Park Bo-gum’s sincerity and hands-on dedication take center stage as tvN unveils its new healing variety show.
A Healing Barbershop Opens Its Doors
Actor Park Bo-gum is showing a completely new side of himself in tvN’s upcoming variety program Bogum Magical, a warm-hearted reality show centered around haircuts, conversation, and genuine care.
On January 29, the production team held an online press conference attended by producing director Son Soo-jung, Park Bo-gum, Lee Sang-yi, and Kwak Dong-yeon, offering insight into how much preparation went into the show.
More Than a Show — A Year of Preparation
Bogum Magical follows Park Bo-gum and his close friends as they run a pop-up barbershop in a quiet rural village, offering locals not only haircuts but also emotional comfort. Park Bo-gum takes charge of hairstyling, Lee Sang-yi handles customer care, and Kwak Dong-yeon looks after meals and hospitality.
What sets the show apart is the level of involvement from the cast. The trio reportedly spent nearly a full year preparing, participating in everything from selecting the filming location to remodeling and interior design.
“My Skills Are Young, but My Heart Is Ancient”
During the press conference, Park Bo-gum described his role with humility and humor.
“I’m in charge of hair,” he said, joking that while his technical skills may still be growing, his warmth and sincerity are “as strong as an ancient tree.” Unlike typical salons where appointments last about an hour, Park Bo-gum revealed he spends nearly two hours per client, focusing carefully on each person.
Studying Again — For the Customers
Already holding a national barber certification, Park Bo-gum went a step further for the show. Wanting to better serve female customers as well, he studied for and prepared an additional cosmetology license, a detail that impressed both viewers and fellow cast members.
He admitted that working with elderly clients, especially those with permed hair, was one of the biggest challenges. “Because the hair is already bent, one wrong cut can completely change the shape,” he explained, noting how cautious he had to be.
“He Never Gave Up” — Cast Praises His Effort
Kwak Dong-yeon shared behind-the-scenes stories that highlighted Park Bo-gum’s dedication even more.
“He’s genuinely good at it, but more than that, he never gave up,” Kwak said. “He practiced late into the night, and many of the staff ended up getting their hair cut by him — including me.”
According to Kwak, Park Bo-gum tirelessly studied different styles to accommodate people of various ages and needs, earning admiration from both the cast and crew.
A Program Built on Sincerity
Rather than focusing on flashy entertainment, Bogum Magical positions itself as a quiet, comforting show rooted in human connection. Park Bo-gum’s hands-on approach, willingness to learn, and emotional investment are shaping the program into something more personal than a typical variety format.
As the premiere approaches, anticipation continues to grow for a show that blends everyday care with genuine warmth and for a star who proves that sincerity can be the most powerful skill of all.
Editor’s Notes
What makes Bogum Magical stand out isn’t just its concept. It’s how deeply Park Bo-gum commits to it.
In an era where variety shows often rely on quick formats, viral moments, and exaggerated reactions, this project moves in the opposite direction. It slows things down. And Park Bo-gum leans fully into that pace. His decision to spend nearly two hours per client, practice cutting staff hair, and even prepare for an additional license signals something rare in today’s entertainment landscape: intention over performance.
This matters because audiences have become increasingly sensitive to authenticity. Viewers can tell when a “healing show” is just a format versus when it’s built on real effort. Park Bo-gum’s preparation blurs that line. He is not just playing a role within the show. He is actively becoming part of the experience itself.
There is also a subtle shift in how his star image is being positioned. Traditionally associated with polished, emotionally warm characters, this project grounds him in something more tactile and human. Cutting hair, especially for elderly clients, requires patience, care, and responsibility. It strips away celebrity distance and replaces it with direct, personal interaction.
Kwak Dong-yeon’s comment about staff getting their hair cut by Park Bo-gum is particularly telling. It reflects trust. Not just admiration. And that distinction is important. Trust is what turns a celebrity-driven format into something viewers can emotionally invest in.
Strategically, Bogum Magical also aligns with a broader trend in Korean variety content. Programs are increasingly shifting toward “small-scale sincerity” rather than large-scale spectacle. In that sense, this show is not just another project. It is part of a larger movement redefining what entertainment can feel like.
If the execution matches the intention, this could become more than a variety show.
It could become a reference point for how authenticity is built on screen.