Park Bo-gum's New Show 'Bo-gum Magical' Wins Hearts with Genuine Charm

Kim Se-ah's Insight
TenAsia's Kim Se-ah delves deeply into entertainment issues with keen insight.

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Actor Park Bo-gum has made a bold move with a new variety show bearing his name. 'Bo-gum Magical,' which emphasizes authenticity over sensationalism, is receiving praise from viewers for its heartfelt approach.

Premiering on the 30th, 'Bo-gum Magical' features Park Bo-gum, who holds a barber's license, along with his close friends Lee Sang-yi and Kwak Dong-yeon, as they run a unique barbershop in a remote village. The show, which focuses on grooming both hair and hearts, is a volunteer-based healing variety program. The first episode garnered a 2.8% viewership rating nationwide, with peak ratings reaching 4.4%, marking a steady start.

Unlike traditional variety shows that focus on competition, missions, and conflict, this program takes a different approach. Park Bo-gum interacts with the elderly in the village not as a glamorous celebrity, but as a friendly neighbor. The show's direction emphasizes natural interactions, creating a relaxed atmosphere.

A notable aspect of the show is Park Bo-gum's preparation. Although he already had a barber's license, he obtained a beautician's license specifically for this program, demonstrating his commitment to genuine volunteer work.

This variety show holds significant meaning for Park Bo-gum. His previous ventures, such as JTBC's 'My Name is Gabriel' and KBS's 'Park Bo-gum's Cantabile,' both struggled with ratings despite high expectations. The pressure was undoubtedly high.

The initial response to 'Bo-gum Magical' has been largely positive. Viewers have praised it as a rare, comforting show that doesn't exploit volunteerism. Park Bo-gum's attitude and the show's purpose align seamlessly, according to viewers.

In a time when the entertainment industry is marred by various controversies, the emergence of a quiet, well-intentioned show like this is refreshing. Its positive message resonates well with audiences.

However, it's still early days. Compared to other reality shows that rely on sensational content and humor, it may be challenging to boost ratings quickly. There is potential for mixed reactions.

Nevertheless, the decision to focus on a positive message rather than sensationalism is a commendable effort. While the show's ratings and success remain to be seen, its intent deserves applause.

Kim Se-ah, TenAsia Reporter haesmik@tenasia.co.kr