With just one episode left, tvN’s The Legend of Kitchen Soldier is proving that great Korean dramas don’t need to coast to the finish line — they go out swinging. The penultimate episode delivered yet another strong performance, keeping audiences firmly locked in ahead of what promises to be a highly anticipated finale.
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The Legend of Kitchen Soldier: Ratings Snapshot
| Drama | Network | Episode | Nationwide Rating | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Legend of Kitchen Soldier | tvN | 2nd to Last | 7.1% | -0.2% |
| The Legend of Kitchen Soldier | tvN | Previous Episode | 7.3% | — |
| Doctor on the Edge | ENA | Episode 5 | 5.0% | -0.2% |
| Doctor on the Edge | ENA | Previous Episode | 5.2% | — |
What the Numbers Tell Us?
According to Nielsen Korea, the second to last episode of tvN’s The Legend of Kitchen Soldier garnered an average nationwide viewership rating of 7.1 percent — a marginal 0.2 percent dip from its previous episode’s rating of 7.3 percent. In the competitive world of Korean primetime drama, holding above 7% heading into a finale is a genuinely impressive feat and speaks to how deeply invested audiences have become in the show’s story.
The slight slip is nothing to worry about — minor fluctuations in penultimate episodes are common as viewers brace themselves for the ending rather than tune in live. The show has clearly built a loyal audience that will almost certainly turn out in full force for the grand finale.
Meanwhile, episode 5 of ENA’s Doctor on the Edge pulled in an average nationwide rating of 5.0 percent, also seeing a 0.2 percent dip from its previous episode’s 5.2 percent. While that’s a smaller figure, a consistent 5% on ENA is a respectable performance for the network, suggesting the medical drama has found its own steady fanbase.
Why This Matters for K-Drama Fans?
Both dramas airing strong numbers simultaneously points to a healthy mid-2026 K-drama season, where viewers clearly haven’t run out of appetite for quality storytelling. The Legend of Kitchen Soldier in particular has shown the staying power that separates a good drama from one that genuinely resonates — and 7% nationwide on Korean television is a milestone that very few dramas consistently achieve in today’s fragmented streaming landscape.
With the finale of The Legend of Kitchen Soldier just around the corner, all eyes will be on whether it can close out with a ratings high — or if the numbers will dip as some viewers wait to binge the ending on demand.
For more K-drama ratings updates, premiere news, and entertainment coverage, check out TechnoSports for daily updates.
FAQs
What rating did The Legend of Kitchen Soldier get in its penultimate episode?
It recorded a 7.1% average nationwide viewership rating, just slightly down from the previous episode’s 7.3%.
How is Doctor on the Edge performing in ratings?
Episode 5 of Doctor on the Edge earned a 5.0% nationwide rating, a minor dip from its previous episode’s 5.2%.
