From fantasy cooking dramas and travel variety shows to K-pop content, fashion survival competitions and live Grand Slam tennis, CJ ENM’s May lineup delivers entertainment for audiences around the world
As Korea celebrates Family Month in May, CJ ENM is rolling out a diverse slate of programming packed with fresh stories, big laughs and entertainment for every generation. Leading the lineup is the TVING original “The Legend of Kitchen Soldier,” a military cooking fantasy drama following a private who rises to become a legendary army cook. The series premiered simultaneously on TVING and tvN on May 11. Later this month, tvN’s “Undercover Chef” premiered on May 21, spotlighting some of Korea’s leading chefs as they return to the countries that shaped their culinary journeys and go undercover as junior kitchen staff.
Also generating buzz is “Unplanned Trip: Limited Edition,” which returned on May 3 for the first time in nine years. Starring Jung Yu-mi, Park Seo-joon and Choi Woo-shik — beloved for their chemistry in “Jinny’s Kitchen 2” — the series follows the trio on an unpredictable road trip across Korea where unexpected challenges await at every turn. Meanwhile, “Kill It: Style Creator Showdown,” a fierce reality survival competition among 100 female style creators, premiered on tvN on May 12. The series captures an intense battle to crown the next ultimate style icon.
Content on Mnet Plus, CJ ENM’s global K-pop platform, is also continuing to attract strong fan engagement worldwide. Highlights include “WANNAONE GO: Back to Base,” a reality variety show chronicling Wanna One’s reunion after seven years, “PRODUCE 101 JAPAN SHINSEKAI,” Japan’s largest survival audition program; and “Tingle Room,” a signature ASMR series created for K-pop fans.
On the sports front, tvN SPORTS will exclusively broadcast Roland-Garros 2026 live from May 24 to June 7. As the world’s top tennis players battle on the iconic clay courts, fans around the globe are eagerly awaiting this year’s championship showdown.
Private Kang Seong-jae Becomes a Legendary Army Cook: ‘The Legend of Kitchen Soldier’
Following his breakout performance in the 10-million-admission film “The King’s Warden,” Park Ji-hoon returns in the TVING original “The Legend of Kitchen Soldier,” taking on the unexpected role of an army cook. The military cooking fantasy drama follows Private Kang Seong-jae as he swaps his rifle for a kitchen knife and an ammunition belt for an apron, embarking on an unlikely journey to become a “legendary army cook.”
The main trailer opens with Kang Seong-jae (Park Ji-hoon), the military’s top trainee, being assigned to the soldiers’ dining hall at Gangrim Outpost — a notorious place for poor food quality and unsanitary conditions. But even in the harsh environment, Seong-jae’s passion for cooking shines through. Armed with exceptional knife skills and dazzling wok techniques, he transforms simple ingredients into unforgettable dishes, earning admiration from everyone who tastes his food. As viewers begin to wonder what fuels his extraordinary talent, anticipation for the series continues to build among drama fans.
Based on the hit webtoon of the same name, “The Legend of Kitchen Soldier” is available on TVING and tvN.
Star Chefs Go Undercover as Junior Kitchen Staff: ‘Undercover Chef’
tvN’s “Undercover Chef” premiered on May 21, following some of Korea’s top culinary stars as they go undercover as junior kitchen staff. Renowned chefs including Sam Kim, Jung Ji-sun and Kwon Sung-jun conceal their identities and take on secret missions at restaurants in the countries that shaped their culinary roots.
The teaser captures the three chefs stepping away from their roles as chef-owners and into the demanding world of junior kitchen staff. Sam Kim, one of Korea’s pioneering star chefs, takes on the role of a gelato maker. Jung Ji-sun, known as a charismatic queen of Chinese cuisine, transforms into a boxing-trained kitchen rookie, while Kwon Sung-jun — known as “Napoli Matfia” — becomes the charming youngest staff member in Naples. Their dramatic transformations offer a glimpse into the intense kitchen survival journey awaiting the trio.
Limited Travel, Unlimited Charm: ‘Unplanned Trip: Limited Edition’
tvN’s signature travel variety series has returned after nine years with “Unplanned Trip: Limited Edition.” The new season follows Park Seo-joon, Jung Yu-mi and Choi Woo-shik — beloved for their effortless chemistry in “Jinny’s Kitchen 2” — as they set out on a journey across Korea packed with unexpected adventures, humor and heartwarming moments.
