Author Scores Huge Earnings Following K-Drama Adaptation of The Legend of Kitchen Soldier

Park Jihoon’s original author behind the hit K-Drama The Legend of Kitchen Soldier just revealed how much he’s making—and it’s a major payday.

Author J Robin (aka Oh Jong Pil) shared on social media that his royalty settlement for the original novel hit around ₩88.0 million KRW (about $57,600 USD) after the drama aired on TVING. The webtoon royalty settlement is still pending but expected to be even bigger.

J Robin called himself “a very lucky writer” and explained several factors helped boost his earnings: Park Jihoon’s growing popularity from The King’s Warden, official platforms cracking down on illegal sites, and the drama’s differences from the original work sparking reader curiosity.

“After the drama The Legend of Kitchen Soldier aired, I heard this month’s novel royalty settlement amount and doubted it.”
— J Robin

He also revealed his lecture fees shot up more than five times thanks to the surge.

“Because the drama and the original work went in different directions in the adaptation, many readers turned to the original out of curiosity about what was different.”
— J Robin

J Robin explained his reason for sharing the settlement details was to clear up a misconception that original creators don’t earn much from adaptations.

“Some may think the video adaptation rights fee is not very large compared to the drama’s success, but having the drama air alone greatly increases other income streams. I don’t think it is a structure where the author loses out at all. Thanks to the airing of The Legend of Kitchen Soldier, I am spending happier days than ever.”
— J Robin

The Legend of Kitchen Soldier wrapped up on June 16 to solid reviews. The military food comedy stars Park Jihoon as a cook trading his gun for a kitchen knife in a unique twist.

Watch the official trailer below: