The secret to military dramas capturing hearts isn’t just about the soldiers’ ups and downs. The presence of the “officers” leading them also defines the vibe and immersion of the work. Lee Sang-yi in ‘The Legend of the Cooking Soldier’, Oh Dae-hwan in ‘New Recruit 3’, and Son Suk-ku in ‘D.P.’ have naturally drawn viewers into the unique military environment with their distinct leadership styles and irresistible charms.
Lee Sang-yi played an intellectual yet strict company commander in ‘The Legend of the Cooking Soldier’, adding a layer of credibility to the story. His character is a smart individual who sometimes rules the soldiers with a strict standard, but he never enforces discipline mindlessly.
His true value shines when his gourmet instincts kick in. Whether it’s carefully brewing coffee for Private Kang Seong-jae (played by Park Ji-hoon) or his picky habit of only eating ramen with an unbroken egg, he adds a lot of flavor to this military cooking drama. Despite being a special appearance, his high level of immersion led some to call him a “special lead.”
There is also an actor who stole hearts by portraying a “true soldier.” Oh Dae-hwan joined ‘New Recruit’ as Jo Baek-ho starting from Season 3. In the show, Jo Baek-ho is a rare, benevolent, and emotional company commander in the desolate space of the military.
Oh Dae-hwan brought out everyday comedy with his signature sly acting. His real charm appears during crises. While usually easy-going, he switches his gaze and handles situations decisively when problems arise or a unit member is struggling. This balanced the show’s humor and tension. His line, “Shouldn’t we ease the burden instead of taking advantage of the hardship?” left viewers feeling touched.
Son Suk-ku’s performance as a company commander in the Netflix series ‘D.P.’ represents the brutal reality of military life. In the beginning, Captain Im Ji-seop (played by Son Suk-ku) is a realist who prioritizes his own performance and promotion over the state or a sense of duty. His sensitivity to political struggles within the unit evoked both empathy and anger from viewers.
Son Suk-ku’s heavy presence becomes even more apparent as the story unfolds. A major highlight was watching Captain Im, who seemed like nothing more than an annoying boss, realize his responsibility as a soldier and face human agony. With cynical and sharp acting, Son Suk-ku kept the tension tight and portrayed the character’s evolving inner self in a three-dimensional way.
Because these actors silently yet powerfully held the center of gravity behind the soldiers’ stories, the details of K-military dramas became even more intricate. Lee Sang-yi, Oh Dae-hwan, and Son Suk-ku completed unique officer characters across kitchens, barracks, and operational sites.