The first episode, which aired on May 3, begins with the trio gathering for what they believed was a livestream celebrating writer Kim Dae-joo’s 20th debut anniversary. However, the event is revealed to be an elaborate prank, as the three cast members are suddenly “kidnapped” and thrown directly into the trip. The hilarious setup — involving the production crew, managers and even channel subscribers — delivers a laugh-filled start to the journey.
Armed with only the bare essentials, the trio heads to Daegu, where a series of unpredictable challenges quickly turns the trip into a tough adventure. From unexpected heavy snowfall and difficulties finding accommodations to Choi Woo-shik realizing he forgot to pack underwear, the group faces one mishap after another. As the chaos unfolds, viewers are left wondering whether the three can successfully complete their journey.
“Unplanned Trip: Limited Edition” returned on tvN on May 3.
A Battle Among Style Creators: ‘Kill It: Style Creator Showdown’
Who will emerge as fashion’s ultimate icon? The high-stakes fashion creator survival competition “Kill It: Style Creator Showdown” has officially premiered on tvN.
The series brings together 100 female style creators, including global fashion brand ambassadors, world-class models and super influencers, whose combined social media following exceeds 43 million. As they compete in an intense fashion showdown, star fashion mentors including Jang Yoon-ju, Cha Jung-won, Shin Hyun-ji and YEONJUN of TOMORROW X TOGETHER add to the competition’s appeal.
Demonstrating massive online buzz even before its debut, “Kill It: Style Creator Showdown” surpassed 52 million cumulative content views before its May 12 premiere, further raising anticipation for the fierce battle to crown the next fashion icon.
Wanna One’s Most Authentic Moments: ‘WANNAONE GO: Back to Base’
Wanna One, the group formed through “PRODUCE 101 Season 2” and beloved by audiences worldwide, has reunited for the first time in seven years. “WANNAONE GO: Back to Base” follows the members as they reconnect, share laughs and create new memories together at their new gathering space, “Wanna Base.”
The first episode, released on April 28, captured behind-the-scenes moments from the opening ceremony and the members’ official arrival at “Wanna Base.” From waiting room moments to the excitement and nerves of reuniting with Wannable after seven years apart, the episode offered fans an intimate look at the group’s long-awaited return before they finally stepped onto the stage together.
The second episode, released on May 5, spotlighted Lai Kuanlin, who is now working as a film director in China. During the episode, he revealed a tattoo featuring August 7 — Wanna One’s debut date — a heartfelt gesture that deeply moved both the members and viewers.
Capturing some of Wanna One’s most genuine and candid moments together, “WANNAONE GO: Back to Base” is available on Mnet Plus and Mnet.
Japan’s Largest Idol Survival Audition: ‘PRODUCE 101 JAPAN SHINSEKAI’
The search for the next global boy group continues with “PRODUCE 101 JAPAN SHINSEKAI,” which has attracted strong international attention since premiering on March 26.
As the fourth season of “PRODUCE 101 JAPAN” — the hit audition franchise that launched successful groups including JO1, INI and ME:I — the series marks the franchise’s first expansion into a global audition project. With contestants competing on an international stage, viewers around the world are closely watching to see which trainees will ultimately be selected by global fans to debut in the franchise’s first global boy group.
“PRODUCE 101 JAPAN SHINSEKAI” is available on the Mnet Plus app, where fans can participate through voting and access exclusive content.
A Signature ASMR Series for K-pop Fans: ‘Tingle Room’
“Tingle Room,” the final installment in the “Tingle” series following the fan-favorite K-pop ASMR content “Tingle Interview” and “Tingle Salon,” premiered on April 13. Combining K-pop artists with immersive first-person role-playing ASMR, the series offers fans a more intimate and engaging viewing experience.
Featuring BELLE of KISS OF LIFE and MOKA of ILLIT, “Tingle Room” is continuing to attract strong interest from K-pop fans worldwide and is available on Mnet Plus.
The World’s Top Players Clash on Clay: ‘Roland-Garros 2026’
Legends remain. Records are rewritten.
“Roland-Garros 2026,” one of tennis’ four Grand Slam tournaments and the sport’s ultimate clay-court test, aired live exclusively on tvN SPORTS from May 24 to June 7.
Renowned for its demanding clay courts — where high bounces, heavy spin and relentless rallies push players to their physical and mental limits — Roland-Garros is expected to deliver intense, unpredictable matchups throughout the tournament. With the world’s top-ranked players set to compete on one of tennis’ biggest stages, fans around the globe are eagerly watching to see who will claim this year’s championship trophy.
