Park Jihoon’s pork cutlet cooking has completely captured the taste buds of a defector!
In the third episode of tvN’s ‘Becoming a Legendary Cook’ (Directed by Jo Nam-hyung, Written by Choi Ryong), which aired on the 18th at 8:50 PM, we saw Kang Seong-jae (played by Park Jihoon) preparing pork cutlets for a defector soldier.
An unprecedented situation occurred when a North Korean resident stepped into the Gangrim outpost. This put cook Kang Seong-jae in a sudden spot where he had to satisfy their palate.
Previously, Kang Seong-jae began his life as a cook under the orders of Company Commander Hwang Seok-ho (played by Lee Sang-yi). However, he faced a crisis regarding his position after the sea urchin seaweed soup he served to Battalion Commander Baek Chun-ik (played by Jung Woong-in) led to an allergic reaction.
Just as Kang Seong-jae began to find joy in cooking, he expressed his desire to remain a cook to Hwang Seok-ho. Although Hwang initially ignored this, stopping his culinary journey, Kang Seong-jae eventually got to fry pork cutlets for the defector. The defector, who had been refusing food, was absolutely shocked by the taste.
The defector, who had longed for freedom, looked at Kang Seong-jae and praised the dish, saying, “I’ve tasted freedom here,” and described the “taste of freedom” as “savory, crispy, oily, and wonderful.” Thanks to his efforts, Kang Seong-jae earned a reward vacation. However, some seniors, who were the ones to first discover the defector, began to feel resentful that a Private like Kang Seong-jae was getting all the attention.
Baek Chun-ik told Hwang Seok-ho, “Your luck is truly amazing,” adding, “If this had gone wrong, it would have been a disciplinary issue.” Hwang replied, “I believe treating them with five-star hospitality is what led to this defection.” Baek noted that the pork cutlet was a “god-tier move,” imagining how touching it must be for someone coming from the North. When asked how he made such a delicious dish, Kang Seong-jae simply replied, “I made it with all my heart.” Impressed, Baek told Hwang Seok-ho to make sure to nurture Kang Seong-jae’s talent.
