On the episode aired on the 27th, the fifth installment of tvN's 'Magic' showcased Park Bo-gum, Lee Sang-yi, and Kwak Dong-yeon as they connected with customers, finding value beyond mere business, delivering both laughter and touching moments.
The episode achieved a nationwide household rating of 3.8%, peaking at 4.6%, and a metropolitan household rating of 4.0%, peaking at 4.8%, setting a new personal best and ranking first among cable and general programming channels in its time slot. The target demographic of men and women aged 20-49 recorded a nationwide average of 1.9%, peaking at 2.3%, and a metropolitan average of 2.0%, peaking at 2.4%, securing the top spot across all channels, including terrestrial networks. (Based on Nielsen Korea's data for cable, IPTV, and satellite combined)
On the third day of business, a young customer nearly walked out due to Park Bo-gum's meticulous haircutting. Lee Sang-yi's tissue magic and the support of special part-timers Park Hae-jun and Choi Dae-hoon turned the crisis into an opportunity, thrilling viewers with their 'fantastic teamwork.' After business hours, Park Hae-jun cooked a comforting meal of boiled beef soup with radish for the hardworking trio.
Lee Sang-yi also dedicated himself to nail treatments, overcoming challenges with art designs by using sparkling rhinestones instead of heart shapes to win over customers. Meanwhile, Kwak Dong-yeon learned a traditional pancake recipe from the village chief, showcasing warm chemistry.
As the barber shop trio continued their business with dreams of shorter hours, Park Bo-gum styled the senior association president's hair while Lee Sang-yi helped a 91-year-old grandmother by moving heavy fertilizer bags, displaying his grandson-like charm. Touched by the grandmother's pure passion and sincerity in her notebook, Lee Sang-yi left the barber shop's contact information for her to call anytime she needed help.
The barber shop trio also captured a special moment by photographing a grandmother who transformed from gray to black hair, fulfilling her daughter's request for a natural portrait. Park Bo-gum expressed, "I wanted to leave a beautiful memory, and it was something I could easily do, but it was an indescribable feeling. This could be our last meeting in the journey of life, so I hope this moment is remembered for a long time. We never know when we'll meet again." This scene, highlighting the importance of life and relationships beyond mere entertainment, embodies the essence of 'Magic's' 'good dopamine,' leaving a profound impact on viewers.
Lee So-jung, TenAsia Reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr