems to have torn out of the novel cover, and he expressed strong trust in his acting skills.
Based on the popular web novel and webtoon of the same name, this work depicts the growth of Kang Sung-jae, who accidentally awakens the 'Cooking Quest' system during his military service and transforms into a legendary cook. Park Ji-hoon will play the role of the protagonist Kang Sung-jae, who quietly carves his own path even in harsh environments, showcasing unique action using a kitchen knife and delicate emotional acting.
Park Ji-hoon is currently demonstrating his outstanding ticket power on the screen as well. The movie 'The King and the Clown', in which he passionately played the ill-fated king Danjong Lee Hong-wi, has surpassed 9.21 million cumulative viewers as of the 2nd, according to the integrated computer network of the Korean Film Council. This positions Park Ji-hoon on the verge of becoming the lead in the first '10 million movie' in two years.
The continuous box office success has directly led to an increase in Park Ji-hoon's brand value. In the Rising Star Brand Reputation Analysis released by the Korean Corporate Reputation Research Institute in February 2026, Park Ji-hoon ranked first with overwhelming figures. He recorded high scores in media and communication indices, proving the public's intense interest, and there has been a flood of love calls from the advertising industry in fashion, beauty, and food and beverage sectors.
Park Ji-hoon is set to target the home theater with 'The Legend of the Cook', which is scheduled to be released in the first half of this year, while also participating in the comeback activities of the group Wanna One, which announced its reunion after about seven years. Attention is focused on Park Ji-hoon's activities in the first half of 2026 as he actively works across screens, OTT, and stages.
