The Monday–Tuesday K-drama race just got seriously exciting. tvN’s The Legend of Kitchen Soldier and ENA’s The Scarecrow are now neck and neck, with both dramas posting identical nationwide ratings of 7.2% for their latest episodes. For viewers, that means one thing: you’re watching two of the hottest weekday dramas on Korean TV right now.
The Legend of Kitchen Soldier vs The Scarecrow Monday Ratings
| Drama | Episode (Latest) | Channel | Nationwide Rating | Change vs Previous Ep | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Legend of Kitchen Soldier | Ep. 3 | tvN | 7.2% | ▲ Up from 6.2% | New personal best |
| The Scarecrow | Ep. 9 | ENA | 7.2% | ▼ Down from 7.4% | Slight dip, still strong |
Ratings based on nationwide household viewership in Korea (Nielsen data).
The Legend of Kitchen Soldier: A Rookie on the Rise
The Legend of Kitchen Soldier is only three episodes in and already building serious momentum:
- Episode 1–3 have all set new personal bests, with Ep. 3 jumping a full point from 6.2% to 7.2%.
- As a tvN Monday–Tuesday drama, hitting this number so early suggests strong word-of-mouth and high replay value on streaming.
If it keeps this growth curve, Kitchen Soldier could become the breakout weekday hit of 2026. For more ongoing TRP updates and what to watch next, keep an eye on our 1.
The Scarecrow: Mid-Season, Still a Heavyweight
On the other side, ENA’s The Scarecrow is in Episode 9, past the midway point:
- It slipped slightly from a personal best of 7.4% to 7.2%, but that still keeps it firmly in hit territory.
- Matching a fast-rising rookie drama while deep into its run shows how loyal its core audience has become.
In other words, The Scarecrow isn’t fading—it’s stabilizing at a very healthy level. If you’re hunting for tense, mid-season storytelling, this is a strong pick alongside newer premieres. You can also browse our 2 to see where it stacks up.
What This Tie Means for the Monday–Tuesday Slot
Both shows landing at 7.2% on the same night tells us a few things:
- The Monday–Tuesday slot is more competitive than ever, with viewers clearly splitting between two strong options.
- tvN and ENA are now going head-to-head in a way that genuinely benefits fans—better scripts, higher production values, and more creative promotion.
- With Kitchen Soldier still climbing and The Scarecrow holding steady, the ratings race over the next few weeks should be fascinating to watch.
For context, tvN has a long history of producing influential weekday dramas and variety hits; its evolution as a cable powerhouse has reshaped modern K-drama viewing habits. You can read more about the network’s rise and programming style on the 3.
Whichever side you’re on—team Kitchen Soldier or team Scarecrow—one thing’s clear: Monday nights just became must-watch TV again.
FAQs
Which drama won the latest Monday ratings battle: The Legend of Kitchen Soldier or The Scarecrow?
Is The Legend of Kitchen Soldier really catching up to The Scarecrow?
Yes. While The Scarecrow is mid-season and stable, Kitchen Soldier has hit three straight personal bests, and its latest episode has already matched its rival’s rating—setting up a very tight race in the coming weeks.
